Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

v3.21.2
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2021
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  
Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 8-03 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP in annual financial statements have been omitted or condensed in accordance with quarterly reporting requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). These interim consolidated condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, filed with the SEC on March 19, 2021.

 

The year-end consolidated condensed balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP.

 

The consolidated condensed interim financial statements of Super League include all adjustments of a normal recurring nature which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair statement of Super League’s financial position as of June 30, 2021, and results of its operations and its cash flows for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire fiscal year.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications to operating expense line items have been made to prior year amounts for consistency and comparability with the current year’s consolidated condensed financial statements presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the reported total operating expenses for the periods presented.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of 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 disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. The Company believes that, of the significant accounting policies described herein, the accounting policies associated with revenue recognition, impairment of goodwill and intangibles, stock-based compensation expense, capitalized internal-use-software costs, accounting for business combinations, and accounting for income taxes and valuation allowances against net deferred tax assets, require its most difficult, subjective or complex judgments.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized when the Company transfers 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 and services. In this regard, revenue is recognized when: (i) the parties to the contract have approved the contract (in writing, orally, or in accordance with other customary business practices) and are committed to perform their respective obligations; (ii) the entity can identify each party’s rights regarding the goods or services to be transferred; (iii) the entity can identify the payment terms for the goods or services to be transferred; (iv) the contract has commercial substance (that is, the risk, timing, or amount of the entity’s future cash flows is expected to change as a result of the contract); and (v) it is probable that the entity will collect substantially all of the consideration to which it will be entitled in exchange for the goods or services that will be transferred to the customer.

 

Transaction prices are based on the amount of consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for transferring promised goods or services to a customer, excluding amounts collected on behalf of third parties, if any. We consider the explicit terms of the revenue contract, which are typically written and executed by the parties, our customary business practices, the nature, timing, and the amount of consideration promised by a customer in connection with determining the transaction price for our revenue arrangements. Refunds and sales returns historically have not been material.

Super League generates revenues from (i) advertising, serving as a marketing channel for brands and advertisers to reach their target audiences of gamers across our network, (ii) content, curating and distributing esports and entertainment content for our own network of digital channels and media and entertainment partner channels and (iii) direct to consumer offers including digital subscriptions, digital goods, gameplay access fees and merchandise sales.

 

Revenue billed or collected in advance is recorded as deferred revenue until the event occurs or until applicable performance obligations are satisfied.

 

Advertising and Sponsorships

 

Advertising revenue primarily consists of direct sales activity along with sales of programmatic display and video advertising units to third-party advertisers and exchanges. Advertising arrangements typically include contract terms for time periods ranging from several days to several weeks in length.

 

For advertising arrangements that include performance obligations satisfied over time, customers typically simultaneously receive and consume the benefits under the arrangement as we satisfy our performance obligations, over the applicable contract term. As such, revenue is recognized over the contract term based upon estimates of progress toward complete satisfaction of the contract performance obligations (typically utilizing a time, effort or delivery-based method of estimation). Revenue from shorter term advertising arrangements that provide for a contractual delivery or performance date is recognized when performance is substantially complete and or delivery occurs. Payments are typically due from customers during the term of the arrangement for longer-term campaigns, and once delivery is complete for shorter-term campaigns.

 

Sponsorship revenue arrangements may include: exclusive or non-exclusive title sponsorships, marketing benefits, official product status exclusivity, product visibly and additional infrastructure placement, social media rights, rights to on-screen activations and promotions, display material rights, media rights, hospitality and tickets and merchandising rights. Sponsorship revenues also include revenues pursuant to arrangements with brand and media partners, retail venues, game publishers and broadcasters that allow our partners to run amateur esports experiences, and or capture specifically curated gameplay content that is customized for our partners’ distribution channels. Sponsorship arrangements typically include contract terms for time periods ranging from several weeks or months to terms of twelve months in length.

 

For sponsorship arrangements that include performance obligations satisfied over time, customers typically simultaneously receive and consume the benefits under the agreement as we satisfy our performance obligations, over the applicable contract term. As such, revenue is recognized over the contract term based upon estimates of progress toward complete satisfaction of the contract performance obligations (typically utilizing a time, effort or delivery-based method of estimation). Payments are typically due from customers during the term of the arrangement.

 

Revenue from sponsorship arrangements for one-off branded experiences and/or the development of content tailored specifically for our partners’ distribution channels that provide for a contractual delivery or performance date, is recognized at a point in time, when performance is substantially complete and or delivery occurs.

 

Content

 

Content sales revenue is generated in connection with our curation and distribution of esports and entertainment content for our own network of digital channels and media and entertainment partner channels. We distribute three primary types of content for syndication and licensing, including: (1) our own original programming content, (2) user generated content (“UGC”), including online gameplay and gameplay highlights, and (3) the creation of content for third parties utilizing our remote production and broadcast technology.

