Table of Contents



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 March 31,June 30, 2023

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 001-37893

 


 

FLUENT, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Delaware

77-0688094

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

300 Vesey Street, 9th Floor

New York, New York

10282
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)

 

(646) 669-7272

(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, $0.0005 par value per share

 

FLNT

 

The NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC

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 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 pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

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

As of May 12,August 17, 2023, the registrant had 81,037,84581,147,991 shares of common stock, $0.0005 par value per share outstanding.



 

 

 

 
 

FLUENT, INC.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

Page

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31,June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022

2

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 and 2022

3

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 and 2022

4

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 and 2022

5

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

6

Item 2.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

2120

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

3033

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

3034

 

 

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

3135

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

3236

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

3237

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

3237

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

3237

Item 5.

Other Information

3237

Item 6.

Exhibits

3338

Signatures

3439

 

1

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Unless otherwise indicated or required by the context, all references in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to "we," "us," "our," "Fluent," or the "Company," refer to Fluent, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

FLUENT, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

 

 

March 31, 2023

  

December 31, 2022

  

June 30, 2023

  

December 31, 2022

 

ASSETS:

            

Cash and cash equivalents

 $26,567  $25,547  $20,983  $25,547 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $317 and $544, respectively

 56,759  63,164 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $209 and $544, respectively

 58,120  63,164 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

  5,588   3,506   9,941   3,506 

Total current assets

 88,914  92,217  89,044  92,217 

Property and equipment, net

 861  964  783  964 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

 4,743  5,202  4,278  5,202 

Intangible assets, net

 27,650  28,745  28,525  28,745 

Goodwill

 

33,354

  55,111  

30,966

  55,111 

Other non-current assets

  1,648   1,730   1,486   1,730 

Total assets

 $157,170  $183,969  $155,082  $183,969 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:

            

Accounts payable

 $12,929  $6,190  $13,303  $6,190 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

 33,189  35,626  27,469  35,626 

Deferred revenue

 1,005  1,014  895  1,014 

Current portion of long-term debt

 5,000  5,000  10,000  5,000 

Current portion of operating lease liability

  2,349   2,389   2,309   2,389 

Total current liabilities

 54,472  50,219  53,976  50,219 

Long-term debt, net

 34,404  35,594  27,989  35,594 

Operating lease liability

 3,242  3,743  2,734  3,743 

Other non-current liabilities

  2,128   458   2,248   458 

Total liabilities

  94,246   90,014   86,947   90,014 

Contingencies (Note 10)

                

Shareholders' equity:

            

Preferred stock — $0.0001 par value, 10,000,000 Shares authorized; Shares outstanding — 0 shares for both periods

        

Common stock — $0.0005 par value, 200,000,000 Shares authorized; Shares issued — 85,545,397 and 84,385,458, respectively; and Shares outstanding — 80,933,828 and 80,085,306, respectively (Note 7)

 43  42 

Common stock — $0.0005 par value, 200,000,000 Shares authorized; Shares issued — 85,751,226 and 84,385,458, respectively; and Shares outstanding — 81,139,657 and 80,085,306, respectively (Note 7)

 43  42 

Treasury stock, at cost — 4,611,569 and 4,300,152 Shares, respectively (Note 7)

 (11,407) (11,171) (11,407) (11,171)

Additional paid-in capital

 424,531  423,384  425,491  423,384 

Accumulated deficit

  (350,243)  (318,300)  (345,992)  (318,300)

Total shareholders' equity

  62,924   93,955   68,135   93,955 

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

 $157,170  $183,969  $155,082  $183,969 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

 

2

 

 

FLUENT, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

  

Three Months Ended June 30,

  

Six Months Ended June 30,

 
 

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

Revenue

 $77,254  $89,063  $82,145  $98,361  $159,399  $187,424 

Costs and expenses:

            

Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)

 58,272  67,562  59,540  70,026  117,812  137,589 

Sales and marketing

 4,813  3,852  4,215  4,484  9,028  8,336 

Product development

 4,938  4,556  4,615  4,802  9,553  9,357 

General and administrative

 12,325  11,287  3,941  11,688  16,266  22,975 

Depreciation and amortization

 2,359  3,307  3,095  3,332  5,454  6,639 

Goodwill impairment and write-off of intangible assets

  25,700   128    55,400  25,700  55,528 

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

    21    21 

Total costs and expenses

  108,407   90,692   75,406   149,753   183,813   240,445 

Loss from operations

 (31,153) (1,629)

Income (loss) from operations

 6,739  (51,392) (24,414) (53,021)

Interest expense, net

  (689)  (384)  (795)  (430)  (1,484)  (814)

Loss before income taxes

 (31,842) (2,013)

Income (loss) before income taxes

 5,944  (51,822) (25,898) (53,835)

Income tax expense

  (101)     (1,693)  (5,122)  (1,794)  (5,122)

Net loss

  (31,943)  (2,013)

Net income (loss)

  4,251   (56,944)  (27,692)  (58,957)
  

Basic and diluted loss per share:

    

Basic and diluted income (loss) per share:

        

Basic

 $(0.39) $(0.02) $0.05  $(0.70) $(0.34) $(0.73)

Diluted

 $(0.39) $(0.02) $0.05  $(0.70) $(0.34) $(0.73)
  

Weighted average number of shares outstanding:

            

Basic

 81,906,913  80,889,052  82,727,971  81,493,821  82,323,854  81,193,107 

Diluted

 81,906,913  80,889,052  82,752,646  81,493,821  82,323,854  81,193,107 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

 

3

 

 

FLUENT, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

 

 

Common stock

 

Treasury stock

 

Additional paid-in

 

Accumulated

 

Total shareholders'

  

Common stock

 

Treasury stock

 

Additional paid-in

 

Accumulated

 

Total shareholders'

 
 

Shares

  

Amount

  

Shares

  

Amount

  

capital

  

deficit

  

equity

 

Balance at March 31, 2023

 85,545,397 $43 4,611,569 $(11,407) $424,531 $(350,243) $62,924 

Vesting of restricted stock units and issuance of stock under incentive plans

 205,829             

Share-based compensation

     960  960 

Net income

             4,251  4,251

 

Balance at June 30, 2023

  85,751,226  $43   4,611,569  $(11,407) $425,491  $(345,992) $68,135 
 

Shares

  

Amount

  

Shares

  

Amount

  

capital

  

deficit

  

equity

                

Balance at December 31, 2022

 84,385,458 $42 4,300,152 $(11,171) $423,384 $(318,300) $93,955  84,385,458 $42 4,300,152 $(11,171) $423,384 $(318,300) $93,955 

Vesting of restricted stock units and issuance of stock under incentive plans

 1,159,939  1      (1)     1,365,768 1   (1)   

Increase in treasury stock resulting from shares withheld to cover statutory taxes

   311,417 (236)   (236)   311,417 (236)   (236)

Share-based compensation

     1,148  1,148      2,108  2,108 

Net loss

             (31,943)  (31,943

)

            (27,692)  (27,692)

Balance at March 31, 2023

  85,545,397  $43   4,611,569  $(11,407) $424,531  $(350,243) $62,924 

Balance at June 30, 2023

  85,751,226 $43  4,611,569 $(11,407) $425,491 $(345,992) $68,135 

 

 

 

Common stock

 

Treasury stock

 

Additional paid-in

 

Accumulated

 

Total shareholders'

  

Common stock

 

Treasury stock

 

Additional paid-in

 

Accumulated

 

Total shareholders'

 
 

Shares

  

Amount

  

Shares

  

Amount

  

capital

  

deficit

  

equity

  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Shares

  

Amount

  

capital

  

deficit

  

equity

 

Balance at March 31, 2022

 83,983,587  $42  4,300,152  $(11,171) $420,285  $(196,981) $212,175 

Vesting of restricted stock units and issuance of stock under incentive plans

 162,495             

Share-based compensation

     887  887 

Net loss

                 (56,944)  (56,944)

Balance at June 30, 2022

  84,146,082  $42   4,300,152  $(11,171) $421,172  $(253,925) $156,118 
               

Balance at December 31, 2021

 83,057,083  $42  4,091,823  $(10,723) $419,059  $(194,968) $213,410  83,057,083 $42 4,091,823 $(10,723) $419,059 $(194,968) $213,410 

Vesting of restricted stock units and issuance of stock under incentive plans

 926,504        211    211 

Vesting of restricted stock units and issuance of restricted stock

 1,088,999    211  211 

Increase in treasury stock resulting from shares withheld to cover statutory taxes

     208,329  (448)     (448)   208,329 (448)   (448)

Share-based compensation

         1,015    1,015      1,902  1,902 

Net loss

                 (2,013)  (2,013)            (58,957)  (58,957)

Balance at March 31, 2022

  83,983,587  $42   4,300,152  $(11,171) $420,285  $(196,981) $212,175 
               

Balance at June 30, 2022

  84,146,082 $42  4,300,152 $(11,171) $421,172 $(253,925) $156,118 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

 

4

 

 

FLUENT, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Amounts in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

  

Six Months Ended June 30,

 
 

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

            

Net loss

 $(31,943) $(2,013) $(27,692) $(58,957)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

            

Depreciation and amortization

 2,359  3,307  5,454  6,639 

Non-cash loan amortization expense

 61  68  133  135 

Share-based compensation expense

 1,061  988  1,997  1,851 

Goodwill impairment

 25,700   25,700 55,400 

Write-off of intangible assets

  128   128 

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

  21 

Provision for bad debt

 (55) 81  (92) 158 

Deferred income taxes

      

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of business acquisitions:

            

Accounts receivable

 6,460  5,127  5,136  (7,913)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 (2,082) 451  (6,435) 488 

Other non-current assets

 82  (13) 244  (25)

Operating lease assets and liabilities, net

 (82) (42) (165) (85)

Accounts payable

 6,739  (3,348) 7,113  913 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

 (3,362) (6,251) (9,147) (451)

Deferred revenue

 (9) (174) (119) (177)

Other

  (39)  (85)  (76)  (72)

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

  4,890  (1,776)  2,051  (1,947)

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

            

Capitalized costs included in intangible assets

 (1,134) (1,071) (2,370) (2,199)

Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 (1,250) (971) (1,250) (971)

Acquisition of property and equipment

  

   (7)  

(22

)  (6)

Net cash used in investing activities

  (2,384)  (2,049)  (3,642)  (3,176)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

            

Repayments of long-term debt

 (1,250) (1,250) (2,500) (2,500)

Debt financing costs

 (237)  

Taxes paid related to net share settlement of vesting of restricted stock units

 (236) (448) (236) (448)

Net cash used in financing activities

  (1,486)  (1,698)  (2,973)  (2,948)

Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 1,020 (5,523)

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

  25,547   34,467 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

 $26,567 $28,944 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 (4,564) (8,071)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

  25,547   34,467 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 $20,983 $26,396 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE INFORMATION

            

Cash paid for interest

 $664   301  $1,434   687 

Cash paid for income taxes

 $55   34  $78   35 

Share-based compensation capitalized in intangible assets

 $27   27  $51   51 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES

          

Liability incurred for future contingent payments in connection with TAPP consolidation

 $2,693 $ 

Liability incurred for deferred payment in connection with True North acquisition

 $ $860 

Contingent payments in connection with TAPP consolidation

 $2,915 $ 

Deferred payment in connection with True North acquisition

 $ $860 

Contingent consideration in connection with True North acquisition

 $ $250  $ $250 

Equity issued in connection with True North acquisition

 $ $211  $ $211 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

 

5

 

FLUENT, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

 

 

1. Summary of significant accounting policies

 

(a) Basis of preparation 

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared by Fluent, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company" or "Fluent"), in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") and applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") regarding interim financial reporting. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations.

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods ended March 31,June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, but are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be anticipated for any future interim periods or for the full year ending December 31, 2023.

 

From time to time, the Company may enter into relationships or investments with other entities, and, in certain instances, the entity in which the Company has a relationship or investment may qualify as a variable interest entity (“VIE”("VIE"). The Company consolidates a VIE in its financial statements if the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE. The primary beneficiary is the party that has the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the operations of the VIE and has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. 

 

The information included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 ("2022 Form 10-K") filed with the SEC on March 15, 2023. The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2022 included herein was derived from the audited financial statements as of that date and included in the 2022 Form 10-K.

 

Principles of consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant transactions among the Company and its subsidiaries have been eliminated upon consolidation.

(b) Recently issued and adopted accounting standards

 

Accounting pronouncements not listed below were assessed and determined to be not applicable or are expected to have minimal impact on ourthe Company's consolidated financial statements.

 

In January 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Updates No. 2016-13, Financial InstrumentsCredit Losses and additional changes, modifications, clarifications, or interpretations thereafter, which require a reporting entity to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, and present assets held at amortized cost and available-for-sale debt securities at the amounts expected to be collected. The new guidance iswas effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2022, and early adoption iswas permitted. The Company completed its assessment of the new guidance and determined it had no material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

6

FLUENT, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

 

(c) Revenue recognition

 

Revenue is generated when control of goods or services is transferred to customers, in the amounts that reflect the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The Company's performance obligation is typically to (a) deliver data records based on predefined qualifying characteristics specified by the customer, (b) generate conversions based on predefined user actions (for example, a click, a registration or the installation of an app) and subject to certain qualifying characteristics specified by the customer, (c) verify user interest or transfer calls to advertiser clients as a part of the contact center operation, or (d) deliver media spend as a part of the business of AdParlor, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.

 

Revenue is recognized upon satisfaction of the associated performance obligation. The Company elected the “right"right to invoice”invoice" practical expedient under ASCAccounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 606-10-55-18 as a measure for revenue to be recognized, as it corresponds directly with the amounts that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.

 

If a customer pays consideration before the Company's performance obligations are satisfied, such amounts are classified as deferred revenue on the consolidated balance sheets. As of  March 31,June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the balance of deferred revenue was  $1,005$895 and $1,014, respectively. The majority of the deferred revenue balance as of  December 31, 2022 was recognized intoas revenue during the first quarter of 2023.

 

When there is a delay between the period in which revenue is recognized and when a customer invoice is issued, revenue is recognized,earned, and the related amounts are recorded as unbilled revenue within accounts receivable on the consolidated balance sheets. As of March 31,June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, unbilled revenue included in accounts receivable was $22,777$21,526 and $26,878, respectively. In line with industry practice, the unbilled revenue balance is recorded based on the Company's internally tracked conversions, net of estimated variances between this amount and the amount tracked and subsequently confirmed by customers. Substantially all amounts included within the unbilled revenue balance are invoiced to customers within the month directly following the period of service. Historical estimates related to unbilled revenue have not been materially different from actual revenue billed.

(d) Use of estimates

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires the Company’s management to make estimates and assumptions relating to the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the allowance for doubtful accounts, useful lives of intangible assets, recoverability of the carrying amounts of goodwill and intangible assets, the portion of revenue subject to estimates for variances between internally-tracked conversions and those confirmed by the customer, purchase accounting, consolidation of variable interest entity, accruals for contingencies, and income tax provisions. These estimates are often based on complex judgments and assumptions that management believes to be reasonable but are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

(e) Fair value

 

Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.

 

Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Accounting standards describe a fair value hierarchy based on the following three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value:

 

 

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

 

Level 2— Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, 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.

7

FLUENT, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

 

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

 

The fair value of the Company’s cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their carrying values because of the short-term nature of these instruments.

 

As of March 31,June 30, 2023, the Company regards the fair value of its long-term debt to approximate its carrying value. The fair value assessment represents a Level 2 measurement. See Note 5, Long-term debt, net.net.

