UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2024

 

or

 

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from ________________ to ________________

 

Commission file number 001-40992

 

SURGEPAYS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Nevada		98-0550352
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I. R. S. Employer Identification No.)

 

3124 Brother Blvd, Suite 104
Bartlett TN		38133
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

 

901-302-9587

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Not applicable

(Former name, former address, and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class		Trading Symbol(s)		Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock		SURG		The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (Nasdaq Capital Market)
Common Stock Purchase Warrants		SURGW		The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (Nasdaq Capital Market)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer ☐	Accelerated filer ☐
Non-accelerated filer ☒	Smaller reporting company ☒
	Emerging growth company ☐

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒

 

The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding as of November 8, 2024 was 20,161,547 shares.

 

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

	Page(s)
Consolidated Balance Sheets	3
Consolidated Statements of Operations	4
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity	5 - 6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	8 - 62

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

		September 30, 2024				December 31, 2023
		(Unaudited)
Assets
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$	13,651,559			$	14,622,060
Investments			10,068,506				-
Accounts receivable - net			1,513,996				9,536,074
Inventory			8,363,138				9,046,594
Prepaids and other			312,679				161,933
Total Current Assets			33,909,878				33,366,661
Construction-in-process			518,189				-
Property and equipment - net			158,092				361,841
Other Assets
Note receivable			176,851				176,851
Intangibles - net			1,636,339				2,126,470
Internal use software development costs - net			372,303				539,424
Goodwill			4,166,782				1,666,782
Investment in CenterCom			498,273				464,409
Operating lease - right of use asset - net			62,786				387,869
Deferred income taxes - net			-				2,835,000
Total Other Assets			6,913,334				8,196,805
Total Assets		$	41,499,493			$	41,925,307
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		$	3,173,968			$	6,439,120
Accounts payable and accrued expenses - related party			462,376				1,048,224
Accounts payable and accrued expenses			462,376				1,048,224
Accrued income taxes payable			100,000				570,000
Deferred revenue			-				20,000
Operating lease liability			50,415				43,137
Note payable - related party			1,647,491				4,584,563
Total Current Liabilities			5,434,250				12,705,044
Long Term Liabilities
Note payable - related party			2,303,989				-
Notes payable - SBA government			472,135				460,523
Notes payable			472,135				460,523
Operating lease liability			13,132				356,276
Total Long Term Liabilities			2,789,256				816,799
Total Liabilities			8,223,506				13,521,843
Stockholders’ Equity
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized 19,931,549 shares issued and 19,650,779 shares outstanding, respectively, at September 30, 2024 14,403,261 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023			19,935				14,404
Additional paid-in capital			74,725,651				43,421,019
Treasury stock - at cost (280,770 and 0 shares, respectively)			(485,131	)			-
Accumulated deficit			(41,102,720	)			(15,186,203	)
Stockholders’ equity			33,157,735				28,249,220
Non-controlling interest			118,252				154,244
Total Stockholders’ Equity			33,275,987				28,403,464
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity		$	41,499,493			$	41,925,307

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

		2024				2023				2024				2023
		For the Three Months Ended September 30,								For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2024				2023				2024				2023
Revenues		$	4,769,697			$	34,160,834			$	51,284,531			$	104,823,710
Costs and expenses
Cost of revenues			12,602,057				23,680,247				54,377,300				76,622,912
General and administrative expenses			6,448,402				3,389,015				20,312,185				10,201,663
Total costs and expenses			19,050,459				27,069,262				74,689,485				86,824,575
Income (loss) from operations			(14,280,762	)			7,091,572				(23,404,954	)			17,999,135
Other income (expense)
Interest expense			(112,814	)			(130,335	)			(362,119	)			(478,928	)
Loss on lease termination, net			(194,862	)			-				(194,862	)			-
Other income			239				-				637,107				-
Interest income			183,537				-				183,537				-
Unrealized gains - investments			38,292				-				38,292				-
Dividends, interest and other income - investments			86,626				-				86,626				-
Gain on investment in CenterCom			-				51,894				33,864				95,636
Total other income (expense) - net			1,018				(78,441	)			422,445				(383,292	)
Net income (loss) before provision for income taxes			(14,279,744	)			7,013,131				(22,982,509	)			17,615,843
Provision for income tax benefit (expense)			-				-				(2,970,000	)			-
Net income (loss) including non-controlling interest			(14,279,744	)			7,013,131				(25,952,509	)			17,615,843
Non-controlling interest			(4,397	)			(71,170	)			(35,992	)			19,209
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders		$	(14,275,347	)		$	7,084,301			$	(25,916,517	)		$	17,596,634
Earnings per share - attributable to common stockholders
Basic		$	(0.73	)		$	0.50			$	(1.37	)		$	1.24
Diluted		$	(0.73	)		$	0.49			$	(1.37	)		$	1.19
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - attributable to common stockholders
Basic			19,689,010				14,291,263				18,940,689				14,205,127
Diluted			19,689,010				14,507,984				18,940,689				14,740,201

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

 

		Shares				Amount				Capital				Deficit				Shares				Amount				Interest				Equity
										Additional																				Total
		Common Stock								Paid-in				Accumulated				Treasury Stock								Non-Controlling				Stockholders’
		Shares				Amount				Capital				Deficit				Shares				Amount				Interest				Equity
December 31, 2023			14,403,261			$	14,404			$	43,421,019			$	(15,186,203	)		$	-			$	-			$	154,244			$	28,403,464
Stock issued for cash			3,080,356				3,081				17,246,913				-				-				-				-				17,249,994
Cash paid as direct offering costs			-				-				(1,395,000	)			-				-				-				-				(1,395,000	)
Exercise of warrants - cash			1,860,308				1,861				8,797,396				-				-				-				-				8,799,257
Exercise of warrants - cashless			40,238				41				(41	)			-				-				-				-				-
Stock issued for services			47,386				48				411,692				-				-				-				-				411,740
Recognition of stock based compensation - unvested shares - related parties			-				-				1,497,417				-				-				-				-				1,497,417
Recognition of stock-based compensation - related party			-				-				6,196				-				-				-				-				6,196
Non-controlling interest			-				-				-				-				-				-				(12,164	)			(12,164	)
Net income			-				-				-				1,224,595				-				-				-				1,224,595
March 31, 2024			19,431,549				19,435				69,985,592				(13,961,608	)			-				-				142,080				56,185,499
Recognition of stock based compensation - unvested shares - related parties			-				-				2,981,577				-				-				-				-				2,981,577
Non-controlling interest			-				-				-				-				-				-				(19,431	)			(19,431	)
Net loss			-				-				-				(12,865,765	)											-				(12,865,765	)
June 30, 2024			19,431,549				19,435				72,967,169				(26,827,373	)			-				-				122,649				46,281,880
Recognition of stock based compensation - unvested shares - related parties			500,000				500				1,758,482				-				-				-				-				1,758,982
Treasury shares repurchased (share buy-backs)			-				-				-				-				280,770				(485,131	)			-				(485,131	)
Non-controlling interest			-				-				-				-				-				-				(4,397	)			(4,397	)
Net loss			-				-				-				(14,275,347	)			-				-				-				(14,275,347	)
September 30, 2024			19,931,549			$	19,935			$	74,725,651			$	(41,102,720	)			280,770			$	(485,131	)		$	118,252			$	33,275,987

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements

 

 

		Shares				Amount				Capital				Deficit				Interest				Equity
										Additional												Total
		Common Stock								Paid-in				Accumulated				Non-Controlling				Stockholders’
		Shares				Amount				Capital				Deficit				Interest				Equity
December 31, 2022			14,116,832			$	14,117			$	40,780,707			$	(35,804,106	)		$	127,535			$	5,118,253
Stock issued for services			60,082				60				307,398				-				-				307,458
Recognition of stock based compensation - stock options			-				-				9,294				-				-				9,294
Non-controlling interest			-				-				-				-				(576	)			(576	)
Net income			-				-				-				4,546,341				-				4,546,341
March 31, 2023			14,176,914				14,177				41,097,399				(31,257,765	)			126,959				9,980,770
Stock issued for services			64,927				65				311,121				-				-				311,186
Recognition of stock based compensation - stock options			-				-				9,294				-				-				9,294
Exercise of warrants for cash			43,814				44				207,196				-				-				207,240
Non-controlling interest			-				-				-				-				90,955				90,955
Net income			-				-				-				5,965,992				-				5,965,992
June 30, 2023			14,285,655				14,286				41,625,010				(25,291,773	)			217,914				16,565,437
Balance			14,285,655				14,286				41,625,010				(25,291,773	)			217,914				16,565,437
Stock issued for services			57,606				58				255,582				-				-				255,640
Recognition of stock based compensation - stock options			-				-				9,294				-				-				9,294
Non-controlling interest			-				-				-				-				(71,170	)			(71,170	)
Net income			-				-				-				7,084,301				-				7,084,301
Net income (loss)			-				-				-				7,084,301				-				7,084,301
September 30, 2023			14,343,261			$	14,344			$	41,889,886			$	(18,207,472	)		$	146,744			$	23,843,502
Balance			14,343,261			$	14,344			$	41,889,886			$	(18,207,472	)		$	146,744			$	23,843,502

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

		2024				2023
		For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2024				2023
Operating activities
Net income (loss) - including non-controlling interest		$	(25,952,509	)		$	17,615,843
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operations
Depreciation and amortization			693,880				701,279
Amortization of right-of-use assets			70,857				32,426
Amortization of internal use software development costs			167,121				96,795
Stock issued for services			411,740				874,284
Recognition of stock based compensation - unvested shares - related parties			6,237,976				-
Recognition of share based compensation - options - related party			6,196				27,882
Interest expense adjustment - SBA loans			19,750				-
Right-of-use asset lease payment adjustment true up			(148,584	)			-
Gain on equity method investment - CenterCom			(33,864	)			(95,637	)
Cash paid for lease termination			(212,175	)			-
Loss on lease termination, net			194,862				-
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
(Increase) decrease in
Accounts receivable			8,022,078				(544,063	)
Inventory			683,456				(3,363,165	)
Prepaids and other			(150,746	)			(86,355	)
Deferred income taxes - net			2,835,000				-
Increase (decrease) in
Accounts payable and accrued expenses			(5,765,152	)			1,048,750
Accounts payable and accrued expenses - related party			(86,857	)			(726,163	)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses			(86,857	)			(726,163	)
Accrued income taxes payable			(470,000	)			-
Installment sale liability - net			-				(7,097,838	)
Deferred revenue			(20,000	)			(125,110	)
Operating lease liability			84,257				(29,230	)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities			(13,412,714	)			8,329,698
Investing activities
Advances made for construction-in-process costs			(518,189	)			-
Capitalized internal use software development costs			-				(281,304	)
Purchase of investments - net			(10,068,506	)			-
Net cash used in investing activities			(10,586,695	)			(281,304	)
Financing activities
Proceeds from stock issued for cash			17,249,994				-
Proceeds from exercise of common stock warrants			8,799,257				207,240
Cash paid as direct offering costs			(1,395,000	)			-
Repayments of loans - related party			(1,132,074	)			(1,017,385	)
Repayments on notes payable			-				(1,531,478	)
Repayments on notes payable - SBA government			(8,138	)			(10,976	)
Treasury shares repurchased (share buy-backs)			(485,131	)			-
Net cash provided (used in) by financing activities			23,028,908				(2,352,599	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			(970,501	)			5,695,795
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period			14,622,060				7,035,654
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period		$	13,651,559			$	12,731,449
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Cash paid for interest		$	372,579			$	209,840
Cash paid for income tax		$	-			$	-
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities
Reclassification of accrued interest - related party to note payable - related party		$	498,991			$	-
Exercise of warrants - cashless		$	41			$	-
Termination of ROU operating lease assets and liabilities		$	309,826
Right-of-use asset obtained in exchange for new operating lease liability		$	98,638			$	-
Goodwill (ClearLine Mobile, Inc.)		$	2,500,000			$	-

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

Note 1 - Organization and Nature of Operations

 

Organization and Nature of Operations

 

SurgePays, Inc. (“SurgePays,” “SP,” “we,” “our” or “the Company”), and its operating subsidiaries, is a technology-driven company building a next generation supply chain software platform that can offer wholesale goods and services more cost efficiently than traditional and existing wholesale distribution models.

 

The Company and its subsidiaries are organized as follows:

 Schedule of Subsidiaries 

Company Name (Active)		Incorporation Date		State of Incorporation		Segment
SurgePays, Inc.		August 18, 2006		Nevada		Corporate Parent
Surge Blockchain, LLC		January 29, 2009		Nevada		Other
ECS Prepaid, LLC		June 9, 2009		Missouri		Comprehensive Platform Services
LogicsIQ, Inc.		October 2, 2018		Nevada		Lead Generation
Torch Wireless		January 29, 2019		Wyoming		Mobile Virtual Network Operators
SurgePays Fintech, Inc.		August 22, 2019		Nevada		Comprehensive Platform Services
SurgePhone Wireless, LLC		August 29, 2019		Nevada		Mobile Virtual Network Operators
Injury Survey, LLC		July 28, 2020		Nevada		Lead Generation

 

All of the following entities have nominal operations.

 

Company Name (Inactive)		Incorporation Date		State of Incorporation
Electronic Check Services, Inc.		May 19, 1999		Missouri
Central States Legal Services, Inc.		August 1, 2003		Missouri
KSIX, LLC		September 14, 2011		Nevada
DigitizeIQ, LLC		July 23, 2014		Illinois
KSIX Media, Inc.		November 5, 2014		Nevada
Surge Payments, LLC		December 17, 2018		Nevada

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial statements (“U.S. GAAP”) and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 8 of Regulation S-X of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, they do not contain all information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for annual financial statements.

 

In the opinion of the Company’s management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all of the adjustments necessary (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) to present the financial position of the Company as of September 30, 2024 and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full fiscal year or any future period.

 

These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the SEC on March 12, 2024.

 

Management acknowledges its responsibility for the preparation of the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements which reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary in its opinion for a fair statement of its consolidated financial position and the consolidated results of its operations for the periods presented.

 

Liquidity and Management’s Plans

 

As reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company had:

 

●	Net loss available to common stockholders of $25,916,517; and
●	Net cash used in operations was $13,412,714

 

Additionally, at September 30, 2024, the Company had:

 

●	Accumulated deficit of $41,102,720
●	Stockholders’ equity of $33,275,987; and
●	Working capital of $28,475,628

 

We manage liquidity risk by reviewing, on an ongoing basis, our sources of liquidity and capital requirements. The Company has cash and cash equivalents on hand of $13,651,559 at September 30, 2024.

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

The Company has historically incurred significant losses and has not, prior to 2023, demonstrated an ability to generate sufficient revenues from the sales of its products and services to achieve profitable operations. There can be no assurance that we will have profitable operations again in the future and could be sustained on a continuing basis. In making this assessment we performed a comprehensive analysis of our current circumstances including: our financial position, our cash flows and cash usage forecasts for the twelve months ending September 30, 2025, and our current capital structure including equity-based instruments and our obligations and debts.

 

Effective February 7, 2024, the Affordable Connectivity Program (“ACP”) stopped accepting new applications and enrollments. The program ceased funding on 1, 2024. See discussion below regarding revenue recognition.

 

The Company believes it has sufficient cash resources on hand to meet its current obligations for a period that is more than one year from the issuance date of these financial statements.

 

Management’s strategic plans include the following:

 

●	Expand product and services offerings to a larger surrounding geographic area,
●	Continuing to explore and execute prospective partnering or distribution opportunities; and
●	Identifying unique market opportunities that represent potential positive short-term cash flow.

 

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Principles of Consolidation and Non-Controlling Interest

 

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

 

For entities that are consolidated, but not 100% owned, a portion of the income or loss and corresponding equity is allocated to owners other than the Company. The aggregate of the income or loss and corresponding equity that is not owned by us is included in Non-controlling Interests in the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

Business Combinations and Asset Acquisitions

 

The Company accounts for acquisitions that qualify as business combinations by applying the acquisition method according to Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”).

 

Transaction costs related to the acquisition of a business are expensed as incurred and excluded from the fair value of consideration transferred.

 

The identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and noncontrolling interests in an acquired entity are recognized and measured at their estimated fair values. The excess of the fair value of consideration transferred over the fair values of identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and noncontrolling interests in an acquired entity, net of the fair value of any previously held interest in the acquired entity, is recorded as goodwill. Such valuations require management to make significant estimates and assumptions.

 

Purchase price allocations may be preliminary, and, during the measurement period not to exceed one year from the date of acquisition, changes in assumptions and estimates that result in adjustments to the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded in the period the adjustments are determined.

 

Significant judgments are used in determining fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as well as intangibles. Fair value and useful life determinations are based on, among other factors, estimates of future expected cash flows, and appropriate discount rates used in computing present values. These judgments may materially impact the estimates used in allocating acquisition date fair values to assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as well as the Company’s current and future operating results. Actual results may vary from these estimates which may result in adjustments to goodwill and acquisition date fair values of assets and liabilities during a measurement period or upon a final determination of asset and liability fair values, whichever occurs first. Adjustments to fair values of assets and liabilities made after the end of the measurement period are recorded within the Company’s earnings.

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

The Company evaluates acquisitions of assets and other similar transactions to assess whether the transaction should be accounted for as a business combination or asset acquisition by first applying a screen test to determine whether substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets. If so, the transaction is accounted for as an asset acquisition. If not, further determination is required as to whether the Company has acquired inputs and processes that can create outputs that would meet the definition of a business. When applying the screen test, significant judgment is required to determine whether an acquisition is a business combination or an acquisition of assets.

 

Accounting for asset acquisitions falls under the guidance of Topic 805, Business Combinations, specifically Subtopic 805-50. A cost accumulation model is used to determine an asset acquisition’s cost. Assets acquired are based on their cost, generally allocated to them on a relative fair value basis. Direct acquisition-related costs are included in the cost of the acquired assets.

 

The distinction between business combinations and asset acquisitions involves judgment, particularly when applying the screen test to determine the nature of the transaction. Incorrect judgments or changes in decisions in these areas could materially affect the determination of goodwill, the recognition and measurement of acquired assets and assumed liabilities, and, consequently, our financial position and results of operations.

 

Acquisition of ClearLine Mobile, Inc

 

On January 5, 2024, the Company closed a purchase agreement and acquired ClearLine Mobile, Inc’s. (“CLMI”) related software development in exchange for $2,500,000.

 

CLMI produces a touchscreen display, positioned by the cash register, which is integrated into the SurgePays software platform and markets SurgePays products 24/7 from a central server. SurgePays can advertise its entire suite of products and services while utilizing the POS device for transactions.

 

Following the guidance of ASC 805, we performed the screen test to evaluate whether the acquired set is a business or a group of assets. The acquired group of assets included inputs and a substantive process that together significantly contributed to the ability to create outputs. At the time of purchase, CLMI had insignificant operations, however, the transaction was accounted for as a business combination in accordance with ASC 805-50.

 

Payments are due and were paid as follows:

 

	-	$100,000 at signing,
	-	$800,000 at closing,
	-	$800,000 90 days from closing (April 2024)
	-	$800,000 180 days from closing (July 2024)

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

In connection with this business combination, the Company assumed a right-of-use operating lease and corresponding lease liability of $98,638 with a remaining period of two (2) years. Additionally, the acquired technology/software had a net carrying amount of $0. As a result, the Company determined that it has acquired both tangible and intangible assets.

