UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
(Mark One)
For
the quarterly period ended
or
For the transition period from ________________ to ________________
Commission
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||
The
(Nasdaq Capital Market) | ||||
The
(Nasdaq Capital Market) |
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
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| Large accelerated filer ☐ | Accelerated filer ☐ |
| Smaller reporting company | |
| Emerging growth company |
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SurgePays, Inc. and Subsidiaries
| Page(s) | ||
| Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID No. 910) | ||
| Consolidated Balance Sheets | 2 | |
| Consolidated Statements of Income | 3 | |
| Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity | 4- 5 | |
| Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | 6 | |
| Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | 7- 59 |
| 1 |
SurgePays, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
| (Unaudited) | ||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Current Assets | ||||||||
| Cash | $ | $ | ||||||
| Accounts receivable - net | ||||||||
| Inventory | ||||||||
| Prepaids and other | ||||||||
| Total Current Assets | ||||||||
| Property and equipment - net | ||||||||
| Other Assets | ||||||||
| Note receivable | ||||||||
| Intangibles - net | ||||||||
| Internal use software development costs - net | ||||||||
| Goodwill | ||||||||
| Investment in CenterCom | ||||||||
| Operating lease - right of use asset - net | ||||||||
| Deferred income taxes - net | ||||||||
| Total Other Assets | ||||||||
| Total Assets | $ | $ | ||||||
| Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | ||||||||
| Current Liabilities | ||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | $ | ||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses - related party | ||||||||
| Accrued income taxes payable | ||||||||
| Deferred revenue | ||||||||
| Operating lease liability | ||||||||
| Note payable - related party | ||||||||
| Total Current Liabilities | ||||||||
| Long Term Liabilities | ||||||||
| Note payable - related party | ||||||||
| Notes payable - SBA government | ||||||||
| Operating lease liability | ||||||||
| Total Long-Term Liabilities | ||||||||
| Total Liabilities | ||||||||
| Stockholders’ Equity | ||||||||
| Common stock, $ par value, shares authorized and shares issued and outstanding, respectively | ||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | ||||||||
| Accumulated deficit | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Stockholders’ equity | ||||||||
| Non-controlling interest | ||||||||
| Total Stockholders’ Equity | ||||||||
| Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | $ | $ | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.
| 2 |
SurgePays, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Revenues | $ | $ | ||||||
| Costs and expenses | ||||||||
| Cost of revenues | ||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | ||||||||
| Total costs and expenses | ||||||||
| Income from operations | ||||||||
| Other income (expense) | ||||||||
| Interest expense | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Gain on investment in CenterCom | ||||||||
| Total other income (expense) - net | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Net income before provision for income taxes | ||||||||
| Provision for income tax benefit (expense) | $ | ( | ) | |||||
| Net income including non-controlling interest | ||||||||
| Non-controlling interest | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Net income available to common stockholders | $ | $ | ||||||
| Earnings per share - attributable to common stockholders | ||||||||
| Basic | $ | $ | ||||||
| Diluted | $ | $ | ||||||
| Weighted average number of shares outstanding - attributable to common stockholders | ||||||||
| Basic | ||||||||
| Diluted | ||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.
| 3 |
SurgePays, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
| Additional | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Stock | Paid-in | Accumulated | Non-Controlling | Stockholders’ | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Capital | Deficit | Interest | Equity | |||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | | ||||||||||||||||
| Stock issued for cash | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash paid as direct offering costs | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Exercise of warrants - cash | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercise of warrants - cashless | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock issued for services | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Recognition of stock based compensation - unvested shares - related parties | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Recognition of stock-based compensation - related party | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-controlling interest | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.
| 4 |
SurgePays, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023
(Unaudited)
| Additional | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Stock | Paid-in | Accumulated | Non-Controlling | Stockholders’ | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Capital | Deficit | Interest | Equity | |||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | | ||||||||||||||||
| Stock issued for services | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Recognition of stock based compensation - stock options | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-controlling interest | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.
| 5 |
SurgePays, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
| For the Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Operating activities | ||||||||
| Net income - including non-controlling interest | $ | $ | ||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operations: | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | ||||||||
| Amortization of right-of-use assets | ||||||||
| Amortization of internal use software development costs | ||||||||
| Stock issued for services | ||||||||
| Recognition of stock based compensation - unvested shares - related parties | ||||||||
| Recognition of share based compensation - options - related party | ||||||||
| Interest expense adjustment - SBA loans | ||||||||
| Right-of-use asset lease payment adjustment true up | ( | ) | ||||||
| Gain on equity method investment - CenterCom | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities | ||||||||
| (Increase) decrease in | ||||||||
| Accounts receivable | ( | ) | ||||||
| Inventory | ( | ) | ||||||
| Prepaids and other | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Deferred income taxes - net | ||||||||
| Increase (decrease) in | ||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | ( | ) | ||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses - related party | ( | ) | ||||||
| Accrued income taxes payable | ||||||||
| Installment sale liability - net | ||||||||
| Deferred revenue | ( | ) | ||||||
| Operating lease liability | ( | ) | ||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | ||||||||
| Investing activities | ||||||||
| Capitalized internal use software development costs | ( | ) | ||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | ( | ) | ||||||
| Financing activities | ||||||||
| Proceeds from stock issued for cash | ||||||||
| Proceeds from exercise of common stock warrants | ||||||||
| Cash paid as direct offering costs | ( | ) | ||||||
| Repayments of loans - related party | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Repayments on notes payable | ( | ) | ||||||
| Repayments on notes payable - SBA government | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Net cash provided (used in) by financing activities | ( | ) | ||||||
| Net increase in cash | ||||||||
| Cash - beginning of period | ||||||||
| Cash - end of period | $ | $ | ||||||
| Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information | ||||||||
| Cash paid for interest | $ | $ | ||||||
| Cash paid for income tax | $ | $ | ||||||
| Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities | ||||||||
| Reclassification of accrued interest - related party to note payable - related party | $ | $ | ||||||
| Exercise of warrants - cashless | $ | $ | ||||||
| Right-of-use asset obtained in exchange for new operating lease liability | $ | $ | ||||||
| Goodwill (ClearLine Mobile, Inc.) | $ | $ | ||||||
| 6 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
Note 1 - Organization and Nature of Operations
Organization and Nature of Operations
SurgePays, Inc. (“SurgePays,” “SP,” “we,” “our” or “the Company”), and its operating subsidiaries, is a technology-driven company building a next generation supply chain software platform that can offer wholesale goods and services more cost efficiently than traditional and existing wholesale distribution models.
The Company and its subsidiaries are organized as follows:
| Company Name (Active) | Incorporation Date | State of Incorporation | Segment | |||
All of the following entities have nominal operations.
| Company Name (Inactive) | Incorporation Date | State of Incorporation | ||
| 7 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial statements (“U.S. GAAP”) and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 8 of Regulation S-X of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, they do not contain all information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for annual financial statements.
In the opinion of the Company’s management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all of the adjustments necessary (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) to present the financial position of the Company as of March 31, 2024 and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full fiscal year or any future period.
These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the SEC on March 12, 2024.
Management acknowledges its responsibility for the preparation of the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements which reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary in its opinion for a fair statement of its consolidated financial position and the consolidated results of its operations for the periods presented.
Liquidity and Management’s Plans
As reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, for the three months ended March 31, 2024, the Company had:
| ● | Net
income available to common stockholders of $ |
| ● | Net
cash provided by operations was $ |
Additionally, at March 31, 2024, the Company had:
| ● | Accumulated
deficit of $ |
| ● | Stockholders’
equity of $ |
| ● | Working
capital of $ |
We
manage liquidity risk by reviewing, on an ongoing basis, our sources of liquidity and capital requirements. The Company has cash on hand
of $
| 8 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
The Company has historically incurred significant losses and has not, prior to 2023, demonstrated an ability to generate sufficient revenues from the sales of its products and services to achieve profitable operations. There can be no assurance that profitable operations will continue to be, or if achieved, and could be sustained on a continuing basis. In making this assessment we performed a comprehensive analysis of our current circumstances including: our financial position, our cash flows and cash usage forecasts for the twelve months ended March 31, 2025, and our current capital structure including equity-based instruments and our obligations and debts.
The Company believes it has sufficient cash resources on hand to meet its current obligations for a period that is one year from the issuance date of these financial statements.
Management’s strategic plans include the following:
| ● | Sustain our growth of the Affordable Connectivity Program revenue stream, based upon continued funding by Congress, |
| ● | Expand product and services offerings to a larger surrounding geographic area, |
| ● | Continuing to explore and execute prospective partnering or distribution opportunities; and |
| ● | Identifying unique market opportunities that represent potential positive short-term cash flow. |
Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation and Non-Controlling Interest
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
For entities that are consolidated, but not 100% owned, a portion of the income or loss and corresponding equity is allocated to owners other than the Company. The aggregate of the income or loss and corresponding equity that is not owned by us is included in Non-controlling Interests in the consolidated financial statements.
| 9 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
Business Combinations and Asset Acquisitions
The Company accounts for acquisitions that qualify as business combinations by applying the acquisition method according to Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”).
Transaction costs related to the acquisition of a business are expensed as incurred and excluded from the fair value of consideration transferred.
The identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and noncontrolling interests in an acquired entity are recognized and measured at their estimated fair values. The excess of the fair value of consideration transferred over the fair values of identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and noncontrolling interests in an acquired entity, net of the fair value of any previously held interest in the acquired entity, is recorded as goodwill. Such valuations require management to make significant estimates and assumptions.
Purchase price allocations may be preliminary, and, during the measurement period not to exceed one year from the date of acquisition, changes in assumptions and estimates that result in adjustments to the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded in the period the adjustments are determined.
Significant judgments are used in determining fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as well as intangibles. Fair value and useful life determinations are based on, among other factors, estimates of future expected cash flows, and appropriate discount rates used in computing present values. These judgments may materially impact the estimates used in allocating acquisition date fair values to assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as well as the Company’s current and future operating results. Actual results may vary from these estimates which may result in adjustments to goodwill and acquisition date fair values of assets and liabilities during a measurement period or upon a final determination of asset and liability fair values, whichever occurs first. Adjustments to fair values of assets and liabilities made after the end of the measurement period are recorded within the Company’s earnings.
| 10 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
The Company evaluates acquisitions of assets and other similar transactions to assess whether the transaction should be accounted for as a business combination or asset acquisition by first applying a screen test to determine whether substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets. If so, the transaction is accounted for as an asset acquisition. If not, further determination is required as to whether the Company has acquired inputs and processes that can create outputs that would meet the definition of a business. When applying the screen test, significant judgment is required to determine whether an acquisition is a business combination or an acquisition of assets.
Accounting for asset acquisitions falls under the guidance of Topic 805, Business Combinations, specifically Subtopic 805-50. A cost accumulation model is used to determine an asset acquisition’s cost. Assets acquired are based on their cost, generally allocated to them on a relative fair value basis. Direct acquisition-related costs are included in the cost of the acquired assets.
The distinction between business combinations and asset acquisitions involves judgment, particularly when applying the screen test to determine the nature of the transaction. Incorrect judgments or changes in decisions in these areas could materially affect the determination of goodwill, the recognition and measurement of acquired assets and assumed liabilities, and, consequently, our financial position and results of operations.
Acquisition of ClearLine Mobile, Inc
On
January 5, 2024, the Company closed a purchase agreement and acquired ClearLine Mobile, Inc’s. (“CLMI”) related software
development in exchange for $
CLMI produces a touchscreen display, positioned by the cash register, that is integrated into the SurgePays software platform and markets SurgePays products 24/7 from a central server. SurgePays can advertise its entire suite of products and services while utilizing the POS device for transactions.
Following the guidance of ASC 805, we performed the screen test to evaluate whether the acquired set is a business or a group of assets. The acquired group of assets included inputs and a substantive process that together significantly contributed to the ability to create outputs. At the time of purchase, CLMI had insignificant operations, however, the transaction was accounted for as a business combination in accordance with ASC 805-50.
| 11 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
Payments are due as follows:
| - | $ | |
| - | $ | |
| - | $ | |
| - | $ |
In
connection with this business combination, the Company assumed a right-of-use operating lease and corresponding lease liability of $
The table below summarizes the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the effective acquisition date.
| Consideration | ||||
| Cash | $ | |||
| Fair value of consideration transferred | ||||
| Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed: | ||||
| Right-of-use operating lease | ||||
| Total assets acquired | ||||
| Right-of-use operating lease | ||||
| Total liabilities assumed | ||||
| Total identifiable net assets | ||||
| Goodwill | $ | |||
At the time of acquisition, CLMI had nominal revenues and historical losses from operations. As a result, and given the immaterial nature of this acquisition, the Company elected not to present any pro-forma financial information during the three months ended March 31, 2024.
This transaction did not involve the purchase of a “significant amount of assets” as defined in the Instructions to Item 2.01 of Form 8-K. Additionally, the acquisition of CLMI was not deemed to be significant to the Company at any level under SEC Regulation S-X 3.05 and did not require the presentation of any additional historical audited financial statements.
| 12 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
At
March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 goodwill was $
There
were
Note Receivable (Sale of Former Subsidiary)
On May 7, 2021, the Company disposed of its former subsidiary True Wireless, Inc.
In
connection with the sale, the Company received an unsecured note receivable for $
Payments were scheduled as follows:
| For the Year Ended December 31, | In Default | |||||||
| 2024 (9 months) | $ | ** | $ | |||||
| 2025 | ||||||||
| Less: amount representing interest | ( | ) | ||||||
| Total | $ | |||||||
On
July 12, 2023, Notice of Default was provided by SurgePays, Inc. to Blue Skies Connections, LLC for failure to pay amounts due under
that certain Promissory Note dated June 14, 2021 by Blue Skies Connections, LLC in favor of SurgePays, Inc. in the original principal
amount of $
| ** |
As of March 31, 2024, the Company believes the note is collectible.
