Super League Enterprise, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2022 September (Form 10-Q)

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SUPER LEAGUE GAMING, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

SUPER LEAGUE GAMING, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

SUPER LEAGUE GAMING, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

SUPER LEAGUE GAMING, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

SUPER LEAGUE GAMING, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Super League Gaming, Inc. (Nasdaq: SLGG), (“Super League,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”) builds and operates networks of games, monetization tools and content channels across open-world gaming platforms that empower developers, energize players, and entertain fans. Our solutions provide incomparable access to an audience consisting of players in the largest global metaverse environments, fans of hundreds of thousands of gaming influencers, and viewers of gameplay content across major social media and digital video platforms. Fueled by proprietary and patented technology systems, the Company’s platform includes access to vibrant in-game communities, a leading metaverse advertising platform, a network of highly viewed channels and original shows on Instagram, TikTok, Snap, YouTube, and Twitch, cloud-based livestream production tools, and an award-winning esports invitational tournament series. Super League’s properties deliver powerful opportunities for brands and advertisers to achieve impactful insights and marketing outcomes with gamers of all ages.

Super League was incorporated on October 1, 2014 as Nth Games, Inc. under the laws of the State of Delaware and changed its name to Super League Gaming, Inc. on June 15, 2015. We are an “emerging growth company” as defined by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, as amended.

Acquisition of Mobcrush Streaming, Inc. On June 1, 2021, the Company completed the acquisition of Mobcrush Streaming, Inc. (“Mobcrush”), a live streaming technology platform used by gaming influencers who generate and distribute original content to fans and subscribers across the most popular live streaming and social media platforms, including Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and more. Mobcrush also operates Mineville and Pixel Paradise, two of only seven official Minecraft servers in partnership with Microsoft Corporation (“Microsoft”).

Acquisition of Bannerfy, LTD. On August 24, 2021, the Company completed the acquisition of Bannerfy, Ltd., (“Bannerfy”) pursuant to which the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Bannerfy, as described at Note 4. Bannerfy is an intelligent technology platform that enables digital video and live streaming creators to collaborate with tier one sponsors on their social media channels including YouTube through scalable and custom premium placements.

Acquisition of Bloxbiz Co. (doing business as, and hereinafter referred to as “Superbiz”). On October 4, 2021, the Company acquired (i) substantially all of the assets of Superbiz, and (ii) the personal goodwill of the founders regarding Superbiz’s business, as described at Note 4. Superbiz is a dynamic ad platform designed specifically for metaverse environments. Superbiz’s initial deployment enables brands to advertise across popular Roblox game titles and helps Roblox creators with monetization and game analytics.

In accordance with the acquisition method of accounting, the financial results of Super League presented herein include the financial results of the fiscal year 2021 acquisitions described above for the applicable periods subsequent to the respective transaction closing dates. Refer to Note 4 for additional information.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 8-03 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP in annual financial statements have been omitted or condensed in accordance with quarterly reporting requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). These interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, filed with the SEC on March 31, 2022.

The December 31, 2021 condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP. The condensed consolidated interim financial statements of Super League include all adjustments of a normal recurring nature which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair statement of Super League’s financial position as of September 30, 2022, and results of its operations and its cash flows for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire fiscal year.

Principles of Consolidation

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. 

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications to operating expense line items have been made to prior period amounts for consistency and comparability with the current periods’ condensed consolidated financial statements presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the reported total operating expense for the periods presented.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. The Company believes that, of the significant accounting policies described herein, the accounting policies associated with revenue recognition, impairment of goodwill and intangibles, stock-based compensation expense, capitalized internal-use-software costs, accounting for business combinations, accounting for convertible debt, including estimates and assumptions used to calculate the fair value of debt instruments, and accounting for income taxes and valuation allowances against net deferred tax assets, require its most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments.

Going Concern

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. Including a noncash goodwill impairment charge of $42.0 million,  the Company incurred net losses of $52.6 million and $69.2 million  during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively, and had an accumulated deficit of $194.5 million (including third quarter 2022 noncash goodwill impairment charge of $42.0 million) as of September 30, 2022. For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, net cash used in operating activities totaled $16.0 million.

The Company had cash and cash equivalents of $1.1 million and $14.5 million as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. To date, our principal sources of capital used to fund our operations and growth have been the net proceeds received from equity and debt financings. We have and will continue to use significant capital for the growth and development of our business, and, as such, we expect to seek additional capital either from operations, or that may be available from future issuance(s) of common stock, preferred stock or debt financings, to fund our planned operations. Accordingly, our results of operations and the implementation of our long-term business strategies have been and could continue to be adversely affected by general conditions in the global economy, including conditions that are outside of our control. The most recent global financial crisis caused by severe geopolitical conditions, including conflicts abroad, and the lingering effects of COVID-19 and the threat of other outbreaks, have resulted in extreme volatility, disruptions and downward pressure on stock prices and trading volumes across the capital and credit markets in which we traditionally operate. A severe or prolonged economic downturn could result in a variety of risks to our business and could have a material adverse effect on us, including limiting our ability to obtain additional funding from the capital and credit markets. In management’s judgement, these conditions raise substantial doubt about the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern as contemplated by Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 205-40, “Going Concern” (“ASC 205-40”).

Management’s Plans

The Company experienced significant growth in fiscal year 2021 through organic and inorganic growth activities, including the expansion of our premium advertising inventory and quarter over quarter and year over year increases in recognized revenue across our three primary revenue streams. In 2022, we are focused on the continued expansion of our service offerings and revenue growth opportunities through internal development, collaborations, and through opportunistic strategic acquisitions, as well as management and reduction of costs. Management is currently exploring several alternatives for raising capital to facilitate our growth and execute our business strategy, including strategic partnerships and or other forms of equity or debt financings.

As further described at Note 6, on March 25, 2022, we entered into a common stock purchase agreement with an institutional investor. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company has the right, but not the obligation, to sell to the investor, and the investor is obligated to purchase, up to $10,000,000 of newly issued shares of the Company’s common stock, from time to time during the term of the agreement, subject to certain limitations and conditions.

In addition, on May 16, 2022, as further described at Note 5, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with three institutional investors, providing for the sale and issuance of a new series of senior convertible notes in the aggregate original principal amount of $4,320,000, of which 8% is an original issue discount.

As further described at Note 6, in September 2021, the Company entered into an equity distribution agreement with two investment banks as agents, pursuant to which the Company may offer and sell, from time to time, through the agents, up to $75 million of its shares of common stock. Any shares of common stock offered and sold will be issued pursuant to the Company’s registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the SEC on September 3, 2021 and the related prospectus.

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

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

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized when the Company transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. In this regard, revenue is recognized when: (i) the parties to the contract have approved the contract (in writing, orally, or in accordance with other customary business practices) and are committed to perform their respective obligations; (ii) the entity can identify each party’s rights regarding the goods or services to be transferred; (iii) the entity can identify the payment terms for the goods or services to be transferred; (iv) the contract has commercial substance (that is, the risk, timing, or amount of the entity’s future cash flows is expected to change as a result of the contract); and (v) it is probable that the entity will collect substantially all of the consideration to which it will be entitled in exchange for the goods or services that will be transferred to the customer.

