Biggest changeThe extent to which COVID-19 will continue to impact our results will depend on future developments related to the virus and its spread, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including new information which may emerge concerning the severity of the coronavirus and the actions to contain the coronavirus or treat its impact, among others; ● terrorist activities (including cyber-attacks) impacting either domestic or international travel through airports where we operate, causing fear of flying, flight cancellations, or an economic downturn, fears of war or actual conflicts, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, civil unrest, terrorism or violence or any other events of a similar nature, even if not directly affecting the airline industry, may lead to a significant reduction in the number of airline passengers; ● a decrease in business spending that impacts business travel, such as a recession; ● a decrease in consumer spending that impacts leisure travel, such as a recession or a stock market downturn or a change in consumer lending regulations impacting available credit for leisure travel; ● an increase in airfare prices that impacts the willingness of air travelers to fly, such as an increase in oil prices or heightened taxation from federal or other aviation authorities; ● severe weather, ash clouds, airport closures, natural disasters, strikes or accidents (airplane or otherwise), causing travelers to decrease the amount that they fly and any of these events, or any other event of a similar nature, even if not directly affecting the airline industry, may lead to a significant reduction in the number of airline passengers; ● as to our spa business, scientific studies that malign the use of spa services or the products used in spa services, such as the impact of certain chemicals and procedures on health and wellness; or ● streamlined security screening checkpoints, which could decrease the wait time at checkpoints and therefore the time air travelers budget for spending time at the airport. 19 Table of Contents Further, any disruption to, or suspension of services provided by airlines and the travel industry as a result of financial difficulties, labor disputes, construction work, increased security, changes to regulations governing airlines, mergers and acquisitions in the airline industry, higher fuel prices and challenging economic conditions causing airlines to reduce flight schedules or increase the price of airline tickets could negatively affect the number of airline passengers.
Biggest changeSome reasons for these events could include: ● terrorist activities (including cyber-attacks) impacting either domestic or international travel through airports where we operate, causing fear of flying, flight cancellations, or an economic downturn, fears of war or actual conflicts, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the armed conflict between Israel and Palestine, civil unrest, terrorism or violence or any other events of a similar nature, even if not directly affecting the airline industry, may lead to a significant reduction in the number of airline passengers; ● a decrease in business spending that impacts business travel, such as a recession; 18 Table of Contents ● a decrease in consumer spending that impacts leisure travel, such as a recession or a stock market downturn or a change in consumer lending regulations impacting available credit for leisure travel; ● an increase in airfare prices that impacts the willingness of air travelers to fly, such as an increase in oil prices or heightened taxation from federal or other aviation authorities; ● severe weather, ash clouds, airport closures, natural disasters, strikes or accidents (airplane or otherwise), causing travelers to decrease the amount that they fly and any of these events, or any other event of a similar nature, even if not directly affecting the airline industry, may lead to a significant reduction in the number of airline passengers; ● as to our spa business, scientific studies that malign the use of spa services or the products used in spa services, such as the impact of certain chemicals and procedures on health and wellness; or ● streamlined security screening checkpoints, which could decrease the wait time at checkpoints and therefore the time air travelers budget for spending time at the airport. ● Customer preferences for services in general at the airport could change as dwell times in US airports continues to go down and more airports are focusing available concession space on quicker service food and beverage concepts.
These laws and regulations currently include, among other things: ● CLIA, which requires that laboratories obtain certification from the federal government, and state licensure laws; ● FDA laws and regulations; ● HIPAA, which imposes comprehensive federal standards with respect to the privacy and security of protected health information and requirements for the use of certain standardized electronic transactions, and amendments to HIPAA under the HITECH, which strengthen and expand HIPAA privacy and security compliance requirements, increase penalties for violators, extend enforcement authority to state attorneys general and impose requirements for breach notification; ● state laws regulating genetic testing and protecting the privacy of genetic test results, as well as state laws protecting the privacy and security of health information and personal data and mandating reporting of breaches to affected individuals and state regulators; ● the federal anti-kickback law, or the Anti-Kickback Statute, which prohibits knowingly and willfully offering, paying, soliciting, receiving, or providing remuneration, directly or indirectly, in exchange for or to induce either the referral of an individual, or the furnishing, arranging for, or recommending of an item or service that is reimbursable, in whole or in part, by a federal healthcare program; ● other federal and state fraud and abuse laws, such as anti-kickback laws, prohibitions on self-referral, and false claims acts, which may extend to services reimbursable by any third-party payor, including private insurers; ● the federal Physician Payments Sunshine Act, which requires medical device manufactures to track and report to the federal government certain payments and other transfers of value made to physicians and teaching hospitals and ownership or investment interests held by physicians and their immediate family members; 15 Table of Contents ● Section 216 of the federal Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014, which requires applicable laboratories to report private payor data in a timely and accurate manner beginning in 2017 and every three years thereafter (and in some cases annually); ● state laws that impose reporting and other compliance-related requirements; ● state billing laws, including regulations on “pass through billing” which may limit our ability to submit claims for payment and/or mark up the cost of services in excess of the price paid for such services, and “direct-bill” laws which may limit our ability to purchase services from a laboratory and bill for the services ordered; and ● similar foreign laws and regulations that apply to us in the countries in which we operate.