 

The fair value of certain long-lived non-financial assets and liabilities may be required to be measured on a nonrecurring basis in certain circumstances, including when there is evidence of impairment. As of March 31,June 30, 2023, certain non-financial assets have been measured at fair value subsequent to their initial recognition. The Company determined the estimated fair value to be a Level 3, as certain inputs used to determine fair value are unobservable, seeunobservable. See Note 4, Goodwill, for further discussion of the impairment charge.charges.

 

7

FLUENT, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

 

2. LossIncome (loss) per share

 

Basic lossincome (loss) per share is computed by dividing net lossincome (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, in addition to restricted stock units ("RSUs") that are vested but not delivered. Diluted income (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock are exercised or converted into common stock and is calculated using the treasury stock method for stock options, restricted stock units, restricted stock, warrants and deferred common stock. Stock equivalent shares are excluded from the calculation in loss periods, as their effects would be anti-dilutive.

 

For the three and sixmonths ended March 31,June 30, 2023 and 2022, basic and diluted lossincome (loss) per share were as follows:

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

  

Three Months Ended June 30,

  

Six Months Ended June 30,

 
 

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

Numerator:

            

Net loss

 $(31,943) $(2,013)

Net income (loss)

 $4,251  $(56,944) $(27,692) $(58,957)

Denominator:

            

Weighted average shares outstanding

 80,210,282  79,161,367  81,012,997  79,793,240  80,613,857  79,479,049 

Weighted average restricted shares vested not delivered

  1,696,631   1,727,684   1,714,974   1,700,581   1,709,997   1,714,058 

Total basic weighted average shares outstanding

 81,906,913  80,889,052  82,727,971  81,493,821  82,323,854  81,193,107 

Dilutive effect of assumed conversion of restricted stock units

        24,675          

Total diluted weighted average shares outstanding

 81,906,913  80,889,052  82,752,646  81,493,821  82,323,854  81,193,107 

Basic and diluted loss per share:

    

Basic and diluted income (loss) per share:

        

Basic

 $(0.39) $(0.02) $0.05  $(0.70) $(0.34) $(0.73)

Diluted

 $(0.39) $(0.02) $0.05  $(0.70) $(0.34) $(0.73)

 

Based on exercise prices compared to the average stock prices for the three and sixmonths ended March 31,June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, certain stock equivalents, including stock options and warrants, have been excluded from the diluted weighted average share calculations due to their anti-dilutive nature.

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

  

Three Months Ended June 30,

  

Six Months Ended June 30,

 
 

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

Restricted stock units

 5,270,095  1,985,611  5,568,341  1,875,000  5,592,510  1,875,000 

Stock options

 2,139,000  2,139,000   2,139,000   2,139,000   2,139,000   2,139,000 

Warrants

     833,333 

Total anti-dilutive securities

  7,409,095   4,957,944   7,707,341   4,014,000   7,731,510   4,014,000 

 

8

 

FLUENT, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

 

 

3. Intangible assets, net

 

Intangible assets, net, other than goodwill, consist of the following: 

 

 

Amortization period (in years)

  

March 31, 2023

  

December 31, 2022

  

Amortization period (in years)

  

June 30, 2023

  

December 31, 2022

 

Gross amount:

              

Software developed for internal use

 3  $15,403   13,740  3  $16,664   13,740 

Acquired proprietary technology

 3-5  15,462  15,965  3-5  16,972  15,965 

Customer relationships

 5-10  38,068  38,068  5-10  39,168  38,068 

Trade names

 4-20  16,657  16,657  4-20  16,657  16,657 

Domain names

 20  195  195  20  195  195 

Databases

 5-10  31,292  31,292  5-10  31,292  31,292 

Non-competition agreements

 2-5   1,768   1,768  2-5   1,768   1,768 
      122,716   117,685 

Total gross amount

      118,845   117,685        

Accumulated amortization:

              

Software developed for internal use

    (9,076) (8,097)    (10,007) (8,097)

Acquired proprietary technology

    (14,446) (14,305)    (14,825) (14,305)

Customer relationships

    (35,404) (35,156)    (36,202) (35,156)

Trade names

    (6,261) (6,038)    (6,484) (6,038)

Domain names

    (70) (68)    (72) (68)

Databases

    (24,170) (23,508)    (24,833) (23,508)

Non-competition agreements

     (1,768)  (1,768)     (1,768)  (1,768)

Total accumulated amortization

      (91,195)  (88,940)      (94,191)  (88,940)

Net intangible assets:

              

Software developed for internal use

    6,327  5,643     6,657  5,643 

Acquired proprietary technology

    1,016  1,660     2,147  1,660 

Customer relationships

    2,664  2,912     2,966  2,912 

Trade names

    10,396  10,619     10,173  10,619 

Domain names

    125  127     123  127 

Databases

     7,122   7,784      6,459   7,784 

Total intangible assets, net

     $27,650  $28,745      $28,525  $28,745 

 

The gross amounts associated with software developed for internal use primarily represent capitalized costs of internally developed software. The amounts relating to acquired proprietary technology, customer relationships, trade names, domain names, databases and non-competition agreements primarily represent the fair values of intangible assets acquired as a result of the acquisition of Fluent, LLC, effective December 8, 2015 (the "Fluent LLC Acquisition"); the acquisition of Q Interactive, LLC, effective June 8, 2016 (the "Q Interactive Acquisition"); the acquisition of substantially all the assets of AdParlor Holdings, Inc. and certain of its affiliates, effective July 1, 2019 (the "AdParlor Acquisition"); the acquisition of a 50% interest in Winopoly, LLC (the "Initial Winopoly Acquisition"), effective April 1, 2020; and the acquisition of a 100% interest in True North Loyalty, LLC, (the "True North Acquisition"), effective January 1, 2022 (see Note 11, Business acquisition), and the consolidation of TAPP, LLC ("TAPP") effective January 9, 2023 (see Note 12,Variable Interest Entity).

 

The Company completed its quarterly triggering event assessments for the three months ended March 31, June 30,2023and has determined that nothe effect of the recently imposed regulatory requirements on the Company constituted a triggering event had occurred requiring impairment assessments forevent. The Company conducted an interim test of the recoverability of its long-lived assets.assets, which compared projected undiscounted cash flows to the carrying value of the asset group. The results of this approach indicated that its long-lived assets were not impaired.

 

9

 

FLUENT, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

 

Amortization expense of $2,256$2,995 and $3,141$3,218 for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $5,251 and $6,359 for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, is included in depreciation and amortization expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. As of March 31,June 30, 2023, intangible assets with a carrying amount of $971,$1,184, included in the gross amount of software developed for internal use, have not commenced amortization, as they are not ready for their intended use.

 

As of March 31,June 30, 2023, estimated amortization expenses related to the Company's intangible assets for the remainder of 2023 and through 2028 and thereafter are as follows:

 

Year

 

March 31, 2023

  

June 30, 2023

 

Remainder of 2023

 $4,734  $6,636 

2024

 6,816  8,676 

2025

 6,370  6,360 

2026

 2,332  2,765 

2027

 830  1,657 

2028 and thereafter

  6,568   2,431 

Total

 $27,650  $28,525 

 

 

4. Goodwill

 

Goodwill represents the difference between the purchase price and the estimated fair value of net assets acquired, when accounted for under business combination accounting. As of March 31,June 30, 2023, the total balance of goodwill was $33,354,$30,966, a decrease of $25,700$24,145 from December 31, 2022, as a result of a non-cash impairment charge of $25,700, offset by a $3,943 preliminary$1,555 increase in goodwill related to the TAPP consolidation (see Note 12, Variable Interest Entities). The balance also relates to the Fluent LLC Acquisition, the Q Interactive Acquisition, the AdParlor Acquisition, the Initial Winopoly Acquisition, and the True North Acquisition (see Note 11, Business acquisition).

 

In accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other, goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment, or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable, by assessing qualitative factors or performing a quantitative analysis in determining whether it is more likely than not that its fair value exceeds the carrying value. The measurement date of the Company's annual goodwill impairment test is set to October 1.

 

The Company completed its quarterly triggering event assessments for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and determined that the decline in the market value of its publicly-traded stock, which resulted in a corresponding decline in its market capitalization, constituted a triggering event. The Company conducted an interim test of the fair value of the Fluent reporting unit's goodwill for potential impairment as of March 31, 2023. The Company considered a combination of income and market approaches to determine the fair value of the Fluent reporting unit. The Company determined that a market-based approach, which considered the Company’s implied market multiple applied to management’s forecast and further adjusted for a control premium, provided the best indication of fair value of the Fluent reporting unit. The results of this market-based approach indicated that its carrying value exceeded its fair value by 20%. The Company therefore concluded that the Fluent reporting unit’s goodwill of $51,614 was impaired and recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $25,700.

 

The Company completed its quarterly triggering event assessments for the three months ended June 30, 2023 and determined that the effect of the recently imposed regulatory requirements and the effect of the continued economic slowdown on the Company’s expected operating results had both constituted a triggering event. The Company conducted an interim test of the fair value of the Fluent reporting unit's goodwill for potential impairment related to both triggering events as of June 30, 2023. The Company applied a combination of income and market approaches to determine the fair value of the Fluent reporting unit. The results of this approach indicated that its fair value exceeded its carrying value by 5%. The Company therefore concluded that the Fluent reporting unit’s goodwill of $27,469 was not impaired.

10

FLUENT, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

 

5. Long-term debt, net

 

Long-term debt, net of unamortized discount and financing costs, related to the Credit Facility consisted of the following:

 

 

March 31, 2023

  

December 31, 2022

  

June 30, 2023

  

December 31, 2022

 

Credit Facility due 2026 (less unamortized discount and financing costs of $596 and $656, respectively)

 $39,404 $40,594 

Credit Facility due 2026 (less unamortized discount and financing costs of $761 and $656, respectively)

 $37,989 $40,594 

Less: Current portion of long-term debt

  (5,000)  (5,000)  (10,000)  (5,000)

Long-term debt, net (non-current)

 $34,404 $35,594  $27,989 $35,594 

 

Credit Facility

 

On March 31, 2021, Fluent, LLC ("Borrower") entered into a credit agreement (as amended, modified, extended, restated, replaced, or supplemented from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”"Credit Agreement") with certain subsidiaries of Fluent, LLC as guarantors, and Citizens Bank, N.A. ("Citizens Bank") as administrative agent, lead arranger and bookrunner. The Credit Agreement provides for a term loan in the aggregate principal amount of $50,000 funded on the closing date (the “Term Loan”"Term Loan"), along with an undrawn revolving credit facility of up to $15,000 (the "Revolving Loans," and together with the Term Loan, the "Credit Facility"). On December 20, 2022,May 15, 2023, the Companyparties entered into the seconda third amendment to the Credit Agreement, which amended certain provisions to: (i) reflect the replacement of the current benchmark settings with Term Secured Overnight Financial Rate ("SOFR") pursuant to an early opt-in election; (ii) acknowledge certain litigation matters; and (iii) join additional subsidiaries of Borrower as guarantors of the loan facilities provided under the Credit Agreement.  On May 15, 2023, the Company entered into the third amendment to the Credit Agreement, which amended certain provisions to: (i) addby adding an additional tier of applicable margin to the selected rates; (ii) establish the applicable pricing floorrates and providing for additional notice of certain material events and, for the remaining fiscal quarters inof 2023;2023: (iii) modify(i) established the applicable pricing floor; (ii) modified and adjustadjusted certain EBITDA add-backs for certain fiscal quarters in 2023; (iv) addadd-backs; (iii) added monthly financial reporting for the remaining fiscal quarters in 2023; (v) providereporting; (iv) provided additional financial covenant testing conditions on Fluent’s ability to draw on the Revolving Loans for the remaining fiscal quarters in 2023; (vi) provide additional notice of certain material events; (vii) addLoans;; (v) added tiers to certain financial covenants and addadded a minimum cash liquidity financial covenant for the remaining fiscal quarters in 2023; (viii) providecovenant; (vi) provided additional restrictions on the ability to make loans and advances to officers, directors and employees for the remaining fiscal quarters in 2023; (ix) provideemployees; (vii) provided additional restrictions on the ability to invest in certain subsidiaries and joint ventures for the remaining fiscal quarters in 2023; (x) provideventures; (viii) provided additional restrictions on the ability to make additional loans, investments or permitted acquisitions for the remaining fiscal quarters in 2023;acquisitions; and (xi) add(ix) added unrestricted cash requirements in order forbefore the Company to beis permitted to pay dividends, make distributions or redeem or repurchase equity interests, for the remaining fiscal quarters in 2023, in each case pursuant to the terms and conditions under the Credit Agreement. See Note 13,Subsequent Events.

The Credit Agreement matures on March 31, 2026, and interest is payable monthly. Scheduled principal amortization of the Term Loan is $1,250 per quarter, which commenced with the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2021. As of June 30, 2023, the Company was in compliance with all of the financial and other covenants applicable to the Term Loan under the Credit Agreement.

 

Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the benchmark selected by the Borrower, which may be based on the Alternative Base Rate, (as defined in the Credit Agreement), LIBOR (as defined in the Credit Agreement) rate (subject to a floor of 0.25%) prior to the election as of December 31, 2022 or Term SOFR (as defined in the Credit Agreement) (subject to a floor of 0.00%) subsequent to the election, plus a margin applicable to the selected benchmark. The applicable margin is between 0.75% and 2.75%2.25% for borrowings based on the Alternative Base Rate and 1.75% and 3.25% for borrowings based on Term SOFR, depending upon the Borrower's total leverage ratio. The opening interest rate of the Credit Facility was 2.50% (LIBOR + 2.25%), which increased to 7.16%7.95% (Term SOFR + 0.1% + 2.25%2.75%) as of March 31, June 30,2023.

The Credit Agreement matures on March 31, 2026 and interest is payable monthly. Scheduled principal amortization of the Term Loan is $1,250 per quarter, which commenced with the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2021. At March 31, 2023, the Company was in compliance with all of the financial and other covenants under the Credit Agreement.

11

The Credit Agreement contains negative covenants that, among other things, limit the Borrower's ability to: incur indebtedness; grant liens on its assets; enter into certain investments; consummate fundamental change transactions; engage in mergers or acquisitions or dispose of assets; enter into certain transactions with affiliates; make changes to its fiscal year; enter into certain restrictive agreements; and make certain restricted payments (including for dividends and stock repurchases, which are generally prohibited except in a few circumstances and/or up to specified amounts). Each of these limitations are subject to various conditions.

The Credit Agreement also contains certain affirmative covenants and customary events of default provisions, including, subject to thresholds and grace periods, among others, payment default, covenant default, cross default to other material indebtedness, and judgment default.

 

The Credit Agreement also contains certain customary conditions applicable to extensions of credit, including that representations and warranties made in the Existing Credit Agreement be materially true and correct at the time of such extension. One such representation concerningThe third amendment added an additional condition consisting of two financial covenants with which the absenceCompany must comply in order to draw on the Revolving Loans during the balance of litigation or proceedings is2023. As of June 30, 2023, the Company was not currently truein compliance with this additional condition and correct as a result ofwas therefore unable to draw on the matters pending involving the Federal Trade Commission and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General described in FN 10,Contingencies.Revolving Loans. These matters do not represent eventsEvents of default underDefault (as defined in the Credit Agreement, but at March 31, 2023, the Borrower isAgreement) and therefore do not able to draw onaffect the Revolving Credit Facility due the representation and warranty requirement for an extension of credit. Term Loan.

