Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

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Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Basis of Presentation

 

The consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).

Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Principles of Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

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 revenue and expense 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 intangibles, stock-based compensation expense, capitalized internal-use-software costs, accounting for business combinations and related contingent consideration, accounting for convertible debt, including estimates and assumptions used to calculate the fair value of debt instruments, accounting for convertible preferred stock, including modifications and exchanges of equity and equity-linked instruments, accounting for warrant liabilities and accounting for income taxes and valuation allowances against net deferred tax assets, require its most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments.

Going Concern [Policy Text Block]

Going Concern

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The Company incurred net losses of $30.3 million and $85.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and had an accumulated deficit of $249.0 million as of December 31, 2023. Noncash stock compensation, amortization and impairment charges for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 totaled $17.3 million and $60.1 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 net cash used in operating activities totaled $15.5 million and $19.8 million, respectively.

 

The Company had cash and cash equivalents of $7.6 million and $2.5 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. To date, our principal sources of capital used to fund our operations and growth have been the net proceeds received from equity and debt financings. We have and will continue to use significant capital for the growth and development of our business, and, as such, we expect to seek additional capital either from operations, or that may be available from future issuance(s) of common stock, preferred stock and / or debt financings, to fund our planned operations. Accordingly, our results of operations and the implementation of our long-term business strategies have been and could continue to be adversely affected by general conditions in the global economy, including conditions that are outside of our control. The most recent global financial crisis caused by severe geopolitical conditions, including conflicts abroad, and the lingering effects of COVID-19 and the threat of other outbreaks, have resulted in extreme volatility, disruptions and downward pressure on stock prices and trading volumes across the capital and credit markets in which we traditionally operate. A severe or prolonged economic downturn could result in a variety of risks to our business and could have a material adverse effect on us, including limiting our ability to obtain additional funding from the capital and credit markets. In management’s judgement, these conditions raise substantial doubt about the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern as contemplated by ASC 205-40, “Going Concern,” (“ASC 205”).

 

Managements Plans

 

The Company experienced significant growth in fiscal year 2023, 2022 and 2021 through organic and inorganic growth activities, including the expansion of our premium advertising inventory and quarter over quarter and year over year increases in recognized revenue across our primary revenue streams. In fiscal year 2023, we acquired Melon, as described below, and focused on the continued expansion of our service offerings and revenue growth opportunities through internal development, collaborations, and through opportunistic strategic acquisitions, as well as management and reduction of operating costs. Management continues to consider alternatives for raising capital to facilitate our growth and execute our business strategy, including strategic partnerships and or other forms of equity or debt financings. Refer to Note 7 for recent equity financing activities.

 

The Company considers historical operating results, costs, capital resources and financial position, in combination with current projections and estimates, as part of its plan to fund operations over a reasonable period. Management’s considerations assume, among other things, that the Company will continue to be successful implementing its business strategy, that there will be no material adverse developments in the business, liquidity or capital requirements, and the Company will be able to raise additional equity and / or debt financing on acceptable terms. If one or more of these factors do not occur as expected, it could cause a reduction or delay of the Company’s business activities, sales of material assets, default on its obligations, or forced insolvency. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not contain any adjustments which might be necessary if the Company were unable to continue as a going concern. No assurance can be given that any future financing will be available or, if available, that it will be on terms that are satisfactory to the Company.

 

We may continue to evaluate potential strategic acquisitions. To finance such strategic acquisitions, we may find it necessary to raise additional equity capital, incur debt, or both. Any efforts to seek additional funding could be made through issuances of equity or debt, or other external financing. However, additional funding may not be available on favorable terms, or at all. The capital and credit markets have experienced extreme volatility and disruption periodically and such volatility and disruption may occur in the future. If we fail to obtain additional financing when needed, we may not be able to execute our business plans which, in turn, would have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, our ability to meet our obligations, and our ability to pursue our business strategies.

Reclassification, Comparability Adjustment [Policy Text Block]

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 financial statement presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the reported total revenue, operating expense, total assets, total liabilities, total stockholder’s equity, or net loss for the prior period presented.

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block]

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 and when the customer obtains control of the good or service. 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.

 

The Company generates revenue from (i) innovative advertising including immersive game world and experience publishing and in-game media products, (ii) content and technology through the production and distribution of our own, advertiser and third-party content, and (iii) direct to consumer offers, including in-game items, e-commerce, game passes and digital collectibles.

 

The Company reports revenue on a gross or net basis based on management’s assessment of whether the Company acts as a principal or agent in the transaction and is evaluated on a transaction-by-transaction basis. To the extent the Company acts as the principal, revenue is reported on a gross basis net of any sales tax from customers, when applicable. The determination of whether the Company acts as a principal or an agent in a transaction is based on an evaluation of whether the Company controls the goods or services prior to transfer to the customer. Where applicable, the Company has determined that it acts as the principal in all of its media and advertising, publishing and content studio and direct to consumer revenue streams, except in situations where we utilize a reseller partner with respect to media and advertising sales arrangements.

 

In the event a customer pays us consideration, or we have a right to an amount of consideration that is unconditional, prior to our transfer of a good or service to the customer, we reflect the contract as a contract liability when the payment is made or the payment is due, whichever is earlier. In the event we perform by transferring goods or services to a customer before the customer pays consideration or before payment is due, we reflect the contract as a contract asset, excluding any amounts reflected as a receivable.

 

Media and Advertising

 

Media and advertising revenue primarily consists of direct and reseller sales of our on-platform media and analytics products, and influencer marketing campaign sales to third-party brands and agencies (hereinafter, “Brands”).

