SLGG Super League Gaming Inc

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated 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 condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on April 15, 2023.

The December 31, 2023 condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP. The condensed consolidated 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 March 31, 2024, and results of its operations and its cash flows for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire fiscal year, or any future period.

Principles of Consolidation

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

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.

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, derecognition of assets, 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

The accompanying condensed 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 $5.3 million and $7.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and had an accumulated deficit of $254.3 million as of March 31, 2024. For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, net cash used in operating activities totaled $3.7 million and $3.0 million, respectively.

The Company had cash and cash equivalents of $3.3 million and $7.6 million as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, 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 threat of other outbreaks or pandemics, 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 the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”), Topic 205-40, “Going Concern,” (“ASC 205”).

Management’s Plans

The Company experienced growth during the periods presented through organic and inorganic growth activities, including the expansion of our premium advertising inventory and quarter over quarter increases in recognized revenue across our primary revenue streams. During the prior fiscal year and the quarter ended March 31, 2024, we continued our focus on the 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 explore 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. 

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.

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 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 or other digital platforms, and prior to the Minehut Sale, on our Minehut Minecraft platform. 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, other platforms, and prior to the Minehut Sale, on our owned and operated Minehut platform. 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. Prior to the Minehut Sale, we also created custom integrations on the 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.

Revenue was comprised of the following for the three months ended March 31:

For the three months ended March 31, 2024, 31% of revenues were recognized at a single point in time, and 69% of revenues were recognized over time, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2023, 29% of revenue was recognized at a single point in time, and 71% of revenue was recognized over time, respectively.

Contract assets totaled $1,075,000 at March 31, 2024, $546,000 at December 31, 2023, and $1,013,000 at December 31, 2022. Contract liabilities totaled $334,000 at March 31, 2024, $339,000 at December 31, 2023, and $111,000 at December 31, 2022. Revenue recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2024 relating to contract liabilities as of December 31, 2023 totaled $171,000. Revenue recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2023 relating to contract liabilities as of December 31, 2022 totaled $82,000.

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 Revenue

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

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 expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Advertising expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 was $43,000 and $9,000, respectively.

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.

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 FASB ASC Topic 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.

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 FASB ASC Topic 470, “Debt,” (“ASC 470”).

Acquisitions

Acquisition Method. Acquisitions that meet the definition of a business under FASB ASC Topic 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.

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

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 3 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.

Transfer or Sale of Intangible Assets

Upon the sale of an intangible asset, or group of intangible assets (hereinafter, “nonfinancial assets”), the Company initially evaluates whether the Company has a controlling financial interest in the legal entity that holds the nonfinancial assets by applying the guidance on consolidation. Any nonfinancial assets transferred that are held in a legal entity in which the Company does not have (or ceases to have) a controlling financial interest is further evaluated to determine whether the underlying transaction contract meets all of the criteria for accounting for contract under the revenue standard. Once a contract meets all of the criteria, the Company identifies each distinct nonfinancial asset promised to a counterparty and derecognizes each distinct nonfinancial asset when the Company transfers control of the nonfinancial asset to the counterparty. The Company evaluates the point in time at which a counterparty obtains control of the nonfinancial assets, including whether or not the counterparty can direct the use of, and obtain substantially all of the benefits from, each distinct nonfinancial asset.

If the consideration promised in a contract is variable or includes a variable amount, the Company estimates the amount of consideration to which the Company will be entitled in exchange for transferring the promised assets to a counterparty. Purchase consideration is variable if the amount the Company will receive is contingent on future events occurring or not occurring, even though the amount itself is fixed. The Company determines the total transaction price, including an estimate of any variable consideration, at contract inception and reassesses this estimate at each reporting date. The Company estimates the transaction price utilizing the expected value method. The expected value is the sum of probability-weighted amounts in a range of possible consideration amounts.

The accounting for an arrangement with a put option depends on the amount the Company must pay to the counterparty in the event the counterparty exercises the put option, and whether the counterparty has a significant economic incentive to exercise its right. The accounting for put options requires the Company to assess at contract inception, whether the counterparty has a significant economic incentive to exercise its right, including how the repurchase price compares to the expected market value of the nonfinancial assets at the date of repurchase and the amount of time until the right expires. A customer has a significant economic incentive to exercise a put option when the repurchase price is expected to significantly exceed the market value of the good at the time of repurchase. The Company accounts for a put option as a sale of an asset or group of assets with a right of return, if the repurchase price is less than the original sales price and the customer does not have a significant economic incentive to exercise its right.

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. For the periods presented herein, management believes that there was no impairment of long-lived assets. 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

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.

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 FASB ASC Topic 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.

On March 19, 2024, the Board approved that an equity pool consisting of (i) 1,692,606 shares of common stock, collectively, which amount is equivalent to ten percent of the then existing and outstanding common stock of the Company on an as-converted basis, be issued to executives of the Company in the following form, amounts and vesting conditions: (a) stock options to purchase 846,303 shares of common stock, with vesting at the rate of 1/36^th per month in arrears, and exercisable at a price per share of $1.85 (collectively, the “2024 Options”); and (b) restricted stock units consisting of 846,303 shares of common stock with vesting of (i) fifty percent in equal one-third increments on the first, second and third anniversaries of the restricted stock unit grant issuances, and (ii) fifty percent to be allocated equally between (a) achievement of a profitable fiscal quarter, on a net income basis, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, (b) achievement of 85% of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) target for fiscal year 2024, and (c) achievement of 85% of EBITDA target for fiscal year 2025 (with such fiscal year 2025 target to be approved by the Board as part of the fiscal year 2025 financial plan)(collectively, the “2024 RSUs”). The issuance of the 2024 Options and 2024 RSUs, as described above, is contingent upon the Company receiving approval from its stockholders to increase the number of shares available under the 2014 Plan at the Company’s 2024 annual meeting of stockholders, and will be subject to cancellation in the event stockholder approval is not obtained.

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

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 condensed consolidated balance sheet. Deferred financing costs totaled $323,000 and $282,000 as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

Convertible Debt

The Company evaluates convertible notes outstanding to determine if those contracts or embedded components of those contracts qualify as derivatives under FASB ASC Topic 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 5, under the fair value option election pursuant to FASB ASC Topic 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 5, 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 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 5 for additional information.

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 revenue 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) media and advertising component, including its publishing and content studio 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 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

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:

Revenue concentrations were comprised of the following revenue categories:

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 2,178,000 and 346,000 at March 31, 2024 and 2023, 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 11,442,000 and 1,121,000 at March 31, 2024 and 2023, 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 for the three months ended March 31:

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.

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 periods presented.

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.

Recent Accounting Guidance

Recent Accounting Pronouncements – Not Yet Adopted

In November 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures” (“ASU 2023-07”) which updates required disclosures of significant reportable segment expenses that are regularly provided to the CODM and included within each reported measure of a segment's profit or loss. This standard also requires disclosure of the title and position of the individual identified as the CODM and an explanation of how the CODM uses the reported measures of a segment’s profit or loss in assessing segment performance and deciding how to allocate resources. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, though early adoption is permitted. Adoption of ASU 2023-07 should be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently evaluating the presentational impact of ASU 2023-07 and expects to adopt in the year ended December 31, 2024.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures” (“ASU 2023-09”) which enhances the transparency and usefulness of income tax disclosures. The updates are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024 on a prospective or retrospective basis, though early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the presentational impact of ASU 2023-09 and expects to adopt in the year ended December 31, 2025.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements – Recently 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 (“ASU 2021-08”), which requires entities to recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination in accordance with FASB 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. ASU 2021-08 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.