Maturities

As of March 31, 2023, scheduled future maturities of the Credit Agreement are as follows:

Year

  March 31, 2023 

Remainder of 2023

 $3,750 

2024

  5,000 

2025

  5,000 

2026

  26,250 

Total maturities

 $40,000 

 

1211

FLUENT, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

 

Maturities

As of June 30, 2023, scheduled future maturities of the Credit Agreement are as follows:

Year

  June 30, 2023 

Remainder of 2023

 $2,500 

2024

  5,000 

2025

  5,000 

2026

  26,250 

Total maturities

 $38,750 

 

6. Income taxes

 

The Company is subject to federal and state income taxes in the United States. The tax provision for interim periods is determined using an estimate of the Company's annual effective tax rate.rate ("AETR"). The Company updates its estimated annual effective tax rate (“AETR”)AETR on a quarterly basis and, if the estimate changes, a cumulative adjustment is made. 

 

As of March 31,June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company has recorded a full valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets and intends to continue maintaining a full valuation allowance on these net deferred tax assets until there is sufficient evidence to support the release of all or a portion of these allowances. Release of some or all of the valuation allowance would result in the recognition of certain deferred tax assets and an increase in deferred tax benefit for any period in which such a release may be recorded, however,recorded. However, the exact timing and amount of any valuation allowance release are subject to change, depending upon the level of profitability that the Company is able to achieve and the net deferred tax assets available.

 

For the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2023, the Company's effective income tax expense rate of 0.3%6.9% primarily represents the projected federal and state cash tax expense expected to result in taxable income for full-year 2023 after the impact of a non-deductible goodwill impairment against pre-tax year-to-date losses, offset by the benefit of federal research and development credits on expected federal cash tax expense.credits. For the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2022, the Company's effective income tax benefit rate of 0%9.5% differed from the statutory federal income tax rate of 21%, with such differences resulting primarily from the applicationprojected federal and state cash tax expense expected after consideration of the full valuation allowanceimpact of the non-deductible goodwill impairment against the Company's deferred tax assets.pre-tax year-to-date losses.

The Company assesses its income tax positions and records tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon its evaluation of the facts, circumstances, and information available as of the reporting dates. For those tax positions where it is more-likely-than-not that a tax benefit will be sustained, the Company has recorded the largest amount of tax benefit with a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those income tax positions where it is not more-likely-than-not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the Company's financial statements.

 

As of March 31,June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the balance of unrecognized tax benefits was $1,480. The unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized,sustained, would result in an increase to net operating losses that would be subject to a valuation allowance and, accordingly, result in no impact tobenefit the Company’s annual effectiveCompany's tax rate.provision. As of March 31,June 30, 2023, the Company has not accrued any interest or penalties with respect to its uncertain tax positions.

 

The Company does not anticipate a significant increase or reduction in unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months.

12

FLUENT, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

 

7. Common stock, treasury stock and warrants

 

Common stock

 

As of March 31,June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the number of issued shares of common stock was 85,545,39785,751,226 and 84,385,458, respectively, which included shares of treasury stock of 4,611,569 and 4,300,152, respectively.

 

For the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2023, the change in the number of issued shares of common stock was the result of an aggregate 1,159,9391,365,768 shares of common stock issued upon vesting of RSUs, including 311,417 shares of common stock withheld to cover statutory taxes upon such vesting, which are reflected in treasury stock, as discussed below.

 

Treasury stock

 

As of March 31,June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company held shares of treasury stock of 4,611,569 and 4,300,152, respectively, with a cost of $11,407 and $11,171, respectively.

 

13

FLUENT, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

The Company's share-based incentive plans allow employees the option to either make cash payment or forfeit shares of common stock upon vesting to satisfy federal and state statutory tax withholding obligations associated with equity awards. The forfeited shares of common stock may be taken into treasury stock by the Company or sold on the open market. For the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2023, 311,417 shares of common stock were withheld to cover statutory taxes owed by certain employees for this purpose, all of which were taken into treasury stock. See Note 8, Share-based compensation. 

 

8. Share-based compensation

 

On June 8, 2022 (the "Effective Date"), the stockholders of the Company approved the Fluent, Inc. 2022 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the "2022 Plan") that authorized for issuance 15,422,523 shares of the Company's common stock, which became effective on August 10, 2022 (“Effective Date”). With the 2022 Plan, no further awards are available to be issued under the 2018 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Prior Plan”), but all awards under the Prior Plans that are outstanding as of the Effective Date will continue to be governed by the terms, conditions and procedures set forth in the Prior Plans and any applicable award agreement.stock. As of March 31,June 30, 2023, the Company had 6,091,4365,558,016 shares of common stock available for grants pursuant to the 2022 Plan, which includes 922,286942,604 shares of common stock previously available for issuance under the Prior2018 Stock Incentive Plan. 

 

The primary purpose of the2022 Plan and prior plans is to attract, retain, reward, and motivate certain individuals by providing them with opportunities to acquire or increase their ownership interests in the Company. In October 2022, the Company issued to certain of its senior officers and employees, restricted stock units (“RSUs”("RSUs") (time-based vesting), long-term incentive grants (performance and time-based vesting RSUs), or performance share units (“PSUs”("PSUs") (achievement of performance targets settled in cash) under the 2022 Plan.

 

1413

FLUENT, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

 

Stock options

 

The Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors approved the grant of stock options to certain Company executives, which were issued on February 1, 2019, December 20, 2019, March 1, 2020, and March 1, 2021,2021. under the Prior Plan. Subject to continuing service, 50% of the shares subject to these stock options will vest if the Company's stock price remains above 125.00%, 133.33%, 133.33% and 133.33%, respectively, of the exercise price for twenty20 consecutive trading days, and the remaining 50% of the shares subject to these stock options will vest if the Company's stock price remains above 156.25%, 177.78%, 177.78% and 177.78%, respectively, of the exercise price for twenty20 consecutive trading days; provided, that no shares will vest prior to the first anniversary of the grant date. As of March 31,June 30, 2023, the first condition for the stock options issued on February 1, 2019, December 20, 2019 and March 1, 2020 had been met and the second condition for the stock options issued on December 20, 2019 and March 1, 2020 had been met. Any shares that remain unvested as of the fifth anniversary of the grant date will vest in full on such date. The fair value of the stock options granted was estimated at the trading day before the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation model. The key assumptions utilized to calculate the grant-date fair values for these awards are summarized below:

 

Issuance Date

 

February 1, 2019

  

December 20, 2019

  

March 1, 2020

  

March 1, 2021

 

Fair value lower range

 $2.81  $1.58  $1.46  $4.34 

Fair value higher range

 $2.86  $1.61  $1.49  $4.43 

Exercise price

 $4.72  $2.56  $2.33  $6.33 

Expected term (in years)

  1.0 - 1.3   1.0 - 1.6   1.0 - 1.5   1.0 - 1.3 

Expected volatility

  65%  70%  70%  80%

Dividend yield

  %  %  %  %

Risk-free rate

  2.61%  1.85%  1.05%  1.18%

 

For the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2023, details of stock option activity were as follows:

 

 

Number of options

  

Weighted average exercise price per share

  

Weighted average remaining contractual term (in years)

  

Aggregate intrinsic value

  

Number of options

  

Weighted average exercise price per share

  

Weighted average remaining contractual term (in years)

  

Aggregate intrinsic value

 

Outstanding as of December 31, 2022

 2,139,000  $4.37  6.3  $  2,139,000  $4.37  6.3  $ 

Granted

                

Exercised

                

Expired

                  

Outstanding as of March 31, 2023

  2,139,000  $4.37  6.1

 

 $ 

Options exercisable as of March 31, 2023

  1,242,000  $3.98  

6.1

  $ 

Outstanding as of June 30, 2023

  2,139,000  $4.37  5.8

 

 $ 

Options exercisable as of June 30, 2023

  1,242,000  $3.98  

5.8

  $ 

 

The aggregate intrinsic value amounts in the table above represent the difference between the closing price of the Company's common stock at the end of the reporting period and the corresponding exercise prices, multiplied by the number of in-the-money stock options as of the same date.

 

1514

FLUENT, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

 

For the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2023, the unvested balance of stock options was as follows:

 

 

Number of stock options

  

Weighted average exercise price per share

  

Weighted average remaining contractual term (in years)

  

Number of stock options

  

Weighted average exercise price per share

  

Weighted average remaining contractual term (in years)

 

Unvested as of December 31, 2022

 897,000  $4.91  6.3  897,000  $4.91  6.3 

Granted

            

Vested

                  

Unvested as of March 31, 2023

  897,000  $4.91   6.1 

Unvested as of June 30, 2023

  897,000  $4.91   5.8 

 

Compensation expense recognized for stock options of $0 and $105$20 for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $0 and $125 for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, was recorded in sales and marketing, product development and general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. As of March 31,June 30, 2023, there was $0 of unrecognized share-based compensation with respect to outstanding stock options.

 

Restricted stock units and restricted stock

 

For the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2023, details of unvested RSU activity were as follows:

 

 

Number of units

  

Weighted average grant-date fair value

  

Number of units

  

Weighted average grant-date fair value

 

Unvested as of December 31, 2022

 4,223,156  $5.37  4,223,156  $5.37 

Granted

 2,910,185  $1.43  3,487,110  $0.89 

Vested and delivered

 (848,522) $3.42  (1,054,351) $3.13 

Withheld as treasury stock (1)

 (311,417) $1.82  (311,417) $1.82 

Vested not delivered (2)

 (14,416) $5.50  (19,592) $1.41 

Forfeited

  (688,891) $1.43   (732,396) $1.47 

Unvested as of March 31, 2023

  5,270,095  $4.24 

Unvested as of June 30, 2023

  5,592,510  $4.05 

 

(1)

As discussed in Note 7, Common stock, treasury stock and warrants, the increase in treasury stock was due to shares withheld to cover statutory withholding taxes upon the delivery of shares following vesting of RSUs. As of March 31,June 30, 2023, there were 4,611,569 outstanding shares of treasury stock.

(2)

Vested not delivered represents vested RSUs with delivery deferred to a future time. For the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2023, there was a net increase in the vested not delivered balance as a result of the vesting of the 14,41619,592 shares that were deferred due to timing of delivery of certain shares. As of March 31,June 30, 20231,706,0811,719,592 outstanding RSUs were vested not delivered.

 

Compensation expense recognized for RSUs of $1,148$960 and $910$867 for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $2,108 and $1,777 for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, was recorded in sales and marketing, product development and general and administrative in the consolidated statements of operations, and intangible assets, net in the consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of the RSUs and restricted stock was estimated using the closing prices of the Company's common stock on the dates of grant.

 

As of March 31,June 30, 2023, unrecognized share-based compensation expense associated with the granted RSUs and stock options amounted to $8,397$5,801, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.11.4 years.

 

1615

FLUENT, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

 

For the three and sixmonths ended March 31,June 30, 2023 and 2022, share-based compensation for the Company's stock options, RSUs, and common stock awards were allocated to the following accounts in the consolidated financial statements:

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

  

Three Months Ended June 30,

  

Six Months Ended June 30,

 
 

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

Sales and marketing

 $167  $170  $129  $143  $296  $313 

Product development

 191  160  136  98  327  258 

General and administrative

  763   658   671   622   1,434   1,280 

Share-based compensation expense

 1,121  988  936  863  2,057  1,851 

Capitalized in intangible assets

  27   27   24   24   51   51 

Total share-based compensation

 $1,148  $1,015  $960  $887  $2,108  $1,902 

 

As of March 31, June 30,2023,the Company recorded a liability of $15$14 related to PSUs that are to be settled in cash.

 

9. Segment information

 

The Company identifies operating segments as components of an entity for which discrete financial information is available and is regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”("CODM") in making decisions regarding resource allocation and performance assessment. The profitability measure employed by CODM is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization ("EBITDA"). As of March 31,June 30, 2023, the Company hashad two operating segments andwith two corresponding reporting units, “Fluent”"Fluent" and “All"All Other," and one reportable segment. “All Other”"Fluent," for the purposes of segment reporting, represents the consolidated operating results of the Company excluding "All Other." "All Other" represents the operating results of AdParlor, LLC and is included for purposes of reconciliation of the respective balances below to the consolidated financial statements. “Fluent,” for the purposes of segment reporting, represents the consolidated operating results of the Company excluding “All Other.”

 

Summarized financial information concerning the Company's segments for the three and sixmonths ended March 31,June 30, 2023 and 2022 are shown in the following tables below:

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

  

Three Months Ended June 30,

  

Six Months Ended June 30,

 
 

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

Fluent segment revenue(1):

    

Fluent segment revenue(1):

        

United States

 $42,908  $60,659   40,200  $54,684  $83,108  $115,343 

International

  32,330  $25,375   39,809  $41,258   72,139   66,633 

Fluent segment revenue

 $75,238  $86,034   80,009   95,942   155,247   181,976 

All Other segment revenue(1):

    

All Other segment revenue(1):

        

United States

 $2,016  $2,989   2,136  $2,387  $4,152  $5,376 

International

     40      32      72 

All Other segment revenue

 $2,016  $3,029   2,136  $2,419  $4,152  $5,448 

Segment EBITDA

            

Fluent segment EBITDA

 $(28,579) $1,921  $9,685  $(48,168) $(18,894) $(46,247)

All Other segment EBITDA

  (215)  (243)  149   108   (66)  (135)

Total EBITDA

 (28,794) 1,678  9,834  (48,060) (18,960) (46,382)

Depreciation and amortization

  2,359   3,307   3,095   3,332   5,454   6,639 

Total income (loss) from operations

 $(31,153) $(1,629) $6,739  $(51,392) $(24,414) $(53,021)

(1) Revenue aggregation is based upon location of the customer.

 

  

March 31,

  

December 31,

 
  2023  2022 

Total assets:

      

Fluent

 $140,618  $168,486 

All Other

  16,552   15,483 

Total assets

 $157,170  $183,969

 

1716

FLUENT, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

 

  

June 30,

  

December 31,

 
  2023  2022 

Total assets:

      

Fluent

 $140,236  $168,486 

All Other

  14,846   15,483 

Total assets

 $155,082  $183,969

 

As of March 31,June 30, 2023, long-lived assets are all located in the United States.

 

For the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2023, the Company identified an international customer within the Fluent segment with revenue in the amount of $19,125$41,997 which represents 25%26% of consolidated revenue.

 

 

10. Contingencies

 

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is subject to loss contingencies that cover a range of matters. An estimated loss from a loss contingency, such as a legal proceeding or claim, is accrued if it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. In determining whether a loss should be accrued, the Company evaluates, among other factors, the degree of probability and the ability to reasonably estimate the amount of any such loss. The Company does not accrue liabilities when the likelihood that the liability has been incurred is probable, but the amount cannot be reasonably estimated.

 

TheOn March 31, 2022, the Company reached a settlement for $1,700 with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance (the “Tax Department”"Tax Department") performedfollowing a sales and use tax audit covering the period from December 1, 2010 to November 30, 2019. The Tax Department had asserted that revenue derived from certain of the Company’s customer acquisition and list management services arewere subject to sales tax, as a result of being deemed taxable information services. The Company reached a settlement with the Tax Department for $1,700 whichamount was paid on April 1, 2022. Starting onSince March 1, 2022, the Company has been collecting and remitting New York sales tax on certain list management and hosted revenuestypes of revenue from New York based clients.

