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DSS, INC.

For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Mar 31, 2025.

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A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.

FY2024 · Filed Mar 31, 2025

DSS$0.45-8.7%Stored close · as of Nov 10, 2026

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

The Company, incorporated in the state of New York in May 1984 has conducted business in the name of Document Security Systems, Inc. On September 16, 2021, the board of directors approved an agreement and plan of merger with a wholly owned subsidiary, DSS, Inc. (a New York corporation, incorporated in August 2020), for the sole purpose of effecting a name change from Document Security Systems, Inc. to DSS, Inc. This change became effective on September 30, 2021. DSS, Inc. maintained the same trading symbol “DSS”.

DSS, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, referred to herein as “DSS,” “we,” “us,” “our” or the “Company”) currently operates nine (9) distinct business lines with operations and locations around the globe. These business lines are: (1) Product Packaging, (2) Biotechnology, (3) Commercial Lending, (4) Securities and Investment Management, (5) Direct Marketing.

Our divisions, their business lines, subsidiaries, and operating territories: (1) Our Product Packaging line is led by Premier Packaging Corporation, Inc. (“Premier”), a New York corporation. Premier operates in the paper board and fiber based folding carton, consumer product packaging, and document security printing markets. It markets, manufactures, and sells sophisticated custom folding cartons, mailers, photo sleeves and complex 3-dimensional direct mail solutions. Premier is currently located in its new facility in Rochester, NY, and primarily serves the US market. (2) The Biotechnology business line was created to invest in or acquire companies in the BioHealth and BioMedical fields, including businesses focused on the advancement of drug discovery and prevention, inhibition, and treatment of neurological, oncological, and immune related diseases. This division is also targeting unmet, urgent medical needs, and is developing open-air defense initiatives, which curb transmission of air-borne infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis and influenza. (3) Our Commercial Lending business division, driven by American Pacific Financial (“APF”), is organized for the purposes of being a financial network holding company, focused on acquiring equity positions in (i) undervalued commercial bank(s), bank holding companies and nonbanking licensed financial companies operating in the United States, South East Asia, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea, and (ii) companies engaged in—nonbanking activities closely related to banking, including loan syndication services, mortgage banking, trust and escrow services, banking technology, loan servicing, equipment leasing, problem asset management, SPAC (special purpose acquisition company) consulting services, and advisory capital raising services. (4) Securities and Investment Management was established to develop and/or acquire assets in the securities trading or management arena, and to pursue, among other product and service lines, broker dealers, and mutual funds management. Also in this segment is the Company’s real estate investment trusts (“REIT”), organized for the purposes of acquiring hospitals and other acute or post-acute care centers from leading clinical operators with dominant market share in secondary and tertiary markets, and leasing each property to a single operator under a triple-net lease. the REIT was formed to originate, acquire, and lease a credit-centric portfolio of licensed medical real estate. (5) Direct Marketing, led by the holding corporation, Decentralized Sharing Systems, Inc. (“Decentralized”) provides services to assist companies in the emerging growth “Gig” business model of peer-to-peer decentralized sharing marketplaces. Direct Marketing’s products include, among other things, nutritional and personal care products sold throughout North America, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Eastern Europe.

On May 13, 2021, Sentinel Brokers, LLC. (“Sentinel LLC”), subsidiary of the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement (“Sentinel Agreement”) to acquire a 24.9% equity position of Sentinel Brokers Company, Inc. (“Sentinel Co.”), a company registered in the state of New York, and in December 2022, Sentinel LLC exercised this option to increase its equity position to 75%. In May of 2023, Sentinel LLC acquired an additional 5% increasing its equity position to 80.1%. Sentinel is a broker-dealer operating primarily as a fiduciary intermediary, facilitating intuitional trading of municipal and corporate bonds as well as preferred stock, and is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”), and is a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (“SIPC”).

2. RESTATEMENT OF PREVIOUSLY ISSUED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Company has restated its financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023, along with certain notes to such restated financial statements. The adjustments recorded were related to the correction of an error identified by management. Impacted amounts and associated disclosures are restated within the accompanying notes to the financial statements.

On May 4, 2023, the Company distributed approximately 280 million shares of Sharing Service Global Corporation (“SHRG”), beneficially held by the Company, in the form of a dividend to the shareholders of the Company’s common stock. Upon completion of this distribution, the Company retained an ownership interest in SHRG of approximately 7%. Effective May 1, 2023, SHRG was deconsolidated from the consolidated financial statements (the “Deconsolidation”). The consolidated statement of operations does not include SHRG activity after April 30, 2023 and the assets and liabilities of SHRG are no longer included within the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. In the 10-Q for the second quarter of 2023, the Company recorded an approximate $29.9 million loss on deconsolidation. The Company also recorded a decrease in accumulated deficit of $18.7 million to reflect the reversal of balances as of deconsolidation. In preparation of the Form S-3 as well as the September 30, 2024 10-Q filing this transaction was revisited and it was determined that loss was unintentionally overstated by approximately $23.5 million driven primarily by the increases in accumulated deficit that should have been recorded as an offset to the initial income statement loss. In addition, the Company also determined that Deconsolidation also required the recognition of discontinued operations.

3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation – The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of DSS and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

***Deconsolidation of Sharing Services Global Corporation-***On May 4, 2023, the Company distributed approximately 280 million shares of SHRG beneficially held by DSS and Decentralized Sharing Systems in the form of a dividend to the shareholders of DSS common stock. Upon completion of this distribution, DSS will retain an ownership interest in SHRG of approximately 7%. Immediately prior to this distribution, DSS owned approximately 81% of the issued and outstanding common shares of SHRG. As a result, SHRG, whose operations represented a significant portion of our Direct Marketing segment, was deconsolidated from our consolidated financial statements effective as of May 1, 2023 (the “Deconsolidation”) and will be treated as discontinued operations on the face of our financial statements. Subsequent to April 30, 2023, the assets and liabilities of SHRG are no longer included within our consolidated balance sheets. Any discussions related to results, operations, and accounting policies associated with SHRG refer to the periods prior to the Deconsolidation.

Upon Deconsolidation, we recognized an impairment of assets due to the deconsolidation of SHRG approximately $6,071,000 which is recorded as an impairment of assets due to the deconsolidation in our consolidated statements of operations. Subsequent to the Deconsolidation, we accounted for our equity ownership interest in SHRG as a marketable security and at the quoted price stock price of SHRG, valued at approximately $74,000 at December 31, 2023.

Use of Estimates– The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and disclosed in the financial statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to the accounts receivable, convertible notes receivable, inventory, fair values of investments, intangible assets and goodwill, useful lives of intangible assets and property and equipment, fair values of options and warrants to purchase the Company’s common stock, preferred stock, deferred revenue, and income taxes, among others. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities.

Reclassifications– Costs associated with Professional fees for the years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023 have been reclassified to Research and development to conform with current period presentation. For the year ended December 31, 2023, Sales and marketing costs have been reclassified from Other operating costs to Sales and marketing to conform with current period presentation. Further the Current portion of long-term debt, net, was reduced approximately $47,000,000, the Current portion of long-term debt on assets held-for-sale was increased approximately $44,308,000, and the current portion of long-term debt – related party, net was increased approximately $2,678,000 on the Consolidated Balance Sheet for the year ended December 31, 2023 have been reclassed to conform with current period presentation. Additionally, Impairment of goodwill in the amount of $30,978,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023 was reclassified to Selling, general and administration (inclusive of stock based compensation) on the accompanying Consolidated statement of operations.

Cash Equivalents– All highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase are classified as cash equivalents. Amounts included in cash equivalents in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are money market funds whose adjusted costs approximate fair value.

Accounts Receivable – The Company extends credit to its customers in the normal course of business. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations and generally does not require collateral. Payment terms are generally 30 days but up to net 120 for certain customers. The Company carries its trade accounts receivable at invoice amounts and its rent receivables at contract amounts, less an allowance for credit losses. On a periodic basis, the Company evaluates its accounts receivable and establishes an allowance for credit losses based upon management’s estimates that include a review of the history of past write-offs and collections and an analysis of current credit conditions. In estimating expected losses in the accounts receivable portfolio, customer-specific financial data and macro-economic assumptions are utilized to project losses over a reasonable and supportable forecast period. Assumptions and judgment are applied to measure amounts and timing of expected future cash flows, collateral values and other factors used to determine the customers’ abilities to pay.

At December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023 the Company established a reserve for credit losses of approximately $1,613,000 and $2,494,000, respectively. The Company does not accrue interest on past due accounts receivable. Accounts receivable, net was $3,068,000, and $3,994,000 for December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, respectively.

Concentration of Credit Risk - The Company maintains its cash in bank deposit accounts, which at times may exceed federally insured limits. The Company believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk because of any non-performance by the financial institutions. As of December 31, 2024, two customers accounted for approximately 22% and 13% of our consolidated revenue and 29% and 20% of our trade accounts receivable balance. As of December 31, 2023, two customers accounted for approximately 20% and 11% of our consolidated revenue and 39% and 30% of our trade accounts receivable balance.

Notes receivable, unearned interest, and related recognition - The Company records all future payments of principal and interest on notes as notes receivable, which are then offset by the amount of any related unearned interest income. For financial statement purposes, the Company reports the net investment in the notes receivable on the consolidated balance sheet as current or long-term based on the maturity date of the underlying notes. Such net investment is comprised of the amount advanced on the loans, adjusting for net deferred loan fees or costs incurred at origination, amounts allocated to warrants received upon origination, and any payments received in advance. The unearned interest is recognized over the term of the notes and the income portion of each note payment is calculated so as to generate a constant rate of return on the net balance outstanding. Net deferred loan fees or costs, together with discounts recognized in connection with warrants acquired at origination, are accreted as an adjustment to yield over the term of the loan.

Allowance For Loans And Lease Losses - ASC Topic 326 which requires an allowance for credit losses to be deducted from the amortized cost basis of financial assets to present the net carrying value at the amount that is expected to be collected over the contractual term of the asset considering relevant information about past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. In estimating expected losses in the loan and lease portfolio, borrower-specific financial data and macro-economic assumptions are utilized to project losses over a reasonable and supportable forecast period. Assumptions and judgment are applied to measure amounts and timing of expected future cash flows, collateral values and other factors used to determine the borrowers’ abilities to repay obligations. After the forecast period, the Company utilizes longer-term historical loss experience to estimate losses over the remaining contractual life of the loans.

Investments– Investments in equity securities with a readily determinable fair value, not accounted for under the equity method, are recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. For equity securities without a readily determinable fair value, the investment is recorded at cost, less any impairment, plus or minus adjustments related to observable transactions for the same or similar securities, with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. For equity method investments, the Company regularly reviews its investments to determine whether there is a decline in fair value below book value. If there is a decline that is other-than-temporary, the investment is written down to fair value. See Note 9 for further discussion on investments.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments* -*Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Fair Value Measurement Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). These tiers include:

Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable such as quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets or quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and

Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions, such as valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.

