Business Description, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2024

Business Description, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

Business Description, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

1. Business Description, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

Business Description:

ClearOne, Inc., together with its subsidiaries (collectively, “ClearOne” or the “Company”), is a global market leader enabling conferencing, collaboration, and network streaming solutions. The performance and simplicity of our advanced, comprehensive solutions offer unprecedented levels of functionality, reliability and scalability.

Going Concern:

As of December 31, 2024, cash and cash equivalents were approximately $1,417 compared to $17,835 as of December 31, 2023. Our working capital was $15,208 as of December 31, 2024 compared to $39,052 as of December 31, 2023. Net cash used in operating activities was $6,116 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, a decrease in cashflows of $60,744 from $54,628 of cash provided by operating activities in the twelve months ended December 31, 2023. These conditions raise substantial doubt about continuing as a going concern.

We will need to complete one or more strategic transactions or raise additional working capital to continue our normal and planned operations. We will need to generate and sustain significant revenue levels in future periods in order to become profitable, and, even if we do, we may not be able to maintain or increase our level of profitability. In addition, as a public company, we will incur accounting, legal and other expenses. These expenditures will make it necessary for us to continue to raise additional working capital. Our efforts to grow our business may be costlier than we expect, and we may not be able to generate sufficient revenue to offset our increased operating expenses. We may incur significant losses in the future for a number of reasons, including unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications and delays and other unknown events. Accordingly, substantial doubt exists about our ability to continue as a going concern and we cannot assure you that we will achieve sustainable operating profits as we continue to expand our business, and otherwise implement our growth initiatives. In February 2025, the Company raised $1,000 in a private placement transaction. We may be unable to complete a strategic transaction within a reasonable timeframe, on attractive terms or at all, and market conditions, including the historical volatility in our common stock will likely limit our ability to raise capital on favorable terms, or at all, and the terms of any public or private offerings of debt or equity securities likely would be significantly dilutive to existing stockholders. There is no set timetable for the overall process given the anticipated timelines for different strategic alternatives may vary, and there can be no assurance that this process will result in us pursuing a transaction or that any transaction, if pursued, will be completed on attractive terms or at all. The Company’s ability to continue as a going concern is dependent on the outcome of these uncertainties.

As a result, management has concluded that substantial doubt exists about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for 12 months from the date these consolidated financial statements are issued. The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 have been prepared under the assumption that the Company will continue as a going concern for the next 12 months after these financial statements are issued, and that contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. These Consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

Basis of Presentation:

Fiscal Year – This report on Form 10-K includes consolidated balance sheets for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

Consolidation – These consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of ClearOne, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All inter-Company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of sales and expenses during the reporting periods. Key estimates in the accompanying consolidated financial statements include, among others, revenue recognition, allowances for doubtful accounts receivable and product returns, provisions for obsolete inventory, potential impairment of long-lived assets, and deferred income tax asset valuation allowances. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates.

Foreign Currency Translation – We are exposed to foreign currency exchange risk through our foreign subsidiaries. Other than our subsidiaries in India and Spain, all other foreign subsidiaries are U.S. dollar functional, for which gains and losses arising from remeasurement are included in earnings. Our Spanish subsidiary is Euro functional, for which gains and losses arising from translation are included in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss. Our Indian subsidiary is Indian Rupee functional, for which gains and losses arising from translation are included in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss. We translate and remeasure foreign assets and liabilities at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet dates. We translate revenue and expenses using average rates during the year.

Concentration Risk – We depend on an outsourced manufacturing strategy for our products. We outsource the manufacture of all of our products to third party manufacturers located in Asia. If any of these manufacturers experience difficulties in obtaining sufficient supplies of components, component prices significantly exceeding the anticipated costs, an interruption in their operations, or otherwise suffer capacity constraints, we would experience a delay in production and shipping of these products, which would have a negative impact on our revenues. Should there be any disruption in services due to natural disaster, economic or political difficulties, transportation restrictions, acts of terror, quarantine or other restrictions associated with infectious diseases, or other similar events, or any other reason, such disruption may have a material adverse effect on our business. Operating in the international environment exposes us to certain inherent risks, including unexpected changes in regulatory requirements and tariffs, and potentially adverse tax consequences, which could materially affect our results of operations. Currently, we have no second source of manufacturing for most of our products.

