ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations for 2022 and 2021 should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes to those statements that are included elsewhere in this report. Our discussion includes forward-looking statements based upon current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties, such as our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those set forth under Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information, Part I. Item 1. Business and Item 1A. Risk Factors. We use words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "plan," "project," "continuing," "ongoing," "expect," "believe," "intend," "may," "will," "should," "could," and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements.
Company Overview
Inuvo is a technology company that develops and sells information technology solutions for marketing and advertising. These solutions predictively identify and message online audiences for any product, service or brand across devices, formats, and channels including video, mobile, connected TV, linear TV, display, social, search and native. These solutions allow Inuvo’s clients to engage with their audiences in a manner that drives responsiveness. Inuvo facilitates the delivery of hundreds of millions of marketing messages to consumers every single month and counts among its clients numerous world-renowned names across industries.
The Inuvo solution incorporates a proprietary form of artificial intelligence, or AI, branded the IntentKey. This patented machine learning technology uses interactions with Internet content as a source of information from which to predict consumer intent. The AI can identify and advertise to the reasons why consumers are purchasing products and services not to who those consumers are. In this regard, the technology is designed for a privacy conscious future and is focused on the components of the advertising value chain most responsible for return on advertising spend, the intelligence behind the advertising decision.
Inuvo technology can be consumed both as a managed service and SaaS. For clients, Inuvo has also developed a collection of proprietary websites collectively branded as Bonfire Publishing where content is created specifically to attract qualified consumer traffic for clients through the publication of information across a wide range of topics including health, finance, travel, careers, auto, education and lifestyle. These sites also provide the means to market test various Inuvo advertising
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technologies. Further, Inuvo also provides Search and Social advertising services through a proprietary set of technologies branded as CampSight.
There are many barriers to entry associated with the Inuvo business model, including a proficiency in large scale information processing, predictive software development, marketing data products, analytics, artificial intelligence, integration to the internet of things ("IOT"), and the relationships required to execute within the IOT. Inuvo’s intellectual property is protected by 19 issued and eight pending patents.
Hitachi Credit Agreement
On March 12, 2020, we closed on the Loan and Security Agreement dated February 28, 2020 with Hitachi. Under the terms of
the Loan and Security Agreement, Hitachi has provided us with a $5,000,000 line of credit commitment. We are permitted to
borrow (i) 90% of the aggregate Eligible Accounts Receivable, plus (ii) the lesser of (A) 75% of the aggregate Unbilled
Accounts Receivable or (B) 50% of the amount available to borrow under (i), up to the maximum credit commitment. The
interest rate under the Hitachi agreement is 2% in excess of the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate, with a minimum rate of 6.75%
per annum, on outstanding amounts. The principal and all accrued but unpaid interest are due on demand. In the event of a default under the terms of the Loan and Security Agreement, the interest rate increases to 6% greater than the interest rate in effect from time to time prior to a default. The Loan and Security Agreement contains certain affirmative and negative covenants to which we are also subject.
We agreed to pay Hitachi a commitment fee of $50,000, with one half due upon the execution of the agreement and the balance
due six months thereafter. We are obligated to pay Hitachi a commitment fee of $15,000 annually. We are also obligated to
pay Hitachi a quarterly service fee of 0.30% on the monthly unused amount of the maximum credit line. In addition to a $2,000
document fee we have paid to Hitachi, if we had exited our relationship with Hitachi before March 1, 2022, we were obligated to pay Hitachi an exit fee of $50,000. On March 12, 2020, we drew $5,000,000 under this agreement, using $2,959,573 of these
proceeds to satisfy all of our obligations under a credit agreement with Western Alliance Bank. The balance was used for working capital and was repaid in 2020. At December 31, 2022 and 2021, there were no outstanding balances due under the Loan and Security Agreement with Hitachi.
2022 Overview
We grew revenue, added new clients, and increased awareness in 2022. Year-over-year (YOY) revenue was up 26%. Our strategy of bringing together the capabilities of both platforms to serve joint clients was successfully implemented throughout the year. Consequently, we were able to differentiate ourselves even further in the following ways:
•through the development of data warehousing and reporting that serves multi-channel clients;
•by conceiving, building and deploying AI based media-mix predictive technology;
•by extending the AI targeting technology to cable television;
•by incorporating AI based campaign decisions with CampSight;
•through the use of AI for content creation within Bonfire Publishing;
•through the development of a GUI that allows clients to visualize the AI targeting signals;
•by augmenting the AI brain with new concept understanding;
Gross margins declined in 2022 compared to 2021. We reported gross margins of 60% in 2022 compared to 73.4% in 2021, primarily due to change in revenue mix.
The IntentKey and CampSight platforms provide a similar service to clients, where ultimately their purpose is the delivery of high converting consumers to maximize return on advertising spend. The distinction between the platforms is mostly related to the channels each platform serves, programmatic for the IntentKey and social and search for CampSight. As the number of joint clients grows, the need to distinguish between the platforms has diminished.
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Results of Operations
For the Years Ended December 31,
Net Revenue
We experienced 26% higher YOY revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to the same period in 2021. The amount of business served exceeded the prior year across both platforms. Both platforms benefited from the acquisition of new customers, in part as a result of the 2021 agreement with a business development partner discussed in Note 9 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. During 2022, three material clients accounted for 29.1%, 24.1% and 12.9% of our revenue, respectively. In 2021, three separate material clients accounted for 14.3%, 15.6% and 33.0% of our revenue, respectively. In 2021 and throughout 2022 we onboarded several Direct clients that contributed to revenue growth. We have experienced churn in our Direct client base where some Direct clients that were material to 2021 were not served or only partially served in 2022 and some Direct clients that were material to 2022 are no longer being served. Historically, we have been able to replace lost clients with new clients or by expanding our relationship with existing clients, however, we would likely experience a significant decline in revenue and our business operations could be significantly harmed if we are unable to replace lost clients.
Cost of Revenue
Cost of revenue is primarily composed of payments to advertising exchanges that provide access to digital inventory where we serve advertisements using information predicted by the IntentKey platform. To a lesser extent, cost of revenue includes payments to website publishers and app developers that host advertisements we serve through CampSight.
CampSight cost of revenue is relatively small and therefore generates a higher gross margin. In recent quarters, the components of the cost of revenue have shifted, as the IntentKey platform revenue becomes a greater percentage of Net Revenue. As CampSight revenue declines as a percent of total Net Revenue, one should expect total gross margin to decrease. Cost of revenue increased 90% in 2022 compared to the prior year due to this shift in revenue and to the acquisition of new customers as mentioned in the Net Revenue section above.