These laws and regulations currently include, among other things: ● CLIA, which requires that laboratories obtain certification from the federal government, and state licensure laws; ● FDA laws and regulations; ● HIPAA, which imposes comprehensive federal standards with respect to the privacy and security of protected health information and requirements for the use of certain standardized electronic transactions, and amendments to HIPAA under the HITECH, which strengthen and expand HIPAA privacy and security compliance requirements, increase penalties for violators, extend enforcement authority to state attorneys general and impose requirements for breach notification; ● state laws regulating genetic testing and protecting the privacy of genetic test results, as well as state laws protecting the privacy and security of health information and personal data and mandating reporting of breaches to affected individuals and state regulators; ● the federal anti-kickback law, or the Anti-Kickback Statute, which prohibits knowingly and willfully offering, paying, soliciting, receiving, or providing remuneration, directly or indirectly, in exchange for or to induce either the referral of an individual, or the furnishing, arranging for, or recommending of an item or service that is reimbursable, in whole or in part, by a federal healthcare program; ● other federal and state fraud and abuse laws, such as anti-kickback laws, prohibitions on self-referral, and false claims acts, which may extend to services reimbursable by any third-party payor, including private insurers; ● the federal Physician Payments Sunshine Act, which requires medical device manufactures to track and report to the federal government certain payments and other transfers of value made to physicians and teaching hospitals and ownership or investment interests held by physicians and their immediate family members; ● Section 216 of the federal Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014, which requires applicable laboratories to report private payor data in a timely and accurate manner beginning in 2017 and every three years thereafter (and in some cases annually); ● state laws that impose reporting and other compliance-related requirements; 15 Table of Contents ● state billing laws, including regulations on “pass through billing” which may limit our ability to submit claims for payment and/or mark up the cost of services in excess of the price paid for such services, and “direct bill” laws which may limit our ability to purchase services from a laboratory and bill for the services ordered; and ● similar foreign laws and regulations that apply to us in the countries in which we operate.
We also are required to collect and maintain personal information about our employees as well as receive and transfer certain payment information, to accept payments from our customers, including credit card information.
We are also required to collect and maintain personal information about our employees as well as receive and transfer certain payment information, to accept payments from our customers, including credit card information.
A decrease in the number of flights and resulting decrease in airline passengers could result in fewer sales, which could lower our profitability and negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
A decrease in the number of flights and a resulting decrease in airline passengers could result in fewer sales, which could lower our profitability and negatively impact our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
The techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service, or sabotage systems change frequently and are often difficult to detect for long periods of time, which may cause a breach to go undetected for an extensive period of time. Advances in computer and software capabilities, new tools, and other developments may increase the risk of such a breach.
The techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable, or degrade service, or sabotage systems change frequently and are often difficult to detect for long periods of time, which may cause a breach to go undetected for an extensive period. Advances in computer and software capabilities, new tools, and other developments may increase the risk of such a breach.
XWELL to date has not been named as a defendant in any product liability action. We and our subsidiaries have been, are, and may again become involved in litigation that could divert management’s attention and harm our businesses. Litigation often is expensive and diverts management’s attention and resources, which could adversely affect our businesses.
XWELL to date has not been named as a defendant in any product liability action. We and our subsidiaries have been, are, and may again become involved in litigation that could divert management’s attention and harm our businesses. Litigation is often expensive and diverts management’s attention and resources, which could adversely affect our businesses.
Accordingly, our investors may have to sell some or all of their common stock in order to generate cash from their investment. You may not receive a gain on your investment when you sell our common stock and may lose the entire amount of your investment.
Accordingly, our investors may have to sell some or all their common stock in order to generate cash from their investment. You may not receive a gain on your investment when you sell our common stock and may lose the entire amount of your investment.
Failure to comply with the laws and regulatory requirements of governmental authorities could result in, among other things, revocation of required licenses, administrative enforcement actions, fines and civil and criminal liability. In addition, certain laws may require us to expend significant funds to make modifications to our concessions in order to comply with applicable standards.
Failure to comply with the laws and regulatory requirements of governmental authorities could result in, among other things, revocation of required licenses, administrative enforcement actions, fines, and civil and criminal liability. In addition, certain laws may require us to expend significant funds to make modifications to our concessions to comply with applicable standards.
We rely on a limited number of distributors and suppliers for certain of our products, and events outside our control may disrupt our supply chain, which could result in an inability to perform our obligations under our concession agreements and ultimately cause us to lose our concessions. We rely on a small number of suppliers for our products.
We rely on a limited number of distributors and suppliers for certain of our products, and events outside our control may disrupt our supply chain, which could result in an inability to perform our obligations under our concession agreements and cause us to lose our concessions. We rely on a small number of suppliers for our products.
The HIPAA security regulations establish administrative, physical, and technical standards for maintaining the integrity and availability of PHI in electronic form. These standards apply to covered healthcare providers and also to “business associates” or third parties providing services involving the use or disclosure of PHI.
The HIPAA security regulations establish administrative, physical, and technical standards for maintaining the integrity and availability of PHI in electronic form. These standards apply to covered healthcare providers and to “business associates” or third parties providing services involving the use or disclosure of PHI.
We may face substantial product liability exposure for products we sell to the general public or that we use in our services. Product liability claims, regardless of their merits, could be costly and divert management’s attention, and adversely affect our reputation and the demand for our products and services.
We may face substantial product liability exposure for products we sell to the public or that we use in our services. Product liability claims, regardless of their merits, could be costly and divert management’s attention, and adversely affect our reputation and the demand for our products and services.
Such events could cause turnover to fall or costs to increase, adversely affecting our business, financial condition and results of operations. In particular, we have publicized our sale of certain brands of products in our stores – our failure to sell these brands may adversely affect our business.
Such events could cause turnover to fall or costs to increase, adversely affecting our business, financial condition, and results of operations. We have publicized our sale of certain brands of products in our stores – our failure to sell these brands may adversely affect our business.
If we are unable to obtain additional funding on a timely basis, we may be required to curtail or terminate some or all of our business plans. Any such financing that we undertake will likely be dilutive to our current stockholders.
If we are unable to obtain additional funding on a timely basis, we may be required to curtail or terminate some or all our business plans. Any such financing that we undertake will likely be dilutive to our current stockholders.