Transaction prices are based on the amount of consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for transferring promised goods or services to a customer, excluding amounts collected on behalf of third parties, if any. We consider the explicit terms of the revenue contract, which are typically written and executed by the parties, our customary business practices, the nature, timing, and the amount of consideration promised by a customer in connection with determining the transaction price for our revenue arrangements. Refunds and sales returns historically have not been material.

The Company generates revenue from (i) advertising, serving as a marketing channel for brands and advertisers to reach their target audiences of gamers across our network, (ii) content, curating and distributing esports and gaming-centric entertainment content for our own network of digital channels and media and entertainment partner channels and (iii) direct to consumer offers including digital subscriptions, in-game digital goods, and gameplay access fees.

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

Revenue billed or collected in advance is recorded as deferred revenue until the event occurs or until applicable performance obligations are satisfied.

Advertising and Sponsorships

Advertising revenue primarily consists of direct sales activity along with sales of programmatic display and video advertising units to third-party advertisers and exchanges. Advertising arrangements typically include contract terms for time periods ranging from several days to several weeks in length.

For advertising arrangements that include performance obligations satisfied over time, customers typically simultaneously receive and consume the benefits under the arrangement as we satisfy our performance obligations, over the applicable contract term. As such, revenue is recognized over the contract term based upon estimates of progress toward complete satisfaction of the contract performance obligations (typically utilizing a time, effort or delivery-based method of estimation). Revenue from shorter-term advertising arrangements that provide for a contractual delivery or performance date is recognized when performance is substantially complete and or delivery occurs. Payments are typically due from customers during the term of the arrangement for longer-term campaigns, and once delivery is complete for shorter-term campaigns.

Sponsorship revenue arrangements may include: exclusive or non-exclusive title sponsorships, marketing benefits, official product status exclusivity, product visibly and additional infrastructure placement, social media rights, rights to on-screen activations and promotions, display material rights, media rights, hospitality and tickets and merchandising rights. Sponsorship revenue also includes revenue pursuant to arrangements with brand and media partners, retail venues, game publishers and broadcasters that allow our partners to run amateur esports experiences, and or capture specifically curated gameplay content that is customized for our partners’ distribution channels. Sponsorship arrangements typically include contract terms for time periods ranging from several weeks or months to terms of twelve months in length.

For sponsorship arrangements that include performance obligations satisfied over time, customers typically simultaneously receive and consume the benefits under the agreement as we satisfy our performance obligations, over the applicable contract term. As such, revenue is recognized over the contract term based upon estimates of progress toward complete satisfaction of the contract performance obligations (typically utilizing a time, effort or delivery-based method of estimation). Payments are typically due from customers during the term of the arrangement.

Revenue from sponsorship arrangements for one-off branded experiences and/or the development of content tailored specifically for our partners’ distribution channels that provide for a contractual delivery or performance date, is recognized at a point in time, when performance is substantially complete and or delivery occurs.

Content Sales

Content sales revenue is generated in connection with our curation and distribution of esports and entertainment content for our own network of digital channels and media and entertainment partner channels. We distribute three primary types of content for syndication and licensing, including: (1) our own original programming content, (2) user generated content (“UGC”), including online gameplay and gameplay highlights, and (3) the creation of content for third parties utilizing our remote production and broadcast technology.

For content arrangements that include performance obligations satisfied over time, customers typically simultaneously receive and consume the benefits under the arrangement as we satisfy our performance obligations, over the applicable contract term. As such, revenue is recognized over the contract term based upon estimates of progress toward complete satisfaction of the contract performance obligations (typically utilizing a time, effort or delivery-based method of estimation). Revenue from shorter-term content sales arrangements that provide for a contractual delivery or performance date is recognized when performance is substantially complete and/or delivery occurs. Payments are typically due from customers during the term of the arrangement for longer-term campaigns, and once delivery is complete for shorter-term campaigns.

Direct to Consumer

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

InPvP Platform Generated Sales Transactions. Our Mobcrush subsidiary generates in-game Platform sales revenue via digital goods sold within the platform, including cosmetic items, durable goods, player ranks and game modes, leveraging the flexibility of the Microsoft Minecraft Bedrock platform, and powered by the InPvP cloud architecture technology platform. Revenue is generated when transactions are facilitated between Microsoft and the end user, either via in-game currency or cash.

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

Revenue was comprised of the following for the periods presented:

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, 34% and 33% of revenue was recognized at a single point in time, and 66% and 67% of revenue was recognized over time, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, 23% and 29% of revenue was recognized at a single point in time, and 77% and 71% of revenue was recognized over time, respectively.

Cost of Revenue

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

Advertising

Gaming experience and Super League brand related advertising costs include the cost of ad production, social media, print media, marketing, promotions, and merchandising. The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs are included in selling, marketing and advertising expense in the accompanying statements of operations. Advertising expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 was $126,000 and $409,000, respectively. Advertising expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 was $131,000 and $379,000, respectively.

Engineering, Technology and Development Costs

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

Fair Value Measurements

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

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

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

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

Certain assets and liabilities are required to be recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, including derivative financial instruments and convertible notes payable recorded at fair value (Note 5). As described below and at Note 5, the convertible notes outstanding at September 30, 2022 are recorded at fair value, using Level 3 inputs. Certain long-lived assets may be periodically required to be measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, including long-lived assets that are impaired. The fair value for other assets and liabilities such as cash, restricted cash, accounts receivable, receivables reserved for users, other receivables, prepaid expense and other current assets, accounts payable and accrued expense, and liabilities to customers have been determined to approximate carrying amounts due to the short maturities of these instruments.

Derivative Financial Instruments

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

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

Acquisitions

Acquisition Method.  Acquisitions that meet the definition of a business under ASC 805, “Business Combinations,” (“ASC 805”) are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. Under the acquisition method of accounting, assets acquired, liabilities assumed, contractual contingencies, and contingent consideration, when applicable, are recorded at fair value at the acquisition date. Any excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. The application of the acquisition method of accounting requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions in the determination of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with the allocation of the purchase price consideration to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Transaction costs associated with business combinations are expensed as incurred and are included in general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Contingent consideration, if any, is recognized and measured at fair value as of the acquisition date.

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

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

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

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets primarily consist of (i) internal-use software development costs, (ii) domain name, copyright and patent registration costs, (iii) commercial licenses and branding rights, (iv) developed technology acquired, (v) partner, customer, creator and influencer related intangible assets acquired and (vi) other intangible assets, which are recorded at cost (or in accordance with the acquisition method or cost accumulation methods described above) and amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, ranging from three to 10 years.