 

On Platform Media

 

On platform media revenue is generated from third party Brands advertising in-game on Roblox, on our Minehut Minecraft platform, or other digital platforms. Media assets include static billboards, video billboards, portals, 3D characters, Pop Ups and other media products. We work with Brands to determine the specific campaign media to deploy, target ad units and target demographics. We customize the media advertising campaign and media products with applicable branding, images and design and place the media on the various digital platforms. Media is delivered via our Super Biz Roblox platform, the Roblox Immersive Ads platform, our owned and operated Minehut platform and others. Media placement can be based on a cost per thousand, other cost per measure, or a flat fee. Media and advertising arrangements typically include contract terms for time periods ranging from one week to two or three months in length.

 

For on-platform media campaigns, we typically insert media products on-platform (in-game) to deliver to the Brand a predetermined number of impressions identified in the underlying contract. The benefit accrues to the Brand at the time that we deliver the impression on the platform, and the media product is viewed or interacted with by the on-platform user. The performance obligation for on-platform media campaigns is each impression that is guaranteed or required to be delivered per the underlying contract.

 

Each impression is considered a good or service that is distinct under the revenue standard, and the performance obligation under our on-platform media contracts is the delivery of a series of impressions. Each impression required to be delivered in the series that we promise to transfer to the Brand meets the criteria to be a performance obligation satisfied over time, due to the fact that (1) our performance does not create an asset with an alternative use to the Company, and (2) we have an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date per the terms of the contract. Further, the same method is used to measure our progress toward complete satisfaction of the performance obligation to transfer each distinct impression, as in the transfer of the series of impressions to the customer, which is based on actual delivery of impressions. As such, we account for the specified series of impressions as a single performance obligation.

 

The delivery of the impression on platform represents the change in control of the good or service, and therefore, the Company satisfies its performance obligations and recognizes revenue based on the delivery of impressions under the contract.

 

Influencer Marketing

 

Influencer marketing revenue is generated in connection with the development, management and execution of influencer marketing campaigns on behalf of Brands, primarily on You Tube, Instagram and Tik Tok. Influencer marketing campaigns are collaborations between Super League, popular social-media influencers, and Brands, to promote a Brands’ products or services. Influencers are paid a flat rate per post to feature a Brand’s product or service on their respective social media outlets.

 

For influencer marketing campaigns that include multiple influencers, the customer can benefit from the influencer posts either on its own or together with other resources that are readily available to the customer. Our influencer marketing campaigns for Brands (1) incorporate a significant service of integrating the goods or services with other goods or services promised in the contract (typically additional influencer posts) into a bundle of goods or services that represent the combined output that the customer has contracted for, and (2) the goods or services are interdependent in that each of the goods or services is affected by one or more of the other goods or services in the contract which combined, create an influencer marketing campaign to satisfy the Brand’s specific campaign objectives. The interdependency of the performance obligations is supported by an understanding of what a customer expects to receive as a final product with respect to an influencer marketing campaign, which is an integrated influencer marketing advertising campaign that the influencer posts create when they are combined into an overall integrated campaign.

 

Our customers receive and consume the benefits of each influencer’s post as the content is posted on the influencers respective social media outlet. In addition, the influencer marketing campaigns and videos created by influencers are highly customized advertising engagements, where Brand specific assets and collateral are created for the customer based on specific and customized specifications, and therefore, does not create an asset with an alternative use. Further, based on contract terms, we typically have an enforceable right to payment for performance to date during the term of the arrangement.

 

We recognize revenues for influencer marketing campaigns based on input methods which recognize revenue on the basis of the entity’s efforts or inputs to the satisfaction of a performance obligation relative to the total expected inputs to the satisfaction of that performance obligation. As such, revenues are recognized over the term of the campaign, as the influencer videos are posted, based on costs incurred to date relative to total costs for the influencer marketing campaign.

 

Publishing and Content Studio

 

Publishing and content studio revenue consists of revenue generated from immersive game development and custom game experiences within our owned and affiliate game worlds, and revenue generated in connection with our production, curation and distribution of entertainment content for our own network of digital channels and media and entertainment partner channels.

 

Publishing

 

Custom builds are highly customized branded game experiences created and built by Super League for customers on existing digital platforms such as Roblox, Fortnite, Decentraland and others. Custom builds often include the creation of highly customized and branded gaming experiences and other campaign specific media or products to create an overall customized immersive world campaign.

 

Custom integrations are highly customized advertising campaigns that are integrated into and run on existing affiliate Roblox gaming experiences. Custom integrations will often include the creation of highly customized and branded game integration elements to be integrated into the existing Roblox gaming experience to the customers specifications and other campaign specific media or products. We also create custom integrations on our owned and operated digital property “Minehut” for Brands.

 

Our custom builds and custom integration (hereinafter, “Custom Programs”) campaign revenue arrangements typically include multiple promises and performance obligations, including requirements to design, create and launch a platform game, customize and enhance an existing game, deploy media products, and related performance measurement. Custom Programs offer a strategically integrated advertising campaign with multiple integrated components, and we provide a significant service of integrating the goods or services with other goods or services promised in the contract into a bundle of goods or services that represent the combined output or outputs that the customer has contracted for. As such, Custom Program revenue arrangements are combined into a single performance unit, as our performance does not create an asset with an alternative use to the entity and we typically have an enforceable right to payment for performance to date during the term of the arrangement.

 

We recognize revenues for Custom Programs based on input methods, that recognize revenue based upon estimates of progress toward complete satisfaction of the contract performance obligations, utilizing primarily costs or direct labor hours incurred to date to estimate progress towards completion.