Significant Accounting Policies:

Cash Equivalents – The Company considers all highly-liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less, when purchased, to be cash equivalents. The Company places its temporary cash investments with high-quality financial institutions. At times, such investments may be in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits. As of December 31, 2024, there was one cash account in the United States that exceeded federally insured limits, in the amount of $977. In addition, there were foreign cash accounts in the amount of $190 that were not covered by Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance.

Marketable Securities - The Company has classified its marketable securities as available-for-sale securities. These debt securities are carried at estimated fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses included in other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity until realized. Gains and losses on marketable security transactions are reported on the specific-identification method. Dividend and interest income are recognized when earned.

A decline in the market value of any available-for-sale security below cost that is deemed other than temporary results in a charge to earnings and establishes a new cost basis for the security. Losses are charged against “Other income” when a decline in fair value is determined to be other than temporary. We review several factors to determine whether a loss is other than temporary. These factors include, but are not limited to: (i) the extent to which the fair value is less than cost and the cause for the fair value decline, (ii) the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer, (iii) the length of time a security is in an unrealized loss position and (iv) our ability to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. There were no other-than-temporary impairments recognized during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

Accounts Receivable – Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount, net of expected returns and allowance for doubtful accounts. Generally, credit is granted to customers on a short-term basis without requiring collateral, and as such, these accounts receivable, do not bear interest, although a finance charge may be applied to such receivables that are past due. The Company extends credit to customers who it believes have the financial strength to pay. The Company has in place credit policies and procedures, an approval process for sales returns and credit memos, and processes for managing and monitoring channel inventory levels.

The allowance for credit losses is the Company’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the Company’s existing accounts receivable. Management regularly analyzes accounts receivable including current aging, historical write-off experience, customer concentrations, customer creditworthiness, and current economic trends when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. We review customer accounts quarterly by first assessing accounts with aging over a specific duration and balance over a specific amount. We review all other balances on a pooled basis based on past collection experience. Accounts identified in our customer-level review as exceeding certain thresholds are assessed for potential allowance adjustment if we conclude the financial condition of that customer has deteriorated, adversely affecting their ability to make payments. Delinquent account balances are written off if the Company determines that the likelihood of collection is not probable. If the assumptions that are used to determine the allowance for credit losses change, the Company may have to provide for a greater level of expense in future periods or reverse amounts provided in prior periods.

The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts activity for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 is as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2024		2023
Balance at beginning of the year	$	326	$	326
Allowance increase (decrease)		79		—
Write offs, net of recoveries		—		—
Balance at end of the year	$	405	$	326

Inventories – Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market, with cost computed on a first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) basis. In addition to the price of the product purchased, the cost of inventory includes the Company’s internal manufacturing costs, including warehousing, engineering, material purchasing, quality and product planning expenses and applicable overhead, not in excess of estimated realizable value. Consideration is given to obsolescence, excessive levels, deterioration, direct selling expenses, and other factors in evaluating net realizable value.

The inventory also includes advance replacement units (valued at cost) provided by the Company to end-users to service defective products under warranty. The value of advance replacement units included in the inventory was $186 and $96, as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

The inventory consists of current inventory of $11,224 and long-term inventory of $4,920. Long term inventory represents inventory held in excess of our current (next 12 months) requirements based on our recent sales and forecasted level of sales.

Property and Equipment – Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Expenditures that materially increase values or capacities or extend useful lives of property and equipment are capitalized. Routine maintenance, repairs, and renewal costs are expensed as incurred. Gains or losses from the sale, trade-in, or retirement of property and equipment are recorded in current operations and the related book value of the property is removed from property and equipment accounts and the related accumulated depreciation and amortization accounts. Estimated useful lives are generally two to ten years. Depreciation and amortization are calculated over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets using the straight-line method. Leasehold improvement amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the related assets.