The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheet of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, prepaids, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value because of the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. Marketable securities classify as a Level 1 fair value financial instrument. The fair value of notes receivable approximates their carrying value as the stated or discounted rates of the notes do not reflect recent market conditions. The fair value of revolving credit lines notes payable and long-term debt approximates their carrying value as the stated or discounted rates of the debt reflect recent market conditions. The fair value of investments where the fair value is not considered readily determinable, are carried at cost.

Inventory– Inventories consist primarily of paper, pre-printed security paper, paperboard, fully prepared packaging, air filtration systems, and health and beauty products which and are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value on the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. Packaging work-in-process and finished goods included the cost of materials, direct labor and overhead. At the closing of each reporting period, the Company evaluates its inventory in order to adjust the inventory balance for obsolete and slow-moving items. An allowance for obsolescence of approximately $180,000 and $18,000 associated with the inventory at our Premier subsidiary for December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Write- downs and write-offs are charged to Cost of revenue.

Property, Plant and Equipment – Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives or lease period of the assets whichever is shorter. Expenditures for renewals and betterments are capitalized. Expenditures for minor items, repairs and maintenance are charged to operations as incurred. Any gain or loss upon sale or retirement due to obsolescence is reflected in the operating results in the period the event takes place.

Investments in real estate, net – Acquisition of assets are recorded at their relative fair value based on total accumulated costs of the acquisition. Direct acquisition-related costs are capitalized as a component of the acquired assets. This includes all costs related to finding, analyzing and negotiating a transaction. The allocation of the purchase price is an area that requires judgment and significant estimates. Tangible and intangible assets include land, building and improvements, furniture, fixtures and equipment, acquired above market and below market leases, in-place lease value (if applicable). Acquisition-date fair values of assets and assumed liabilities are determined based on replacement costs, appraised values, and estimated fair values using methods similar to those used by independent appraisers and that use appropriate discount and/or capitalization rates and available market information. Depreciation and amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. During 2023, the land and buildings related to AMRE Shelton, AMRE LifeCare and AMRE Winter Haven were reclassified to Assets held for sale. During 2024, the land and buildings related to AMRE Shelton, was reclassified to Assets held for sale.

Leases- ASC 842 requires recognition of leases on the consolidated balance sheets as right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities. ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use underlying assets for the lease terms and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the leases. Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value and future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. As the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company used its estimated incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. A number of the lease agreements contain options to renew and options to terminate the leases early. The lease term used to calculate ROU assets and lease liabilities only includes renewal and termination options that are deemed reasonably certain to be exercised.

The Company recognized lease liabilities, with corresponding ROU assets, based on the present value of unpaid lease payments for existing operating leases longer than twelve months. Operating lease cost is recognized as a single lease cost on a straight-line basis over the lease term and is recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses. Variable lease payments for common area maintenance, property taxes and other operating expenses are recognized as expense in the period incurred. The Company has elected to separate lease and non-lease components for all property leases for the purposes of calculating ROU assets and lease liabilities.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill - The Company monitors the carrying value of long-lived assets for potential impairment and tests the recoverability of such assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. If a change in circumstance occurs, the Company performs a test of recoverability by comparing the carrying value of the asset or asset group to its undiscounted expected future cash flows. If cash flows cannot be separately and independently identified for a single asset, the Company will determine whether impairment has occurred for the group of assets for which the Company can identify the projected cash flows. If the carrying values are in excess of undiscounted expected future cash flows, the Company measures any impairment by comparing the fair value of the asset or asset group to its carrying value.

Assets held for sale – The Company has several buildings and associated land for sale as of December 31, 2023. These consist of primarily of retail space in Lindon, Utah approximating $5,593,000 and the medical facilities associated with AMRE LifeCare of approximately $41,541,000 and AMRE Winter Haven of approximately $4,396,000, and $65,000 of other assets. As of December 31, 2024, the balance associated with AMRE LifeCare was approximately $34,450,000, AMRE Shelton was approximately $6,313,000 and AMRE Winter Haven was approximately $4,396,000.

ASC 360 allows assets held-for-sale to retain that classification if it does not sell within one year. Each of the following facilities has been held-for-sale for greater than one year and meet the requirements of ASC 360. AMRE LifeCare has facilities in Plano, Tx., Fort Worth, Tx., and Pittsburgh, Pa. The Plano facility was under contract at December 31, 2024 and the sale was finalized in March 2025. The Forth Worth facility incurred unforeseen damage to the property during 2024 that requires several repairs to be performed. The facility is currently marketed to sale “as is”. The Pittsburgh facility was at 50% capacity through the majority of 2024 which made selling the facility difficult. A tenant was found during the second half of 2024 and with the building at full capacity, it is expected to be under contract during 2025. AMRE Winter Haven which has a facility in Winter Haven, Fla. has generated significant interest and prospective buyers have requested that tenants’ leases, which are short-term in nature, be extended. The Company is currently negotiating long-term leases with the existing tenants and the property is expected to be under contract in 2025.

Goodwill– Goodwill is the excess of cost of an acquired entity over the fair value of amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Goodwill is subject to impairment testing at least annually and will be tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. FASB ASC Topic 350 provides an entity with the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after completing the assessment, it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the Company will proceed to a quantitative test. The Company may also elect to perform a quantitative test instead of a qualitative test for any or all of our reporting units. The test compares the fair value of an entity’s reporting units to the carrying value of those reporting units. This quantitative test requires various judgments and estimates. The Company estimates the fair value of the reporting unit using a market approach in combination with a discounted operating cash flow approach. Impairment of goodwill is measured as the excess of the carrying amount of goodwill over the fair values of recognized and unrecognized assets and liabilities of the reporting unit. The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment test as of December 31, 2024, and no impairment was deemed necessary for the goodwill associated with Premier Packaging Company of approximately $1,769,000, however an impairment of Impact BioMedical goodwill was deemed necessary of approximately $25,093,000. The goodwill for APF, and Sentinel Co. of approximately $29,744,000, and $1,234,000 respectively, were deemed impaired and written off at December 31, 2023.

Intangible Assets - The estimated fair values of acquired intangibles are generally determined based upon future economic benefits such as earnings and cash flows. Acquired identifiable intangible assets are recorded at fair value and are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Acquired intangible assets with an indefinite life are not amortized but are reviewed for impairment at least annually or more frequently whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of those assets are below their estimated fair values. Impairment is tested under ASC 350. At December 31, 2023, The Company impaired approximately $7,418,000 associated with intangible assets for AMRE Lifecare and AMRE Winter Haven. There wasno impairment of intangible assets deemed necessary for 2024.

Revenue- The Company recognizes its revenue based on when the title passes to the customer or when the service is completed and accepted by the customer. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for shipped product or service provided. Sales and other taxes billed and collected from customers are excluded from revenue. The Company recognizes rental income associated with its REIT, net of amortization of favorable/unfavorable lease terms relative to market and includes rental abatements and contractual fixed increases attributable to operating leases, where collection has been considered probable, on a straight-line basis over the term of the related lease. The Company recognizes net investment income from its investment banking line of business as interest and management fees related to loans managed for third parties owed to the Company occurs. The Company generates revenue from its direct marketing line of business primarily through internet sales and recognizes revenue as items are shipped.

As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had no unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with an original expected duration of greater than one year. Pursuant to Topic 606, the Company has applied the practical expedient with respect to disclosure of the deferral and future expected timing of revenue recognition for transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations. The Company elected the practical expedient allowing it to not recognize as a contract asset the commission paid to its salesforce on the sale of its products as an incremental cost of obtaining a contract with a customer but rather recognize such commission as expense when incurred as the amortization period of the asset that the Company would have otherwise recognized is one year or less.

Costs of revenue* -*Costs of revenue includes all direct cost of the Company’s packaging, commercial and security printing sales, primarily, paper, inks, dies, and other consumables, and direct labor, transportation, amortization, deprecation, and manufacturing facility costs. In addition, this category includes all direct costs associated with the manufacturing and procurement of the products sold in the Company’s Direct Marketing line of business as well as with the Company’s technology sales, services and licensing including hardware and software that is resold, third-party fees, and fees paid to inventors or others as a result of technology licenses or settlements, if any. Cost of revenue for our REIT line of business includes all direct cost associated with the maintenance and upkeep of the related facilities, depreciation, amortization and the costs to acquire the facilities. Our Commercial Lending operating segment has costs of revenue associated with the impairment of notes receivable for those amounts at risk of collection. Costs of revenue do not include expenses related to product development, integration, and support. These costs are included in research and development, which is a component of selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of operations. Legal costs are included in selling, general and administrative.

Shipping and Handling Costs - Costs incurred by the Company related to shipping and handling are included in cost of revenue. Amounts charged to customers pertaining to these costs are reflected as revenue.

Share-Based Payments- Compensation cost for stock awards are measured at fair value and the Company recognizes compensation expense over the service period for which awards are expected to vest. The Company uses the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model for determining the estimated fair value for stock-based awards. The Black-Scholes-Merton model requires the use of subjective assumptions which determine the fair value of stock-based awards, including the option’s expected term and the price volatility of the underlying stock. For equity instruments issued to consultants and vendors in exchange for goods and services the Company determines the measurement date for the fair value of the equity instruments issued at the earlier of (i) the date at which a commitment for performance by the consultant or vendor is reached or (ii) the date at which the consultant or vendor’s performance is complete. In the case of equity instruments issued to consultants, the fair value of the equity instrument is recognized over the term of the consulting agreement. The Company record stock based compensation expense of approximately $19,000 for the year ended December 31, 2024 and is included in Sales, general and administrative compensation (inclusive of stock based compensation) on the accompanying Statement of Operations. There were no stock-based payments made during the twelve months ended December 31, 2023.

Sales Commissions - Sales commissions are expensed as incurred for contracts with an expected duration of one year or less. A significant portion of the Company’s sales commissions expense is generated from its direct marketing line of business. These commissions are based on current month shipments and are paid one month in arrears. There wereno sales commissions capitalized as of December 31, 2024 or 2023.

Contingent Legal Expenses* -*Contingent legal fees are expensed in the consolidated statements of operations in the period that the related revenues are recognized. In instances where there are no recoveries from potential infringers, no contingent legal fees are paid; however, the Company may be liable for certain out of pocket legal costs incurred pursuant to the underlying legal services agreement that will be paid out from the proceeds from settlements or licenses that arise pursuant to an enforcement action, which will be expensed as legal fees in the period in which the payment of such fees is probable. Any unamortized patent acquisition costs will be expensed in the period a conclusion is reached in an enforcement action that does not yield future royalties potential.

