Brand Engagement Network Inc.(BNAI) - 2024 Q4 - Annual Report

Financial Performance - The company incurred a net loss of approximately $33.7 million and $11.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, resulting in an accumulated deficit of approximately $47.0 million as of December 31, 2024[83]. - The company has a history of losses and may not achieve consistent profitability, which could adversely affect its financial condition and stock price[83]. - The company expects to depend on a limited number of customers and end markets, which could materially affect its financial condition and operating results[84]. - The total addressable market opportunity for the company's current and future products may be significantly smaller than estimated, impacting growth potential[87]. - The company's quarterly results of operations and key financial metrics are likely to fluctuate significantly, making future performance difficult to predict[90]. - The company may need additional capital, and there is uncertainty regarding the availability of financing on favorable terms[81]. Internal Controls and Compliance - Material weaknesses and significant deficiencies in internal control over financial reporting have been identified, which could affect the accuracy of financial reporting[93]. - The Company has not yet remediated material weaknesses and significant deficiencies in internal controls as of March 27, 2025[99]. - The Company has failed to properly account for its merger with Datum Point Labs, specifically regarding the historical value of the patent portfolio acquired[101]. - The Company has not invested necessary resources into accounting and reporting functions to prepare US GAAP compliant financial statements on a timely basis[101]. - The company is required to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting, which could divert management's attention from other operational matters[213]. Market and Competitive Landscape - The market for the Company's products is intensely competitive, with established competitors having greater resources[114]. - Increased competition may result in fewer customer orders, price reductions, and loss of market share[119]. - The company emphasizes the importance of growing and maintaining its brand identity in the competitive conversational AI and data management market, as failure to do so could adversely affect customer and employee relationships[125]. - Changes in subscription or pricing models may adversely affect the company's operating results, especially if large customers demand higher discounts or if new competitors enter the market[129]. Sales and Customer Relationships - The company’s sales cycles are unpredictable and may impact revenue recognition and cash flow timing[91]. - The retention rate of customers may decline due to various factors, including customer satisfaction and economic conditions[106]. - A significant portion of the company's revenues may come from a few major customers, and the loss of any such customer could substantially reduce revenues and harm the business[123]. - The company relies on maintaining close relationships with major customers, but the volume of work from these customers may vary year to year, impacting revenue stability[124]. - The company may face challenges in achieving revenue growth due to difficulties in hiring, training, and retaining effective sales personnel, which are critical for obtaining new customers and driving additional sales[122]. Acquisitions and Integration - The company is in the process of acquiring Cataneo for an aggregate purchase price of $19.5 million, which includes a minimum cash payment of $9 million, and the successful completion of this acquisition is contingent on obtaining favorable financing[135]. - The company faces risks associated with integrating acquired businesses, such as Cataneo, and may encounter challenges in achieving anticipated synergies and managing increased operational complexity[138]. - The company may pursue acquisitions or investments, which could divert management's attention and result in stockholder dilution[141]. - Acquisitions may negatively impact financial results due to potential debt, liabilities, and integration challenges[141]. Regulatory and Legal Risks - The company faces risks related to compliance with evolving laws and regulations, particularly concerning AI and data privacy[144]. - The company may face legal and regulatory inquiries that could adversely affect its business and financial condition[148]. - Compliance with evolving data privacy and security laws, such as the California Consumer Privacy Act, could lead to fines of up to $7,500 per intentional violation[197]. - The European Union's GDPR imposes fines of up to €20 million or 4% of annual global revenue for non-compliance, increasing legal risks[199]. - The company may face significant costs and operational challenges in complying with stringent data privacy obligations[204]. Cybersecurity and Operational Risks - Cybersecurity threats and catastrophic events could lead to significant operational disruptions and reputational harm[159]. - The company’s information technology systems are vulnerable to cyberattacks and other malicious events, which could lead to regulatory investigations and reputational harm[176]. - The reliance on third-party service providers for critical business systems poses cybersecurity risks, as these providers may not have adequate security measures in place[181]. - Previous cyberattacks have not materially impacted financial results, but future incidents could have significant adverse effects on business operations[184]. - In April 2024, a former primary commercial partner disclosed a ransomware attack, highlighting vulnerabilities in the supply chain[183]. Stock and Shareholder Matters - The company does not intend to pay dividends for the foreseeable future, relying on stock price appreciation for shareholder gains[207]. - Nasdaq may delist the company's securities if certain financial and stock price levels are not maintained, which could adversely affect trading[209]. - If the company's Common Stock is delisted and not listed on another exchange, it may be quoted on an over-the-counter market, leading to reduced liquidity and market quotations[210]. - Future sales of shares by existing shareholders could lead to a decline in the trading price of the company's Common Stock[221]. - The company has filed registration statements to provide for the resale of shares, which could lead to a decline in stock price if restricted shares are sold[222].