 

The table below summarizes the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the effective acquisition date.

 Schedule of Estimated Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed

Consideration
Cash		$	2,500,000
Fair value of consideration transferred			2,500,000
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
Right-of-use operating lease			98,638
Total assets acquired			98,638
Right-of-use operating lease			98,638
Total liabilities assumed			98,638
Total identifiable net assets			-
Goodwill		$	2,500,000

 

At the time of acquisition, CLMI had nominal revenues and historical losses from operations. As a result, and given the immaterial nature of this acquisition, the Company elected not to present any pro-forma financial information.

 

This transaction did not involve the purchase of a “significant amount of assets” as defined in the Instructions to Item 2.01 of Form 8-K. Additionally, the acquisition of CLMI was not deemed to be significant to the Company at any level under SEC Regulation S-X 3.05 and did not require the presentation of any additional historical audited financial statements.

 

At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 goodwill was $4,166,782 and $1,666,782, respectively.

 

There were no impairment losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

Note Receivable (Sale of Former Subsidiary)

 

On May 7, 2021, the Company disposed of its former subsidiary True Wireless, Inc.

 

In connection with the sale, the Company received an unsecured note receivable for $176,851, bearing interest at 0.6%, with a default interest rate of 10%. The Company was expected to receive twenty-five (25) monthly payments of principal and accrued interest totaling $7,461 commencing in June 2023.

 

Payments were scheduled as follows:

 Schedule of Receivables

For the Year Ended December 31,						In Default
2024 (3 months)		$	141,759	**		$	119,376
2025			44,766
			186,525
Less: amount representing interest			(9,674	)
Total		$	176,851

 

On July 12, 2023, Notice of Default was provided by SurgePays, Inc. to Blue Skies Connections, LLC for failure to pay amounts due under that certain Promissory Note dated June 14, 2021 by Blue Skies Connections, LLC in favor of SurgePays, Inc. in the original principal amount of $176,851 (the “Note”). Pursuant to the terms of the Note, SurgePays, Inc. accelerated the amount due.

 

**	At September 30, 2024, a total of $119,376 in payments were in default, which consisted of payments due totaling $52,227 related to the year ended December 31, 2023 and an additional $67,149 of payments which were due as of September 30, 2024.

 

As of September 30, 2024, the Company believes the note is collectible.

 

See Note 8 for Contingencies – Legal Matters for additional discussion.

 

Business Segments and Concentrations

 

The Company uses the “management approach” to identify its reportable segments. The management approach requires companies to report segment financial information consistent with information used by management for making operating decisions and assessing performance as the basis for identifying the Company’s reportable segments. The Company manages its business as multiple reportable segments. See Note 10 regarding segment disclosure.

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

The Mobile Virtual Network Operator (SurgePhone and Torch Wireless) business segment made up approximately 81% and 85% of total consolidated revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

Revenues related to this business segment are 100% derived from programs administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and all funds related to these programs are received directly from organizations under the direction of the FCC and subject to administrative rulings, statutory changes, and other funding restrictions that could impact the Company’s operations in this segment.

 

Accounts receivable related to these programs made up 88% and 98% of accounts receivable at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

 

Customers in the United States accounted for 100% of our revenues. We do not have any property or equipment outside of the United States.

 

Use of Estimates

 

Preparing financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and those estimates may be material.

 

Significant estimates during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, include, allowance for doubtful accounts and other receivables, inventory reserves and classifications, valuation of loss contingencies, valuation of stock-based compensation, estimated useful lives related to intangible assets, capitalized internal-use software development costs, and property and equipment, implicit interest rate in right-of-use operating leases, uncertain tax positions, income tax payable and the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets.

 

Risks and Uncertainties

 

The Company operates in an industry that is subject to intense competition and changes in consumer demand. The Company’s operations are subject to significant risk and uncertainties including financial and operational risks including the potential risk of business failure.

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

The Company has experienced, and in the future may experience, variability in sales and earnings. The factors expected to contribute to this variability include, among others, (i) the cyclical nature of the industry, (ii) general economic conditions in the various local markets in which the Company competes, including a potential general downturn in the economy, and (iii) the volatility of prices in connection with the Company’s distribution of the product. These factors, among others, make it difficult to project the Company’s operating results on a consistent basis.

 

Effective February 7, 2024, the Affordable Connectivity Program (“ACP”) stopped accepting new applications and enrollments. The program ceased funding on June 1, 2024. See discussion below regarding revenue recognition.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The Company accounts for financial instruments under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements. ASC 820 provides a framework for measuring fair value and requires disclosures regarding fair value measurements. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, based on the Company’s principal or, in absence of a principal, most advantageous market for the specific asset or liability.

 

The Company uses a three-tier fair value hierarchy to classify and disclose all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, as well as assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, in periods subsequent to their initial measurement. The hierarchy requires the Company to use observable inputs when available, and to minimize the use of unobservable inputs, when determining fair value.

 

The three tiers are defined as follows:

 

	●	Level 1 – Observable inputs that reflect quoted market prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;
	●	Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly in the marketplace for identical or similar assets and liabilities; and
	●	Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market data, which require the Company to develop its own assumptions.

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

The determination of fair value and the assessment of a measurement’s placement within the hierarchy requires judgment. Level 3 valuations often involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity. Level 3 valuations may require the use of various cost, market, or income valuation methodologies applied to unobservable management estimates and assumptions. Management’s assumptions could vary depending on the asset or liability valued and the valuation method used. Such assumptions could include estimates of prices, earnings, costs, actions of market participants, market factors, or the weighting of various valuation methods. The Company may also engage external advisors to assist us in determining fair value, as appropriate. Although the Company believes that the recorded fair value of our financial instruments is appropriate, these fair values may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values.

 

The Company’s financial instruments, including cash, accounts receivable, note receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses, and accounts payable and accrued expenses – related party, are carried at historical cost. At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, the carrying amounts of these instruments approximated their fair values because of the short-term nature of these instruments.

 

ASC 825-10 “Financial Instruments” allows entities to voluntarily choose to measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value (“fair value option”). The fair value option may be elected on an instrument-by-instrument basis and is irrevocable unless a new election date occurs. If the fair value option is elected for an instrument, unrealized gains and losses for that instrument should be reported in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. The Company did not elect to apply the fair value option to any outstanding financial instruments.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Concentration of Credit Risk

 

For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid instruments with a maturity of three months or less at the purchase date and money market accounts to be cash equivalents.

 

The Company is exposed to credit risk on its cash and cash equivalents in the event of default by the financial institutions to the extent account balances exceed the amount insured by the FDIC, which is $250,000.

 

At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, the Company did not experience any losses on cash balances in excess of FDIC insured limits.

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

Marketable Securities - Classification and Valuation

 

The Company may classify its marketable securities as either trading, available-for-sale, or held-to-maturity.

 

Trading securities are recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings.

 

Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income.

 

Held-to-maturity securities are recorded at amortized cost.

 

At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company has classified all of its marketable securities as trading, based upon our intent to sell them in the near term. Our securities consist of U.S. Treasury and government exchange traded funds.

 

Marketable securities were as follows at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

 

 Schedule of Marketable Securities

		U.S. Treasury & Government
		Exchange Traded Funds
		Fixed Income
Balance - December 31, 2023		$	-
Purchases			9,950,941
Unrealized gains			38,291
Dividends, interest and other income			85,717
Fees/adjustments			(6,443	)
Balance - September 30, 2024		$	10,068,506

 

Impairment of Marketable Securities

 

The Company evaluates its marketable securities for impairment at each reporting period.

 

An impairment is considered to be other-than-temporary if the Company (a) intends to sell the security, (b) is more likely than not to be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, or (c) does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security.

 

If a decline in fair value is determined to be other-than-temporary, the impairment loss is recognized in earnings. For debt securities, the amount of the other-than-temporary impairment recognized in earnings depends on the extent to which the security’s fair value is less than its amortized cost and the severity and duration of the decline.

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

The determination of whether a decline is other-than-temporary involves significant judgment and includes an assessment of various factors including:

 

	●	The length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than the cost basis;
	●	The financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, including any specific events that may influence the issuer’s operations or profitability;
	●	The intent and ability of the Company to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.

 

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, the Company did not record any impairment losses related to its marketable securities.

 

See Note 7 for additional disclosure of our marketable securities at fair value.

 

Accounts Receivable

 

Accounts receivable are stated at the amount management expects to collect from outstanding customer balances. Credit is extended to customers based on an evaluation of their financial condition and other factors. Interest is not accrued on overdue accounts receivable. The Company does not require collateral.

 

Management periodically assesses the Company’s accounts receivable and, if necessary, establishes an allowance for estimated uncollectible amounts. The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon a review of the outstanding accounts receivable, historical collection information and existing economic conditions. Accounts determined to be uncollectible are charged to operations when that determination is made.

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts was $10,215 and $17,525 at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

 

There was bad debt expense of $0 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

Bad debt expense (recoveries) is recorded as a component of general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

Inventory

 

Inventory primarily consists of tablets, cell phones and sim cards. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value using the average cost valuation method.

 

There was no provision for obsolescence for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had inventory of $8,363,138 and $9,046,594, respectively.

 

Impairment of Long-lived Assets including Internal Use Capitalized Software Costs

 

Management evaluates the recoverability of the Company’s identifiable intangible assets and other long-lived assets when events or circumstances indicate a potential impairment exists, in accordance with the provisions of ASC 360-10-35-15 “Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” Events and circumstances considered by the Company in determining whether the carrying value of identifiable intangible assets and other long-lived assets may not be recoverable, but are not limited to significant changes in performance relative to expected operating results; significant changes in the use of the assets; significant negative industry or economic trends; and changes in the Company’s business strategy. In determining if impairment exists, the Company estimates the undiscounted cash flows to be generated from the use and ultimate disposition of these assets.

 

If impairment is indicated based on a comparison of the assets’ carrying values and the undiscounted cash flows, the impairment to be recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.

 

There were no impairment losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets.

 

Construction-in-process includes machinery and equipment and is stated at cost and not depreciated. Depreciation on construction-in-process commences when the assets are ready for their intended use and placed into service.

 

At September 30, 2024, the Company has recorded construction-in-process costs of $518,189. These assets are located in San Salvador and were placed into service on October 1, 2024. See related lease of right-of-use asset for office space at Note 13. The state-of-the-art facility, located in San Salvador, is designed to support up to 250 employees and offers a fully integrated space that combines sales operations, technology development, customer service, retailer support and back-office functions to support anticipated growth.

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

Expenditures for repair and maintenance which do not materially extend the useful lives of property and equipment are charged to operations. When property or equipment is sold or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts with the resulting gain or loss reflected in operations.

 

Management reviews the carrying value of its property and equipment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable.

 

There were no impairment losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

Internal Use Software Development Costs

 

We capitalize certain internal use software development costs associated with creating and enhancing internally developed software related to our technology infrastructure. These costs include personnel and related employee benefits expenses for employees who are directly associated with and who devote time to software projects, and external direct costs of materials and services consumed in developing or obtaining the software. Software development costs that do not meet the qualification for capitalization, as further discussed below, are expensed as incurred and recorded in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated results of operations.

 

Software development activities generally consist of three stages:

 

(i)	planning stage,
(ii)	application and infrastructure development stage, and
(iii)	post implementation stage.

 

Costs incurred in the planning and post implementation stages of software development, including costs associated with the post-configuration training and repairs and maintenance of the developed technologies, are expensed as incurred.

 

We capitalize costs associated with software developed for internal use when the planning stage is completed, management has authorized further funding for the completion of the project, and it is probable that the project will be completed and perform as intended. Costs incurred in the application and infrastructure development stages, including significant enhancements and upgrades, are capitalized. Capitalization ends once a project is substantially complete, and the software and technologies are ready for their intended purpose. There is judgment involved in estimating the stage of development as well as estimating time allocated to a particular project. A significant change in the time spent on each project could have a material impact on the amount capitalized and related amortization expense in subsequent periods.

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

We amortize internal use software development costs using a straight-line method over a three-year (3) estimated useful life, commencing when the software is ready for its intended use. The straight-line recognition method approximates the manner in which the expected benefit will be derived. We determined the life of internal use software based on historical software upgrades and replacement.

 

On an ongoing basis, we assess if the estimated remaining useful lives of capitalized projects continue to be reasonable based on the remaining expected benefit and usage. If the remaining useful life of a capitalized project is revised, it is accounted for as a change in estimate and the remaining unamortized cost of the underlying asset is amortized prospectively over the updated remaining useful life.

We also evaluate internal use software for abandonment and use that as a significant indicator for impairment on a quarterly basis.

 

There were no impairment losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

Right of Use Assets and Lease Obligations

 

The Right of Use Asset and Lease Liability reflect the present value of the Company’s estimated future minimum lease payments over the lease term, which may include options that are reasonably assured of being exercised, discounted using a collateralized incremental borrowing rate.

 

Typically, renewal options are considered reasonably assured of being exercised if the associated asset lives of the building or leasehold improvements exceed that of the initial lease term, and the performance of the business remains strong. Therefore, the Right of Use Asset and Lease Liability may include an assumption on renewal options that have not yet been exercised by the Company. The Company’s operating leases contained renewal options that expire at various dates with no residual value guarantees. Future obligations relating to the exercise of renewal options is included in the measurement if, based on the judgment of management, the renewal option is reasonably certain to be exercised. Factors in determining whether an option is reasonably certain of exercise include, but are not limited to, the value of leasehold improvements, the value of the renewal rate compared to market rates, and the presence of factors that would cause a significant economic penalty to the Company if the option is not exercised. Management reasonably plans to exercise all options, and as such, all renewal options are included in the measurement of the right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities.

 

As the rate implicit in leases are not readily determinable, the Company uses an incremental borrowing rate to calculate the lease liability that represents an estimate of the interest rate the Company would incur to borrow on a collateralized basis over the term of a lease within a particular currency environment. See Note 8 regarding operating leases.

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

Revenue Recognition

 

The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with ASC 606 to align revenue recognition more closely with the delivery of the Company’s services and will provide financial statement readers with enhanced disclosures. In accordance with ASC 606, revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised services. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for these services.

 

To achieve this core principle, the Company applies the following five steps:

 

Step 1: Identify the contract(s) with customers

Step 2: Identify the performance obligations in the contract

Step 3: Determine the transaction price

Step 4: Allocate the transaction price to performance obligations

Step 5: Recognize revenue when the entity satisfies a performance obligation

 

Identify the contract with a customer

 

A contract with a customer exists when (i) the Company enters into an enforceable contract with a customer that defines each party’s rights regarding the services to be transferred and identifies the payment terms related to these services, (ii) the contract has commercial substance and, (iii) the Company determines that collection of substantially all consideration for services that are transferred is probable based on the customer’s intent and ability to pay the promised consideration. The Company applies judgment in determining the customer’s ability and intention to pay, which is based on a variety of factors including the customer’s historical payment experience or, in the case of a new customer, published credit and financial information pertaining to the customer.

 

Identify the performance obligations in the contract

 

Performance obligations promised in a contract are identified based on the services that will be transferred to the customer that are both capable of being distinct, whereby the customer can benefit from the service either on its own or together with other resources that are readily available from third parties or from the Company, and are distinct in the context of the contract, whereby the transfer of the services is separately identifiable from other promises in the contract. To the extent a contract includes multiple promised services, the Company must apply judgment to determine whether promised services are capable of being distinct and distinct in the context of the contract. If these criteria are not met the promised services are accounted for as a combined performance obligation.

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

Determine the transaction price

 

The transaction price is determined based on the consideration to which the Company will be entitled in exchange for transferring services to the customer. To the extent the transaction price includes variable consideration, the Company estimates the amount of variable consideration that should be included in the transaction price utilizing either the expected value method or the most likely amount method depending on the nature of the variable consideration. Variable consideration is included in the transaction price if, in the Company’s judgment, it is probable that a significant future reversal of cumulative revenue under the contract will not occur. None of the Company’s contracts contain a significant financing component and there are no contracts with variable consideration.

 

Allocate the transaction price to performance obligations in the contract

 

If the contract contains a single performance obligation, the entire transaction price is allocated to the single performance obligation. However, if a series of distinct services that are substantially the same qualifies as a single performance obligation in a contract with variable consideration, the Company must determine if the variable consideration is attributable to the entire contract or to a specific part of the contract. For example, a bonus or penalty may be associated with one or more, but not all, distinct services promised in a series of distinct services that forms part of a single performance obligation. Contracts that contain multiple performance obligations require an allocation of the transaction price to each performance obligation based on a relative standalone selling price basis unless the transaction price is variable and meets the criteria to be allocated entirely to a performance obligation or to a distinct service that forms part of a single performance obligation. The Company determines standalone selling price based on the price at which the performance obligation is sold separately. If the standalone selling price is not observable through past transactions, the Company estimates the standalone selling price taking into account available information such as market conditions and internally approved pricing guidelines related to the performance obligations.

 

Recognize revenue when or as the Company satisfies a performance obligation

 

The Company satisfies performance obligations either over time or at a point in time. Revenue is recognized at the time the related performance obligation is satisfied by transferring a promised service to a customer.

 

The following reflects additional discussion regarding our revenue recognition policies for each of our material revenue streams. For each revenue stream we do not offer any returns, refunds or warranties, and no arrangements are cancellable. Additionally, all contract consideration is fixed and determinable at the initiation of the contract.

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

Performance obligations for Torch and LogicsIQ are satisfied when services are performed. Performance obligations for ECS and SB are satisfied at point of sale. For each of our revenue streams we only have a single performance obligation.

 

Mobile Virtual Network Operators

 

SurgePhone Wireless (“SPW”) and Torch Wireless are licensed to provide subsidized mobile broadband services through the ACP to qualifying low-income customers to all fifty (50) states. Revenues are recognized when an ACP application is completed and accepted. Each month we reconcile subscriber usage to ensure the service was utilized. A monthly file is submitted to the Universal Service Administrative Company for review and approval, at which time we have completed our performance obligation and recognize accounts receivable and revenue. Revenues are recorded in the month when services were rendered, with payment typically received on the 28th of the following month.

 

Lead Generation Services

 

LogicsIQ, Inc. is a lead generation and case management solutions company primarily serving law firms in the mass tort industry. Revenues are earned from our lead generation retained services offerings and call center activities through CenterCom (40% investment ownership).

 

Lead generation consist of sourcing leads, which requires us to drive traffic to our landing pages for a specific marketing campaign. We also achieve this in certain marketing campaigns by using third-party preferred vendors to meet the needs of our clients. Revenues are recognized at the time the lead is delivered to the client. If payment is received in advance of the delivery of services, it is included in deferred revenue, and subsequently recognized once the performance obligation has been completed.

 

Retained service offerings consist of turning leads into a retained legal case. To provide this service to our customers, we qualify leads through verification of information collected during the lead generation process. Additionally, we further qualify these leads using a client questionnaire which assists in determining the services to be provided. The qualification process is completed using our call center operations.

 

Effective February 1, 2023, LogicsIQ started offering call center services to existing clients. These services are similar in nature to the services CenterCom offers LogicsIQ. Effective January 1, 2024, the Company no longer provides these services.