 

Content Production

 

Content production revenue is generated in connection with our production, curation and distribution of 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.

 

Content production arrangements typically involve promises to provide a distinct set of videos, creative, content creation and or other live or remote production services. These services can be one-off in nature (relatively short services periods of one day to one week) or can be specified as monthly services over a multi-month period.

 

One-off and monthly content production services are distinct in that the customer can benefit from the service either on its own or together with other resources that are readily available to the customer. Further, promises to provide one-off or monthly content production services are typically separately identifiable as the nature of the promises, within the context of the contract, is to transfer each of those goods or services individually. Each month’s content production services are separate and not integrated with a prior month’s or subsequent months services and do not represent a combined output; each months content production services do not modify any other prior period content production services, and the monthly services are not interdependent or highly interrelated.

 

As a result, each one-off or monthly promise to provide content production services is a distinct good or service that we promise to transfer and are therefore performance obligations. In general, content production contracts do not meet the criteria for recognition of revenues over time as the customer typically does not simultaneously receive and consume the benefits provided by our performance as we perform, our performance does not typically create or enhance an asset that the customer controls, and while our performance does not create an asset with an alternative use, we typically have a right to payment upon completion of each distinct performance obligation.

 

A performance obligation is satisfied at a point in time if none of the criteria for satisfying a performance obligation over time are met. For content production arrangements, we have a right to payment and the customer has control of the good or service at the time of completion and delivery of the one-off or monthly content production services in accordance with the terms of the underlying contract. As such, revenue is recognized at the time of completion of the one-off or monthly content production services.

 

Direct to Consumer

 

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

 

InPvP Platform Generated Sales Transactions

 

Through a relationship with Microsoft, the owner of Minecraft, we operate a Minecraft server world for players playing the game on consoles and tablets. We are one of seven partner servers with Microsoft that, while “free to play,” monetize the players through in-game micro transactions. We generate in-game platform sales revenue from the sale of digital goods, 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.

 

InPvP revenues are generated from single transactions for various distinct digital goods sold to users in-game. Microsoft processes sales transactions and remits the applicable revenue share to us pursuant to the terms of the Microsoft agreement.

 

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

 

Minehut

 

Our Minehut digital property provides various Minecraft server hosting services on primarily a monthly subscription basis, and other digital goods to the Minecraft gaming community. Minehut users purchase additional server space and other digital goods to enhance their Minehut/Minecraft playing experience. Users log on to Minehut and are able to play for free. Users are able to purchase expanded server space to enhance their game play experience for a fee.

 

Minehut revenues are generated from single transactions for the sale of distinct digital goods on the platform. Subscription revenue is recognized generally over the short period of time over which the services are rendered. Digital goods revenue is recognized when delivery occurs and all other revenue recognition criteria are satisfied, which is typically at the point of sale. Payments are typically due from customers, and delivery of purchased digital goods occurs at the point of sale.

 

Revenue was comprised of the following for the years ended December 31:

 

   

2023

   

2022

 

Media and advertising

  $ 10,919,000     $ 12,122,000  

Publishing and content studio

    12,732,000       5,744,000  

Direct to consumer

    1,428,000       1,811,000  
    $ 25,079,000     $ 19,677,000  

 

For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, 24% and 32% of revenues were recognized at a single point in time, and 76% and 68% of revenues were recognized over time, respectively.

 

Contract assets totaled $546,000 at December 31, 2023, $1,013,000 at December 31, 2022 and $231,000 at December 31, 2021. Contract liabilities totaled $339,000 at December 31, 2023, $111,000 at December 31, 2022, and $47,000 at December 31, 2021. Revenue recognized during the year ended December 31, 2023 relating to contract liabilities as of December 31, 2022 totaled $111,000. Revenue recognized during the year ended December 31, 2022 relating to contract liabilities as of December 31, 2021 totaled $47,000.

 

In accordance with ASC 606-10-50-13, the Company is required to include disclosure on its remaining performance obligations as of the end of the current reporting period. Due to the nature of the Company’s contracts with customers, these reporting requirements are not applicable as per ASC 606-10-50-14 as the performance obligation is part of a contract that has an original duration of one year or less.

Cost of Goods and Service [Policy Text Block]

Cost of Revenues

 

Cost of revenue includes direct costs incurred in connection with the satisfaction of performance obligations under our revenue arrangements including internal and third-party engineering, creative, content, broadcast and other personnel, talent and influencers, internal and third-party game developers, content capture and production services, direct marketing, cloud services, software, prizing, and revenue sharing fees.

Advertising Cost [Policy Text Block]

Advertising

 

Advertising costs include the cost of social digital media, marketing, and promotions. The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs are included in selling, marketing and advertising expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Advertising expense for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $134,000 and $507,000, respectively.

Research, Development, and Computer Software, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Engineering, Technology and Development Costs

 

Components of our platform are available on a “free to use,” “always on basis,” and are utilized and offered as an audience acquisition tool, as a means of growing our audience, engagement, viewership, players and community. Engineering, technology and development related operating expense includes the costs described below, incurred in connection with our audience acquisition and viewership expansion activities. Engineering, technology and development related operating expense includes (i) allocated internal engineering personnel expense, including salaries, noncash stock compensation, taxes and benefits, (ii) third-party contract software development and engineering expense, (iii) internal use software cost amortization expense, and (iv) technology platform related cloud services, broadband and other platform expense, incurred in connection with our audience acquisition and viewership expansion activities, including tools and product offering development, testing, minor upgrades and features, free to use services, corporate information technology and general platform maintenance and support.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers all highly-liquid, short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

Accounts Receivable [Policy Text Block]

Accounts Receivable

 

Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoice amount, less allowances for credit losses, if any, and do not bear interest. The Company provides an allowance for potential credit losses based on its evaluation of the collectability and the customers’ creditworthiness. Accounts receivable are written off when they are determined to be uncollectible. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, no allowance for expected credit losses was deemed necessary.

Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Fair Value Measurements

 

Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The Company measures financial assets and liabilities at fair value at each reporting period using a fair value hierarchy which requires the Company to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. A financial instrument’s classification within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Three levels of inputs may be used to measure fair value:

 

Level 1. Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

Level 2. Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs other than quoted prices which are observable for the assets or liabilities, either directly or indirectly through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the financial instruments.

 

Level 3. Unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity and which are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

 

Certain assets and liabilities are required to be recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, including derivative financial instruments, contingent consideration and warrant liabilities recorded in accordance with ASC 480, “Distinguishing liabilities from equity,” (“ASC 480”), and convertible notes payable recorded at fair value. As described in the notes below, contingent consideration, convertible notes payable and warrant liabilities outstanding during the periods presented are recorded at fair value. Transfers to/from Levels 1, 2, and 3 are recognized at the beginning of the reporting period. There were no transfers to/from Levels 1, 2, and 3 during the periods presented.

 

Certain long-lived assets may be periodically required to be measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, including long-lived assets that are impaired. The fair value for other assets and liabilities such as cash, restricted cash, accounts receivable, other receivables, prepaid expense and other current assets, accounts payable and accrued expense, and liabilities to customers have been determined to approximate carrying amounts due to the short maturities of these instruments.

Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Derivative Financial Instruments

 

The Company evaluates its financial instruments to determine if such instruments are derivatives or contain features that qualify as embedded derivatives. For derivative financial instruments that are accounted for as liabilities, the derivative instrument is initially recorded at its fair value and is then re-valued at each reporting date, with changes in the fair value reported in the consolidated statements of operations. The classification of derivative instruments, including whether such instruments should be recorded as liabilities or as equity, is reassessed at the end of each reporting period. Equity instruments that are initially classified as equity that become subject to reclassification are reclassified to a liability at the fair value of the instrument on the reclassification date. Derivative instrument liabilities are classified in the balance sheet as current or non-current based on whether or not net-cash settlement of the derivative instrument could be required within 12 months of the balance sheet date. In circumstances where the embedded conversion option in a convertible instrument is required to be bifurcated and there are also other embedded derivative instruments in the convertible instrument that are required to be bifurcated, the bifurcated derivative instruments are accounted for as a single, compound derivative instrument.

 

Derivative liabilities are adjusted to reflect fair value at each period end, with any increase or decrease in the fair value being recorded in the statement of operations.

 

Equity-linked instruments that are deemed to be freestanding instruments issued in conjunction with preferred stock are accounted for separately. For equity linked instruments classified as equity, the proceeds are allocated based on the relative fair values of the preferred stock and the equity-linked instrument following the guidance in ASC 470, “Debt,” (“ASC 470”).

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

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Major additions and improvements that materially extend useful lives of property and equipment are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs are charged against the results of operations as incurred. When these assets are sold or otherwise disposed of, the asset and related depreciation are relieved, and any gain or loss is included in the statements of operations for the period of sale or disposal. Depreciation and amortization are computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, typically over a three to five-year period.

Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block]

Acquisitions

 

Acquisition Method. Acquisitions that meet the definition of a business under ASC 805, “Business Combinations,” (“ASC 805”) are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. Under the acquisition method of accounting, 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 connection with the allocation of the purchase price consideration to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Transaction costs associated with business combinations are expensed as incurred and are included in general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

Cost Accumulation Model. Acquisitions that do not meet the definition of a business under ASC 805 are accounted for as an asset acquisition, utilizing a cost accumulation model. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recognized at cost, which is the consideration the acquirer transfers to the seller, including direct transaction costs, on the acquisition date. The cost of the acquisition is then allocated to the assets acquired based on their relative fair values. Goodwill is not recognized in an asset acquisition. Direct transaction costs include those third-party costs that can be directly attributable to the asset acquisition and would not have been incurred absent the acquisition transaction.

 

Contingent consideration, representing an obligation of the acquirer to transfer additional assets or equity interests to the seller if future events occur or conditions are met, is recognized when probable and reasonably estimable. Contingent consideration recognized is included in the initial cost of the assets acquired, with subsequent changes in the recorded amount of contingent consideration recognized as an adjustment to the cost basis of the acquired assets. Subsequent changes are allocated to the acquired assets based on their relative fair value. Depreciation and/or amortization of adjusted assets are recognized as a cumulative catch-up adjustment, as if the additional amount of consideration that is no longer contingent had been accrued from the outset of the arrangement.

 

Contingent consideration that is paid to sellers that remain employed by the acquirer and linked to future services is generally considered compensation cost and recorded in the statement of operations in the post-combination period.

Intangible Assets, Finite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block]

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, (iv) developed technology acquired, (v) partner, customer, creator and influencer related intangible assets acquired and (vi) other intangible assets, which are recorded at cost (or in accordance with the acquisition method or cost accumulation methods described above) 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 or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

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. Factors we consider important, which could trigger an impairment review, include the following: significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results; significant changes in the manner of our use of the acquired assets or the strategy for our overall business; significant negative industry or economic trends; significant adverse changes in legal factors or in the business climate, including adverse regulatory actions or assessments; and significant decline in our stock price for a sustained period. In the event the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss equal to the excess of the asset’s carrying value over its fair value is recorded.