See Note 8 for Contingencies – Legal Matters for additional discussion.
| 13 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
Business Segments and Concentrations
The Company uses the “management approach” to identify its reportable segments. The management approach requires companies to report segment financial information consistent with information used by management for making operating decisions and assessing performance as the basis for identifying the Company’s reportable segments. The Company manages its business as multiple reportable segments. See Note 10 regarding segment disclosure.
The
Mobile Virtual Network Operator (SurgePhone and Torch Wireless) business segment made up approximately
Revenues
related to this business segment are
Accounts
receivable related to these programs made up
Customers
in the United States accounted for
Use of Estimates
Preparing financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and those estimates may be material.
Significant estimates during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, include, allowance for doubtful accounts and other receivables, inventory reserves and classifications, valuation of loss contingencies, valuation of stock-based compensation, estimated useful lives related to intangible assets, capitalized internal-use software development costs, and property and equipment, implicit interest rate in right-of-use operating leases, uncertain tax positions, income tax payable and the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets.
| 14 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
Risks and Uncertainties
The Company operates in an industry that is subject to intense competition and changes in consumer demand. The Company’s operations are subject to significant risk and uncertainties including financial and operational risks including the potential risk of business failure.
The Company has experienced, and in the future may experience, variability in sales and earnings. The factors expected to contribute to this variability include, among others, (i) the cyclical nature of the industry, (ii) general economic conditions in the various local markets in which the Company competes, including a potential general downturn in the economy, and (iii) the volatility of prices in connection with the Company’s distribution of the product. These factors, among others, make it difficult to project the Company’s operating results on a consistent basis.
Effective February 7, 2024, the Affordable Connectivity Program (“ACP”) stopped accepting new applications and enrollments. The program will cease to be funded after April 2024. The Company believes that the program will be funded by Congress, however, at this time, we cannot predict any outcome. See discussion below regarding revenue recognition.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company accounts for financial instruments under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements. ASC 820 provides a framework for measuring fair value and requires disclosures regarding fair value measurements. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, based on the Company’s principal or, in absence of a principal, most advantageous market for the specific asset or liability.
The Company uses a three-tier fair value hierarchy to classify and disclose all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, as well as assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, in periods subsequent to their initial measurement. The hierarchy requires the Company to use observable inputs when available, and to minimize the use of unobservable inputs, when determining fair value.
| 15 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
The three tiers are defined as follows:
| ● | Level 1 – Observable inputs that reflect quoted market prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets; | |
| ● | Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly in the marketplace for identical or similar assets and liabilities; and | |
| ● | Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market data, which require the Company to develop its own assumptions. |
The determination of fair value and the assessment of a measurement’s placement within the hierarchy requires judgment. Level 3 valuations often involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity. Level 3 valuations may require the use of various cost, market, or income valuation methodologies applied to unobservable management estimates and assumptions. Management’s assumptions could vary depending on the asset or liability valued and the valuation method used. Such assumptions could include estimates of prices, earnings, costs, actions of market participants, market factors, or the weighting of various valuation methods. The Company may also engage external advisors to assist us in determining fair value, as appropriate. Although the Company believes that the recorded fair value of our financial instruments is appropriate, these fair values may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values.
The Company’s financial instruments, including cash, accounts receivable, note receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses, and accounts payable and accrued expenses – related party, are carried at historical cost. At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, the carrying amounts of these instruments approximated their fair values because of the short-term nature of these instruments.
ASC 825-10 “Financial Instruments” allows entities to voluntarily choose to measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value (“fair value option”). The fair value option may be elected on an instrument-by-instrument basis and is irrevocable unless a new election date occurs. If the fair value option is elected for an instrument, unrealized gains and losses for that instrument should be reported in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. The Company did not elect to apply the fair value option to any outstanding financial instruments.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Concentration of Credit Risk
For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid instruments with a maturity of three months or less at the purchase date and money market accounts to be cash equivalents.
At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, the Company did not have any cash equivalents.
| 16 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
The
Company is exposed to credit risk on its cash and cash equivalents in the event of default by the financial institutions to the extent
account balances exceed the amount insured by the FDIC, which is $
At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, the Company did not experience any losses on cash balances in excess of FDIC insured limits.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are stated at the amount management expects to collect from outstanding customer balances. Credit is extended to customers based on an evaluation of their financial condition and other factors. Interest is not accrued on overdue accounts receivable. The Company does not require collateral.
Management periodically assesses the Company’s accounts receivable and, if necessary, establishes an allowance for estimated uncollectible amounts. The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon a review of the outstanding accounts receivable, historical collection information and existing economic conditions. Accounts determined to be uncollectible are charged to operations when that determination is made.
Allowance
for doubtful accounts was $
There
was bad debt expense of $
Bad debt expense (recoveries) is recorded as a component of general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Inventory
Inventory primarily consists of tablets, cell phones and sim cards. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value using the average cost valuation method.
There
was
At
March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had inventory of $
| 17 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
Impairment of Long-lived Assets including Internal Use Capitalized Software Costs
Management evaluates the recoverability of the Company’s identifiable intangible assets and other long-lived assets when events or circumstances indicate a potential impairment exists, in accordance with the provisions of ASC 360-10-35-15 “Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” Events and circumstances considered by the Company in determining whether the carrying value of identifiable intangible assets and other long-lived assets may not be recoverable include but are not limited to significant changes in performance relative to expected operating results; significant changes in the use of the assets; significant negative industry or economic trends; and changes in the Company’s business strategy. In determining if impairment exists, the Company estimates the undiscounted cash flows to be generated from the use and ultimate disposition of these assets.
If impairment is indicated based on a comparison of the assets’ carrying values and the undiscounted cash flows, the impairment to be recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.
There
were
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets.
Expenditures for repair and maintenance which do not materially extend the useful lives of property and equipment are charged to operations. When property or equipment is sold or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts with the resulting gain or loss reflected in operations.
Management reviews the carrying value of its property and equipment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable.
There
were
| 18 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
Internal Use Software Development Costs
We capitalize certain internal use software development costs associated with creating and enhancing internally developed software related to our technology infrastructure. These costs include personnel and related employee benefits expenses for employees who are directly associated with and who devote time to software projects, and external direct costs of materials and services consumed in developing or obtaining the software. Software development costs that do not meet the qualification for capitalization, as further discussed below, are expensed as incurred and recorded in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated results of operations.
Software development activities generally consist of three stages:
| (i) | planning stage, |
| (ii) | application and infrastructure development stage, and |
| (iii) | post implementation stage. |
Costs incurred in the planning and post implementation stages of software development, including costs associated with the post-configuration training and repairs and maintenance of the developed technologies, are expensed as incurred.
We capitalize costs associated with software developed for internal use when the planning stage is completed, management has authorized further funding for the completion of the project, and it is probable that the project will be completed and perform as intended. Costs incurred in the application and infrastructure development stages, including significant enhancements and upgrades, are capitalized. Capitalization ends once a project is substantially complete, and the software and technologies are ready for their intended purpose. There is judgment involved in estimating the stage of development as well as estimating time allocated to a particular project. A significant change in the time spent on each project could have a material impact on the amount capitalized and related amortization expense in subsequent periods.
We amortize internal use software development costs using a straight-line method over a three-year (3) estimated useful life, commencing when the software is ready for its intended use. The straight-line recognition method approximates the manner in which the expected benefit will be derived. We determined the life of internal use software based on historical software upgrades and replacement.
On an ongoing basis, we assess if the estimated remaining useful lives of capitalized projects continue to be reasonable based on the remaining expected benefit and usage. If the remaining useful life of a capitalized project is revised, it is accounted for as a change in estimate and the remaining unamortized cost of the underlying asset is amortized prospectively over the updated remaining useful life.
| 19 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
We also evaluate internal use software for abandonment and use that as a significant indicator for impairment on a quarterly basis.
There
were
Right of Use Assets and Lease Obligations
The Right of Use Asset and Lease Liability reflect the present value of the Company’s estimated future minimum lease payments over the lease term, which may include options that are reasonably assured of being exercised, discounted using a collateralized incremental borrowing rate.
Typically, renewal options are considered reasonably assured of being exercised if the associated asset lives of the building or leasehold improvements exceed that of the initial lease term, and the performance of the business remains strong. Therefore, the Right of Use Asset and Lease Liability may include an assumption on renewal options that have not yet been exercised by the Company. The Company’s operating leases contained renewal options that expire at various dates with no residual value guarantees. Future obligations relating to the exercise of renewal options is included in the measurement if, based on the judgment of management, the renewal option is reasonably certain to be exercised. Factors in determining whether an option is reasonably certain of exercise include, but are not limited to, the value of leasehold improvements, the value of the renewal rate compared to market rates, and the presence of factors that would cause a significant economic penalty to the Company if the option is not exercised. Management reasonably plans to exercise all options, and as such, all renewal options are included in the measurement of the right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities.
As the rate implicit in leases are not readily determinable, the Company uses an incremental borrowing rate to calculate the lease liability that represents an estimate of the interest rate the Company would incur to borrow on a collateralized basis over the term of a lease within a particular currency environment.
See Note 8 regarding operating leases.
| 20 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with ASC 606 to align revenue recognition more closely with the delivery of the Company’s services and will provide financial statement readers with enhanced disclosures. In accordance with ASC 606, revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised services. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for these services.
To achieve this core principle, the Company applies the following five steps:
Step 1: Identify the contract(s) with customers
Step 2: Identify the performance obligations in the contract
Step 3: Determine the transaction price
Step 4: Allocate the transaction price to performance obligations
Step 5: Recognize revenue when the entity satisfies a performance obligation
Identify the contract with a customer
A contract with a customer exists when (i) the Company enters into an enforceable contract with a customer that defines each party’s rights regarding the services to be transferred and identifies the payment terms related to these services, (ii) the contract has commercial substance and, (iii) the Company determines that collection of substantially all consideration for services that are transferred is probable based on the customer’s intent and ability to pay the promised consideration. The Company applies judgment in determining the customer’s ability and intention to pay, which is based on a variety of factors including the customer’s historical payment experience or, in the case of a new customer, published credit and financial information pertaining to the customer.
Identify the performance obligations in the contract
Performance obligations promised in a contract are identified based on the services that will be transferred to the customer that are both capable of being distinct, whereby the customer can benefit from the service either on its own or together with other resources that are readily available from third parties or from the Company, and are distinct in the context of the contract, whereby the transfer of the services is separately identifiable from other promises in the contract. To the extent a contract includes multiple promised services, the Company must apply judgment to determine whether promised services are capable of being distinct and distinct in the context of the contract. If these criteria are not met the promised services are accounted for as a combined performance obligation.
| 21 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
Determine the transaction price
The transaction price is determined based on the consideration to which the Company will be entitled in exchange for transferring services to the customer. To the extent the transaction price includes variable consideration, the Company estimates the amount of variable consideration that should be included in the transaction price utilizing either the expected value method or the most likely amount method depending on the nature of the variable consideration. Variable consideration is included in the transaction price if, in the Company’s judgment, it is probable that a significant future reversal of cumulative revenue under the contract will not occur. None of the Company’s contracts contain a significant financing component and there are no contracts with variable consideration.
Allocate the transaction price to performance obligations in the contract
If the contract contains a single performance obligation, the entire transaction price is allocated to the single performance obligation. However, if a series of distinct services that are substantially the same qualifies as a single performance obligation in a contract with variable consideration, the Company must determine if the variable consideration is attributable to the entire contract or to a specific part of the contract. For example, a bonus or penalty may be associated with one or more, but not all, distinct services promised in a series of distinct services that forms part of a single performance obligation. Contracts that contain multiple performance obligations require an allocation of the transaction price to each performance obligation based on a relative standalone selling price basis unless the transaction price is variable and meets the criteria to be allocated entirely to a performance obligation or to a distinct service that forms part of a single performance obligation. The Company determines standalone selling price based on the price at which the performance obligation is sold separately. If the standalone selling price is not observable through past transactions, the Company estimates the standalone selling price taking into account available information such as market conditions and internally approved pricing guidelines related to the performance obligations.
Recognize revenue when or as the Company satisfies a performance obligation
The Company satisfies performance obligations either over time or at a point in time. Revenue is recognized at the time the related performance obligation is satisfied by transferring a promised service to a customer.
The following reflects additional discussion regarding our revenue recognition policies for each of our material revenue streams. For each revenue stream we do not offer any returns, refunds or warranties, and no arrangements are cancellable. Additionally, all contract consideration is fixed and determinable at the initiation of the contract.
Performance obligations for Torch and LogicsIQ are satisfied when services are performed. Performance obligations for ECS and SB are satisfied at point of sale. For each of our revenue streams we only have a single performance obligation.
| 22 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
Mobile Virtual Network Operators
SurgePhone Wireless (“SPW”) and Torch Wireless are licensed to provide subsidized mobile broadband services through the ACP to qualifying low-income customers to all fifty (50) states. Revenues are recognized when an ACP application is completed and accepted. Each month we reconcile subscriber usage to ensure the service was utilized. A monthly file is submitted to the Universal Service Administrative Company for review and approval, at which time we have completed our performance obligation and recognize accounts receivable and revenue. Revenues are recorded in the month when services were rendered, with payment typically received on the 28th of the following month.
Lead Generation Services
LogicsIQ, Inc. is a lead generation and case management solutions company primarily serving law firms in the mass tort industry. Revenues are earned from our lead generation retained services offerings and call center activities through CenterCom (40% investment ownership).
Lead generation consist of sourcing leads, which requires us to drive traffic to our landing pages for a specific marketing campaign. We also achieve this in certain marketing campaigns by using third-party preferred vendors to meet the needs of our clients. Revenues are recognized at the time the lead is delivered to the client. If payment is received in advance of the delivery of services, it is included in deferred revenue, and subsequently recognized once the performance obligation has been completed.