 

The total revenue from these services for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, was $0 and $340,989, respectively.

 

The total revenue from these services for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, was $0 and $1,212,019, respectively.

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

If payment is received in advance of the delivery of services, it is included in deferred revenue, and subsequently recognized once the performance obligation has been completed. At the time of delivery of leads and the creation of retained cases (customers are qualified at this point), our performance obligation has been completed and revenues are recognized. Arrangements with customers do not provide the customer with the right to take possession of our software or platform at any time. Once the advertising is delivered, it is non-refundable.

 

Comprehensive Platform Services

 

Revenues are generated through the sale of telecommunication products such as mobile phones, wireless top-up refills, and other mobile related products. At the time in which our products are sold through our online web portal (point of sale), our performance obligation is considered complete. At point of sale (completion of performance obligation), our web portal platform initiates an automated clearing house transaction (ACH) resulting in the recording revenue.

 

Contract Liabilities (Deferred Revenue)

 

Contract liabilities represent deposits made by customers before the satisfaction of performance obligation and recognition of revenue. Upon completion of the performance obligation(s) that the Company has with the customer based on the terms of the contract, the liability for the customer deposit is relieved and revenue is recognized.

 

At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had deferred revenue of $0 and $20,000, respectively.

 

The following represents the Company’s disaggregation of revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:

 Schedule of Disaggregation of Revenue from Contracts with Customers

		For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2024								2023
Revenue		Revenue				% of Revenues				Revenue				% of Revenues
Mobile Virtual Network Operators		$	41,419,705				80.76	%		$	89,536,546				85.42	%
Comprehensive Platform Services			9,853,497				19.21	%			8,609,570				8.21	%
Lead Generation			-				0.00	%			6,647,061				6.34	%
Other			11,329				0.02	%			30,533				0.03	%
Total Revenues		$	51,284,531				100	%		$	104,823,710				100	%

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

The above disaggregation of revenues includes the following entities:

 

Mobile Virtual Network Operators (SPW and TW),

Comprehensive Platform Services (Surge Fintech and ECS),

Lead Generation (LogicsIQ and Injury Survey); and

Other (Surge Blockchain)

 

Cost of Revenues

 

Cost of revenues consists of tablet purchases, mobile phone purchases, purchased telecom services including data usage and access to wireless networks. Additionally, cost of revenues consists of call center costs, prepaid phone cards, commissions, and advertising costs.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company accounts for income tax using the asset and liability method prescribed by ASC 740, “Income Taxes”. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates that will be in effect in the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The Company records a valuation allowance to offset deferred tax assets if based on the weight of available evidence, it is more-likely-than-not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized as income or loss in the period that includes the enactment date.

 

The Company follows the accounting guidance for uncertainty in income taxes using the provisions of ASC 740 “Income Taxes”. Using that guidance, tax positions initially need to be recognized in the financial statements when it is more likely than not the position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities. As of September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, the Company had no uncertain tax positions that qualify for either recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

 

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain income tax positions in other expense. No interest and penalties related to uncertain income tax positions were recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and the year ended December 31, 2023, respectively.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company generated net income, however, during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company has reflected a net loss. As of June 30, 2024, the loss resulted in the Company being in a three-year cumulative historic loss position. As a result, the Company recorded a full valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets as of June 30, 2024, resulting in a three-month tax expense of $2,547,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, and year-to-date tax expense of $2,970,000 There was no income tax for the three months ending September 30, 2024 as a result of the valuation allowance.

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

The Company currently has an unapplied net operating loss carryforward (deferred tax asset), which have been evaluated for applicability in offsetting current taxable net income. The Company has determined that the federal net operating loss carryforward is limited to 80% of the current year’s net taxable income. Since the Company entered a three-year cumulative loss during the quarter ended September 30, 2024, a full valuation allowance has been recorded against all net operating loss carryforwards.

 

At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company has accrued an income tax liability of $100,000 and $570,000, respectively. See Note 12.

 

Investment

 

On January 17, 2019, we announced the completion of an agreement to acquire a 40% equity ownership of CenterCom Global, S.A. de C.V. (“CenterCom”). CenterCom is a dynamic operations center currently providing sales support, customer service, IT infrastructure design, graphic media, database programming, software development, revenue assurance, lead generation, and other various operational support services. Our CenterCom team is based in El Salvador. CenterCom also provides call center support for various third-party clients.

 

The strategic partnership with CenterCom as a bilingual operations hub has powered our growth and revenue. CenterCom has been built to support the infrastructure required to rapidly scale in synergy and efficiency to support our sales growth, customer service and development.

 

We account for this investment under the equity method. Investments accounted for under the equity method are recorded based upon the amount of our investment and adjusted each period for our share of the investee’s income or loss. All investments are reviewed for changes in circumstance or the occurrence of events that suggest an other than temporary event where our investment may not be recoverable. The financial information used to account for the investment is unaudited.

 

The following is a summary of our investment at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023:

 Schedule of Investment

Balance - December 31, 2022		$	354,206
Gain on investment in CenterCom			110,203
Balance - December 31, 2023			464,409
Gain on investment in CenterCom			33,864
Balance - September 30, 2024		$	498,273

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, we recognized a gain of $0 and $51,894, respectively.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, we recognized a gain of $33,864 and $95,636, respectively.

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

For the quarter ended September 30, 2024, the Company did not record any adjustments to its investment in CenterCom due to internal delays preventing access to the investee’s financial data. The Company has evaluated its investment under ASC 323, Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures, and concluded that any potential adjustment would be immaterial. Historically, the investment gains (losses) from our investment were not significant to our operations. Currently, no indicators suggest impairment or significant influence issues that would affect the investment’s carrying amount. The Company anticipates full financial reporting from CenterCom by year-end December 31, 2024, in compliance with U.S. GAAP requirements.

 

Advertising Costs

 

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising costs are included as a component of general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

The Company recognized $14,351 and $89,069 in marketing and advertising costs during the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

The Company recognized $42,202 and $137,933 in marketing and advertising costs during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company accounts for our stock-based compensation under ASC 718 “Compensation – Stock Compensation” using the fair value-based method. Under this method, compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the value of the award and is recognized over the service period, which is usually the vesting period. This guidance establishes standards for the accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services. It also addresses transactions in which an entity incurs liabilities in exchange for goods or services that are based on the fair value of the entity’s equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of those equity instruments.

 

The Company uses the fair value method for equity instruments granted to non-employees and uses the Black-Scholes model for measuring the fair value of options.

 

The fair value of stock-based compensation is determined as of the date of the grant or the date at which the performance of the services is completed (measurement date) and is recognized over the vesting periods.

 

When determining fair value of stock-based compensation, the Company considers the following assumptions in the Black-Scholes model:

 

●	Exercise price,
●	Expected dividends,
●	Expected volatility,
●	Risk-free interest rate; and
●	Expected life of option

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

Stock Warrants

 

In connection with certain financing (debt or equity), consulting and collaboration arrangements, the Company may issue warrants to purchase shares of its common stock. The outstanding warrants are standalone instruments that are not puttable or mandatorily redeemable by the holder and are classified as equity awards. The Company measures the fair value of warrants issued for compensation using the Black-Scholes option pricing model as of the measurement date. However, for warrants issued that meet the definition of a derivative liability, fair value is determined based upon the use of a binomial pricing model.

 

Warrants issued in conjunction with the issuance of common stock are initially recorded at fair value as a reduction in additional paid-in capital of the common stock issued. All other warrants (for services) are recorded at fair value and expensed over the requisite service period or at the date of issuance if there is not a service period.

 

Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share

 

Pursuant to ASC 260-10-45, basic earnings (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the periods presented.

 

Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock, common stock equivalents and potentially dilutive securities outstanding during the period.

 

Potentially dilutive common shares may consist of contingently issuable shares, common stock issuable upon the conversion of stock options and warrants (using the treasury stock method), and convertible debt. These common stock equivalents may be dilutive in the future.

 

In the event of a net loss, diluted loss per share is the same as basic loss per share since the effect of the potential common stock equivalents upon conversion would be anti-dilutive.

 

The following potentially dilutive equity securities outstanding as of September 30, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:

 Schedule of Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share

		September 30, 2024				September 30, 2023
Warrants			3,571,153				5,616,892
Stock options			121,276				11,902
Total common stock equivalents			3,692,429				5,628,794

 

Warrants and stock options included as common stock equivalents represent those that are fully vested and exercisable. See Note 9.

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

Based on the potential common stock equivalents noted above at September 30, 2024, the Company has sufficient authorized shares of common stock (500,000,000) to settle any potential exercises of common stock equivalents.

 

The following table shows the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:

 

 Schedule of Earnings per Share Basic and Diluted

		Three Months Ended				Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2024				September 30, 2023				September 30, 2024				September 30, 2023
Numerator
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders		$	(14,275,346	)		$	7,084,301			$	(25,916,517	)		$	17,596,634
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders		$	(14,275,346	)		$	7,084,301			$	(25,916,517	)		$	17,596,634
Denominator
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic			19,689,010				14,291,263				18,940,689				14,205,127
Effect of dilutive securities			-				216,721				-				535,074
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted			19,689,010				14,507,984				18,940,689				14,740,201
Earnings (loss) per share - basic		$	(0.73	)		$	0.50			$	(1.37	)		$	1.24
Earnings (loss) per share - diluted		$	(0.73	)		$	0.49			$	(1.37	)		$	1.19

 

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company reacquired 280,770 shares of treasury stock for $485,131. These shares are excluded from the denominator in computing basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share, as these shares are not considered outstanding.

 

Treasury Stock

 

The Company accounts for treasury stock under the cost method, which records treasury stock at the purchase price and presents it as a reduction in stockholders’ equity. Under this method, the purchase, sale, issuance, or retirement of treasury stock does not impact the income statement. Gains or losses on the reissuance of treasury stock are reflected as adjustments to additional paid-in capital. In cases where additional paid-in capital is insufficient to cover a loss, the remaining balance is charged to retained earnings.

 

Treasury stock is initially recorded at cost on the date of repurchase. If treasury shares are subsequently reissued, they are removed from treasury stock at the cost at which they were originally acquired. Any excess of the reissuance price over cost is credited to additional paid-in capital, while any deficiency is charged to additional paid-in capital to the extent of previously recorded credits, with any remaining deficiency charged to retained earnings.

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

The Company periodically assesses the need to retain treasury shares and may retire shares if they are no longer deemed necessary for future use, resulting in a reduction of issued shares and a corresponding adjustment to retained earnings.

 

Related Parties

 

Parties are considered to be related to the Company if the parties, directly or indirectly, control, are controlled by, or are under common control with the Company. Related parties also include principal owners of the Company, its management, members of the immediate families of principal owners of the Company and its management and other parties with which the Company may deal with if one party controls or can significantly influence the management or operating policies of the other to an extent that one of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, the Company incurred expenses with related parties in the normal course of business totaling $124,767 as follows:

 Schedule of Related Party Expenses

Related Party		September 30, 2024				September 30, 2023
Carddawg Investments, Inc.			124,767				124,767	1
Total		$	124,767			$	124,767

 

1	- represents an affiliate of our Chief Executive Officer (Kevin Brian Cox)

 

From time to time, the Company may use credit cards to pay corporate expenses, these credit cards are in the names of certain of the Company’s officers and directors. These amounts are insignificant.

 

See Note 6 for debt transactions with our Chief Executive Officer.

 

Recent Accounting Standards

 

Changes to accounting principles are established by the FASB in the form of Accounting Standards Updates (“ASU’s”) to the FASB’s Codification. We consider the applicability and impact of all ASU’s on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, stockholders’ equity, cash flows, or presentation thereof. Management has evaluated all recent accounting pronouncements issued through the date these financial statements were available to be issued and found no recent accounting pronouncements issued, but not yet effective accounting pronouncements, when adopted, will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company, except as follows:

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

In March 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued ASU 2022-02, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures (“ASU 2022-02”), which eliminates the accounting guidance on troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) for creditors in ASC 310, Receivables (Topic 310), and requires entities to provide disclosures about current period gross write-offs by year of origination. Also, ASU 2022-02 updates the requirements related to accounting for credit losses under ASC 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), and adds enhanced disclosures for creditors with respect to loan refinancings and restructurings for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. ASU 2022-02 was effective for the Company January 1, 2023. This guidance was adopted on January 1, 2023. The adoption of ASU 2022-02 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

There are various other updates recently issued, most of which represented technical corrections to the accounting literature or application to specific industries and are not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified for consistency with the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no material effect on the consolidated results of operations, stockholders’ equity, or cash flows.

 

Note 3 – Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment consisted of the following:

 Schedule of Property and Equipment

										Estimated Useful
Type		September 30, 2024				December 31, 2023				Lives (Years)
Computer equipment and software		$	1,006,286			$	1,006,286			3 - 5
Furniture and fixtures			82,752				82,752			5 - 7
Property and Equipment - gross			1,089,038				1,089,038
Less: accumulated depreciation/amortization			(930,946	)			(727,197	)
Property and equipment - net		$	158,092			$	361,841

 

Depreciation and amortization expense for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was $282,067 and $211,149, respectively.

 

Depreciation and amortization expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was $861,001 and $701,279, respectively.

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

These amounts are included as a component of general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 

Note 4 – Intangibles

 

Intangibles consisted of the following:

 Schedule of Intangible Assets

										Estimated Useful
Type		September 30, 2024				December 31, 2023				Lives (Years)
Proprietary Software		$	4,286,402			$	4,286,402			7
Tradenames/trademarks			617,474				617,474			15
ECS membership agreement			465,000				465,000			1
Noncompetition agreement			201,389				201,389			2
Customer Relationships			183,255				183,255			5
Intangibles - gross			5,753,520				5,753,520
Less: accumulated amortization			(4,117,181	)			(3,627,050	)
Intangibles - net		$	1,636,339			$	2,126,470

 

Amortization expense for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was $163,377, respectively.

 

Amortization expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was $490,131, respectively.

 

Estimated amortization expense for each of the succeeding years is as follows:

 Schedule of Estimated Amortization Expenses

For the Years Ended December 31:
2024 (3 Months)			163,377
2025			653,507
2026			653,507
2027			165,948
Total		$	1,636,339

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

Note 5 – Internal Use Software Development Costs

 

Internal Use Software Development Costs consisted of the following:

 Schedule of Internal Use Software Development Costs

Type		September 30, 2024				December 31, 2023				Estimated Useful Life (Years)
Internal Use Software Development Costs		$	668,484			$	668,484			3
Less: accumulated amortization			(296,181	)			(129,060	)
Internal Use Software Development Costs - net		$	372,303			$	539,424

 

Costs incurred for Internal Use Software Development Costs

 

Management has determined that all costs incurred in 2023 ($281,304) related to internal use software development costs related to the application and infrastructure development stage were completed as of December 31, 2023. Amortization of these costs began in 2024.

 

Management determined that all costs incurred in 2022 ($387,180) related to internal use software development costs related to the application and infrastructure development stage which were completed as of December 31, 2022. Amortization of these costs began in 2023.

 

The following is a summary of our capitalized internal use software development costs at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023:

 

 Schedule of Capitalized Internal Use Software Development Costs

Balance - December 31, 2022		$	387,180
Capitalized costs			281,304
Balance - December 31, 2023			668,484
No activity			-
Balance - September 30, 2024		$	668,484

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, amortization of internal use software development costs was $55,707 and $32,265, respectively.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, amortization of internal use software development costs was $167,121 and $96,795, respectively.

 

 

Estimated amortization expense is as follows for the years ended December 31:

 Schedule of Estimated Amortization Expenses for Internal use Software

2024 (3 Months)			55,707
2025			222,828
2026			93,768
Total		$	372,303

 

Note 6 – Debt

 

The following represents a summary of the Company’s notes payable – SBA government, notes payable – related parties, and notes payable, key terms, and outstanding balances at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively:

 

Notes Payable – SBA government

 

Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”)

 

During 2020, this program was made available to eligible borrowers in light of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the negative economic impact on the Company’s business. Proceeds from the EIDL were used for working capital purposes.

 

Installment payments, including principal and interest, are due monthly (beginning twelve (12) months from the date of the promissory note) in amounts ranging from $74 - $731/month. The balance of principal and interest is payable over the next thirty (30) years from the date of the promissory note. There are no penalties for prepayment. The EIDL Loan was not required to be refinanced by the PPP loan.

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

Schedule of Notes Payable  

		EIDL				EIDL
Terms		SBA				SBA				Total
Issuance dates of SBA loans			May 2020				July 2020
Term			30 Years				30 Years
Maturity date			May 2050				July 2050
Interest rate			3.75%				3.75%
Collateral			Unsecured				Unsecured
Balance - December 31, 2022		$	145,922			$	328,924			$	474,846
Repayments			(3,928	)			(10,395	)			(14,323	)
Balance - December 31, 2023			141,994				318,529				460,523
Interest expense adjustment - SBA loans			5,487				14,263				19,750
Repayments			(2,676	)			(5,462	)			(8,138	)
Balance - September 30, 2024		$	144,805			$	327,330			$	472,135

 

Notes Payable – Related Parties

Schedule of Notes - Payable Related Parties  

The following is a summary of the Company’s Notes Payable - Related Parties:

 

		1				1				2				Total
Balance - December 31, 2022		$	-			$	5,134,563			$	467,385			$	5,601,948
Repayments			-				(550,000	)			(467,385	)			(1,017,385	)
Balance - December 31, 2023			-				4,584,563				-				4,584,563
Reclassification of principal into one single note			4,584,563				(4,584,563	)			-				-
Reclassification of accrued interest payable into one single note			498,991				-				-				498,991
Repayments			(1,132,074	)			-				-				(1,132,074	)
Balance - September 30, 2024		$	3,951,480			$	-			$	-			$	3,951,480

 

1	Activity is with the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Board Member (Kevin Brian Cox).

 

At December 31, 2023, of the total $4,584,563 due, the Company owed $558,150 that had not been repaid (due December 31, 2023), the balance of $4,026,413 was due December 31, 2024. The Chief Executive Officer waived any events of default as of December 31, 2023.

 

On March 12, 2024, as approved by the Audit Committee, the Company consolidated all remaining outstanding principal ($4,584,563) and accrued interest payable ($498,991) into one note totaling $5,083,554. This note bears interest at 10% (with a default interest rate of 15%) and will be repaid ratably over a period of 36 months aggregating $5,905,427 in total payments to be made (inclusive of interest). Each monthly payment will be $164,039. The note is unsecured. The Note is expected to be repaid in full by December 2026.

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

2	Activity was with David May, who is a Board Member. The note of $467,385 and related accrued interest of $63,641 (aggregate $531,026) was repaid in 2023. The note bore interest at 10% and was unsecured.