If we fail to comply with the complex federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations that apply to all of our businesses, we could suffer severe consequences that could materially and adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.
If we fail to comply with the complex federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations that apply to all our businesses, we could suffer severe consequences that could materially and adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.
As a result, any such claim could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Any future acquisitions or business opportunities, could involve unknown risks that could harm our business and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
As a result, any such claim could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Any future acquisitions or business opportunities could involve unknown risks that could harm our business and adversely affect our financial condition and the results of operations.
In addition, contractors, or third parties with whom we do business or to whom we outsource business operations may attempt to circumvent its security measures in order to misappropriate such information and may purposefully or inadvertently cause a breach involving such information.
In addition, contractors, or third parties with whom we do business or to whom we outsource business operations may attempt to circumvent its security measures to misappropriate such information and may purposefully or inadvertently cause a breach involving such information.
We are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”), which prohibits certain “business combination” transactions (as defined in Section 203) with an “interested stockholder” (defined in Section 203 as a 15% or greater stockholder) for a period of three years after a stockholder becomes an “interested stockholder,” unless the attaining of “interested stockholder” status or the transaction is pre-approved by our Board of Directors, the transaction results in the attainment of at least an 85% ownership level by an acquirer or the transaction is later approved by our Board of Directors and by our stockholders by at least a 66 2 / 3 percent vote of our stockholders other than the “interested stockholder,” each as specifically provided in Section 203.
We are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”), which prohibits certain “business combination” transactions (as defined in Section 203) with an “interested stockholder” (defined in Section 203 as a 15% or greater stockholder) for a period of three years after a stockholder 29 Table of Contents becomes an “interested stockholder,” unless the attaining of “interested stockholder” status or the transaction is pre-approved by our Board of Directors, the transaction results in the attainment of at least an 85% ownership level by an acquirer or the transaction is later approved by our Board of Directors and by our stockholders by at least a 66 2 / 3 percent vote of our stockholders other than the “interested stockholder,” each as specifically provided in Section 203.
Such occurrences, regardless of their outcome, could damage our reputation and adversely affect important business relationships with third parties, including managed care organizations, and other private third-party payors. Changes in the way that the FDA regulates COVID-19 tests could result in the additional expense in XpresCheck offering tests and would affect the profitability of our XpresCheck business.
Such occurrences, regardless of their outcome, could damage our reputation and adversely affect important business relationships with third parties, including managed care organizations, and other private third-party payors. Changes in the way that the FDA regulates COVID-19 tests could result in additional expense in XpresTest offering tests and would affect the profitability of our XpresTest business.
If they fail to comply with applicable laws or regulations, they could be required to pay penalties or be held liable for any damages that result and this liability could exceed their financial resources. Further, future changes to environmental health and safety laws could cause them to incur additional expense or restrict operations.
If they fail to comply with applicable laws or regulations, they could be required to pay penalties or be held liable for any damages that result and this liability could exceed their financial resources. Further, future changes to environmental health and safety laws could cause them to incur additional expenses or restrict operations.
If we are unable to find and/or partner with an appropriate ACDBE, we may lose opportunities to open new locations. In addition, a number of our existing leases contain minimum ACDBE participation requirements which require the ACDBE to own a significant portion of the business being operated under those leases.
If we are unable to find and/or partner with an appropriate ACDBE, we may lose opportunities to open new locations. In addition, several of our existing leases contain minimum ACDBE participation requirements which require the ACDBE to own a significant portion of the business being operated under those leases.
Inflation and some of the measures taken by or that may be taken by the governments in countries where we operate in an attempt to curb inflation may have negative effects on the economies of those countries generally. If the United States or other countries where we operate experience substantial inflation in the future, our business may be adversely affected.
Inflation and some of the measures taken by or that may be taken by the governments in countries where we operate to curb inflation may have negative effects on the economies of those countries generally. If the United States or other countries where we operate experience substantial inflation in the future, our business may be adversely affected.
Our operating results may fluctuate from period to period significantly because of numerous factors, including: ● the timing and size of new unit openings, particularly the launch of new terminals; ● passenger traffic and seasonality of air travel; ● changes in the price and availability of supplies; ● macroeconomic conditions, nationally locally and internationally; ● changes in consumer preferences and competitive conditions; ● expansion to new markets and new locations; and 20 Table of Contents ● increases in infrastructure costs, including those costs associated with the build-out of new concession locations and renovating existing concession locations.
Our operating results may fluctuate from period to period significantly because of numerous factors, including: ● the timing and size of new unit openings, particularly the launch of new terminals; ● passenger traffic and seasonality of air travel; ● changes in the price and availability of supplies; ● macroeconomic conditions, nationally locally and internationally; ● changes in consumer preferences and competitive conditions; ● expansion to new markets and new locations; and ● increases in infrastructure costs, including those costs associated with the build-out of new concession locations and renovating existing concession locations.
Operations in new markets may also have lower average revenues or enplanements than in the markets where we currently operates. Operations in new markets may also take longer to ramp up and reach expected sales and profit levels, and may never do so, thereby negatively affecting our results of operations.
Operations in new markets may also have lower average revenues or enplanements than in the markets where we currently operate. Operations in new markets may also take longer to ramp up and reach expected sales and profit levels, and may never do so, thereby negatively affecting our results of operations.
We must comply with all applicable privacy and data security laws in order to operate our business and may be required to expend significant capital and other resources to ensure ongoing compliance, to protect against security breaches and hackers or to alleviate problems caused by such breaches.
We must comply with all applicable privacy and data security laws to operate our business and may be required to expend significant capital and other resources to ensure ongoing compliance, to protect against security breaches and hackers or to alleviate problems caused by such breaches.