Operating Expenses
For the Year Ended December 31,
Marketing costs consist mostly of traffic acquisition costs and include those expenses required to attract an audience to owned
and operated web properties. Marketing costs year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the same period in 2021 increased as the result of higher revenue. In June 2022, we identified some of the advertising we purchased from a prominent advertising network during the quarter ended June 30, 2022 appeared, according to our technology and assessment, to be comprised of invalid advertising clicks. As a result, we refunded $1.5 million to our clients that were impacted by the invalid clicks and reversed any revenue that would have been recognized during the quarter ended June 30, 2022 related to this invalid traffic. In addition, we provided evidence to the network from which we bought the media and demanded a refund of the spend. The network in question immediately launched an internal investigation. We have held back approximately $1.4 million in net payments due until such time as a satisfactory resolution is determined and have not reflected any offsetting adjustment to the related marketing expense and payables. As a result, we have entered into a mediation process with the advertising network. For the time being, the amount held back is recorded as a marketing expense and an accounts payable. The fraud that was discovered was atypical, sophisticated and not common within the network in question. As of December 31, 2022, no invalid traffic associated from the fraud was detected and the recompense from the advertising network is still pending.
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Compensation expense was higher for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the same time period in 2021 due primarily to higher salaries and benefits. Our total employment, both full and part-time, was 86 at December 31, 2022 compared to 75 at December 31, 2021.
General and administrative costs were higher for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the same time period in 2021 primarily due to higher reserve for doubtful accounts, professional fees, travel and entertainment expense, IT costs and insurance expense.
Financing expense, net
Finance expense, net, for the year ended December 31, 2022 was approximately $21 thousand and was primarily due to financing expenses of approximately $59 thousand offset by interest income, net of fees, on marketable securities of approximately $38 thousand.
Finance expense, net, was approximately $87 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021 and was primarily composed of financing expense on finance lease obligations, the Hitachi Loan and Security Agreement and our marketable securities.
Other (expense) income, net
Other income (expense), net, for the year ended December 31, 2022 was an expense of approximately $436
thousand from net realized and unrealized gains and losses discussed in Note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Other income, net, was approximately $257 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021 and included the reversal of deferred revenue from the contract cancellation of approximately $415 thousand and reversal of an accrued sales reserve of $50 thousand, partially offset by the unrealized losses on trading securities discussed in Note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our principal sources of liquidity are the sale of our common stock and our credit facility with Hitachi described in Note 7 to ourConsolidatedFinancialStatements.OnJanuary19,2021,weraised$8millioningrossproceeds,beforeexpenses,through the sale of our common stock, and on January 22, 2021, we raised an additional $6.25 million in gross proceeds, before expenses, through sales of our common stock.
In March 2021, we contracted with an investment management company to manage our cash in excess of current operating needs. We placed $2 million in cash equivalent accounts and $10 million in an interest-bearing account. At December 31, 2022, our funds with the investment management company were approximately $2 million and were invested in cash equivalent accounts and marketable debt and equity securities. A detail of the activity is described in Note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
On May 28, 2021, we entered into a Sales Agreement (the "Sales Agreement") with A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners, as sales agent (the "Sales Agent"), pursuant to which we may offer and sell through or to the Sales Agent shares of our common stock (the "ATM Program") up to an aggregate amount of gross proceeds of $35,000,000. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we did not issue any shares of common stock or receive any aggregate proceeds from the ATM Program, and we did not pay any commissions to the Sales Agent. Any shares of common stock offered and sold in the ATM Program will be issued pursuant to our universal shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (the “Shelf Registration Statement”). The ATM Program will terminate upon (a) the election of the Sales Agent upon the occurrence of certain adverse events, (b) 10 days’ advance notice from one party to the other, or (c) the sale of the balance available under our Shelf Registration Statement. Under the terms of the Sales Agreement, the Sales Agent is entitled to a commission at a fixed rate of 3.0% of the gross proceeds from each sale of shares under the Sales Agreement.
We have focused our resources behind a plan to grow our AI technology, the IntentKey, where we have a technological advantage and higher margins. If we are successful in implementing our plan, we expect to return to a positive cash flow from operations. However, there is no assurance that we will be able to achieve this objective.
As of December 31, 2022, we have approximately $4.5 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term marketable securities. Our net working capital was $2.8 million. We have encountered recurring losses and cash outflows from operations, which historically we have funded through equity offerings and debt facilities. For the year ended December 31, 2022 we had a net loss of $13.1 million and net cash outflows from operations of $5.6 million. In addition, our investment in internally developed
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software consists primarily of labor costs which are of a fixed nature and amounted to approximately $1.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. Through December 31, 2022, our accumulated deficit was $157.1 million.
Management plans to support the Company’s future operations and capital expenditures primarily through borrowings from the Hitachi credit facility, until reaching profitability. The credit facility is due upon demand and therefore there can be no assurances that sufficient borrowings will be available to support future operations until profitability is reached.We believe our current cash position and credit facility will be sufficient to sustain operations for at least the next twelve months from the date of this filing. If our plan to grow the IntentKey product is unsuccessful, we may need to fund operations through private or public sales of securities, debt financings or partnering/licensing transactions over the long term.
Cash Flows
The table below sets forth a summary of our cash flows for the years ended 2022 and 2021:
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities $(304,433) $12,459,441
Cash Flows - Operating
Net cash used in operating activities was $5,573,991 during 2022. We reported a net loss of $13,106,539, which included non-cash expenses; depreciation and amortization of $2,598,957, amortization of right of use assets $103,926 and stock-based compensation of $2,350,314; change in operating assets and liabilities was a net use of cash of $753,111 primarily due to an increase in the accounts receivable balance by $3,119,222, partially offset by an increase in the accounts payable balance of $3,200,086. Our terms are such that we generally collect receivables prior to paying trade payables. However, our Media sales arrangements typically have slower payment terms than the terms of related payables. In recent quarters, we expanded our Direct customer business in part by acquiring new customers (see Note 2). These customers typically require longer credit terms than traditional cents per click ("CPC") based customer, in some cases to 120 days and beyond.
During 2021, cash used in operating activities was $5,276,257. We reported a net loss of $7,600,649 which included the non-cash expenses of depreciation and amortization of $3,143,168, amortization of right of use assets $322,746 and stock-based compensation expenses of $2,179,254. The change in operating assets and liabilities was a net use of cash of $3,077,525.
Cash Flows - Investing
Net cash used in investing activities was $1,666,125 and $4,597,885 for 2022 and 2021, respectively. Cash used in investing activities in 2022 and 2021 consisted of capitalized internal development costs and purchase of marketable securities.
Cash Flows - Financing
Net cash used in financing was $304,433 during 2022.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $12,459,441 in 2021, primarily from proceeds from the sale of common stock.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reported periods.The following disclosure supplements the descriptions of our accounting policies, which are described in Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements regarding significant areas of judgement. The estimates and assumptions that management makes affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, net revenues and expenses and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The estimates and assumptions used are based upon management’s regular evaluation of the relevant facts and circumstances as of the date of the consolidated financial statements. Actual results may differ from the estimates and assumptions used in preparing the accompanying consolidated financial
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statements, and such differences could be material. A discussion of some of our more significant accounting policies and estimates follows.