Software development costs incurred to develop internal-use software during the application development stage are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the software’s estimated useful life, which is generally three years. Software development costs incurred during the preliminary stages of development are charged to expense as incurred. Maintenance and training costs are charged to expense as incurred. Upgrades or enhancements to existing internal-use software that result in additional functionality are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the applicable estimated useful life.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company assesses the recoverability of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors we consider important, which could trigger an impairment review, include the following: significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results; significant changes in the manner of our use of the acquired assets or the strategy for our overall business; significant negative industry or economic trends; significant adverse changes in legal factors or in the business climate, including adverse regulatory actions or assessments; and significant decline in our stock price for a sustained period. In the event the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss equal to the excess of the asset’s carrying value over its fair value is recorded.

Other assets of a reporting unit that are held and used may be required to be tested for impairment when certain events trigger interim goodwill impairment tests. In such situations, other assets, or asset groups, are tested for impairment under their respective standards and the other assets’ or asset groups’ carrying amounts are adjusted for impairment before testing goodwill for impairment as described below. For the periods presented herein, management believes that there was no impairment of long-lived assets. There can be no assurance, however, that market conditions or demand for the Company’s products or services will not change, which could result in long-lived asset impairment charges in the future.

Goodwill

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

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

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

September 30, 2022 Goodwill Impairment Testing

At September 30, 2022, prior to the completion of our goodwill impairment testing, the goodwill balance totaled $50.3 million.

At September 30, 2022, from a qualitative standpoint, we considered the Company’s history of reported losses and negative cash flows from operating activities, and also considered the sustained downturn in industry and macroeconomic conditions, including inflationary pressures and potential reductions in advertising spending and the sustained downturn of the broader mid-cap and micro-cap equity markets in the third quarter of 2022. We also considered that the Company experienced significant inorganic and organic growth in fiscal 2021, including the impact of the acquisitions of Mobcrush, Bannerfy and Superbiz on our premium advertising inventory, product offerings to advertisers, current period revenue recognized and future revenue generating opportunities. Given the Company’s recent significant growth management does not believe that the current market capitalization of the Company is indicative of any fundamental change in the Company’s underlying business or future prospects as of the measurement date.

However, the Company's stock price has been volatile, and the volatility continued during the three months ended September 30, 2022, declining 34% to $0.68 as of September 30, 2022, reflecting a market capitalization that was approximately 38% of the Company’s September 30, 2022 net book value. To assess whether the decline in our market capitalization was an indicator requiring an interim goodwill impairment test, we considered the significance of the decline and the length of time our common stock has been trading at a depressed value along with the macro factors described above. The significance of the decline is consistent with the broader microcap market. As of September 30, 2022 the decline in our stock price and other factors were deemed to be sustained, and therefore a triggering event requiring a goodwill impairment test as of September 30, 2022 was deemed to have occurred.

We utilized the market capitalization of the Company as of September 30, 2022, a Level 1 input as described above, to estimate the fair value of the Company’s single reporting unit. The estimated market capitalization was determined by multiplying our September 30, 2022 stock price and the common shares outstanding as of September 30, 2022. The market capitalization approach was utilized to estimate the fair value of our single reporting unit as of September 30, 2022, due to significance of the decline in stock price as of September 30, 2022, resulting in a market capitalization that was 38% of the net book value of our single reporting unit. Based on the analysis, the estimated fair value of our reporting unit was $25.2 million, compared to a carrying value of our single reporting unit of $67.3 million as of September 30, 2022. As such, the fair value of our single reporting unit was deemed to be below its carrying value as of September 30, 2022, resulting in a goodwill impairment charge of $42.0 million, which is reflected in the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022.

Stock-Based Compensation

Compensation expense for stock-based awards is measured at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense, typically on a straight-line basis over the employee’s requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the equity award) which is generally two to four years. Compensation expense for awards with performance conditions that affect vesting is recorded only for those awards expected to vest or when the performance criteria are met. The fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards is determined by the product of the number of shares or units granted and the grant date market price of the underlying common stock. The fair value of stock option and common stock purchase warrant awards is estimated on the date of grant utilizing the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model. The Company utilizes the simplified method for estimating the expected term for options granted to employees due to the lack of available or sufficient historical exercise data for the Company for the applicable options terms. The Company accounts for forfeitures of awards as they occur. Estimates of expected volatility of the underlying common stock for the expected term of the stock option used in the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model are determined by reference to historical volatilities of the Company’s common stock and historical volatilities of similar companies.

Grants of equity-based awards (including warrants) to non-employees in exchange for consulting or other services are accounted for using the grant date fair value of the equity instruments issued.

On January 1, 2022, the Company issued 1,350,000 performance stock units (“PSUs”) under the Company’s 2014 Amended and Restated Stock Option and Incentive Plan, which vest in five equal increments of 270,000 PSUs, based on satisfaction of the following vesting conditions during the three-year period commencing on January 1, 2022:

A condition affecting the exercisability or other pertinent factors used in determining the fair value of an award that is based on an entity achieving a specified share price constitutes a market condition pursuant to ASC 718, “Stock based Compensation,” (“ASC 718”). A market condition is reflected in the grant-date fair value of an award, and therefore, a Monte Carlo simulation model is utilized to determine the estimated fair value of the equity-based award. Compensation cost is recognized for awards with a market condition, provided the requisite service period is satisfied, regardless of whether the market condition is ever satisfied. Noncash stock compensation expense related to the PSUs totaled $570,000 and $1,691,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022.

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

Financing Costs

Specific incremental costs directly attributable to a proposed or actual offering of securities are deferred and charged against the gross proceeds of the equity financing. In the event that the proposed or actual equity financing is not completed, or is deemed not likely to be completed, such costs are expensed in the period that such determination is made. Deferred equity financing costs, if any, are included in other current assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. Deferred financing costs totaled $421,000 as of September 30, 2022.

Specific incremental costs directly attributable to a proposed or actual debt offering are reported in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the face amount of the debt instrument. In the event that the proposed or actual debt financing is not completed, or is deemed not likely to be completed, such costs are expensed in the period that such determination is made. In the event that the Company elects to use the fair value option to account for debt instruments, all costs directly attributable to the debt offering are expensed as incurred in the statement of operations. Debt financing costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 totaled $123,000.

Convertible Debt

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

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

Fair Value Option (“FVO”) Election. The Company accounts for certain convertible notes issued, as described at Note 5 under the fair value option election pursuant to ASC 825, “Financial Instruments” (“ASC 825”) as discussed below. The convertible notes accounted for under the FVO election are each debt host financial instruments containing embedded features which would otherwise be required to be bifurcated from the debt-host and recognized as separate derivative liabilities subject to initial and subsequent periodic estimated fair value measurements under ASC 815. Notwithstanding, ASC 825 provides for the “fair value option” election, to the extent not otherwise prohibited by ASC 825, to be afforded to financial instruments, wherein bifurcation of an embedded derivative is not necessary, and the financial instrument is initially measured at its issue-date estimated fair value and then subsequently remeasured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis at each reporting period date. The estimated fair value adjustment, as required by ASC 825, is recognized as a component of other comprehensive income (“OCI”) with respect to the portion of the fair value adjustment attributed to a change in the instrument-specific credit risk, with the remaining amount of the fair value adjustment recognized as other income (expense) in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations. With respect to the note described at Note 5, as provided for by ASC 825, the estimated fair value adjustment is presented in a respective single line item within other income (expense) in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, since the change in fair value of the convertible notes payable was not attributable to instrument specific credit risk. The estimated fair value adjustment is included in interest expense in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations.