 

On January 28, 2020, Fluent received a Civil Investigative Demand from the FTCFederal Trade Commission ("FTC") regarding compliance with the FTC Act and the Telemarketing Sales Rule (“TSR”).Rule. On October 18, 2022, the FTC staff sent the Company a draft complaint and proposed consent order seeking injunctive relief and a civil monetary penalty. The Company has been negotiating resolution of the terms of the consent order with the FTC staff. On January 12, 2023, the Company made an initial proposal of $5.0 million$5,000 for the civil monetary penalty contingent on successful negotiation of the remaining outstanding injunctions and other provisions. On January 30, 2023, the FTC staff forwarded a complaint recommendation to the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection for consideration. On March 3, 2023, the Company met with the Bureau of Consumer Protection and, as a result of that meeting, the Company continued negotiation with the FTC staff. On April 12, 2023, the FTC staff recommended that the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection forward a complaint recommendation to the Commission. The Company is scheduled to meet withaccrued the Commission onsame amount for the year ending December 31, 2022. On May 16,26, 2023, in an effortFluent agreed to continue negotiations on the limited outstanding issues.  The Company is seeking an agreement with the FTC on the terms of a consent order, including injunctiveStipulated Order for Permanent Injunction, Monetary Judgment, Civil Penalty Judgment, and Other Relief (the "FTC Consent Order"). The FTC Consent Order imposed a civil monetary penalty provisions, but there isof $2,500, required additional changes to the Company’s employment opportunities marketplace and programmatic advertising business, and resulted in the implementation of compliance measures across the business. The same day, Fluent transferred the amount of the civil penalty to a nothird-party escrow account. On July 17, assurance this will occur. The Company accrued $5,0002023, the FTC filed its Complaint for Civil Penalties, Permanent Injunction, Monetary Relief, and Other Relief and, together with Fluent, filed a Joint Motion for Entry of Proposed Stipulated Order in connection with this matterthe United States District Court for the year endedSouthern District of Florida. The FTC Consent Order was entered by the Court on December 31, 2022,August 11, 2023, which it continues to maintain, however, a final civil monetary penalty could be higher or lower. The Company will continue to devote substantial resources and incur outside legal expenses until this matter is concluded.the escrow funds were released on August 15, 2023.

 
1817

FLUENT, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

 

On October 6, 2020, the Company received notice from the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General (“PAAG”("PAAG") that it was reviewing the Company’s business practices relating to telemarketing. After the Company and the PAAG were unable to reach agreement on a proposed Assurance of Voluntary Compliance, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania filed a complaint for permanent injunction, civil penalties, and other relief in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania on November 2, 2022. WhileOn May 19, 2023, the parties entered into a settlement, wherein the Company believes that its historical practices were in full compliance with the PA Consumer Protection Lawagreed to injunctive relief and the TSR, the Company has updated its telemarketing practices. On May 8, 2023, the Parties notified the Court that they had reached a settlement in principle and are coordinating on finalizing documentation for submission to the Court.  As part of the settlement in principle, the Company has agreed to pay the PAAG $250 for investigatory costs, all of which $200 had been accrued forwas paid as of March 31,June 30, 2023.

 

The Company has been involved in a TCPATelephone Consumer Protection Act class action, Daniel Berman v. Freedom Financial Network, which was originally filed in 2018. Plaintiff'sOn secondMay 31, 2023, Motion for Class Certification (the first such motion was denied) is pending and oral argument was scheduled for February 7, 2023. The partiesthe parties entered into aan Amended Class Action Settlement Agreement (the "Berman Settlement Agreement"), which provides forincludes injunctive provisions and payment to plaintiffs of $9,750 for legal fees and injunctive provisions. Thea consumer redress fund. On July 28, 2023, the Court preliminarily approved the Berman Settlement Agreement, and the Company will contributecontributed $3,100, towards the settlement, payable following the final approval of thesettlement. The final approval of the Final Approval Order and Judgement anticipated to occursettlement is expected in approximately a year. This amount wasmid-2024. The Company’s contribution amounts were accrued during the three months endedas of December 31, 2022. This amount is payable $1,100 in cash and $2,000 pursuant to an interest-bearing note with a two-year term provided by co-defendant, Freedom Financial.Financial Network.

 

11. Business acquisition

 

True North Acquisition

 

On January 1, 2022, the Company acquired a 100% membership interest in True North Loyalty, LLC for a deemed purchase price of $2,321, which consisted of $1,000 in cash at closing, $860 of deferred payments due at both the first and second anniversary of the closing date adjusted for net-workingnet working capital, and contingent consideration with a fair value at the closing date of $250, payable in common stock based upon the achievement of specified revenue targets over the five-year period following the completion of the acquisition. The Company also issued 100,000 shares of fully-vested common stock under the Prior Plan to the sellers valued at $211. Certain seller parties entered into employment and non-competition agreements with the Company in connection with the True North Acquisition. True North Loyalty, LLC is a subscription-based business that utilizes call center operations and other media channels to market recurring revenue services to consumers. In accordance with ASC 805, the Company determined that the True North Acquisition constituted the purchase of a business.

 

OnSince January 1, 2022, the Company determined to usehas used the excess earnings method, a variation of the income approach, to amortize: (i) the fair value of the acquired customer relationships related to subscribers of $170 over a period of one year,-year period and (ii) the fair value of the acquired customer relationships related to call centers of $1,180, over a period of five years.-year period. The amount of the purchase price in excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired was recorded as goodwill in the amount of $1,092 and primarily relates to intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition, including assembled workforce and synergies. For tax purposes, the goodwill is not deductible.

 

1918

FLUENT, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

 

 

12. Variable Interest Entity

 

A VIE is an entity that either (i) has insufficient equity to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support, or (ii) has equity investors who lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest. The primary beneficiary is the party that has the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the operations of the VIE and has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The Company assesses whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE at the inception of the arrangement and at eachas of the reporting date.

 

On January 9, 2023, the Company entered into employment agreements with certain key employees of TAPP, LLC (“TAPP”), an influencer-based business, which uses as an application to utilize its relationship with influencer to bring consumers to advertising clients. The Company is also a customer of TAPP and accounts for the majority of TAPP’s revenues. By virtue of TAPP’s key employees being employed by the Company and the significance of the Company to TAPP’s financial performance, the Company determined that TAPP qualified as a VIE in which the Company had a variable interest and that the Company is the primary beneficiary as a result of its significant influence and control over certain activities that most significantly impact its economic performance. As a result, the Company consolidates the TAPP operations. As the Company does not have an equity interest, 100% of the net assets and results of the operations of TAPP are attributable to non-controlling interests.

 

As the Company gained control of TAPP, in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations,(ASC 805), it was then determined that TAPP constituted a business. The deemed fair value of the consideration was $3,943,$4,165, which consisted of $1,250 of initial cash and $2,693$2,915 which was contingent based upon achievement of specified revenue and media margin targets over three- years. The purchase price allocation is based upon preliminary estimates as not all information relevant to determine these amounts were available asfair value ofMarch 31, 2023. Under these circumstances, the preliminary valuation was based upon initial internal estimates. The assets acquired, include publisher contract intangibles and goodwill. The tax effects of this transaction are still being evaluated. Preliminary allocation towhich excluded the immaterial net-working capital, and acquired assets is expectedwere determined to be immaterial and asthe publisher contracts of $1,100, which were valued using the 'with or without' method, a result the initial allocationvariation of the consideration resulted in goodwillincome approach, to be amortized over a period of $3,943. The amounts recognized will be finalized asone year and industry-based trade secrets of $1,510, which were valued using the information necessary to complete the analysis is obtained, but no later than one year after the transaction date, which is January 9, 2023. Finalizationexcess earnings method, a variation of the valuation during the measurementincome approach, to be amortized over a period could result in changes in the amounts recorded for the transaction date fair value. Goodwill was determined as the excessof four years. The amount of the purchase price overin excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired was recorded as goodwill in the amount of $1,555 and primarily represents workforce and expected cash flow generation for the TAPP business that does not qualify for separate recognition as intangible assets.assets included within the Fluent operating segment. For tax purposes, the value of the acquisition payments are treated as ordinary compensation for services rendered, deductible when paid and included in the employees’ wages. At and for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2023, the assets and revenues of TAPP totaled a de minimis percentage of the Company’s total assets and revenue.

 

13. Subsequent Events

On July 31, 2023, the Company was informed that it would be receiving $4,022 of insurance proceeds to reimburse the Company for certain legal defense costs incurred in connection with the FTC investigation and PAAG matter, which have been classified as a current asset with an offsetting contra-expense to general and administrative expenses. On August 14, 2023, the insurance proceeds were received by the Company.

On August 21, 2023, in order to avoid a projected violation of certain financial covenants for the third and fourth quarters of 2023, Fluent, LLC entered into a fourth amendment to the Credit Agreement with certain subsidiaries of Fluent, LLC as guarantors, and Citizens Bank as administrative agent, lead arranger and bookrunner, which (i) adjusted certain financial covenants for the remaining fiscal quarters of 2023, (ii) temporarily adjusted interest rates, (iii) permitted Citizens Bank to retain a business consultant at Fluent, LLC’s expense to advise on the credit parties’ financial and operating performance; (iv) required weekly liquidity reports to Citizens Bank, (iv) required a $5,000 prepayment of the Term Loan, and (v) adjusted the Revolving Loans by the same amount to $10,000. The $5 million prepayment amount is reflected as current portion of long-term debt at June 30, 2023 in the consolidated balance sheet included in this report.

2019

 

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

 

You should read the following discussion in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. In addition to historical information, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 ("PSLRA"), Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the "Exchange Act"), about our expectations, beliefs, or intentions regarding our business, financial condition, results of operations, strategies, the outcome of litigation, or prospects. Forward-looking statements are those that do not relate strictly to historical or current matters. Rather, forward-looking statements relate to anticipated or expected events, activities, trends, or results as of the date they are made. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as “anticipate,"anticipate," " believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "project," "will," or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. Because forward-looking statements relate to matters that have not yet occurred, these statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from any future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Many factors could cause our actual activities or results to differ materially from the activities and results anticipated in forward-looking statements. These factors include those contained in this and our other Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as well as the disclosures made in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 filed on March 15, 2023 ("2022 Form 10-K") including, without limitation, those discussed in Item 1A. "Risk Factors." in Part I. of the 20212022 Form 10-K, the factors contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and such other factors contained in our other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). We do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements, except as required by law. We intend that all forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbor provisions of PSLRA. These forward-looking statements are only predictions and reflect our views as of the date they are made with respect to future events and financial performance.
 

Overview

 

Fluent, Inc. ("we," "us," "our," "Fluent," or the "Company"), is an industry leader in data-driven digital marketing services. We primarily perform customer acquisition services by operating highly scalable digital marketing campaigns, through which we connect our advertiser clients with consumers they are seeking to reach. We deliver data and performance-based marketing executions to our clients, which include over 500 consumer brands, direct marketers, and agencies across a wide range of industries, including Media & Entertainment, Financial Products & Services, Health & Wellness, Retail & Consumer, and Staffing & Recruitment.

 

We attract consumers at scale to our owned digital media properties primarily through promotional offerings where they are rewarded for completing activities within our platforms. To register on our sites, consumers provide their names, contact information and opt-in permission to present them with relevant offers on behalf of our clients. Approximately 90% of these users engage with our media on their mobile devices or tablets. Our always-on, real-time capabilities enable users to access our media whenever and wherever they choose.

 

Once users have registered on our sites, we integrate our proprietary direct marketing technologies to engage them with surveys, polls, and other experiences, through which we gather information about their lifestyles, preferences, purchasing histories and other matters. Based on these insights, we serve targeted, relevant offers to them on behalf of our clients. As new users register and engage on our sites and existing registrants re-engage, the enrichment of our database expands our addressable client base and improves the effectiveness of our performance-based campaigns.

 

Since our inception, we have amassed a large, proprietary database of first-party, self-declared user information and preferences. We have permission to contact the majority of users in our database through multiple channels, such as email, direct mail, telephone, push notifications, and SMS text messaging. We leverage this data in our performance offerings primarily to serve advertisements that we believe will be relevant to users based on the information they provide when they engage with our sites, and in our data offerings to provide our clients with users' contact information so that our clients may communicate with them directly. We may also leverage our existing database into new revenue streams, including utilization-based models, such as programmatic advertising and call centers.advertising.

 

We generate revenue by delivering measurable online marketing results to our clients. We differentiate ourselves from other marketing alternatives by our abilities to provide clients with a cost-effective and measurable return on advertising spend ("ROAS"), a measure of profitability of sales compared to the money spent on ads),ads, to manage highly targeted and highly fragmented online media sources and to provide access to our owned digital media properties and technology platforms. We are predominantly paid on a negotiated or market-driven “per"per click,” “per" "per lead," or other “per action”"per action" basis that aligns with the customer acquisition cost targets of our clients. We bear the costs of sourcing traffic from publishers for our owned digital media properties that ultimately generate qualified clicks, leads, calls, app downloads or customers for our clients.

 

20

Through AdParlor, Holdings, Inc.,LLC, we conduct our non-core business which offers clients various social media strategies through the planning and buying of media on different platforms.

 

21

FirstSecond Quarter Financial Summary

 

Three months ended March 31,June 30, 2023, compared to three months ended March 31,June 30, 2022:

Revenue decreased 13%16% to $77.3$82.1 million, compared to $89.1$98.4 million

Net lossincome was $31.9$4.3 million, or $0.39$0.05 per share, compared to net loss of $2.0$56.9 million or $0.02$0.70 per share

Gross profit (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) was $19.0$22.6 million, a decrease of 12%20% as compared to the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2022, and representing 25%28% of revenue for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2023

Media margin decreased 15%20% to $22.0$25.9 million, compared to $26.0$32.3 million, representing 28.4%31.5% of revenue for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2023

Adjusted EBITDA decreased to $0.4$5.6 million, representing 0.6%6.8% of revenue, based onnet income of $4.3 million, compared to $9.4 million, based on net loss of $56.9 million

Adjusted net income was $0.0 million, or $0.00 per share, compared to adjusted net income of $0.6 million, or $0.01 per share

Six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to six months ended June 30, 2022:

Revenue decreased 15% to $159.4 million, compared to $187.4 million

Net loss was $27.7 million, or $0.34 per share, compared to net loss of $59.0 million or $0.73 per share

Gross profit (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) was $41.6 million, a decrease of 17% as compared to six months ended June 30, 2022, and representing 26% of revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2023

Media margin decreased 18%to $47.9 million, compared to $58.3 million, representing 30.0% of revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2023

Adjusted EBITDA decreased to $6.0 million, representing 3.8% of revenue, based on net loss of $31.9$27.7 million, compared to $4.8$14.2 million, based on net loss of $2.0$59.0 million

Adjusted net loss was $2.7 million, or $0.03 per share, compared to adjusted net income of $1.1$1.6 million, or $0.01$0.02 per share

Media margin, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted net income (loss) are non-GAAP financial measures. See "Definitions, Reconciliations and Uses of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below.

 

Trends Affecting our Business

 

Development, Acquisition and Retention of High-Quality Targeted Media Traffic

 

Our business depends on identifying and accessing media sources that are of high quality and on our ability to attract targeted users to our media properties. As our business has grown, we have attracted larger and more sophisticated clients to our platform. To further increase our value proposition to clients and to fortify our leadership position in the evolving regulatory landscape of our industry, we implemented a Traffic Quality Initiative or TQI in 2020. Generating high quality traffic will remain a focus moving forward, and it is now part of a broader initiative to improve the consumer experience.

 

Starting in 2022, we increased our spend with major digital media platforms, revised our bidding strategies for affiliate traffic, and developed partnerships to expand traffic from social media platforms, including the growing influencer segment. We also pursued strategic initiatives that enable us to grow revenue with existing user traffic volume, while attracting new users to our media properties via email and SMS messages. These efforts have continued into the first quarterhalf of 2023, as we continue to focus on improved monetization of consumer traffic through improved customer relationship management and internal capabilities that allow us to re-engage consumers who have registered on our owned media properties. Through these initiatives, our business has become less dependent on the volume of users to generate revenue growth.

 

We believe that significant value has been, and will continue to be, created by improving the quality of traffic sourced to our media properties, through increased user participation rates on our sites, leading to higher conversion rates, resulting in increased monetization, and ultimately increasing revenue and media margin. Media margin, a non-GAAP measure, is the portion of gross profit (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) reflecting variable costs paid for media and related expenses and excluding non-media cost of revenue.