Currently, the majority of our concession agreements provide for a MAG that is either a fixed dollar amount or an amount that is variable based upon the number of travelers using the airport or other location, retail space used, estimated sales, past results or other metrics.
Currently, most of our concession agreements provide for a MAG that is either a fixed dollar amount or an amount that is variable based upon the number of travelers using the airport or other location, retail space used, estimated sales, past results, or other metrics.
As a result, economic downturns may have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, uncertainty about global economic conditions poses a risk as businesses and individuals may postpone spending in response to tighter credit, negative financial news and declines in income or asset values.
As a result, economic downturns may have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Moreover, uncertainty about global economic conditions poses 12 Table of Contents a risk as businesses and individuals may postpone spending in response to tighter credit, negative financial news and declines in income or asset values.
In connection with all of the foregoing, we will require significant capital to fund our operations and respond to potential strategic opportunities, such as investments, acquisitions and expansions. 13 Table of Contents Since mid-2020, we have been able to obtain additional capital through access to the equity markets, selling our common stock and warrants.
In connection with all of the foregoing, we will require significant capital to fund our operations and respond to potential strategic opportunities, such as investments, acquisitions and expansions. Since mid-2020, we have been able to obtain additional capital through access to the equity markets, selling our common stock and warrants.
If we seek to implement a reverse stock split in order to remain listed on Nasdaq, the announcement and/or implementation of a reverse stock split could significantly negatively affect the price of our common stock.
If in the future we seek to implement a reverse stock split to remain listed on Nasdaq, the announcement and/or implementation of a reverse stock split could significantly negatively affect the price of our common stock.
If we are unable to identify and open new locations in accordance with its operating plan, our revenue growth rate and financial performance may fall short of our expectations. Our profitability relating to our operations depends on the number of airline passengers in the terminals in which we have concessions.
If we are unable to identify and open new locations in accordance with its operating plan, our revenue growth rate and financial performance may fall short of our expectations. 20 Table of Contents Our profitability relating to our operations depends on the number of airline passengers in the terminals in which we have concessions.
Our business plan depends significantly on worldwide economic conditions and our success is dependent on consumer spending, which is sensitive to economic downturns; inflation and any associated rise in unemployment; declines in consumer confidence; adverse changes in exchange rates; increases in interest rates; the impact of high energy, fuel, food and healthcare costs; , deflation, direct or indirect taxes, increases in consumer debt levels; fears of war or actual conflicts, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, civil unrest, terrorism or violence; and increased stock market volatility.
Our business plan depends significantly on worldwide economic conditions and our success is dependent on consumer spending, which is sensitive to economic downturns; inflation and any associated rise in unemployment; declines in consumer confidence; adverse changes in exchange rates; increases in interest rates; the impact of high energy, fuel, food and healthcare costs; , deflation, direct or indirect taxes, increases in consumer debt levels; fears of war or actual conflicts, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the armed conflict between Israel and Palestine, civil unrest, terrorism or violence; and increased stock market volatility.
To the extent that our leases are terminated and we are required to shut down one or more store locations, there could be a material adverse impact to our business and results of operations. Continued minimum wage increases could negatively impact our cost of labor.
To the extent that our leases are terminated, and we are required to shut down one or more store locations, there could be a material adverse impact to our business and results of operations. 24 Table of Contents Continued minimum wage increases could negatively impact our cost of labor.
Given the complexity of HIPAA and HITECH and their overlap with state privacy and security laws, and the fact that these laws are rapidly evolving and are subject to changing and potentially conflicting interpretation, our ability to comply with the HIPAA, HITECH and state privacy requirements is uncertain and the costs of compliance are significant.
Given the complexity of HIPAA and HITECH and their overlap with state privacy and security laws, and the fact that these laws are rapidly evolving and are subject to changing and potentially conflicting interpretation, our ability to comply with the HIPAA, 17 Table of Contents HITECH and state privacy requirements is uncertain and the costs of compliance are significant.
These issues can also arise as a result from failures by third parties with whom we do business and for which we have limited control. Any disruption or failure of our IT systems could have a material impact on our ability to serve our customers and patients, including negatively affecting our reputation in the marketplace.
These issues can also arise because of failures by third parties with whom we do business and for which we have limited control. Any disruption or failure of our IT systems could have a material impact on our ability to serve our customers and patients, including negatively affecting our reputation in the marketplace.
Although this section discusses all of the material risks currently known to us, additional risks and 9 Table of Contents uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial also may materially affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Although this section discusses all of the material risks currently known to us, additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial also may materially affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Moreover, our ability to raise additional equity capital will be constrained because of our relatively low stock price, and we may need to undertake a reverse stock split in the near future to maintain our Nasdaq listing and flexibility in access to the equity capital markets.
Moreover, our ability to raise additional equity capital will be constrained because of our relatively low stock price, and we may need to undertake a reverse stock split soon to maintain our Nasdaq listing and flexibility in access to the equity capital markets.
Department of Health and Human Services has issued regulations which establish uniform standards governing the conduct of certain electronic healthcare 17 Table of Contents transactions and protecting the privacy and security of PHI used or disclosed by healthcare providers and other covered entities.
Department of Health and Human Services has issued regulations which establish uniform standards governing the conduct of certain electronic healthcare transactions and protecting the privacy and security of PHI used or disclosed by healthcare providers and other covered entities.
An increase in the minimum wage could increase our cost of labor and have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. 25 Table of Contents Information technology systems failure or disruption, or changes to information technology related to payment systems, could impact our day-to-day operations.
An increase in the minimum wage could increase our cost of labor and have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Information technology systems failure or disruption, or changes to information technology related to payment systems, could impact our day-to-day operations.