Research and Development - Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development costs consist primarily of third-party research costs and consulting costs. The Company recognized costs of approximately $278,000 and $1,685,000 in 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Income Taxes - The Company recognizes estimated income taxes payable or refundable on income tax returns for the current year and for the estimated future tax effect attributable to temporary differences and carry-forwards. Measurement of deferred income items is based on enacted tax laws including tax rates, with the measurement of deferred income tax assets being reduced by available tax benefits not expected to be realized. We recognize penalties and accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.

Loss Per Common Share - The Company presents basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share. Basic (loss) earnings per share reflect the actual weighted average of shares issued and outstanding during the period. Diluted (loss) earnings per share are computed including the number of additional shares from outstanding warrants, stock options and preferred stock that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential shares had been issued and is calculated utilizing the treasury stock method. In a loss period, the calculation for basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share is the same, as the impact of potential common shares is anti-dilutive. For the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, there wereno potential dilutive instruments issued and outstanding.

***Discontinued Operations-***On May 4, 2023, the Company distributed approximately 280 million shares of Sharing Service Global Corporation (“SHRG”), beneficially held by the Company, in the form of a dividend to the shareholders of the Company’s common stock. Upon completion of this distribution, the Company retained an ownership interest in SHRG of approximately 7%. Effective May 1, 2023, SHRG was deconsolidated from the consolidated financial statements (the “Deconsolidation”). The consolidated statement of operations does not include SHRG activity after April 30, 2023 and the assets and liabilities of SHRG are no longer included within the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The deconsolidation of SHRG is a strategic shift, as a significant portion of the Direct Marketing line of business was eliminated. While the Decentralized Sharing Systems part of the business will continue to provide these services, SHRG was a significant portion of this segment as it made up approximately 47% and 20%, respectively, of the total DSS revenue in 2022 and 2023. Accordingly, the Company has applied discontinued operations treatment for this deconsolidation as required by Accounting Standards Codification 205—Discontinued Operations. The major classes of assets and liabilities of SHRG are classified as Discontinued Operations on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the operating results of the discontinued operations is reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Operations as Loss from Discontinued Operations. See Note 19.

***Acquisitions-***Business combinations and non-controlling interests are recorded in accordance with FASB ASC 805 Business Combinations. Under the guidance, the assets and liabilities of the acquired business are recorded at their fair values at the date of acquisition and all acquisition costs are expensed as incurred. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values is recorded as goodwill. If the fair value of the assets acquired exceeds the purchase price and the liabilities assumed, then a gain on acquisition is recorded. The application of business combination accounting requires the use of significant estimates and assumptions.

Acquisition of assets are recorded at their relative fair value based on total accumulated costs of the acquisition. Direct acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. This includes all costs related to finding, analyzing and negotiating a transaction. The allocation of the purchase price is an area that requires judgment and significant estimates. Tangible and intangible assets include land, building and improvements, furniture, fixtures and equipment, acquired above market and below market leases, in-place lease value (if applicable). Acquisition-date fair values of assets and assumed liabilities are determined based on replacement costs, appraised values, and estimated fair values using methods similar to those used by independent appraisers and that use appropriate discount and/or capitalization rates and available market information.

Business Combinations- Business combinations and non-controlling interests are recorded in accordance with FASB ASC 805 Business Combinations. Under the guidance, the assets and liabilities of the acquired business are recorded at their fair values at the date of acquisition and all acquisition costs are expensed as incurred. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values is recorded as goodwill. If the fair value of the assets acquired exceeds the purchase price and the liabilities assumed, then a gain on acquisition is recorded. The application of business combination accounting requires the use of significant estimates and assumptions.

Continuing Operations and Going Concern -The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. This basis of accounting contemplates the recovery of our assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. These consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to the specific amounts and classifications of assets and liabilities, which might be necessary should we be unable to continue as a going concern. While the Company has approximately $11.4 million in cash, the Company has incurred operating losses as well as negative cash flows from operating activities over the past two years.

Aside from its $11.4 million in cash as of December 31, 2024, the Company believes it can continue as a going concern, due to its ability to generate operating cash through the sale of its $9.2 million of Marketable Securities. Between March 24, 2025 and March 27, 2025, the Company sold a shares of Impact BioMedical, a subsidiary, for approximately $1,969,000. Further, the Company has approximately 1,052,000 shares of Impact BioMedical shares available to sell. In addition, the Company has taken steps, and will continue to take measures, to materially reduce the expenses and cash burn at all corporate and business line levels. Although there are no assurances, we believe the above would allow us to fund our nine business lines current and planned operations for the twelve months from the filing date of this Annual Report. Based on this, the Company has concluded that substantial doubt of its ability to continue as a going concern has been alleviated.

**Recent Accounting Standards -**The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issues various Accounting Standards Updates relating to the treatment and recording of certain accounting transactions. There are several new accounting pronouncements issued by FASB which are not yet effective. Each of these pronouncements, as applicable, has been or will be adopted by the Company.

In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which improves reportable segment disclosure through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and for interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024 and early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The Company has adopted the enhanced segment disclosures for the year ended December 31, 2024.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, “Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures” which is intended to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes. ASU 2023-09 removes certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. The amendments in ASU 2023-09 are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, including interim periods therein. Early adoption of the standard is permitted, including adoption in interim or annual periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued. The Company is currently evaluating this ASU, but does not expect it to have material impact to its financial statements.

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-03 (“ASU 2024-03”),Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses (“DISE”). ASU 2024-03 requires disaggregated disclosure of income statement expenses for public business entities. ASU 2024-03 does not change the expense captions an entity presents on the face of the income statement; rather, it requires disaggregation of certain expense captions into specified categories in disclosures within the footnotes to the financial statements. As revised by ASU No. 2025-01, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures, the provisions of ASU 2024-03 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027, with early adoption permitted. With the exception of expanding disclosures to include more granular income statement expense categories, we do not expect the adoption of ASU 2024-03 to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.

4. Inventory

Inventory consisted of the following as of December 31:

20242023
Finished Goods$1,857,000$2,218,000
Work in Process345,000180,000
Raw Materials420,000439,000
Inventory Gross2,622,0002,837,000
Less allowance for obsolescence(180,000)(18,000)
Inventory Net$2,442,000$2,819,000

5. Notes Receivable

Note 1

On May 14, 2021, DSS Pure Air, Inc. a subsidiary of the Company entered a convertible promissory note (“Note 1”) with Puradigm, Inc. (“Puradigm”), a company registered in the state of Texas. Note 1 has an aggregate principal balance up to $5,000,000, to be funded at the request of Puradigm. Note 1, which incurs interest at a rate of 6.65% due quarterly, has a maturity date of May 1, 2023. Note 1 contains an optional conversion clause that allows the Company to convert all, or a portion of all, into newly issued member units of Puradigm with the maximum principal amount equal to 18% of the total equity position of Puradigm at conversion. The outstanding principal and interest as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, approximated $5,544,000 As of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company has a reserve of $5,544,000 and $2,772,000, respectively, against the principal and interest outstanding.

Note 2

On September 23, 2021, APB entered into refunding bond anticipatory note (“Note 2”) with Southeast Regional Management District (“SERMD”), which operates as a conservation and reclamation district pursuant to Chapter 3891, Texas Special District Local Laws Code, Chapter 375, Texas Local Government Code; and Chapter 49, Texas Water Code. The District Note was in the sum of $3,500,000 and incurs interest at a rate of 5.59% per annum. Principal and interest are due in full on September 22, 2022, and later amended to extend the maturity date to September 19, 2024. The outstanding principal and interest of $3,910,000 was included in the current portion of notes receivable on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2023. Note 2 was repaid in full during March 2024.

Note 3

On October 25, 2021, APF entered into a loan agreement (“Note 3”) with Asili, LLC. (“Asili”), a company registered in the state of Utah. Note 3 has an initial aggregate principal balance up to $1,000,000, to be funded at the request of Asili, with an option to increase the maximum principal borrowing to $3,000,000. Note 3, which incurs interest at a rate of 8.0% with principal and interest due at the maturity date of October 25, 2022. This note contains an optional conversion feature allowing APF to convert the outstanding principal to a 10% membership interest. APF, as holder of Note 3, has the right to elect one member to the Board of Managers. This note is in default and the outstanding principal and interest of approximately $884,000 was reserved for fully as of December 31, 2022.

Note 4

On December 28, 2021, APF entered into a promissory note (“Note 4”) with WestPark Capital Group, LLC. (“WestPark”), a company registered in the state of California. Note 4 has a principal balance of $700,000. Note 4, which incurs interest at a rate of 12.0% with principal and interest due at the maturity date of December 28, 2022. On December 29, 2022, the maturity date of this note was extended to May 31, 2023. On November 27, 2023, the parties to Note 4 agreed to modify the payment terms of the note to be monthly payments of $50,000 until the outstanding principal and interest are paid in full. The outstanding principal and interest was paid in full as of September 30, 2024. At December 31, 2023 outstanding principal and interest of $253,000 is included in the Current portion of notes receivable on the consolidated balance sheet.

Note 5

On January 24, 2022, APF and an individual entered into a promissory note (“Note 5”) in the principal sum of $100,000 with interest of 6%, due annually, and maturing in January 2024. The outstanding principal and interest at December 31, 2023 approximates $103,000 and is included in Current portion of notes receivable on the accompanying consolidate balance sheet. Note 5 was paid in full during October 2024. The outstanding principal and interest at December 31, 2024 approximated $17,000.

Note 6

On March 2, 2022, APF and WUURII Commerce, Inc. (“WUURII”), a corporation organized under the laws of the Republic of Korea entered into a promissory note (“Note 6”). Under the terms of Note 6, APF at its discretion, may lend up to the principal sum of $893,000 with an interest rate of 8%, and matured in March 2024, with interest payable quarterly. The outstanding principal and interest at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 is $468,000 and $446,000, respectively. The Company placed a reserve in the amount of $234,000 against this note. This note has been extended to March 2025.

Note 7

On May 9, 2022, DSS PureAir and Puradigm entered into a promissory note (“Note 7”) in the principal sum of $210,000 with interest of 10%, is due in three quarterly installments beginning on August 9, 2022, with the first two payment consisting of interest only. All unpaid principal and interest are due on February 9, 2023. This loan is currently in default and terms are currently being re-negotiated. The outstanding principal and interest at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 approximates $224,000 of which $145,000 and $112,000 has been reserved for as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, and is included in Current portions of notes receivable on the accompanying consolidate balance sheet.