 

For content arrangements that include performance obligations satisfied over time, customers typically simultaneously receive and consume the benefits under the arrangement as we satisfy our performance obligations, over the applicable contract term. As such, revenue is recognized over the contract term based upon estimates of progress toward complete satisfaction of the contract performance obligations (typically utilizing a time, effort or delivery-based method of estimation). Revenue from shorter term content sales arrangements that provide for a contractual delivery or performance date is recognized when performance is substantially complete and or delivery occurs. Payments are typically due from customers during the term of the arrangement for longer-term campaigns, and once delivery is complete for shorter-term campaigns.

 

Payments are typically due from customers during the term of the arrangement for longer-term campaigns, and once delivery is complete for shorter-term campaigns. 

Direct to Consumer

 

Direct to consumer revenues primarily consist of primarily monthly digital subscription fees, and sales of digital goods and merchandise. Subscription revenue is recognized in the period the services are rendered. Payments are typically due from customers at the point of sale.

 

Platform Generated Sales Transactions. Our Mobcrush subsidiary generates in-game Platform sales revenues via digital goods sold within the platform, including cosmetic items, durable goods, player ranks and game modes, leveraging the flexibility of the Microsoft Minecraft Bedrock platform, and powered by the InPvP cloud architecture technology platform. Revenue is generated when transactions are facilitated between Microsoft and the end user, either via in-game currency or cash.

 

Revenue for digital goods sold on the platform is recognized when Microsoft (our partner) collects the revenue and facilitates the transaction on the platform. Revenue for such arrangements includes all revenue generated, bad debt, make goods, and refunds of all transactions managed via the platform by Microsoft. The revenue is recognized on a monthly basis. Payments are made to the Company monthly based on the reconciled sales revenue generated.

 

Revenue was comprised of the following for the periods presented:

 

 

 

Three Months

Ended June 30,

 

 

Six Months

Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

Advertising and sponsorships

 

$ 485,000

 

 

$ 49,000

 

 

$ 928,000

 

 

$ 56,000

 

Content sales

 

 

365,000

 

 

 

236,000

 

 

 

646,000

 

 

 

457,000

 

Direct to consumer

 

 

234,000

 

 

 

39,000

 

 

 

298,000

 

 

 

54,000

 

 

 

$ 1,084,000

 

 

$ 324,000

 

 

$ 1,872,000

 

 

$ 567,000

 

 

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, 42% and 39% of revenues were recognized at a single point in time, and 58% and 61% of revenues were recognized over time, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, 46% and 35% of revenues were recognized at a single point in time, and 54% and 65% of revenues were recognized over time, respectively.

Cost of Revenues

Cost of revenues includes direct costs incurred in connection with the satisfaction of performance obligations under our revenue arrangements including direct labor, creative and broadcast related contract services, talent and influencers, content capture and production services, direct marketing, prizing, platform costs and revenue sharing fees.

Advertising

Gaming experience and Super League brand related advertising costs include the cost of ad production, social media, print media, marketing, promotions, and merchandising. The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs are included in selling, marketing and advertising expenses in the accompanying statements of operations. Advertising expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 were $117,000 and $251,000, respectively. Advertising expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 were $20,000 and $87,000, respectively.

Technology Platform and Infrastructure Costs

Technology platform and infrastructure costs include (i) allocated personnel costs, including salaries, noncash stock compensation, taxes and benefits related to our internal software developers and engineers, employed by Super League, engaged in the operation, maintenance, management, administration, testing and enhancement of our proprietary gaming and content technology platform, (ii) third-party contract software development and engineering resources engaged in developing and enhancing our proprietary gaming and content technology platform (iii) the amortization of capitalized internal use software costs, and (iv) technology platform related cloud services, broadband and other technology platform costs. 

Acquisitions

For acquisitions that meet the definition of a business under ASC 805, the Company records the acquisition using the acquisition method of accounting. All of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, contractual contingencies, and contingent consideration, when applicable, are recorded at fair value at the acquisition date. Any excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. The application of the acquisition method of accounting requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions in the determination of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in order to properly allocate purchase price consideration. For acquisitions that do not meet the definition of a business under ASC 805, the Company accounts for the transaction as an asset acquisition.

 

Transaction costs associated with business combinations are expensed as incurred and are included in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets primarily consist of (i) internal-use software development costs, (ii) domain name, copyright and patent registration costs, (iii) commercial licenses and branding rights and (iv) other intangible assets, which are recorded at cost and amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, ranging from three to 10 years.