If we do not use or adequately safeguard that information in compliance with applicable requirements under federal, state and international laws, or if it were disclosed to persons or entities that should not have access to it, our business could be materially impaired, our reputation could suffer and we could be subject to fines, penalties and litigation.
If we do not use or adequately safeguard that information in compliance with applicable requirements under federal, state, and 16 Table of Contents international laws, or if it were disclosed to persons or entities that should not have access to it, our business could be materially impaired, our reputation could suffer, and we could be subject to fines, penalties, and litigation.
We must comply with complex and overlapping laws protecting the privacy and security of health information and personal data. There are a number of state, federal and international laws protecting the privacy and security of health information and personal data. Under the administrative simplification provisions of HIPAA, the U.S.
We must comply with complex and overlapping laws protecting the privacy and security of health information and personal data. There are several state, federal and international laws protecting the privacy and security of health information and personal data. Under the administrative simplification provisions of HIPAA, the U.S.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS Our business, financial condition, results of operations and the trading price of our common stock could be materially adversely affected by any of the following risks as well as the other risks highlighted elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Our business, financial condition, results of operations and the trading price of our common stock could be materially adversely affected by any of the following risks as well as the other risks highlighted elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Our XpresCheck operations are subject to extensive federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations, all of which are subject to change.
Our XpresTest operations are subject to extensive federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations, all of which are subject to change.
Our local partners, including our ACDBE partners, maintain ownership interests in certain of our locations. Our participation in these operating entities differs from market to market. While the precise terms of each relationship vary, our local partners may have control over certain portions of the operations of these concessions.
We are dependent on our local partners. Our local partners, including our ACDBE partners, maintain ownership interests in certain of our locations. Our participation in these operating entities differs from market to market. While the precise terms of each relationship vary, our local partners may have control over certain portions of the operations of these concessions.
Further, damage or disruption to our supply chain due to any of the following could impair our ability to sell our products: adverse weather conditions or natural disaster, government action, fire, terrorism, cyber-attacks, the outbreak or escalation of armed hostilities (such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine), pandemics, industrial accidents or other occupational health and safety issues, strikes and other labor disputes, customs or import restrictions or other reasons beyond our control or the control of our suppliers and business partners.
Further, damage or disruption to our supply chain due to any of the following could impair our ability to sell our products: adverse weather conditions or natural disaster, government action, fire, terrorism, cyber-attacks, the outbreak or escalation of armed hostilities (such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the armed conflict between Israel and Palestine), pandemics, industrial accidents or other occupational health and safety issues, strikes and other labor disputes, customs or 19 Table of Contents import restrictions or other reasons beyond our control or the control of our suppliers and business partners.
We believe that various factors may cause the market price of our common stock to fluctuate, perhaps substantially, including, among others, the following: ● additions to or departures of our key personnel, or our overall ability to retain key personnel; ● announcements of innovations by us or our competitors; ● announcements by us or our competitors of significant contracts, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, capital commitments, or new technologies; ● new regulatory pronouncements and changes in regulatory guidelines; ● developments or disputes concerning interllectual property rights generally; ● lawsuits, claims, and investigations that may be filed against us, and other events that may adversely affect our reputation; ● changes in financial estimates or recommendations by securities analysts; ● general and industry-specific economic conditions; ● our ability to develop and introduce new products and services; ● our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations and business plan and the effects that such financing mau have on the value of the equity instruments held by our stockholders; ● our ability to hire a skilled labor force and the costs associated; ● our ability to secure new retail locations, maintain existing ones, and ensure continued customer traffic at those locations; ● the loss of one or more of our significant suppliers; ● unexpected trends in the health and wellness and travel industries and potential technology and service obsolescence; and ● market acceptance, quality, pricing, availability and useful life of our products and/or services, as well as the mix of our products and services sold. 29 Table of Contents We have no current plans to pay dividends on our common stock, and our investors may not receive funds without selling their stock.
We believe that various factors may cause the market price of our common stock to fluctuate, perhaps substantially, including, among others, the following: ● additions to or departures of our key personnel, or our overall ability to retain key personnel; 27 Table of Contents ● announcements of innovations by us or our competitors; ● announcements by us or our competitors of significant contracts, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, capital commitments, or new technologies; ● new regulatory pronouncements and changes in regulatory guidelines; ● developments or disputes concerning intellectual property rights generally; ● lawsuits, claims, and investigations that may be filed against us, and other events that may adversely affect our reputation; ● changes in financial estimates or recommendations by securities analysts; ● general and industry-specific economic conditions; ● our ability to develop and introduce new products and services; ● our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations and business plan and the effects that such financing may have on the value of the equity instruments held by our stockholders; ● our ability to hire a skilled labor force and the costs associated; ● our ability to secure new retail locations, maintain existing ones, and ensure continued customer traffic at those locations; ● the loss of one or more of our significant suppliers; ● unexpected trends in the health and wellness and travel industries and potential technology and service obsolescence; and ● market acceptance, quality, pricing, availability, and useful life of our products and/or services, as well as the mix of our products and services sold.
In the event of a breach of unsecured PHI, a covered entity must notify each individual whose PHI is breached, federal regulators and in some cases, must publicize the breach in local or national media.
In the event of a breach of unsecured PHI, a covered entity must notify everyone whose PHI is breached, federal regulators and in some cases, must publicize the breach in local or national media.
It is possible that a terminal in which we operate could become subject to a lower volume of air travelers, which would significantly impact traffic near and around our locations and therefore its total addressable market.
We depend on a high volume of air travelers in its terminals. It is possible that a terminal in which we operate could become subject to a lower volume of air travelers, which would significantly impact traffic near and around our locations and therefore its total addressable market.