Note 8, related party

On August 29, 2022, DSS Financial Management Inc and BMI Capital, Inc. (“BMIC”), a related party, entered into a promissory note (“Note 8”) in the principal sum of $100,000 with interest of 8%, is due in three quarterly installments beginning on September 14, 2022. All unpaid principal and interest is due on August 29, 2025. The outstanding principal and interest at December 31, 2024 approximated $86,000, and was fully reserved for as of December 31, 2024. At December 31, 2023, the balance approximated $100,000 of which $76,000 is included in the Current portion of notes receivable and $24,000 is included in the long-term portion of notes receivable. DSS owns 24.9% of the outstanding common shares of BMIC.

Note 9, related party

On May 8, 2023, DSS Financial Management Inc and BMIC entered into a promissory note (“Note 9”) in the principal sum of $102,000 with interest at the prime rate plus 2% (10.5% at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023) with a maturity date of May 7, 2026. The outstanding principal and interest at December 31, 2024 approximated $110,000, and was fully reserved for as of December 31, 2024. At December 31, 2023 approximates $107,000 with approximately $53,000 of principal and accrued interest classified as Current portion notes receivable, and the remaining balance of approximately $54,000 is recorded as notes receivable, on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. DSS owns 24.9% of the outstanding common shares of BMIC.

Note 10, related party

On July 26, 2022, APF and VEII, Inc. (“VEII”) entered into a promissory note (“Note 10”) in the principal sum of $1,000,000 with interest of 8% with all unpaid principal and interest due on July 26, 2024. This note was amended so that all unpaid principal and interest is due July 26, 2025. The outstanding principal and interest on September 30, 2024 approximates $959,000, and is included in notes receivable on the accompanying consolidate balance sheet. Approximately $959,000 of this note was reserved for as of December 31, 2024. The outstanding principal and interest on December 31, 2023, approximates $939,000, net of $20,000 of unamortized origination fees and is included in notes receivable on the accompanying consolidate balance sheet. Heng Fai Ambrose Chan, the Chairman of DSS, Inc is also the on the board of directors of VEII.

Note 11

On February 19, 2021, Impact BioMedical, Inc, entered into a promissory note with an individual. The Company loaned the principal sum of $206,000, with interest at a rate of 6.5%, and maturity date of August 19, 2022 later amended to February 19, 2026. Monthly payments are due on the twenty-first day of each month and continuing each month thereafter until February 19, 2026. This note is secured by certain real property situated in Collier County, Florida.

The outstanding principal and interest as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, was approximately $201,000 and $203,000, respectively. As of December 31, 2024, $184,000 is classified in Current notes receivable and the remaining $17,000 is classified as Notes receivable on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The outstanding principal and interest as of December 31, 2023 of approximately $203,000 is classified in Current notes receivable on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Note 12

On June 27, 2023, Decentralized Sharing Systems, Inc. and Stemtech Corporation (“Stemtech”) entered into a convertible promissory note (“Note 12”) in the principal sum of $1,400,000 with a discount of $300,000 and interest rate of 10% and maturity date of September 1, 2024. The outstanding principal, interest, and associated discount was fully reserved for as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.

Note 13

On March 31,2023, DSS Biohealth Security, Inc and an individual entered into a promissory note (“Note 13”) in the principal sum of $140,000 and interest rate floating daily to Wall Street Journal Prime rate per annum (8.5% at December 31, 2023) with the total outstanding principal and interest due at the maturity date of March 31, 2025. The outstanding principal and interest at December 31, 2023 approximates $133,000. Of the total financed, approximately $99,000 of principal and accrued interest is classified as Current portion of notes receivable and the remaining balance of approximately $34,000 is recorded as Notes receivable on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2024, the outstanding balance sheet approximating $135,000 was fully reserved for.

Note 14

On August 29, 2024, APF entered into a promissory note (“Note 14”) with WestPark. Note 14 has a principal balance of $459,000. Note 14, which incurs interest at a rate of 10.0% with principal and interest due at the maturity date of April 27, 2026. On November 1, 2024, monthly payments of approximately $28,000 are due with any unpaid interest and principal due at maturity. As of December 31, 2024, the outstanding principal and interest approximates $450,000, of which $337,000 is classified as Current notes receivable and the remaining $113,000 is classified as Notes receivable on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

6. Provision for Credit Losses

ASC Topic 326 for the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments and other financial assets. That guidance requires an allowance for credit losses to be deducted from the amortized cost basis of financial assets to present the net carrying value that is expected to be collected over the contractual term of the assets considering relevant information about past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. The guidance replaced the previous incurred loss model for determining the allowance for credit losses.

Accounts receivable are stated at the amount owed by the customer. The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses for accounts receivable and unbilled receivables, based on expected credit losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. The allowance for credit losses is estimated based on historical experience, current economic conditions and the creditworthiness of customers. Receivables are charged to the allowance when determined to be no longer collectible. The Company regularly monitors and assesses its risk of not collecting amounts owed by customers and records its allowance for credit losses based on the results of this analysis.

As of December 31, 2024, we have reviewed the entire loan portfolio as well as all financial assets of the Company for the purpose of evaluating the loan portfolio and the loan balances, including a review of individual and collective portfolio loan quality, loan(s) performance, including past due status and covenant defaults, assessment of the ability of the borrower to repay the loan on the loan terms, whether any loans should be placed on nonaccrual or returned to accrual, any concentrations in any single borrower and/or industry that we might need to further manage, and if any specific or general loan loss reserve should be established for the entire loan portfolio or for any specific loan.

We analyzed the loan loss reserve from three basis: general loan portfolio reserves; industry portfolio reserves, and specific loan loss reserves. As of year-ended December 31, 2024 and December 2023, the Company recorded a Loan loss reserve of approximately $9,406,000 and $4,933,000, respectively.

**General Loan Portfolio Reserve -**Based upon a relatively young loan portfolio that are relatively new loans to generally credit worthy borrowers, we do not believe that a substantial general loan portfolio reserve is due at this time. However, we do recognize that some inherent risks are in all loan portfolios, thus we recorded a general contingent portfolio reserve of $196,000 for December 31, 2024 and $194,000 for December 31, 2023 or approximately ¼ of 1% of the loan portfolio loan balance.

**Industry Portfolio Reserves –**Given the relatively young loan portfolio and a diversification of the portfolio over several different loan products, the risk is reduced. Accordingly, we have not recorded a discretionary reserve as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023

**Specific Loan Reserves -**Previously, we had identified credit weaknesses and borrower repayment weakness with Asili, which has a current principal and interest balance of $884,000 and have recorded a loan loss reserve for the full balance due the Company as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. The Company had also previously identified credit weakness in Puradigm and has placed a reserve approximating $5,544,000 and $2,884,000 against the outstanding principal and interest as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Previously, the Company identified credit weakness in Stemtech and has placed a reserve approximating $1,045,000 against the outstanding principal and interest as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. During the first quarter of 2024, the Company identified credit weakness in VEII and an individual and has placed a reserve approximating $959,000 against the outstanding principal and interest as of March 31, 2024. There has been no change to this amount. Also, during the first quarter of 2024, the Company identified credit weakness in BMIC, a related party, and has placed a reserve approximating $211,000 against the outstanding principal and interest as of March 31, 2024, later adjusted to $196,000 as of September 30, 2024. The Company identified credit weakness with WUURII and has placed a $234,000 reserve against the outstanding principal and interest as of December 31, 2024. The Company has also identified credit weakness with an individual and has placed a $135,000 reserve against the outstanding principal and interest as of December 31, 2024. No additional reserves were deemed necessary as of December 31, 2024.

The following table identifies the loan loss reserve for the period ending December 31:

20242023
General Loan Portfolio Reserve$196,000$194,000
Specific Loan Reserves9,210,0005,916,000
Total$9,406,000$6,110,000

Changes in the allowance for credit losses and loan loss reserve were as follows:

Allowance for credit lossesLoan loss reserveTotal
Balance at December 31, 2022$29,000$1,041,000$1,070,000
Credit loss expense2,0005,069,0005,071,000
Write-offs3,500,000-3,500,000
Recoveries(1,037,000)-(1,037,000)
Balance at December 31, 20232,494,0006,110,0008,604,000
Credit loss expense16,0003,296,0003,312,000
Write-offs(47,000)-(47,000)
Recoveries(850,000)-(850,000)
Balance at December 31, 2024$1,613,000$9,406,000$11,019,000

7. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities

The following tables show the Company’s cash and marketable securities by significant investment category as of December 31:

Cost · Unrealized Gain/(Loss) · Fair Value · Cash and Cash Equivalents · Marketable Securities
Cash$11,351,000$-$11,351,000$11,351,000$-
Money Market Funds62,000-$62,00062,000-
Marketable Securities25,933,000(16,722,000)$9,211,000-9,211,000
Total$37,364,000$(16,722,000)$20,642,000$11,413,000$9,211,000
Cost · Unrealized Gain/Loss · Fair Value · Cash And Cash Equivalents · Marketable Securities
Cash$6,545,000$-$6,545,000$6,545,000$-
Money Market Funds70,000-70,00070,000-
Marketable Securities27,304,000(17,325,000)9,979,000-9,979,000
Total$33,919,000$(17,325,000)$16,594,000$6,615,000$9,979,000

The following tables shows the Company’s net unrealized (loss) gain recognized during the year on marketable securities as of December 31:

20242023
Net gains (losses) recognized during the year on marketable securities$(856,000)$(5,521,000)
Less: Net gains (losses) realized during the year on marketable securities sold during the period(113,000)(1,973,000)
Net unrealized gain (loss) recognized during the reporting year on marketable securities still held at the reporting date$(743,000)$(3,548,000)

The Company typically invests with the primary objective of minimizing the potential risk of principal loss. The Company’s investment policy generally requires securities to be investment grade and limits the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer. Fair values were determined for each individual security in the investment portfolio.

8. Disposal of assets

On July 1 st, 2023, The Company intended to sell its subsidiary, HWH World, Inc. to SHRG. The proposed transaction had the Company sell 1,000 shares of common stock, representing all the issued and outstanding common stock shares of HWH World for the sum $706,000 representing the gross proceeds of the sale of HWH inventory less cost of goods sold. The parties involved amended the terms of this agreement during the third quarter of 2023 from that of equity transaction to the purchase of inventory and assumption of certain liabilities by SHRG. The amended agreement identified the purchase price approximating $758,000 to be paid from amongst other things, the gross proceeds generated by the sale of the inventory acquired. The value of the inventory sold approximates $698,000 and the value of the liabilities assumed by SHRG as part of this transaction is approximately $59,000. Further, the agreement includes payment of 1% royalty, starting November 1, 2023, being defined as 1% of the gross sale price of all Seller’s new products made and sold outside of existing inventory on the schedule, for a period ending October 31, 2033. There is substantial doubt regarding SHRG’s ability to sell and pay for the inventory acquired, and therefore, the Company has determined not to record a receivable for the purchase price. A net loss approximating $639,000 associated with this transaction has been recorded during the third quarter of 2023 and is included in Loss/Gain on sale of assets on the consolidated statement of operations.