 

Other assets of a reporting unit that are held and used may be required to be tested for impairment when certain events trigger interim goodwill impairment tests. In such situations, other assets, or asset groups, are tested for impairment under their respective standards and the other assets’ or asset groups’ carrying amounts are adjusted for impairment before testing goodwill for impairment as described below. 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.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Goodwill

 

The Company currently has one reporting unit. The following table presents the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill as of December 31:

 

   

2023

   

2022

 

Beginning Balance

  $ -     $ 50,263,000  

Acquisitions (See Note 5)

    1,864,000       -  

Impairment charges (cumulative goodwill impairment losses to date)

    -       (50,263,000 )

Ending Balance

  $ 1,864,000     $ -  

 

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of the acquired business over the acquisition date fair value of the net assets acquired. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level (operating segment or one level below an operating segment) on an annual basis (December 31) and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. We consider our market capitalization and the carrying value of our assets and liabilities, including goodwill, when performing our goodwill impairment tests. We operate in one reporting segment.

 

If a potential impairment exists, a calculation is performed to determine the fair value of existing goodwill. This calculation can be based on quoted market prices and / or valuation models, which consider the estimated future undiscounted cash flows resulting from the reporting unit, and a discount rate commensurate with the risks involved. Third-party appraised values may also be used in determining whether impairment potentially exists. In assessing goodwill impairment, significant judgment is required in connection with estimates of market values, estimates of the amount and timing of future cash flows, and estimates of other factors that are used to determine the fair value of our reporting unit. If these estimates or related projections change in future periods, future goodwill impairment tests may result in charges to earnings.

 

When conducting the Company’s annual or interim goodwill impairment assessment, we have the option to initially perform a qualitative evaluation of whether it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired. The Company is also permitted to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to the quantitative test. In evaluating whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we consider the guidance set forth in ASC 350, which requires an entity to assess relevant events and circumstances, including macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, financial performance and other relevant events or circumstances.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2023:

 

December 31, 2023 Goodwill Impairment Testing:

 

At December 31, 2023, the Company bypassed the optional qualitative assessment and performed a quantitative goodwill impairment test. We utilized the market capitalization of the Company as of December 31, 2023, a Level 1 input, to estimate the fair value of the Company’s single reporting unit. Based on the analysis, the estimated fair value of our reporting unit was $29.1 million, compared to a carrying value of our single reporting unit of $10.0 million as of December 31, 2023. Based on the analysis, the fair value of our single reporting unit exceeded its carrying value as of December 31, 2023, and therefore, the Company concluded that goodwill was not “more likely than not” impaired as of December 31, 2023.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2022:

 

As of January 1, 2022, goodwill totaled $50,263,000. During the year ended December 31, 2022, goodwill impairment charges totaled $50,263,000, and were comprised of the following:

 

September 30, 2022 Goodwill Impairment Testing

 

At September 30, 2022, prior to the completion of our goodwill impairment testing, the goodwill balance totaled $50,263,000.

 

At September 30, 2022, from a qualitative standpoint, we considered the Company’s history of reported losses and negative cash flows from operating activities, and also considered the sustained downturn in industry and macroeconomic conditions, including inflationary pressures and potential reductions in advertising spending and the sustained downturn of the broader mid-cap and micro-cap equity markets in the third quarter of 2022. We also considered that the Company experienced significant inorganic and organic growth in fiscal 2021, including the impact of the acquisitions of Mobcrush, Bannerfy and Super Biz on our premium advertising inventory, product offerings to advertisers, applicable current period revenue recognized and future revenue generating opportunities.

 

However, the Company’s stock price had been volatile, and the volatility continued during the three months ended September 30, 2022, declining 34% to $13.60 as of September 30, 2022, reflecting a market capitalization that was approximately 38% of the Company’s September 30, 2022 net book value. To assess whether the decline in our market capitalization was an indicator requiring an interim goodwill impairment test, we considered the significance of the decline and the length of time our common stock had been trading at a depressed value along with the macro factors described above. The significance of the decline was consistent with the broader microcap market. As of September 30, 2022 the decline in our stock price and other factors were deemed to be sustained, and therefore a triggering event requiring a goodwill impairment test as of September 30, 2022 was deemed to have occurred.

 

We utilized the market capitalization of the Company as of September 30, 2022, a Level 1 input as described above, to estimate the fair value of the Company’s single reporting unit. The estimated market capitalization was determined by multiplying our September 30, 2022 stock price and the common shares outstanding as of September 30, 2022. The market capitalization approach was utilized to estimate the fair value of our single reporting unit as of September 30, 2022, due to the significance of the decline in stock price as of September 30, 2022, resulting in a market capitalization that was 38% of the net book value of our single reporting unit. Based on the analysis, the estimated fair value of our reporting unit was $25.2 million, compared to a carrying value of our single reporting unit of $67.3 million as of September 30, 2022. As such, the fair value of our single reporting unit was deemed to be below its carrying value as of September 30, 2022, resulting in a goodwill impairment charge of $42,000,000 in the third quarter of 2022, which is reflected in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

December 31, 2022 Goodwill Impairment Testing

 

At December 31, 2022, prior to the completion of our goodwill impairment testing, the goodwill balance totaled $8,263,000.

 

At December 31, 2022, from a qualitative standpoint, we considered the factors described above under “September 30, 2022 Goodwill Impairment Testing,” including the applicable current period reported loss and negative cash flows from operating activities, and the sustained downturn in industry and macroeconomic conditions, including inflationary pressures and potential reductions in advertising spending and the sustained downturn of the broader mid-cap and micro-cap equity markets in the fourth quarter of 2022. Similarly, given the Company’s significant growth, management did not believe that the December 2022 market capitalization of the Company was indicative of any material fundamental change in the Company’s underlying business or future prospects as of the December 31, 2022 measurement date.