Reportable Segments

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

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

Concentration of Credit Risks

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk are cash equivalents, investments and accounts receivable. The Company places its cash equivalents and investments primarily in highly rated money market funds. Cash equivalents are also invested in deposits with certain financial institutions and may, at times, exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any significant losses on its deposits of cash and cash equivalents. 

Risks and Uncertainties

Concentrations. The Company had certain customers whose revenue individually represented 10% or more of the Company’s total revenue, or whose accounts receivable balances individually represented 10% or more of the Company’s total accounts receivable, and vendors whose accounts payable balances individually represented 10% or more of the Company’s total accounts payable, as follows:

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing the income or loss by the weighted-average number of outstanding shares of common stock for the applicable period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing the income or loss by the weighted-average number of outstanding shares of common stock for the applicable period, including the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents. Potentially dilutive common stock equivalents primarily consist of common stock potentially issuable in connection with the conversion of outstanding convertible notes payable, employee stock options, warrants issued to employees and non-employees in exchange for services and warrants issued in connection with financings. Common stock underlying all outstanding stock options, restricted stock units and warrants, totaling 6,787,000 and 5,041,000 at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, have been excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share because the effect of inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. Common stock potentially issuable in connection with the conversion of outstanding convertible notes payable, totaling 1,048,000 at September 30, 2022 have been excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share because the effect of inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

Recent Accounting Guidance

Recent Accounting Pronouncements – Not Yet Adopted. In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers, which requires entities to recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination in accordance with ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, in order to align the recognition of a contract liability with the definition of a performance obligation. This standard will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2023, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this standard will have on its financial statements and related disclosures.

Intangible and other assets consisted of the following for the periods presented:

Amortization expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 totaled $1,712,000 and $4,313,000, respectively. Amortization expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 totaled $1,110,000 and $1,857,000, respectively. Amortization expense included in cost of revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 totaled $29,000 and $60,000, respectively. Amortization expense included in cost of revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 totaled $33,000 and $49,000, respectively.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company purchased Anime Battlegrounds X, a highly rated game on Roblox, from a third-party game developer. The total purchase price of $500,000 was capitalized and is being amortized to cost of revenue over the estimated useful life of 5 years.

During the three months ended September 30, 2022, the Company rebranded certain products acquired in connection with the acquisition of Mobcrush. As a result, the Company recorded a write down of trademark related intangible assets acquired in connection with the acquisition of Mobcrush totaling $423,000, which is included as a component of amortization expense in general and administrative expense in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022.

The Company expects to record amortization of intangible assets for the year ending December 31, 2022 and future fiscal years as follows:

Acquisition of Mobcrush

On March 9, 2021, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, as amended on April 20, 2021 (the “Mobcrush Merger Agreement”), by and among Mobcrush, the Company, and SLG Merger Sub II, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“Merger Co”), which provided for the acquisition of Mobcrush by Super League pursuant to the merger of Merger Co with and into Mobcrush, with Mobcrush as the surviving corporation (the “Mobcrush Acquisition”).

On June 1, 2021 (“Mobcrush Closing Date”), the Company completed the Mobcrush Acquisition pursuant to which the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Mobcrush. In accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions of the Mobcrush Merger Agreement each outstanding share of Mobcrush common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Mobcrush Common Stock”), and Mobcrush preferred stock, par value $0.001, was canceled and converted into the right to receive (i) 0.528 shares of the Company’s common stock, as determined in the Mobcrush Merger Agreement, and (ii) any cash in lieu of fractional shares of common stock otherwise issuable under the Mobcrush Merger Agreement (the “Mobcrush Merger Consideration”). At closing, the Company issued to the former stockholders of Mobcrush an aggregate total of 12,067,571 shares of the Company’s common stock and reserved an aggregate total of 514,633 shares of common stock for future stock option grants, under the Super League 2014 Stock Option and Incentive Plan, to the former Mobcrush employees retained by the Company in connection with the Mobcrush Acquisition, resulting in a total of 12,582,204 shares of  common stock issued and reserved as consideration for the Mobcrush Acquisition. Upon completion of the Mobcrush Acquisition, Mobcrush became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.

The Mobcrush Acquisition was approved by the board of directors of each of the Company and Mobcrush, and was approved by the stockholders of Mobcrush. For purposes of complying with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635, Super League’s stockholders approved the issuance of an aggregate of 12,582,204 shares of common stock to be issued in connection with the Mobcrush Acquisition.

Transaction costs incurred by the Company relating to the Mobcrush Acquisition totaled $636,000 and were expensed as incurred in accordance with the acquisition method of accounting.

In accordance with the acquisition method of accounting, the financial results of Super League presented herein include the financial results of Mobcrush subsequent to the Mobcrush Closing Date. Disclosure of revenue and net loss for Mobcrush on a stand-alone basis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 is not practical due to the integration of Mobcrush operations, including sales, products, advertising inventory, resource allocation and related operating expense, with those of the consolidated Company upon acquisition, consistent with Super League operating in one reporting segment.

The Company determined that the Mobcrush Acquisition constitutes a business acquisition as defined by ASC 805. Accordingly, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction were recorded at their estimated acquisition date fair values, while transaction costs associated with the acquisition were expensed as incurred pursuant to the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805. Super League’s purchase price allocation was based on an evaluation of the appropriate fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and represents management’s best estimate based on available data. Fair values are determined based on the requirements of ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” (“ASC 820”).

The following table summarizes the determination of the fair value of the purchase price consideration paid in connection with the Mobcrush Acquisition:

The fair value of the Company common stock used in determining the estimated fair value of the Mobcrush Merger Consideration was $4.96 per share based on the closing price of Company common stock on June 1, 2021, as quoted on the Nasdaq Capital Market.

The purchase price allocation was based upon an estimate of the fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed by the Company in connection with the Mobcrush Acquisition, as follows:

The following table presents details of the fair values of the acquired intangible assets of Mobcrush:

Aggregated amortization expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 related to intangible assets acquired in connection with the Mobcrush Acquisition (including the write down of trademark related intangible assets described above), totaled $1,221,000 and $2,853,000, respectively. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of the acquired business over the acquisition date fair value of the net assets acquired. Goodwill recorded in connection with the Mobcrush Acquisition is primarily attributable to expected synergies from combining the operations of Super League and Mobcrush, and also includes residual value attributable to the assembled and trained workforce acquired in the Mobcrush Acquisition.