On July 1 st, 2023, The Company sold 100% of the equity in its subsidiary HWH Holdings, Inc, a Texas corporation (“HWHH”) to SHRG for a purchase price approximating $259,000. This amount is to be paid from gross proceeds generated by the sale of the inventory acquired as part of the transaction. This transaction was later amended during the third quarter of 2023 to assign the purchase of HWHH from SHRG to Ascend Management Pte., Ltd. (“Ascend”), a Singaporean limited company. There is substantial doubt regarding Ascend’s ability to sell and pay for the inventory acquired, and therefore, the Company has determined not to record a receivable for the purchase price. A net loss approximating $617,000 associated with this transaction has been recorded during the third quarter of 2023 and is included in Loss/Gain on sale of assets on the consolidated statement of operations.

On June 13, 2024, the Company sold its retail space in Lindon, Utah for the sales price, net of expenses, of approximately $5,758,000. The associated asset was previously classified as Held for sale in the amount of $5,593,000, resulting in a gain on the sale of approximately $165,000.

9. Investments

Alset International Limited,related party

The Company owns 127,179,291 shares or approximately 4% of the outstanding shares of Alset International Limited (“Alset Intl”), a company incorporated in Singapore and publicly listed on the Singapore Exchange Limited. This investment is classified as a marketable security and is classified as long-term assets on the consolidated balance sheets as the Company has the intent and ability to hold the investments for a period of at least one year. The Chairman of the Company, Mr. Heng Fai Ambrose Chan, is the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Alset Intl. Mr. Chan is also the majority shareholder of Alset Intl as well as the largest shareholder of the Company. The fair value of the marketable security as of December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, was approximately $2,518,000 and $3,269,000 respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company recorded unrealized loss on this investment of approximately $750,000 and unrealized loss of $50,000, respectively.

West Park Capital, Inc.

On December 30, 2020, the Company signed a binding letter of intent with West Park Capital, Inc (“West Park”) and Century TBD Holdings, LLC (“TBD”) where the parties agreed to prepare a note and stock exchange agreement whereby DSS will assign the TBD Note to West Park and West Park shall issue to DSS a stock certificate reflecting 7.5% of the issued and outstanding shares of West Park. This note and stock exchange agreement was finalized during the first quarter 2022 and valued at approximately $500,000 and is included in Investments on the consolidated balance sheet on December 31, 2024 and as of December 31, 2023.

BMI Capital International LLC

On September 10, 2020, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary DSS Securities, Inc. entered into membership interest purchase agreement with BMI Financial Group, Inc. a Delaware corporation (“BMIF”) and BMI Capital International LLC, a Texas limited liability company (“BMIC”) whereas DSS Securities, Inc. purchased 14.9% membership interests in BMIC for $100,000. DSS Securities also had the option to purchase an additional 10% of the outstanding membership interest which it exercised for $100,000 in January of 2021 and increased its ownership to 24.9%. Upon achieving greater than 20% ownership in BMIC during the quarter ended September 30, 2021, the Company is currently accounting for this investment under the equity method of accounting per ASC 323. The Company’s portion of net loss in BMIC during the year ended December 31, 2024, approximated $1,000 and $34,000 for year ended December 31, 2023.

BMIC is a broker-dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”), and is a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (“SIPC”). The Company’s chairman of the board and another independent board member of the Company also have ownership interest in BMIC.

BioMed Technologies Asia Pacific Holdings Limited

On December 19, 2020, Impact BioMedical, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a subscription agreement (the “Subscription Agreement”) with BioMed Technologies Asia Pacific Holdings Limited (“BioMed”), a limited liability company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands, pursuant to which the Company agreed to purchase 525 ordinary shares or 4.99% of BioMed at a purchase price of approximately $632,000. The Subscription Agreement provides, among other things, the Company has the right to appoint a new director to the board of BioMed. With respect to an issuance of shares to a third party by BioMed, the Company will have the right of first refusal to purchase such shares, as well as customary tag-along rights. In connection with the Subscription Agreement, Impact Biomedical entered into an exclusive distribution agreement (the “Distribution Agreement”) with BioMed, to directly market, advertise, promote, distribute, and sell certain BioMed products, which focus on manufacturing natural probiotics, to resellers. This investment is impaired in full at December 31, 2024 as it does not have a readily determined fair value.

Under the terms of the Distribution Agreement, the Company will have exclusive rights to distribute the products within the United States, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea and non-exclusive distribution rights in all other countries. In exchange, the Company agreed to certain obligations, including mutual marketing obligations to promote sales of the products. This agreement is for ten years with a one year auto-renewal feature.

10. PROPERTY PLANT AND EQUIPMENT AND INVESTMENT IN REAL ESTATE, NET

Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following as of December 31:

Estimated
Useful Life20242023
Machinery and equipment5-10 years$9,998,000$9,974,000
Building and improvements39 years317,000294,000
Land--
Furniture and fixtures7 years432,000432,000
Software and websites3 years240,000273,000
Construction in progress-365,000
Total Cost10,987,00011,338,000
Less: accumulated depreciation5,606,0004,921,000
Property, plant and equipment, net$5,381,000$6,417,000

Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $878,000 and $802,000 respectively.

Real Estate consisted of the following at December 31:

Estimated
Useful Life · 2024 · 2023
Building and improvements1-30 years$-$5,273,000
Land-1,600,000
Total Cost-6,873,000
Less: accumulated depreciation-594,000
Investment in real estate$-$6,279,000

Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $98,000 and $2,085,000 respectively.

11. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Intangible assets are comprised of the following as of December 31:

2024 · 2023
Useful Life · Gross Carrying Amount · Accumulated Amortization · Net Carrying Amount · Gross Carrying Amount · Accumulated Amortization · Impairment · Net Carrying Amount
Developed technology assets20 years$22,260,000$4,453,00017,807,000$22,260,000$3,340,000$-18,920,000
Acquired intangibles customer lists, licenses, non-compete agreements, branding, product formulas, tenant improvements, in-place, favorable and unfavorable leases1-11 years2,895,0001,863,0001,032,00019,245,00010,613,0007,418,0001,214,000
Acquired intangibles patents and patent rights500,000500,000-500,000500,000--
Patent application costsVaried (1)1,052,0001,001,00051,0001,052,000993,000-59,000
$26,707,000$7,817,000$18,890,000$43,057,000$15,446,000$7,418,000$20,193,000
(1)Patent application costs are amortized over their expected useful life which is generally the remaining legal life of the patent. As of December 31, 2024, the weighted average remaining useful life of these assets in service was approximately 1.7 years.

Amounts amortized for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was approximately $1,361,000 and $2,319,000, respectively.

Expected amortization for each of the five succeeding fiscal years is as follows:

YearAmount
2025$3,014,000
20263,072,000
20272,869,000
20282,888,000
20292,861,000
thereafter$4,186,000

12. ACCRUED EXPENSES AND DEFERRED REVENUE

Accrued expenses and deferred revenue consist of the following for the year ended December 31:

20242023
Customer deposits$86,000$222,000
Deferred revenue120,000-
Accrued wages546,000812,000
Accrued expenses1,890,0001,467,000
Sales tax payable9,00010,000
Accrued expenses and deferred revenue$2,651,000$2,511,000

13. SHORT TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT

Promissory Notes - On May 20, 2021, Premier Packaging entered into master loan and security agreement (“BOA Note”) with Bank of America, N.A. (“BOA”) to secure financing approximating $3,710,000 to purchase a new Heidelberg XL 106-7+L printing press. The aggregate principal balance outstanding under the BOA Note shall bear interest at a variable rate on or before the loan closing. As of December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2024, the outstanding principal on the BOA Note was $2,932,000 and $2,436,000, respectively and had an interest rate of 4.63%. As of December 31, 2023, $491,000 was included in the current portion of long-term debt, net, and the remaining balance of approximately $2,442,000 recorded as long-term debt, The BOA Note contains certain covenants that are analyzed annually. As of December 31, 2024, $520,000 was included in the current portion of long-term debt, net, and the remaining balance of approximately $1,916,000 recorded as long-term debt, The BOA Note contains certain covenants that are analyzed annually. As of December 31, 2024, Premier is in compliance with these covenants.

On August 1, 2021, AMRE Shelton, LLC., (“AMRE Shelton”) a subsidiary of AMRE, entered into a loan agreement (“Shelton Agreement”) with Patriot Bank, N.A. (“Patriot Bank”) in an amount up to $6,155,000, with the amount financed approximating $5,105,000. The Shelton Agreement contains monthly payments of principal and an initial interest of 4.25%. The interest will be adjusted commencing on July 1, 2026 and continuing for the next succeeding 5-year period shall be determined one month prior to the change date and shall be an interest rate equal to two hundred fifty (250) basis points above the Federal Home Loan Bank Boston 5-Year/25-Year amortizing advance rate, but in no event less than 4.25% for the term of 120 months with a balloon payment approximating $2,829,000 due at term end. The affective interest rate at December 31, 2022 was 4.25%. The funds borrowed were used to purchase a 40,000 square foot, 2.0 story, Class A+ multi-tenant medical office building located on a 13.62-acre site. The purchase price has been allocated as $4,640,000, $1,600,000, and $325,000 for the facility, land, and tenant improvements, respectively. Also included in the value of the property is $585,000 of intangible assets with an estimated useful life of approximating 3 years. The net book value of these assets as of December 31, 2023 approximated $6,729,00. Of the total financed, approximately $201,000 of principal and accrued interest is classified as current portion of long-term debt, net, and the remaining balance of approximately $4,402,000 recorded as long-term debt, net of $50,000 in deferred financing costs, The net book value of these assets as of December 31, 2024 approximated $6,313,000. As of December 31, 2024 the outstanding principal and interest of approximately $4,424,000, net of $27,000 in deferred financing costs, is classified as Current portion of long-term debt on assets held=fir-sale, net on the consolidated balance sheet.

On October 13, 2021, LVAM entered into loan agreement with BMIC (“BMIC Loan”), a related party, whereas LVAM borrowed the principal amount of $3,000,000, with interest to be charged at a variable rate to be adjusted at the maturity date. The BMIC Loan matures on October 12, 2022, and contains an auto renewal period of three months. As of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, $463,000 and $547,000, respectively, are included in Current portion of long-term debt, net on the consolidated balance sheet.