Breaches of health information and/or personal data may be extremely expensive to remediate, may prompt federal or state investigation, fines, civil and/or criminal sanctions and significant reputational damage. Our capital expenditures in the Treat locations may not generate a positive return and we will incur significant additional costs. Our capital expenditures may not generate a positive return.
Breaches of health information and/or personal data may be extremely expensive to remediate, may prompt federal or state investigation, fines, civil and/or criminal sanctions, and significant reputational damage. Our capital expenditures in the new TreatStudios and Naples Wax locations may not generate a positive return and we will incur significant additional costs.
Compliance with any new or existing laws or regulations could be difficult and expensive, affect the manner in which we conduct our business and negatively impact our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. 27 Table of Contents Our failure or inability to protect the trademarks or other proprietary rights we use or claims of infringement by us of rights of third parties, could adversely affect our competitive position or the value of our brands.
Compliance with any new or existing laws or regulations could be difficult and expensive, affect the way we conduct our business and negatively impact our business, prospects, financial condition, and results of operations. 26 Table of Contents Our failure or inability to protect the trademarks or other proprietary rights we use or claims of infringement by us of rights of third parties, could adversely affect our competitive position or the value of our brands.
In particular, new concessions and acquisitions, our recent acquisition of HyperPointe, and in some cases future expansions and remodeling of existing concessions, could pose numerous risks to our operations, including that we may: ● have difficulty integrating operations or personnel; for example, HyperPointe has a number of contractual arrangements with pharmaceutical companies; however, we historically do not have experience in that business line.; ● incur substantial unanticipated integration costs; ● experience unexpected construction and development costs and project delays; ● face difficulties associated with securing required governmental approvals, permits and licenses (including construction permits) in a timely manner and responding effectively to any changes in federal, state or local laws and regulations that adversely affect our costs or ability to open new concessions; ● have challenges identifying and engaging local business partners to meet ACDBE requirements in concession agreements; ● not be able to obtain construction materials or labor at acceptable costs; ● face engineering or environmental problems associated with our new and existing facilities; ● experience significant diversion of management attention and financial resources from our existing operations in order to integrate expanded, new or acquired businesses, which could disrupt our ongoing business; ● lose key employees, particularly with respect to acquired or new operations; ● have difficulty retaining or developing acquired or new business customers; ● impair our existing business relationships with suppliers or other third parties as a result of acquisitions; 22 Table of Contents ● fail to realize the potential cost savings or other financial benefits and/or the strategic benefits of acquisitions, new concessions or remodeling; and ● incur liabilities from the acquired businesses and we may not be successful in seeking indemnification for such liabilities.
New concessions and acquisitions, and in some cases future expansions and remodeling of existing concessions, could pose numerous risks to our operations, including that we may: ● have difficulty integrating operations or personnel; ● incur substantial unanticipated integration costs; ● experience unexpected construction and development costs and project delays; ● face difficulties associated with securing required governmental approvals, permits and licenses (including construction permits) in a timely manner and responding effectively to any changes in federal, state or local laws and regulations that adversely affect our costs or ability to open new concessions; 21 Table of Contents ● have challenges identifying and engaging local business partners to meet ACDBE requirements in concession agreements; ● not be able to obtain construction materials or labor at acceptable costs; ● face engineering or environmental problems associated with our new and existing facilities; ● experience significant diversion of management attention and financial resources from our existing operations in order to integrate expanded, new or acquired businesses, which could disrupt our ongoing business; ● lose key employees, particularly with respect to acquired or new operations; ● have difficulty retaining or developing acquired or new business customers; ● impair our existing business relationships with suppliers or other third parties as a result of acquisitions; ● fail to realize the potential cost savings or other financial benefits and/or the strategic benefits of acquisitions, new concessions, or remodeling; and ● incur liabilities from the acquired businesses and we may not be successful in seeking indemnification for such liabilities.
While we expect to maintain broad form liability insurance coverage for these risks, and we expect our professional practice partner to maintain appropriate malpractice insurance, the level or breadth of our or their coverage may not be adequate to fully cover potential liability claims to which we might be exposed.
While we expect to maintain broad form liability insurance coverage for these risks, and we expect our professional practice partner to maintain appropriate malpractice insurance, the level or breadth of our or their coverage may not be adequate to fully cover potential liability claims to which we might be exposed. 14 Table of Contents U.S.
Although we carry cyber liability insurance to protect against these risks, there can be no assurance that such insurance will provide adequate levels of coverage against all potential claims. 26 Table of Contents Negative social media regarding XWELL, XpresSpa, Treat, XpresCheck or Hyperpointe could result in decreased revenues and impact our ability to recruit workers.
Although we 25 Table of Contents carry cyber liability insurance to protect against these risks, there can be no assurance that such insurance will provide adequate levels of coverage against all potential claims. Negative social media regarding XWELL, XpresSpa, Treat, XpresTest, Naples Wax Center, TreatStudios or HyperPointe could result in decreased revenues and impact our ability to recruit workers.
Our failure to meet the continued listing requirements of The Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”) could result in a delisting of our common stock.
Our failure to meet the continued listing requirements of Nasdaq could result in a delisting of our common stock.
Lower volume in a terminal could be caused by: ● terminal construction that results in the temporary or permanent closure of a unit, or adversely impacts the volume or pattern of traffic flows within an airport; ● an airline utilizing an airport in which we operate could abandon that airport or an individual terminal in favor of other airports or terminals, or because it is contracting operations; or ● adverse weather conditions could cause damage to the terminal or airport in which we operate, resulting in the temporary or permanent closure of a unit. 24 Table of Contents We are dependent on our local partners.