Pursuant to the terms of the Mobcrush Merger Agreement, immediately prior to the effective time of the Mobcrush Acquisition, each vested option to acquire shares of Mobcrush common stock held by former Mobcrush employees was exercised so that, at the effective time of the Mobcrush Acquisition, shares of Mobcrush common stock issued upon exercise of these vested options received shares of Company common stock issuable as Mobcrush Merger Consideration. Unvested options to acquire shares of Mobcrush common stock that were outstanding immediately prior to the Mobcrush Closing Date were canceled, and a number of options to purchase shares of Company common stock were issued to replace the cancelled unvested Mobcrush options in a manner consistent with options historically granted by Super League under the Super League 2014 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the “Replacement Options”).

Pursuant to the terms of the Mobcrush Merger Agreement, 514,633 shares of the Company’s common stock were reserved for Replacement Option grants to the former Mobcrush employees retained by the Company in connection with the Mobcrush Acquisition. As of September 30, 2022, 415,000 Replacement Options have been granted to former Mobcrush employees retained by the Company, with continued employment required to vest and retain the Replacement Options granted.  Under ASC 805, consideration arrangements in which the payments are automatically forfeited if employment terminates is considered to be compensation for post-combination services, and not acquisition consideration. As such, the 514,633 shares of the Company’s common stock reserved at closing for future stock option grants to former Mobcrush employees retained by the Company are not included as a component of the consideration paid in connection with the Mobcrush Acquisition, and will be accounted for pursuant to ASC 718 upon grant. 

Management is primarily responsible for determining the fair value of the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the Mobcrush Closing Date. Management considered a number of factors, including reference to an independent analysis of estimated fair values solely for the purpose of allocating the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The analysis included a discounted cash flow analysis which estimated the future net cash flows expected to result from the respective assets acquired as of the Mobcrush Closing Date. A discount rate consistent with the risks associated with achieving the estimated net cash flows was used to estimate the present value of future estimated net cash flows. The Company is in the process of finalizing the estimates and assumptions developed in connection with the independent analysis of estimated fair values of intangible assets acquired solely for the purpose of allocating the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Any adjustments to the fair values of intangibles assets acquired or estimates of economic useful lives of the intangible assets acquired, could impact the carrying value of those assets and related goodwill, as well as the estimates of periodic amortization of intangible assets acquired to be reflected in the statement of operations.

The fair values of the acquired intangible assets, as described above, was determined using the following methods:

The Mobcrush Acquisition was treated for tax purposes as a nontaxable transaction and, as such, the historical tax bases of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, net operating losses, and other tax attributes of Mobcrush will carryover. As a result, no new tax goodwill was created in connection with the Mobcrush Acquisition as there is no step-up to fair value of the underlying tax bases of the acquired net assets. The acquisition method of accounting includes the establishment of a net deferred tax asset or liability resulting from book tax basis differences related to assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the date of acquisition. Acquisition date deferred tax assets primarily relate to certain net operating loss carryforwards of Mobcrush. Acquisition date deferred tax liabilities relate to specifically identified non-goodwill intangibles acquired. The estimated net deferred tax liability was determined as follows:

Release of Valuation Allowance. Since inception, the Company has maintained a full valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets. The net deferred tax liability resulting from the Mobcrush Acquisition created a source of income to utilize against the Company’s existing net deferred tax assets. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the impact on the acquiring company’s deferred tax assets is recorded outside of acquisition accounting. Accordingly, the valuation allowance on a portion of the Company’s net deferred tax assets was released, resulting in an income tax benefit of approximately $3,073,000, recorded as a credit to income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. The offsetting amounts reduced net deferred tax liabilities, $3,073,000, of which reduced the net deferred tax liability established in connection with the application of the acquisition method of accounting for the Mobcrush Acquisition.

The following unaudited pro forma combined results of operations for the periods presented are provided for illustrative purposes only. The unaudited pro forma combined statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, assume the acquisition occurred as of January 1, 2020. The unaudited pro forma combined financial results do not purport to be indicative of the results of operations for future periods or the results that actually would have been realized had the entities been a single entity during these periods.

Pro forma adjustments primarily relate to the amortization of identifiable intangible assets acquired over the estimated economic useful life as described above, the expensing of stock options issued to former Mobcrush employees acquired in connection with the Merger, the exclusion of interest expense related to convertible debt of Mobcrush not assumed by Super League in connection with the Merger, the exclusion of nonrecurring transaction costs, and the exclusion of amortization and depreciation related to tangible and intangible assets of Mobcrush existing immediately prior to the Merger. The unaudited pro forma combined statements of operations for the periods presented herein have been adjusted to give effect to pro forma events that are expected to have a continuing impact on the combined results. As such, the income tax benefit related to the release of valuation allowance reflected in the statement of income for the three months ended June 30, 2021, as described above, totaling $3,073,000, is not reflected in the accompanying unaudited pro forma combined statements of income for the periods presented.

Acquisition of Bannerfy, LTD

On August 11, 2021, the Company entered into a Share Purchase Agreement (the “Bannerfy Purchase Agreement”) with William Roberts, Colin Gillespie, and Robert Pierre (collectively, “Sellers”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to purchase, and Sellers agreed to sell, all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Bannerfy, a company organized under the laws of England and Wales for a total purchase price of $7.0 million (the “Bannerfy Purchase Price”) (the “Bannerfy Acquisition”). On August 24, 2021 (the “Bannerfy Closing Date”), the Company completed the acquisition of Bannerfy.

Pursuant to the Bannerfy Purchase Agreement, upon the consummation of the Bannerfy Acquisition (the “Bannerfy Closing”), the Company paid an initial payment (subject to a holdback as described below) of $2.45 million (the “Bannerfy Closing Consideration”), paid or to be paid as follows (i) $525,000 in the form of a cash payment, and (ii) $1.92 million in the form of shares of the Company’s common stock, at a price per share of $4.10, the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the effective date of the Bannerfy Purchase Agreement, as reported on the Nasdaq Capital Market. Pursuant to the terms of the Bannerfy Purchase Agreement, $275,000 of the Bannerfy Closing Consideration (“Holdback Amount”), was withheld from the Bannerfy Closing Consideration to satisfy any indemnifiable losses incurred by the Company (as defined in the Bannerfy Purchase Agreement) prior to the first anniversary of the Bannerfy Closing Date. The Company incurred no indemnifiable losses prior to the first anniversary of the Bannerfy Closing Date, and therefore during the three months ended September 30, 2022, the Company released to the Sellers the Holdback Amount as follows: (i) $55,000 payable in the form of cash, and (ii) approximately $220,000 in the form of shares of the Company’s common stock, at a price per share of $4.10.

