Note 11 - Commitment and Contingencies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2026

Notes to Financial Statements

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]

11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Sales or Other Similar Taxes—Based on the location of the Company’s current operations, the majority of sales tax is collected and remitted either by the Company or on its behalf by e-commerce marketplaces in most states within the U.S. To date, the Company has had no actual or threatened sales and use tax claims from any state where it does not already claim nexus or any state where it sold products prior to claiming nexus. However, the Company believes that the likelihood of incurring a liability as a result of sales tax nexus being asserted by certain states where it sold products prior to claiming nexus is probable. As of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, the Company estimates that the potential liability, including current sales tax payable is approximately $0.9 million, which has been recorded in accrued and other current liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company believes this is the best estimate of an amount due to taxing agencies, given that such a potential loss is an unasserted liability that would be contested and subject to negotiation between the Company and the state, or decided by a court.

Legal Proceedings—From time to time, the Company is party to various actions and claims arising in the normal course of business. The Company does not believe that the final outcome of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. In addition, the Company maintains what it believes is adequate insurance coverage to further mitigate risk. However, no assurance can be given that the final outcome of such proceedings will not materially impact the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. Further, no assurance can be given that the amount or scope of existing insurance coverage will be sufficient to cover losses arising from such matters.

Product Remediation Costs—During the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company accrued approximately $0.4 million for estimated costs associated with addressing a product performance matter involving certain houseware appliances that the Company ceased selling during the year ended December 31, 2024. These costs were included in cost of goods sold on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. As of March 31, 2026, the Company had a liability of $0.4 million for product remediation costs, which are included in accrued and other current liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

In February 2026, we announced a voluntary recall in coordination with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (the "CPSC") for approximately 195,000 units of our PurSteam Mighty Lil Steamers and Elite Travel Steamers due to reports of hot water expelling from the nozzle. We have incurred, and expect to continue to incur, costs related to this recall, including refund payments and legal expenses. As a result of this recall, a putative class action complaint, Sarah Brannon v. Aterian, Inc., was filed against us on March 6, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. The complaint alleges various violations, including breach of implied warranty, unjust enrichment, and violations of the New Jersey Products Liability Act. While the Company ceased selling these steamers in 2024, the defense of this existing litigation, and the potential for additional product liability or class action lawsuits, could result in significant legal expenses, settlements, or judgments.

On May 13, 2026, the company entered into a settlement agreement and general release to resolve this litigation. Under the terms of the agreement, the company agreed to pay a total settlement sum of $100,000 in exchange for a full release of all claims related to the purchase and use of the products. The agreement stipulates a voluntary dismissal of the claims with prejudice and includes customary provisions regarding confidentiality, non-disparagement, and a denial of any wrongdoing or liability by the company.