Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2024

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Principles of Consolidation

The accounts of the Company have been included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The Company consolidates entities in which it has a controlling financial interest. When the Company does not have a controlling financial interest in an entity but exerts significant influence over the entity’s operating and financial policies (generally defined as owning a voting or economic interest of between 20% to 50%), the Company’s investment is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. If the Company does not have a controlling financial interest in, or exert significant influence over, an entity, the Company accounts for its investment at fair value, if the fair value option was elected, or at cost.

Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (determined by the average cost method) or net realizable value. Freight costs are classified as a component of the cost of products in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

The allowance for slow-moving, excess and obsolete inventory is used to state the Company’s inventories at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Because the amount of inventory that will actually be recouped through sales cannot be known with certainty at any particular time, the Company relies on past sales experience, future sales forecasts, and its strategic business plans.  Generally, in analyzing inventory levels, inventory is classified as having been used or unused during the past year.  The Company then establishes an allowance based upon several factors, including, but not limited to, business forecasts, inventory quantities, and historic usage profile.

Supplemental to the aforementioned analysis, specific inventory items are reviewed individually by management.  Based on the review, considering business levels, future prospects, new products and technology changes, management, using its business judgment, may adjust the valuation of specific inventory items to reflect an accurate valuation estimate.  Management also performs a determination of the net realizable value for all finished goods with a selling price below cost.  For all such items, the inventory is valued at not more than the selling price less cost, if any, to sell.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation.  Expenditures for maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are expensed as incurred.  When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in operations for the period.

Depreciation and amortization are generally computed on the straight-line method using lives of 3 to 10 years for machinery and equipment and 5 to 8 years for leasehold improvements.

Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Management regularly reviews long-lived assets and intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset.  If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds their fair value, which considers the discounted future net cash flows.  No long-lived assets were considered impaired at December 31, 2024 and 2023.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Credit Loss, Financial Instrument [Policy Text Block]

Allowance for Credit Losses

The Company records an allowance for credit losses based on specifically identified amounts that the Company believes to be uncollectible.  The Company records an allowance for credit losses for its financial instruments, which are primarily composed of trade accounts receivable.  The measurement and recognition of credit losses involves the use of judgment and represents management’s estimate of expected lifetime credit losses based on historical experience and trends, current conditions, and forecasts. The Company’s assessment of expected credit losses includes consideration of historical credit loss experience, the aging of account balances, customer concentrations, customer credit-worthiness, current and expected economic, market and industry factors affecting the Company’s customers, including their financial condition.  The Company evaluates its experience with historical losses and then applies this historical loss ratio to financial assets with similar characteristics.  The Company may also establish an allowance for credit losses for specific receivables when it is probable that the receivable will not be collected and the loss can be reasonably estimated. If the Company’s actual collections experience changes, revisions to the allowance may be required.  Amounts are written off against the allowance when all attempts to collect a receivable have failed, and reversals of previously reserved amounts are recognized if a specifically reserved item is settled for an amount exceeding the previous estimate.  Based on information available, management believes the allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 is adequate. 

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block]

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenues in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”)  Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” and the additional related ASUs (“ASC 606”), which replaced previous revenue guidance and outlines a single set of comprehensive principles for recognizing revenue under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). These standards provide guidance on recognizing revenue, including a five-step method to determine when revenue recognition is appropriate:

Step 1: Identify the contract with the customer;

Step 2: Identify the performance obligations in the contract;

Step 3: Determine the transaction price;

Step 4: Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations; and

Step 5: Recognize revenue as the Company satisfies a performance obligation.

ASC 606 provides that sales revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to customers at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The Company generally satisfies performance obligations upon shipment of the product or service to the customer. This is consistent with the time in which the customer obtains control of the product or service. For extended warranties, sales revenue associated with the warranty is deferred at the time of sale and later recognized on a straight-line basis over the extended warranty period. Some contracts include installation services, which are completed in a short period of time and the revenue is recognized when the installation is complete. Customary payment terms are granted to customers, based on credit evaluations. Currently, the Company does not have any contracts where revenue is recognized, but the customer payment is contingent on a future event.

The Company periodically reviews its revenue recognition procedures to assure that such procedures are in accordance with GAAP. Surcharges collected on certain sales to government customers and remitted to governmental agencies are not included in revenues or in costs and expenses.

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method specified by GAAP. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply in the period in which the deferred tax asset or liability is expected to be realized. The effect of changes in net deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of operations in the period in which the change is recognized. Valuation allowances are provided to the extent that impairment of tax assets is more likely than not. In determining whether a tax asset is realizable, the Company considers, among other things, estimates of future earnings based on information currently available, current and anticipated customers, contracts and new product introductions, as well as recent operating results and certain tax planning strategies. If the Company fails to achieve the future results anticipated in the calculation and valuation of net deferred tax assets, the Company may be required to increase the valuation allowance related to its deferred tax assets in the future.