In accordance with the Bannerfy Purchase Agreement, all remaining portions of the Bannerfy Purchase Price subsequent to the payment of the Bannerfy Closing Consideration, up to approximately $4.55 million (the “Contingent Consideration”), was payable upon the achievement of certain revenue and gross profit thresholds for the remainder of the 2021 fiscal year, and each of the fiscal years ending December 31, 2022, and December 31, 2023 (“Earnout Periods”).  For the 2021, 2022 and 2023 Earnout Periods, 8%, 38% and 54%, respectively of the Contingent Consideration is potentially payable. The Contingent Consideration is payable in the form of both cash and shares of the Company’s common stock, 21% in cash and 79% in Company common stock, based on a conversion price of $4.10 per share.

The Bannerfy Acquisition was accounted for in accordance with ASC 805. In accordance with ASC 805, if substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets, the set is not considered a business. Gross assets acquired excludes cash and cash equivalents, deferred tax assets, and goodwill resulting from the effects of deferred tax liabilities. A single identifiable asset includes any individual asset or group of assets that could be recognized and measured as a single identifiable asset in a business combination. When evaluating whether assets are similar, we considered the nature of each single identifiable asset and the risks associated with managing and creating outputs from the assets. Management determined that the Bannerfy Acquisition involved the acquisition of developed technology, which accounted for substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired, and therefore, the Bannerfy Acquisition was determined not to be the acquisition of a business under ASC 805, and is therefore accounted for as an asset acquisition utilizing a cost accumulation model in accordance with the applicable guidance.

Transaction costs incurred in connection with the Bannerfy Acquisition totaled $62,000, which are included as a component of the purchase price paid in connection with the Bannerfy Acquisition.

The Bannerfy Purchase Price paid, comprised of the Bannerfy Closing Consideration of $2.45 million and $62,000 of related transaction costs, was allocated to the developed technology acquired, with an estimated useful life of seven years. In addition, the carrying value of the developed technology acquired in connection with the Bannerfy Acquisition includes an adjustment related to deferred taxes, totaling $556,000, as described below. Net working capital assets acquired were not material.

Aggregated amortization expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, related to the developed technology acquired in connection with the Bannerfy Acquisition, totaled $110,000 and $330,000, respectively.

The Company hired the former director of Bannerfy (“Bannerfy Executive”), who was also a selling shareholder of Bannerfy. Pursuant to the provisions of the Bannerfy Purchase Agreement, in the event that the Bannerfy Executive ceases to be an employee, during any of the Earnout Periods, as a consequence of his resignation or termination for cause, as defined in the Bannerfy Purchase Agreement, the Bannerfy Executive shall only be entitled to such percentage of any Contingent Consideration payment which would otherwise be payable to him on a prorated basis based on the number of months employed during the applicable Earnout Period. Under ASC 805, a contingent consideration arrangement in which the payments are automatically forfeited if employment terminates is considered to be compensation for post-combination services, and not acquisition consideration. As such, the Contingent Consideration, if any, will be accounted for as post-combination services and expensed in the period that payment of any amounts of Contingent Consideration becomes probable and reasonably estimable. 

The Bannerfy Acquisition was treated for tax purposes as a nontaxable transaction and, as such, the historical tax bases of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, net operating losses, and other tax attributes of Bannerfy will carryover. As a result, there is no step-up to fair value of the underlying tax bases of the acquired net assets in connection with the Bannerfy Acquisition. The acquisition method of accounting includes the establishment of a net deferred tax asset or liability resulting from book tax basis differences related to assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the date of acquisition. When an acquisition of a group of assets is purchased in a transaction that is not accounted for as a business combination under ASC 805, a difference between the book and tax bases of the assets arises. ASC 740, “Income Taxes,” (“ASC 740”) requires the use of simultaneous equations to determine the assigned value of the asset and the related deferred tax asset or liability. As neither goodwill nor a bargain purchase gain is recognized in an asset acquisition, recognizing deferred tax assets or liabilities for temporary differences in an asset acquisition results in adjusting the carrying amount of the related assets and liabilities. The deferred tax liability and resulting adjustment to the carrying amount of the assets acquired in connection with the Bannerfy Acquisition was determined as follows:

Bannerfy commenced operations in September 2020. As such, the historical balance sheets and statements of operations of Bannerfy were not material, and therefore unaudited pro forma combined results of operations for the periods presented are not provided for illustrative purposes. Revenue and net loss related to Bannerfy for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 were not material.

Acquisition of Superbiz Co.

On October 4, 2021 (“Superbiz Closing Date”), the Company entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Superbiz Purchase Agreement”) with Superbiz Co. and the founders of Superbiz (the “Founders”), pursuant to which the Company acquired (i) substantially all of the assets of Superbiz (the “Superbiz Assets”), and (ii) the personal goodwill of the Founders regarding Superbiz’s business, (the “Superbiz Acquisition”). The consummation of the Superbiz Acquisition (the “Superbiz Closing”) occurred simultaneously with the execution of the Superbiz Purchase Agreement on the Superbiz Closing Date.

At closing, the Company paid an aggregate total of $6.0 million to Superbiz and the Founders (the “Superbiz Closing Consideration”), of which $3.0 million was paid in the form of cash (the “Superbiz Closing Cash Consideration”) and $3.0 million was paid in the form of shares of the Company’s common stock, at a per share price of $2.91, the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the Superbiz Closing Date, as reported on the Nasdaq Capital Market (the “Superbiz Stock Consideration”).

Pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions of the Superbiz Purchase Agreement, up to an aggregate amount $11.5 million will be payable to Superbiz and the Founders in connection with the achievement of certain revenue milestones for the period from the Superbiz Closing Date until December 31, 2022 (“Initial Earn Out Period”) and for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023 (the “Superbiz Contingent Consideration”) (“Superbiz Earn Out Periods”). The Superbiz Contingent Consideration is payable in the form of both cash and shares of the Company’s common stock, in equal amounts, as more specifically set forth in the Superbiz Purchase Agreement.

The Superbiz Acquisition was approved by the board of directors of each of the Company and Superbiz and was approved by the stockholders of Superbiz.

In accordance with the acquisition method of accounting, the financial results of Super League presented herein include the financial results of Superbiz subsequent to the Superbiz Closing Date. Disclosure of revenue and net loss for Superbiz on a stand-alone basis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 is not practical due to the integration of Superbiz activities, including sales, products, advertising inventory, resource allocation and related operating expense, with those of the consolidated Company upon acquisition, consistent with Super League operating in one reporting segment.

The Company determined that the Superbiz Acquisition constitutes a business acquisition as defined by ASC 805. Accordingly, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction were recorded at their estimated acquisition date fair values, while transaction costs associated with the acquisition were expensed as incurred pursuant to the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805. Super League’s purchase price allocation was based on an evaluation of the appropriate fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and represents management’s best estimate based on available data. Fair values are determined based on the requirements of ASC 820.

Transaction costs incurred by the Company relating to the Superbiz Acquisition totaled $47,000 and were expensed as incurred in accordance with the acquisition method of accounting.