 

The following is a detail of the Company’s Notes Payable - Related Parties:

 Schedule of Notes Payable - Related Parties

Notes Payable - Related Parties
Note Holder		Issue Date		Maturity Date		Interest Rate				Default Interest Rate				Collateral		September 30, 2024				December 31, 2023
Note #1		December 31, 2023		December 31, 2026			10.00	%			15.00	%		None		$	3,951,480			$	-
Note #2		December 31, 2022		December 31, 2023			10.00	%			0.00	%		None			-				4,584,563
																	3,951,480				4,584,563
														Short Term			1,647,491				4,584,563
														Long Term		$	2,303,989			$	-

 

Notes Payable

Schedule of Notes Payable

		1				2				3
Terms		Notes Payable				Notes Payable				Note Payable				Total
Issuance dates of notes			April/May 2022				March 2022				2022
Maturity date			October/November 2022				March 2023				2025
Interest rate			19	%			19	%			1	%
Default interest rate			26	%			26	%			0	%
Collateral			Unsecured				Unsecured				Unsecured
Warrants issued as debt discount/issue costs			36,000				15,000				N/A
Balance - December 31, 2022			1,100,000				400,000				95,167				1,595,167
Repayments			(1,100,000	)			(400,000	)			(95,167	)			(1,595,167	)
Balance - December 31, 2023		$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-

 

1-	These notes were issued with 36,000, three (3) year warrants, which were previously reflected as debt issue costs and were amortized over the life of the debt. These notes were fully repaid in 2023.

 

2-

These notes were issued with 15,000, three (3) year warrants, which were previously reflected as debt issue costs and were amortized over the life of the debt. Additionally, in 2022, the Company issued an additional 12,000, three (3) year warrants, which were treated as interest expense in connection with extending the maturity date for notes totaling $400,000 to March 2023. In 2023, the Company repaid $400,000 in notes and related accrued interest of $36,204 (aggregate $436,204).

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

3–	This loan, originally a PPP loan, was refinanced in 2022 and was extended from October 2021 to March 2025. Monthly payments were $3,566 per month. In 2023, the remaining balance of the note was repaid in full.

 

Debt Maturities

 

The following represents the maturities of the Company’s various debt arrangements for each of the five (5) succeeding years and thereafter as follows:

 

Schedule of Debt Maturities

For the Year Ended December 31,		Notes Payable - Related Parties				Notes Payable - SBA Government				Total
2024 (3 Months)		$	395,825			$	2,660			$	398,485
2025			1,689,367				11,043				1,700,410
2026			1,866,288				11,461				1,877,749
2027			-				11,902				11,902
2028			-				12,308				12,308
Thereafter			-				422,761				422,761
Total		$	3,951,480			$	472,135			$	4,423,615

 

Note 7 – Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The Company evaluates its financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements on a recurring basis to determine the appropriate level in which to classify them for each reporting period. This determination requires significant judgments to be made.

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

The Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis consisted of the following at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively:

 

Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value

						Quoted Prices in Active Markets for				Significant Other Observable				Significant Unobservable
						Identical Assets				Inputs				Inputs
		September 30, 2024				(Level 1)				(Level 2)				(Level 3)
Exchange Traded Funds		$	10,068,506			$	10,068,506			$	-			$	-

 

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for

Significant Other Observable

Significant Unobservable

Identical Assets

Inputs

Inputs

December 31, 2023

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(Level 3)

Exchange Traded Funds

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

 

Note 8 – Commitments and Contingencies

 

Operating Leases

 

We have entered into various operating lease agreements, including our corporate headquarters. We account for leases in accordance with ASC Topic 842: Leases, which requires a lessee to utilize the right-of-use model and to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases are classified as either financing or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the statement of operations. In addition, a lessor is required to classify leases as either sales-type, financing or operating. A lease will be treated as a sale if it transfers all of the risks and rewards, as well as control of the underlying asset, to the lessee. If risks and rewards are conveyed without the transfer of control, the lease is treated as financing. If the lessor does not convey risk and rewards or control, the lease is treated as operating. We determine if an arrangement is a lease, or contains a lease, at inception and record the lease in our financial statements upon lease commencement, which is the date when the underlying asset is made available for use by the lessor.

 

Right-of-use assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments over the lease term. Lease right-of-use assets and liabilities at commencement are initially measured at the present value of lease payments over the lease term. We generally use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement to determine the present value of lease payments except when an implicit interest rate is readily determinable. We determine our incremental borrowing rate based on market sources including relevant industry data.

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

We have lease agreements with lease and non-lease components and have elected to utilize the practical expedient to account for lease and non-lease components together as a single combined lease component, from both a lessee and lessor perspective with the exception of direct sales-type leases and production equipment classes embedded in supply agreements. From a lessor perspective, the timing and pattern of transfer are the same for the non-lease components and associated lease component and, the lease component, if accounted for separately, would be classified as an operating lease.

 

We have elected not to present short-term leases on the balance sheet as these leases have a lease term of 12 months or less at lease inception and do not contain purchase options or renewal terms that we are reasonably certain to exercise. All other lease assets and lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. Because most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate of return, we used our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at lease commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments.

 

Our leases, where we are the lessee, do not include an option to extend the lease term. For purposes of calculating lease liabilities, lease term would include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise such options.

 

Lease expense for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term as an operating expense, included as a component of general and administrative expenses, in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 

Certain operating leases provide for annual increases to lease payments based on an index or rate, our lease has no stated increase, payments were fixed at lease inception. We calculate the present value of future lease payments based on the index or rate at the lease commencement date. Differences between the calculated lease payment and actual payment are expensed as incurred.

 

In 2024, in connection with our purchase of CLMI, we acquired a right-of-use operating lease and related lease liability for a building having a fair value of $98,638.

 

Lease Termination and Loss on Right-of-Use Asset

 

Effective August 31, 2024, the Company entered into an agreement to terminate two (2) of its operating leases prior to the expiration of the lease term. The early termination resulted in the derecognition of these Right-of-Use (ROU) assets and the corresponding lease liabilities associated with these leases.

 

In connection with the termination, the Company made a buyout payment of $212,175 to the lessor to settle all remaining lease obligations.

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

The carrying amounts of the lease liability and ROU asset as of the termination date were as follows:

 

	●	Right-of-Use Asset (ROU) carrying amount: $309,826
	●	Lease Liability: $327,139

 

As a result of the termination, the Company recognized a loss of $194,862 which is reported in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations under the line item “Other expenses” for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024.

 

The loss was calculated as follows:

Schedule of Loss

ROU Asset			309,826
Cash paid to execute lease termination			212,175
ROU Liability			(327,139	)
Loss on lease termination			194,862

 

The termination of these leases resulted in the complete derecognition of these ROU assets and the corresponding lease liabilities. The Company does not expect any future obligations or payments related to these lease agreements following the settlement.

 

At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, the Company had no financing leases as defined in ASC 842, “Leases.”

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

The tables below present information regarding the Company’s operating lease assets and liabilities at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively:

Schedule of Operating Lease Assets and Liabilities 

		September 30, 2024				December 31, 2023
Assets
Operating lease - right-of-use asset - non-current		$	62,786			$	387,869
Liabilities
Operating lease liability		$	63,547			$	399,413
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)			1.25				6.50
Weighted-average discount rate			5	%			5	%

 

The components of lease expense were as follows:

 

Schedule of Lease Expense

		Nine Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2024				September 30, 2023
Operating lease costs
Amortization of right-of-use operating lease asset		$	70,857			$	32,426
Lease liability expense in connection with obligation repayment			15,748				15,789
Total operating lease costs		$	86,605			$	48,215
Supplemental cash flow information related to operating leases was as follows:
Operating cash outflows from operating lease (obligation payment)		$	84,257			$	29,230
Right-of-use asset obtained in exchange for new operating lease liability		$	98,638			$	-

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

Future minimum lease payments for the years ended December 31:

Schedule of Future Minimum Payments 

Year Ended December 31,
2024 (3 months)		$	12,681
2025			52,754
Total undiscounted cash flows			65,435
Less: amount representing interest			1,888
Present value of operating lease liabilities			63,547
Less: current portion of operating lease liabilities			50,415
Long-term operating lease liabilities		$	13,132

 

Employment Agreements (Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer)

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

In November 2023, the Company finalized the terms of its employment agreement with its Chief Financial Officer as follows:

 

1.

Base salary

a.

For the year ended December 31, 2023 - $475,000,

b.

For the year ended December 31, 2024 - $489,250; and

c.

For the year ended December 31, 2025 - $503,928

2.

Annual cash bonus

a.

For the year ended December 31, 2023 - $510,000,

b.

For the year ended December 31, 2024 – at least $510,000; and

c.

For the year ended December 31, 2025 - subject to Board approval

3.

Restricted Stock Awards

a.

Effective November 10, 2023, an award of 600,000 shares of common stock. The fair value of this grant was $3,114,000, based upon the quoted closing price of $5.19/share.

b.

The shares will vest as follows (see below for table on non-vested shares):

i.

400,000 shares ratably over the period July 2024 – December 2024 (66,667 shares per month over a six-month period); and

ii.

200,000 on December 31, 2025,

iii.

Shares shall immediately vest if any of the following occur and the Chief Financial Officer is employed by the Company at the time of:

1.

Death,

2.

Total disability,

3.

Termination without cause; and

4.

Change in control

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

4.

Other

a.

Vacation,

b.

Car allowance of $500 per month; and

c.

Home office expense reimbursement of $667 per month,

d.

401(K) plan participation,

e.

Life insurance; and

f.

Liability insurance

 

See Note 9 regarding the vesting provisions of these shares.

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

In December 2023, the Company finalized the terms of its employment agreement with its Chief Executive Officer as follows:

 

1.

Term – through December 31, 2028

2.

Base salary

a.

For the year ended December 31, 2023 - $750,000,

b.

For each year thereafter an increase of three percent.

3.

Annual cash bonus

a.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, and all other years throughout the term of the employment agreement - $870,000.

4.

Restricted Stock Awards

a.

Effective March 1, 2024, future stock awards totaling 2,500,000 shares of common stock.

b.

The shares will be issued and vest as follows:

i.

500,000 shares ratably over the period July 2024 – December 2024 (83,333 shares per month over a six-month period). The fair value of this grant was $3,800,000, based upon the quoted closing price of $7.60/share, 500,000 on June 1, of each subsequent year (2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028), at which time these shares will have their fair value determined. These shares have no stated performance or service requirements, other than to be remain as the Chief Executive Officer, and the expense will be recorded on the grant date; and

ii.

Shares shall immediately vest if any of the following occur and the Chief Executive Officer is employed by the Company at the time of:

1.

Death,

2.

Total disability,

3.

Termination without cause; and

4.

Change in control

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

5.

Annual Revenue Goals (only one (1) award per goal may be earned until next threshold is achieved

a.

$250,000,000 – value of restricted stock award will be $6,250,000,

b.

$500,000,000 – value of restricted stock award will be $25,000,000,

c.

$1,000,000,000 – value of restricted stock award will be $50,000,000,

d.

$2,000,000,000 – value of restricted tock award will be $100,000,000; and

e.

Each additional $1,000,000,000 – value of restricted tock award will be $50,000,000,

 

6.

Annual EBITDA Goals (only one (1) award per goal may be earned until next threshold is achieved

a.

$50,000,000 - value of restricted stock award will be $2,500,000,

b.

$100,000,000 - value of restricted stock award will be $5,000,000; and

c.

Each additional $50,000,000 - value of restricted stock award will be $2,500,000

 

7.

Market Capitalization Goals (only one (1) award per goal may be earned until next threshold is achieved

a.

$250,000,000 - value of restricted stock award will be $25,000,000,

b.

$500,000,000 - value of restricted stock award will be $50,000,000,

c.

$1,000,000,000 - value of restricted stock award will be $100,000,000,

d.

$2,000,000,000 - value of restricted stock award will be $200,000,000; and

e.

Each additional $1,000,000,000 - value of restricted stock award will be $100,000,000

 

8.

Other

a.

Vacation,

b.

Car allowance of $500 per month; and

c.

Home office expense reimbursement of $667 per month,

d.

401(K) plan participation,

e.

Life insurance; and

f.

Liability insurance

 

See Note 9 regarding the vesting provisions of these shares.

 

Contingencies – Legal Matters

 

During the normal course of business, the Company may be exposed to litigation. When the Company becomes aware of potential litigation, it evaluates the merits of the case in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC 450-20-50, “Contingencies”. The Company evaluates its exposure to the matter, possible legal or settlement strategies and the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome. If the Company determines that an unfavorable outcome is probable and can be reasonably estimated, it establishes the necessary accruals.

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

As of September 30, 2024, for all matters listed below, the Company is not aware of any contingent liabilities that should be reflected in the consolidated financial statements.

 

Surge Holdings – Juno Litigation

 

Juno Financial v. AATAC and Surge Holdings Inc. AND Surge Holdings Inc. v. AATAC; Circuit Court of Hillsborough County, Florida, Case # 20-CA-2712 DIV A: Breach of Contract, Account Stated and Open Account claims against Surge by a factoring company. Surge has filed a cross-complaint against defendant AATAC for Breach of Contract, Account Stated, Open Account and Common Law Indemnity. The Court dismissed the case with the agreement of the parties at a case management conference on September 12, 2024.

 

True Wireless and SurgePays – Litigation

 

Blue Skies Connections, LLC, and True Wireless, Inc. v. SurgePays, Inc., et. al.: In the District Court of Oklahoma County, OK, CJ-2021-5327, filed on December 13, 2021. Plaintiffs’ petition alleges breach of a Stock Purchase Agreement by SurgePays, SurgePhone Wireless, LLC, and Kevin Brian Cox (“Defendants”), and makes other allegations related to SurgePays’ consulting work with Jonathan Coffman, formerly a True Wireless employee. Blue Skies alleged the Defendants are in violation of their non-competition and non-solicitation agreements related to the sale of True Wireless from SurgePays to Blue Skies. Defendants filed various motions with the Court demonstrating Oklahoma state law does not recognize non-compete agreements and non-solicitation agreements in the manner alleged by Plaintiffs, and the Court granted these motions, finding the non-solicitation and non-competition clauses in the Stock Purchase Agreement void as a matter of Oklahoma law. The matter continues in the discovery process with other dispositive motions pending. Mr. Coffman is no longer working for True Wireless. An attempt at mediation in July, 2022 did not achieve a settlement. The petition requests injunctive relief, general damages, punitive damages, attorney fees and costs for alleged breach of contract, tortious interference with a business relationship, and fraud. Plaintiffs have made a written demand for damages and the parties continue to discuss a potential resolution. This matter is an anti-competitive attempt by Blue Skies and True Wireless to damage SurgePays, SurgePhone, and Cox. Written discovery is winding down and depositions began in the third quarter of 2023 and are expected to continue in 2024. The case is currently set for trial in January 2025.

 

In the Circuit Court of Tennessee for the 30th Judicial District at Memphis, Docket # CT-3219-23. On August 8, 2023, a complaint was filed by SurgePays for breach of a promissory note by Blue Skies Connections, LLC. The note at issue is dated June 14, 2021, and requires Blue Skies Connections to repay the principal sum of $176,850.56, by monthly payments of $7,461.37 commencing on June 1, 2023. Blue Skies Connections has failed to make any payments due under the terms of the note, and this breach entitles SurgePays to demand payment of the entire amount of the note together with all accrued interest. Blue Skies Connections has responded by filing a Motion to Dismiss or, in the alternative, a Motion to Stay, taking the position that, under the prior suit pending doctrine, the subject promissory note is subject to the prior litigation instituted by Blue Skies Connections against SurgePays, styled Skies Connections, LLC and True Wireless, Inc. v. SurgePays, Inc., et al., Case No. CJ-2021-5327, District Court of Oklahoma County, Oklahoma. Counsel for Blue Skies Connections has requested that Surge Pays either voluntarily dismiss the subject action or agree to stay the subject action until conclusion of the Oklahoma litigation. Surge Pays is presently reviewing and considering its options.

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

Mike Fina litigation

 

SurgePays, Inc. et al. v. Fina et al., Case No. CJ-2022-2782, District Court of Oklahoma County, Oklahoma. Plaintiffs SurgePays, Inc. and Kevin Brian Cox initiated this case against its former officer Mike Fina, his companies Blue Skies Connections, LLC, True Wireless, Inc., Government Consulting Solutions, Inc., Mussell Communications LLC, and others. This case also arises from the June 2021 transaction by which SurgePays sold True Wireless to Blue Skies. During the litigation of CJ-2021-5327 described above, SurgePays learned information that showed Mike Fina breached his duties owed to True Wireless during his employment and consulting work for True Wireless prior to SurgePays’ sale of True Wireless to Blue Skies. SurgePays alleges that Mike Fina conspired with the other defendants to damage True Wireless thereby harming the value of the company and causing its eventual sale at a greatly reduced price. SurgePays asserts claims for (i) breach of contract; (ii) breach of fiduciary duty; (iii) fraud; (iv) tortious interference; and (v) unjust enrichment. At this stage, no defendant has asserted a counterclaim against SurgePays. SurgePays filed a Second Amended Petition on January 27, 2023. Defendants Fina, Blue Skies, True Wireless, and Government Consulting Solutions filed a Motion to Dismiss on March 10, 2023. On June 29, 2023, the Court granted the Motion to Dismiss, ruling the claims asserted are “derivative” and could only be asserted by the True Wireless entity now owed by Blue Skies. The Court rejected SurgePays’ request to certify this ruling for immediate appeal. Defendant Misty Garrett filed a Motion for Summary Judgment seeking the same relief as the Motion to Dismiss, which was granted by the Court. It is SurgePays’ intent to appeal the Court’s dismissal of Fina, Blue Skies, True Wireless, Government Consulting Solutions, and Misty Garrett. At this stage, no attempts at settlement have been made.

 

Aliotta and Vasquesz v SurgePays – Litigation

 

Robert Aliotta and Steve Vasquesz, on behalf of themselves and others similarly situated v. SurgePays, Inc. d/b/a Surge Logics, filed January 4, 2023, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Case No. 1:23-cv-00042. Plaintiffs allege violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), and the Florida Telephone Solicitations Act (FTSA) based on telephone solicitations allegedly made by or on behalf of SurgePays, Inc. Plaintiffs seek damages for themselves and seek certification of a class action on behalf of others similarly situated. Defendants intend to vigorously defend the action however most similar cases are eventually resolved by an out-of-court settlement. A Confidential Settlement Agreement and Release of Claims has been entered into in April 2024 and a Dismissal Order was entered by the Court on April 30, 2024.

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

Consumer Attorney Marketing Group, LLC v. LogicsIQ, Inc. and SurgePays, Inc.

 

Consumer Attorney Marketing Group, LLC v. LogicsIQ, Inc. and SurgePays, Inc. On February 13, 2024, in the Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County, Case No. 24 ST CV 03653, Consumer Attorney Marketing Group, LLC (“CAMG”) filed a complaint naming SurgePays, Inc. (the “Company”) a defendant and alleging claims for breach of contract, declaratory judgment and express and implied indemnity. The complaint demands that defendants indemnify CAMG for any damages or losses that CAMG may incur in the case Robert Aliotta, et al. v. SurgePays, Inc. d/b/a SurgeLogics, Case No. 23 C 00042, pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. CAMG’s claims against the Company are solely based upon theories of participatory and vicarious liability. A Confidential Settlement Agreement and Release of Claims has been entered into in April 2024 and the parties await a Dismissal Order to be entered by the Court.