Revenue recognition - Both of our platforms generate revenue from ad placements and clicks on advertisements on websites, some of which we own. We recognize revenue from ad placements and clicks in the period in which they occur. We also recognize revenue from serving impressions when we complete all or a part of an order from an advertiser. The revenue is recognized in the period that the impression is served. Revenues are recognized net of adjustments based on the traffic generated and is billed monthly. We subsequently settle these transactions with our business partners at which time adjustments for invalid traffic may impact the amount collected. Payments to publishers who display advertisements on our behalf and payments to ad exchanges are recognized as cost of revenue. There have been no material changes to our estimates of revenue for the periods presented within this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Accounts receivable - Accounts receivable consists of trade receivables from customers. We record accounts receivable at its net realizable value, recognizing an allowance for doubtful accounts based on our best estimate of probable credit losses on our existing accounts receivable. Balances are written off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the possibility of recovery is considered remote.
Goodwill - Goodwill is recorded as the difference, if any, between the aggregate consideration paid for an acquisition and the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. We perform an impairment test annually as of December 31, 2022. As a result, we perform our annual goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of our reporting unit with its carrying amount. We generally determine the fair value of our reporting unit using the income approach methodology of valuation that includes the undiscounted cash flow method as well as other generally accepted valuation methodologies. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, the amount it exceeds fair value is equivalent to the amount of impairment loss.
Intangible Assets - We allocate a portion of the purchase price of acquisitions to identifiable intangible assets and we amortize definite-lived assets over their estimated useful lives. We consider our indefinite-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Trade names are not amortized as they are believed to have an indefinite life. Trade names are reviewed annually for impairment under ASC 350. We also acquire intangible assets outside of acquisitions and record them at their fair value and amortize them over their estimated useful lives. We recorded no impairment of intangible assets during 2022 or 2021.
Capitalized Software Costs - We capitalize certain costs related to internally developed software and amortize these costs using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the software, generally two years. We do not sell internally developed software. Certain development costs not meeting the criteria for capitalization, in accordance with ASC 350-40 Internal-Use Software, are expensed as incurred.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
Not applicable to a smaller reporting company.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
Our Consolidated Financial Statements begin on page F-1 at the end of this annual report.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
None.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain “disclosure controls and procedures” as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and procedures designed to reasonably assure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, such as this report, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods prescribed by SEC rules and regulations, and to reasonably assure that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
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Our management does not expect that our disclosure controls will prevent all errors and fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. In addition, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people or by management override of the control. The design of any systems of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of these inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
As required by Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as of December 31, 2022, the end of the period covered by this report, our management concluded their evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. As of the evaluation date, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that we maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are effective in providing reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods prescribed by SEC rules and regulations, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rule 13a-15(f). Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
•pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;
•provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and
•provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of the inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the 2013 Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based upon this assessment, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of December 31, 2022 our internal controls over financial reporting were effective.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION.
None
ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS.
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N/A
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.
The information required by this Item will be contained in our proxy statement for our 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed on or prior to April 30, 2023 (the “Proxy Statement”) and is incorporated herein by this reference.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
The information required by this item will be contained in our Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by this reference.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
The information required by this item will be contained in our Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by this reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.
The information required by this item will be contained in our Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by this reference.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
The information required by this item will be contained in our Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by this reference.
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PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
1. Financial Statements
The consolidated financial statements and Report of Independent Registered Accounting Firm are listed in the “Index to Financial Statements and Schedules” beginning on page F-1 and included on pages F-2 through F-21.
2. Financial Statement Schedules
All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the SEC are either not required under the related instructions, are not applicable (and therefore have been omitted), or the required disclosures are contained in the consolidated financial statements herein.
3. Exhibits (including those incorporated by reference).
*** Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment filed with the Commission under Rule 24b-2. The omitted material has been filed separately with the Commission. Certain portions of this exhibit have also been redacted pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iv) of Regulation S-K. The omitted information is (i) not material and (ii) would likely cause competitive harm to Inuvo if publicly disclosed. The location of the omitted confidential information is indicated in the exhibit with asterisks (***).
No. Exhibit Description Form Date Filed Number Filed or Furnished Herewith
3(i).1 Articles of Incorporation, as amended 10-KSB 3/1/04 4
3(ii).1 Amended and Restated By-Laws 10-K 3/31/10 3(ii).4
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10.26 Form of Insider Offering Subscription Agreement 8-K 3/20/20 10.1
23.1 Consent of EisnerAmper LLP, PCAOB FIRM ID 274 Filed
31.1 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) certification of Chief Executive Officer Filed
32.1 Section 1350 certification of Chief Executive Officer Filed
32.2 Section 1350 certification of Chief Financial Officer Filed
101.INS XBRL Instance Document Filed
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document Filed
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document Filed
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document Filed
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document Filed
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document Filed
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Item 16. Form 10-K Summary
The Company has elected not to provide this optional information.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
Inuvo, Inc.
March 9, 2023 By: /s/ Wallace D. Ruiz
Wallace D. Ruiz, Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature Title Date
Richard K. Howe
Wallace D. Ruiz
/s/ Jonathon Bond Director March 9, 2023
Jonathon Bond
/s/ Gordon J. Cameron Director March 9, 2023
Gordon J. Cameron
/s/ Kenneth Lee Director March 9, 2023
Kenneth Lee
/s/ Charles D. Morgan Director March 9, 2023
Charles D. Morgan
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INUVO, INC.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022 AND 2021
INDEX TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONTENTS
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 1
Consolidated Financial Statements:
Consolidated Balance Sheets 4
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss 6
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity 7
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 8
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 9
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Inuvo, Inc.:
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Inuvo, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the each of the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Revenue recognition
As described in Note 2 to the financial statements, the Company recognizes revenue when services are provided to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for those services. The Company evaluated the need to perform a reassessment of the consideration it expects to receive from a customer representing approximately $18 million in revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022 and approximately $6.7 million as of December 31, 2022.
We have identified the Company’s evaluation of the need to perform a reassessment of collectability of amounts due from a customer during the performance of services as a critical audit matter. This in turn led to a high degree of auditor judgement, subjectivity and effort in performing procedures for evaluating management’s analysis and conclusion of whether or not changes in facts and circumstances of the customer were so significant to require reassessment of collectability.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the financial statements. These procedures included gaining an understanding of the controls relating to revenue
F-1
recognition and gaining an understanding of management’s process for monitoring and evaluating the collectability of amounts under contracts with customers. We also tested management’s judgement that a reassessment of collectability was not required by evaluating the results from accounts receivable confirmation procedures, communications between the customer and management, cash receipts received by the company during and subsequent to the customer relationship period, and limited inquiry of the underlying customer financial information.