The following table summarizes the determination of the fair value of the purchase price consideration paid in connection with the Superbiz Acquisition:

The fair value of the Company common stock used in determining the estimated fair value of the Superbiz Closing Consideration was $2.91 per share based on the closing price of Company common stock on October 4, 2021, as quoted on the Nasdaq Capital Market.

The purchase price allocation was based upon an estimate of the fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed by the Company in connection with the Superbiz Acquisition, as follows:

The following table presents details of the fair values of the acquired intangible assets of Superbiz:

Aggregated amortization expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, related to intangible assets acquired in connection with the Superbiz Acquisition, totaled $102,000 and $306,000, respectively. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of the acquired business over the acquisition date fair value of the net assets acquired. Goodwill recorded in connection with the Superbiz Acquisition is primarily attributable to expected synergies from combining the operations and assets of Super League and Superbiz, and also includes residual value attributable to the assembled and trained workforce acquired in the acquisition.

Management is primarily responsible for determining the fair value of the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the Superbiz Closing Date. Management considered a number of factors, including reference to an independent analysis of estimated fair values solely for the purpose of allocating the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The analysis included a discounted cash flow analysis which estimated the future net cash flows expected to result from the respective assets acquired as of the Superbiz Closing Date. A discount rate consistent with the risks associated with achieving the estimated net cash flows was used to estimate the present value of future estimated net cash flows. The fair values of the intangible assets acquired in connection with the Superbiz acquisition were determined using the cost method. Under the cost method, value is estimated by determining the current cost of replacing an asset with one of equivalent economic utility. The premise of the approach is that a prudent investor would pay no more for an asset than the amount for which the utility of the asset could be replaced. Valuation assumptions utilized included rates of return of 30%, discount periods of 0.5 to 1, risk adjusted return factors of 1.1 to 1.3 and weighted average costs of capital of 30%.

The Company hired the Founders of Superbiz in connection with the Superbiz Acquisition. Pursuant to the provisions of the Superbiz Purchase Agreement, in the event that a Founder ceases to be an employee during any of the Superbiz Earn Out Periods, as a consequence of his resignation without good cause, or termination for cause, the Superbiz Contingent Consideration will be reduced by one-half (50%) for the respective Superbiz Earn Out Periods, if and when earned. Under ASC 805, a contingent consideration arrangement in which the payments are automatically forfeited if employment terminates is considered to be compensation for post-combination services, and not acquisition consideration. As such, the Contingent Consideration, is accounted for as post-combination services and expensed in the period that payment of any amounts of Contingent Consideration is determined to be probable and reasonably estimable. As of September 30, 2022, the Company determined that it was probable that the contingency for the Initial Earn Out Period would be met in accordance with the terms of the Superbiz Purchase Agreement, and the applicable amounts were reasonably estimable as of September 30, 2022, resulting in a charge to compensation expense totaling $1,836,000 (including approximately 512,000 shares of common stock valued at $0.68, the price of our common stock as of September 30, 2022), which is reflected in general and administrative expense in the condensed consolidated statement of operations for three and nine months ended September 30, 2022. The Contingent Consideration is recorded as a liability in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet in accordance with ASC 480, “Distinguishing liabilities from equity,” which requires freestanding financial instruments where the company must or could settle the obligation by issuing a variable number of its shares, and the obligation's monetary value is based solely or predominantly on variations in something other than the fair value of the company's shares, to be recorded as a liability.

For tax purposes, consistent with the accounting for book purposes, the Superbiz Closing Consideration was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date, with the excess purchase price allocated to goodwill.  As a result, no deferred tax assets or liabilities were recorded with the acquisition and all of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

Superbiz operations commenced in December 2020. As such, the historical balance sheets and statements of operations of Superbiz were not material, and therefore unaudited pro forma combined results of operations for the periods presented are not provided for illustrative purposes.

Convertible Notes Payable at Fair Value

On May 16, 2022, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “SPA”) with three institutional investors (collectively, the “Note Holders”) providing for the sale and issuance of a new series of senior convertible notes in the aggregate original principal amount of $4,320,000, of which 8% is an original issue discount (“OID”) (each, a “Note,” and, collectively, the “Notes,” and such financing, the “Note Offering”). The Notes accrue interest at a guaranteed annual rate of 9% per annum, mature 12 months from the date of issuance, and are convertible at the option of the Note Holders into that number of shares of the Company’s common stock, equal to the sum of the outstanding principal balance, accrued and unpaid interest, and accrued and unpaid late charges (the “Conversion Amount”), divided by $4.00 (the “Conversion Price”), subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events as more specifically set forth in the Note, as amended; provided, however, in no event will the Company be permitted to issue more than 19.99% of the shares of common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Note Offering, which number of shares shall be reduced, on a share-for-share basis, by the number of shares of common stock issued or issuable pursuant to any transaction or series of transactions that may be aggregated with the Note Offering. In the event of the occurrence of an event of default, the Note Holders may, at the Note Holder’s option, convert all, or any part of, the Conversion Amount into shares of common stock at 90% of the lowest volume weighted average price of the ten trading days preceding the date for which the price is being calculated.

In addition, the Company may be required to redeem all or a portion of the Notes under certain circumstances, and, in the event (A) the Company sells Company common stock pursuant to the March 25, 2022 Purchase Agreement, described below, or (B) consummates a subsequent equity financing, then the Note Holders will have the right, but not the obligation, to require the Company to use 50% of the gross proceeds raised from such sale to redeem all or any portion of the Conversion Amount then remaining under the Notes, in cash, at a price equal to the Conversion Amount being redeemed. The Company may, at its option, redeem all or a portion of the Notes at a price equal to 110% of the Conversion Amount being redeemed.

In the event of a change of control, the Note Holders may require the Company to redeem all or any portion of this Note in cash at a price equal to the greatest of (i) the product of (x) 110% multiplied by (y) the Conversion Amount being redeemed, (ii) the product of (x) 110% multiplied by (y) the product of (A) the Conversion Amount being redeemed multiplied by (B) the quotient determined by dividing (I) the greatest closing sale price of the shares of common stock during the period beginning on the date immediately preceding the earlier to occur of (1) the consummation of the applicable change of control and (2) the public announcement of such change of control and ending on the date the Note Holder delivers the change of control redemption notice by (II) the Conversion Price then in effect, and (iii) the product of (x) 110% multiplied by (y) the product of (A) the Conversion Amount being redeemed multiplied by (B) the quotient of (I) the aggregate cash consideration and the aggregate cash value of any non-cash consideration per share of common stock to be paid to the holders of the shares of common stock upon consummation of such change of control divided by (II) the Conversion Price then in effect.