 

The Company's stock price had been volatile, and the volatility continued during the three months ended December 31, 2022, declining approximately 50% from the September 30, 2022 closing price to $6.72 as of December 31, 2022, reflecting a market capitalization that was approximately 46% of the Company’s December 31, 2022 net book value. As of December 31, 2022 the decline in our stock price and other factors were deemed to be sustained, and therefore a triggering event requiring a goodwill impairment test as of December 31, 2022 was deemed to have occurred.

 

We utilized the market capitalization of the Company as of December 31, 2022, a Level 1 input, to estimate the fair value of the Company’s single reporting unit. Based on the analysis, the estimated fair value of our reporting unit was $12.6 million, compared to a carrying value of our single reporting unit of $27.5 million as of December 31, 2022. As such, the fair value of our single reporting unit was deemed to be below its carrying value as of December 31, 2022, resulting in an additional goodwill impairment charge of $8,263,000 for the year ended December 31, 2022, reflecting the write down of the remaining balance of goodwill for our single reporting unit.

Compensation Related Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]

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. Estimates of expected volatility of the underlying common stock for the expected term of the stock option used in the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model are determined by reference to historical volatilities of the Company’s common stock and historical volatilities of similar companies.

 

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.

 

A condition affecting the exercisability or other pertinent factors used in determining the fair value of an award that is based on an entity achieving a specified share price constitutes a market condition pursuant to ASC 718, “Stock based Compensation,” (“ASC 718”). A market condition is reflected in the grant-date fair value of an award, and therefore, a Monte Carlo simulation model is utilized to determine the estimated fair value of the equity-based award. Compensation cost is recognized for awards with a market condition, provided the requisite service period is satisfied, regardless of whether the market condition is ever satisfied.

 

Cancellation of an existing equity-classified award along with a concurrent grant of a replacement award is accounted for as a modification under ASC 718. Total compensation cost to be recognized in connection with a modification and concurrent grant of a replacement award is equal to the original grant date fair value plus any incremental fair value, calculated as the excess of the fair value of the replacement award over the fair value of the original awards on the cancellation date. Any incremental compensation cost related to vested awards is recognized immediately on the modification date. Any incremental compensation cost related to unvested awards is recognized prospectively over the remaining service period, in addition to the remaining unrecognized grant date fair value.

Stockholders' Equity, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Financing Costs

 

Specific incremental costs directly attributable to a proposed or actual offering of securities are deferred and charged against the gross proceeds of the equity financing. In the event that the proposed or actual equity 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 equity financing costs, if any, are included in other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, financing costs charged against gross proceeds in connection with equity financings totaled $2,735,000 and $1,397,000, respectively. Deferred financing cost, included in prepaid expense and other current assets, at December 31, 2023 and 2022, totaled $282,000 and $374,000, respectively.

 

Specific incremental costs directly attributable to a proposed or actual debt offering are reported in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the face amount of the debt instrument. In the event that the proposed or actual debt financing is not completed, or is deemed not likely to be completed, such costs are expensed in the period that such determination is made. In the event that the Company elects to use the fair value option to account for debt instruments, all costs directly attributable to the debt offering are expensed as incurred in the statement of operations. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, debt financing costs expensed as incurred in connection with debt financings totaled $0 and $123,000, respectively.

Derivatives, Embedded Derivatives [Policy Text Block]

Convertible Debt

 

The Company evaluates convertible notes outstanding to determine if those contracts or embedded components of those contracts qualify as derivatives under ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging,” (“ASC 815”). ASC 815 requires conversion, redemption options, call options and other features (hereinafter, “Embedded Instruments”) contained in the Company’s convertible debt instruments that meet certain criteria to be bifurcated and separately accounted for as an embedded derivative. In circumstances where the embedded conversion option in a convertible instrument is required to be bifurcated and there are also other embedded derivative instruments in the convertible instrument that are required to be bifurcated, the bifurcated derivative instruments are accounted for as a single, compound derivative instrument.

 

In the event that the fair value option election is not made, as described below, the Company evaluates the balance sheet classification for convertible debt instruments issued to determine whether the instrument should be classified as debt or equity, and whether the Embedded Instruments should be accounted for separately from the host instrument. Embedded Instruments of a convertible debt instrument would be separated from the convertible instrument and classified as a derivative liability if the feature, were it a standalone instrument, meets the definition of an “embedded derivative.” Generally, characteristics that require derivative treatment include, among others, when the conversion feature is not indexed to the Company’s equity, or when it must be settled either in cash or by issuing stock that is readily convertible to cash. When a conversion feature meets the definition of an embedded derivative, it is required to be separated from the host instrument and classified as a derivative liability carried on the balance sheet at fair value, with any changes in its fair value recognized currently in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

Fair Value Option (“FVO) Election. The Company accounted for certain convertible notes issued, as described at Note 6, under the fair value option election pursuant to ASC 825, “Financial Instruments,” (“ASC 825”) as discussed below. The convertible notes accounted for under the FVO election are each debt host financial instruments containing embedded features which would otherwise be required to be bifurcated from the debt-host and recognized as separate derivative liabilities subject to initial and subsequent periodic estimated fair value measurements under ASC 815. Notwithstanding, ASC 825 provides for the “fair value option” election, to the extent not otherwise prohibited by ASC 825, to be afforded to financial instruments, wherein bifurcation of an embedded derivative is not necessary, and the financial instrument is initially measured at its issue-date estimated fair value and then subsequently remeasured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis at each reporting period date. The estimated fair value adjustment, as required by ASC 825, is recognized as a component of other comprehensive income (“OCI”) with respect to the portion of the fair value adjustment attributed to a change in the instrument-specific credit risk, with the remaining amount of the fair value adjustment recognized as other income (expense) in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. With respect to the note described at Note 6, as provided for by ASC 825, the estimated fair value adjustment is presented in a respective single line item within other income (expense) in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, since the change in fair value of the convertible notes payable was not attributable to instrument specific credit risk. The estimated fair value adjustment is included in interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets, Transfers of Financial Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Transfers of Financial Assets