Goodwill impairment analysis
As described in Note 2 to financial statements, the Company performs an impairment test of Goodwill annually by comparing fair value of the Company’s reporting unit to its carrying value. Fair value is determined using various accepted valuation methodologies. These valuation methodologies utilize growth rates, market multiples and management projections of financial information, which involved significant assumptions and judgment from management relative to expected performance of the Company. Fair value of the reporting unit was estimated using a market approach that incorporated guideline public company multiples and normalized forecasted operating results for the reporting unit. Management’s assumptions in estimating fair value include projected revenues, gross margins, marketing, selling and administrative expenses, capital expenditures, earnings, working capital assumptions, growth rates and market multiples. The gross balance of goodwill was $9.8 million as of December 31, 2022 and no impairments were identified as a result of the Company’s impairment analysis.
We have identified the goodwill impairment analysis as a critical audit matter due to the significant judgment by management when developing the fair value estimate of their reporting unit. This in turn led to a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing procedures for evaluating management’s significant assumptions related to projected revenue, gross margins, marketing, selling and administrative expenses, capital expenditures, earnings, working capital assumptions, growth rates and market multiples; and audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the financial statements. These procedures included gaining an understanding of the controls relating to management’s goodwill impairment analysis, including controls over the valuation of its reporting unit, testing management’s process for developing the fair value estimate of its reporting unit, evaluating whether the market approach for valuation was appropriate, testing the completeness and accuracy of underlying data used in management’s estimates, and evaluating the reasonableness of significant assumptions used by management related to the projected financial information, growth rates and market multiples of its reporting unit. Evaluating the reasonableness of management’s significant assumptions involved performing inquiries of management, considering current economic conditions, industry trends, and recent operating results of the reporting unit and determining whether the assumptions used by management were consistent with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in the evaluation of the Company’s valuation models utilized and for the evaluation of the reasonableness of management’s significant assumptions related to working capital assumption, growth rates, and market multiples, as applicable.
Liquidity
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has incurred a net loss of $13.1 million and net cash outflows from operations of $5.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. At December 31, 2022, the Company believes its cash and cash equivalents and marketable investment securities will be sufficient to fund the Company’s planned operations for at least a year beyond the date of the issuance of the consolidated financial statements.
We identified liquidity as a critical audit matter due to the subjective judgments required of management in developing its business plan with forecasted cash flows and the contemplation of additional long-term financing arrangements to meet its liquidity needs for a year beyond the date of the issuance of the consolidated financial statements. This in turn led to a high degree of auditor subjectivity and judgment to evaluate the evidence supporting the cash flow forecasts and assess the reasonableness of the estimates and assumptions in supporting the liquidity conclusion. Additionally, the relevance of management's liquidity conclusion to the users of the consolidated financial statements also impacted our assessment of these circumstances as a critical audit matter.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with our overall opinion on the financial statements. The procedures we performed included testing the existence of the total liquid assets at December 31, 2022; evaluating the reasonableness of the amounts and timing of revenue forecasted; evaluating the reasonableness of the amounts and timing of payments of forecasted cost of revenue, marketing costs, compensation and general and administrative expenses; reconsidering certain prior management forecasted amounts to evaluate whether those forecasted amounts approximated the ultimate actual results; understanding the nature and the terms and conditions of existing and planned
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financing arrangements, and evaluating the adequacy of the Company’s disclosure of these circumstances in the consolidated financial statements.
/s/ EisnerAmper, LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2021.
March 9, 2023
Iselin, NJ
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Inuvo, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
For the Years Ended December 31,
Assets
Current assets
Other assets
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities
Long-term liabilities
Stockholders’ equity
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value:
Authorized shares - 500,000 - none issued and outstanding — —
Common stock, $0.001 par value:
Accumulated other comprehensive income (84,868) 53,737
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See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
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Inuvo, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss
For the Years Ended December 31,
Operating expenses:
Other comprehensive income
Unrealized (loss)/gain on marketable securities (138,605) 53,737
Per common share data:
Basic and diluted
Weighted average shares:
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
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Inuvo, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
For the Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
Shares Stock
Unrealized gain on debt securities — — — — 53,737 53,737
Proceeds from exercise of options 1,569 — 1,569
Stock issued for vested restricted stock awards 1,696,467 1,696 (1,696) — — —
Shares withheld for taxes on vested restricted stock — — (272,049) — — (272,049)
Stock warrants issued for referral agreement 19,519 — 19,519
Unrealized loss on debt securities — — — — (138,605) (138,605)
Stock issued for vested restricted stock awards 1,389,677 1,390 (1,390) — — —
Shares withheld for taxes on vested restricted stock — — (196,892) — — (196,892)
Stock warrants issued for referral agreement — — 33,043 — — 33,043
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
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Inuvo, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
Operating activities:
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Amortization of Right of Use Assets-Finance Leases 103,926 322,746
Stock warrant expense 33,043 —
Third party rights agreement termination — (420,000)
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Referral and support services agreement advance 300,000 (1,100,000)
Prepaid expenses, unbilled revenue and other assets 578,009 (992,978)
Investing activities:
Purchases of equipment and capitalized development costs (1,689,869) (1,597,369)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from sale of common stock, net of expenses — 13,137,500
Proceeds from exercise of options — 1,569
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities (304,433) 12,459,441
Supplemental information:
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Assets purchased under finance lease obligations $ 70,774 $ 125,825
Assets purchased under operating lease obligations $ — $ 344,311
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
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Inuvo, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
Note 1 – Organization and Business
Company Overview
Inuvo is a technology company that develops and sells information technology solutions for marketing and advertising. These solutions predictively identify and message online audiences for any product, service or brand across devices, formats, and channels including video, mobile, connected TV, linear TV, display, social, search and native. These solutions allow Inuvo’s clients to engage with their audiences in a manner that drives responsiveness. Inuvo facilitates the delivery of hundreds of millions of marketing messages to consumers every single month and counts among its clients numerous world-renowned names across industries.
The Inuvo solution incorporates a proprietary form of artificial intelligence, or AI, branded the IntentKey. This patented machine learning technology uses interactions with Internet content as a source of information from which to predict consumer intent. The AI can identify and advertise to the reasons why consumers are purchasing products and services not to who those consumers are. In this regard, the technology is designed for a privacy conscious future and is focused on the components of the advertising value chain most responsible for return on advertising spend, the intelligence behind the advertising decision.
Inuvo technology can be consumed both as a managed service and software-as-a-service. For clients, Inuvo has also developed a collection of proprietary websites collectively branded as Bonfire Publishing where content is created specifically to attract qualified consumer traffic for clients through the publication of information across a wide range of topics including health, finance, travel, careers, auto, education and lifestyle. These sites also provide the means to market test various Inuvo advertising technologies. Further, Inuvo also provides Search and Social advertising services through a proprietary set of technologies branded as CampSight.
There are many barriers to entry associated with the Inuvo business model, including a proficiency in large scale information processing, predictive software development, marketing data products, analytics, artificial intelligence, integration to the internet of things ("IOT"), and the relationships required to execute within the IOT. Inuvo’s intellectual property is protected by 19 issued and eight pending patents.