 

21

Volatility of affiliate supply sources, changes in search engine algorithms, email and text message blocking algorithms, and increased competition for available media made the process of growing our traffic volume under our evolving quality standards challenging, which we saw in 2022, and have continued to be a factor ininto the first quarterhalf of 2023. In an effort to offset these challenges, we are investinginvested in strategic internal efforts to secure additional traffic from the influencer segment and we willsocial media segments and continue to strategically grow our e-commerce post salespost-sales solution. In light of the challenging macro-economic environment, we have reviewed our strategic investments for 2023 and paused or eliminated lower priority projects while also streamlining our organization through targeted workforce reductions. The mix and profitability of our media channels, strategies, and partners is likely to continue to be dynamic and reflect evolving market trends.trends and the regulatory environment.

 

Advertiser Trends & Seasonality

 

We deliver data and performance-based marketing executions to our clients across a wide range of industries, including Media & Entertainment, Financial Products & Services, Health & Wellness, Retail & Consumer, and Staffing & Recruitment. Into 2023, bothBoth data and performance-based spend continued to be challenged in 2023 by a slowing economy and general economic uncertainty. We experienced slowdowns in the first quarterhalf of 2023 in certain segments of the Media & Entertainment, Staffing & Recruitment, and Financial Products & Services sectors. Additionally, in the third quarter we experienced pricing pressure from clients in certain segments of the Media & Entertainment sector that will add pressure to the marketplace in the short term.

 

In an effort to offset these challenges, we continue to work with a select group of advertisers to define high performing consumer segments and strategically price paid conversions to help clients drive higher return on ad spend. ThatThis initiative drove additionalhas driven increased budgets from clients in the gaming, segment,streaming, and subscription segments, which, continues to representcollectively, represents a large and growing component of our revenue mix in 2023.mix.

 

Additionally, our results are subject to fluctuations as a result of seasonality and cyclicality in our and our clients’ businesses. Other factors affecting our business may include macroeconomic conditions that impact the digital advertising industry, the various client verticals we serve, and general market conditions. For example, our fourth fiscal quarter ending December 31 has typically been characterized by higher advertiser budgets, which can be somewhat offset by seasonal challenges of lower availability and/or higher pricing for some forms of media, which we did not see in 2022 and we believe was due to economic uncertainty and other factors outside of our control.

 

Further, as reflected in historical data from the Interactive Advertising Bureau, industry spending on internet advertising has generally declined sequentially in the first quarter of the calendar year from the fourth quarter. Similar to the industry overall, some of our clients have historically had lower advertising budgets during our first fiscal quarter ending March 31; however, we believe that the breadth of industries in which our clients operate provides us with some insulation from these fluctuations.Business Practices & Compliance

 

During the first quarterhalf of 2023, we continued to be impacted by slowing economic conditions and uncertainty. To confront these headwinds,Additionally, as a result of the FTC Consent Order described in Part II, Item 1 – Legal Proceedings, below, we have made additional changes to our employment opportunities marketplace and programmatic advertising businesses and have implemented industry-leading compliance measures across the entire business, which will have a negative impact on our revenues and media margin in the third quarter and beyond. In the medium term, we expect that the increased industry-wide regulatory scrutiny will eliminate the competitive advantage that less compliance-focused platforms currently enjoy as a result of the changes we have implemented, and that our industry-leading compliance will be a competitive advantage enabling us to recapture market share from our competitors, but we cannot assure you that the adverse impact on our revenues and media margin will not continue longer than expected. Additionally, we anticipate decreased legal fees related to the inquiry on an ongoing basis. In response to the regulatory requirements, we will continue efforts to diversifyrefocus investment into businesses unaffected by the FTC Consent Order, such as the Rewards business and Adflow, and our client base and we intend to further develop our initiative to drive higher return on advertising spend across additional segments of advertisers in an effort to gain additional budget allocations and further improve our user monetization.e-commerce post sales solution.

 

22

Current Economic Conditions

 

We are subject to risks and uncertainties caused by events with significant macroeconomic impacts. Inflation, rising interest rates and reduced consumer confidence have caused our clients and their customers to be cautious in their spending. The full impact of these macroeconomic events and the extent to which these macro factors may impact our business, financial condition, and results of operations in the future remains uncertain.

 

Please see Item 1A. Risk Factors in the 2022 Form 10-K, for more information or further discussion of the possible impact of unfavorable conditions on our business.

22

 

Definitions, Reconciliations and Uses of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

We report the following non-GAAP measures:

 

Media margin is defined as that portion of gross profit (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) reflecting the variable costs paid for media and related expenses and excluding non-media cost of revenue. Gross profit (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) represents revenue minus cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization). Media margin is also presented as percentage of revenue.

 

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) excluding (1) income taxes, (2) interest expense, net, (3) depreciation and amortization, (4) share-based compensation expense, (5) goodwill impairment, (6) write-off of intangible assets, (7) acquisition-related costs, (8) restructuring and other severance costs, and (9) certain litigation and other related costs.

 

Adjusted net income (loss) is defined as net income (loss) excluding (1) share-based compensation expense, (2) goodwill impairment, (3) write-off of intangible assets, (4) acquisition-related costs, (5) restructuring and other severance costs, and (6) certain litigation and other related costs. Adjusted net income (loss) is also presented on a per share (basic and diluted) basis.

 

Below is a reconciliation of media margin from gross profit (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, which we believe is the most directly comparable GAAP measure:

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

  

Three Months Ended June 30,

  

Six Months Ended June 30,

 
 

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

Revenue

 $77,254  $89,063  $82,145  $98,361  $159,399  $187,424 

Less: Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)

  58,272   67,562   59,540   70,026   117,812   137,589 

Gross profit (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)

 $18,982  $21,501  $22,605  $28,335  $41,587  $49,835 

Gross profit (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) % of revenue

  25%  24%  28%  29%  26%  27%

Non-media cost of revenue (1)

  2,981   4,449   3,300   3,974   6,281   8,423 

Media margin

 $21,963  $25,950  $25,905  $32,309  $47,868  $58,258 

Media margin % of revenue

  28.4%  29.1%  31.5%  32.8%  30.0%  31.1%

 

(1)

Represents the portion of cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) not attributable to variable costs paid for media and related expenses.

 

23

 

Below is a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA from net loss for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, which we believe is the most directly comparable GAAP measure:

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

  

Three Months Ended June 30,

  

Six Months Ended June 30,

 
 

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

Net loss

 $(31,943) $(2,013)

Net income (loss)

 $4,251  $(56,944) $(27,692) $(58,957)

Income tax expense

 101    1,693  5,122  1,794  5,122 

Interest expense, net

 689  384  795  430  1,484  814 

Depreciation and amortization

 2,359  3,307  3,095  3,332  5,454  6,639 

Share-based compensation expense

 1,061  988  936  863  1,997  1,851 

Goodwill impairment

 25,700      55,400  25,700  55,400 

Write-off of intangible assets

   128        128 

Acquisition-related costs(1)(2)

 623  558 

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

  21  21 

Acquisition-related costs(1)(2)

 562  579  1,185  1,137 

Restructuring and other severance costs

 480      38  480  38 

Certain litigation and other related costs

  1,378   1,402   (5,736)  596   (4,358)  1,998 

Adjusted EBITDA

 $448  $4,754  $5,596  $9,437  $6,044  $14,191 

 

(1)

Balance includes compensation expense related to non-competition agreements entered into as a result of acquisitions (see Note 11. Business acquisition, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements)certain acquisitions.

(2)Balance includes earn-out expense of $85$24 and $110 for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2023, respectively, as a result of an acquisition.certain acquisitions.

 

Below is a reconciliation of adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted net income (loss) per share from net loss for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, which we believe is the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

  

Three Months Ended June 30,

  

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

Net loss

 $(31,943) $(2,013)

Net income (loss)

 $4,251  $(56,944) $(27,692) $(58,957)

Share-based compensation expense

 1,061  988  936  863  1,997  1,851 

Goodwill impairment

 25,700      55,400  25,700  55,400 

Write-off of intangible assets

   128        128 

Acquisition-related costs(1)(2)

 623  558 

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

  21  21 

Acquisition-related costs(1)(2)

 562  579  1,185  1,137 

Restructuring and other severance costs

 480      38  480  38 

Certain litigation and other related costs

  1,378   1,402   (5,736)  596   (4,358)  1,998 

Adjusted net income (loss)

 $(2,701) $1,063  $13  $553  $(2,688) $1,616 

Adjusted net income (loss) per share:

            

Basic

 $(0.03) $0.01  $0.00  $0.01  $(0.03) $0.02 

Diluted

 $(0.03) $0.01  $0.00  $0.01  $(0.03) $0.02 

Weighted average number of shares outstanding:

            

Basic

  81,906,913   80,889,052  82,727,971  81,493,821  82,323,854  81,193,107 

Diluted

  81,906,913   81,021,030  82,752,646  81,575,329  82,323,854  81,233,586 

 

(1)

Balance includes compensation expense related to non-competition agreements entered into as a result of acquisitions (see Note 11. Business acquisition, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements)certain acquisitions.
(2)
Balance includes earn-out expense of $85 $24 and $110 for the three and  six months ended March 31,June 30, 2023, respectively, as a result of an acquisition.certain acquisitions.

24

 

We present media margin, media margin as a percentage of revenue, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income (loss), and adjusted net income (loss) per share as supplemental measures of our financial and operating performance because we believe they provide useful information to investors. More specifically:

 

Media margin, as defined above, is a measure of the efficiency of the Company’s operating model. We use media margin and the related measure of media margin as a percentage of revenue as primary metrics to measure the financial return on our media and related costs, specifically to measure the degree by which the revenue generated from our digital marketing services exceeds the cost to attract the consumers to whom offers are made through our services. Media margin is used extensively to manage our operating performance, including evaluating operational performance against budgeted media margin and understanding the efficiency of our media and related expenditures. We also use media margin for performance evaluations and compensation decisions regarding certain personnel.

24

 

Adjusted EBITDA, as defined above, is another primary metric by which we evaluate the operating performance of our business, on which certain operating expenditures and internal budgets are based and by which, in addition to media margin and other factors, our senior management is compensated. The first three adjustments represent the conventional definition of EBITDA, and the remaining adjustments are items recognized and recorded under GAAP in particular periods but might be viewed as not necessarily coinciding with the underlying business operations for the periods in which they are so recognized and recorded. These adjustments include certain litigation and other related costs associated with legal matters outside the ordinary course of business, including costs and accruals related to matters as described below (See Part II, Item 1 — Legal Proceedings). We consider items one-time in nature if they are non-recurring, infrequent or unusual and have not occurred in the past two years or are not expected to recur in the next two years, in accordance with SEC rules. There were no adjustments for one-time items in the periods presented by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

Adjusted net income (loss), as defined above, and the related measure of adjusted net income (loss) per share exclude certain items that are recognized and recorded under GAAP in particular periods but might be viewed as not necessarily coinciding with the underlying business operations for the periods in which they are so recognized and recorded. We believe adjusted net income (loss) affords investors a different view of the overall financial performance as compared to adjusted EBITDA and the GAAP measure of net income (loss).

 

Media margin, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income (loss), and adjusted net income (loss) per share are non-GAAP financial measures with certain limitations regarding their usefulness. They do not reflect our financial results in accordance with GAAP, as they do not include the impact of certain expenses that are reflected in our consolidated statements of operations. Accordingly, these metrics are not indicative of our overall results or indicators of past or future financial performance. Further, they are not financial measures of profitability and are neither intended to be used as a proxy for the profitability of our business nor to imply profitability. The way we measure media margin, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted net income (loss) may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies and may not be identical to corresponding measures used in our various agreements.

 

Comparison of Our Results of Operations for the Three and Six Months Ended March 31, June 30, 2023 and 2022

 

Revenue

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

(In thousands)

 

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

 

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

 

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

 

Revenue

 

$77,254

 

$89,063

 

(13%)

 

$82,145

 

$98,361

 

(16%)

 

$159,399

 

$187,424

 

(15%)

 

25

 

Three months ended June 30, 2023March 31, 2023 compared to the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2022

Revenue for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 decreased $11.8$16.2 million, or 13%16%, to $77.3$82.1 million, compared to $89.1$98.4 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2022. The decrease was largely attributable to declines in the US Rewards business anddue to a reduction in client spend. In addition, revenue from the employment opportunities marketplace which in turn wasdeclined due to reduction in client spending,the challenging labor market and changes in certainbusiness practices to reflect recently imposed regulatory requirements in connection with the FTC Consent Order described in Part II, Item 1 – Legal Proceedings, below. The revenue decline was partially offset by growth in our call solutions business and our influencer based business.

Six months ended June 30, 2023 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2022

Revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2023 decreased $28.0 million, or 15%, to $159.4 million, compared to $187.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022. The decrease was largely attributable to declines in the US Rewards business due to a reduction in client spend. In addition, revenue from the employment opportunities marketplace declined due to the challenging labor market and changes in business practices to reflect increased regulatory scrutiny.scrutiny and recently imposed regulatory requirements in connection with the FTC Consent Order described in Part II, Item 1 – Legal Proceedings, below. The revenue decline was partially offset by continued growth in our call solutions business and our Influencer based business. We also saw an increase in the international Rewards business which was driven by new affiliates, new advertisers, new campaigns, higher traffic, and accelerated creative testing.

 

Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

(In thousands)

 

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

 

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

 

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

 

Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)

 

$58,272

 

$67,562

 

(14%)

 

$59,540

 

$70,026

 

(15%)

 

$117,812

 

$137,589

 

(14%)

 

 

Three months ended June 30, 2023March 31, 2023 compared to the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2022

Cost of revenue for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) decreased $9.3$10.5 million, or 14%15%, to $58.3$59.5 million, compared to $67.6$70.0 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2022. The decrease was primarily attributable to client pullbacks and a continued reductionthe same factors causing the decline in spendingrevenue for the US Rewards business, as well as changes in certain business practices to reflect increased regulatory scrutiny in the employment opportunities marketplace.quarter over quarter period. Our cost of revenue primarily consists of media and related costs associated with acquiring traffic from third-party publishers and digital media platforms for our owned and operated websites. The costs also include enablement costs associated with our call centers and tracking costs related to our consumer data. In addition, there are indirect costs which include fulfillment costs related to rewards earned by consumers who complete the requisite number of advertisers' offers, along with call center software and hosting costs.

 

 

2526

 

The total cost of revenue for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) as a percentage of revenue decreasedincreased to 75%72% compared to 76%71% for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2022. The decreaseincrease was largely attributable to the increase in the cost of media as a percentage of revenue.

Six months ended June 30, 2023 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2022

Cost of revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2023 (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) decreased $19.8 million, or 14% to $117.8 million, compared to $137.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022. The decrease was primarily attributable to the same factors causing the decline in fulfillment costs relatedrevenue for the year over year period. The total cost of revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2023 (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) as a percentage of revenue increased to 74% compared to 73% for the six months ended June 30, 2022. The increase was largely attributable to the increase in the cost of media as a percentage of revenue.

 

In the normal course of executing paid media campaigns to source consumer traffic, we regularly evaluate new channels, strategies, and partners, in an effort to identify actionable opportunities which can then be optimized over time. Traffic acquisition costs incurred with the major digital media platforms have historically been higher than affiliate traffic sources. For the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 digital media spend continued to be driven by strategic test and learn initiatives that began in the second quarter of 2022. The mix and profitability of our media channels, strategies, and partners iswill likely to be dynamic and reflect evolving market dynamics and the impact of our Traffic Quality Initiative. As we evaluate and scale new media channels, strategies, and partners, we may determine that certain sources initially able to provide us profitable quality traffic may not be able to maintain our quality standards over time, and we may need to discontinue, or direct a modification of the practices of, such sources, which could reduce profitability. The improved traffic quality being sourced is the foundation to support sustainable long-term growth and positioning us as an industry leader. Past levels of cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) may therefore not be indicative of future costs, which may increase or decrease as these uncertainties in our business play out.