Lower volume in a terminal could be caused by: ● terminal construction that results in the temporary or permanent closure of a unit, or adversely impacts the volume or pattern of traffic flows within an airport; ● an airline utilizing an airport in which we operate could abandon that airport or an individual terminal in favor of other airports or terminals, or because it is contracting operations; or ● adverse weather conditions could cause damage to the terminal or airport in which we operate, resulting in the temporary or permanent closure of a unit.
If a person is able to circumvent our security measures or those of third parties, he or she could destroy or steal valuable information or disrupt our operations.
If a person can circumvent our security measures or those of third parties, he or she could destroy or steal valuable information or disrupt our operations.
Our ability to utilize our NOLs may be limited under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. The limitations apply if an ownership change, 12 Table of Contents as defined by Section 382, occurs.
Our ability to utilize our NOLs may be limited under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code (“Section 382”). The limitations apply if an ownership change, as defined by Section 382, occurs.
Our operating results may fluctuate significantly as a result of the factors discussed above. Accordingly, results for any period are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any other period or for any year. Our expansion into new airports or off-airport locations, and to the online marketplace, may present increased risks due to its unfamiliarity with those areas.
Our operating results may fluctuate significantly because of the factors discussed above. Accordingly, results for any period are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any other period or for any year. Our expansion into new airports or off-airport locations may present increased risks due to unfamiliarity with those areas.
As of December 31, 2022, our estimated aggregate total net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) were $150.9 million for U.S. federal purposes, expiring 20 years from the respective tax years to which they relate, and $75.0 million for U.S. federal purposes with an indefinite life due to new regulations in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
As of December 31, 2023, our estimated aggregate total net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) were $150,926 for U.S. federal purposes, expiring 20 years from the respective tax years to which they relate, and $97,968 for U.S. federal purposes with an indefinite life due to new regulations in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
The realization of any unknown risks could expose us to unanticipated costs and liabilities and prevent or limit us from realizing the projected benefits of the investments or acquisitions, which could adversely affect our financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, and trading price.
The realization of any unknown risks could expose us to unanticipated costs and liabilities and prevent or limit us from realizing the projected benefits of the investments or acquisitions, which could adversely affect our financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, and trading price. Risks associated with international operations could result in additional costs and inefficiencies.
We depend on third parties to provide services critical to our Treat business and our XpresCheck diagnostic testing and biosurveillance business, including supplies, ground and air transport of clinical and diagnostic testing supplies and specimens, research products, and people, among other services.
We depend on third parties to provide services critical to our XpresTest bio surveillance business, including supplies, ground and air transport of clinical and diagnostic testing supplies and specimens, research products, and people, among other services.
A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected and corrected on a timely basis.
A “material weakness” is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim consolidated financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
Such risks and uncertainties include the risk factors contained herein. If we fail to meet our projections and/or other financial guidance for any reason, our stock price could decline.
Such risks and uncertainties include the risk factors contained herein. If we fail to meet our projections and/or other financial guidance for any reason, our stock price could decline. ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS Not applicable.
Our leases may be terminated, either for convenience by the landlord or as a result of a XpresSpa or Treat default. We have store locations and kiosks in a number of airports in which the landlord, with prior written notice to us, can terminate our lease, including for convenience or as necessary for airport purposes or operations.
Our leases may be terminated, either for convenience by the landlord or because of a XpresSpa, Naples Wax or Treat default. We have stores and kiosks in several airports and off airport locations in which the landlord, with prior written notice to us, can terminate our lease, including for convenience or as necessary for operations.
We compete for new locations in airports and may not be able to secure new locations. We participate in the highly competitive and lucrative airport concessions industry, and as a result compete for retail leases with a variety of larger, better capitalized concessions companies as well as smaller, mid-tier and single unit operators.
We participate in the highly competitive and lucrative airport concessions industry, and as a result compete for retail leases with a variety of larger, better capitalized concessions companies as well as smaller, mid-tier and single unit operators.
As of March 24, 2023, we had approximately 382 full-time and 101 part-time employees in its locations. Excluding some dedicated retail staff, the majority of these employees are licensed to perform spa services, and hold such licenses as masseuses, nail technicians, and aestheticians.
As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately 266 full-time and 71 part-time employees in its locations. Excluding some dedicated retail staff, most of these employees are licensed to perform spa services, and hold such licenses as masseuses, nail technicians, and aestheticians.
In the event of a data security breach, we may be subject to notification obligations, litigation and governmental investigation or sanctions, and may suffer reputational damage, which could have an adverse impact on our business. For example, in 2021, there were two HIPAA breaches that were reported to the U.S.
In the event of a data security breach, we may be subject to notification obligations, litigation and governmental investigation or sanctions, and may suffer reputational damage, which could have an adverse impact on our business.
Compliance with such laws and regulations can be costly and can increase our exposure to litigation or governmental investigations or proceedings. Our labor force could unionize, putting upward pressure on labor costs.
Compliance with such laws and regulations can be costly and can increase our exposure to litigation or governmental investigations or proceedings. Our labor force could unionize, putting upward pressure on labor costs. Major players in labor organizations could target our locations for its unionization efforts.
We will also need to assess and mitigate the risk of any new locations, to open the location on favorable terms and to successfully integrate their operations with ours.
Our growth strategy is dependent in part on our ability to successfully identify and open new locations. We will need to assess and mitigate the risk of any new locations, to open the location on favorable terms and to successfully integrate their operations with ours.
These factors could contribute to lower prices and larger spreads in the bid and ask prices for our common stock. Delisting of our common stock also would likely have a negative effect on the price of our common stock and would impair your ability to sell or purchase our common stock when you wish to do so.
The delisting of our common stock also would likely have a negative effect on the price of our common stock and would impair your ability to sell or purchase our common stock when you wish to do so.