Retained service offerings consist of turning leads into a retained legal case. To provide this service to our customers, we qualify leads through verification of information collected during the lead generation process. Additionally, we further qualify these leads using a client questionnaire which assists in determining the services to be provided. The qualification process is completed using our call center operations.
Effective
February 1, 2023, LogicsIQ started offering call center services to existing clients. These services are similar in nature to the services
CenterCom offers LogicsIQ. Effective January 1, 2024, the Company no longer provides these services. The total revenue from these services
for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, was $
| 23 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
If payment is received in advance of the delivery of services, it is included in deferred revenue, and subsequently recognized once the performance obligation has been completed. At the time of delivery of leads and the creation of retained cases (customers are qualified at this point), our performance obligation has been completed and revenues are recognized. Arrangements with customers do not provide the customer with the right to take possession of our software or platform at any time. Once the advertising is delivered, it is non-refundable.
Comprehensive Platform Services
Revenues are generated through the sale of telecommunication products such as mobile phones, wireless top-up refills, and other mobile related products. At the time in which our products are sold through our online web portal (point of sale), our performance obligation is considered complete. At point of sale (completion of performance obligation), our web portal platform initiates an automated clearing house transaction (ACH) resulting in the recording revenue.
Contract Liabilities (Deferred Revenue)
Contract liabilities represent deposits made by customers before the satisfaction of performance obligation and recognition of revenue. Upon completion of the performance obligation(s) that the Company has with the customer based on the terms of the contract, the liability for the customer deposit is relieved and revenue is recognized.
At
March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had deferred revenue of $
The following represents the Company’s disaggregation of revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:
| For the Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||
| Revenue | Revenue | % of Revenues | Revenue | % of Revenues | ||||||||||||
| Mobile Virtual Network Operators | $ | % | $ | % | ||||||||||||
| Comprehensive Platform Services | % | % | ||||||||||||||
| Lead Generation | % | % | ||||||||||||||
| Other | % | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total Revenues | $ | % | $ | % | ||||||||||||
| 24 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
The above disaggregation of revenues includes the following entities:
Mobile Virtual Network Operators (SPW and TW),
Comprehensive Platform Services (Surge Fintech and ECS),
Lead Generation (LogicsIQ and Injury Survey); and
Other (Surge Blockchain)
Cost of Revenues
Cost of revenues consists of purchased telecom services including data usage and access to wireless networks. Additionally, cost of revenues consists of tablet purchases, mobile phone purchases, call center costs, prepaid phone cards, commissions, and advertising costs.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income tax using the asset and liability method prescribed by ASC 740, “Income Taxes”. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates that will be in effect in the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The Company records a valuation allowance to offset deferred tax assets if based on the weight of available evidence, it is more-likely-than-not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized as income or loss in the period that includes the enactment date.
The Company follows the accounting guidance for uncertainty in income taxes using the provisions of ASC 740 “Income Taxes”. Using that guidance, tax positions initially need to be recognized in the financial statements when it is more likely than not the position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities. As of March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, the Company had no uncertain tax positions that qualify for either recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.
The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain income tax positions in other expense. No interest and penalties related to uncertain income tax positions were recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and the year ended December 31, 2023, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 2023 and for the three months ended March 31, 2024, the Company generated net income. The Company currently has an unapplied net operating loss carryforward (deferred tax asset), which have been evaluated for applicability in offsetting current taxable net income. The Company has determined that the net operating loss carryforward is limited to 80% of the current year’s net taxable income.
At
March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company has an accrued income tax liability of $
| 25 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
Investment
On
January 17, 2019, we announced the completion of an agreement to acquire a
The strategic partnership with CenterCom as a bilingual operations hub has powered our growth and revenue. CenterCom has been built to support the infrastructure required to rapidly scale in synergy and efficiency to support our sales growth, customer service and development.
We account for this investment under the equity method. Investments accounted for under the equity method are recorded based upon the amount of our investment and adjusted each period for our share of the investee’s income or loss. All investments are reviewed for changes in circumstance or the occurrence of events that suggest an other than temporary event where our investment may not be recoverable. The financial information used to account for the investment is unaudited.
The following is a summary of our investment at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
| Balance - December 31, 2022 | $ | |||
| Gain on investment in CenterCom | ||||
| Balance - December 31, 2023 | ||||
| Gain on investment in CenterCom | ||||
| Balance - March 31, 2024 | $ |
During
the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, we recognized a gain of $
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising costs are included as a component of general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
| 26 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
The
Company recognized $
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company accounts for our stock-based compensation under ASC 718 “Compensation – Stock Compensation” using the fair value-based method. Under this method, compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the value of the award and is recognized over the service period, which is usually the vesting period. This guidance establishes standards for the accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services. It also addresses transactions in which an entity incurs liabilities in exchange for goods or services that are based on the fair value of the entity’s equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of those equity instruments.
The Company uses the fair value method for equity instruments granted to non-employees and uses the Black-Scholes model for measuring the fair value of options.
The fair value of stock-based compensation is determined as of the date of the grant or the date at which the performance of the services is completed (measurement date) and is recognized over the vesting periods.
When determining fair value of stock-based compensation, the Company considers the following assumptions in the Black-Scholes model:
| ● | Exercise price, |
| ● | Expected dividends, |
| ● | Expected volatility, |
| ● | Risk-free interest rate; and |
| ● | Expected life of option |
Stock Warrants
In connection with certain financing (debt or equity), consulting and collaboration arrangements, the Company may issue warrants to purchase shares of its common stock. The outstanding warrants are standalone instruments that are not puttable or mandatorily redeemable by the holder and are classified as equity awards. The Company measures the fair value of warrants issued for compensation using the Black-Scholes option pricing model as of the measurement date. However, for warrants issued that meet the definition of a derivative liability, fair value is determined based upon the use of a binomial pricing model.
| 27 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
Warrants issued in conjunction with the issuance of common stock are initially recorded at fair value as a reduction in additional paid-in capital of the common stock issued. All other warrants (for services) are recorded at fair value and expensed over the requisite service period or at the date of issuance if there is not a service period.
Pursuant to ASC 260-10-45, basic earnings (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the periods presented.
Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock, common stock equivalents and potentially dilutive securities outstanding during the period.
Potentially dilutive common shares may consist of contingently issuable shares, common stock issuable upon the conversion of stock options and warrants (using the treasury stock method), and convertible debt. These common stock equivalents may be dilutive in the future.
In the event of a net loss, diluted loss per share is the same as basic loss per share since the effect of the potential common stock equivalents upon conversion would be anti-dilutive.
| March 31, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | |||||||
| Warrants | ||||||||
| Stock options | ||||||||
| Total common stock equivalents | ||||||||
Warrants and stock options included as common stock equivalents represent those that are fully vested and exercisable. See Note 9.
Based on the potential common stock equivalents noted above at March 31, 2024, the Company has sufficient authorized shares of common stock () to settle any potential exercises of common stock equivalents.
| 28 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
| Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | |||||||
| March 31, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | |||||||
| Numerator | ||||||||
| Net income | $ | $ | ||||||
| Denominator | ||||||||
| Weighted average shares outstanding - basic | ||||||||
| Effect of dilutive securities | ||||||||
| Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted | ||||||||
| Earnings per share - basic | $ | $ | ||||||
| Earnings per share - diluted | $ | $ | ||||||
Related Parties
Parties are considered to be related to the Company if the parties, directly or indirectly, control, are controlled by, or are under common control with the Company. Related parties also include principal owners of the Company, its management, members of the immediate families of principal owners of the Company and its management and other parties with which the Company may deal with if one party controls or can significantly influence the management or operating policies of the other to an extent that one of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests.
| 29 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
During
the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, the Company incurred expenses with related parties in the normal course
of business totaling $
| Related Party | March 31, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | ||||||
| Carddawg Investments, Inc. | 1 | |||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ||||||
| 1 |
From time to time, the Company may use credit cards to pay corporate expenses, these credit cards are in the names of certain of the Company’s officers and directors. These amounts are insignificant.
See Note 6 for debt transactions with our Chief Executive Officer.
Recent Accounting Standards
Changes to accounting principles are established by the FASB in the form of Accounting Standards Updates (“ASU’s”) to the FASB’s Codification. We consider the applicability and impact of all ASU’s on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, stockholders’ equity, cash flows, or presentation thereof. Management has evaluated all recent accounting pronouncements issued through the date these financial statements were available to be issued and found no recent accounting pronouncements issued, but not yet effective accounting pronouncements, when adopted, will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company, except as follows:
In March 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued ASU 2022-02, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures (“ASU 2022-02”), which eliminates the accounting guidance on troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) for creditors in ASC 310, Receivables (Topic 310), and requires entities to provide disclosures about current period gross write-offs by year of origination. Also, ASU 2022-02 updates the requirements related to accounting for credit losses under ASC 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), and adds enhanced disclosures for creditors with respect to loan refinancings and restructurings for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. ASU 2022-02 was effective for the Company January 1, 2023. This guidance was adopted on January 1, 2023. The adoption of ASU 2022-02 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
There are various other updates recently issued, most of which represented technical corrections to the accounting literature or application to specific industries and are not expected to a have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
| 30 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
Reclassifications
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified for consistency with the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no material effect on the consolidated results of operations, stockholders’ equity, or cash flows.
Note 3 – Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consisted of the following:
| Estimated Useful | ||||||||||
| Type | March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | Lives (Years) | |||||||
| Computer equipment and software | $ | $ | ||||||||
| Furniture and fixtures | ||||||||||
| Less: accumulated depreciation/amortization | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||
| Property and equipment - net | $ | $ | ||||||||
Depreciation
and amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 was $
These amounts are included as a component of general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Note 4 – Intangibles
Intangibles consisted of the following:
| Estimated Useful | ||||||||||||
| Type | March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | Lives (Years) | |||||||||
| Proprietary Software | $ | $ | ||||||||||
| Tradenames/trademarks | ||||||||||||
| ECS membership agreement | ||||||||||||
| Noncompetition agreement | ||||||||||||
| Customer Relationships | ||||||||||||
| Less: accumulated amortization | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
| Intangibles - net | $ | $ | ||||||||||
| 31 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
Amortization
expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 was $
Estimated amortization expense for each of the five (5) succeeding years is as follows:
| For the Years Ended December 31: | ||||
| 2024 (9 Months) | ||||
| 2025 | ||||
| 2026 | ||||
| 2027 | ||||
| Total | $ | |||
Note 5 – Internal Use Software Development Costs
Internal Use Software Development Costs consisted of the following:
| Estimated Useful | ||||||||||
| Type | March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | Life (Years) | |||||||
| Internal Use Software Development Costs | $ | $ | ||||||||
| Less: accumulated amortization | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||
| Internal Use Software Development Costs - net | $ | $ | ||||||||
Costs incurred for Internal Use Software Development Costs
Management
has determined that all costs incurred in 2023 ($
Management
determined that all costs incurred in 2022 ($
| 32 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
The following is a summary of our capitalized internal use software development costs at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
| Balance - December 31, 2022 | $ | |||
| Capitalized costs | ||||
| Balance - December 31, 2023 | ||||
| No activity | ||||
| Balance - March 31, 2024 | $ |
For
the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, amortization of internal use software development costs was $
Estimated amortization expense is as follows for the years ended December 31:
| 2024 (9 Months) | ||||
| 2025 | ||||
| 2026 | ||||
| Total | $ |
Note 6 – Debt
The following represents a summary of the Company’s notes payable – SBA government, notes payable – related parties, and notes payable, key terms, and outstanding balances at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively:
Notes Payable – SBA government
Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”)
During 2020, this program was made available to eligible borrowers in light of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the negative economic impact on the Company’s business. Proceeds from the EIDL were used for working capital purposes.
Installment
payments, including principal and interest, are due monthly (beginning twelve (12) months from the date of the promissory note) in amounts
ranging from $
| 33 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
| EIDL | EIDL | |||||||||||
| Terms | SBA | SBA | Total | |||||||||
| Issuance dates of SBA loans | ||||||||||||
| Term | ||||||||||||
| Maturity date | ||||||||||||
| Interest rate | ||||||||||||
| Collateral | ||||||||||||
| Balance - December 31, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Repayments | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||
| Balance - December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||
| Interest expense adjustment - SBA loans | ||||||||||||
| Repayments | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||
| Balance - March 31, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
Notes Payable – Related Parties
The following is a summary of the Company’s Notes Payable - Related Parties:
| 1 | 1 | 2 | Total | |||||||||||||
| Balance - December 31, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Repayments | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||
| Balance - December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
| Reclassification of principal into one single note | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Reclassification of accrued interest payable into one single note | ||||||||||||||||
| Repayments | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Balance - March 31, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| 1 |
At
December 31, 2023, of the total $
On
March 12, 2024, as approved by the Audit Committee, the Company consolidated all remaining outstanding principal ($
| 34 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
| 2 |
The following is a detail of the Company’s Notes Payable - Related Parties:
| Notes Payable - Related Parties | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Note Holder | Issue Date | Maturity Date | Interest Rate | Default Interest Rate | Collateral | March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||
| Note #1 | % | % | None | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Note #2 | % | % | None | |||||||||||||||||||
| Short Term | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long Term | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||
Notes Payable
| 1 | 2 | 3 | ||||||||||||||
| Terms | Notes Payable | Notes Payable | Note Payable | Total | ||||||||||||
| Issuance dates of notes | ||||||||||||||||
| Maturity date | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate | ||||||||||||||||
| Default interest rate | ||||||||||||||||
| Collateral | ||||||||||||||||
| Warrants issued as debt discount/issue costs | N/A | |||||||||||||||
| Balance - December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||
| Repayments | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
| Balance - December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| 1- |
| 2- |
| 35 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
| 3- |
Debt Maturities
The following represents the maturities of the Company’s various debt arrangements for each of the five (5) succeeding years and thereafter as follows:
| For the Year Ended December 31, | Notes Payable - Related Parties | Notes Payable - SBA Government | Total | |||||||||
| 2024 (9 Months) | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| 2025 | ||||||||||||
| 2026 | ||||||||||||
| Thereafter | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
Note 7 – Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company evaluates its financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements on a recurring basis to determine the appropriate level in which to classify them for each reporting period. This determination requires significant judgments to be made.