 

Sales and marketing

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

(In thousands)

 

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

 

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

 

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

 

Sales and marketing

 

$4,813

 

$3,852

 

25%

 

$4,215

 

$4,484

 

(6%)

 

$9,028

 

$8,336

 

8%

 

 

Three months ended June 30, 2023March 31, 2023 compared to the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2022

Sales and marketing expenses for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 increased $0.9decreased $0.3 million, or 25%6%, to $4.8$4.2 million, compared to $3.9$4.5 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2022. For the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 and 2022, sales and marketing expense consisted mainly of employee salaries and benefits of $3.8$3.6 million and $3.3$3.8 million, advertising costs of $0.3 and $0.3 million, and non-cash share-based compensation expenses of $0.2$0.1 and $0.2 million.$0.1 million, respectively. The decrease was primarily due to the decline in headcount from restructurings in the first quarter of 2023 and fourth quarter of 2022.

Six months ended June 30, 2023 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2022

Sales and marketing expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2023 increased $0.7 million, or 8%, to $9.0 million, compared to $8.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022. For the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, sales and marketing expense consisted mainly of employee salaries and benefits of $7.4 million and $7.1 million, advertising costs of $0.6 and $0.6 million, and non-cash share-based compensation expenses of $0.3 and $0.3 million, respectively. The increase iswas primarily reflective of an increasedue to annual salary increases partially offset by reductions in headcount and annual salary increases.from restructuring during the prior periods.

 

Product development

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

(In thousands)

 

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

 

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

 

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

 

Product development

 

$4,938

 

$4,556

 

8%

 

$4,615

 

$4,802

 

(4%)

 

$9,553

 

$9,357

 

2%

 

27

 

Three months ended June 30, 2023March 31, 2023 compared to the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2022

Product development expense for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 increased $0.4decreased $0.2 million, or 8%4%, to $4.94.6 million, compared to $4.6$4.8 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2022. ForFor the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 and 2022, product and development expense consisted mainly of salaries and benefits of $3.5$3.4 million and $3.3 million, professional fees of $0.5 million and $0.7$3.5 million, software license and maintenance costs of $0.5 million and $0.4 million, professional fees of $0.4 million and $0.7 million, and non-cash share-based compensation expense of $0.2$0.1 million and $0.2$0.1 million, respectively. The decrease in product development expense is primarily due to lower consulting fees, along with a decrease in headcount from restructuring.

Six months ended June 30, 2023 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2022

Product development expense for the six months ended June 30, 2023 increased$0.2 million, or 2%, to $9.6 million, compared to $9.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022. For the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, product and development expense consisted mainly of salaries and benefits of $6.9 million and $6.8 million, professional fees of $1.0 million and $1.4 million, software license and maintenance costs of $0.9 million and $0.7 million, and non-cash share-based compensation expense of $0.3 million and $0.3 million, respectively. The increase in product development expenses reflects an increase in salariessoftware license and wages due to annual salary increasesmaintenance costs and investments in our technology and analytics platform.other operating costs.

 

General and administrative

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

(In thousands)

 

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

 

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

 

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

 

General and administrative

 

$12,325

 

$11,287

 

9%

 

$3,941

 

$11,688

 

(66%)

 

$16,266

 

$22,975

 

(29%)

 

 

Three months ended June 30, 2023March 31, 2023 compared to the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2022

General and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 increaseddecreased by $1.0$7.7 million, or 9%66%, to $12.3$3.9 million, compared to $11.3$11.7 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2022. For the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 and 2022, general and administrative expense consisted mainly of employee salaries and benefits of $4.9$4.6 million and $4.9$6.0 million,, professional fees of $1.6$1.3 million and $1.4$1.3 million, office overhead of $1.1$1.0 million and $1.1 million, certain litigation and related costs of $1.4 million and $1.4$1.2 million, non-cash share-based compensation expense of $0.8  $0.7 million and $0.7$0.6 million, software license and maintenance costs of $0.7 million and $0.6 million, acquisition-related costs of $0.6 million and $0.6 million, and acquisition-relatedcertain litigation and related costs of $0.6($5.7) million and $0.6 million.million, respectively. The increasedecrease was mainly the result of headcount and certain employee salary reductions along with a decrease in litigation related costs due to the lower than previously accrued regulatory settlement amount and insurance reimbursement related to previously incurred legal fees, even as legal fees had increased in the second quarter of 2023. 

Six months ended June 30, 2023 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2022

General and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2023 decreased by $6.7 million, or 29%, to $16.3 million, compared to $23.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022. For the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, general and administrative expense consisted mainly of employee salaries and benefits of $9.5 million and $10.9 million, professional fees of $2.9 million and $2.7 million, office overhead of $2.2 million and $2.3 million, non-cash share-based compensation expense of $1.4 million and $1.3 million, software license and maintenance costs of $1.2 million and $1.2 million, acquisition-related costs of $1.2 million and $1.1 million, and certain litigation and related costs of ($4.4) million and $2.0 million, respectively. The decrease was mainly the result of both lower salary costs due to restructuring in the first quarter of 2023 and fourth quarter of 2022, along with a decline in litigation related costs due to the lower than expected regulatory settlement amount in the second quarter of 2023, although legal fees to reach the settlement increased, as well as insurance reimbursement related to previously incurred legal fees. These increases were partly offset by professional fees and strategic company training expenses.

 

During the first quarter of 2023, the Company implemented reductions in the workforce that resulted in the termination of approximately twenty20 employees. These reductions in workforce were implemented following management’s determination to reduce headcount and decrease the Company's costsoverhead to more effectively align resources to the Company's core business operations. In connection with these reductions in workforce, the Company incurred $0.5 million in exit-related restructuring costs, consisting primarily of one-time termination benefits and associated costs, to be fully settled in cash by March 31, 2024. Apart from these exit-related restructuring costs, these reductions in workforce are expected to result in corresponding reductions in future salary and benefit expenses primarily in product development and general and administrative expense.

 

2628

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

(In thousands)

 

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

 

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

 

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

$2,359

 

$3,307

 

(29%)

 

$3,095

 

$3,332

 

(7%)

 

$5,454

 

$6,639

 

(18%)

 

 

Three months ended June 30, 2023March 31, 2023 compared to the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2022

Depreciation and amortization expenses for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 decreased $0.9$0.2 million, or 29%7%, to $2.4$3.1 million, compared to $3.3 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2022. This decrease iswas mainly due to certain intangible assets that fully amortized as compared to the prior three months ended March 31,June 30, 2022, partly offset by the amortization of the acquired intangibles related to TAPP, LLC.

Six months ended June 30, 2023 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2022

Depreciation and amortization expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2023 decreased $1.2 million, or 18%, to $5.5 million, compared to $6.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022. This decrease was mainly due to certain intangible assets that had fully amortized as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2022, partly offset by the amortization of the acquired intangibles related to TAPP, LLC.

 

Goodwill impairment

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

(In thousands)

 

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

 

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

 

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

 

Goodwill impairment

 

($25,700)

 

 

 

 

$55,400

 

(100%)

 

$25,700

 

$55,400

 

(54%)

 

 

Three months ended June 30, 2023March 31, 2023 compared to the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2022

For the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2023, the Company recognizeddid not recognize an impairment loss related to goodwill, ofcompared to $55.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022.

Six months ended June 30, 2023 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2022

For the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Company recognized a $25.7 million with no corresponding charge inimpairment loss related to goodwill, compared to $55.4 million for the prior period.six months ended June 30, 2022.

 

Write-off of intangible assets

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

(In thousands)

 

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

 

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

 

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

 

Write-off of intangible assets

 

 

$128

 

(100%)

 

 

 

 

 

$128

 

(100%)

 

 

Three months ended June 30, 2023March 31, 2023 compared to the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2022

For the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company did not recognize write-offs of intangible assets.

Six months ended June 30, 2023 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2022

For the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Company recognizeddid not recognize write-offs of intangible assets, compared to $0.1 million for the write offwrite-offs of intangible assets related to software developed for internal use for the six months ended June 30, 2022.

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

  

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

(In thousands)

 

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

 

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

 

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

 

 

$21

 

(100%)

 

 

$21

 

(100%)

 

29

Three months ended June 30, 2023 compared to the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2022 with

The Company recognized no corresponding change inloss on disposal of property and equipment for the current period.three months ended June 30, 2023, compared to $0.02 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022.

Six months ended June 30, 2023 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2022
The Company recognized no loss on disposal of property and equipment for the  six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to $0.02 million for the  six months ended June 30, 2022.

 

Interest expense, net

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

(In thousands)

 

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

 

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

 

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

 

Interest expense, net

 

($689)

 

($384)

 

79%

 

$795

 

$430

 

85%

 

$1,484

 

$814

 

82%

 

 

Three months ended June 30, 2023March 31, 2023 compared to the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2022

Interest expense, net, for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 increased $0.3$0.4 million, compared to the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2022, which was driven by a higher average interest rate on the Term Loan described below under “Liquidity"Liquidity and Capital Resources”Resources" below.

Six months ended June 30, 2023 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2022

Interest expense, net, for the six months ended June 30, 2023 increased$0.7 million, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2022, which was driven by a higher average interest rate on the Term Loan described below under "Liquidity and Capital Resources".

Income (loss) before income taxes

  

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

(In thousands)

 

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

 

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

$5,944

 

($51,822)

 

(111%)

 

($25,898)

 

($53,835)

 

(52%)

 

Three months ended June 30, 2023 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2022

Income before income taxes for the three months ended June 30, 2023 was $5.9 million, compared to loss before income taxes of $51.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022. The change in income (loss) before income taxes of $57.8 million was primarily due to a goodwill impairment of $55.4 million that occurred in the prior period, a decline in cost of revenue of $10.5 million, and an overall decrease in operating expenses of $8.2 million driven in part by the contra-expense related to the insurance reimbursement or prior legal fees, offset by the decline in revenues of $16.2 million.

Six months ended June 30, 2023 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2022

Loss before income taxes for the six months ended June 30, 2023 was $25.9 million, compared to loss before income taxes of $53.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022. The decrease in loss before income taxes of $27.9 million was primarily due to a decrease in goodwill impairment and write-off of intangibles of $29.8 million, a decline in cost of revenue of $19.8 million, and a slight decrease in operating expenses of $5.8 million driven in part by the contra-expense related to the insurance reimbursement or prior legal fees, offset by the decline in revenues of $28.0 million.

Income tax expense

  

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

(In thousands)

 

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

 

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

 

Income tax expense

 

(1,693)

 

(5,122)

 

(67%)

 

($1,794)

 

($5,122)

 

(65%)

 

Three months ended June 30, 2023 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2022

Income tax expense for the three months ended June 30, 2023, was $1.7 compared to $5.1 for the three months ended June 30, 2022, primarily driven by the impact of a non-deductible goodwill impairment against pre-tax year-to-date losses offset by the benefit of federal research and development credits.

 

2730

 

Loss before income taxes

  

Three Months Ended March 31,

(In thousands)

 

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

Loss before income taxes

 

($31,842)

 

($2,013)

 

1482%

ThreeSix months ended June 30, 2023March 31, 2023 compared to threethe six months ended March 31,June 30, 2022

Loss before income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was $31.8 million, compared to loss before income taxes of $2.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022. Theincrease in loss before income taxes of $29.8 million was primarily due to an increase of goodwill impairment and write-off of intangibles of $25.6 million, a decline in revenue of $11.8 million, and an increase in operating expenses, partially offset by the decline in cost of revenue of $9.3 million, as discussed above.

Income tax expense

  

Three Months Ended March 31,

(In thousands)

 

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

Income tax expense

 

($101)

 

 

Three months endedMarch 31, 2023 compared to three months ended March 31, 2022

Income tax expense for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 was $0.1$1.8 million, with no corresponding impactcompared to $5.1 for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2022,. primarily driven by the impact of a non-deductible goodwill impairment against pre-tax year-to-date losses offset by the benefit of federal research and development credits.

 

As of March 31,June 30, 2023 and 2022, we recorded a full valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets. The Company intendsWe intend to maintain a full valuation allowance against the net deferred tax assets until there is sufficient evidence to support the release of all or some portion of such allowances. Release of some or all of the valuation allowance would result in the recognition of certain deferred tax assets and an increase in deferred tax benefit for any period in which such a release may be recorded, however, the exact timing and amount of any valuation allowance release are subject to change, depending upon the level of profitability that the Company iswe are able to achieve and the net deferred tax assets available.

 

Net lossincome (loss)

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

(In thousands)

 

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

 

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

 

2023

 

2022

 

% Change

 

Net loss

 

($31,943)

 

($2,013)

 

1,486.8%

Net income (loss)

 

$4,251

 

($56,944)

 

(107%)

 

($27,692)

 

($58,957)

 

(53%)

 

 

Three months ended June 30, 2023March 31, 2023 compared to the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2022

Net lossincome for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 was $31.9$4.3 million compared to net loss of $2.0$56.9 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2022 due to a net increase of goodwill impairment and write-off of intangibles that occurred in the prior period and declines in cost of $25.6 million, the decline in revenue, of $11.8 million, and an increase in operating expenses, partiallyand income tax, partly offset by the decline in cost of revenue of $9.3 million,revenues as discussed above.

 

Six months ended June 30, 2023 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2022

Net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2023 was $27.7 million compared to net loss of $59.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022 due to a decrease in goodwill impairment and write-off of intangibles, a decline in cost of revenue, a decrease in operating expenses, and lower income tax expense, offset by the decline in revenues, as discussed above.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Cash provided by (used in) operating activities. For the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2023, net cash provided by operating activities was $4.9$2.1 million, compared to net cash used by operating activities of $1.8$1.9 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2022. Net loss in the current period of $31.9$27.7 million represents an increasea decrease of $29.9$31.3 million, as compared with net loss of $2.0$59.0 million in the prior period. Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities of $29.133.2 million in the current periodincreased decreased by $24.5$31.1 million, as compared with $4.6$64.3 million in the prior period, primarily due to a lower goodwill impairment in the first quarter of 2023 offset by lowerand depreciation and amortization in the current period as compared to the prior period. Changes in assets and liabilities sourcing cash of $7.7$3.4 million in the current period, as compared with consuming cash of $4.3$7.3 million in the prior period, primarily due to ordinary-course changes in working capital, largely involving the timing of receipt of amounts owing from clients and disbursements of amounts payable to vendors. 

 

Cash used in investing activities. For the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 and 2022, net cash used in investing activities was $2.4$3.6 million and $2.0$3.2 million, respectively. The increase was mainly due to the impact of the TAPP, LLC consolidation that occurred in the current period ended March 31,June 30, 2023, partially offset bycompared to the True North AcquisitionLoyalty, LLC acquisition that occurred in the prior period ended March 31,June 30, 2022. 

 

Cash used in financing activities. Net cash used in financing activities for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 and 2022 was $1.5$3.0 million $1.7and $2.9 million, respectively. The slight change was due to athe cash paid related to the debt modification, mainly offset by the decline in taxes paid related to share settlements of vesting of restricted stock units.

 

As of March 31,June 30, 2023, we had noncancelable operating lease commitments of $6.0$5.4 million and long-term debt with a $40.0$38.8 million principal balance. For the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2023, we funded our operations using available cash.