On October 13, 2021, LVAM entered into a loan agreement with Lee Wilson Tsz Kin (“Wilson Loan”), a related party, whereas LVAM borrowed the principal amount of $3,000,000, with interest to be charged at a variable rate to be calculated at the maturity date. The Wilson Loan matures on October 12, 2022, and contains an auto renewal period of nine months. This loan was funded during March 2022. As of December 31, 2024 $145,000 is included in the Current portion of long-term debt, net on the consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2023 $2,131,000 is included in the Current portion of long-term debt, net on the consolidated balance sheet.

On November 2, 2021, AMRE LifeCare entered into a loan agreement (“LifeCare Agreement”) with Pinnacle Bank, (“Pinnacle Bank”) in the amount of $40,300,000. The LifeCare Agreement supported the acquisition of three medical facilities located in Fort Worth, Texas, Plano, Texas, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for a purchase price of $62,000,000. These assets are classified as investments, real estate on the consolidated balance sheet. The purchase price has been allocated as $32,100,000, $12,100,000, and $1,500,000 for the facility, land and site improvements, respectively. Also included in the value of the property is $15,901,000 of intangible assets with estimated useful lives ranging from 1 to 11 years. The LifeCare Agreement calls for the principal amount of the in equal, consecutive monthly installments based upon a twenty-five (25) year amortization of the original principal amount of the LifeCare Agreement at an initial rate of interest equal to the interest rate determined in accordance as of July 29, 2022 provided, however, such rate of interest shall not be less than 4.28%, with the first such installment being payable on August 29, 2022 and subsequent installments being payable on the first day of each succeeding month thereafter until the maturity date, at which time any outstanding principal and interest is due in full. As of December 31, 2024, the outstanding principal and interest of the LifeCare agreement approximates $46,069,000 and is included in Current portion of long-term debt on assets held-for-sale, net on the consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2023, the outstanding principal and interested approximates $41,331,000 and is included in Current portion of long-term debt on assets held-for-sale, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Interest expense for the year-ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 approximated $3,861,000 and $3,773,000, respectively. This note is in default and demand was made for final payment to be made by December 22, 2023. This amount is past due.

On March 17, 2022, AMRE Winter Haven, LLC (“AMRE Winter Haven”) and Pinnacle Bank (“Pinnacle”) entered into a term loan (“Pinnacle Loan”) whereas Pinnacle lent to AMRE Winter Haven the principal sum of $2,990,000, maturing on March 7, 2024 to acquire a medical facility located in Winter Haven, Florida for a purchase price of $4,500,000. The assets acquired are classified as investments, real estate on the consolidated balance sheet. The purchase price has been allocated as $3,200,000, $1,000,000, and $222,000 for the facility, land and site and tenant improvements, respectively. Also included in the value of the property is $29,000 of intangible assets with an estimated useful life of approximately 5 years. Payments are to be made in equal, consecutive installments based on a 25-year amortization period with interest at 4.28%. The first installment was due January 1, 2023. The Pinnacle Loan contains certain covenants that are to be tested annually. This AMRE note is currently due. The outstanding principal and interest, approximates $3,040,000 and is included in Current portion of long-term debt on assets held-for-sale, net long-term debt, net on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2024. The outstanding principal and interest, net of debt issuance costs of $17,000, approximates $2,977,000 and is included in in Current portion of long-term debt on assets held-for-sale, net on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2023. Interest expense equaled $251,000 for year ended December 31, 2024 and $281,000 for year ended December 31, 2023.

On March 30, 2023, Premier Packaging, a subsidiary of the Company entered into a loan and security agreement with Union Bank & Trust Company for the principal amount of $790,000 and shall accrued interest at the rate of 7.44%. Principal and interest shall be repaid in the approximate amount of $14,000 through March 2029. This loan is collateralized by a Bobst Model Novacut and is guaranteed by DSS, Inc. As of December 31, 2024, the outstanding principal and interest approximates $605,000 of which $123,000 was included in the current portion of long-term debt, net, and the remaining balance of approximately $482,000 recorded as long-term debt. As of December 31, 2023, the outstanding principal and interest approximates $719,000 of which $112,000 was included in the current portion of long-term debt, net, and the remaining balance of approximately $607,000 recorded as long-term debt.

A summary of scheduled principal payments of long-term debt, not including revolving lines of credit, subsequent to December 31, 2024 are as follows:

YearNotes payableNotes payable - related partyNotes payable - assets held-for-saleTotal
2025$642,000$609,000$53,534,000$54,785,000
2026677,000-677,000
2027712,000-712,000
2028750,000-750,000
2029259,000-259,000
Total$3,040,000$609,000$53,534,000$57,183,000

The Company has operating leases predominantly for operating facilities. As of December 31, 2024, the remaining lease terms on our operating leases range from less thanone totwelve years. Renewal options to extend our leases have not been exercised due to uncertainty. Termination options are not reasonably certain of exercise by the Company. There is no transfer of title or option to purchase the leased assets upon expiration. There are no residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. There are no significant finance leases as of December 31, 2024.

Future minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2024, are as follows:

Maturity of Lease Liability:

Totals
2025$860,000
2026839,000
2027808,000
2028824,000
2029840,000
Thereafter4,073,000
Total lease payments8,244,000
Less: Imputed Interest(1,327,000)
Present value of remaining lease payments$6,917,000
Current$606,000
Noncurrent$6,311,000
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)9.6
Weighted-average discount rate3.8%

Total cash paid during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 approximated $956,000 and $917,000, respectively.

15. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

DSS, Inc. Equity transactions–

On April 10, 2023, the Company issued 62,354 shares of common stock to Mr. Frank Heuszel, CEO of DSS, pursuant to his employment agreement. These shares were issued to settle a previously recorded liability of approximately $268,000.

On January 4, 2024 the Company effected a reverse stock split of 1 for 20. As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, there were 140,264,240 and 139,017,000 shares of our Common Stock issued and outstanding, respectively, which was converted to 7,066,772 and 6,950,858 shares, respectively.

On December 10, 2024, DSS entered into a securities purchase agreement with Alset Inc., a related party, pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell and issue in a private placement an aggregate of 820,597 shares of the Company’s common stock for approximately $803,000.

On December 10, 2024, DSS entered into a securities purchase agreement with Heng Fai Ambrose Chan, the Chaiman of the Board of Directors and a related party, pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell and issue in a private placement an aggregate of 205,149 shares of the Company’s common stock for approximately $197,000.

Equity Incentive Plan – On June 20, 2013, the Company’s shareholders adopted the 2013 Employee, Director and Consultant Equity Incentive Plan (the “2013 Plan”). The 2013 Plan provides for the issuance of up to a total of 50,000 shares of common stock authorized to be issued for grants of options, restricted stock and other forms of equity to employees, directors and consultants. Under the terms of the 2013 Plan, options granted thereunder may be designated as options which qualify for incentive stock option treatment (“ISOs”) under Section 422A of the Internal Revenue Code, or options which do not qualify (“NQSOs”). During the year ended December 31, 2023,5,333 options were forfeited. As of December 31, 2023, noshares remained available under this plan.

On December 9, 2019, the Company’s shareholders adopted the 2020 Employee, Director and Consultant Equity Incentive Plan (the “2020 Plan”). The 2020 Plan provides for the issuance of an initial 241,204 shares of common stock authorized to be issued for grants of options, restricted stock and other forms of equity to employees, directors and consultants. In addition, on the first day of each calendar year, for a period of not more than ten (10) years, commencing January 1, 2021, or the first business day of the calendar year if the first day of the calendar year falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the shares available under this plan will automatically increase in an amount equal to the lesser of (i) five percent (5%) of the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of December 31 of the preceding fiscal year or (ii) such number of shares of Common Stock as determined by the Board of Directors. Under the terms of the 2020 Plan, options granted thereunder may be designated as options which qualify for incentive stock option treatment (“ISOs”) under Section 422A of the Internal Revenue Code, or options which do not qualify (“NQSOs”). As of December 31, 2024, there are 814,184 shares available under this plan.

***Stock-Based Compensation –***The Company records stock-based payment expense related to options and warrants based on the grant date fair value in accordance with FASB ASC 718. Stock-based compensation includes expense charges for all stock-based awards to employees, directors and consultants. Such awards include option grants, warrant grants, and restricted stock awards. During the year ended December 31, 2024, and 2023 the Company’s stock compensation approximated $0. The Company did not issue any warrants in 2024 or 2023, nor did it have any outstanding warrants as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.

Impact BioMedical, Inc. Equity Transactions –

On August 8, 2023 DSS BioHealth Securities, Inc. (“DSS BioHealth”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and the sole shareholder of Impact BioMedical Inc., distributed to the shareholders of DSS on record as of July 10, 2023 4 shares of Impact Bio’s stock for 1 share they owned of DSS stock. Each share of Impact BioMedical distributed as part of the distribution will not be eligible for resale until 180 days from the date Impact BioMedical’s initial public offering becomes effective under the Securities Act, subject to the discretion of the Company to lift the restriction sooner.

On October 31, 2023, Impact BioMedical effected areverse stock split of 1 for 55. As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, there were 3,877,282,251 shares of our Common Stock issued and outstanding which was converted to 70,496,041 shares. Also on October 31, 2023, DSS BioHealth Securities, Inc., the Company’s largest shareholder converted 60,496,041 shares of Common Stock into 60,496,041 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Shares, reducing its ownership of the Company’s Common Stock from approximately 88% to approximately 12%. The Preferred Shares are voting shares and convertible.

On September 16, 2024, Impact Biomedical Inc., entered into an underwriting agreement (the “Underwriting Agreement”) with Revere Securities, LLC., as representative (the “Representative”) of the underwriters named therein (the “Underwriters”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell to the Underwriters in a firm commitment initial public offering (the “Offering”) an aggregate of 1,500,000 of the Company’s shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share at a public offering price of $3.00 per share. On September 17, 2024, the Company closed the Offering. The total net proceeds to the Company from the Offering, after deducting discounts, expenses allowance and expenses, was approximately $3,726,000. A final prospectus relating to this Offering was filed with the Commission on September 16, 2024. The shares of Common Stock were approved to list on the NYSE American under the symbol “IBO” and began trading there on September 16, 2024. The Company also issued warrants to the Representative and its affiliates (the “Representative’s Warrants”) warrants to purchase the number of shares of Common Stock in the aggregate equal to 5% of the Common Stock to be issued and sold in this offering (including any Shares of Common Stock sold upon exercise of the over-allotment option, if applicable). The Representative’s Warrants are exercisable for a price per share equal to 125% of the public offering price. The warrants are exercisable at any time, in whole or in part, commencing nine (9) months from the date of commencement of sales of the offering and ending on the third anniversary thereof. As of September 30, 2024, the Representative had not exercised any of these warrants. As of September 30, 2024, only the 1,500,000 shares included in the Offering are freely tradable on the NYSE. The remaining 9,997,703 are restricted from trading for 180 days from the Offering date.