The Company did not have any assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
Note 8 – Commitments and Contingencies
Operating Leases
We have entered into various operating lease agreements, including our corporate headquarters. We account for leases in accordance with ASC Topic 842: Leases, which requires a lessee to utilize the right-of-use model and to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases are classified as either financing or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the statement of operations. In addition, a lessor is required to classify leases as either sales-type, financing or operating. A lease will be treated as a sale if it transfers all of the risks and rewards, as well as control of the underlying asset, to the lessee. If risks and rewards are conveyed without the transfer of control, the lease is treated as financing. If the lessor does not convey risk and rewards or control, the lease is treated as operating. We determine if an arrangement is a lease, or contains a lease, at inception and record the lease in our financial statements upon lease commencement, which is the date when the underlying asset is made available for use by the lessor.
| 36 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
Right-of-use assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments over the lease term. Lease right-of-use assets and liabilities at commencement are initially measured at the present value of lease payments over the lease term. We generally use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement to determine the present value of lease payments except when an implicit interest rate is readily determinable. We determine our incremental borrowing rate based on market sources including relevant industry data.
We have lease agreements with lease and non-lease components and have elected to utilize the practical expedient to account for lease and non-lease components together as a single combined lease component, from both a lessee and lessor perspective with the exception of direct sales-type leases and production equipment classes embedded in supply agreements. From a lessor perspective, the timing and pattern of transfer are the same for the non-lease components and associated lease component and, the lease component, if accounted for separately, would be classified as an operating lease.
We have elected not to present short-term leases on the balance sheet as these leases have a lease term of 12 months or less at lease inception and do not contain purchase options or renewal terms that we are reasonably certain to exercise. All other lease assets and lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. Because most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate of return, we used our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at lease commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments.
Our leases, where we are the lessee, do not include an option to extend the lease term. For purposes of calculating lease liabilities, lease term would include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise such options.
Lease expense for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term as an operating expense, included as a component of general and administrative expenses, in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Certain operating leases provide for annual increases to lease payments based on an index or rate, our lease has no stated increase, payments were fixed at lease inception. We calculate the present value of future lease payments based on the index or rate at the lease commencement date. Differences between the calculated lease payment and actual payment are expensed as incurred.
In
2024, in connection with our purchase of CLMI, we acquired a right-of-use operating lease and related lease liability for a building
having a fair value of $
At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, the Company had no financing leases as defined in ASC 842, “Leases.”
| 37 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
The tables below present information regarding the Company’s operating lease assets and liabilities at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively:
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Operating lease - right-of-use asset - non-current | $ | $ | ||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||
| Operating lease liability | $ | $ | ||||||
| Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) | ||||||||
| Weighted-average discount rate | % | % | ||||||
The components of lease expense were as follows:
| March 31, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | |||||||
| Operating lease costs | ||||||||
| Amortization of right-of-use operating lease asset | $ | $ | ||||||
| Lease liability expense in connection with obligation repayment | ||||||||
| Total operating lease costs | $ | $ | ||||||
| Supplemental cash flow information related to operating leases was as follows: | ||||||||
| Operating cash outflows from operating lease (obligation payment) | $ | $ | ||||||
| Right-of-use asset obtained in exchange for new operating lease liability | $ | $ | ||||||
| 38 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
Future minimum lease payments for the years ended December 31:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||
| 2024 (9 months) | $ | |||
| 2025 | ||||
| 2026 | ||||
| 2027 | ||||
| 2028 | ||||
| Thereafter | ||||
| Total undiscounted cash flows | ||||
| Less: amount representing interest | ||||
| Present value of operating lease liabilities | ||||
| Less: current portion of operating lease liabilities | ||||
| Long-term operating lease liabilities | $ |
Employment Agreements (Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer)
Chief Financial Officer
In November 2023, the Company finalized the terms of its employment agreement with its Chief Financial Officer as follows:
| 1. | Base salary |
| a. | For
the year ended December 31, 2023 - $ | |
| b. | For
the year ended December 31, 2024 - $ | |
| c. | For
the year ended December 31, 2025 - $ |
| 2. | Annual cash bonus |
| a. | For
the year ended December 31, 2023 - $ | |
| b. | For
the year ended December 31, 2024 - at least $ | |
| c. | For the year ended December 31, 2025 - subject to Board approval |
| 3. | Restricted Stock Awards |
| a. | Effective November 10, 2023, an award of shares of common stock. The fair value of this grant was $, based upon the quoted closing price of $/share. | |
| b. | The shares will vest as follows (see below for table on non-vested shares): |
| i. | shares ratably over the period July 2024 – December 2024 ( shares per month over a six-month period); and | |
| ii. | on December 31, 2025, | |
| iii. | Shares shall immediately vest if any of the following occur and the Chief Financial Officer is employed by the Company at the time of: |
| 1. | Death, | |
| 2. | Total disability, | |
| 3. | Termination without cause; and | |
| 4. | Change in control |
| 39 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
| 4. | Other |
| a. | Vacation, | |
| b. | Car
allowance of $ | |
| c. | Home
office expense reimbursement of $ | |
| d. | 401(K) plan participation, | |
| e. | Life insurance; and | |
| f. | Liability insurance |
See Note 9 regarding the vesting provisions of these shares.
Chief Executive Officer
In December 2023, the Company finalized the terms of its employment agreement with its Chief Financial Officer as follows:
| 1. | Term – through December 31, 2028 |
| 2. | Base salary |
| a. | For
the year ended December 31, 2023 - $ | |
| b. | For
each year thereafter an increase of |
| 3. | Annual cash bonus |
| a. | For
the year ended December 31, 2023, and all other years throughout the term of the employment agreement - $ |
| 4. | Restricted Stock Awards |
| a. | Effective March 1, 2024, future stock awards totaling shares of common stock. | |
| b. | The shares will be issued and vest as follows: |
| i. | shares ratably over the period July 2024 – December 2024 ( shares per month over a six-month period). The fair value of this grant was $, based upon the quoted closing price of $/share. on June 1, of each subsequent year (2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028), at which time these shares will have their fair value determined. These shares have no stated performance or service requirements, other than to be remain as the Chief Executive Officer, and the expense will be recorded on the grant date; and | |
| ii. | Shares shall immediately vest if any of the following occur and the Chief Executive Officer is employed by the Company at the time of: |
| 1. | Death, | |
| 2. | Total disability, | |
| 3. | Termination without cause; and | |
| 4. | Change in control |
| 40 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
| 5. | Annual Revenue Goals (only one (1) award per goal may be earned until next threshold is achieved |
| a. | $ | |
| b. | $ | |
| c. | $ | |
| d. | $ | |
| e. |
| 6. | Annual EBITDA Goals (only one (1) award per goal may be earned until next threshold is achieved |
| a. | $ | |
| b. | $ | |
| c. |
| 7. | Market Capitalization Goals (only one (1) award per goal may be earned until next threshold is achieved |
| a. | $ | |
| b. | $ | |
| c. | $ | |
| d. | $ | |
| e. |
| 8. | Other |
| a. | Vacation, | |
| b. | Car
allowance of $ | |
| c. | Home
office expense reimbursement of $ | |
| d. | 401(K) plan participation, | |
| e. | Life insurance; and | |
| f. | Liability insurance |
See Note 9 regarding the vesting provisions of these shares.
Contingencies – Legal Matters
During the normal course of business, the Company may be exposed to litigation. When the Company becomes aware of potential litigation, it evaluates the merits of the case in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC 450-20-50, “Contingencies”. The Company evaluates its exposure to the matter, possible legal or settlement strategies and the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome. If the Company determines that an unfavorable outcome is probable and can be reasonably estimated, it establishes the necessary accruals.
| 41 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
As of March 31, 2024, for all matters listed below, the Company is not aware of any contingent liabilities that should be reflected in the consolidated financial statements.
Surge Holdings – Juno Litigation
Juno Financial v. AATAC and Surge Holdings Inc. AND Surge Holdings Inc. v. AATAC; Circuit Court of Hillsborough County, Florida, Case # 20-CA-2712 DIV A: Breach of Contract, Account Stated and Open Account claims against Surge by a factoring company. Surge has filed a cross-complaint against defendant AATAC for Breach of Contract, Account Stated, Open Account and Common Law Indemnity. The case remains in discovery but has been inactive for some time. Following analysis by our litigation counsel stating that there is a good defense, management has decided that a reserve is not necessary. The case remains on the docket and has no court dates set at this time.
True Wireless and SurgePays – Litigation
Blue Skies Connections, LLC, and True Wireless, Inc. v. SurgePays, Inc., et. al.: In the District Court of Oklahoma County, OK, CJ-2021-5327, filed on December 13, 2021. Plaintiffs petition alleges breach of a Stock Purchase Agreement by SurgePays, SurgePhone Wireless, LLC, and Kevin Brian Cox, and makes other allegations related to SurgePays’ consulting work with Jonathan Coffman, a True Wireless employee. Blue Skies believes the Defendants are in violation of their non-competition and non-solicitation agreements related to the sale of True Wireless from SurgePays to Blue Skies. Oklahoma state law does not recognize non-compete agreements and non-solicitation agreements in the manner alleged by Plaintiffs, as such we believe SurgePays, SurgePhone, and Cox have a strong defense against the claims asserted by Blue Skies and True Wireless. The matter continues in the discovery process. Mr. Coffman is no longer working for True Wireless. An attempt at mediation in July, 2022 did not achieve a settlement. The petition requests injunctive relief, general damages, punitive damages, attorney fees and costs for alleged breach of contract, tortious interference with a business relationship, and fraud. Plaintiffs have made a written demand for damages and the parties continue to discuss a potential resolution. This matter is an anti-competitive attempt by Blue Skies and True Wireless to damage SurgePays, SurgePhone, and Cox. Written discovery is winding down and depositions began in the third quarter of 2023 and are expected to continue in 2024. The case is anticipated to be set for trial in January 2025.
In
the Circuit Court of Tennessee for the 30th Judicial District at Memphis, Docket # CT-3219-23. On August 8, 2023, a complaint
was filed by SurgePays for breach of a promissory note by Blue Skies Connections, LLC. The note at issue is dated
| 42 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
Mike Fina litigation
SurgePays, Inc. et al. v. Fina et al., Case No. CJ-2022-2782, District Court of Oklahoma County, Oklahoma. Plaintiffs SurgePays, Inc. and Kevin Brian Cox initiated this case against its former officer Mike Fina, his companies Blue Skies Connections, LLC, True Wireless, Inc., Government Consulting Solutions, Inc., Mussell Communications LLC, and others. This case also arises from the June 2021 transaction by which SurgePays sold True Wireless to Blue Skies. During the litigation of CJ-2021-5327 described above, SurgePays learned information that showed Mike Fina breached his duties owed to True Wireless during his employment and consulting work for True Wireless prior to SurgePays’ sale of True Wireless to Blue Skies. SurgePays alleges that Mike Fina conspired with the other defendants to damage True Wireless thereby harming the value of the company and causing its eventual sale at a greatly reduced price. SurgePays asserts claims for (i) breach of contract; (ii) breach of fiduciary duty; (iii) fraud; (iv) tortious interference; and (v) unjust enrichment. At this stage, no defendant has asserted a counterclaim against SurgePays.
SurgePays filed a Second Amended Petition on January 27, 2023. Defendants Fina, Blue Skies, True Wireless, and Government Consulting Solutions filed a Motion to Dismiss on March 10, 2023. On June 29, 2023, the Court granted the Motion to Dismiss, ruling the claims asserted are “derivative” and could only be asserted by the True Wireless entity now owed by Blue Skies. The Court rejected SurgePays’ request to certify this ruling for immediate appeal. Defendant Misty Garrett has filed a Motion for Summary Judgment seeking the same relief as the Motion to Dismiss granted by the Court. Defendants Rob Rowlen and Terracom, LLC remain as defendants in the case after answering the Second Amended Petition. It is SurgePays’ present intent to vigorously appeal the Court’s dismissal of Fina, Blue Skies, True Wireless, and Government Consulting Solutions, and to continue prosecuting the case against the other Defendants. At this stage, no attempts at settlement have been made.
Aliotta and Vasquesz v SurgePays – Litigation
Robert Aliotta and Steve Vasquesz, on behalf of themselves and others similarly situated v. SurgePays, Inc. d/b/a Surge Logics, filed January 4, 2023, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Case No. 1:23-cv-00042. Plaintiffs allege violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the Florida Telephone Solicitations Act (FTSA) based on telephone solicitations allegedly made by or on behalf of SurgePays, Inc. Plaintiffs seek damages for themselves and seek certification of a class action on behalf of others similarly situated. Defendants intend to vigorously defend the action however most similar cases are eventually resolved by an out-of-court settlement. At this time, it is difficult to estimate the amount or range of potential loss. SurgePays Inc has been removed from the case following a Motion to Dismiss and LogicsIQ, Inc. has been named as the defendant. A Confidential Settlement Agreement and Release of Claims has been entered into in April 2024 and the parties await a Dismissal Order to be entered by the Court.
| 43 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
Consumer Attorney Marketing Group, LLC v. LogicsIQ, Inc. and SurgePays, Inc.
Consumer Attorney Marketing Group, LLC v. LogicsIQ, Inc. and SurgePays, Inc. On February 13, 2024, in the Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County, Case No. 24 ST CV 03653, Consumer Attorney Marketing Group, LLC (“CAMG”) filed a complaint naming SurgePays, Inc. (the “Company”) a defendant and alleging claims for breach of contract, declaratory judgment and express and implied indemnity. The complaint demands that defendants indemnify CAMG for any damages or losses that CAMG may incur in the case Robert Aliotta, et al. v. SurgePays, Inc. d/b/a SurgeLogics, Case No. 23 C 00042, pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. CAMG’s claims against the Company are solely based upon theories of participatory and vicarious liability. A Confidential Settlement Agreement and Release of Claims has been entered into in April 2024 and the parties await a Dismissal Order to be entered by the Court.