 

SurgePays – Ambess Litigation

 

On December 17, 2021, Ambess Enterprises, Inc. v SurgePays, Inc., Blair County Pa. case number 2021 GN 3222. Plaintiff alleged breach of contract and prays for damages of approximately $73,000, plus fees, costs, and interest. The case was settled and dismissed in 2023 for $60,000, which has been recorded as a component of general and administrative expenses.

 

Note 9 – Stockholders’ Equity

 

At September 30, 2024, the Company had three (3) classes of stock:

 

Common Stock

 

-

500,000,000 shares authorized

-

Par value - $0.001

-

Voting at 1 vote per share

 

Series A, Convertible Preferred Stock

 

-

13,000,000 shares authorized

-

none issued and outstanding

-

Par value - $0.001

-

Voting at 10 votes per share

-

Ranks senior to any other class of preferred stock

-

Dividends - none

-

Liquidation preference – none

-

Rights of redemption - none

-

Conversion into 1/10 of a share of common stock for each share held

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

Series C, Convertible Preferred Stock

 

-

1,000,000 shares authorized

-

None issued and outstanding

-

Par value - $0.001

-

Voting at 250 votes per share

-

Ranks junior to any other class of preferred stock

-

Dividends – equal to the per share amount (as converted basis) as the common stockholders should the Board of Directors declare a dividend

-

Liquidation preference – original issue price plus any declared yet unpaid accrued dividends

-

Rights of redemption - none

-

Conversion into 250 shares of common stock for each share held

 

Securities and Incentive Plan

 

In March 2023, the Company’s shareholders approved the 2022 Plan (the “Plan”) initially approved, authorized, and adopted by the Board of Directors in August 2022.

 

The Plan initially provided for the following:

 

1.

3,500,000 shares of common stock

2.

An annual increase on the first day of each calendar year beginning January 1, 2023 and ending on January 31, 2031 equal to the lesser of:

a.

10% of the common stock outstanding on the final day of the immediately preceding calendar year, or

b.

Such smaller amount of common stock as determined by the Board of Directors.

3.

The shares may be issued as follows to directors, officers, employees, and consultants:

a.

Distribution equivalent rights

b.

Incentive share options

c.

Non-qualified share options

d.

Performance unit awards

e.

Restricted share awards

f.

Restricted share unit awards

g.

Share appreciation rights

h.

Tandem share appreciation rights

i.

Unrestricted share awards

 

See the proxy statement filed with the SEC on January 19, 2023 for a complete detail of the Plan.

 

Effective January 1, 2024, in accordance with the Plan, we increased the available amount of shares by 10% of the common stock outstanding on December 31, 2023, approximating an additional 1,400,000 shares of common stock. After this increase, total shares authorized and available to be issued under the Plan approximated 4,900,000 shares.

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

Of the total shares authorized and available, the Company has reserved shares for its officers, directors and employees for non-vested shares that are expected to vest in accordance with the terms of the related employment agreements and stock options that may be converted into common stock. At September 30, 2024, the Company had sufficient authorized shares to settle any possible awards that vested or stock options eligible for conversion.

 

Equity Transactions for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024

 

Stock Issued for Cash - Capital Raise

 

The Company issued 3,080,356 shares of common stock for gross proceeds of $17,249,994 ($5.60/share).

 

In connection with the capital raise, the Company paid cash as direct offering costs totaling $1,395,000, resulting in net proceeds of $15,854,994.

 

This offering was made pursuant to the Company’s registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-273110) previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on July 3, 2023, as amended, and declared effective by the SEC on November 3, 2023.

 

A preliminary and final prospectus supplement were filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) on January 17, 2024 and January 19, 2024, respectively. The Offering closed on January 22, 2024.

 

Exercise of Warrants - Cash

 

During 2024, the Company issued 1,860,308 shares of common stock in connection with the exercise of 1,860,308 warrants for $8,799,257 ($4.73/share). See warrant table below.

 

Exercise of Warrants - Cashless

 

During 2024, the Company issued 40,238 shares of common stock in connection with the cashless exercise of warrants ($0.001/share). The transaction had a net effect of $0 on stockholders’ equity. See warrant table below.

 

Stock Issued for Services

 

The Company issued 47,386 shares of common stock for services rendered, having a fair value of $411,740 ($3.85 - $7.34/share), based upon the quoted closing trading price.

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

See separate discussion below for the issuance and related vesting of common stock granted to the Company’s officers and directors.

 

Treasury Stock

 

Effective in July 2024, the Company implemented a share repurchase program. Under the terms of this program, the Company undertook the following:

 

	●	Maximum dollar amount authorized for repurchase is $5,000,000,
	●	The Company will not repurchase more than 20,000 shares per day,
	●	The Company will not repurchase any shares greater than $5/share,
	●	Share repurchases will only be made to the extent it does not prevent the Company from paying its debts; and
	●	The shares may either be returned to the treasury and authorized for reissuance or cancelled and retired.

 

The Company reacquired 280,770 shares of treasury stock for $485,131, at an average price of $1.73/share.

 

Effective in October 2024, the Company ceased its share repurchase program. Prior to September 30, 2024, the Company acquired 81,850 shares of treasury stock for $146,836, at an average price of $1.79/share.

 

Equity Transactions for the Year Ended December 31, 2023

 

Stock Issued for Services

 

The Company issued 242,615 shares of common stock for services rendered, having a fair value of $1,290,024 ($4.19 - $9.40/share), based upon the quoted closing trading price.

 

Exercise of Warrants - Cash

 

The Company issued 43,814 shares of common stock upon the exercise of warrants with an exercise price of $4.73 for $207,240.

 

Non-Vested Shares – Related Parties (Officer and Directors) – and related Vesting

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

In 2023, the Company granted common stock to its Chief Financial Officer (600,000 shares – see Note 8), having a fair value of $3,114,000 ($5.19/share), based upon the quoted closing trading price.

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

The shares will vest as noted above (see Note 8). The Company records stock compensation expense ratably over these vesting periods. All shares are expected to be vest in accordance with the terms of the agreement.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company recognized stock compensation expense of $1,946,848 and $0, respectively, related to vesting.

 

Board Directors

 

In 2023, the Company granted an aggregate 95,000 shares of common stock to various members of the Board of Directors, having a fair value of $519,500 ($5.14 - $5.53/share), based upon the quoted closing trading price.

 

The shares will vest at the earlier to occur:

 

-

Board Member no longer serves in that capacity for any reason, except for reasons related to cause,

-

Occurrence of a change in control; and

-

Fifth anniversary of the effective date (2028)

 

The Company records stock compensation expense over the five (5) year vesting period. All shares are expected to vest in accordance with the terms of the employment agreement.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company recognized stock compensation expense of $77,925 and $0, respectively, related to vesting.

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

In 2024, the Company granted common stock to its Chief Executive Officer (500,000 shares – see Note 8), having a fair value of $3,800,000 ($7.60/share), based upon the quoted closing trading price.

 

The shares will vest as noted above (see Note 8). The Company records stock compensation expense ratably over these vesting periods. All shares are expected to vest in accordance with the terms of the agreement.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company recognized stock compensation expense of $3,580,090 and $0, respectively, related to vesting.

 

Director of Human Resources and Legal Services

 

In 2024, the Company granted 100,000 shares of common stock to its Director of Human Resources and Legal Services, having a fair value of $672,000 ($6.72/share), based upon the quoted closing trading price.

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

The shares will vest ratably over the period July 2024 – December 2024. The Company records stock compensation expense ratably over these vesting periods. All shares are expected to vest in accordance with the terms of the agreement.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company recognized stock compensation expense of $633,113 and $0, respectively, related to vesting.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company recognized total stock compensation expense of $6,237,976 and $0 related to vesting.

 

The following is a summary of the Company’s non-vested shares at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

 

Schedule of Non-vested Shares Related Parties

						Weighted Average
Non-Vested Shares		Number of Shares				Grant Date Fair Value
Balance - December 31, 2022			-			$	-
Granted			695,000				5.24
Vested			-				-
Cancelled/Forfeited			-				-
Balance - December 31, 2023			695,000			$	5.24
Granted			600,000			$	7.60
Vested			(500,000	)			6.55
Cancelled/Forfeited			-				-
Balance - September 30, 2024			795,000			$	6.08
Unrecognized Compensation		$	1,337,990
Weighted average period (years)			0.93

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

The following is a detail of the common stock granted, which is subject to the vesting provisions noted above at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

 Schedule of Stock Granted

														Director of
		CEO				CFO				Directors				Human Resources/Legal				Total
Balance - December 31, 2022			-				-				-				-				-
Granted			-				600,000				95,000				-				695,000
Vested			-				-				-				-				-
Cancelled/Forfeited			-				-				-				-				-
Balance - December 31, 2023			-				600,000				95,000				-				695,000
Granted			500,000				-				-				100,000				600,000
Vested			(250,000	)			(200,000	)			-				(50,000	)			(500,000	)
Cancelled/Forfeited			-				-				-				-				-
Balance - September 30, 2024			250,000				400,000				95,000				50,000				795,000
Unrecognized Compensation		$	219,910			$	680,910			$	398,283			$	38,887			$	1,337,990
Weighted average period (years)			0.05				0.57				0.01				0.30				0.93

 

Stock Options

 

Stock option transactions for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and the year ended December 31, 2023 are summarized as follows:

 Schedule of Stock Option Transactions

										Weighted								Weighted
										Average								Average
						Weighted				Remaining				Aggregate				Grant
		Number of				Average				Contractual				Intrinsic				Date
Stock Options		Options				Exercise Price				Term (Years)				Value				Fair Value
Outstanding - December 31, 2022			17,004			$	16.00				4.16			$	-
Vested and Exercisable - December 31, 2022			6,801			$	16.00				4.16			$	-
Unvested and non-exercisable - December 31, 2022			10,203			$	16.00				4.16			$	-
Granted			104,272			$	6.45											$	5.53
Exercised			-			$	-
Cancelled/Forfeited			-			$	-
Outstanding - December 31, 2023			121,276			$	7.79				6.47			$	-
Vested and Exercisable - December 31, 2023			116,174			$	7.43				6.61			$	-
Unvested and non-exercisable - December 31, 2023			5,101			$	16.00				3.16			$	-
Granted			-			$	-
Exercised			-			$	-
Cancelled/Forfeited			-			$	-
Outstanding - September 30, 2024			121,276			$	7.79				5.72			$	-
Vested and Exercisable - September 30, 2024			121,276			$	7.79				5.72			$	-
Unvested and non-exercisable - September 30, 2024			-			$	-				-			$	-

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024

 

Stock Options - Related Party – Chief Financial Officer

 

The remaining 5,101 stock options were vested.

 

Stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was $0 and $9,294, respectively.

 

Stock-based compensation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was $6,196 and $27,880, respectively.

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

Year Ended December 31, 2023

 

Stock Options - Related Party – Chief Financial Officer

 

5,101 stock options vested.

 

Stock Options - Employees

 

The Company granted 104,272 seven (7) year stock options to various employees for services rendered, having a fair value of $576,625. These options have an exercise price of $6.45 per share.

 

The fair value of these stock options was determined by using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following inputs:

  Schedule of Fair Value of Stock Options

Expected term		7 years
Expected volatility			106	%
Expected dividends			0	%
Risk free interest rate			3.88	%

 

Warrants

 

Warrant activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and the year ended December 31, 2023 are summarized as follows:

 

Schedule of Warrants Activity

										Weighted
										Average
						Weighted				Remaining				Aggregate
		Number of				Average				Contractual				Intrinsic
Warrants		Warrants				Exercise Price				Term (Years)				Value
Outstanding - December 31, 2022			5,681,392			$	5.05				1.85			$	10,026,387
Vested and Exercisable - December 31, 2022			5,681,392			$	5.05				1.85			$	10,026,387
Unvested - December 31, 2022			-			$	-				0.00			$	-
Granted			-			$	-
Exercised			(43,814	)		$	4.73
Cancelled/Forfeited			(63,325	)		$	26.39
Outstanding - December 31, 2023			5,574,253			$	4.81				0.86			$	9,348,348
Vested and Exercisable - December 31, 2023			5,574,253			$	4.81				0.86			$	9,348,348
Unvested - December 31, 2023			-			$	-				-			$	-
Granted			-			$	-
Exercised			(1,953,308	)		$	4.73
Cancelled/Forfeited			(49,792	)		$	8.15
Outstanding - September 30, 2024			3,571,153			$	4.81				0.11			$	-
Vested and Exercisable - September 30, 2024			3,571,153			$	4.81				0.11			$	-
Unvested and non-exercisable - September 30, 2024			-			$	-				-			$	-

  

Note 10 – Segment Information

 

Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available and evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker, or decision–making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company’s chief operating decision maker is its Chief Executive Officer.

 

The Company evaluated the performance of its operating segments based on revenue and operating loss. All data below is prior to intercompany eliminations.

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

Segment information for the Company’s operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, are as follows:

 

Schedule of Operating Segments

		For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2024				2023
Revenues
Mobile Virtual Network Operators		$	41,419,705			$	89,536,546
Comprehensive Platform Services			9,853,497				8,609,570
Lead Generation			-				6,647,061
Other			11,329				30,533
Total		$	51,284,531			$	104,823,710
Cost of revenues
Mobile Virtual Network Operators		$	44,817,610			$	62,324,237
Comprehensive Platform Services			9,547,340				8,523,966
Lead Generation			5,175				5,774,505
Other			7,175				204
Total		$	54,377,300			$	76,622,912
Operating expenses
Mobile Virtual Network Operators		$	320,679			$	307,829
Comprehensive Platform Services			2,190,461				1,204,631
Lead Generation			315,235				741,757
Other			8,551				3,092
Corporate overhead			17,477,259				7,944,354
Total		$	20,312,185			$	10,201,663
Income (loss) from operations
Mobile Virtual Network Operators		$	(3,718,584	)		$	26,904,480
Comprehensive Platform Services			(1,884,304	)			(1,119,027	)
Lead Generation			(320,410	)			130,799
Other			(4,397	)			27,237
Corporate overhead			(17,477,259	)			(7,944,354	)
Total		$	(23,404,954	)		$	17,999,135

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

Segment information for the Company’s assets and liabilities at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, are as follows:

 

		September 30, 2024				December 31, 2023
Total Assets
Mobile Virtual Network Operators		$	13,402,310			$	32,502,760
Comprehensive Platform Services			5,371,134				2,584,245
Lead Generation			1,127,991				1,596,236
Other			168,503				135,548
Corporate overhead			21,429,555				5,106,518
Total		$	41,499,493			$	41,925,307
Total Liabilities
Mobile Virtual Network Operators		$	654,674			$	2,426,964
Comprehensive Platform Services			272,460				155,295
Lead Generation			278,914				899,485
Other			116,398				198,197
Corporate overhead			6,901,060				9,841,902
Total		$	8,223,506			$	13,521,843

 

All intercompany accounts are separately presented as both a component of the assets and liabilities. These amounts net to $0 in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

Note 11 – Installment Sale Liability

 

Agreement

 

In 2022, the Company executed a two-year (2) financing arrangement with Affordable Connectivity Financing (“ACF”, “Seller”) to receive up to $25,000,000 to purchase devices for sale.

 

This agreement was based upon the Company submitting a purchase order and ACF approving the request. The Company could cancel the purchase order prior to ACF paying for the devices. The agreement could be extended by a period of one (1) year upon mutual consent.

 

Under the terms of the agreement, ACF was directly purchasing products and reselling them to the Company at a markup. At December 31, 2022, the markup was 9.85%. Effective April 1, 2023 and each quarter thereafter, this amount was subject to increase based upon the secured overnight financing rate.

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

Repayment Period

 

Each installment sale contract was to be repaid over a period of nine (9) months.

 

Security

 

This arrangement was fully secured by all assets of the Company.

 

Minimum Outstanding Balance

 

3 month rolling average of 70% of the installment sale credit amount.

 

Prepayment Penalty

 

The Company was subject to a cancellation fee of 3% during the first year and 2% during the second year.

 

Administrative Fee

 

The Company was required to pay $2,000 per month.

 

Default Rate

 

For any unpaid amounts under this agreement, the Company was subject to a fee of 1.35% per month (16.2% annualized).

 

Commitment Fee

 

ACF charged a 2% commitment fee on the initial installment sale, and 2% for each incremental increase of $5,000,000 in the installment sale credit amount.

 

For example, if the initial installment sale credit amount is $15,000,000, the credit availability fee would be $300,000 (2%). Any subsequent increase of $5,000,000 or more would result in an additional fee of $100,000 (2%). Commitment fees are paid over a period of 12 months as part of the Seller’s monthly invoicing.

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

Covenants

 

At December 31, 2023, the Company was in compliance with all of the following ratios:

 

1.

Company adjusted EBITDA,

2.

Total Leverage Ratio,

3.

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio,

4.

Minimum Subscriber Base; and

5.

Minimum Liquidity

 

Additionally, the Company is required to provide various data to the vendor on a periodic basis. The Company has not received notice from the vendor regarding any instances of non-compliance.

 

Lockbox

 

The Company will maintain a lockbox for the benefit of the Seller.

 

Installment Sale Liability

 

At December 31, 2023, the Company recorded an installment sale liability of $0.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company paid $491,536. These amounts were included as a component of cost of goods sold.

 

The liability was repaid in full in 2023 and the agreement was cancelled.

 

Note 12 – Income Taxes

 

Provision (benefit) for Income Taxes and Effective Income Tax Rate

Schedule of Income Taxes and Effective Income Tax Rate 

		September 30, 2024				September 30, 2023
Federal
Current		$	135,000			$	-
Deferred			2,835,000				-
Total provision (benefit)		$	2,970,000			$	-
State
Current		$	-			$	-
Deferred			-				-
Total provision (benefit)		$	-			$	-

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes to the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 21% to income before provision for income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, is approximately as follows:

 Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

		September 30, 2024				September 30, 2023
Federal income tax expense (benefit) - 19.64%		$	(5,096,000	)		$	893,000
State income tax expense (benefit) - 6.5% - net of federal effect			(1,552,000	)			296,000
Non-deductible items			1,388,000				-
Subtotal			(5,260,000	)			1,189,000
Change in valuation allowance			8,230,000				(1,189,000	)
Income tax expense (benefit)		$	2,970,000			$	-
Effective tax rate			-12.92	%			0.00	%

 

Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

 

As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, the significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities is as follows:

 Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

		September 30, 2024				December 31, 2023
Deferred Tax Assets
Reserve for uncollectible accounts		$	3,000			$	5,000
Stock based compensation			178,000				-
Net operating loss carryforwards			8,077,000				3,844,000
Total deferred tax assets			8,258,000				3,849,000
Less: valuation allowance			(8,037,000	)			(790,000	)
Net deferred tax assets			221,000				3,059,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities
Depreciation			52,000				224,000
Amortization			165,000				-
Net deferred tax liabilities			217,000				224,000
Deferred income taxes - net		$	-			$	2,835,000

 

 

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are computed by applying the federal and state income tax rates in effect to the gross amounts of temporary differences and other tax attributes, such as net operating loss carry forwards. In assessing if the deferred tax assets will be realized, the Company considers whether it is more likely than not that some or all of these deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the period in which these deductible temporary differences reverse. As a result of historic losses, the Company has recorded a full valuation allowance as of September 30, 2024.