Equity Incentive Plan – During 2023, the Company’s shareholders adopted the 2023 Employee, Director and Consultant Equity Incentive Plan (the “2023 Plan”). The 2023 Plan provides for the issuance of an initial 18,762,000 shares of common stock authorized to be issued for grants of options, restricted stock and other forms of equity to employees, directors and consultants. In addition, on the first day of each calendar year, for a period of not more than ten (10) years, commencing January 1, 2025, or the first business day of the calendar year if the first day of the calendar year falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the shares available under this plan will automatically increase in an amount equal to the lesser of (i) two percent (2%) of the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of December 31 of the preceding fiscal year or (ii) such number of shares of Common Stock as determined by the Board of Directors. Under the terms of the 2023 Plan, options granted thereunder may be designated as options which qualify for incentive stock option treatment (“ISOs”) under Section 422A of the Internal Revenue Code, or options which do not qualify (“NQSOs”). As of December 31, 2024, there are 18,037,079 shares available under this plan.

***Stock-Based Compensation –***The Company records stock-based payment expense related to options and warrants based on the grant date fair value in accordance with FASB ASC 718. Stock-based compensation includes expense charges for all stock-based awards to employees, directors and consultants. Such awards include option grants, warrant grants, and restricted stock awards. On October 1, 2024,880,000 option grants with a purchase price of $3.00 per share were awarded to certain officers, directors and consultants of the Company. These options have various vesting periods, and all expire on October 31, 2031. Potential proceeds of these grants is $2,640,000 and are fair valued using a Black-Scholes model at approximately $50,000. The Company record stock based compensation expense of approximately $19,000 for the year ended December 31, 2024 and is included in Sales, general and administrative compensation (inclusive of stock based compensation) on the accompanying Statement of Operations. There were no stock-based payments made during the twelve months ended December 31, 2023.

16. INCOME TAXES

The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are reduced, if deemed necessary, by a valuation allowance for the amount of tax benefits which are not expected to be realized.

The following is a summary of the components giving rise to the income tax provision (benefit) for the years ended December 31:

The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following:

20242023
Currently payable:
Federal · $ · - · $ · -
State8,0004,000
Foreign--
Total currently payable8,0004,000
Deferred:
Federal256,000(5,392,000)
State(290,000)(79,000)
Foreign(4,000)(48,000)
Total deferred(38,000)(5,519,000)
Less: increase/(decrease) in allowance38,0005,519,000
Net deferred--
Total income tax provision$8,000$4,000

Individual components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

2024 · 2023
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carry forwards$19,201,000$21,496,000
Net operating loss IRC 382 limited9,634,0009,634,000
Unrealized loss on securities4,243,0004,655,000
Equity issued for services194,000190,000
Goodwill and other intangibles84,00063,000
Investment in pass-through entity11,00011,000
Deferred revenue176,000176,000
Operating Lease Liability1,557,0001,713,000
Depreciation and amortization1,0001,000
Other3,094,0002,507,000
Gross deferred tax assets38,195,00040,446,000
Deferred tax liabilities:
Goodwill and other intangibles1,567,0003,369,000
Depreciation and amortization309,000614,000
Right to Use Asset1,455,0001,625,000
Investment in pass-through entity--
Gross deferred tax liabilities3,331,0005,608,000
Less: valuation allowance(34,864,000)(34,838,000)
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)$-$-

At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company has approximately $126.2 million and $138.9 million in federal net operating loss carry forwards (“NOLs”), respectively, available to reduce future taxable income. Under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, the net operating losses are subject to review and possible adjustment by the Internal Revenue Service and state tax authorities. Certain tax attributes are subject to an annual limitation as a result of certain cumulative changes in ownership interest of significant shareholders which could constitute a change of ownership as defined under Internal Revenue Code Section 382. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company has completed a full analysis of historical ownership changes and determined that a portion of the net operating losses have a limitation on future deductibility. Approximately $43.8 million of net operating losses incurred prior to 2020 will be unable to offset future taxable income and have been reserved via a valuation allowance to reduce the deferred tax asset to the expected realizable amount, leaving $2.9 million available for use which expire at various dates through 2038 and the residual which never expire. Additionally, at December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had approximately $20.7 million and $20.7 of California and Illinois NOL carry-forwards, respectively, which expire through 2043. The NOL carry forwards may be limited in certain circumstances, including ownership change and have been fully reserved via a valuation allowance.

The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets decreased approximately $2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 and increased approximately $5.5 for the year ended December 31, 2023, The valuation allowance for deferred tax liability decreased approximately $2.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2024 and increased approximately $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.

The differences between the United States statutory federal income tax rate and the effective income tax rate in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations are as follows:

2024 · 2023
Statutory United States federal rate21.0%21.0%
State income taxes net of federal benefit0.39%0.38%
Permanent differences(9.84)%(6.68)%
Other(11.52)%(9.04)%
Foreign taxes-%-%
Change in valuation allowance(0.05)%(5.66)%
Effective rate(0.02)%-%

The Company recognizes interest accrued and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in tax expense. During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 the Company recognizedno interest and penalties.

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states. The tax years 2021-2024 generally remain open to examination by major taxing jurisdictions to which the Company is subject.

17. DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PENSION PLAN

The Company maintains a qualified employee savings plans (the “401(k) Plan”) that qualifies as a deferred salary arrangement under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code and which covers all eligible employees. Employees generally become eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan two months following the employee’s hire date. Employees may contribute a percentage of their earnings, subject to the limitations of the Internal Revenue Code. Commencing on January 1, 2018, the Company matched 100% of the first 1% of employee contributions, then 50% of additional contributions up to an aggregate maximum match of 3.5%. The total matching contributions for 2024 and 2023 were approximately $154,000 and $124,000, respectively.

18. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

**License Agreement –**On March 19, 2022, Impact BioMedical entered into a License Agreement (“Equivir License”) with a third-party (“Licensee”) where the Licensor is granted the right, amongst other things, to develop, commercialize, and sell the Company’s Equivir technology. In exchange, the Licensee shall pay the Company a royalty of 5.5% of net sales. Under the terms of the Equivir Agreement, the Company shall reimburse the Licensee for 50% of the development costs provided that the development costs shall not exceed $1,250,000. As of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, $200,000, and $200,000, respectively, have been recorded in relation to the Equivir License as development of the Equivir technology.

Employment Agreements– As of December 31, 2024, DSS has no employment or severance agreements with members of its management team. Its subsidiary Impact BioMedical has an employment agreement with it CEO Frank Heuszel in which Mr. Heuszel’s agreement contains a mandatory bonus clause of $150,000 for the first year of the employment term, $100,000 for the second year of the employment term, and $100,000 for the third year of the employment term. As of December 31, 2024, approximately $38,000 is accrued for year one of Mr. Heuszel’s bonus.

Contingent Litigation Payments– The Company retains the services of professional service providers, including law firms that specialize in intellectual property licensing, enforcement and patent law. These service providers are often retained on an hourly, monthly, project, contingent or a blended fee basis. In contingency fee arrangements, a portion of the legal fee is based on predetermined milestones or the Company’s actual collection of funds. The Company accrues contingent fees when it is probable that the milestones will be achieved, and the fees can be reasonably estimated. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023 the Company had not accrued any contingent legal fees pursuant to these arrangements.

Contingent Payments – The Company is party to certain agreements with funding partners who have rights to portions of intellectual property monetization proceeds that the Company receives. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, there are no contingent payments due.

19. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

On May 4, 2023, the Company distributed approximately 280 million shares of SHRG beneficially held by DSS and Decentralized Sharing Systems in the form of a dividend to the shareholders of DSS common stock. Upon completion of this distribution, DSS will retain an ownership interest in SHRG of approximately 7%. Immediately prior to this distribution, DSS owned approximately 81% of the issued and outstanding common shares of SHRG. As a result, SHRG, whose operations represented a significant portion of our Direct Marketing segment, was deconsolidated from our consolidated financial statements effective as of May 1, 2023 (the “Deconsolidation”) and will be treated as discontinued operations on the face of our financial statements. Subsequent to April 30, 2023, the assets and liabilities of SHRG are no longer included within our consolidated balance sheets. Any discussions related to results, operations, and accounting policies associated with SHRG refer to the periods prior to the Deconsolidation.

Upon Deconsolidation, we recognized an impairment of assets due to the deconsolidation of SHRG approximately $6,220,000 which is recorded as an impairment of assets due to the deconsolidation in our consolidated statements of operations. Subsequent to the Deconsolidation, we accounted for our equity ownership interest in SHRG as a marketable security and at the quoted price stock price of SHRG, valued at approximately $74,000 at December 31, 2023.

The following tables show the major classes of assets and liabilities held for sale and results of operations of the discontinued operation:

Sharing Services Global Corporation

Statements of Operations Loss - Discontinued Operations

For the Year Ended
Revenue:
Direct marketing$4,325,000
Total revenue4,325,000
Costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue2,055,000
Selling, general and administrative5,743,000
Total costs and expenses7,798,000
Operating loss3,473,000
Other income (expense):
Other income (expense)(96,000)
Interest income6,000)
Gain (loss) on investments82,000
Impairment of assets-
Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes(3,481,000)
Income tax benefit/(loss)-
Loss from discontinued operations(3,481,000)

20. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Supplemental cash flow information for the years ended December 31:

2024 · 2023
Cash paid for interest$720,000$1,289,000
Cash paid for income taxes$8,000$6,000
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Shares issued in lieu of bonus cash$-$268,000
Third party Note receivable received in lieu of cash$-$1,100,000

21. SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company’s businesses lines are organized, managed, and internally reported as five operating segments. One of these operating segments, Product Packaging, is the Company’s packaging and printing group. Product Packaging operates in the paper board folding carton, smart packaging, and document security printing markets. It markets, manufactures, and sells mailers, photo sleeves, sophisticated custom folding cartons, and complex 3-dimensional direct mail solutions. These products are designed to provide functionality and marketability while also providing counterfeit protection. A second, Biotechnology, invests in, or acquires companies in the biohealth and biomedical fields, including businesses focused on the advancement of drug discovery and prevention, inhibition, and treatment of neurological, oncological, and immune related diseases. This division is also developing open-air defense initiatives, which curb transmission of air-borne infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis and influenza. Biotechnology is also targeting unmet, urgent medical needs. A third operating segment, Securities and Investment Management (“Securities”) was established to develop and/or acquire assets and investments in the securities trading and/or funds management arena. Further, Securities, in partnership with recognized global leaders in alternative trading systems, intends to own and operate in the US a single or multiple vertical digital asset exchanges for securities, tokenized assets, utility tokens, stable coins and cryptocurrency via a digital asset trading platform using blockchain technology. The scope of services within this section is planned to include asset issuance and allocation (securities and cryptocurrency), FPO, IPO, ITO, PPO, STO and UTO listings on a primary market(s), asset digitization/tokenization (securities, currency, and cryptocurrency), and the listing and trading of digital assets (securities and cryptocurrency) on a secondary market(s). Also in this segment is the Company’s real estate investment trust (“REIT”), organized for the purposes of acquiring hospitals and other acute or post-acute care centers from leading clinical operators with dominant market share in secondary and tertiary markets, and leasing each property to a single operator under a triple-net lease. the REIT was formed to originate, acquire, and lease a credit-centric portfolio of licensed medical real estate. The fourth segment, Direct, provides services to assist companies in the emerging growth gig business model of peer-to-peer decentralized sharing marketplaces. It specializes in marketing and distributing its products and services through its subsidiary and partner network, using the popular gig economic marketing strategy as a form of direct marketing. Direct marketing products include, among other things, nutritional and personal care products sold throughout North America, Asia Pacific and Eastern Europe. The fifth business line, Commercial Banking, is organized for the purposes of being a financial network holding company, focused providing commercial loans and on acquiring equity positions in (i) undervalued commercial bank(s), bank holding companies and nonbanking licensed financial companies operating in the United States, South East Asia, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea, and (ii) companies engaged in—nonbanking activities closely related to banking, including loan syndication services, mortgage banking, trust and escrow services, banking technology, loan servicing, equipment leasing, problem asset management, SPAC (special purpose acquisition company) consulting, and advisory capital raising services. From this financial platform, the Company shall provide an integrated suite of financial services for businesses that shall include commercial business lines of credit, land development financing, inventory financing, third party loan servicing, and services that address the financial needs of the world Gig Economy.

Approximate information concerning the Company’s operations by reportable segment for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 is as follows. The Company relies on intersegment cooperation and management does not represent that these segments, if operated independently, would report the results contained herein:

Year Ended December 31, 2024 · Product Packaging · Commercial Lending · Direct Marketing · Biotechnology · Securities · Corporate · Total
Revenue$16,107,000$226,000$-$-$2,764,000$-$19,097,000
Cost of revenue15,230,000712,0005,00042,0007,550,000-23,539,000
Gross profit (loss)877,000(486,000)(5,000)(42,000)(4,786,000)-(4,442,000)
Operating expense3,029,000402,000254,00028,929,0002,759,0002,781,00038,154,000
Operating income (loss)(2,152,000)(888,000)(259,000)(28,971,000)(7,545,000)(2,781,000)(42,596,000)
Other income (expense)(159,000)(1,186,000)81,000(3,784,000)(6,822,000)768,000(11,102,000)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes(2,311,000)(2,074,000)(178,000)(32,755,000)(14,367,000)(2,013,000)(53,698,000)
Year Ended December 31,2023 · Product Packaging · Commercial Lending · Direct Marketing · Biotechnology · Securities · Corporate · Total
Revenue$18,497,000$385,000$1,763,000$-$5,288,000$-$25,933,000
Cost of revenue15,282,0001,139,000818,00077,0008,074,000-25,390,000
Gross profit (loss)3,215,000(754,000)945,000(77,000)(2,786,000)-543,000
Operating expense2,607,00030,122,0003,244,0004,431,0007,666,0003,251,00051,321,000
Operating income (loss)608,000(30,876,000)(2,299,000)(4,508,000)(10,452,000)(3,251,000)(50,778,000)
Other income (expense)(185,000)(625,000)(7,268,000)(2,677,000)(9,242,000)(3,264,000)(23,261,000)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes$423,000$(31,501,000)$(9,567,000)$(7,185,000)$(19,694,000)$(6,515,000)$(74,039,000)

International revenue, which consists of sales to customers with operations in Canada, Latin comprised less than 1.0% of total revenue for 2024 (7.0% - 2023). Revenue is allocated to individual countries by customer based on where the product is shipped. The Company had no long-lived assets in any country other than the United States for any period presented.

The following tables disaggregate our business segment revenues by major source:

Printed Products Revenue Information:

Packaging Printing and Fabrication$15,698,000
Commercial and Security Printing409,000
Total Printed Products Revenue$16,107,000
Packaging Printing and Fabrication$18,131,000
Commercial and Security Printing366,000
Total Printed Products Revenue$18,497,000

Commercial Lending Revenue Information:

Net investment Revenue$226,000
Total Commercial Lending Revenue$226,000
Net Investment Revenue$385,000
Total Commercial Lending Revenue$385,000

Direct Marketing Revenue Information:

Direct Marketing Internet Sales$-
Total Direct Marketing Revenue$-
Direct Marketing Internet Sales$1,763,000
Total Direct Marketing Revenue$1,763,000

Securities Revenue Information:

Rental Revenue · $ · -
Commisions Revenue972,000
Total Securities revenue$972,000
Rental Revenue · $ · -
Commission Revenue1,641,000
Total Securities revenue$1,641,000

22. Related Party Transactions

The Company owns 127,179,291 shares or approximately 4% of the outstanding shares of Alset International Limited (“Alset Intl”), a company incorporated in Singapore and publicly listed on the Singapore Exchange Limited. This investment is classified as a marketable security and is classified as long-term assets on the consolidated balance sheets as the Company has the intent and ability to hold the investments for a period of at least one year. The Chairman of the Company, Mr. Heng Fai Ambrose Chan, is the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Alset Intl. Mr. Chan is also the majority shareholder of Alset Intl as well as the largest shareholder of the Company. The fair value of the marketable security as of December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, was approximately $2,518,000 and $3,269,000 respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company recorded unrealized loss on this investment of approximately $750,000 and unrealized loss of $50,000, respectively.

On August 29, 2022, DSS Financial Management Inc and BMI Capital, Inc. (“BMIC”), a related party, entered into a promissory note (“Note 8”) in the principal sum of $100,000 with interest of 8%, is due in three quarterly installments beginning on September 14, 2022. All unpaid principal and interest is due on August 29, 2025. The outstanding principal and interest at December 31, 2024 approximated $86,000, and was fully reserved for as of December 31, 2024. At December 31, 2023, the balance approximated $100,000 of which $76,000 is included in the Current portion of notes receivable and $24,000 is included in the long-term portion of notes receivable. DSS owns 24.9% of the outstanding common shares of BMIC.

On May 8, 2023, DSS Financial Management Inc and BMIC entered into a promissory note (“Note 9”) in the principal sum of $102,000 with interest at the prime rate plus 2% (10.5% at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023) with a maturity date of May 7, 2026. The outstanding principal and interest at December 31, 2024 approximated $110,000, and was fully reserved for as of December 31, 2024. At December 31, 2023 approximates $107,000 with approximately $53,000 of principal and accrued interest classified as Current portion notes receivable, and the remaining balance of approximately $54,000 is recorded as notes receivable, on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. DSS owns 24.9% of the outstanding common shares of BMIC.

On July 26, 2022, APF and VEII, Inc. (“VEII”) entered into a promissory note (“Note 10”) in the principal sum of $1,000,000 with interest of 8% with all unpaid principal and interest due on July 26, 2024. This note was amended so that all unpaid principal and interest is due July 26, 2025. The outstanding principal and interest on September 30, 2024 approximates $959,000, and is included in notes receivable on the accompanying consolidate balance sheet. Approximately $480,000 of Note 10 was reserved for as of March 31, 2024. No additional reserve was deemed necessary as of December 31, 2024. The outstanding principal and interest on December 31, 2023, approximates $939,000, net of $20,000 of unamortized origination fees and is included in notes receivable on the accompanying consolidate balance sheet. Heng Fai Ambrose Chan, the Chairman of DSS, Inc is also the on the board of directors of VEII.

On October 13, 2021, LVAM entered into loan agreement with BMIC (“BMIC Loan”), a related party, whereas LVAM borrowed the principal amount of $3,000,000, with interest to be charged at a variable rate to be adjusted at the maturity date. The BMIC Loan matures on October 12, 2022, and contains an auto renewal period of three months. As of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, $463,000 and $547,000, respectively, are included in Current portion of long-term debt, net on the consolidated balance sheet.

On October 13, 2021, LVAM entered into a loan agreement with Lee Wilson Tsz Kin (“Wilson Loan”), a related party, whereas LVAM borrowed the principal amount of $3,000,000, with interest to be charged at a variable rate to be calculated at the maturity date. The Wilson Loan matures on October 12, 2022, and contains an auto renewal period of nine months. This loan was funded during March 2022. As of December 31, 2024 $145,000 is included in the Current portion of long-term debt, net on the consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2023 $2,131,000 is included in the Current portion of long-term debt, net on the consolidated balance sheet.

On December 10, 2024, DSS entered into a securities purchase agreement with Alset Inc., a related party, pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell and issue in a private placement an aggregate of 820,597 shares of the Company’s common stock for approximately $803,000.

On December 10, 2024, DSS entered into a securities purchase agreement with Heng Fai Ambrose Chan, the Chaiman of the Board of Directors and a related party, pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell and issue in a private placement an aggregate of 205,149 shares of the Company’s common stock for approximately $197,000.

23. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Company has evaluated all subsequent events and transactions through March 31, 2025, the date that the consolidated financial statements were available to be issued and have identified the below transactions:

On December 27, 2024, True Partner International Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of DSS Financial Management, Inc. entered into a share subscription agreement, in which they invested approximately $1,000,000 in True Partner Capital Holding Limited in exchange for 19,500,000 shares. This transaction was concluded in February 2025.

On February 6, 2025, as a bonus for compensation awarded to Heng Fai Holdings Limited (“HFHL”), a Hong Kong Company, which is beneficially owned by Mr. Heng Fai Ambrose Chan, Director of DSS, Inc., and pursuant to DSS, Inc’s. 2020 Employee, Director and Consultant Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), HFHL was awarded 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock under the Plan, for services rendered. The issuance was approved by the board of directors on January 31, 2025.

On March 21, 2025, the Company via its subsidiaries DSS Blockchain Security, DSS BioHealth Security and DSS Securities, each sold 499,800 shares of Impact BioMedical for net proceeds of approximately $1,616,428. Further, on March 26, 2025, the Company sold an additional 122,285 shares of Impact BioMedical. The total grossed for these transactions was approximately $1,969,000.

The Company and its subsidiary Impact BioMedical have agreed to settle a portion of the outstanding indebtedness that Impact BioMedical owes to the Company under the Promissory Note in the amount of $8,697,142.80 through the issuance of 2,415,873 shares of the Company’s common stock, at a conversion ratio of $3.60 per share, which was equal to the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on March 24, 2025.

On March 27, 2025, the Company finalized the sale of its Plano, Tx. Facility for a gross sales price of $9,500,000.

ContentsView on SEC.gov

The text of this filing, as the company filed it with the SEC, without its images or exhibits. This is not investment advice.