Liquidity
Our principal sources of liquidity are the sale of our common stock and our credit facility with Hitachi described in Note 7 to
our Consolidated Financial Statements. On January 19, 2021, we raised $8 million in gross proceeds, before expenses, through the sale of our common stock, and on January 22, 2021, we raised an additional $6.25 million in gross proceeds, before expenses, through sales of our common stock.
In March 2021, we contracted with an investment management company to manage our cash in excess of current operating
needs. We placed $2 million in cash equivalent accounts and $10 million in an interest-bearing account. At December 31, 2022,
our funds with the investment management company were approximately $2 million and were invested in cash equivalent accounts and marketable debt and equity securities. A detail of the activity is described in Note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
On May 28, 2021, we entered into a Sales Agreement (the "Sales Agreement") with A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners, as sales agent (the "Sales Agent"), pursuant to which we may offer and sell through or to the Sales Agent shares of our common stock (the "ATM Program") up to an aggregate amount of gross proceeds of $35,000,000. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we did not issue any shares of common stock or receive any aggregate proceeds from the ATM Program, and we did not pay any commissions to the Sales Agent. Any shares of common stock offered and sold in the ATM Program will be issued pursuant to our universal shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (the “Shelf Registration Statement”). The ATM Program will terminate upon (a) the election of the Sales Agent upon the occurrence of certain adverse events, (b) 10 days’ advance notice from one party to the other, or (c) the sale of the balance available under our Shelf Registration Statement. Under the terms of the Sales Agreement, the Sales Agent is entitled to a commission at a fixed rate of 3.0% of the gross proceeds from each sale of shares under the Sales Agreement.
We have focused our resources behind a plan to grow our AI technology, the IntentKey, where we have a technological advantage and higher margins. If we are successful in implementing our plan, we expect to return to a positive cash flow from operations. However, there is no assurance that we will be able to achieve this objective.
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As of December 31, 2022, we have approximately $4.5 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term marketable securities. Our net working capital was $2.8 million. We have encountered recurring losses and cash outflows from operations, which historically we have funded through equity offerings and debt facilities. For the year ended December 31, 2022 we had a net loss of $13.1 million and net cash outflows from operations of $5.6 million. In addition, our investment in internally developed software consists primarily of labor costs which are of a fixed nature and amounted to approximately $1.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. Through December 31, 2022, our accumulated deficit was $157.1 million.
Management plans to support the Company’s future operations and capital expenditures primarily through borrowings from the Hitachi credit facility, until reaching profitability. The credit facility is due upon demand and therefore there can be no assurances that sufficient borrowings will be available to support future operations until profitability is reached.We believe our current cash position and credit facility will be sufficient to sustain operations for at least the next twelve months from the date of this filing. If our plan to grow the IntentKey product is unsuccessful, we may need to fund operations through private or public sales of securities, debt financings or partnering/licensing transactions over the long term.
Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of presentation - The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Cash and cash equivalents - Cash and cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.
Investments - We have classified debt securities as available for sale securities with unrealized gains and losses recorded as other comprehensive income. Equity securities are marked to market with changes recorded as other income on the income statement. Any interest income or dividends are recorded as interest income on the income statement.
Revenue recognition - We generate revenue by identifying audiences and presenting advertisements on behalf of our customers. We may contract directly with a brand, a Direct Customer or we may serve a brand through a contract with an agency, an Indirect Customer. Revenue is recognized when services are provided to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for those services. We charge our customers on a cents per thousand (CPM) basis, CPC basis, or as a specific dollar charge. Revenue billed as CPM is generally programmatic digital advertising and is performed under a contract known as an Insertion Order (“IO”). Programmatic digital advertising revenue is recognized in part or fully in the period the IO is partially or fully executed. Revenue earned from placing an ad or an impression on websites, some of which we own, may be on a CPM or CPC basis. We recognize revenue from ad placement and serving impressions in the period in which they occur. The Company settles ad placement and CPC transactions with its customers net of any adjustments for poor traffic quality. Payments to advertising exchanges that provide access to digital inventory and to a lesser extent, payments to website publishers and app developers that host advertisements we serve are recognized as cost of revenue.
For the twelve months ended December 31,
Accounts receivable - Accounts receivable consists of trade receivables from customers. We record accounts receivable at its net realizable value, recognizing an allowance for doubtful accounts based on our best estimate of probable credit losses on our existing accounts receivable. Balances are written off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the possibility of recovery is considered remote.
Marketing costs - Marketing costs are predominately traffic acquisition costs and include those expenses required to attract an audience to our owned and operated applications and websites. We expense these costs as incurred and present them as a separate line item in operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
Property and equipment - Property and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Major renewals and improvements are capitalized while maintenance and repairs which do not improve or extend the life of the
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respective assets are expensed as incurred. Costs of assets sold or retired and the related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from accounts and the net gain or loss is reflected as an operating expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
Property and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over three years for equipment, five to seven years for furniture and fixtures and two to three years for software. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the estimated useful life of the asset or the remaining term of the lease. Depreciation expense was $1,527,663 and $1,277,664, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.
Capitalized Software Costs - We capitalize certain labor costs related to internally developed software and amortize these costs using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the software, generally two years. We do not sell internally developed software. Certain development costs not meeting the criteria for capitalization, in accordance with ASC 350-40 Internal-Use Software, are expensed as incurred.
Goodwill - Goodwill is recorded as the difference, if any, between the aggregate consideration paid for an acquisition and the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. We perform an impairment test annually as of December 31, 2022. As a result, we perform our annual goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of our reporting unit with its carrying amount.
We generally determine the fair value of our reporting unit using the income approach methodology of valuation that includes the undiscounted cash flow method as well as other generally accepted valuation methodologies. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, the amount it exceeds fair value is equivalent to the amount of impairment loss.
We determined there was no impairment of goodwill during 2022 and 2021.
See Note 6, Intangible Assets and Goodwill, for more information.
Intangible Assets - We allocate a portion of the purchase price of acquisitions to identifiable intangible assets and we amortize definite-lived assets over their estimated useful lives. We consider our indefinite-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Trade names are not amortized as they are believed to have an indefinite life. Trade names are reviewed annually for impairment under ASC 350. We also acquire intangible assets outside of acquisitions and record them at their fair value and amortize them over their estimated useful lives.
We recorded no impairment of intangible assets during 2022 or 2021.
See Note 6, Intangible Assets and Goodwill, for more information.
Income taxes - We utilize the liability method of accounting for income taxes as set forth in ASC 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”). Under the liability method, deferred taxes are determined based on the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that some of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we must project future levels of taxable income. We examine evidence related to the history of taxable losses or income, the economic conditions in which we operate, organizational characteristics, our forecasts and projections, as well as factors affecting liquidity. All our deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded as long-term assets and liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. We believe it is more likely than not that essentially none of our deferred tax assets will be realized, and we have recorded a valuation for a significant portion of the net deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.