In the event 23 Table of Contents of the successful unionization of all of our labor force, we would likely incur additional costs in the form of higher wages, more benefits such as vacation and sick leave, and potentially also higher health care insurance costs.
In the event of the successful unionization of all our labor force, we would likely incur additional costs in the form of higher wages, more benefits such as vacation and sick leave, and potentially also higher health care insurance costs. We compete for new locations in airports and may not be able to secure new locations.
Additionally, our leases have numerous provisions governing the operation of our stores. Violation of one or more of these provisions, even unintentionally, may result in the landlord finding that we are in default of the lease. Violation of lease provisions may result in fines and, in some cases, termination of a lease.
If a landlord elects to terminate a lease, we may have to shut down one or more affected locations. Additionally, our leases have numerous provisions governing the operation of our stores. Violation of one or more of these provisions, even unintentionally, may result in the landlord finding that we are in default of the lease.
Under Section 12b-2 of the Exchange Act, a “smaller reporting company” is a company that is not an investment company, an asset-backed issuer, or a majority-owned subsidiary of a parent company that is not a smaller reporting company, and has a public float of less than $250 million and annual revenues of less than $100 million during the most recently completed fiscal year.
Under Section 12b-2 of the Exchange Act, a “smaller reporting company” is a company that is not an investment company, an asset-backed issuer, or a majority-owned subsidiary of a parent company that is not a smaller reporting company, and (i) has a public float of less than $250 million as measured on the last business day of our second fiscal quarter, or (ii) has annual revenues of less than $100 million during the most recently completed fiscal year and whose value of common stock held by non-affiliates is less than $700 million as measured on the last business day of the second fiscal quarter.
Significant capital expenditures will be required to construct new Treat wellness centers or renovate our existing spa facilities to accommodate our proposed new business model. No assurance can be given that our future capital expenditures will generate a positive return or that we will have adequate 18 Table of Contents capital available to finance such construction or renovations.
Our capital expenditures may not generate a positive return. Significant capital expenditures will be required to construct new TreatStudios and Naples Wax centers to accommodate our proposed new business model. No assurance can be given that our future capital expenditures will generate a positive return or that we will have adequate capital available to finance such construction or renovations.
We currently intend to retain any additional future earnings to finance our operations and growth and, therefore, we have no plans to pay cash dividends on our common stock at this time.
Investors seeking cash dividends should not invest in our common stock for that purpose. We currently intend to retain any additional future earnings to finance our operations and growth and, therefore, we have no plans to pay cash dividends on our common stock currently.
Until the FDA finalizes its regulatory position regarding LDTs, or other legislation is passed reforming the federal government’s regulation of LDTs, it is unknown how the FDA may regulate tests we use in the future and what testing and data may be required to support any required clearance or approval. 16 Table of Contents We depend on third parties to provide services critical to our Treat business and our XpresCheck diagnostic testing and biosurveillance business, and we depend on them to comply with applicable laws and regulations.
Until the FDA finalizes its regulatory position regarding LDTs, or other legislation is passed reforming the federal government’s regulation of LDTs, it is unknown how the FDA may regulate tests we use in the future and what testing and data may be required to support any required clearance or approval.
Our business is subject to various laws and regulations, and changes in such laws and regulations, or failure to comply with existing or future laws and regulations, could adversely affect us. We are subject to various laws and regulations in the United States, Netherlands, Turkey, and United Arab Emirates that affect the operation of our concessions.
We are subject to various laws and regulations in the United States, Netherlands, Turkey, and United Arab Emirates that affect the operation of our concessions.
Our ability to operate depends on the traffic patterns of the terminals in which we operate, and the cessation or disruption of air traveler traffic in these terminals would negatively impact XpresSpa’s and Treat’s addressable market. We depend on a high volume of air travelers in its terminals.
Violation of lease provisions may result in fines and, in some cases, termination of a lease. 23 Table of Contents Our ability to operate depends on the traffic patterns of the terminals in which we operate, and the cessation or disruption of air traveler traffic in these terminals would negatively impact XpresSpa’s, XpresTest’s and Treat’s addressable market.
The continued listing standards of Nasdaq provide, among other things, that a company may be delisted if the bid price of its stock drops below $1.00 for a period of 30 consecutive business days or if stockholders’ equity is less than $2,500,000.
The continued listing standards of Nasdaq provide, among other things, that a company may be delisted if the bid price of its stock drops below $1.00 for a period of 30 consecutive business days or if stockholders’ equity is less than $2,500,000. 28 Table of Contents While we are currently in compliance, we have in the past been, and may in the future be, unable to comply with certain of the listing standards that we are required to meet to maintain the listing of our common stock on Nasdaq.
On October 28, 2022, we received a deficiency letter from Nasdaq which indicated that we were not in compliance with the minimum bid price requirement.
For example, on October 28, 2022, we received a deficiency letter from Nasdaq which indicated that we were not in compliance with the minimum bid price requirement. We received an additional 180-day extension period to comply with on April 27, 2023, pursuant to written notification from Nasdaq.
We have not declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock, nor do we expect to pay any cash dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future. Investors seeking cash dividends should not invest in our common stock for that purpose.
We have no current plans to pay dividends on our common stock, and our investors may not receive funds without selling their stock. We have not declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock, nor do we expect to pay any cash dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future.
Furthermore, the exit of an airline from a market or the bankruptcy of an airline could reduce the number of airline passengers in a terminal or airport where we operate and have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. 21 Table of Contents We may not be able to execute our growth strategy to expand and integrate new concessions, our recently acquired entity or future acquisitions into our business or remodel existing concessions.
Furthermore, the exit of an airline from a market or the bankruptcy of an airline could reduce the number of airline passengers in a terminal or airport where we operate and have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.