The Company recognizes a tax position in its financial statements when the tax position, based solely upon its technical merits, is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the relevant taxing authority.  Those tax positions failing to qualify for initial recognition are recognized in the first interim period in which they meet the more likely than not standard or are resolved through negotiation or litigation with taxing authority, or upon expiration of statutes of limitations.  Derecognition of a tax position that was previously recognized occurs when an entity subsequently determines that a tax position no longer meets the more than not threshold of being sustained.

Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Concentration of Credit Risk

The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and generally does not require collateral. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, accounts receivable from governmental customers were approximately $600 and $1,445, respectively.  Generally, receivables are due within 30 days.  Credit losses relating to customers have been consistently within management’s expectations.

The Company primarily maintains cash balances at one financial institution.  Accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to $250.  From time to time, the Company has had cash in financial institutions in excess of federally insured limits.  As of December 31, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents in excess of FDIC limits of $6,825.

Manufacturing and Raw Materials [Policy Text Block]

Manufacturing and Raw Materials

The Company relies upon a limited number of manufacturers to produce its products and on a limited number of component suppliers. Some of these manufacturers and suppliers are in other countries. Approximately 17.0% of the Company’s material, subassembly and product procurements in 2024 were sourced internationally, of which approximately 79.9% were sourced from seven suppliers. For 2023, approximately 16.0% of the Company’s material, subassembly and product procurements were sourced internationally, of which approximately 94.8% were sourced from twelve suppliers. Purchase orders denominated in U.S. dollars are placed with these suppliers from time to time and there are no guaranteed supply arrangements or commitments.

Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of sales and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates include accounts receivable allowances, inventory obsolescence allowance, warranty allowance, and income tax accruals. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, investments, accounts payable, accrued expenses, notes payable, and other liabilities. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities approximated their respective fair value due to the short-term nature and maturity of these instruments.

Prior to September 14, 2022, the Company held an investment in the common stock of FG Financial Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: FGF) (“FGF”), which investment was held by the Company through 1347 LP.  The Company used observable market data assumptions (Level 1 inputs, as defined in accounting guidance) that it believes market participants would use in pricing its investment in FGF. 

Effective September 14, 2022, the Company made an investment in Series B common membership interests of FG Financial Holdings, LLC (“FG Holdings LLC”), an entity related to the former chairman of the Company's Board of Directors. As further discussed in Note 7, the Company recorded the investment according to guidance provided by ASC 820 “Fair Value Measurement”, as the Company did not have a controlling financial interest in, nor exerted significant influence over the activities of FG Holdings LLC. The investment in Series B common membership interests of FG Holdings LLC was reported using net asset value (“NAV”) of interests held by the Company at period-end.  The NAV was calculated using the observable fair value of the underlying stock of FGF held by FG Holdings LLC, plus uninvested cash, less liabilities, further adjusted through allocations based on distribution preferences, as defined in operating agreement of FG Holdings LLC.  The NAV was used as a practical expedient and has not been classified within the fair value hierarchy.

On January 25, 2024, the Company redeemed its Series B common membership interests (the “Interests”) in FG Holdings LLC and withdrew from FG Holdings LLC. In exchange for the Interests, the Company received 52,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock, with an approximate fair value of $650 on the date of the transaction and recorded a realized loss of $91 on the investment during the first quarter of 2024. The shares received by the Company are held as treasury stock, increasing the total number of treasury shares held by the Company to 342,080.

Liquidity [Policy Text Block]

Liquidity

The Company recognized operating income of $7.8 million during 2024 and an operating loss of $0.8 million during 2023.  The Company’s 2023 operating results were negatively impacted by the worldwide shortages of materials, in particular semiconductors and integrated circuits, extended lead times, and increased costs and inventory levels for certain components due to supply chain disruptions in 2022 and early in 2023. 

On October 30, 2024, the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, BK Technologies, Inc. entered into a new Revolving Loan Commitment agreement with Fifth Third Bank, N.A., providing for a one-year revolving line of credit with a maximum commitment of $6,000, with an accordion feature, if certain conditions are met, for up to an additional $4,000 of borrowing capacity, totaling a maximum commitment of $10,000.  

On November 22, 2022, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries, BK Technologies, Inc. and RELM Communications, Inc. (the “Subsidiaries”), entered into an Invoice Purchase and Security Agreement (“IPSA”) with Alterna Capital Solutions, LLC (“Alterna”), providing for a one-year line of credit with total maximum funding up to $15,000 (the “Line of Credit”). On November 22, 2023, the IPSA was renewed for one more year.  The IPSA was paid off in September 2024.

Management believes that cash and cash equivalents currently available, combined with anticipated cash to be generated from operations, and borrowing ability are sufficient to meet the Company’s working capital requirements in the foreseeable future. The Company generally relies on cash from operations, commercial debt, and equity offerings to the extent available, to satisfy its liquidity needs and to meet its payment obligations. The Company may engage in public or private offerings of equity or debt securities to maintain or increase its liquidity and capital resources. However, financial and economic conditions, including those resulting from the current inflationary environment and current geopolitical tension, could impact our ability to raise capital or debt financing, if needed, on acceptable terms or at all.