 

Software development costs incurred to develop internal-use software during the application development stage are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the software’s estimated useful life, which is generally three years. Software development costs incurred during the preliminary stages of development are charged to expense as incurred. Maintenance and training costs are charged to expense as incurred. Upgrades or enhancements to existing internal-use software that result in additional functionality are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the applicable estimated useful life.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company assesses the recoverability of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. If the cost basis of a long-lived asset is greater than the projected future undiscounted net cash flows from such asset, an impairment loss is recognized. Impairment losses are calculated as the difference between the cost basis of an asset and its estimated fair value. Management believes that there was no impairment of long-lived assets for the periods presented herein. There can be no assurance, however, that market conditions or demand for the Company’s products or services will not change, which could result in long-lived asset impairment charges in the future.

Stock-Based Compensation

Compensation expense for stock-based awards is measured at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense, typically on a straight-line basis over the employee’s requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the equity award) which is generally two to four years. Compensation expense for awards with performance conditions that affect vesting is recorded only for those awards expected to vest or when the performance criteria are met. The fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards is determined by the product of the number of shares or units granted and the grant date market price of the underlying common stock. The fair value of stock option and common stock purchase warrant awards is estimated on the date of grant utilizing the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model. The Company utilizes the simplified method for estimating the expected term for options granted to employees due to the lack of available or sufficient historical exercise data for the Company for the applicable options terms. The Company accounts for forfeitures of awards as they occur.

 

Grants of equity-based awards (including warrants) to non-employees in exchange for consulting or other services are accounted for using the grant date fair value of the equity instruments issued.

 

Noncash stock-based compensation expense for the periods presented was included in the following financial statement line items: 

 

 

 

Three Months

Ended June 30,

 

 

Six Months

Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

Sales, marketing and advertising

 

$ 237,000

 

 

$ 197,000

 

 

$ 420,000

 

 

$ 395,000

 

Technology platform and infrastructure

 

 

24,000

 

 

 

59,000

 

 

 

57,000

 

 

 

148,000

 

General and administrative

 

 

300,000

 

 

 

141,000

 

 

 

495,000

 

 

 

556,000

 

Total noncash stock compensation expense

 

$ 561,000

 

 

$ 397,000

 

 

$ 972,000

 

 

$ 1,099,000

 

Equity Financing Costs

Specific incremental costs directly attributable to a proposed or actual offering of securities or debt are deferred and charged against the gross proceeds of the financing. In the event that the proposed or actual financing is not completed, or is deemed not likely to be completed, such costs are expensed in the period that such determination is made. Deferred financing costs, if any, are included in other current assets in the accompanying balance sheet. For each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, financing costs charged against gross proceeds in connection with equity financings totaled $215,000. For each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, financing costs charged against gross proceeds in connection with equity financings totaled $434,000.

Risks and Uncertainties

Concentrations. The Company had certain customers whose revenue individually represented 10% or more of the Company’s total revenue, or whose accounts receivable balances individually represented 10% or more of the Company’s total accounts receivable, and vendors whose accounts payable balances individually represented 10% or more of the Company’s total accounts payable, as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months

Ended June 30,

 

 

Six Months

Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

Number of customers > 10% of revenues / percent of revenues

 

 

One / 15%

 

 

 

Six / 84%

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

Four / 61 %

 

 

 

 

June 30,

2021

 

 

December 31,

2020

 

Number of customers > 10% of accounts receivable / percent of accounts receivable 

 

 

One / 13%

 

 

Four / 61%

Number of vendors > 10% of accounts payable / percent of accounts payable

 

One / 11%

 

 

One / 55%

 

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing the income or loss by the weighted-average number of outstanding shares of common stock for the applicable period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing the income or loss by the weighted-average number of outstanding shares of common stock for the applicable period, including the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents. Potentially dilutive common stock equivalents primarily consist of employee stock options, warrants issued to employees and non-employees in exchange for services and warrants issued in connection with financings. All outstanding stock options, restricted stock units and warrants, totaling 5,064,000 and 4,470,000 at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, have been excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share because the effect of inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. 

Recent Accounting Guidance

Recent Accounting Pronouncements - Not Yet Adopted. In February 2016, the FASB issued an ASU that requires lessees to present right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet. The new guidance is to be applied using a modified retrospective approach at the beginning of the earliest comparative periods in the financial statements and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact that this guidance will have on its financial position, results of operations and financial statement disclosures.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements - Adopted. In June 2016, the FASB issued guidance on the measurement and recognition of credit losses on most financial assets. For trade receivables, loans, and held-to-maturity debt securities, the current probable loss recognition methodology is being replaced by an expected credit loss model. For available-for-sale debt securities, the recognition model on credit losses is generally unchanged, except the losses will be presented as an adjustable allowance. The guidance will be applied retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of adoption. The guidance became effective at the beginning of the Company’s first quarter of the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.