We have adopted certain provisions of ASC 740. This statement clarifies the criteria that an individual tax position must satisfy for some or all of the benefits of that position to be recognized in a company’s financial statements. ASC 740 prescribes a recognition threshold of more likely than not, and a measurement attribute for all tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return, in order to be recognized in the financial statements. We recognize interest and penalties related to income taxes in income tax expense. We have incurred no penalties and interest for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
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Impairment of long-lived assets - In accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant and Equipment, long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, and purchased intangibles subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of the asset is measured by comparison of the carrying amount to future undiscounted cash flows the asset is expected to generate. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value.
Stock-based compensation - We recognize stock compensation based on the recognition provisions ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, which establishes accounting for stock-based awards exchanged for employee and non-employee services and requires companies to expense the estimated grant date fair value of stock awards over the requisite employee service period.
The fair value of restricted stock awards is based on the market price of our common stock on the date of the grant. To value stock option awards, we use the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model. This model involves assumptions including the expected life of the option, stock price volatility, risk-free interest rate, dividend yield and exercise price. We recognize compensation expense in earnings over the requisite service period, applying a forfeiture rate to account for expected forfeitures of awards.
See Note 11, Stock-Based Compensation, for further details on our stock awards.
Government Grant- During the first quarter of 2013, we received a grant from the state of Arkansas to relocate our corporate headquarters to Conway, AR. We recognized the grant funds into income as a reduction of the related expense in the period in which those expenses were recognized. We deferred grant funds related to capitalized costs and classified them as current or long-term liabilities on the balance sheet according to the classification of the associated asset.
As of December 31, 2022, there were 48 employees in Arkansas, two employees under the required 50. As such, we recorded a contingent liability $10,000.
As of December 31, 2021, there were 41 employees in Arkansas, two employees under the required 43. As such, we recorded a contingent liability $10,000.
Earnings per share - During the periods presented, we had securities that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share in the future, but were excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share, as their effect would have been anti-dilutive. We reported a net loss for 2022 and 2021 and therefore, shares associated with stock options, restricted stock and convertible debt are not included because they are anti-dilutive. Basic and diluted net loss per share is the same for all periods presented.
Operating segments -In accordance with ASC 280- Segment reporting, segment information reported is built on the basis of internal management data used for performance analysis of businesses and for the allocation of resources. Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker, or decision making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Our chief operating decision maker, our chief executive officer, reviews financial information presented on a consolidated basis and no expense or operating income is evaluated at a segment level. Given the consolidated level of review by the our chief executive officer, we operate as one reportable segment.
Concentration of credit risk - We are exposed to concentrations of risk primarily in cash and accounts receivable, which are generally not collateralized. Our policy is to place our cash with high credit, quality financial institutions in order to limit the amount of credit exposure. Our cash deposits exceed FDIC limits. We do not require collateral from our customers, but our credit extension and collection policies include monitoring payments and aggressively pursuing delinquent accounts. We maintain allowances for potential credit losses.
Customer concentrations - In 2022, we had three individual customers with revenue concentration greater than 10% of our total revenue combining for 66.1% of the total revenue. At December 31, 2022, we had two customers greater than 10% of our total accounts receivable balance combing for a total of 63.3%.
In 2021, we had three individual customers with revenue concentration greater than 10% of our total revenue combining for 62.9% of the total revenue. At December 31, 2021, we had four customers greater than 10% of our total accounts receivable balance combining for a total of 56.7%.
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Use of estimates - The preparation of financial statements, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP"), requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, net revenues and expenses and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The estimates and assumptions used in the accompanying consolidated financial statements are based upon management’s regular evaluation of the relevant facts and circumstances as of the date of the consolidated financial statements. We regularly evaluate estimates and assumptions related to goodwill and purchased intangible asset valuations and income tax valuation allowance. Actual results may differ from the estimates and assumptions used in preparing the accompanying consolidated financial statements, and such differences could be material.
Litigation and settlement costs - From time to time, we are involved in disputes, litigation and other legal actions. In accordance with ASC 450, Contingencies, we record a charge equal to at least the minimum estimated liability for a loss contingency when both of the following conditions are met: (i) information available prior to issuance of the consolidated financial statements indicates that it is probable that an asset had been impaired or a liability had been incurred as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and (ii) the range of loss can be reasonably estimated.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In June 2016, (FASB) issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (ASU 2016-13), which requires the measurement and recognition of expected credit losses for financial assets held at amortized cost. ASU 2016-13 replaces the existing incurred loss impairment model with a forward- looking expected credit loss model which will result in earlier recognition of credit losses. On November 15, 2019, the FASB delayed the effective date certain small public companies and other private companies. As amended, the effective date of ASC Topic 326 was delayed until fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022 for SEC filers that are eligible to be smaller reporting companies under the SEC’s definition, as well as private companies and not-for-profit entities.
Note 3– Fair Value Measurements
The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value based on the short-term nature of these items.
In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, 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. A three-level hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value as follows:
Level 1 – Valuation is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 1 assets and liabilities generally include debt and equity securities that are traded in an active exchange market. Valuations are obtained from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 – Valuation is based on observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
Level 3 – Valuation is based on unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.
The following table summarizes our cash equivalents and marketable securities measured at fair value. Certain marketable
securities consist of investments in debt and equity securities. We classify our cash equivalents and marketable securities within Level 1 because we use observable inputs that reflect quoted market prices for identical assets in active markets to determine their fair value. We have classified debt securities as available for sale securities with unrealized gains and losses recorded as other comprehensive income. We have classified equity securities as trading and are marked to market with changes recorded as other income on the income statement. Any interest income or dividends are recorded within financing expense, net on the income statement.
The cost, gross unrealized gains (losses) and fair value of marketable securities by major security type as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:
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Investment Assets at Fair Value Investment Assets at Fair Value
Level 1 Total Level 1 Total
Cost Unrealized Gain (Loss) Fair Value Cost Unrealized Gain (Loss) Fair Value
Marketable securities
The realized loss on the securities as of December 31, 2022 was approximately $181,000.
Note 4 – Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021:
During 2022, we expanded our Direct customer business by 73% due in part by acquiring new customers (see Note 2). These customers typically require longer credit terms than traditional CPC based customers. One of these Direct customers was a significant portion, 24.1% of our total revenue, and has stretched its payments to 120 days and beyond. Though the customer is paying amounts due and has significantly reduced the balance since year end, management believed it to be prudent to increase the allowance for doubtful accounts.
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Note 5– Property and Equipment
The net carrying value of property and equipment at December 31, 2022 and 2021 was as follows:
Depreciation expense was $1,527,663 and $1,277,664, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.