Demiray v. SurgePays, Inc.
Meral Demiray v Surge Holdings, Inc. a/k/a
SurgePays, Inc.: In the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Case # 22-cv-6591, filed November 23, 2022.
Plaintiff filed a claim against SurgePays following her dismissal from her position as an employee of the company. Following negotiations
among and between SurgePays, SurgePays’ insurance carrier and the Plaintiff, a settlement has been reached and documentation is
currently being drafted for full settlement, release, and dismissal of the claim. The case was settled and dismissed in 2023 for $
SurgePays – Ambess Litigation
On
December 17, 2021, Ambess Enterprises, Inc. v SurgePays, Inc., Blair County Pa. case number 2021 GN 3222. Plaintiff alleges breach of
contract and prays for damages of approximately $
| 44 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
Note 9 – Stockholders’ Equity
At March 31, 2024, the Company had three (3) classes of stock:
Common Stock
| - | shares authorized | |
| - | Par value - $ | |
| - |
Series A, Convertible Preferred Stock
| - | shares authorized | |
| - | issued and outstanding | |
| - | Par value - $ | |
| - | ||
| - | Ranks senior to any other class of preferred stock | |
| - | Dividends - none | |
| - | Liquidation preference – none | |
| - | Rights of redemption - none | |
| - |
Series C, Convertible Preferred Stock
| - | shares authorized | |
| - | issued and outstanding | |
| - | Par value - $ | |
| - | ||
| - | Ranks junior to any other class of preferred stock | |
| - | Dividends – equal to the per share amount (as converted basis) as the common stockholders should the Board of Directors declare a dividend | |
| - | Liquidation preference – original issue price plus any declared yet unpaid accrued dividends | |
| - | Rights of redemption - none | |
| - |
| 45 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
Securities and Incentive Plan
In March 2023, the Company’s shareholders approved the 2022 Plan (the “Plan”) initially approved, authorized and adopted by the Board of Directors in August 2022.
The Plan initially provided for the following:
| 1. | shares of common stock | |
| 2. | An annual increase on the first day of each calendar year beginning January 1, 2023 and ending on January 31, 2031 equal to the lesser of: |
| a. | ||
| b. | Such smaller amount of common stock as determined by the Board of Directors. |
| 3. | The shares may be issued as follows to directors, officers, employees, and consultants: |
| a. | Distribution equivalent rights | |
| b. | Incentive share options | |
| c. | Non-qualified share options | |
| d. | Performance unit awards | |
| e. | Restricted share awards | |
| f. | Restricted share unit awards | |
| g. | Share appreciation rights | |
| h. | Tandem share appreciation rights | |
| i. | Unrestricted share awards |
See the proxy statement filed with the SEC on January 19, 2023 for a complete detail of the Plan.
Effective
January 1, 2024, in accordance with the Plan, we increased the available amount of shares by
Of the total shares authorized and available, the Company has reserved shares for its officers, directors and employees for non-vested shares that are expected to vest in accordance with the terms of the related employment agreements and stock options that may be converted into common stock. At March 31, 2024, the Company had sufficient authorized shares to settle any possible awards that vested or stock options eligible for conversion.
| 46 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
Equity Transactions for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
Stock Issued for Cash - Capital Raise
In
2024, the Company issued shares of common stock for gross proceeds of $
In
connection with the capital raise, the Company paid cash as direct offering costs totaling $
This offering was made pursuant to the Company’s registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-273110) previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on July 3, 2023, as amended, and declared effective by the SEC on November 3, 2023.
A preliminary and final prospectus supplement were filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) on January 17, 2024 and January 19, 2024, respectively. The Offering closed on January 22, 2024.
Exercise of Warrants - Cash
During
2024, the Company issued shares of common stock in connection with the exercise of
Exercise of Warrants - Cashless
During
2024, the Company issued shares of common stock in connection with the cashless exercise of warrants ($
Stock Issued for Services
The
Company issued shares of common stock for services rendered, having a fair value of $
See separate discussion below for the issuance and related vesting of common stock granted to the Company’s officers and directors.
| 47 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
Equity Transactions for the Year Ended December 31, 2023
Stock Issued for Services
The
Company issued shares of common stock for services rendered, having a fair value of $
Exercise of Warrants - Cash
The
Company issued
Non-Vested Shares – Related Parties (Officer and Directors)
Chief Financial Officer
In
2023, the Company granted common stock to its Chief Financial Officer ( shares – see Note 8), having a fair value of $
The shares will vest as noted above (see Note 8). The Company records stock compensation expense ratably over these vesting periods. All shares are expected to vest in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company recognized stock compensation expense of $and $, respectively, related to vesting.
Board Directors
In
2023, the Company granted an aggregate shares of common stock to various members of the Board of Directors, having a fair value
of $
The shares will vest at the earlier to occur:
| - | Board Member no longer serves in that capacity for any reason, except for reasons related to cause, | |
| - | Occurrence of a change in control; and | |
| - | 5th anniversary of the effective date (2028) |
The Company records stock compensation expense over the five () year vesting period. All shares are expected to vest in accordance with the terms of the employment agreement.
| 48 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company recognized stock compensation expense of $ and $, respectively, related to vesting.
Chief Executive Officer
In
2024, the Company granted common stock to its Chief Executive Officer ( shares – see Note 8), having a fair value of $
The shares will vest as noted above (see Note 8). The Company records stock compensation expense ratably over these vesting periods. All shares are expected to vest in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company recognized stock compensation expense of $ and $ related to vesting.
Director of Human Resources and Legal Services
In
2024, the Company granted shares of common stock to its Director of Human Resources and Legal Services, having a fair value of
$
The shares will vest ratably over the period July 2024 – December 2024. The Company records stock compensation expense ratably over these vesting periods. All shares are expected to vest in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company recognized stock compensation expense of $ and $ related to vesting.
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company recognized total stock compensation expense of $ and $ related to vesting.
| 49 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
| Non-Vested Shares | Number of Shares | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | ||||||
| Balance - December 31, 2022 | $ | |||||||
| Granted | ||||||||
| Vested | - | |||||||
| Cancelled/Forfeited | - | |||||||
| Balance - December 31, 2023 | $ | |||||||
| Granted | $ | |||||||
| Vested | - | |||||||
| Cancelled/Forfeited | - | |||||||
| Balance - March 31, 2024 | $ | |||||||
| Unrecognized Compensation | $ | |||||||
| Weighted average period (years) | ||||||||
The following is a detail of the common stock granted, which is subject to the vesting provisions noted above at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 | Shares Granted | Shares Vested | Non-Vested Shares | |||||||||
| Chief Financial Officer | ||||||||||||
| Chief Executive Officer | ||||||||||||
| Board Directors | ||||||||||||
| Director of Human Resources and Legal Services | ||||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2023 | Shares Granted | Shares Vested | Non-Vested Shares | |||||||||
| Chief Financial Officer | ||||||||||||
| Chief Executive Officer | ||||||||||||
| Board Directors | ||||||||||||
| Director of Human Resources and Legal Services | ||||||||||||
| 50 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
Stock Options
| Weighted | Weighted | |||||||||||||||||||
| Average | Average | |||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted | Remaining | Aggregate | Grant | |||||||||||||||||
| Number of | Average | Contractual | Intrinsic | Date | ||||||||||||||||
| Stock Options | Options | Exercise Price | Term (Years) | Value | Fair Value | |||||||||||||||
| Outstanding - December 31, 2022 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Vested and Exercisable - December 31, 2022 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Unvested and non-exercisable - December 31, 2022 | $ | $ | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Granted | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Exercised | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Cancelled/Forfeited | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding - December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Vested and Exercisable - December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Unvested and non-exercisable - December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Granted | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Exercised | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Cancelled/Forfeited | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding - March 31, 2024 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Vested and Exercisable - March 31, 2024 | $ | $ | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Unvested and non-exercisable - March 31, 2024 | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
Stock Options - Related Party – Chief Financial Officer
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, the remaining stock options vested.
Stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 was $ and $, respectively.
| 51 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
Year Ended December 31, 2023
Stock Options - Related Party – Chief Financial Officer
During the year December 31, 2023, stock options vested.
Stock Options - Employees
The
Company granted seven () year stock options to various employees for services rendered, having a fair value of $
| Expected term | years | |||
| Expected volatility | % | |||
| Expected dividends | % | |||
| Risk free interest rate | % | |||
| 52 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
Warrants
Warrant activity for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and the year ended December 31, 2023 are summarized as follows:
| Weighted | ||||||||||||||||
| Average | ||||||||||||||||
| Weighted | Remaining | Aggregate | ||||||||||||||
| Number of | Average | Contractual | Intrinsic | |||||||||||||
| Warrants | Warrants | Exercise Price | Term (Years) | Value | ||||||||||||
| Outstanding - December 31, 2022 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Vested and Exercisable - December 31, 2022 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Unvested - December 31, 2022 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Granted | $ | |||||||||||||||
| Exercised | ( | ) | $ | |||||||||||||
| Cancelled/Forfeited | ( | ) | $ | |||||||||||||
| Outstanding - December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Vested and Exercisable - December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Unvested - December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Granted | $ | |||||||||||||||
| Exercised | ( | ) | $ | |||||||||||||
| Cancelled/Forfeited | ( | ) | $ | |||||||||||||
| Outstanding - March 31, 2024 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Vested and Exercisable - March 31, 2024 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Unvested and non-exercisable - March 31, 2024 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
Note 10 – Segment Information
Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available and evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker, or decision–making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company’s chief operating decision maker is its Chief Executive Officer.
The Company evaluated the performance of its operating segments based on revenue and operating loss. All data below is prior to intercompany eliminations.
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SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
Segment information for the Company’s operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, are as follows:
| For the Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Revenues | ||||||||
| Mobile Virtual Network Operators | $ | $ | ||||||
| Comprehensive Platform Services | ||||||||
| Lead Generation | ||||||||
| Other | ||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ||||||
| Cost of revenues | ||||||||
| Mobile Virtual Network Operators | $ | $ | ||||||
| Comprehensive Platform Services | ||||||||
| Lead Generation | ||||||||
| Other | ||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ||||||
| Operating expenses | ||||||||
| Mobile Virtual Network Operators | $ | $ | ||||||
| Comprehensive Platform Services | ||||||||
| Lead Generation | ||||||||
| Other | ||||||||
| Corporate overhead | ||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ||||||
| Income (loss) from operations | ||||||||
| Mobile Virtual Network Operators | $ | $ | ||||||
| Comprehensive Platform Services | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Lead Generation | ( | ) | ||||||
| Other | ||||||||
| Corporate overhead | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Total | $ | $ | ||||||
| 54 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
Segment information for the Company’s assets and liabilities at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, are as follows:
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
| Total Assets | ||||||||
| Mobile Virtual Network Operators | $ | $ | ||||||
| Comprehensive Platform Services | ||||||||
| Lead Generation | ||||||||
| Other | ||||||||
| Corporate overhead | ||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ||||||
| Total Liabilities | ||||||||
| Mobile Virtual Network Operators | $ | $ | ||||||
| Comprehensive Platform Services | ||||||||
| Lead Generation | ||||||||
| Other | ||||||||
| Corporate overhead | ||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ||||||
All
intercompany accounts are separately presented above as both a component of the assets and liabilities. These amounts net to $
Note 11 – Installment Sale Liability
Agreement
In
2022, the Company executed a two-year (2) financing arrangement with Affordable Connectivity Financing (“ACF”, “Seller”)
to receive up to $
This
agreement was based upon the Company submitting a purchase order and ACF approving the request. The Company could cancel the purchase
order prior to ACF paying for the devices.
Under
the terms of the agreement, ACF was directly purchasing products and reselling to the Company at a markup. At December 31, 2022, the
markup was
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SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
Repayment Period
Each installment sale contract was to be repaid over a period of nine (9) months.
Security
This arrangement was fully secured by all assets of the Company.
Minimum Outstanding Balance
Prepayment Penalty
Administrative Fee
The
Company was required to pay $
Default Rate
Commitment Fee
ACF
charged a
| 56 |
SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
Covenants
At December 31, 2023, the Company was in compliance with all of the following ratios:
| 1. | Company adjusted EBITDA, | |
| 2. | Total Leverage Ratio, | |
| 3. | Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, | |
| 4. | Minimum Subscriber Base; and | |
| 5. | Minimum Liquidity |
Additionally, the Company is required to provide various data to the vendor on a periodic basis. The Company has not received notice from the vendor regarding any instances of non-compliance.
Lockbox
The Company will maintain a lockbox for the benefit of the Seller.
Installment Sale Liability
At December 31, 2023, the Company recorded an installment sale liability of $.
During
the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company paid fees of $
The liability was repaid in full in 2023 and the agreement was cancelled.
Note 12 – Income Taxes
Provision (benefit) for Income Taxes and Effective Income Tax Rate
| March 31, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | |||||||
| Federal | ||||||||
| Current | $ | $ | ||||||
| Deferred | ||||||||
| Total provision (benefit) | $ | $ | ||||||
| State | ||||||||
| Current | $ | $ | ||||||
| Deferred | ||||||||
| Total provision (benefit) | $ | $ | ||||||
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SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes to the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 21% to income before provision for income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, is as follows:
| March 31, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | |||||||
| Federal
income tax expense (benefit) - | $ | $ | ||||||
| State
income tax expense (benefit) - | ||||||||
| Non-deductible items | ||||||||
| Subtotal | ||||||||
| Change in valuation allowance | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | $ | $ | ||||||
| Effective tax rate | % | % | ||||||
Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, the significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities is as follows:
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
| Deferred Tax Assets | ||||||||
| Reserve for uncollectible accounts | $ | $ | ||||||
Stock based compensation | 375,000 | - | ||||||
| Net operating loss carryforwards | ||||||||
| Total deferred tax assets | ||||||||
| Less: valuation allowance | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Net deferred tax assets | ||||||||
| Deferred Tax Liabilities | ||||||||
| Depreciation | ||||||||
| Amortization | ||||||||
| Net deferred tax liabilities | ||||||||
| Deferred income taxes - net | $ | $ | ||||||
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are computed by applying the federal and state income tax rates in effect to the gross amounts of temporary differences and other tax attributes, such as net operating loss carryforwards. In assessing if the deferred tax assets will be realized, the Company considers whether it is more likely than not that some or all of these deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the period in which these deductible temporary differences reverse.