Intangible Assets – Intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives unless these lives are determined to be indefinite. Intangible assets are carried at cost, less accumulated amortization. Amortization is computed over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, which are generally three to ten years. Intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets - Long-lived assets, such as property, equipment, and definite-lived intangible assets subject to depreciation and amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset or asset group to estimated future undiscounted net cash flows of the related asset or group of assets over their remaining lives. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future undiscounted cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value of the asset. Impairment of long-lived assets is assessed at the lowest levels for which there are identifiable cash flows that are independent of other groups of assets. The impairment of long-lived assets requires judgments and estimates. If circumstances change, such estimates could also change. Assets held for sale are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value, less the estimated costs to sell.

Leases: We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease - right of use (“ROU”) assets, accrued liabilities, and operating lease liability in our consolidated balance sheets. As of adoption of ASC 842 and as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company was not party to finance lease arrangements. ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and operating lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. We use the implicit rate when readily determinable. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Under the available practical expedient, we account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component.

Revenue Recognition Policy: The Company generates revenue from sales of its audio and video conferencing equipment to distributors, system integrators and value-added resellers. The Company also generates revenue, to a much lesser extent, from sale of software and licenses to distributors, system integrators, value-added resellers and end-users. The Company recognizes revenue when it satisfies a performance obligation in an amount reflecting the consideration to which it expects to be entitled. For sales agreements, the Company has identified the promise to transfer products, each of which are distinct, to be the performance obligation. The Company applies a five-step approach in determining the amount and timing of revenue to be recognized: (1) identifying the contract with a customer, (2) identifying the performance obligations in the contract, (3) determining the transaction price, (4) allocating the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and (5) recognizing revenue when the performance obligation is satisfied. Substantially all of the Company’s revenue is recognized at the time control of the products transfers to the customer.

Sales agreements with customers are renewable periodically and contain terms and conditions with respect to payment, delivery, warranty and supply, but typically do not require mandatory purchase commitments. In the absence of a sales agreement, the Company’s standard terms and conditions at the time of acceptance of purchase orders apply. The Company considers the customer purchase orders, governed by sales agreements or the Company’s standard terms and conditions, to be the contract with the customer. The Company evaluates certain factors including the customer’s ability to pay (or credit risk)

In determining the transaction price, the Company evaluates whether the price is subject to refund or adjustment to determine the net consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled. Sales to distributors, are typically made pursuant to agreements that provide return rights with respect to discontinued or slow-moving products, referred to as stock rotation. Sales to distributors can also be subject to price adjustment on certain products, primarily for distributors with drop-shipping rights. Although payment terms vary, most distributor agreements require payment within 45 days of invoicing.

The Company recognizes revenue when it satisfies a performance obligation. The Company recognizes revenue from sales agreements upon transferring control of a product to the customer. This typically occurs when products are shipped or delivered, depending on the delivery terms, or when products that are consigned at customer locations are sold to dealers or end users. Revenue recognized during the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 for equipment sales was $11,373, and for software, licenses, etc. was $13. Sales returns and allowances are estimated based on historical experience. Provisions for discounts and rebates to customers, estimated returns and allowances, ship and credit claims and other adjustments are provided for in the same period the related revenues are recognized, and are netted against revenues. For returns, the Company recognizes a related asset for the right to recover returned products with a corresponding reduction to cost of goods sold. The Company reviews warranty and related claims activity and records provisions, as necessary.

Frequently, the Company receives orders with multiple delivery dates that may extend across reporting periods. Since each delivery constitutes a performance obligation, the Company allocates the transaction price of the contract to each performance obligation based on the stand-alone selling price of the products. The Company invoices the customer for each delivery upon shipment and recognizes revenues in accordance with delivery terms. Although payment terms vary, distributors typically pay within 45 days of invoicing and dealers pay within 30 days of invoicing. As scheduled delivery dates are within one year, revenue allocated to future shipments of partially completed contracts are not disclosed.