Note 6 – Intangible Assets and Goodwill
The following is a schedule of intangible assets and goodwill as of December 31, 2022:
The following is a schedule of intangible assets and goodwill as of December 31, 2021:
Term CarryingValue Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Value 2021Amortization
___________
(1)The trade names related to our web properties have an indefinite life, and as such are not amortized.
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Our amortization expense over the next five years and thereafter is as follows:
Note 7 - Bank Debt
On March 12, 2020, we closed on the Loan and Security Agreement dated February 28, 2020 with Hitachi. Under the terms of the Loan and Security Agreement, Hitachi has provided us with a $5,000,000 line of credit commitment. We are permitted to borrow (i) 90% of the aggregate Eligible Accounts Receivable, plus (i) the lesser of 75% of the aggregate Unbilled Accounts Receivable or 50% of the amount available to borrow under (i), up to the maximum credit commitment. The amount available to borrow as of December 31, 2022 was approximately $4.8 million. The interest rate of 2% in excess of the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate, with a minimum rate of 6.75% per annum, on outstanding amounts. The principal and all accrued but unpaid interest are due on demand.
We agreed to pay Hitachi a commitment fee of $50,000, with one half due upon the execution of the agreement and the balance due six months thereafter. Thereafter, we are obligated to pay Hitachi a commitment fee of $15,000 annually. We are also obligated to pay Hitachi a quarterly service fee of 0.30% on the monthly unused amount of the maximum credit line. In addition to a $2,000 document fee we have paid to Hitachi, if we had exited our relationship with Hitachi before March 1, 2022, we were obligated to pay Hitachi an exit fee of $50,000. On March 12, 2020, we drew $5,000,000 under this agreement, using $2,959,573 of these proceeds to satisfy existing debt obligations and the balance was used for working capital. At December 31, 2022 and 2021, there were no outstanding balances due under the Loan and Security Agreement.
Note 8 – Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following at December 31, 2022 and 2021:
Note 9 - Commitments
On September 17, 2021, we signed a multi-year agreement with a business development partner to provide referral and support services to us. The agreement required an advance fee of $1.5 million with $300,000 recorded as a current asset. The advance is being amortized as marketing expenses over five years. As of December 31, 2022, $400,000 has been amortized and the balance is $800,000. As part of the agreement, we granted a warrant exercisable into 300,000 shares of our common stock, which vests over two years upon achieving certain performance metrics (see Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity). Additionally, we agreed to pay quarterly support fees upon reaching certain levels of operational activity. In April 2022, we agreed to Amendment No. 2 to the agreement. The amendment replaced the quarterly support fees with a commission on quarterly cumulative programmatic revenue. The amendment also revised the cumulative target media spend and the associated commission. The total amount of commission recognized for the year ended December 31, 2022 was approximately $645,000.
Note 10 - Income Taxes
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The provision for income taxes consists of the following at December 31, 2022 and 2021:
Current tax provision $ — $ —
Deferred tax benefit — —
Total tax benefit $ — $ —
A reconciliation of the expected Federal statutory rate to our actual rate as reported for each of the periods presented is as follows:
Federal statutory rate 21 % 21 %
State income tax rate, net of federal benefit 3 % 2 %
Permanent differences — % 2 %
Change in valuation allowance (24 %) (25 %)
— % — %
Deferred Income Taxes
Deferred income taxes are the result of temporary differences between book and tax basis of certain assets and liabilities, timing of income and expense recognition of certain items and net operating loss carry-forwards.
When required, we record a liability for unrecognized tax positions, defined as the aggregate tax effect of differences between positions taken on tax returns and the benefits recognized in the financial statements. Tax positions are measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. No tax benefits are recognized for positions that do not meet this threshold. We have no uncertain tax positions that require the us to record a liability. Our federal income tax returns are subject to examination by the IRS, generally for three years after they are filed.
We assess temporary differences resulting from different treatments of items for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are recorded in the consolidated balance sheets. We evaluate the realizability of our deferred tax assets on a regular basis, an exercise that requires significant judgment. In the course of this evaluation we considered our recent history of tax losses, the economic conditions in which we operate, recent organizational changes and our forecasts and projections. We believe it is more likely than not that essentially none of our deferred tax assets will be realized, and we have recorded a valuation allowance for a significant portion of the net deferred tax assets that may not be realized as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.
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The following is a schedule of the deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
Deferred tax assets:
Unrecognized Income/Loss 122,100 —
Deferred tax liabilities:
The net operating losses amounted to approximately $101,260,617 and expire beginning 2023 through 2037. Included in the federal net operating loss carryforwards are $22.5 million generated from 2018 to 2022 that will not expire and are limited to offset 80% of our taxable income for years beginning after December 31, 2020.
As of December 31, 2022, the Company has a net deferred tax liability of $107,000. The net deferred tax liability is due to goodwill that is amortized for tax purposes and a trade name that has an indefinite life, of which both are not being amortized for book purposes.
The deferred tax liability relating to goodwill can only be offset up to 80% by NOLs generated in tax years ending December 31, 2018 and beyond, as well as NOLs available after consideration of IRC Section 382 limitation. The remaining portion that cannot be used remains as a liability. In future years, if the deferred tax assets are determined by management to be “more likely than not” to be realized, the recognized tax benefits relating to the reversal of the valuation allowance as of December 31, 2022 will be recorded.
Under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, the net operating loss carryforwards are subject to review and possible adjustment by the Internal Revenue Service and state tax authorities. Net operating loss carryforwards may become subject to an annual limitation in the event of certain cumulative changes in the ownership interest of significant shareholders over a three-year period in excess of 50%, as defined under Sections 382 and 383 of the Internal Revenue Code, respectively, as well as similar state provisions. This could limit the amount of tax attributes that can be utilized annually to offset future taxable income or tax liabilities. The amount of the annual limitation is determined based on the value of the Company immediately prior to the ownership change. Subsequent ownership changes may further affect the limitation in future years. The Company has not conducted a study to assess whether a change of control has occurred or whether there have been multiple changes of control since inception due to the significant complexity and cost associated with such a study. If the Company has experienced a change of control, as defined by Section 382, at any time since inception, utilization of the net operating loss carryforwards would be subject to an annual limitation under Section 382, which is determined by first multiplying the value of the Company’s stock at the time of the ownership change by the applicable long-term tax-exempt rate, and then could be subject to additional adjustments, as required. Any limitation may result in expiration of a portion of the net operating loss carryforwards before utilization. Further, until a study is completed by the Company and any limitation is known, no amounts are being presented as an uncertain tax position.
The Company remains open to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for the years ending December 31, 2018 through 2021. Carryforward attributes generated in all years since inception remain subject to adjustment. Our state income tax returns are open to audit under the statute of limitations for the same periods.
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Note 11 - Stock-Based Compensation
We maintain a stock-based compensation program intended to attract, retain and provide incentives for talented employees and directors and align stockholder and employee interests. During the 2022 and 2021 periods, we granted restricted stock units ("RSUs") from the 2017 Equity Compensation Plan, as amended (“2017 ECP”). RSU vesting periods are generally up to three years and/or achieving certain financial targets.