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SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2024
As
of March 31, 2024, the Company had federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $
During
the three months ended March 31, 2024, the valuation allowance increased by approximately $
The Company is in the process of analyzing their NOL and has not determined if the Company has had any change of control issues that could limit the future use of these NOL’s. As of March 31, 2024, all federal NOL carryforwards that were generated after 2017 may only be used to offset 80% of taxable income and are carried forward indefinitely.
The Company follows the provisions of ASC 740, which requires the computations of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities only consider tax positions that are more likely than not (defined as greater than 50% chance) to be sustained if the taxing authorities examined the positions. There are no significant differences between the tax provisions represented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and that reported in the Company’s income tax returns. The Company is subject to U.S. Federal and State income tax examination by taxing authorities for the years after December 31, 2020.
The Company files corporate income tax returns in the United States and State of Tennessee jurisdictions. Due to the Company’s net operating loss posture, all tax years are open and subject to income tax examination by tax authorities. The Company’s policy is to recognize interest expense and penalties related to income tax matters as tax expense. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, there are no unrecognized tax benefits, and there were no significant accruals for interest related to unrecognized tax benefits or tax penalties.
Note 13 – Subsequent Events
None.
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ITEM 2: MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
This statement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the ‘Securities Act’). Discussions containing such forward-looking statements may be found throughout this statement. Actual events or results may differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including the matters set forth in this statement. The accompanying consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2024 and 2023 and for the three months then ended includes the accounts of SurgePays, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries during the period owned by SurgePays, Inc.
SurgePays, Inc (“SurgePays,” “we” the “Company”) was incorporated in Nevada on August 18, 2006, is a technology and telecom company focused on the underbanked and underserved communities. SurgePhone and Torch Wireless provide subsidized mobile broadband to over 250,000 low-income subscribers nationwide. SurgePays fintech platform empowers clerks at thousands of convenience stores to provide a suite of prepaid wireless and financial products to underbanked customers.
About SurgePays, Inc.
SurgePays, Inc. (“SurgePays”, “we”, the “Company”) is a financial technology and telecom company focused on providing these essential services to the underbanked community. We were previously known as North American Energy Resources, Inc. and KSIX Media Holdings, Inc. Prior to April 27, 2015, we operated solely as an independent oil and natural gas company engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of oil and natural gas properties and the production of oil and natural gas through its wholly owned subsidiary, NAER. On April 27, 2015, NAER entered into a Share Exchange Agreement with KSIX Media whereby KSIX Media became a wholly owned subsidiary of NAER and which resulted in the shareholders of KSIX Media owning approximately 90% of the voting stock of the surviving entity. While we continued the oil and gas operations of NAER following this transaction, on August 4, 2015, we changed its name to KSIX Media Holdings, Inc. On December 21, 2017, we changed its name to Surge Holdings, Inc. to better reflect the diversity of its business operations. We changed our name to SurgePays, Inc. on October 29, 2020.
As described in more detail below, we currently operate in three different business segments through the following subsidiaries: (i) Surge Blockchain, LLC, formerly Blvd. Media Group, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company; (ii) LogicsIQ, Inc., a Nevada corporation; (iii) SurgePhone Wireless, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company; (iv) SurgePays Fintech, Inc., a Nevada limited liability company; (v) ECS Prepaid, LLC, a Missouri limited liability company and (vi) Torch Wireless, LLC a Wyoming limited liability company.
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Our Business Segments
Mobile Virtual Network Operators
We provide mobile broadband (internet connectivity), voice and SMS text messaging to both subsidized and direct retail prepaid customers through SurgePhone Wireless, LLC and Torch Wireless, LLC, wholly owned subsidiaries of SurgePays. We consider this the Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO) segment of our business. Further, we provide two types of MVNO’s, subsidized and non-subsidized. Our subsidized MVNO’s are licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (the “FCC”) to provide subsidized access to the internet through mobile broadband services to consumers qualifying under the federal guidelines of the Affordable Connectivity Program (the “ACP”). We provide these services by supplying consumers eligible for the ACP with tablet devices with mobile broadband capabilities for use in their homes. For providing mobile broadband on tablets to these eligible customers, the ACP (the successor program, as of March 1, 2022 to the Emergency Broadband Benefit program) reimburses us up to a $100 for the cost of each tablet device we distribute and a $30 per customer, per month subsidy for mobile broadband (internet connectivity) services. SurgePhone and Torch combined are licensed to offer subsidized mobile broadband to all fifty states. Revenue from this portion of our business for the three months ended March 31, 2024 accounted for 92% of our total revenue as compared to 82% for the three months ended March 31, 2023. However, according to the FCC website, on February 7, 2024, the ACP stopped accepting new applications and enrollments and the ACP will cease to be funded after April 2024. The Company hopes that the program will be funded by Congress, however, at this time, we cannot predict any outcome.
Through our subsidiaries we plan to roll-out LinkUp Mobile in the second quarter of 2024. This non-subsidized portion of our MVNO business will leverage the volume of buying power we have with our subsidized subscriber base to build low-cost plans using SIM kits in convenience stores transacting on the SurgePays network. Our market will be to penetrate rural America where there is less competition and higher consumer pricing and offer incentivized family plans to the rapidly growing base of subsidized customer households. The revenue will be generated by subscribers paying a monthly fee for talk, text and data carrier services on a prepaid basis. If the ACP is not funded, we plan to competitively market our non-subsidized MVNO business to our current ACP customers and hope to be able to retain them as customers in this segment.
Comprehensive Platform Services
We provide financial technology and a wireless top-up platform to independently owned convenience stores throughout the country via our subsidiaries SurgePays Fintech, ECS Prepaid, LLC, Electronic Check Services, Inc. and Central States Legal Services, Inc. We consider these services the “Comprehensive Platform Services” segment of our business.
Specifically, our Comprehensive Platform Services provides ACH banking relationships and a fintech transactions platform that processes thousands of transactions a day at independently owned convenience stores. The Comprehensive Platform Service also provides wireless top-up transactions and wireless product aggregation for our nationwide network of convenience stores. By linking together, the customer, the carrier plan and the convenience store to allow all parties to have one location to get what they need.
Our revenue is derived from the transaction that takes place when an individual using a prepaid cellular carrier plan needs to add more minutes to their cellular phone. These services are vital to convenience store operations and we believe we can utilize our relationships with convenience stores from our ACP services to expand the network for our Comprehensive Platform Services. The Company expects this segment to be the biggest percent of year-over-year revenue growth opportunity for 2024 and hired a new head of sales for our Comprehensive Platform Service segment to tap into such growth opportunity.
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Lead Generation
We refer to LogicsIQ, Inc. as the Lead Generation segment of our business. LogicsIQ is a lead generation and case management solutions company primarily serving law firms in the mass tort industry. Revenues from this segment of our business are earned from our lead generation retained services offerings and call center activities through CenterCom. Lead generation consist of sourcing leads, which requires us to drive traffic to our landing pages for a specific marketing campaign. We also achieve this in certain marketing campaigns by using third-party preferred vendors to meet the needs of our clients. Revenues are recognized at the time the lead is delivered to the client. If payment is received in advance of the delivery of services, it is included in deferred revenue, and subsequently recognized once the performance obligation has been completed. Retained service offerings consist of turning leads into a retained legal case. To provide this service to our customers, we qualify leads through verification of information collected during the lead generation process. Additionally, we further qualify these leads using a client questionnaire which assists in determining the services to be provided. The qualification process is completed using our call center operations.
In 2023, we decided to focus less on this segment of our business and the Company is in the process of determining how best this service fits into the overall plans of SurgePays. The Company still derived revenue from this segment of our business in 2023, however, we have not received any revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and plan to make a final decision on whether to maintain or discontinue the Lead Generation segment of its business in the second quarter of fiscal year ended 2024.
COMPARISON OF THREE MONTHS ENDED March 31, 2024 AND 2023
Reclassifications
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified for consistency with the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the consolidated results of operations, stockholders’ deficit, or cash flows.
We measure our performance on a consolidated basis as well as the performance of each segment.
We report our financial performance based on the following segments: Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO), Comprehensive Platform Service (Top-up) and Lead Generation. The MVNO segment is further broken down into subsidized and non-subsidized components. The subsidized component or ACP is the result of the mobile broadband (internet connectivity) services provided by SurgePhone Wireless and Torch Wireless to low-income consumers and accounts for the majority of our revenue. The Comprehensive Platform Service segment is comprised of Surge Fintech and ECS as previously shown. The Lead Generation is comprised of LogicsIQ as previously shown.
The segment amounts included in MD&A are presented on a basis consistent with our internal management reporting. Additional information on our reportable segments is contained in Note 10 – Segment Information and Geographic Data of the Notes to Financial Statements.
Revenues during the three months ended years ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 consisted of the following:
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Revenue | $ | 31,429,135 | $ | 34,776,443 | ||||
| Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) | (23,246,468 | ) | (27,081,960 | ) | ||||
| General and administrative | (6,430,806 | ) | (2,989,421 | ) | ||||
| Income (Loss) from operations | $ | 1,751,861 | $ | 4,705,062 | ||||
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Revenue decreased overall by $3,347,308 (9.6%) from the three months ended March 31, 2023 to the three months ended March 31, 2024. The breakout was as follows:
| For the Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Revenues: | ||||||||
| Mobile Virtual Network Operator | $ | 28,892,590 | $ | 28,659,384 | ||||
| Comprehensive Platform Services | 2,530,589 | 2,934,346 | ||||||
| Lead Generation | - | 3,170,845 | ||||||
| Other | 5,956 | 11,068 | ||||||
| Total | $ | 31,429,135 | $ | 34,776,443 | ||||
Mobile Virtual Network Operators consisting of SurgePhone Wireless and Torch Wireless revenues (as detailed in Notes 2 and 10 of the financial statements) increased by $233,206 (0.8%). On February 7, 2024, the ACP stopped accepting new applications and enrollments and the ACP will cease to be funded after May 20, 2024.
Lead Generation services consisting of LogicsIQ revenues decreased by $3,170,845 as a result of operational changes by management in late 2023. The Company plans to make a final decision on whether to maintain or discontinue the Lead Generation segment of its business in the second quarter of fiscal year ended 2024.
Comprehensive Platform Services revenues decreased by $403,757 as a result of focusing our efforts on our MVNO segment, specifically the ACP component of the MVNO segment while we strategized on how to enhance our sales and on-boarding approach to adding convenience stores to our platform. The Company expects this segment to be the biggest percent of year-over-year revenue growth opportunity for the remainder of 2024.
If the ACP is fully funded, we expect revenue to grow overall for the Company in 2024 and we will be focusing our business efforts on the continued growth of our Mobile Virtual Network Operators. Specifically, we realigned our management team to best produce results in all facets of the Company. We hired a new head of sales with substantial experience and connections with convenience store to specifically increase revenue and store counts. However, if the ACP is not renewed, we expect revenue for the Company in 2024 to substantially decrease because ACP reimbursement is a substantial portion of our revenue. Additionally, the Company plans to make a final decision on whether to maintain or discontinue the Lead Generation segment of its business in the second quarter of fiscal year ending 2024.
Cost of Revenue, Gross Profit and Gross Margin
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, cost of revenue for services primarily consists of data plan expenses ($8,979,344), devices ($3,900,413), marketing ($5,799,322), advertising ($2,937,608) and other expenses such as royalties and call-center expenses ($1,849,779). For the three months ended March 31, 2023, cost of revenue for services primarily consists of data plan expenses ($10,490,657), devices ($6,225,403), marketing ($5,518,680), advertising ($2,703,759) and other expenses such as royalties and call-center expenses ($2,143,461).
We expect that our cost of revenue will increase or decrease to the extent that our revenue increases and decreases.
The Company expects to continue the improvement of gross margin in the MVNO segment, assuming the ACP program continues to be fully funded for 2024. The Company expects the overall cost to acquire a new ACP subscriber will decrease in 2024 as we introduce our connections to convenience stores and new social media approaches to capture new subscribers. We anticipate the cost of device acquisition will continue to be lower in 2024 as we transition from buying devices to using SIM cards to capture and switch subscribers to our services. As we roll out new approaches to acquire an ACP subscriber, our marketing-related expenses should decrease.