 

As of March 31,June 30, 2023, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $26.6$21.0 million, a decrease of $1.1$4.5 million from $25.5 million as of December 31, 2022. We believe that we will have sufficient cash resources to finance our operations and expected capital expenditures for the next twelve months and beyond regardless of our inability to access the Credit FacilityRevolving Loans described below.

 

As of June 30, 2023, the Company was in compliance with all of the financial and other covenants under the Credit Agreement.

2831

 

We may explore the possible acquisition of businesses, products and/or technologies that are complementary to our existing business. We continue to identify and prioritize additional technologies, which we may wish to develop internally or through licensing or acquisition from third parties. While we may engage from time to time in discussions with respect to potential acquisitions, there can be no assurance that any such acquisitions will be made or that we will be able to successfully integrate any acquired business with our then current business or realize anticipated cost synergies. In order to finance such acquisitions and working capital, it may be necessary for us to raise additional funds through public or private financings. Any equity or debt financings, if available at all, may be on terms which are not favorable to us and, in the case of equity financings, may result in dilution to shareholders.

 

On March 31, 2021, Fluent, LLC our wholly-owned subsidiary,("Borrower"), entered into a credit agreement (as amended, modified, extended, restated, replaced, or supplemented from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”"Credit Agreement") with certain subsidiaries of Fluent, LLC as guarantors, and Citizens Bank, N.A., ("Citizens Bank") as administrative agent, lead arranger and bookrunner, and BankUnited, N.A. and Silicon Valley Bank ("SVB").bookrunner. The Credit Agreement provides for a term loan in the aggregate principal amount of $50.0 million$50,000 funded on the Closing Dateclosing date (the “Term Loan”"Term Loan"), along with an undrawn revolving credit facility of up to $15.0 million$15,000 (the "Revolving Loans," and together with the Term Loan, the "Credit Facility"). On December 20, 2022, the Company entered into the second amendment to the Credit Agreement, which amended certain provisions to: (i) reflect the replacement of the current benchmark settings with Term Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") pursuant to an early opt-in election; (ii) acknowledge certain litigation matters; and (iii) join additional subsidiaries of Borrower as guarantors of the loan facilities provided under the Credit Agreement.  On May 15, 2023, the Companyparties entered into thea third amendment to the Credit Agreement, which amended certain provisions to: (i) addby adding an additional tier of applicable margin to the selected rates; (ii) establish the applicable pricing floorrates and providing for additional notice of certain material events and, for the remaining fiscal quarters in 2023; (iii) modifyof 2023: (i) established the applicable pricing floor; (ii) modified and adjustadjusted certain EBITDA add-backs for certain fiscal quarters in 2023; (iv) addadd-backs; (iii) added monthly financial reporting for the remaining fiscal quarters in 2023; (v) providereporting; (iv) provided additional financial covenant testing conditions on Fluent’s ability to draw on the Revolving Loans for the remaining fiscal quarters in 2023; (vi) provide additional notice of certain material events; (vii) addLoans; (v) added tiers to certain financial covenants and addadded a minimum cash liquidity financial covenant for the remaining fiscal quarters in 2023; (viii) providecovenant; (vi) provided additional restrictions on the ability to make loans and advances to officers, directors and employees for the remaining fiscal quarters in 2023; (ix) provideemployees; (vii) provided additional restrictions on the ability to invest in certain subsidiaries and joint ventures for the remaining fiscal quarters in 2023; (x) provideventures; (viii) provided additional restrictions on the ability to make additional loans, investments or permitted acquisitions for the remaining fiscal quarters in 2023;acquisitions; and (xi) add(ix) added unrestricted cash requirements in order forbefore the Company to beis permitted to pay dividends, make distributions or redeem or repurchase equity interests, for the remaining fiscal quarters in 2023, in each case pursuant to the terms and conditions under the Credit Agreement. AsAdditionally, on August 21, 2023, in order to avoid a projected violation of March 31,certain financial covenants for the third and fourth quarters of 2023, Fluent, LLC entered into a fourth amendment to the Credit Agreement has an outstanding principalwhich (i) adjusted certain financial covenants for the remaining fiscal quarters of 2023, (ii) temporarily adjusted interest rates, (iii) permitted the Citizens Bank to retain a business consultant at Fluent, LLC’s expense to advise on the credit parties’ financial and operating performance; (iv) required weekly liquidity reports to Citizens Bank, (iv) required a $5 million prepayment of the Term Loan, and (v) adjusted the Revolving Loans by the same amount to $10 million. The $5 million prepayment amount is reflected as current portion of long-term debt at June 30, 2023 in the consolidated balance of $40.0 million andsheet included in this report.

The Credit Agreement matures on March 31, 2026. Principal2026, and interest is payable monthly. Scheduled principal amortization of the Credit AgreementTerm Loan is $1.3 million$1,250 per quarter, which commenced with the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2021. As of June 30, 2023, the Company was in compliance with all of the financial and other covenants applicable to the Term Loan under the Credit Agreement.

 

Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the benchmark selected by the Borrower, which may be based on the Alternative Base Rate, (as defined in the Credit Agreement), LIBOR (as defined in the Credit Agreement) rate (subject to a floor of 0.25%) prior to the election on January 3, 2023as of December 31, 2022 or Term SOFR (Secured Overnight Financing Rate)(as defined in the Credit Agreement) (subject to a floor of 0.00%) subsequent to the election, on January 3, 2023, plus a margin applicable to the selected benchmark. The applicable margin is between 0.75% and 1.75%2.25% for borrowings based on the Alternative Base Rate and 1.75% and 2.75%3.25% for borrowings based on LIBOR and Term SOFR, depending upon the Borrower's Total Leverage Ratio.total leverage ratio. The opening interest rate of the Credit Facility was 2.50% (LIBOR + 2.25%), which increased to 7.16%7.95% (Term SOFR + 0.1% + 2.25%2.75%) as of March 31,June 30, 2023.

The Credit Agreement contains restrictive covenants which impose limitations on the way we conduct our business, including limitations on the amount of additional debt we are able to incur and our ability to make certain investments and other restricted payments. The restrictive covenants may limit our strategic and financing options and our ability to return capital to our stockholders through dividends or stock buybacks. The Credit Agreement is guaranteed by us and our direct and indirect subsidiaries and is secured by substantially all of our assets and those of our direct and indirect subsidiaries, including Fluent, LLC, in each case, on an equal and ratable basis.

The Credit Agreement requires us to maintain and comply with certain financial and other covenants. At March 31, 2023, we were in compliance with all of the financial and other covenants under the Credit Agreement.

 

The Credit Agreement also contains certain customary conditions applicable to extensions of credit, including that representations and warranties made in the Existing Credit Agreement be materially true and correct at the time of such extension. OneThe third amendment added an additional condition consisting of two financial covenants with which the customary conditions, including representationCompany must comply in order to draw on the Revolving Loans during the balance of 2023. As of June 30, 2023, the Company was not in compliance with this additional condition and warranties, related to the extension of credit is currently not true and correct as a result of certain legal matters involving the FTC and the PAAG, as described in FN 10, Contingencies, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements above and Part II, Item 1 – Legal Proceedings below. These matters do not represent events of default under the Credit Agreement, but we are currentlywas therefore unable to draw on the Revolving Loans dueLoans. These matters do not represent Events of Default (as defined in the representationCredit Agreement) and warranty requirement for an extensiontherefore do not affect the Term Loan.

With the fourth amendment management now expects to be in compliance with the covenant requirements of credit. As noted above, SVB is a lender under the Credit Agreement; however, the continuing impact from the FTC Consent Order on the Company’s business as well as other macro-economic factors could impact this compliance.  These items, as well others, could require the Company further amend its Credit Agreement, which was assumed by the newly created Silicon Valley Bridge Bank, N.A. under the FDIC and was subsequently acquired by First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company. We currently owe SVB approximately $11.1 million under the Term Loan, which is an obligation unaffected by the acquisition of SVB. SVB has committed to approximately $4.0 million of the $15.0 million in Revolving Loan capacity, and at such time as we are eligible to draw upon the Revolver, that commitment is unaffected by the acquisition of SVB. As a result, the Company doesmay or may not believe the closure to have a material adverse effectbe available on its liquidity.

acceptable terms.

 

2932

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We periodically evaluate our estimates, including those related to revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts, useful lives of intangible assets, recoverability of the carrying amounts of goodwill and intangible assets, share-based compensation, income taxes, and contingencies. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. All amounts below are presented in thousands.

 

As disclosed in Note 4, Goodwill, the Company engaged a third party to assist in conducting an interim test of the fair value of its goodwill for potential impairment for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The Company considered a combination of income and market approaches to determine the fair value of the Fluent reporting unit. The Company determined that a market-based approach, which considereddue to the decline in value of its publicly traded stock, provided the best indication of fair value of the Fluent reporting unit. Under the market approach, it considers the Company’s implied market multiple applied to management’s forecast and further adjusted for a control premium, provided the best indicationpremium. If we were to experience an additional decline in market capitalization or assumptions in management's forecast, there would be an increased risk of fair valueimpairment of the Fluent reporting unit.goodwill. Based on the results of this market-based approach as of March 31, 2023, the Company concluded that its carrying value exceeded its estimated fair value by 20%. As such, the Company concluded that its goodwill of $51,614 for the Fluent reporting unit was impaired and recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $25,700 for the first quarter of 2023. 

Additionally, the Company engaged a third party to assist in conducting an interim test of the fair value of its goodwill for potential impairment for the three months ended June 30, 2023. The Company determined that a combination of income approach and the market approach provided the best indication of fair value of the Fluent reporting unit. The income approach and market approach utilize accounting estimates and assumptions, changes in which could materially impact our financial condition or operating performance if actual results differ from such estimates and assumptions. The critical assumptions in the income approach include forecasted revenues and profitability, long-term growth rates, and discount rates. The market approach considers the Company’s implied market multiple applied to management's forecasted profitability and is further adjusted for control premium. Management exercises judgment in developing these assumptions. If we were to experience sales declines, a significant change in operating margins which may impact our cash flows, an increase in our discount rates, a decline in the Company’s market capitalization, and/or a decrease in our projected long-term growth rates, there would be an increased risk of impairment of goodwill and/or other assets. Based on the results of this approach as of June 30, 2023, the Company concluded that its fair value exceeded its estimated carrying value by 5%. As such the Company concluded that its goodwill of $27,469 for the Fluent reporting unit was not impaired. If there is a reduction in operating results or a decline in the market value of the Company's publicly-traded stock, this could result in future impairment charges, which could affect the financial results.

 

For additional information, please refer to our 2022 Form 10-K. There have been no additional material changes to Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates disclosed in the 2022 Form 10-K.

 

Recently issued accounting and adopted standards

 

See Note 1(b), "Recently issued and adopted accounting standards," in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide the information required by this Item.

33

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Our management, with the participation of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act)Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") as of March 31,June 30, 2023. We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

 

Based on the evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934)Act), the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer concluded thatcarried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of June 30, 2023 and concluded they were not effective as of March 31, 2023. Management believesthat date. Based on this evaluation, they concluded our procedures were not effective due to the consolidatedidentification of a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting relating to our ability to timely account for non-routine, non-recurring, unusual or complex financial transactions. As a result, the Company performed additional analysis deemed necessary to ensure that our financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q fairly represent in all material respects our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows at and for the periods presented in accordance with GAAP.GAAP.

Remediation Efforts to Address Material Weakness

With the oversight of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, we are in the process of developing a remediation plan that will enhance our processes for timely identifying and determining the proper accounting for non-routine, non-recurring, unusual or complex transactions.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

ThereExcept as noted above, there were no changes to our internal control over financial reporting during this quarter ended March 31,June 30, 2023 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

3034

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

 

Other than as disclosed below under "Certain Legal Matters," the Company is not currently a party to any legal proceeding, investigation or claim which, in the opinion of the Company's management, is likely to have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows of the Company. Legal fees associated with such legal proceedings are expensed as incurred. We review legal proceedings and claims on an ongoing basis and follow appropriate accounting guidance, including Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 450, Contingencies, when making accrual and disclosure decisions. We establish accruals for those contingencies where the incurrence of a loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated, and we disclose the amount accrued and the amount of a reasonably possible loss in excess of the amount accrued, if such disclosure is necessary for our financial statements to not be misleading. To estimate whether a loss contingency should be accrued by a charge to income, we evaluate, among other factors, the probability of an unfavorable outcome and the ability to make a reasonable estimate of the amount of the loss. We do not accrue liabilities when the likelihood that the liability has been incurred is probable, but the amount cannot be reasonably estimated.

 

In addition, we may be involved in litigation from time to time in the ordinary course of business. We do not believe that the ultimate resolution of any such matters will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. However, the results of such matters cannot be predicted with certainty, and we cannot assure you that the ultimate resolution of any legal or administrative proceeding or dispute will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

Certain Legal Matters

 

TheOn March 31, 2022, the Company reached a settlement for $1.7 million with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance (the “Tax Department”"Tax Department") performedfollowing a sales and use tax audit covering the period from December 1, 2010 to November 30, 2019. The Tax Department had asserted that revenue derived from certain of the Company’s customer acquisition and list management services arewere subject to sales tax, as a result of being deemed taxable information services. The Company reached a settlement with the Tax Department for $1.7 million whichamount was paid on April 1, 2022. Starting onSince March 1, 2022, the Company has been collecting and remitting New York sales tax on certain types of list management and hosted revenues from New York based clients.

 

On January 28, 2020, Fluent received a Civil Investigative Demand from the FTCFederal Trade Commission ("FTC") regarding compliance with the FTC Act and the Telemarketing Sales Rule (“TSR”).Rule. On October 18, 2022, the FTC staff sent the Company a draft complaint and proposed consent order seeking injunctive relief and a civil monetary penalty. The Company has been negotiating resolution of the terms of the consent order with the FTC staff. On January 12, 2023, the Company made an initial proposal of $5.0 million for the civil monetary penalty contingent on successful negotiation of the remaining outstanding injunctions and other provisions. On January 30, 2023, FTC staff forwarded a complaint recommendation to the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection for consideration. On March 3, 2023, the Company met with the Bureau of Consumer Protection, and as a result of that meeting, the Company is continued negotiation with the FTC staff. On April 12, 2023, the FTC staff recommended that the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection forward a complaint recommendation to the Commission. The Company is scheduledaccrued the same amount for the year ending December 31, 2022. On May 26, 2023, Fluent agreed to meet with the Commission on May 16, 2023 in an effort to continue negotiations on the limited outstanding issues.  The Company is seeking an agreement with the FTC on the terms of a consent order, including injunctiveStipulated Order for Permanent Injunction, Monetary Judgment, Civil Penalty Judgment, and Other Relief (the "FTC Consent Order"). The FTC Consent Order imposed a civil monetary penalty provisions, but there can be no assurance this will occur.of $2.5 million, required additional changes to the Company’s employment opportunities marketplace and programmatic advertising business, and resulted in the implementation of compliance measures across the business. The Company accrued $5.0 millionsame day, Fluent transferred the amount of the civil penalty to a third-party escrow account. On July 17, 2023, the FTC filed its Complaint for Civil Penalties, Permanent Injunction, Monetary Relief, and Other Relief and, together with Fluent, filed a Joint Motion for Entry of Proposed Stipulated Order in connection with this matterthe United States District Court for the year-ended December 31, 2022, which it continues to maintain, however, a final civil monetary penalty could be higher or lower.Southern District of Florida. The Company will continue to devote substantial resourcesFTC Consent Order was entered by the Court on August 11, 2023, and incur outside legal expenses to reach a settlement.the escrow funds were released on August 15, 2023.