 

As of September 30, 2024, the Company had federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $32,000,000 and $28,000,000, respectively. The federal net operating losses carry forward indefinitely, and accordingly have not been reserved. The state net operating losses will expire between the years ending December 31, 2036 and 2038. The state net operating losses have been fully reserved as management does not believe that it is probable that the losses will be utilized before their expiration.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the valuation allowance increased by approximately $7,247,000. The total valuation allowance results from the Company’s estimate of its future recoverability of its net deferred tax assets.

 

The Company is in the process of analyzing their NOL and has not determined if the Company has had any change of control issues that could limit the future use of these NOL’s. As of December 31, 2023, all federal NOL carryforwards that were generated after 2017 may only be used to offset 80% of taxable income and are carried forward indefinitely.

 

The Company follows the provisions of ASC 740, which requires the computations of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities only consider tax positions that are more likely than not (defined as greater than 50% chance) to be sustained if the taxing authorities examined the positions. There are no significant differences between the tax provisions represented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and that reported in the Company’s income tax returns. The Company is subject to U.S. Federal and State income tax examination by taxing authorities for the years after December 31, 2020.

 

The Company files corporate income tax returns in the United States and State of Tennessee jurisdictions. Due to the Company’s net operating loss posture, all tax years are open and subject to income tax examination by tax authorities. The Company’s policy is to recognize interest expense and penalties related to income tax matters as tax expense. At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, there are no unrecognized tax benefits, and there were no significant accruals for interest related to unrecognized tax benefits or tax penalties.

 

Note 13 – Subsequent Events

 

Right-of-Use Asset

 

On October 1, 2024, the Company signed a lease for 2,293 square feet of office space in San Salvador. The lease term is 32 months, and expires May 2027, and the total monthly payment is $18,958, including base rent, estimated operating expenses and sales tax.

 

The lease is subject to a 3% annual increase. An initial Right of Use (“ROU”) asset of $565,650 will be recognized as a non-cash asset addition.

 

 

ITEM 2: MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

This statement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the ‘Securities Act’). Discussions containing such forward-looking statements may be found throughout this statement. Actual events or results may differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including the matters set forth in this statement. The accompanying consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2024 and 2023 and for the three months and nine months then ended includes the accounts of SurgePays, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries during the period owned by SurgePays, Inc.

 

SurgePays, Inc (“SurgePays,” “we” the “Company”) was incorporated in Nevada on August 18, 2006, is a technology and telecom company focused on the underbanked and underserved communities. SurgePays fintech platform empowers clerks at thousands of convenience stores to provide a suite of prepaid wireless and financial products to underbanked customers.

 

About SurgePays, Inc.

 

SurgePays, Inc. (“SurgePays”, “we”, the “Company”) is a financial technology and telecom company focused on providing these essential services to the underbanked community. We were previously known as North American Energy Resources, Inc. and KSIX Media Holdings, Inc. Prior to April 27, 2015, we operated solely as an independent oil and natural gas company engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of oil and natural gas properties and the production of oil and natural gas through its wholly owned subsidiary, NAER. On April 27, 2015, NAER entered into a Share Exchange Agreement with KSIX Media whereby KSIX Media became a wholly owned subsidiary of NAER and which resulted in the shareholders of KSIX Media owning approximately 90% of the voting stock of the surviving entity. While we continued the oil and gas operations of NAER following this transaction, on August 4, 2015, we changed its name to KSIX Media Holdings, Inc. On December 21, 2017, we changed its name to Surge Holdings, Inc. to better reflect the diversity of its business operations. We changed our name to SurgePays, Inc. on October 29, 2020.

 

As described in more detail below, we currently operate in three different business segments through the following subsidiaries: (i) Surge Blockchain, LLC, formerly Blvd. Media Group, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company; (ii) LogicsIQ, Inc., a Nevada corporation; (iii) SurgePhone Wireless, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company; (iv) SurgePays Fintech, Inc., a Nevada limited liability company; (v) ECS Prepaid, LLC, a Missouri limited liability company and (vi) Torch Wireless, LLC a Wyoming limited liability company.

 

 

Our Business Segments

 

Mobile Virtual Network Operators

 

We provide mobile broadband (internet connectivity), voice and SMS text messaging to both subsidized and direct retail prepaid customers through SurgePhone Wireless, LLC and Torch Wireless, LLC, wholly owned subsidiaries of SurgePays. We consider this the Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO) segment of our business. Prior to the expiration of the Affordable Connectivity Program (the “ACP”) on June 1, 2024, we provided two types of MVNO’s, subsidized and non-subsidized. Our subsidized MVNO’s were licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (the “FCC”) to provide subsidized access to the internet through mobile broadband services to consumers qualifying under the federal guidelines of the ACP. We provided these services by supplying consumers who were eligible for the ACP with tablet devices with mobile broadband capabilities for use in their homes. For providing mobile broadband on tablets to these eligible customers, until June 1, 2024, the ACP reimbursed us up to a $100 for the cost of each tablet device we distributed and a $30 per customer, per month subsidy for mobile broadband (internet connectivity) services. Revenue from this portion of our business for the three months ended September 30, 2024 accounted for 2% of our total revenue as compared to 90% for the three months ended September 30, 2023. Revenue from this portion of our business for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 accounted for 80% of our total revenue as compared to 85% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. However, due to a lack of additional funding from Congress, April 2024 was the last month ACP households received the full ACP discount, as they had received in prior months, with some ACP households receiving a partial ACP discount in May 2024 if their provider elected to participate in the May partial reimbursement month, as we did. Effective June 1, 2024, households will no longer receive an ACP discount, and therefore until new or alternative funding for this program is available, we expect revenue for the remainder of 2024 to substantially decrease as the ACP reimbursement was a substantial portion of the Company’s revenue. Despite the expiration of ACP, we have decided to continue to provide broadband capabilities on our tablets to our previously subsidized customers with the belief that the ACP or a similar government program will be approved in the near future.

 

As a transition strategy moving forward, we decided to keep the existing base of subscribers from the former ACP enrolled in our network through September 30, 2024 and beyond. We believe it would have been an easy, though short-sighted, decision to de-enroll these subscribers once the ACP funding ran out because we have a built-in subscriber base of 250,000 and a distribution network of thousands of local convenience stores and bodegas where our consumers shop every day. We believe these are huge and valuable assets and to hold on to these valuable assets during this transition period, we chose to keep our subscribers active, absorb the wholesale costs, averaging around $7-10 per subscriber per month, and put our strong balance sheet to work to replace the cash inflow we lost once ACP funding ran out. We believe this plan will allow us to maintain our current customer base if ACP returns or will allow us to utilize Lifeline.

 

The Company signed a Master Services Agreement (MSA) with TerraCom, Inc. (“TerraCom”), a wireless service provider and licensed Lifeline provider, effective October 3, 2024. We will execute the strategy of offering Lifeline to our existing ACP subscriber base. This agreement allows us to offer a government-subsidized program to our 280,000 ACP wireless subscribers. Equally important, we can now reignite our sales channels to acquire new Lifeline subscribers who lost their ACP service when their carrier chose to shut them off.

 

Through our subsidiaries we plan to roll-out LinkUp Mobile over the remainder of 2024. This is the non-subsidized portion of our MVNO business, which will attempt to leverage the volume of buying power we have with our previous subsidized subscriber base to build low-cost plans using SIM kits in convenience stores transacting on the SurgePays network. Our market will be to penetrate rural America where there is less competition and higher consumer pricing and offer incentivized family plans to the rapidly growing base of subsidized customer households. The revenue will be generated by subscribers paying a monthly fee for talk, text and data carrier services on a prepaid basis. As highlighted above, we continued to provide the previous ACP benefit to our subscriber base through September 30, 2024 in the hope the ACP program would be re-established. It is our plan to communicate to this base our intention to transition these subscribers to our LinkUp Mobile service line.

 

Comprehensive Platform Services

 

We provide financial technology and a wireless top-up platform to independently owned convenience stores throughout the country via our subsidiaries SurgePays Fintech, ECS Prepaid, LLC, Electronic Check Services, Inc. and Central States Legal Services, Inc. We consider these services the “Comprehensive Platform Services” segment of our business.

 

Specifically, our Comprehensive Platform Services provides ACH banking relationships and a fintech transactions platform that processes thousands of transactions a day at independently owned convenience stores. The Comprehensive Platform Service also provides wireless top-up transactions and wireless product aggregation for our nationwide network of convenience stores. By linking together, the customer, the carrier plan and the convenience store to allow all parties to have one location to get what they need.

 

Our revenue is derived from the transaction that takes place when an individual using a prepaid cellular carrier plan needs to add more minutes to their cellular phone. These services are vital to convenience store operations and we believe we can utilize our relationships with convenience stores from our ACP services to expand the network for our Comprehensive Platform Services. The Company expects this segment to be the biggest percentage of year-over-year revenue growth opportunity for 2024 and hired a new head of sales for our Comprehensive Platform Service segment to tap into such growth opportunity.

 

 

Lead Generation

 

We refer to LogicsIQ, Inc. as the Lead Generation segment of our business. LogicsIQ is a lead generation and case management solutions company primarily serving law firms in the mass tort industry. Revenues from this segment of our business are earned from our lead generation retained services offerings and call center activities through CenterCom. Lead generation consist of sourcing leads, which requires us to drive traffic to our landing pages for a specific marketing campaign. We also achieve this in certain marketing campaigns by using third-party preferred vendors to meet the needs of our clients. Revenues are recognized at the time the lead is delivered to the client. If payment is received in advance of the delivery of services, it is included in deferred revenue, and subsequently recognized once the performance obligation has been completed. Retained service offerings consist of turning leads into a retained legal case. To provide this service to our customers, we qualify leads through verification of information collected during the lead generation process. Additionally, we further qualify these leads using a client questionnaire which assists in determining the services to be provided. The qualification process is completed using our call center operations.

 

In 2023, we decided to focus less on this segment of our business and the Company is in the process of determining how best this service fits into the overall plans of SurgePays. The Company still derived revenue from this segment of our business in 2023. However, we have not received any revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and plan to make a final decision on whether to maintain or discontinue the Lead Generation segment of its business before the end of the fiscal year ended 2024.

 

COMPARISON OF THREE MONTHS ENDED September 30, 2024 AND 2023

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified for consistency with the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the consolidated results of operations, stockholders’ deficit, or cash flows.

 

We measure our performance on a consolidated basis as well as the performance of each segment.

 

We report our financial performance based on the following segments: Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO), Comprehensive Platform Service (Top-up) and Lead Generation. The MVNO segment is further broken down into subsidized and non-subsidized components. The subsidized component or ACP is the result of the mobile broadband (internet connectivity) services provided by SurgePhone Wireless and Torch Wireless to low-income consumers and accounts for the majority of our revenue. The Comprehensive Platform Service segment is comprised of Surge Fintech and ECS as previously shown. The Lead Generation is comprised of LogicsIQ as previously shown.

 

The segment amounts included in MD&A are presented on a basis consistent with our internal management reporting. Additional information on our reportable segments is contained in Note 10 – Segment Information and Geographic Data of the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Revenues during the three months ended years ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 consisted of the following:

 

		2024				2023
Revenue		$	4,769,697			$	34,160,834
Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)			(12,602,057	)			(23,680,247	)
General and administrative			(6,448,402	)			(3,389,015	)
Income (Loss) from operations		$	(14,280,762	)		$	7,091,572

 

 

Revenue decreased overall by $29,391,137 (86.0%) from the three months ended September 30, 2023 to the three months ended September 30, 2024. The breakout was as follows:

 

		For the Three Months Ended September 30,
		2024				2023
Revenues:
Mobile Virtual Network Operator		$	23,608			$	30,662,332
Comprehensive Platform Services			4,746,089				2,804,639
Lead Generation			-				684,631
Other			-				9,232
Total		$	4,769,697			$	34,160,834

 

Mobile Virtual Network Operators consisting of SurgePhone Wireless and Torch Wireless revenues (as detailed in Notes 2 and 10 of the financial statements) decreased by $30,638,724 (99.9%). Due to a lack of additional funding from Congress, April 2024 was the last month ACP households received the full ACP discount, as they had received in prior months, with some ACP households receiving a partial ACP discount in May 2024 if their provider elected to participate in the May partial reimbursement month, as we did. The $14.2 billion Congress initially made available for the ACP has run out. As a result, the ACP has ended for now. Effective June 1, 2024, households will no longer receive an ACP discount. As a transition strategy moving forward, we decided to keep the existing base of subscribers from the former ACP enrolled in our network through September 30, 2024 and beyond. We believe it would have been an easy, though short-sighted, decision to de-enroll these subscribers once the ACP funding ran out because we have a built-in subscriber base of 250,000 and a distribution network of thousands of local convenience stores and bodegas where our consumers shop every day. We believe these are huge and valuable assets and to hold on to these valuable assets during this transition period, we chose to keep our subscribers active, absorb the wholesale costs, averaging around $7-10 per subscriber per month, and put our strong balance sheet to work to replace the cash inflow we lost once ACP funding ran out. It is also our plan to communicate to this base our intention to transition these subscribers to our LinkUp Mobile service line. Since the ACP was not funded, we expect revenue for the Company for the remainder of 2024 to substantially decrease because ACP reimbursement was a substantial portion of our revenue. The Company signed a Master Services Agreement (MSA) with TerraCom, Inc. (“TerraCom”), a wireless service provider and licensed Lifeline provider, effective October 3, 2024. We will execute the strategy of offering Lifeline to our existing ACP subscriber base. This agreement allows us to offer a government-subsidized program to our 280,000 ACP wireless subscribers. Equally important, we can now reignite our sales channels to acquire new Lifeline subscribers who lost their ACP service when their carrier chose to shut them off.

 

Lead Generation services, consisting of LogicsIQ revenues decreased by $684,631 as a result of operational changes by management in late 2023. The Company plans to make a final decision on whether to maintain or discontinue the Lead Generation segment of its business in fiscal year ended 2024.

 

Comprehensive Platform Services revenues increased by $1,941,450 as a result of focusing our efforts on our MVNO segment, specifically the ACP component of the MVNO segment while we strategized on how to enhance our sales and on-boarding approach to adding convenience stores to our platform. The Company expects this segment to be the biggest percentage of year-over-year revenue growth opportunity for the remainder of 2024. We hired a new sales director earlier in the year to start a B2B segment within our Platform Services. For the three months ended September 30, 2024, new revenue of over $2.5 million and 19 total clients were created, as compared to zero revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

 

Cost of Revenue, Gross Profit and Gross Margin

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2024, cost of revenue for services primarily consists of data plan expenses ($3,567,303), prepaid retail expense ($4,556,418), devices ($175,170), marketing ($3,719,197), advertising ($116,771) and other expenses such as royalties and call-center expenses ($467,197). For the three months ended September 30, 2023, cost of revenue for services primarily consists of data plan expenses ($7,341,183), prepaid retail expense ($2,832,308), devices ($5,463,473), marketing ($4,875,587), advertising ($1,210,713) and other expenses such as royalties and call-center expenses ($1,957,325).

 

We expect that our cost of revenue will increase or decrease to the extent that our revenue increases and decreases.

 

 

In addition, the Company plans to implement a new sales force for Comprehensive Platform Services to capture what we believe is an untapped underbanked convenience store market. Our sales force team has increased to five as of September 30, 2024, from one as of September 30, 2023.

 

		For the Three Months Ended September 30,
		2024				2023
Cost of Revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization):
Mobile Virtual Network Operator		$	8,043,714			$	19,884,100
Comprehensive Platform Services			4,556,418				2,832,308
Lead Generation			1,628				963,786
Other			297				53
Total		$	12,602,057			$	23,680,247

 

Gross profit margin is calculated as revenue less cost of revenue. Gross profit margin is gross profit expressed as a percentage of revenue. Our gross profit in future periods will depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions that may impact our pricing, sales mix among devices, sales mix changes among consumables, excess and obsolete inventories, and the cost of our products from manufacturers. Our gross profit in future periods will vary based upon our revenue stream mix and may increase or decrease based upon our distribution channels. We expect the gross margins to decrease overall as we transition from subsidized subscribers to non-subsidized subscribers through our LinkUp mobile service line.

 

		For the Three Months Ended September 30,
		2024				2023
Gross Profit (Loss) (exclusive of depreciation and amortization):
Mobile Virtual Network Operator		$	(8,020,106	)		$	10,778,232
Comprehensive Platform Services			189,671				(27,669	)
Lead Generation			(1,628	)			(279,155	)
Other			(297	)			9,179
Total		$	(7,832,360	)		$	10,480,587

 

		For the Three Months Ended September 30,
		2024				2023
		%				%
Gross Margin:
Mobile Virtual Network Operator			(33,972.0	)			35.2
Comprehensive Platform Services			4.0				(1.0	)
Lead Generation			-				(40.8	)
Other			-				99.4
Total			(164.2	)			30.7

 

We expect that our gross profit margin for product and service will increase over the long term as our sales and production volumes increase and our cost per unit decreases due to efficiencies of scale.

 

General and administrative during the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 consisted of the following:

 

		2024				2023
Depreciation and amortization		$	282,067			$	266,025
Selling, general and administration			6,166,335				3,122,990
Total		$	6,448,402			$	3,389,015

 

The increase in depreciation and amortization costs for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023 is the result of amortizing internal-use software development costs capitalized in 2023 associated with software enhancements to our various software platforms continuing in 2024. There were no such costs incurred in the third quarter of 2024.

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses during the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 consisted of the following:

 

		2024				2023
Contractors and consultants		$	1,401,065			$	617,687
Professional services			274,400				417,414
Compensation			3,313,320				918,222
Computer and internet			248,086				288,229
Advertising and marketing			14,351				89,069
Insurance			248,878				339,780
Other			666,235				452,589
Total		$	6,166,335			$	3,122,990

 

Selling, general and administrative costs (S, G & A) increased by $3,043,345 (97.4%). The changes are discussed below:

 

●	Contractors and consultants expense increased by $783,378 or 126.8% from $617,687 for the three months ended September 30, 2023 to $1,401,065 for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The Company engaged several contractors to overhaul the financial platform to allow for the conversion to a tablet-based transaction at the store level from the outdated VeriFone terminal. The Company also engaged with consultants to provide advisory services specifically in the area of investment relations to identify opportunities to increase our shareholder value.
●	Professional services decreased $143,014 or 34.3% from the three months ended September 30, 2023 to the three months ended September 30, 2024 primarily due to the lower legal fees.
●	Compensation increased from $918,222 for the three months September 30, 2023 to $3,313,320 for the three months ended September 30, 2024 primarily as a result of one-time non-cash component for stock compensation for the CEO and CFO of $1,758,982 per their employment agreements.
●	Computer and internet costs decreased 40,143 or 13.9% from the three months ended September 30, 2023 to the three months ended September 30, 2024. The decrease was primarily the result of decreased programming and support services related to the maintenance and enhancements of the Clearline platform purchased in January of 2024.
●	Advertising and marketing costs decreased to $14,351 for the three months ended September 30, 2024 from $89,069 for the three months ended September 30, 2023 primarily as a result of the Company slowing expenditures related to Affordable Connectivity Program (“ACP”) stopped accepting new applications and enrollments effective February 7, 2024.
●	Insurance expense decreased to $248,878 for the three months ended September 30, 2024 from $339,780 for the three months ended September 30, 2023 primarily as a result of improved premium rates for the renewal of coverage in 2023/2024.
●	Other costs increased $213,646 or 47.2% from the three months ended September 30, 2023 to the three months ended September 30, 2024.