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In addition, the Company plans to implement a new sales force for Comprehensive Platform Services to capture what we believe is an untapped underbanked convenience store market.
| For the Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Cost of Revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization): | ||||||||
| Mobile Virtual Network Operator | $ | 20,760,199 | $ | 21,311,859 | ||||
| Comprehensive Platform Services | 2,481,806 | 2,891,613 | ||||||
| Lead Generation | 1,619 | 2,877,988 | ||||||
| Other | 2,844 | 500 | ||||||
| Total | $ | 23,246,468 | $ | 27,081,960 | ||||
Gross profit margin is calculated as revenue less cost of revenue. Gross profit margin is gross profit expressed as a percentage of revenue. Our gross profit in future periods will depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions that may impact our pricing, sales mix among devices, sales mix changes among consumables, excess and obsolete inventories, and the cost of our products from manufacturers. Our gross profit in future periods will vary based upon our revenue stream mix and may increase or decrease based upon our distribution channels. If the ACP is not continually funded by Congress, we expect the gross margins to initially decrease overall as we transition from subsidized subscribers to non-subsidized subscribers through our LinkUp mobile service line.
| For the Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Gross Profit (Loss) (exclusive of depreciation and amortization): | ||||||||
| Mobile Virtual Network Operator | $ | 8,132,391 | $ | 7,347,525 | ||||
| Comprehensive Platform Services | 48,783 | 42,733 | ||||||
| Lead Generation | (1,619 | ) | 292,857 | |||||
| Other | 3,112 | 11,368 | ||||||
| Total | $ | 8,182,667 | $ | 7,694,483 | ||||
The Company expects to continue the improvement of gross margin in all segments, assuming the ACP program is fully funded for 2024.
| For the Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Gross Margin: | ||||||||
| Mobile Virtual Network Operator | % | 28.1 | % | 25.6 | ||||
| Comprehensive Platform Services | 1.9 | 1.5 | ||||||
| Lead Generation | - | 9.2 | ||||||
| Other | 52.2 | 95.8 | ||||||
| Total | % | 26.0 | % | 22.1 | ||||
We expect that our gross profit margin for product and service will increase over the long term as our sales and production volumes increase and our cost per unit decreases due to efficiencies of scale.
General and administrative during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 consisted of the following:
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | $ | 289,467 | $ | 266,023 | ||||
| Selling, general and administration | 6,141,339 | 2,723,398 | ||||||
| Total | $ | 6,430,806 | $ | 2,989,421 | ||||
The increase in depreciation and amortization costs for the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023 is the result of amortizing internal-use software development costs capitalized in 2023 associated with software enhancements to our various software platforms continuing in 2024. There were no such costs incurred in the first quarter of 2024.
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Selling, general and administrative expenses during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 consisted of the following:
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Contractors and consultants | $ | 1,224,879 | $ | 549,634 | ||||
| Professional services | 703,447 | 301,058 | ||||||
| Compensation | 3,188,028 | 854,018 | ||||||
| Computer and internet | 209,547 | 158,561 | ||||||
| Advertising and marketing | 16,806 | 32,336 | ||||||
| Insurance | 283,875 | 321,266 | ||||||
| Other | 514,757 | 506,525 | ||||||
| Total | $ | 6,141,339 | $ | 2,723,398 | ||||
Selling, general and administrative costs (S, G & A) increased by $3,417,941 (125.5%). The changes are discussed below:
| ● | Contractors and consultants expense increased by $675,245 or 122.9% from $549,634 for the three months ended March 31, 2023 to $1,224,879 for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The Company engaged several contractors to overhaul the financial platform to allow for the conversion to a tablet-based transaction at the store level from the outdated VeriFone terminal. The Company also engaged with consultants to provide advisory services specifically in the area of investment relations to identify opportunities to increase our shareholder value. |
| ● | Professional services increased $402,389 or 133.7% from the three months ended March 31, 2023 to the three months ended March 31, 2024 primarily due to an increase in legal fees of $305,792. Specifically, the legal fees for the Blue Skies Connections, LLC litigation increased by $253,423 from the three months ended March 31, 2023 to the three months ended March 31, 2024. |
| ● | Compensation increased from $854,018 for the three months March 31, 2023 to $3,188,028 for the three months ended March 31, 2024 primarily as a result of one-time non-cash component for stock compensation for the CEO and CFO of $1,359,931, per their employment agreements and accruals for bonuses related to 2024 of $382,500. |
| ● | Computer and internet costs increased $50,986 or 32.2% from the three months ended March 31, 2023 to the three months ended March 31, 2024. The increase was primarily the result of increased programming and support services related to the maintenance and enhancements of the Clearline platform purchased in January of 2024. |
| ● | Advertising and marketing costs decreased to $16,806 for the three months ended March 31, 2024 from $32,336 for the three months ended March 31, 2023 primarily as a result of the Company slowing expenditures related to Affordable Connectivity Program (“ACP”) stopped accepting new applications and enrollments effective February 7, 2024. |
| ● | Insurance expense decreased to $283,875 for the three months ended March 31, 2024 from $321,266 for the three months ended March 31, 2023 primarily as a result of improved premium rates for the renewal of coverage in 2023/2024. |
| ● | Other costs increased $8,232 or 1.6% from the three months ended March 31, 2023 to the three months ended March 31, 2024. |
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Other (expense) income during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 consisted of the following:
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Interest, net | $ | (132,583 | ) | $ | (192,326 | ) | ||
| Gain (loss) on equity investment in Centercom | 16,153 | 33,029 | ||||||
| Total other (expense) income | $ | (116,430 | ) | $ | (159,297 | ) | ||
Interest expense decreased to $132,583 in the three months ended March 31, 2024 from $192,326 in the three months ended March 31, 2023.
The equity investment in Centercom increased by $16,153 in the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to an increase of $33,029 in the three months ended March 31, 2023.
Provision for income tax benefit (expense) during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 consisted of the following:
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Current | $ | 130,000 | $ | - | ||||
| Deferred | 293,000 | - | ||||||
| Total provision (benefit) | $ | 423,000 | $ | - | ||||
Equity Transactions for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
Stock Issued for Cash - Capital Raise
In 2024, the Company issued 3,080,356 shares of common stock for gross proceeds of $17,249,994 ($5.60/share).
In connection with the capital raise, the Company paid cash as direct offering costs totaling $1,395,000, resulting in net proceeds of $15,854,994.
This offering was made pursuant to the Company’s registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-273110) previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on July 3, 2023, as amended, and declared effective by the SEC on November 3, 2023.
A preliminary and final prospectus supplement were filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) on January 17, 2024 and January 19, 2024, respectively. The Offering closed on January 22, 2024.
Exercise of Warrants - Cash
During 2024, the Company issued 1,860,308 shares of common stock in connection with the exercise of 1,860,308 warrants for $8,799,257 ($4.73/share). See warrant table below.
Exercise of Warrants - Cashless
During 2024, the Company issued 40,238 shares of common stock in connection with the cashless exercise of warrants ($0.001/share). The transaction had a net effect of $0 on stockholders’ equity. See warrant table below.
Stock Issued for Services
The Company issued 47,386 shares of common stock for services rendered, having a fair value of $411,740 ($3.85 - $7.34/share), based upon the quoted closing trading price.
See separate discussion below for the issuance and related vesting of common stock granted to the Company’s officers and directors.
Segment Information
Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available and evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker, or decision–making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company’s chief operating decision maker is its Chief Executive Officer.
The Company evaluated the performance of its operating segments based on revenues and operating income (loss). Segment information for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, are as follows:
| For the Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Revenues | ||||||||
| Mobile Virtual Network Operator | $ | 28,892,590 | $ | 28,659,384 | ||||
| Comprehensive Platform Services | 2,530,589 | 2,934,346 | ||||||
| Lead Generation | - | 3,170,845 | ||||||
| Other | 5,956 | 11,868 | ||||||
| Total | $ | 31,429,135 | $ | 34,776,443 | ||||
| Cost of revenues | ||||||||
| Mobile Virtual Network Operator | $ | 20,760,199 | $ | 21,311,859 | ||||
| Comprehensive Platform Services | 2,481,806 | 2,891,613 | ||||||
| Lead Generation | 1,619 | 2,877,988 | ||||||
| Other | 2,844 | 500 | ||||||
| Total | $ | 23,246,468 | $ | 27,081,960 | ||||
| Operating expenses | ||||||||
| Mobile Virtual Network Operator | $ | 34,831 | $ | 49,476 | ||||
| Comprehensive Platform Services | 719,364 | 325,677 | ||||||
| Lead Generation | 81,255 | 288,393 | ||||||
| Other | 215 | 300 | ||||||
| Corporate overhead | 5,595,141 | 2,325,575 | ||||||
| Total | $ | 6,430,806 | $ | 2,989,421 | ||||
| Income from operations | ||||||||
| Mobile Virtual Network Operator | $ | 8,097,560 | $ | 7,298,049 | ||||
| Comprehensive Platform Services | (670,581 | ) | (282,944 | ) | ||||
| Lead Generation | (82,871 | ) | 4,464 | |||||
| Other | 2,897 | 11,068 | ||||||
| Corporate overhead | (5,595,141 | ) | (2,325,575 | ) | ||||
| Total | $ | 1,751,861 | $ | 4,705,062 | ||||
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Segment information for the Company’s assets and liabilities at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, are as follows:
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
| Total Assets | ||||||||
| Mobile Virtual Network Operator | $ | 40,722,619 | $ | 32,502,760 | ||||
| Comprehensive Platform Services | 4,949,204 | 2,584,245 | ||||||
| Lead Generation | 1,327,811 | 1,596,236 | ||||||
| Other | 138,447 | 135,548 | ||||||
| Corporate overhead | 22,437,092 | 5,106,518 | ||||||
| Total | $ | 69,585,173 | $ | 41,925,307 | ||||
| Total Liabilities | ||||||||
| Mobile Virtual Network Operator | $ | 2,297,116 | $ | 2,426,964 | ||||
| Comprehensive Platform Services | 1,904,778 | 155,295 | ||||||
| Lead Generation | 542,516 | 899,485 | ||||||
| Other | 198,197 | 198,197 | ||||||
| Corporate overhead | 8,457,067 | 9,841,902 | ||||||
| Total | $ | 13,399,674 | $ | 13,521,843 | ||||
All intercompany accounts are separately presented above as both a component of the assets and liabilities. These amounts net to $0 in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
Mobile Virtual Network Operator
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2024 increased by $233,206 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023. Cost of revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2024, decreased by $551,660 from the same period ended March 31, 2023, as a result of the purchases of devices ($3,900,413), data usage expenses ($6,706,958) and marketing services paid of ($5,799,322) for the ACP program. The operating income increased from an operating income of $7,298,049 as of the three months ended March 31, 2023, to operating income of $8,097,560 as of three months ended March 31, 2024. As of this filing, the ACP has not been funded by Congress. We expect revenues and associated gross margin to be lower in the second quarter of 2024.
Lead Generation
The revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2024 decreased by $3,170,845 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023. The revenue changed due to the continued review of the line of business and how it best fits into the overall plans of the Company.
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Comprehensive Platform Services
The revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was $2,530,589 compared to $2,934,346 for the same period in 2023. The decrease of 14% was a continuing result of the Company shift to ACP. With the uncertainty of ACP, we are committed to re-focus our attention to this market segment for 2024.
Overall
The overall increase in revenue of $3,347,308 from 2023 to 2024 for the three months ended March 31, can be attributable to opening of some new markets and the continued growth of subscribers with the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) program. The net operating income decreased by $2,953,201 from three months ended March 31, 2023 to the three months ended March 31, 2024.
LIQUIDITY and CAPITAL RESOURCES
At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, our current assets were $59,060,603 and $33,366,661, respectively, and our current liabilities were $9,431,948 and $12,705,044, respectively, which resulted in a working capital surplus of $49,628,655 and of $20,661,617, respectively. The increase in current assets is a result of a capital raise on January 15, 2024 which resulted in a net increase in cash of $17,249,994 and the exercise of warrants during the three months ended March 31, 2024 of $8,799,257.
Total assets at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 amounted to $69,585,173 and $41,925,307, respectively. The increase in total assets is a result of a capital raise and exercise of warrants, whereby cash increased by $ 28,323,018. Total assets increased by $27,659,866 from December 31, 2023 to March 31, 2024. At March 31, 2024, assets consisted of current assets of $59,060,603, net property and equipment of $291,458, net intangible assets of $1,963,093, goodwill of $4,166,782, equity investment in Centercom of $480,562, note receivable of $176,851, internal use software of $483,717, operating lease right of use asset of $420,107, and deferred income taxes of $2,542,000 compared to at December 31, 2023, current assets of $33,366,661, net property and equipment of $361,841, net intangible assets of $2,126,470, goodwill of $1,666,782, equity investment in Centercom of $464,409, note receivable of $176,851, internal use software of $539,424, operating lease right of use asset of $387,869, and deferred income taxes of $2,835,000.
At March 31, 2024, our total liabilities were $13,399,674 compared to total liabilities of $13,524,843 at December 31, 2023. This $125,169 decrease was related to the repayment during the three months ended March 31, 2024 of the various notes payable.
At March 31, 2024, our total stockholders’ equity was $56,185,499 as compared to $28,403,464 at December 31, 2023.
If the ACP is fully funded, we expect positive operating income results for the remainder of 2024. If ACP is not fully funded, we expect to incur a loss for the calendar year 2024, as we transition to the non-subsidized market or LinkUp Mobile. The gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was approximately 26% compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023 of approximately 22%.
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The following table sets forth the major sources and uses of cash for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 4,040,058 | $ | 2,865,796 | ||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | - | (157,044 | ) | |||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 24,282,960 | (882,321 | ) | |||||
| Net change in cash and cash equivalents | $ | 28,323,018 | $ | 1,826,431 | ||||
As a result of net positive cash provided by operating activities, a capital raise and the exercise of warrants at March 31, 2024, the cash increased in the period ended March 31, 2024 by $28,323,018, compared to $1,826,431 in the period ended March 31, 2023.
At March 31, 2024, the Company had the following material commitments and contingencies.
Notes payable – related party - See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Notes payable and long-term debt - See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Related party transactions - See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion.
Cash requirements and capital expenditures –At the current level of operations, the Company does not anticipate borrowing funds to meet basic operating costs.
Known trends and uncertainties – The Company is planning to acquire other businesses with similar business operations. The uncertainty of the economy may increase the difficulty of raising funds to support the planned business expansion.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements, which were prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions for the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. Our estimates are based on our historical experience and on various other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions, and any such differences may be material.
While our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we believe the following discussion addresses our most critical accounting policies, which are those that are most important to our financial condition and results of operations and which require our most difficult, subjective and complex judgments.
Use of Estimates
Preparing financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and those estimates may be material.