On January 1, 2022, in accordance with the plan provisions, the number of shares available for issuance under the 2017 ECP was increased by 150,000 shares. On June 16, 2022, our stockholders approved an amendment to the 2017 ECP increasing the number of shares of our common stock reserved for issuance by 15,000,000 shares. As of December 31, 2022, the total number of shares of our common stock reserved for issuance under the 2017 ECP was 24,550,000.
Compensation Expense
We recorded stock-based compensation expense for all equity incentive plans of $2,350,314 and $2,179,254 for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Total compensation cost not yet recognized at December 31, 2022 was $2,323,398 to be recognized over a weighted-average recognition period of one year.
The following table summarizes the stock grants outstanding under our 2017 ECP plan as of December 31, 2022:
The fair value of restricted stock units is determined using market value of the common stock on the date of the grant. The fair value of stock options is determined using the Black-Scholes-Merton valuation model. The use of this valuation model involves assumptions that are judgmental and highly sensitive in the determination of compensation expense and include the expected life of the option, stock price volatility, risk-free interest rate, dividend yield, exercise price, and forfeiture rate. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of valuation and reduce expense ratably over the vesting period. The forfeiture rate, which is estimated at a weighted average of 0% of unvested options outstanding, is adjusted periodically based on the extent to which actual forfeitures differ, or are expected to differ, from the previous estimate.
The following table summarizes our stock option activity during 2022:
Options Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, beginning of year 1,500 $ 0.56
Stock options exercised — $ —
Exercisable, end of year — $ —
Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of our common stock over the period commensurate with or longer than the expected life of the options. The expected life of the options is based on the vesting schedule of the option in relation to the overall term of the option. The risk free interest rate is based on the market yield of the U.S. Treasury Bill with a term equal to the expected term of the option awarded. We do not anticipate paying any dividends so the dividend yield in the model is zero.
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The following table summarizes the weighted average assumptions for our granted options and RSUs.
Options RSUs
Award/Strike Price $ 0.52 $ —
Volatility 107 % — %
Dividend Yield — % — %
Expected Life 5.5 years 0 years
Risk Free Rate 3 % — %
The following table summarizes our restricted stock unit activity for 2022:
Restricted Stock Unit Weighted Average Fair Value
Note 12 – Stockholders' Equity
Common Stock
On January 19, 2021, we raised $8 million in gross proceeds, before expenses, through the sale of our common stock, and on January 22, 2021, we raised $6.25 million in gross proceeds, before expenses, through sales of our common stock.
Warrants
On September 17, 2021, we signed an agreement with a marketing platform and consulting company to provide referral and support services to us for a period of five years (see Note 9 - Commitments).As part of that agreement, we granted a warrant exercisable into 300,000 shares of our common stock, which vests in two tranches when certain performance metrics are achieved. The warrant was valued using the Black Scholes option pricing model at a total of $149,551 based on a seven-year term, an implied volatility of 100%, a risk-free equivalent yield of 1.17%, and a stock price of $0.71. The warrant is classified as equity and will be expensed on a ratable basis over the vesting period of each tranche. On August 31, 2022, 85,862 shares vested in accordance with the contracted performance criteria. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, we recognized approximately $33 thousand in expense.
Earnings per Share
During the 2022 and 2021, we generated a net loss from continuing operations and as a result, all of our shares are anti-dilutive.
Note 13 – Retirement Plan Costs
We provide a 401(k) plan to help our employees prepare for retirement where we matched each employee's contributions to the plan up to the first four of the employee's annual salary. The matching contribution for the years ended 2022 and 2021 was $292,825 and $260,540, respectively.
Note 14 – Leases
We have entered into operating and finance leases primarily for real estate and equipment rental. These leases have terms which
range from two years to four years, and often include one or more options to renew or in the case of equipment rental, to
purchase the equipment. These operating and finance leases are listed as separate line items on our consolidated balance sheets
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and represent our right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. Our obligations to make lease payments are also listed as
separate line items on our consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, total operating and financed right-of-use assets were $310,162 and $168,750, and $641,306 and $201,902, respectively.
For the years-ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, we recorded $103,926 and $322,747 in amortization expense related to finance leases.
Because the rate implicit in each lease is not readily determinable, we use our incremental borrowing rate to
determine the present value of the lease payments.
Information related to our operating lease liabilities for are as follows:
Cash paid for operating lease liabilities $ 427,565
Weighted-average remaining lease term 2.97 years
Weighted-average discount rate 6.25 %
Minimum future lease payments ended December 31, 2022
Less imputed interest (14,848)
Total lease liabilities $ 311,401
Information related to our financed lease liabilities are as follows:
Cash paid for finance lease liabilities $ 146,586
Weighted-average remaining lease term 2.0 years
Weighted-average discount rate 6.25 %
Minimum future lease payments ended December 31, 2022
Less imputed interest (8,726)
Total lease liabilities $ 171,600
Note 15 - Related Parties
A board member of the Company is employed by the investment company that is the financial advisor and custodian of the Company’s marketable securities. Marketable securities were $2,189,590 and $2,787,491 as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The fees paid to the financial advisor were not material.
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In addition, a board member of the Company is also a minority shareholder and consultant to one of the Company’s largest customers during 2022. Revenue from this customer was approximately $18.3 million and $5.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and accounts receivable was approximately $6.7 million as of December 31, 2022.
Note 16 - Subsequent Event
On March 1, 2023, Inuvo, Inc. (“Inuvo”) entered into Amendment No. 1 to Loan and Security Agreement and Collateral Documents (hereinafter referred to, as amended, as the “Agreement”) with Mitsubishi HC Capital America, Inc., f/k/a/ Hitachi Capital America Corp. (“MHCA”).
Under the terms of the Agreement, MHCA has provided us with a $5,000,000 line of credit commitment. We are permitted to borrow up to 80% of the aggregate Eligible Accounts Receivable (which may increase to 85% if certain conditions are met), up to the maximum credit commitment of $5,000,000.
We will pay Hitachi monthly interest at the rate of 1.75% in excess of the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate. The principal and all accrued but unpaid interest are due on demand. In the event of a default under the terms of the Loan and Security Agreement, the interest rate increases to 6% greater than the interest rate in effect from time to time prior to a default. The Agreement contains certain affirmative and negative covenants to which we are also subject.
We agreed to pay MHCA an amendment fee of $10,000 on issuance of the Agreement, and thereafter an annual commitment fee of $10,000. We are also obligated to pay MHCA a quarterly service fee of 0.20% on the monthly unused amount of the maximum credit line. If we should repay the amounts due under the Agreement (i) before February 28, 2024, we are obligated to pay MHCA an exit fee of $50,000, or (ii) after February 28, 2024 but before February 28, 2025, we are obligated to pay MHCA an exit fee of $25,000.
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