 

 

Other (expense) income during the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 consisted of the following:

 

		2024				2023
Interest expense		$	(112,814	)		$	(130,335	)
Loss on lease termination			(194,862	)			-
Other income			239				-
Unrealized gains-investments			38,292				-
Dividends, interest, and other income			86,626				-
Interest income			183,537				-
Gain on equity investment in Centercom			-				51,894
Total other income (expense)		$	1,018			$	(78,441	)

 

Interest expense decreased to $112,814 in the three months ended September 30, 2024 from $130,335 in the three months ended September 30, 2023.

 

Both long-term leases were terminated resulting in a loss of $194,862.

 

Interest and other related gains were recorded for $308,455 for the three months ended September 30, 2024.

 

For the quarter ended September 30, 2024, the Company did not record any adjustments to its investment in CenterCom due to internal delays preventing access to the investee’s financial data. The Company has evaluated its investment under ASC 323, Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures, and concluded that any potential adjustment would be immaterial.

 

Provision for income tax benefit during the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 consisted of the following:

 

A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes to the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 21% to income before provision for income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, is approximately as follows:

 

		September 30, 2024				September 30, 2023
Federal income tax expense (benefit) - 19.64%		$	(1,710,000	)		$	893,000
State income tax expense (benefit) - 6.5% - net of federal effect			(561,000	)			296,000
Non-deductible items			1,000,000				-
Subtotal			(1,271,000	)			1,189,000
Change in valuation allowance			4,241,000				(1,189,000	)
Income tax expense		$	2,970,000			$	-
Effective tax rate			-34.13	%			0.00	%

 

COMPARISON OF NINE MONTHS ENDED September 30, 2024 AND 2023

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified for consistency with the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the consolidated results of operations, stockholders’ deficit, or cash flows.

 

We measure our performance on a consolidated basis as well as the performance of each segment.

 

We report our financial performance based on the following segments: Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO), Comprehensive Platform Service (Top-up) and Lead Generation. The MVNO segment is further broken down into subsidized and non-subsidized components. The subsidized component or ACP is the result of the mobile broadband (internet connectivity) services provided by SurgePhone Wireless and Torch Wireless to low-income consumers and accounts for the majority of our revenue. The Comprehensive Platform Service segment is comprised of Surge Fintech and ECS as previously shown. The Lead Generation is comprised of LogicsIQ as previously shown.

 

The segment amounts included in MD&A are presented on a basis consistent with our internal management reporting. Additional information on our reportable segments is contained in Note 10 – Segment Information and Geographic Data of the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Revenues during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 consisted of the following:

 

		2024				2023
Revenue		$	51,284,531			$	104,823,710
Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)			(54,377,300	)			(76,622,912	)
General and administrative			(20,312,185	)			(10,201,663	)
Income (Loss) from operations		$	(23,404,954	)		$	17,999,135

 

 

Revenue decreased overall by $53,539,179 (51.1%) from the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to the nine months ended September 30, 2024. The breakout was as follows:

 

		For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2024				2023
Revenues:
Mobile Virtual Network Operator		$	41,419,705			$	89,536,546
Comprehensive Platform Services			9,853,497				8,609,570
Lead Generation			-				6,647,061
Other			11,329				30,533
Total		$	51,284,531			$	104,823,710

 

Mobile Virtual Network Operators consisting of SurgePhone Wireless and Torch Wireless revenues (as detailed in Notes 2 and 10 of the financial statements) decreased by $48,116,841 (53.7%). Due to a lack of additional funding from Congress, April 2024 was the last month ACP households received the full ACP discount, as they had received in prior months, with some ACP households receiving a partial ACP discount in May 2024 if their provider elected to participate in the May partial reimbursement month, as we did. The $14.2 billion Congress initially made available for the ACP has run out. As a result, the ACP has ended for now. Effective June 1, 2024, households will no longer receive an ACP discount. As a transition strategy moving forward, we decided to keep the existing base of subscribers from the former ACP enrolled in our network through September 30, 2024 and beyond. We believe it would have been an easy, though short-sighted, decision to de-enroll these subscribers once the ACP funding ran out because we have a built-in subscriber base of 250,000 and a distribution network of thousands of local convenience stores and bodegas where our consumers shop every day. We believe these are huge and valuable assets and to hold on to these valuable assets during this transition period, we chose to keep our subscribers active, absorb the wholesale costs, averaging around $7-10 per subscriber per month, and put our strong balance sheet to work to replace the cash inflow we lost once ACP funding ran out. It is also our plan to communicate to this base our intention to transition these subscribers to our LinkUp Mobile service line. Since the ACP was not funded, we expect revenue for the Company for the remainder of 2024 to substantially decrease because ACP reimbursement is a substantial portion of our revenue.

 

Lead Generation services consisting of LogicsIQ revenues decreased by $6,647,061 as a result of operational changes by management in late 2023. The Company plans to make a final decision on whether to maintain or discontinue the Lead Generation segment of its business in fiscal year ending 2024.

 

Comprehensive Platform Services revenues increased by $1,243,927 as a result of hiring a sales director earlier in 2024 and focusing our efforts on our MVNO segment, specifically the ACP component of the MVNO segment while we strategized on how to enhance our sales and on-boarding approach to adding convenience stores to our platform. The Company expects this segment to be the biggest percentage of year-over-year revenue growth opportunity for the remainder of 2024. We hired a new sales director earlier in the year to start a B2B segment within our Platform Services. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, new revenue of over $2.7 million and 19 total clients were created, as compared to zero revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

 

Cost of Revenue, Gross Profit and Gross Margin

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, cost of revenue for services primarily consists of data plan expenses ($16,921,923), prepaid expense retail ($9,014,955), devices ($5,001,192), marketing ($15,281,613), advertising ($4,432,173) and other expenses such as royalties and call-center expenses ($3,725,444). For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, cost of revenue for services primarily consists of data plan expenses ($21,614,871), prepaid retail expense ($8,056,869, devices ($19,066,964), marketing ($15,276,830), advertising ($5,723,728) and other expenses such as royalties and call-center expenses ($6,883,650).

 

We expect that our cost of revenue will increase or decrease to the extent that our revenue increases and decreases.

 

 

In addition, the Company plans to implement a new sales force for Comprehensive Platform Services to capture what we believe is an untapped underbanked convenience store market. Our sales force team has increased to five as of September 30, 2024, from one as of September 30, 2023.

 

		For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2024				2023
Cost of Revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization):
Mobile Virtual Network Operator		$	44,817,610			$	62,324,237
Comprehensive Platform Services			9,547,340				8,523,966
Lead Generation			5,175				5,774,505
Other			7,175				204
Total		$	54,377,300			$	76,622,912

 

Gross profit margin is calculated as revenue less cost of revenue. Gross profit margin is gross profit expressed as a percentage of revenue. Our gross profit in future periods will depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions that may impact our pricing, sales mix among devices, sales mix changes among consumables, excess and obsolete inventories, and the cost of our products from manufacturers. Our gross profit in future periods will vary based upon our revenue stream mix and may increase or decrease based upon our distribution channels. We expect the gross margins to decrease overall as we transition from subsidized subscribers to non-subsidized subscribers through our LinkUp mobile service line.

 

		For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2024				2023
Gross Profit (Loss) (exclusive of depreciation and amortization):
Mobile Virtual Network Operator		$	(3,397,905	)		$	27,212,309
Comprehensive Platform Services			306,157				85,604
Lead Generation			(5,175	)			872,556
Other			4,154				30,329
Total		$	(3,092,769	)		$	28,200,798

 

		For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2024				2023
		%				%
Gross Margin:
Mobile Virtual Network Operator			(8.2	)			30.4
Comprehensive Platform Services			3.1				1.0
Lead Generation			-				13.1
Other			36.7				99.3
Total			(6.0	)			26.9

 

We expect that our gross profit margin for product and service will increase over the long term as our sales and production volumes increase and our cost per unit decreases due to efficiencies of scale.

 

General and administrative during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 consisted of the following:

 

		2024				2023
Depreciation and amortization		$	861,001			$	798,074
Selling, general and administration			19,451,184				9,403,589
Total		$	20,312,185			$	10,201,663

 

The increase in depreciation and amortization costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023 is the result of amortizing internal-use software development costs capitalized in 2023 associated with software enhancements to our various software platforms continuing in 2024. There were no such costs incurred in the first quarter of 2024.

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 consisted of the following:

 

		2024				2023
Contractors and consultants		$	3,580,721			$	1,729,842
Professional services			1,577,070				1,255,451
Compensation			10,922,462				3,409,495
Computer and internet			684,277				639,342
Advertising and marketing			42,202				137,933
Insurance			821,254				991,035
Other			1,823,198				1,240,491
Total		$	19,451,184			$	9,403,589

 

Selling, general and administrative costs (S, G & A) increased by $10,047,595 (106.8%). The changes are discussed below:

 

●	Contractors and consultants expense increased by $1,850,879 or 107.0% from $1,729,842 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to $3,580,721 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. The Company engaged several contractors to overhaul the financial platform to allow for the conversion to a tablet-based transaction at the store level from the outdated VeriFone terminal. The Company also engaged with consultants to provide advisory services specifically in the area of investment relations to identify opportunities to increase our shareholder value.
●	Professional services increased $321,619 or 25.6% from the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to the nine months ended September 30, 2024 primarily due to the legal settlement of the Consumer Attorney Marketing Group, LLC case.
●	Compensation increased from $3,409,495 for the nine months September 30, 2023 to $10,922,462 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 primarily as a result of one-time non-cash component for stock compensation for the CEO and CFO of $6,237,976 per their employment agreements.
●	Computer and internet costs increased $44,935 or 7.0% from the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to the nine months ended September 30, 2024. The increase was primarily the result of increased programming and support services related to the maintenance and enhancements of the Clearline platform purchased in January of 2024.
●	Advertising and marketing costs decreased to $95,731 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 from $137,933 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 primarily as a result of the Company slowing expenditures related to Affordable Connectivity Program (“ACP”) stopped accepting new applications and enrollments effective February 7, 2024.
●	Insurance expense decreased to $821,254 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 from $991,035 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 primarily as a result of improved premium rates for the renewal of coverage in 2023/2024.
●	Other costs increased $582,707 or 47.0% from the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to the three months ended September 30, 2024.

 

 

Other (expense) income during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 consisted of the following:

 

		2024				2023
Interest expense		$	(362,119	)		$	(478,928	)
Other income			637,107				-
Loss on lease termination			(194,862	)			-
Interest income			183,537				-
Unrealized gains-investments			38,292				-
Dividends, interest, and other income			86,626				-
Gain on equity investment in Centercom			33,864				95,636
Total other (expense) income		$	422,445			$	(383,292	)

 

Interest expense decreased to $362,119 in the nine months ended September 30, 2024 from $478,928 in the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

 

Both long-term leases were terminated resulting in a loss of $194,862.

 

Interest and other related gains were recorded for $308,455 for the three months ended September 30, 2024

 

Other income increased by $637,107, mostly related to one-time reduction in accounts payable to CenterCom for invoices deemed not to be payable.

 

The equity investment in Centercom increased to $33,864 in the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $95,636 in the nine months ended September 30, 2023. For the quarter ended September 30, 2024, the Company did not record any adjustments to its investment in CenterCom due to internal delays preventing access to the investee’s financial data. The Company has evaluated its investment under ASC 323, Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures, and concluded that any potential adjustment would be immaterial.

 

Provision for income tax benefit during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 consisted of the following:

 

A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes to the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 21% to income before provision for income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, is approximately as follows:

 

		September 30, 2024				September 30, 2023
Federal income tax expense (benefit) - 19.64%		$	(1,710,000	)		$	893,000
State income tax expense (benefit) - 6.5% - net of federal effect			(561,000	)			296,000
Non-deductible items			1,000,000				-
Subtotal			(1,271,000	)			1,189,000
Change in valuation allowance			4,241,000				(1,189,000	)
Income tax expense		$	2,970,000			$	-
Effective tax rate			-34.13	%			0.00	%

 

Equity Transactions for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024

 

Treasury Stock

 

Effective in July 2024, the Company implemented a share repurchase program. Under the terms of this program, the Company undertook the following:

 

●

Maximum dollar amount authorized for repurchase is $5,000,000,

 

●

The Company will not repurchase more than 20,000 shares per day,

 

●

The Company will not repurchase any shares greater than $5/share,

 

●

Share repurchases will only be made to the extent it does not prevent the Company from paying its debts; and

 

●

The shares may either be returned to the treasury and authorized for reissuance or cancelled and retired.

 

The Company reacquired 280,770 shares of treasury stock for $485,131, at an average price of $1.73/share.

 

Effective in October 2024, the Company ceased its share repurchase program. Prior to September 30, 2024, the Company reacquired 81,850 shares of treasury stock for $146,836, at an average price of $1.79/share.

 

 

Equity Transactions for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024

 

Stock Issued for Cash - Capital Raise

 

The Company issued 3,080,356 shares of common stock for gross proceeds of $17,249,994 ($5.60/share).

 

In connection with the capital raise, the Company paid cash as direct offering costs totaling $1,395,000, resulting in net proceeds of $15,854,994.

 

This offering was made pursuant to the Company’s registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-273110) previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on July 3, 2023, as amended, and declared effective by the SEC on November 3, 2023.

 

A preliminary and final prospectus supplement were filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) on January 17, 2024 and January 19, 2024, respectively. The Offering closed on January 22, 2024.

 

Exercise of Warrants - Cash

 

During 2024, the Company issued 1,860,308 shares of common stock in connection with the exercise of 1,860,308 warrants for $8,799,257 ($4.73/share). See warrant table below.

 

Exercise of Warrants - Cashless

 

During 2024, the Company issued 40,238 shares of common stock in connection with the cashless exercise of warrants ($0.001/share). The transaction had a net effect of $0 on stockholders’ equity. See warrant table below.

 

Stock Issued for Services

 

The Company issued 47,386 shares of common stock for services rendered, having a fair value of $411,740 ($3.85 - $7.34/share), based upon the quoted closing trading price.

 

See separate discussion below for the issuance and related vesting of common stock granted to the Company’s officers and directors.

 

Segment Information

 

Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available and evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker, or decision–making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company’s chief operating decision maker is its Chief Executive Officer.

 

The Company evaluated the performance of its operating segments based on revenues and operating income (loss). Segment information for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, are as follows:

 

Segment information for the Company’s operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, are as follows:

 

		For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2024				2023
Revenues
Mobile Virtual Network Operators		$	41,419,705			$	89,536,546
Comprehensive Platform Services			9,853,497				8,609,570
Lead Generation			-				6,647,061
Other			11,329				30,533
Total		$	51,284,531			$	104,823,710
Cost of revenues
Mobile Virtual Network Operators		$	44,817,610			$	62,324,237
Comprehensive Platform Services			9,547,340				8,523,966
Lead Generation			5,175				5,774,505
Other			7,175				204
Total		$	54,377,300			$	76,622,912
Operating expenses
Mobile Virtual Network Operators		$	320,679			$	307,829
Comprehensive Platform Services			2,190,461				1,204,631
Lead Generation			315,235				741,757
Other			8,551				3,092
Corporate overhead			17,477,259				7,944,354
Total		$	20,312,185			$	10,201,663
Income (loss) from operations
Mobile Virtual Network Operators		$	(3,718,584	)		$	26,904,480
Comprehensive Platform Services			(1,884,304	)			(1,119,027	)
Lead Generation			(320,410	)			130,799
Other			(4,397	)			27,237
Corporate overhead			(17,477,259	)			(7,944,354	)
Total		$	(23,404,954	)		$	17,999,135

 

 

Segment information for the Company’s assets and liabilities at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, are as follows:

 

		September 30, 2024				December 31, 2023
Total Assets
Mobile Virtual Network Operators		$	13,402,310			$	32,502,760
Comprehensive Platform Services			5,371,134				2,584,245
Lead Generation			1,127,991				1,596,236
Other			168,503				135,548
Corporate overhead			21,429,555				5,106,518
Total		$	41,499,493			$	41,925,307
Total Liabilities
Mobile Virtual Network Operators		$	654,674			$	2,426,964
Comprehensive Platform Services			272,460				155,295
Lead Generation			278,914				899,485
Other			116,398				198,197
Corporate overhead			6,901,060				9,841,902
Total		$	8,223,506			$	13,521,843

 

All intercompany accounts are separately presented as both a component of the assets and liabilities. These amounts net to $0 in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

Mobile Virtual Network Operator

 

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 decreased by $48,116,841 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Cost of revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, decreased by $17,506,627 from the same period ended September 30, 2023, due to a lack of additional funding from Congress, April 2024 was the last month ACP households received the full ACP discount, as they had received in prior months, with some ACP households receiving a partial ACP discount in May 2024 if their provider elected to participate in the May partial reimbursement month, as we did. The $14.2 billion Congress initially made available for the ACP has run out and as a result, the ACP has ended for now. Effective June 1, 2024, households will no longer receive an ACP discount and therefore until new or alternative funding for this program is available, we expect revenue for the remainder of 2024 to substantially decrease as the ACP reimbursement was a substantial portion of the Company’s revenue.

 

Lead Generation

 

The revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 decreased by $6,647,061 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The revenue changed due to the continuing review of the line of business and how it best fits into the overall plans of the Company.

 

Comprehensive Platform Services

 

The revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $9,853,497 compared to $8,609,570 for the same period in 2023. The increase of 14% was a continuing result of the Company shift from ACP to our prepaid retail line of business. We are committed to re-focusing our attention to this market segment for 2024.

 

Overall

 

The overall decrease in revenue of $53,539,179 from 2023 to 2024 for the nine months ended September 30, can be attributable to the lack of additional funding and an end date of June 1, 2024 for ACP. The net operating income decreased by $41,404,089 to an operating loss from nine months ended September 30, 2023 to the nine months ended September 30, 2024.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, our current assets were $33,909,878 and $33,366,661, respectively, and our current liabilities were $5,434,250 and $12,705,044, respectively, which resulted in a working capital surplus of $28,475,628 and of $20,661,617, respectively. The increase in current assets is a result of a capital raise on January 15, 2024 which resulted in a net increase in cash of $17,249,994 and the exercise of warrants during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 of $8,799,257.

 

Total assets at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 amounted to $41,499,493 and $41,925,307, respectively. The decrease in total assets is a result of a capital raise and exercise of warrants, whereby cash increased by $23,812,520 and net loss for the period. Total assets decreased by $425,814 from December 31, 2023 to September 30, 2024. At September 30, 2024, assets consisted of current assets of $33,909,878, construction-in-process of $518,189, net property and equipment of $158,092, net intangible assets of $1,636,339, goodwill of $4,166,782, equity investment in Centercom of $498,273, note receivable of $176,851, internal use software of $372,303, and operating lease right of use asset of $62,786, compared to at December 31, 2023, current assets of $33,366,661, net property and equipment of $361,841, net intangible assets of $2,126,470, goodwill of $1,666,782, equity investment in Centercom of $464,409, note receivable of $176,851, internal use software of $539,424, operating lease right of use asset of $387,869, and deferred income taxes of $2,835,000.