Significant estimates during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, include, allowance for doubtful accounts and other receivables, inventory reserves and classifications, valuation of loss contingencies, valuation of derivative liabilities, valuation of stock-based compensation, estimated useful lives related to intangible assets, capitalized internal-use software development costs, and property and equipment, implicit interest rate in right-of-use operating leases, uncertain tax positions, and the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets.
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Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company accounts for financial instruments under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements. ASC 820 provides a framework for measuring fair value and requires disclosures regarding fair value measurements. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, based on the Company’s principal or, in absence of a principal, most advantageous market for the specific asset or liability.
The Company uses a three-tier fair value hierarchy to classify and disclose all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, as well as assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, in periods subsequent to their initial measurement. The hierarchy requires the Company to use observable inputs when available, and to minimize the use of unobservable inputs, when determining fair value.
The three tiers are defined as follows:
| ● | Level 1 - Observable inputs that reflect quoted market prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets; | |
| ● | Level 2 - Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly in the marketplace for identical or similar assets and liabilities; and | |
| ● | Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market data, which require the Company to develop its own assumptions. |
The determination of fair value and the assessment of a measurement’s placement within the hierarchy requires judgment. Level 3 valuations often involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity. Level 3 valuations may require the use of various cost, market, or income valuation methodologies applied to unobservable management estimates and assumptions. Management’s assumptions could vary depending on the asset or liability valued and the valuation method used. Such assumptions could include estimates of prices, earnings, costs, actions of market participants, market factors, or the weighting of various valuation methods. The Company may also engage external advisors to assist us in determining fair value, as appropriate.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets including Internal Use Capitalized Software Costs
Management evaluates the recoverability of the Company’s identifiable intangible assets and other long-lived assets when events or circumstances indicate a potential impairment exists, in accordance with the provisions of ASC 360-10-35-15 “Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” Events and circumstances considered by the Company in determining whether the carrying value of identifiable intangible assets and other long-lived assets may not be recoverable include but are not limited to significant changes in performance relative to expected operating results; significant changes in the use of the assets; significant negative industry or economic trends; and changes in the Company’s business strategy. In determining if impairment exists, the Company estimates the undiscounted cash flows to be generated from the use and ultimate disposition of these assets.
If impairment is indicated based on a comparison of the assets’ carrying values and the undiscounted cash flows, the impairment to be recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.
Inventory Valuation
Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value (average cost). For items manufactured by third parties, cost is determined using the weighted average cost method (WAC). We write down inventory when it has been determined that conditions exist that may not allow the inventory to be sold for at the intended price or the inventory is determined to be obsolete based on assumption about future demand and market conditions. The charge related to inventory write-downs is recorded as cost of goods sold. We evaluate inventory at least annually and at other times during the year. We have incurred and may in the future incur charges to write down inventory.
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Internal Use Software Development Costs
We capitalize certain internal use software development costs associated with creating and enhancing internally developed software related to our technology infrastructure. These costs include personnel and related employee benefits expenses for employees who are directly associated with and who devote time to software projects, and external direct costs of materials and services consumed in developing or obtaining the software. Software development costs that do not meet the qualification for capitalization, as further discussed below, are expensed as incurred and recorded in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated results of operations.
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
We account for revenue earned from contracts with customers under ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”), and ASC 842, Leases (“ASC 842”). The core principle of ASC 606 is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The following five steps are applied to achieve that core principle:
● 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 in the contract.
● Step 5: Recognize revenue when, or as, the company satisfies a performance obligation.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company accounts for our stock-based compensation under ASC 718 “Compensation – Stock Compensation” using the fair value-based method. Under this method, compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the value of the award and is recognized over the service period, which is usually the vesting period. This guidance establishes standards for the accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services. It also addresses transactions in which an entity incurs liabilities in exchange for goods or services that are based on the fair value of the entity’s equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of those equity instruments.
The Company uses the fair value method for equity instruments granted to non-employees and use the Black-Scholes model for measuring the fair value of options.
The fair value of stock-based compensation is determined as of the date of the grant or the date at which the performance of the services is completed (measurement date) and is recognized over the vesting periods.
Stock Warrants
In connection with certain financing (debt or equity), consulting and collaboration arrangements, the Company may issue warrants to purchase shares of its common stock. The outstanding warrants are standalone instruments that are not puttable or mandatorily redeemable by the holder and are classified as equity awards. The Company measures the fair value of warrants issued for compensation using the Black-Scholes option pricing model as of the measurement date. However, for warrants issued that meet the definition of a derivative liability, fair value is determined based upon the use of a binomial pricing model.
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Warrants issued in conjunction with the issuance of common stock are initially recorded at fair value as a reduction in additional paid-in capital of the common stock issued. All other warrants (for services) are recorded at fair value and expensed over the requisite service period or at the date of issuance if there is not a service period.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In the normal course of business, we evaluate all new accounting pronouncements issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, SEC, or other authoritative accounting bodies to determine the potential impact they may have on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Refer to Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Not applicable.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures
Under the PCAOB standards, a control deficiency exists when the design or operation of a control does not allow management or employees, in the normal course of performing their assigned functions, to prevent or detect misstatements on a timely basis. A significant deficiency is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting that is less severe than a material weakness, yet important enough to merit the attention by those responsible for oversight of the company’s financial reporting. 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 the company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act). Our management has determined that, as of March 31, 2024, the Company’s disclosure controls are effective, but the Company lacks segregation of duties similar to other companies our size.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1: LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
From time to time, we may be engaged in various lawsuits and legal proceedings in the ordinary course of our business. Except as described below, we are currently not aware of any legal proceedings the ultimate outcome of which, in our judgment based on information currently available, would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
The following is a summary of threatened, pending, asserted or unasserted claims against us or any of our wholly owned subsidiaries for which there have been material developments since December 31, 2023.
| (1) | Juno Financial v. AATAC and Surge Holdings Inc. AND Surge Holdings Inc. v. AATAC; Circuit Court of Hillsborough County, Florida, Case # 20-CA-2712 DIV A: Breach of Contract, Account Stated and Open Account claims against Surge by a factoring company. Surge has filed a cross-complaint against defendant AATAC for Breach of Contract, Account Stated, Open Account and Common Law Indemnity. Case is in discovery. Following analysis by our litigation counsel stating that there is a good defense, management has decided that a reserve is not necessary.
|
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| (2) | On December 17, 2021, Ambess Enterprises, Inc. v SurgePays, Inc., Blair County Pa. case number 2021 GN 3222. Plaintiff alleges breach of contract and prays for damages of approximately $73,000, plus fees, costs and interest. Litigation counsel is managing the motion practice and discovery process. The case was settled and dismissed in 2023 for $60,000, which has been recorded as a component of general and administrative expenses. |
| (3) | Blue Skies Connections, LLC, and True Wireless, Inc. v. SurgePays, Inc., et. al.: In the District Court of Oklahoma County, OK, CJ-2021-5327, filed on December 13, 2021. Plaintiffs petition alleges breach of a Stock Purchase Agreement by SurgePays, SurgePhone Wireless, LLC, and Kevin Brian Cox, and makes other allegations related to SurgePays’ consulting work with Jonathan Coffman, a True Wireless employee. Blue Skies believes the Defendants are in violation of their non-competition and non-solicitation agreements related to the sale of True Wireless from SurgePays to Blue Skies. Oklahoma state law does not recognize non-compete agreements and non-solicitation agreements in the manner alleged by Plaintiffs, as such we believe SurgePays, SurgePhone, and Cox have a strong defense against the claims asserted by Blue Skies and True Wireless. The matter continues in the discovery process. Mr. Coffman is no longer working for True Wireless. An attempt at mediation in July, 2022 did not achieve a settlement. The petition requests injunctive relief, general damages, punitive damages, attorney fees and costs for alleged breach of contract, tortious interference with a business relationship, and fraud. Plaintiffs have made a written demand for damages and the parties continue to discuss a potential resolution. This matter is an anti-competitive attempt by Blue Skies and True Wireless to damage SurgePays, SurgePhone, and Cox. Written discovery is winding down and depositions began in the third quarter of 2023 and are expected to continue in 2024. The case is anticipated set for trial in January 2025. | |
| In the Circuit Court of Tennessee for the 30th Judicial District at Memphis, Docket # CT-3219-23. On August 8, 2023, a complaint was filed by SurgePays for breach of a promissory note by Blue Skies Connections, LLC. The note at issue is dated June 14, 2021, and requires Blue Skies Connections to repay the principal sum of $176,850.56, by monthly payments of $7,461.37 commencing on June 1, 2023. Blue Skies Connections has failed to make any payments due under the terms of the note, and this breach entitles SurgePays to demand payment of the entire amount of the note together with all accrued interest. Blue Skies Connections has responded by preparing a Motion to Dismiss or, in the alternative, a Motion to Stay, taking the position that, under the prior suit pending doctrine, the subject promissory note is subject to the prior litigation instituted by Blue Skies Connections against SurgePays, styled Skies Connections, LLC and True Wireless, Inc. v. SurgePays, Inc., et al., Case No. CJ-2021-5327, District Court of Oklahoma County, Oklahoma. Counsel for Blue Skies Connections has requested that Surge Pays either voluntarily dismiss the subject action or agree to stay the subject action until conclusion of the Oklahoma litigation. |
| (4) | Robert Aliotta and Steve Vasquesz, on behalf of themselves and others similarly situated v. SurgePays, Inc. d/b/a Surge Logics, filed January 4, 2023, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Case No. 1:23-cv-00042. Plaintiffs allege violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the Florida Telephone Solicitations Act (FTSA) based on telephone solicitations allegedly made by or on behalf of SurgePays, Inc. Plaintiffs seek damages for themselves and seek certification of a class action on behalf of others similarly situated. Defendants intend to vigorously defend the action however most similar cases are eventually resolved by an out-of-court settlement. At this time, it is difficult to estimate the amount or range of potential loss. SurgePays Inc has been removed from the case following a Motion to Dismiss and LogicsIQ, Inc. has been named as the defendant. A Confidential Settlement Agreement and Release of Claims has been entered into in April 2024 and the parties await a Dismissal Order to be entered by the Court. | |
| (5) | SurgePays, Inc. et al. v. Fina et al., Case No. CJ-2022-2782, District Court of Oklahoma County, Oklahoma. Plaintiffs SurgePays, Inc. and Kevin Brian Cox initiated this case against its former officer Mike Fina, his companies Blue Skies Connections, LLC, True Wireless, Inc., Government Consulting Solutions, Inc., Mussell Communications LLC, and others. This case also arises from the June 2021 transaction by which SurgePays sold True Wireless to Blue Skies. During the litigation of CJ-2021-5327 described above, SurgePays learned information that showed Mike Fina breached his duties owed to True Wireless during his employment and consulting work for True Wireless prior to SurgePays’ sale of True Wireless to Blue Skies. SurgePays alleges that Mike Fina conspired with the other defendants to damage True Wireless thereby harming the value of the company and causing its eventual sale at a greatly reduced price. SurgePays asserts claims for (i) breach of contract; (ii) breach of fiduciary duty; (iii) fraud; (iv) tortious interference; and (v) unjust enrichment. At this stage, no defendant has asserted a counterclaim against SurgePays. | |
| (6) | Consumer Attorney Marketing Group, LLC v. LogicsIQ, Inc. and SurgePays, Inc. On February 13, 2024, in the Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County, Case No. 24 ST CV 03653, Consumer Attorney Marketing Group, LLC (“CAMG”) filed a complaint naming SurgePays, Inc. (the “Company”) a defendant and alleging claims for breach of contract, declaratory judgment and express and implied indemnity. The complaint demands that defendants indemnify CAMG for any damages or losses that CAMG may incur in the case Robert Aliotta, et al. v. SurgePays, Inc. d/b/a SurgeLogics, Case No. 23 C 00042, pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. CAMG’s claims against the Company are solely based upon theories of participatory and vicarious liability. A Confidential Settlement Agreement and Release of Claims has been entered into in April 2024 and the parties await a Dismissal Order to be entered by the Court. |
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ITEM 1A: RISK FACTORS
Not applicable.
ITEM 2: UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
ITEM 3: DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.
None
ITEM 4: MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
Not applicable
ITEM 5: OTHER INFORMATION.
On May 8, 2024, Jeremy Gies, who served as President of the Company, tendered his resignation from his role as an officer of the Company, effective immediately. Mr. Gies will transition from his current role into a non-officer position with the Company, where Mr. Gies will continue to help the Company execute on its broader strategic agenda and lead growth initiatives. Mr. Gies’ resignation was not in connection with any disagreement between Mr. Gies and the Company, its management, the Company’s board of directors or any committee thereof on any matter relating to the Company’s operations, policies or practices, or any other matter.
On May 8, 2024, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Company met and appointed Kevin Brian Cox as the new President of the Company, effective immediately. Mr. Cox currently also serves as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman and will retain these titles in connection with his appointment. For further biographical information and arrangements with Mr. Cox, please see the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference.
We are reporting the following information in lieu of reporting on a Current Report on Form 8-K under Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
ITEM 6: EXHIBITS
| Exhibit | ||
| Number | Exhibit Description | |
| 31.1* | Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 - Chief Executive Officer | |
| 31.2* | Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 - Chief Financial Officer | |
| 32.1** | Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 - Chief Executive Officer | |
| 32.2** | Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 - Chief Financial Officer | |
| 101.INS* | Inline XBRL Instance Document | |
| 101.SCH* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | |
| 101.CAL* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document | |
| 101.DEF* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document | |
| 101.LAB* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document | |
| 101.PRE* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document | |
| 104* | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) |
*Filed herewith.
** Furnished herewith
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| SURGEPAYS, INC. | ||
| Date: May 13, 2024 | ||
| By: | /s/ Kevin Brian Cox | |
| Kevin Brian Cox | ||
Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) | ||
| Date: May 13, 2024 | /s/ Anthony Evers |
| Anthony Evers | |
| Chief Financial Officer | |
| (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
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