The Company has elected to record freight and handling costs associated with outbound freight after control over a product has transferred to a customer as a fulfillment cost and include it in cost of revenues. Taxes assessed by government authorities on revenue-producing transactions, including value-added and excise taxes, are presented on a net basis (excluded from revenues) in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

The details of deferred revenue and associated cost of goods sold and gross profit are as follows:

	As of December 31,
	2024		2023
Deferred revenue	$	17	$	30
Deferred cost of goods sold		—		—
Deferred gross profit	$	17	$	30

The Company offers rebates and market development funds to certain of its distributors, dealers/resellers, and end-users based upon the volume of product purchased by them. The Company records rebates as a reduction of revenue in accordance with GAAP.

The Company provides, at its discretion, advance replacement units to end-users on defective units of certain products under warranty. Since the purpose of these units is not revenue generating, the Company tracks the units due from the end-user, until the defective unit has been returned. Any amount due from the customer upon failure to return the products is accounted as receivable only after establishing customer's failure to return the products. The inventory due from the customer is accounted at cost or market value whichever is lower.

The following table disaggregates the Company’s revenue into primary product groups:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2024		2023
Audio Conferencing	$	4,287	$	8,366
Microphones		5,195		7,749
Video products		1,904		2,589
	$	11,386	$	18,704

The following table disaggregates the Company’s revenue into major regions:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2024		2023
North and South America	$	4,178	$	9,047
Asia (including Middle East) and Australia		5,959		7,338
Europe and Africa		1,249		2,319
	$	11,386	$	18,704

Warranty Costs – The Company accrues for warranty costs based on estimated warranty return rates and estimated costs to repair. These reserve costs are classified as accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Factors that affect the Company’s warranty liability include the number of units sold, historical and anticipated rates of warranty returns, and repair cost. The Company reviews the adequacy of its recorded warranty accrual on a quarterly basis.

The details of changes in the Company’s warranty accrual are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2024		2023
Balance at the beginning of year	$	194	$	194
Accruals/additions		—		—
Usage/claims		—		—
Balance at end of year	$	194	$	194

Advertising – The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs consist of trade shows, magazine advertisements, and other forms of media. Advertising expenses for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 totaled $526 and $661, respectively, and are included in sales and marketing on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

Income Taxes – The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. These temporary differences will result in deductible or taxable amounts in future years when the reported amounts of the assets or liabilities are recovered or settled. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets may not be realized. On a quarterly basis, the Company tests the value of deferred tax assets for impairment at the taxpaying-component level within each tax jurisdiction. Significant judgment and estimates are required in determining whether valuation allowances should be established as well as the amount of such allowances.

The valuation allowance is based on our estimates of future taxable income and the period over which we expect the deferred tax assets to be recovered. Our assessment of future taxable income is based on historical experience and current and anticipated market and economic conditions and trends. In 2018, as a result of negative evidence, principally three years of cumulative pre-tax operating losses, we concluded that it was more likely than not that net operating losses, tax credits and other deferred tax assets were not realizable and therefore, we recorded a full valuation allowance against those net deferred tax assets. We continue to record full valuation against our net deferred tax assets. Adjustments to the valuation allowance increase or decrease the Company’s income tax provision or benefit.

As of December 31, 2024 the Company had no net deferred tax assets due to valuation allowances recorded to account for the consecutive quarters with losses before taxes.