Reverse Stock Split [Policy Text Block]

Reverse Stock Split

On March 23, 2023, the Board of Directors approved a one (1)-for-five (5) reverse stock split (the “Reverse Stock Split”) of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s Common Stock, and on April 4, 2023, the Company filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada a Certificate of Change to its Articles of Incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split.

The Company executed the Reverse Stock Split, which became effective at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on April 21, 2023. Shares of Common Stock underlying outstanding stock options and restricted stock units were proportionately reduced, and the respective exercise prices were proportionately increased in accordance with the terms of the agreements governing such securities. Accordingly, all shares and per share amounts for all periods presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have been retroactively adjusted, where applicable, to reflect the Reverse Stock Split.

Advertising Cost [Policy Text Block]

Advertising and Promotion Costs

The cost for advertising and promotion is expensed as incurred. Advertising and promotion expenses are classified as part of selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, such expenses totaled $496 and $478, respectively.

Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Engineering, Research and Development Costs

Included in SG&A expenses for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 are engineering, research and development costs of $7,841 and $9,334, respectively.

Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Policy Text Block]

Share-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for share-based arrangements in accordance with GAAP, which requires a public entity to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award (with limited exceptions). That cost will be recognized over the period during which the employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award requisite service period (usually the vesting period). No compensation cost is recognized for equity instruments for which employees do not render the requisite service.

Restricted Stock Units

The Company recorded non-cash restricted stock unit compensation expense of $494 and $1,143 for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

Earnings (loss) per share amounts are computed and presented for all periods in accordance with ASC 260 “Earnings per Share”. 

Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Comprehensive Income (loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) was equal to net income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

Standard Product Warranty, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Product Warranty

The Company offers two-year and five-year standard warranties to its customers, depending on the specific product and terms of the customer purchase agreement. The Company’s typical warranties require it to repair and replace defective products during the warranty period at no cost to the customer. At the time the product revenue is recognized, the Company records a liability for estimated costs under its warranties. The costs are estimated based on historical experience. The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of its recorded liability for product warranties and adjusts the amount as necessary.

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

The Company does not discuss recent pronouncements that are not anticipated to have an impact on or are unrelated to its financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or disclosures.

In November 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2023-07 Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures which expands annual and interim disclosure requirements for reportable segments, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The new standard became effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company evaluated the requirements for ASU 2023-07 and reported one reportable segment and included required disclosures. 

Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Segment Reporting Disclosures

The Company has one reportable segment - Land Mobile Radio (LMR) Products and Solutions.

The LMR segment provides radio devises that are hand-held (portable) or installed in vehicles (mobile) and operate on private radio systems that are P25 compliant.  The Company derives revenue primarily in North America and manages the business activities on a consolidated basis.  

The LMR radio products are used by public safety agencies of the federal government, state and local municipality P25 compliant radio systems.  The radio systems operate on frequencies managed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The Company’s chief operating decision maker is the senior executive committee that includes the chief technology officer, chief financial officer, and the chief executive officer.  

The accounting policies of the LMR segment are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The chief operating decision maker assesses performance for the LMR segment and decides how to allocate resources based on net income that also is reported on the income statement as consolidated net income. The measure of segment assets is reported on the balance sheet as total consolidated assets.

The chief operating decision maker uses operating income (loss) and net income (loss) to evaluate income generated from segment assets (return on assets) in deciding whether to reinvest profits into the LMR segment or into other parts of the entity, the development of public safety applications utilizing cellular technology or for acquisitions. Net income (loss) is used to monitor budget versus actual results. The chief operating decision maker also uses net income (loss) in competitive analysis by benchmarking to the Company’s competitors. The competitive analysis along with the monitoring of budgeted versus actual results are used in assessing performance of the segment and in establishing management’s compensation.

The table below summarizes the significant categories regularly reviewed by the CODM for the years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023:

	2024			2023
Sales, net	$	76,592		$	74,094
Cost of products		47,542			51,858
Gross margin		29,050			22,236
Engineering and product development		7,841			9,334
Marketing and selling		6,206			6,058
General and administrative		7,175			7,621
Selling, general and administrative expenses		21,222			23,013
Operating income (loss)		7,828			(777	)
Other (expense) income (a)		(362	)		(659	)
Income tax (expense) benefit		984			(54	)
Segment net income (loss)	$	8,450		$	(1,490	)
Reconciliation of profit or loss
Adjustments and reconciling item
Loss on investments		(91	)		(740	)
Consolidated net income (loss)	$	8,359		$	(2,230	)

(a) Other segment items included interest expense and foreign currency exchange gains/(losses)