 

On October 6, 2020, the Company received notice from the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General (“PAAG”("PAAG") that it was reviewing the Company’s business practices relating to telemarketing. After the Company and the PAAG were unable to reach agreement on a proposed Assurance of Voluntary Compliance, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania filed a complaint for permanent injunction, civil penalties, and other relief in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania on November 2, 2022. WhileOn May 19, 2023, the parties entered into a settlement, wherein the Company believes that its historical practices were in full compliance with the PA Consumer Protection Lawagreed to injunctive relief and the TSR, the Company has updated its telemarketing practices. On May 8, 2023, the Parties notified the Court that they had reached a settlement in principle and are coordinating on finalizing documentation for submission to the Court.  As part of the settlement in principle, the Company has agreed to pay the PAAG $0.25 million for investigatory costs, all of which $0.20 million had been accrued forwas paid as of March 31,June 30, 2023.

 

The Company has been involved in a TCPATelephone Consumer Protection Act class action, Daniel Berman v. Freedom Financial Network, which was originally filed in 2018. Plaintiff's second Motion for Class Certification (the first such motion was denied) is pending and oral argument was scheduled for February 7, 2023. TheOn May 31, 2023, the parties entered into aan Amended Class Action Settlement Agreement (the "Berman Settlement Agreement"), which provides forincludes injunctive provisions and payment to plaintiffs of $9.75 million for legal fees and injunctive provisions. Thea consumer redress fund. On July 28, 2023, the Court preliminarily approved the Berman Settlement Agreement, and the Company will contributecontributed $3.1 million, towards the settlement, payable following the final approval of the Final Approval Order and Judgement anticipated to occursettlement. The final approval of the settlement is expected in approximately a year and which wasmid-2024. The Company's contribution amounts were accrued as of December 31, 2022. This amount is payable $1.1 million in cash and $2.0 million pursuant to an interest-bearing note with a two-year term provided by a co-defendant, Freedom Financial.Financial Network.

 

3135

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

 

Our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows may be impacted by a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control, including those set forth in our 2022 Form 10-K, the occurrence of any one of which could have a material adverse effect on our actual results.

 

ThereExcept as set forth below, there have been no material changes to the Risk Factorsrisk factors previously disclosed in our 2022 Form 10-K. The risk factors below update all risk factors in our 2022 Form 10-K related to the matters discussed in the risk factors below.

 

The FTC and the PAAG have concluded their investigations involving the Company. The terms of resolution of these actions, or similar actions by other regulators, will affect our business and results of operations.

As a result of the FTC Consent Order and the PAAG settlement, we have made additional changes to our employment opportunities marketplace and programmatic advertising businesses and have implemented industry-leading compliance measures across the entire business which will have at least a short-term negative impact on our revenues and media margin. While in the medium term, we expect that the increased industry-wide scrutiny and compliance demands of partners will eliminate the competitive advantage that less compliance-focused platforms currently enjoy as a result of the changes we have implemented, and that our industry-leading compliance protocols will be a competitive advantage enabling us to recapture market share from our competitors, we cannot assure you that the adverse impact on our revenues and media margin will not continue longer than expected.

Despite resolving the FTC and PAAG matters, we could be subject to additional regulatory actions from other state attorneys general. Moreover, the TCPA plaintiffs’ bar and individual claimants may file claims and lawsuits against us. Such actions could have a substantial adverse impact on our reputation and ability to continue to buy media cost effectively and the willingness of our advertiser clients to continue to do business with us, which could in turn materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial position. Such claims may also require significant expenditures for legal fees.

Increasing regulatory scrutiny of the digital marketing industry could adversely impact our business and results of operations.

Increasing awareness and concern among the general public, privacy advocates, mainstream media and governmental bodies has led to increasing regulatory scrutiny of the digital marketing industry. Fluent, LLC recently agreed to the FTC Consent Order and PAAG settlement and implemented industry-leading compliance measures across the entire business, and particularly in the employment opportunities and programmatic advertising businesses. These changes will have a negative impact on our revenues and media margin in the short term and potentially longer. We may become subject to additional regulatory actions and/or requirements, which could in turn materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial position. See risk factor entitled "The FTC and the PAAG have concluded their investigations involving the Company . . ." above. In addition, additional regulatory actions may require significant expenditures for legal fees.

There can be no assurance that our common stock will continue to be listed on The Nasdaq Global Market ("Nasdaq"), which could limit investors ability to make transactions in our common stock and the price of our common stock and our ability to access the capital markets could be negatively impacted.

Our common stock is traded on Nasdaq under the symbol "FLNT." To maintain our listing we are required to satisfy continued listing requirements, including the requirement commonly referred to as the minimum bid price rule. The minimum bid price rule requires that the closing bid price of our common stock be at least $1.00 per share. On May 1, 2023, we received a letter from the Staff of the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC indicating that based upon the Company's closing bid price during the previous 31 consecutive business days, we no longer met the minimum bid price rule. The notice had no immediate effect on the listing of our common stock on Nasdaq, and we have until October 30, 2023 to regain compliance. If at any time during such 180-calendar day period the closing bid price of our common stock is at least $1.00 for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days, Nasdaq will provide us written confirmation of compliance and the matter will be closed.  If we do not regain compliance by October 30, 2023, and we request to transfer the listing of our common stock from The Nasdaq Global Market to The Nasdaq Capital Market, we may be eligible for an additional 180-calendar day compliance period, subject to satisfying the conditions in the applicable Nasdaq Listing Rules. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to regain compliance with the minimum bid price rule or continue to satisfy other continued listing standards and maintain the listing of our common stock on Nasdaq. The suspension or delisting of our common stock, or the commencement of delisting proceedings, could, among other things, materially impair our stockholders’ ability to buy and sell shares of our common stock and could have an adverse effect on the market price of, and the efficiency of the trading market for, our common stock. Although we may effect a reverse stock split of our issued and outstanding common stock in the future, there can be no assurance that such reverse stock split will enable us to regain compliance with the Nasdaq minimum bid price requirement.

36

Covenants in our Credit Agreement impose restrictions that may limit our operating and financial flexibility.

The Credit Agreement contains negative covenants that, among other things, limit our ability to: incur indebtedness; grant liens on its assets; enter into certain investments; consummate fundamental change transactions; engage in mergers or acquisitions or dispose of assets; enter into certain transactions with affiliates; make changes to its fiscal year; enter into certain restrictive agreements; and make certain restricted payments (including for dividends and stock repurchases, which are generally prohibited except in a few circumstances and/or up to specified amounts). The Credit Agreement contains certain affirmative covenants and customary events of default provisions, including, subject to thresholds and grace periods, among others, payment default, covenant default, cross default to other material indebtedness, and judgment default. Each of these limitations are subject to various conditions.

In addition, the Credit Agreement contains financial covenants that require us to maintain minimum total leverage ratios and fixed charge coverage ratios. The applicable interest rate on the facility may increase if our total leverage ratio increases to specified amounts that would result in our interest expenses going up.  Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement, we are required to make annual mandatory prepayments of 10% of the original principal amount of the facility and make other prepayments in certain circumstances prior to March 31, 2026, the Maturity Date of the facility.

These covenants could materially adversely affect our ability to finance our future operations or capital needs. Furthermore, they may restrict our ability to expand and pursue our business strategies and otherwise conduct our business. Our ability to comply with these covenants may be affected by circumstances and events beyond our control, such as prevailing economic conditions and changes in regulations, and we cannot provide any assurance that we will be able to comply with such covenants. The restrictions also limit our ability to obtain future financings or to withstand a future downturn in our business or the economy in general. In addition, complying with these covenants may also cause us to take actions that may make it more difficult for us to successfully execute our business strategy and compete against companies that are not subject to such restrictions.

A breach of any covenant in the Credit Agreement would result in a default under the Credit Agreement after the expiration of any applicable grace periods a default, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of the debt outstanding under the Credit Agreement. In the second and third quarters of 2023, we entered into amendments to the Credit Agreement to prevent breaches of certain covenants.  There is no assurance we will be able to obtain an amendment or waiver to the Credit Agreement to prevent future defaults.  Any amendment or waiver will likely require concessions from the Company, such as prepayments, the imposition of other covenants or restrictions, limitations on future borrowing, or the payment of lender expenses. If the debt is accelerated, we may not be able to make all of the required payments or borrow sufficient funds to refinance such debt. Even if new financing were available at such time, it may not be on terms that are acceptable to us or as favorable to us as our current agreements. If our debt is in default for any reason, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Our management hasidentified a material weakness in our internal controls over financial reporting, and we may be unable to develop, implement and maintain appropriate controls in future periods, which may lead to errors or omissions in our financial statements.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act and related rules and regulations require that management report annually on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and assess the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures on a quarterly basis. Maintaining and adapting our internal controls is expensive and requires significant management attention. Moreover, as we continue to grow, our internal controls may become more complex and require additional resources to ensure they remain effective amid dynamic regulatory and other guidance. 

A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim consolidated financial statements would not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. As of June 30, 2023, our management concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective and that we had, as of such date, a material weakness relating to our ability to timely account for non-routine, non-recurring, unusual or complex financial transactions. As a result, we performed additional analysis as deemed necessary to ensure that our financial statements were prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. 

With the oversight of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, we are developing a remediation plan that will enhance our processes for timely identifying and determining the proper accounting for non-routine, non-recurring, unusual or complex transactions . We cannot currently provide an estimate of how long such plan will take to remediate the material weakness or assure you that the remediation plan will remediate the material weakness.

Although we review and evaluate internal control systems to allow management to report on the sufficiency of our internal controls, there can be no assurance that we will not discover additional weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting in the future. Any such additional weakness or failure to remediate the existing weakness could materially adversely affect our financial condition or ability to comply with applicable financial reporting requirements, which could result in violations of applicable securities laws and NASDAQ listing requirements, subject us to litigation and investigations, negatively affect investor confidence in our financial statements, and adversely impact our stock price and ability to access capital markets.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

 

Issuer Purchase of Equity SecuritiesNone.

The table below sets forth the information with respect to purchases made by or on behalf of the Company of its common stock during the first quarter of 2023.

Period

Total Number of Shares Purchased(1)

Average Price Paid per Share

Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs

Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs

January 1-31, 2023

February 1-28, 2023

March 1-31, 2023

311,417

0.76

Total

311,417

0.76

(1)
During March 2023, 311,417 shares were purchased to satisfy federal and state withholding obligations of our employees upon the settlement of restricted stock units, all in accordance with the applicable equity incentive plan.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

 

None.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

 

Not Applicable.

 

Item 5. Other Information.

 

Because this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is being filed within four business days after the applicable triggering events, the information below is being disclosed under this Item 5 instead of under Item 1.01 (Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement), Item 2.03 (Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of Registrant) [andand Item 3.03 (Material Modification to rightsRights of Security Holders)] of Form 8-K.

 

On May 15,August 21, 2023, the CompanyFluent, LLC entered into the thirda fourth amendment to the credit agreement (as amended, modified, extended, restated, replaced, or supplemented from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”)Credit Agreement with certain subsidiaries of Fluent, LLC as guarantors, and Citizens Bank, N.A. (“Citizens Bank”) as administrative agent, lead arranger and bookrunner, which amended(i) adjusted certain provisions to temporarily: (i) add an additional tier of applicable margin to the selected rates; (ii) establish the applicable pricing floorfinancial covenants for the remaining fiscal quarters in 2023;of 2023, (ii) temporarily adjusted interest rates, (iii) modifypermitted Citizens Bank to retain a business consultant at Fluent, LLC’s expense to advise on the credit parties’ financial and adjust certain EBITDA add-backs for certain fiscal quarters in 2023;operating performance; (iv) add monthly financial reporting forrequired weekly liquidity reports to Citizens Bank, (iv) required a $5 million prepayment of the remaining fiscal quarters in 2023;Term Loan, and (v) provide additional financial covenant testing conditions on Fluent’s ability to draw onadjusted the Revolving Loans forby the remaining fiscal quarters in 2023; (vi) provide additional notice of certain material events; (vii) add tierssame amount to certain financial covenants and add a minimum cash liquidity financial covenant for the remaining fiscal quarters in 2023; (viii) provide additional restrictions on the ability to make loans and advances to officers, directors and employees for the remaining fiscal quarters in 2023; (ix) provide additional restrictions on the ability to invest in certain subsidiaries and joint ventures for the remaining fiscal quarters in 2023; (x) provide additional restrictions on the ability to make additional loans, investments or permitted acquisitions for the remaining fiscal quarters in 2023; and (xi) add unrestricted cash requirements in order for the Company to be permitted to pay dividends, make distributions or redeem or repurchase equity interests, for the remaining fiscal quarters in 2023, in each case pursuant to the terms and conditions under the Credit Agreement.$10 million.

 

3237

 

Item 6. Exhibits.

 

The following exhibits are filed as part of, or incorporated by reference into, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Incorporated by Reference

 

Filed

Exhibit No.

 

Exhibit Description

 

Form

 

File No.

 

Exhibit

 

Filing Date

 

Herewith

3.1 Certificate of Domestication 8-K 001-37893 3.1 3/26/2015  
             
3.2 Certificate of Incorporation 8-K 001-37893 3.2 3/26/2015  
             
3.3 Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation 8-K 001-37893 3.1 9/26/2016  
             
3.4 Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation 8-K 001-37893 3.1 4/16/2018  
             
3.5 Amended and Restated Bylaws 8-K 001-37893 3.2 2/19/2019  
             
4.1 Form of Common Stock Certificate 8-K 001-37893 4.1 4/16/2018  
  

 

          
4.2 Form of Additional Warrants (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 17, 2017). 8-K 001-37893 4.5 10/17/2017  
             
4.3 Description of Securities.* 10-K 001-37893 4.3 3/15/2023  
             
10.1 Consulting Agreement, by and between Fluent, Inc. and Ryan Perfit, dated January 20, 2023 and effective February 1, 2023.         X
             

31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer filed pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

31.2

 

Certification of Interim Chief Financial Officer filed pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

32.1*

 

Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

32.2*

 

Certification by Interim Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

101.INS

 

Inline XBRL Instance Document (the Instance Document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

101.SCH

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

101.CAL

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

101.DEF

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

101.LAB

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

101.PRE

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)          

*

 

This certification is deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.

 

 

 

 

Incorporated by Reference

 

Filed

Exhibit No.

 

Exhibit Description

 

Form

 

File No.

 

Exhibit

 

Filing Date

 

Herewith

3.1 Certificate of Domestication 8-K 001-37893 3.1 3/26/2015  
             
3.2 Certificate of Incorporation 8-K 001-37893 3.2 3/26/2015  
             
3.3 Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation 8-K 001-37893 3.1 9/26/2016  
             
3.4 Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation 8-K 001-37893 3.1 4/16/2018  
             
3.5 Amended and Restated Bylaws 8-K 001-37893 3.2 2/19/2019  
             
10.1 Third Amendment to Credit Agreement         X
             
10.2+ Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Grant Notice (2022 Long Term Incentive Plan)         X
             
10.3+ 

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Grant Notice (2022 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan)

         X
             
10.4+ 

Form of 2022 Performance Share Unit Agreement

         X
             
10.5+ Form of Stock Option Grant Notice and Option Agreement (2022 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan)         X
             
10.6 Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement         X
             

31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer filed pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

31.2

 

Certification of Interim Chief Financial Officer filed pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

32.1*

 

Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

32.2*

 

Certification by Interim Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

101.INS

 

Inline XBRL Instance Document (the Instance Document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

101.SCH

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

101.CAL

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

101.DEF

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

101.LAB

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

101.PRE

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)          

*

 

This certification is deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.

+ Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement

 

3338

 

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. 

 

 

 

 

 

Fluent, Inc.

     
     
May 15,August 21, 2023

 

By:

 

/s/ Ryan Perfit

 

 

 

 

Ryan Perfit

 

 

 

 

Interim Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
3439