Recent changes: There were no changes that had a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Earnings Per Share – The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted loss per common share:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2024			2023
Numerator:
Net loss	$	(8,983	)	$	(560	)
Interest adjustment under if-converted method		—			—
		(8,983	)		(560	)

Denominator:
Basic weighted average shares		23,992,995			23,958,184
Dilutive common stock equivalents using if-converted method		—			—
Diluted weighted average shares		23,992,995			23,958,184

Basic loss per common share:	$	(0.37	)	$	(0.02	)
Diluted loss per common share:	$	(0.37	)	$	(0.02	)

Weighted average options and warrants outstanding		5,520,768			6,258,917
Anti-dilutive options and warrants not included in the computation		5,520,768			6,258,917

Share-Based Payment – We estimate the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which requires certain estimates, including an expected forfeiture rate and expected term of options granted. We also make decisions regarding the method of calculating expected volatilities and the risk-free interest rate used in the option-pricing model. The resulting calculated fair value of stock options is recognized as compensation expense over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period. When there are changes to the assumptions used in the option-pricing model, including fluctuations in the market price of our common stock, there will be variations in the calculated fair value of our future stock option awards, which results in variation in the compensation cost recognized.

Operating Segment – The Company operates as one operating segment. Operating segments are defined as components of an entity for which separate financial information is regularly evaluated by the chief operating decision maker ("CODM"), which is the Company's Chief Executive Officer, in deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance. The Company's CODM evaluates financial information and resources and assesses the performance of these resources on a consolidated basis. There is no expense or asset information that is supplemental to information disclosed within the consolidated financial statements, that is regularly provided to the CODM. The allocation of resources and assessment of performance of the operating segment is based on consolidated net loss and functional expenses as reported on our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. Because the Company operates as one operating segment, financial segment information, including expense and asset information, can be found in the consolidated financial statements.

Recently issued accounting pronouncements:

ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures

In November 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which improves reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The standard is effective for full year 2024 reporting, and for interim reporting beginning in 2025. The adoption of this ASU did not change the way the Company evaluates its reportable segments and, as a result, did not have a material impact on the Company’s segment-related disclosures.

ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures

In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2023-09, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures." This update enhances income tax disclosure requirements, primarily by requiring greater disaggregation of information in the effective tax rate reconciliation and income taxes paid disclosures. For public business entities, such as the Company, ASU 2023-09 mandates a tabular reconciliation of the effective tax rate using both percentages and reporting currency amounts, with specific categories of reconciling items and additional detail for items meeting a quantitative threshold of 5% of the expected tax amount. Additionally, the standard requires annual disclosure of income taxes paid, disaggregated by federal, state, and foreign jurisdictions, with further breakout by individual jurisdiction if the amount is significant. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted, and should be applied prospectively, though retrospective application is optional. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2023-09 on its financial statement disclosures. Adoption of this standard is expected to require updates to our income tax disclosure processes, including the collection and reporting of additional data to comply with the enhanced disaggregation requirements. While the standard does not affect the recognition or measurement of income taxes, it will increase the level of detail provided in the notes to our consolidated financial statements. We are assessing the necessary changes to our systems and controls to ensure compliance and do not anticipate a material impact on our financial position or results of operations beyond the additional disclosure requirements.

ASU 2024-03, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-03, "Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses," which requires public business entities, such as the Company, to provide disaggregated disclosure of specific natural expense categories underlying certain income statement expense line items in the notes to the financial statements. The standard identifies five required natural expense categories for disaggregation—employee compensation, depreciation, amortization, inventory expense, and other manufacturing expenses—along with a residual "other" category for remaining amounts within relevant expense captions (e.g., cost of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses). ASU 2024-03 does not alter the expense captions presented on the face of the income statement but enhances footnote disclosures to improve transparency. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2026, with early adoption permitted, and must be applied prospectively, though retrospective application is optional. An update in ASU 2025-01 clarified that interim period disclosures are not required until annual periods beginning after December 15, 2027. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of ASU 2024-03 on its consolidated financial statements. We expect adoption to necessitate modifications to our financial reporting processes and systems to capture and disclose the required disaggregated expense information in the footnotes. Management anticipates that this will enhance the granularity of expense disclosures but does not expect a material effect on our reported financial position or results of operations. We are reviewing our current expense classification practices and data collection capabilities to ensure compliance with the new requirements upon adoption.