 

The Company accounts for transfers of financial assets as sales when it has surrendered control over the related assets. Whether control has been relinquished requires, among other things, an evaluation of relevant legal considerations and an assessment of the nature and extent of the Company’s continuing involvement with the assets transferred. Gains and losses stemming from transfers reported as sales, if any, are included in the statements of income. Assets obtained and liabilities incurred in connection with transfers reported as sales are initially recognized in the balance sheet at fair value.

 

Transfers of financial assets that do not qualify for sale accounting are reported as collateralized borrowings. Accordingly, the related assets remain on the Company’s balance sheet and continue to be reported and accounted for as if the transfer had not occurred. Cash proceeds from these transfers are reported as liabilities, with attributable interest expense recognized over the life of the related transactions. Commitment fees charged irrespective of drawdown activity are recognized as expense on a straight line basis over the commitment period and included in other income (expense) in the consolidated statements of operations. Refer to Note 6 for additional information.

Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Reportable Segments

 

The Company utilizes the management approach to identify the Company’s operating segments and measure the financial information disclosed, based on information reported internally to the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) to make resource allocation and performance assessment decisions. An operating segment of a public entity has all the following characteristics: (1) it engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expense; (2) its operating results are regularly reviewed by the public entity’s CODM to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance: and (3) its discrete financial information is available. Based on the applicable criteria under the standard, the components of the Company’s operations are its: (1) advertising and sponsorship component, including content sales component; and (2) the Company’s direct-to-consumer component.

 

A reportable segment is an identified operating segment that also exceeds the quantitative thresholds described in the applicable standard. Based on the applicable criteria under the standard, including quantitative thresholds, management has determined that the Company has one reportable segment that operated primarily in domestic markets during the periods presented herein.

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

Concentration of Credit Risks

 

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk are cash equivalents, investments and accounts receivable. The Company places its cash equivalents and investments primarily in highly rated money market funds. Cash equivalents are also invested in deposits with certain financial institutions and may, at times, exceed federally insured limits. Any loss incurred or a lack of access to such funds could have a significant adverse impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Risks and Uncertainties [Policy Text Block]

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:

 

   

Year

Ended December 31,

 
   

2023

   

2022

 

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

    One

/

14%       -

/

-  

 

Revenue concentrations were comprised of the following revenue categories:

 

   

Year

Ended December 31,

 
   

2023

   

2022

 

Advertising and sponsorships

    3 %     -  
Publishing and content studio     11 %     -  
      14 %     -  

 

   

December 31,

2023

   

December 31,

2022

 

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

    Three

/

55%    

Two

/

25%  

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

    Two

/

37%    

One

/

10%  

 

Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]

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 common stock potentially issuable in connection with the conversion of outstanding preferred stock, convertible notes payable, employee stock options, warrants issued to employees and non-employees in exchange for services and warrants issued in connection with financings.

 

Common stock underlying all outstanding stock options, restricted stock units and warrants, totaling 2,250,000 and 359,000 at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, have been excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share because the effect of inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. Common stock potentially issuable in connection with the conversion of outstanding preferred stock totaling 12,127,000 and 913,000 at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, have been excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share because the effect of inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. Common stock potentially issuable in connection with the conversion of outstanding convertible notes payable totaling zero and 7,000 at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, have been excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share because the effect of inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

 

A reconciliation of net loss to net loss attributable to common stockholders is as follows as of December 31:

 

   

2023

   

2022

 

Net loss

  $ (30,330,000 )   $ (85,451,000 )
Deemed dividend on Series AA Preferred Stock – down round feature     (7,567,000 )     -  

Preferred Dividends paid in shares of common stock

    (374,000 )     -  

Net loss attributable to common stockholders

  $ (38,271,000 )   $ (85,451,000 )

 

Modifications and Exchanges of Preferred Stock and Preferred Stock Instruments [Policy Text Block]

Modifications and Exchanges of Preferred Stock and Preferred Stock Instruments

 

Preferred Stock

 

Changes to the terms of the Company’s preferred stock or exchanges of shares of the Company’s preferred stock for another, are assessed to determine whether the changes or exchange should be accounted for as either a modification or an extinguishment. This assessment can be done either qualitatively or quantitatively based upon the significance of the change. When preferred stock is modified in a manner that cannot be reliably assessed qualitatively, the Company performs a quantitative test to determine whether the modification or exchange should be accounted for as a modification or an extinguishment.

 

The Company applies the cash flow model used to assess debt modifications in ASC 470-50, Debt – Modifications and Extinguishments, to determine whether a modification or exchange of preferred stock should be accounted for as a modification or extinguishment. Under that model, the present value of the contractual cash flows is compared before and after a modification or exchange. If the present value of the contractual cash flows is ten percent or more, the modification or exchange is accounted for as an extinguishment; if the present value of the contractual cash flows differs by less than ten percent, the modification or exchange is accounted for as a modification.