 

At September 30, 2024, our total liabilities were $8,223,506 compared to total liabilities of $13,521,843 at December 31, 2023. This $5,298,337 decrease was related to the repayment during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 of the various notes payable.

 

At September 30, 2024, our total stockholders’ equity was $33,275,987 as compared to $28,403,464 at December 31, 2023.

 

As a result of the end of funding to the ACP, we expect to incur a loss for the calendar year 2024 as we transition our focus to the non-subsidized market and LinkUp Mobile. Although the Company expects the loss of revenue from the ACP to have a substantial financial impact on the Company, we believe that the Company’s cash balance and working capital as of September 30, 2024, will be sufficient to fund operations for at least the next twelve months.

 

 

The following table sets forth the major sources and uses of cash for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.

 

		2024				2023
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		$	(13,412,714	)		$	8,329,698
Net cash used in investing activities			(10,586,695	)			(281,304	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			23,028,908				(2,352,599	)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		$	(970,501	)		$	5,695,795

 

As a result of net negative cash provided by operating activities, a capital raise and the exercise of warrants through September 30, 2024, the cash decreased in the period ended September 30, 2024 by $970,501, compared to an increase in cash of $5,695,795 in the period ended September 30, 2023.

 

At September 30, 2024, the Company had the following material commitments and contingencies.

 

Notes payable – related party - See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Notes payable and long-term debt - See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Related party transactions - See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion.

 

Cash requirements and capital expenditures –At the current level of operations, the Company does not anticipate borrowing funds to meet basic operating costs.

 

Known trends and uncertainties – The Company is planning to acquire other businesses with similar business operations. The uncertainty of the economy may increase the difficulty of raising funds to support the planned business expansion.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements, which were prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions for the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. Our estimates are based on our historical experience and on various other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions, and any such differences may be material.

 

While our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we believe the following discussion addresses our most critical accounting policies, which are those that are most important to our financial condition and results of operations and which require our most difficult, subjective and complex judgments.

 

Use of Estimates

 

Preparing financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and those estimates may be material.

 

Significant estimates during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, include, allowance for doubtful accounts and other receivables, inventory reserves and classifications, valuation of loss contingencies, valuation of derivative liabilities, valuation of stock-based compensation, estimated useful lives related to intangible assets, capitalized internal-use software development costs, and property and equipment, implicit interest rate in right-of-use operating leases, uncertain tax positions, and the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The Company accounts for financial instruments under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements. ASC 820 provides a framework for measuring fair value and requires disclosures regarding fair value measurements. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, based on the Company’s principal or, in absence of a principal, most advantageous market for the specific asset or liability.

 

The Company uses a three-tier fair value hierarchy to classify and disclose all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, as well as assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, in periods subsequent to their initial measurement. The hierarchy requires the Company to use observable inputs when available, and to minimize the use of unobservable inputs, when determining fair value.

 

The three tiers are defined as follows:

 

	●	Level 1 - Observable inputs that reflect quoted market prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;
	●	Level 2 - Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly in the marketplace for identical or similar assets and liabilities; and
	●	Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market data, which require the Company to develop its own assumptions.

 

The determination of fair value and the assessment of a measurement’s placement within the hierarchy requires judgment. Level 3 valuations often involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity. Level 3 valuations may require the use of various cost, market, or income valuation methodologies applied to unobservable management estimates and assumptions. Management’s assumptions could vary depending on the asset or liability valued and the valuation method used. Such assumptions could include estimates of prices, earnings, costs, actions of market participants, market factors, or the weighting of various valuation methods. The Company may also engage external advisors to assist us in determining fair value, as appropriate.

 

  

Impairment of Long-lived Assets including Internal Use Capitalized Software Costs

 

Management evaluates the recoverability of the Company’s identifiable intangible assets and other long-lived assets when events or circumstances indicate a potential impairment exists, in accordance with the provisions of ASC 360-10-35-15 “Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” Events and circumstances considered by the Company in determining whether the carrying value of identifiable intangible assets and other long-lived assets may not be recoverable include but are not limited to significant changes in performance relative to expected operating results; significant changes in the use of the assets; significant negative industry or economic trends; and changes in the Company’s business strategy. In determining if impairment exists, the Company estimates the undiscounted cash flows to be generated from the use and ultimate disposition of these assets.

 

If impairment is indicated based on a comparison of the assets’ carrying values and the undiscounted cash flows, the impairment to be recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.

 

Inventory Valuation

 

Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value (average cost). For items manufactured by third parties, cost is determined using the weighted average cost method (WAC). We write down inventory when it has been determined that conditions exist that may not allow the inventory to be sold for at the intended price or the inventory is determined to be obsolete based on assumption about future demand and market conditions. The charge related to inventory write-downs is recorded as cost of goods sold. We evaluate inventory at least annually and at other times during the year. We have incurred and may in the future incur charges to write down inventory.

 

Internal Use Software Development Costs

 

We capitalize certain internal use software development costs associated with creating and enhancing internally developed software related to our technology infrastructure. These costs include personnel and related employee benefits expenses for employees who are directly associated with and who devote time to software projects, and external direct costs of materials and services consumed in developing or obtaining the software. Software development costs that do not meet the qualification for capitalization, as further discussed below, are expensed as incurred and recorded in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated results of operations.

 

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

 

We account for revenue earned from contracts with customers under ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”), and ASC 842, Leases (“ASC 842”). The core principle of ASC 606 is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The following five steps are applied to achieve that core principle:

 

	●	Step 1: Identify the contract with the customer.
	●	Step 2: Identify the performance obligations in the contract.
	●	Step 3: Determine the transaction price.
	●	Step 4: Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract.
	●	Step 5: Recognize revenue when, or as, the company satisfies a performance obligation.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company accounts for our stock-based compensation under ASC 718 “Compensation – Stock Compensation” using the fair value-based method. Under this method, compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the value of the award and is recognized over the service period, which is usually the vesting period. This guidance establishes standards for the accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services. It also addresses transactions in which an entity incurs liabilities in exchange for goods or services that are based on the fair value of the entity’s equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of those equity instruments.

 

The Company uses the fair value method for equity instruments granted to non-employees and use the Black-Scholes model for measuring the fair value of options.

 

The fair value of stock-based compensation is determined as of the date of the grant or the date at which the performance of the services is completed (measurement date) and is recognized over the vesting periods.

 

Stock Warrants

 

In connection with certain financing (debt or equity), consulting and collaboration arrangements, the Company may issue warrants to purchase shares of its common stock. The outstanding warrants are standalone instruments that are not puttable or mandatorily redeemable by the holder and are classified as equity awards. The Company measures the fair value of warrants issued for compensation using the Black-Scholes option pricing model as of the measurement date. However, for warrants issued that meet the definition of a derivative liability, fair value is determined based upon the use of a binomial pricing model.

 

 

Warrants issued in conjunction with the issuance of common stock are initially recorded at fair value as a reduction in additional paid-in capital of the common stock issued. All other warrants (for services) are recorded at fair value and expensed over the requisite service period or at the date of issuance if there is not a service period.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In the normal course of business, we evaluate all new accounting pronouncements issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, SEC, or other authoritative accounting bodies to determine the potential impact they may have on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Refer to Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

 

Under the PCAOB standards, a control deficiency exists when the design or operation of a control does not allow management or employees, in the normal course of performing their assigned functions, to prevent or detect misstatements on a timely basis. A significant deficiency is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting that is less severe than a material weakness, yet important enough to merit the attention by those responsible for oversight of the company’s financial reporting. A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act). Our management has determined that, as of September 30, 2024, the Company’s disclosure controls are effective, but the Company lacks segregation of duties similar to other companies our size.

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1: LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

From time to time, we may be engaged in various lawsuits and legal proceedings in the ordinary course of our business. Except as described below, we are currently not aware of any legal proceedings, the ultimate outcome of which, in our judgment based on information currently available, would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

The following is a summary of threatened, pending, asserted or unasserted claims against us or any of our wholly owned subsidiaries for which there have been material developments since December 31, 2023.

 

(1)

Juno Financial v. AATAC and Surge Holdings Inc. AND Surge Holdings Inc. v. AATAC; Circuit Court of Hillsborough County, Florida, Case # 20-CA-2712 DIV A: Breach of Contract, Account Stated and Open Account claims against Surge by a factoring company. Surge has filed a cross-complaint against defendant AATAC for Breach of Contract, Account Stated, Open Account and Common Law Indemnity. The Court dismissed the case with the agreement of the parties at a case management conference on September 12, 2024.

 

 

(2)

On December 17, 2021, Ambess Enterprises, Inc. v SurgePays, Inc., Blair County Pa. case number 2021 GN 3222. Plaintiff alleges breach of contract and prays for damages of approximately $73,000, plus fees, costs and interest. Litigation counsel is managing the motion practice and discovery process. The case was settled and dismissed in 2023 for $60,000, which has been recorded as a component of general and administrative expenses.

 

	(3)	Blue Skies Connections, LLC, and True Wireless, Inc. v. SurgePays, Inc., et. al.: In the District Court of Oklahoma County, OK, CJ-2021-5327, filed on December 13, 2021. Plaintiffs’ petition alleges breach of a Stock Purchase Agreement by SurgePays, SurgePhone Wireless, LLC, and Kevin Brian Cox (“Defendants”), and makes other allegations related to SurgePays’ consulting work with Jonathan Coffman, formerly a True Wireless employee. Blue Skies alleged the Defendants are in violation of their non-competition and non-solicitation agreements related to the sale of True Wireless from SurgePays to Blue Skies. Defendants filed various motions with the Court demonstrating Oklahoma state law does not recognize non-compete agreements and non-solicitation agreements in the manner alleged by Plaintiffs, and the Court granted these motions, finding the non-solicitation and non-competition clauses in the Stock Purchase Agreement void as a matter of Oklahoma law. The matter continues in the discovery process with other dispositive motions pending. Mr. Coffman is no longer working for True Wireless. An attempt at mediation in July, 2022 did not achieve a settlement. The petition requests injunctive relief, general damages, punitive damages, attorney fees and costs for alleged breach of contract, tortious interference with a business relationship, and fraud. Plaintiffs have made a written demand for damages and the parties continue to discuss a potential resolution. This matter is an anti-competitive attempt by Blue Skies and True Wireless to damage SurgePays, SurgePhone, and Cox. Written discovery is winding down and depositions began in the third quarter of 2023 and are expected to continue in 2024. The case is currently set for trial in January 2025.
		In the Circuit Court of Tennessee for the 30th Judicial District at Memphis, Docket # CT-3219-23. On August 8, 2023, a complaint was filed by SurgePays for breach of a promissory note by Blue Skies Connections, LLC. The note at issue is dated June 14, 2021, and requires Blue Skies Connections to repay the principal sum of $176,850.56, by monthly payments of $7,461.37 commencing on June 1, 2023. Blue Skies Connections has failed to make any payments due under the terms of the note, and this breach entitles SurgePays to demand payment of the entire amount of the note together with all accrued interest. Blue Skies Connections has responded by filing a Motion to Dismiss or, in the alternative, a Motion to Stay, taking the position that, under the prior suit pending doctrine, the subject promissory note is subject to the prior litigation instituted by Blue Skies Connections against SurgePays, styled Skies Connections, LLC and True Wireless, Inc. v. SurgePays, Inc., et al., Case No. CJ-2021-5327, District Court of Oklahoma County, Oklahoma. Counsel for Blue Skies Connections has requested that Surge Pays either voluntarily dismiss the subject action or agree to stay the subject action until conclusion of the Oklahoma litigation. Surge Pays is presently reviewing and considering its options.

 

	(4)	Robert Aliotta and Steve Vasquesz, on behalf of themselves and others similarly situated v. SurgePays, Inc. d/b/a Surge Logics, filed January 4, 2023, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Case No. 1:23-cv-00042. Plaintiffs allege violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the Florida Telephone Solicitations Act (FTSA) based on telephone solicitations allegedly made by or on behalf of SurgePays, Inc. Plaintiffs seek damages for themselves and seek certification of a class action on behalf of others similarly situated. Defendants intend to vigorously defend the action however most similar cases are eventually resolved by an out-of-court settlement. A Confidential Settlement Agreement and Release of Claims has been entered into in April 2024 and a Dismissal Order was entered by the Court on April 30, 2024.
	(5)	SurgePays, Inc. et al. v. Fina et al., Case No. CJ-2022-2782, District Court of Oklahoma County, Oklahoma. Plaintiffs SurgePays, Inc. and Kevin Brian Cox initiated this case against its former officer Mike Fina, his companies Blue Skies Connections, LLC, True Wireless, Inc., Government Consulting Solutions, Inc., Mussell Communications LLC, and others. This case also arises from the June 2021 transaction by which SurgePays sold True Wireless to Blue Skies. During the litigation of CJ-2021-5327 described above, SurgePays learned information that showed Mike Fina breached his duties owed to True Wireless during his employment and consulting work for True Wireless prior to SurgePays’ sale of True Wireless to Blue Skies. SurgePays alleges that Mike Fina conspired with the other defendants to damage True Wireless thereby harming the value of the company and causing its eventual sale at a greatly reduced price. SurgePays asserts claims for (i) breach of contract; (ii) breach of fiduciary duty; (iii) fraud; (iv) tortious interference; and (v) unjust enrichment. At this stage, no defendant has asserted a counterclaim against SurgePays. SurgePays filed a Second Amended Petition on January 27, 2023. Defendants Fina, Blue Skies, True Wireless, and Government Consulting Solutions filed a Motion to Dismiss on March 10, 2023. On June 29, 2023, the Court granted the Motion to Dismiss, ruling the claims asserted are “derivative” and could only be asserted by the True Wireless entity now owed by Blue Skies. The Court rejected SurgePays’ request to certify this ruling for immediate appeal. Defendant Misty Garrett filed a Motion for Summary Judgment seeking the same relief as the Motion to Dismiss, which was granted by the Court. It is SurgePays’ intent to appeal the Court’s dismissal of Fina, Blue Skies, True Wireless, Government Consulting Solutions, and Misty Garrett. At this stage, no attempts at settlement have been made.
	(6)	Consumer Attorney Marketing Group, LLC v. LogicsIQ, Inc. and SurgePays, Inc. On February 13, 2024, in the Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County, Case No. 24 ST CV 03653, Consumer Attorney Marketing Group, LLC (“CAMG”) filed a complaint naming SurgePays, Inc. (the “Company”) a defendant and alleging claims for breach of contract, declaratory judgment and express and implied indemnity. The complaint demands that defendants indemnify CAMG for any damages or losses that CAMG may incur in the case Robert Aliotta, et al. v. SurgePays, Inc. d/b/a SurgeLogics, Case No. 23 C 00042, pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. CAMG’s claims against the Company are solely based upon theories of participatory and vicarious liability. A Confidential Settlement Agreement and Release of Claims has been entered into in April 2024 and the parties await a Dismissal Order to be entered by the Court.

 

 

ITEM 1A: RISK FACTORS

 

The United States Government’s dissolution of the Affordable Connectivity Program (“ACP”) will have a substantial adverse effect on our current and planned business operations.

 

Since the introduction of the ACP, we have derived over 70% of our revenue from reimbursement payments from the federal government under the ACP. Effective February 7, 2024, the ACP stopped accepting new applications and enrollments, and the program ceased funding on June 1, 2024. The cease in reimbursement payments from governmental agencies will have a substantial adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results as we transition our focus to the Company’s other lines of business, such as non-subsidized market and LinkUp Mobile, of which there is no guarantee the Company will successfully be able to meet or exceed the revenue that was previously generated through subsidies from the ACP. Additionally, some of our growth plans for the non-ACP business segments of the Company are dependent on the growth of the ACP customers, and we may lose the opportunity to expand our other business segments, which will have a substantial adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results.

 

We may require additional capital as we endeavor to replace lost revenue from the ACP, but we do not have any commitments to obtain such capital and we cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain adequate capital as and when required.

 

Due to the loss of revenue from the expiration of the ACP, we expect to incur a loss for the calendar year ended December 31, 2024. If we fail to replace the lost revenue from the Company’s other business segments, we will not be able to sustain our growth, which will have a substantial adverse effect on the financial condition and operating results of the Company. We will need to adjust operations to control our cash expenses; however, we cannot give assurance that we can increase our cash balances or limit our cash consumption and thus maintain sufficient cash balances for our planned operations. Future business demands may lead to cash utilization at levels greater than recently experienced. We may need to raise additional capital in the future. However, we cannot assure that we will be able to raise additional capital on acceptable terms, or at all.

 

ITEM 2: UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

None.

 

ITEM 3: DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.

 

None

 

ITEM 4: MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

 

Not applicable

 

ITEM 5: OTHER INFORMATION.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, certain of our officers and directors adopted or terminated Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangements as follows:

 

On March 14, 2024, Kevin Brian Cox, our President and Chief Executive Officer, adopted a trading plan that is intended to satisfy the conditions under Rule 10b5-1(c) of the Exchange Act. Mr. Cox’s trading plan is equal to the number of shares of the Company’s common stock as reasonably estimated by the designated broker such that the net proceeds from their sale are sufficient to cover the withholding taxes resulting from the vesting of RSA grants previously issued to Mr. Cox, in amounts and prices determined in accordance with a formula set forth in the plan. The plan terminates on December 3, 2024. In the quarter ended September 30, 2024, 250,002 shares were received and 89,615 shares were sold.

 

On March 14, 2024, Anthony Evers, our Chief Financial Officer, adopted a trading plan that is intended to satisfy the conditions under Rule 10b5-1(c) of the Exchange Act. Mr. Evers’ trading plan is equal to the number of shares of the Company’s common stock as reasonably estimated by the designated broker such that the net proceeds from their sale are sufficient to cover the withholding taxes resulting from the vesting of RSA grants previously issued to Mr. Evers, in amounts and prices determined in accordance with a formula set forth in the plan. The plan terminates on December 31, 2024. For the quarter ended September 30, 2024, 200,001 shares were received and 110,001 shares were sold.

 

Except as disclosed above, none of our directors or executive officers adopted, modified or terminated any contract, instruction or written plan for the purchase or sale of our securities that was intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c) or any “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” (as defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K).

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

On August 13, 2024, the Company entered into a share repurchase program with ThinkEquity LLC for up to $5,000,000 shares of its common stock. During the three months ended September 30, 2024, the Company reacquired, on the open market, 81,850 shares of stock for $146,836, at an average price of $1.79/share. All shares purchased are intended to qualify for the safe harbor in rule 10b-18. On October 1, 2024, the Company decided to terminate the share repurchase program and will no longer be making any reacquisitions.

 

ITEM 6: EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit
Number		Exhibit Description
31.1*		Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 - Chief Executive Officer
31.2*		Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 - Chief Financial Officer
32.1**		Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 - Chief Executive Officer
32.2**		Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 - Chief Financial Officer
101.INS*		Inline XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH*		Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL*		Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF*		Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB*		Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE*		Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104*		Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

 

*Filed herewith.

 

** Furnished herewith

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

	SURGEPAYS, INC.
Date: November 12, 2024
	By:	/s/ Kevin Brian Cox
		Kevin Brian Cox
		Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

 

Date: November 12, 2024		/s/ Anthony Evers
		Anthony Evers
		Chief Financial Officer
		(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)