 

If the assessment results in an extinguishment, then the difference between the fair value of the new or modified preferred stock and the carrying value of the original preferred stock is recognized as a reduction of, or increase to, retained earnings, as a deemed dividend. The difference is also recognized as an adjustment to earnings available to common shareholders for purposes of calculating earnings per share. If the assessment results in a modification, the Company measures any transfer of value between preferred shareholders and common shareholders as the difference between the fair value of the preferred stock before and after the modification or exchange, measured on the modification or exchange date. Transfers of value are recorded as a reduction of, or increase to, retained earnings as a deemed dividend. In addition, transfers of value are recognized as an adjustment to earnings available to common shareholders for purposes of calculating earnings per share.

 

In December 2023, the Company entered into certain Series A Exchange Agreements (the “Series A Agreements”) and Series AA Exchange Agreements (the “Series AA Agreements”, and collectively with the Series A Agreement, the “Exchange Agreements”), with certain holders (the “Holders”) of the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock, and Series AA Preferred Stock. The difference between the fair value of the new or modified preferred stock and the carrying value of the original preferred stock totaled $0, resulting in no impact on retained earnings for the periods presented. Refer to Note 7 for additional information.

 

Preferred Stock Instruments

 

For preferred stock instruments classified as liabilities under ASC 480 (see placement agent warrants described at Note 7), the Company follows the accounting models for the modification or extinguishment of debt, which require that modifications or exchanges of preferred stock instruments classified as liabilities are considered extinguishments, with gains or losses recognized in current earnings if the terms of the new instrument and original instrument are substantially different.

Dividend [Policy Text Block]

Dividends

 

Dividends on preferred stock paid in another class of stock are recorded at the fair value of the shares issued as a charge to retained earnings. Dividends declared on preferred stock that are payable in the Company’s common shares are deducted from earnings available to common shareholders when computing earnings per share.

 

Certain of the Company’s outstanding preferred stock contain a conversion price down round feature subject to a contractual floor pursuant to the underlying rights in the applicable certificate of designation. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event that results in a reduction of the conversion price for an equity-classified convertible preferred stock, the Company measures the value of the effect of the feature as the difference between the fair value of the financial instrument without the down round feature, with a conversion price corresponding to the currently stated conversion price of the issued instrument, and the fair value of the financial instrument without the down round feature with a conversion price corresponding to the reduced conversion price upon the down round feature being triggered. The value of the effect of a down round feature that is triggered is recognized as a charge to retained earnings and a reduction to income available to common stockholders in the computation of earnings per share. For the year ended December 31, 2023, total charges to retained earnings as a result of the triggering of down round features related to Series AA Preferred stock totaled $7,567,000. Refer to Note 7 for additional information.

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Income Taxes

 

Income taxes are accounted for using an asset and liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements or income tax returns. A valuation allowance is established to reduce deferred tax assets if all, or some portion, of such assets will more than likely not be realized, or if it is determined that there is uncertainty regarding future realization of such assets.

 

Under U.S. GAAP, a tax position is a position in a previously filed tax return, or a position expected to be taken in a future tax filing that is reflected in measuring current or deferred income tax assets and liabilities. Tax positions are recognized only when it is more likely than not, based on technical merits, that the position will be sustained upon examination. Tax positions that meet the more likely than not thresholds are measured using a probability weighted approach as the largest amount of tax benefit being realized upon settlement. The Company considers many factors when evaluating and estimating its tax positions and tax benefits, which may require periodic adjustments, and which may not accurately forecast actual outcomes. Management believes the Company has no uncertain tax positions for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

The Company has elected to include interest and penalties related to its tax contingences as a component of income tax expense. There were no accruals for interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions for the periods presented. Income tax returns remain open for examination by applicable authorities, generally three years from filing for federal and four years for state. The Company is not currently under examination by any taxing authority nor has it been notified of an impending examination.

Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Contingencies

 

Certain conditions may exist as of the date the consolidated financial statements are issued, which may result in a loss to the Company, but which will only be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. The Company’s management, in consultation with its legal counsel as appropriate, assesses such contingent liabilities, and such assessment inherently involves an exercise of judgment. In assessing loss contingencies related to legal proceedings that are pending against the Company or unasserted claims that may result in such proceedings, the Company, in consultation with legal counsel, evaluates the perceived merits of any legal proceedings or unasserted claims, as well as the perceived merits of the amount of relief sought or expected to be sought therein. If the assessment of a contingency indicates it is probable that a material loss has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be estimated, then the estimated liability would be accrued in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. If the assessment indicates a potentially material loss contingency is not probable, but is reasonably possible, or is probable, but cannot be estimated, then the nature of the contingent liability, together with an estimate of the range of possible loss, if determinable and material, would be disclosed. Loss contingencies considered remote are generally not disclosed unless they involve guarantees, in which case the guarantees would be disclosed.

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Recent Accounting Guidance

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted.

 

In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers, which requires entities to recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination in accordance with ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, in order to align the recognition of a contract liability with the definition of a performance obligation. This standard became effective for the Company and was adopted beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2023. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 

On August 5, 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-06, Debt Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging Contracts in Entitys Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40). The guidance in this update eliminates the beneficial conversion and cash conversion accounting models for convertible instruments. It also amends the accounting for certain contracts in an entity’s own equity that are currently accounted for as derivatives because of specific settlement provisions. In addition, the new guidance modifies how particular convertible instruments and certain contracts that may be settled in cash or shares impact the diluted EPS computation. The guidance was required to be applied retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of adoption. The guidance became effective for the Company and was adopted at the beginning of the first quarter of the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses, ASC 326, Measuring Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” The standard provides 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 was 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 are required to 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 for the Company and was adopted at the beginning of the first quarter of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.