In the event of the occurrence of an event of default, the Note Holders may require the Company to redeem (regardless of whether such Event of Default has been cured) all or any portion of the Notes. Each portion of the Notes subject to redemption by the Company pursuant to an event of default shall be redeemed by the Company at a price equal to the greater of (i) the product of (A) the Conversion Amount to be redeemed multiplied by (B) 110% and (ii) the product of (X) the conversion rate with respect to the Conversion Amount in effect at such time as the Holder delivers an event of default redemption notice multiplied by (Y) the product of (1) 110% multiplied by (2) the greatest closing sale price of the common stock on any trading day during the period commencing on the date immediately preceding such event of default and ending on the date the Company makes the entire payment required to be made under the Notes. Upon any bankruptcy the Company would be required to pay to the Note Holders an amount in cash representing (i) all outstanding principal, accrued and unpaid interest and accrued and unpaid late charges on such principal and interest, multiplied by (ii) 110%, in addition to any and all other amounts due under the note, provided that any Note Holder may, in its sole discretion, waive such right to receive payment upon a bankruptcy event of default, in whole or in part.

Under the Notes, the Company is subject to certain customary affirmative and negative covenants regarding the incurrence of indebtedness, the existence of liens, the repayment of indebtedness, the payment of cash in respect of dividends, distributions or redemptions, and the transfer of assets, among other matters.

The Notes are subject to a most favored nation provision and standard adjustments in the event of any stock split, stock dividend, stock combination, recapitalization or other similar transaction. If the Company issues or sells, or enters into any agreement to issue or sell, any variable rate securities, including by way of one or more reset(s) to a fixed price, the Note Holders have the right, but not the obligation, in any Note Holder’s sole discretion, to substitute the applicable variable price for the Conversion Price upon conversion of the Notes.

Concurrently with the SPA, the Company and the Note Holders entered into a registration rights agreement, pursuant to which the Company agreed to file a Registration Statement on Form S-3 within 30 days after the closing of the Note Offering.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company recorded interest expense related to the Notes totaling $96,000 and $145,000, respectively, and made cash interest payments totaling $97,000 and $114,000, respectively. Accrued interest total $31,000 at September 30, 2022.

The Notes were issued with an original issue discount of $320,000, or 8%, which is recorded as an adjustment to the carrying amount of the Notes. The original issue discount is amortized using the interest method over the contractual term of the Notes and reflected as interest expense in the statement of operations. Total amortization of original issue discount was $39,000 and $120,000, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022.

The Company elected to utilize the FVO to account for the Notes, which is included in current liabilities. Principal payments on the Notes totaled $160,000 as of September 30, 2022. The change in fair value of the Notes at each balance sheet date is included in interest expense in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022. The Notes were valued based on a binomial lattice model utilizing the following assumptions and results: 

PPP Loan

On May 4, 2020, the Company entered into a forgivable loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) resulting in net proceeds of $1,200,047 pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) enacted by Congress under the CARES Act administered by the SBA (the “PPP Loan”). To facilitate the PPP Loan, the Company entered into a Note Payable Agreement with a bank (the “Lender”) (the “PPP Loan Agreement”). The PPP Loan had an original maturity date of May 4, 2022, and accrued interest at a rate of 1.00% per annum, with interest accruing throughout the period the PPP Loan was outstanding, or until forgiven.

The PPP Loan was accounted for as a financial liability in accordance with ASC 470, “Debt,” (“ASC 470”) Accordingly, the proceeds from the PPP Loan were recorded as a long-term liability on the balance sheet until either (1) the loan is, in part or wholly, forgiven and the company had been “legally released” or (2) the Company paid off the loan to the Lender. Interest was accrued in accordance with the interest method.

In May 2021, the PPP loan was forgiven pursuant to the terms and conditions of the PPP Loan Agreement and the provision of the Cares Act. Upon forgiveness, and legal release, the Company reduced the liability by the amount forgiven, totaling $1,213,000 and recorded a gain on extinguishment in the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2021.

Financing Activities

For the Three and nine Months Ended September 30, 2022:

Common Stock Purchase Agreement

On March 25, 2022, we entered into a common stock purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Tumim Stone Capital, LLC (“Tumim”). Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Company has the right, but not the obligation, to sell to Tumim, and Tumim is obligated to purchase, up to $10,000,000 of newly issued shares (the “Total Commitment”) of the Company’s common stock from time to time during the term of the Purchase Agreement (the “Tumim Offering”), subject to certain limitations and conditions. As consideration for Tumim’s commitment to purchase shares of common stock under the Purchase Agreement, the Company issued to Tumim 50,000 shares of common stock, valued at $100,000, following the execution of the Purchase Agreement (the “Commitment Shares”). During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, we issued 7,425 shares of common stock at an average price of $1.11, raising net proceeds of approximately $8,000, under the Purchase Agreement.

The Purchase Agreement initially precludes the Company from issuing and selling more than 7,361,833 shares of its common stock, including the Commitment Shares, which number equals 19.99% of the common stock issued and outstanding as of March 25, 2022, unless the Company obtains stockholder approval to issue additional shares, or unless certain exceptions apply. In addition, a beneficial ownership limitation in the agreement initially limits the Company from directing Tumim to purchase shares of common stock if such purchases would result in Tumim beneficially owning more than 4.99% of the then-outstanding shares of common stock (subject to an increase to 9.99% at Tumim’s option upon at least 61 calendar days’ notice).

From and after the initial satisfaction of the conditions to the Company’s right to commence sales of common stock to Tumim (such event, the “Commencement,” and the date of initial satisfaction of all such conditions, the “Commencement Date”), the Company may direct Tumim to purchase shares of common stock at a purchase price per share equal to 95% of the average daily dollar volume-weighted average price for the common stock during the three consecutive trading day period immediately following the date on which the Company delivers to Tumim a notice for such purchase. The Company will control the timing and amount of any such sales of common stock to Tumim. Actual sales of shares of common stock to Tumim will depend on a variety of factors to be determined by the Company from time to time, including, among other things, market conditions, the trading price of the common stock, and determinations by the Company as to the appropriate sources of funding for the Company and its operations.

The Commencement Date of the Tumim Offering was March 25, 2022. Unless earlier terminated, the Purchase Agreement will automatically terminate upon the earliest of (i) the expiration of the 18-month period following the Commencement Date, (ii) Tumim’s purchase or receipt of the Total Commitment worth of common stock, or (iii) the occurrence of certain other events set forth in the Purchase Agreement. The Company has the right to terminate the Purchase Agreement at any time after Commencement, at no cost or penalty, upon five trading days’ prior written notice to Tumim. Tumim has the right to terminate the Purchase Agreement upon five trading days’ prior written notice to the Company, but only upon the occurrence of certain events set forth in the Purchase Agreement.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds, if any, from the Tumim Offering for working capital and general corporate purposes, including sales and marketing activities, product development and capital expenditures. The Company may also use a portion of the net proceeds to acquire or invest in complementary businesses, products and technologies. The Purchase Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and agreements by the Company, as well as customary indemnification obligations of the Company.

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021:

In January 2021, the Company issued 3,076,924 shares of common stock at a price of $2.60 per share, raising aggregate net proceeds of approximately $8.0 million, after deducting offering expense totaling $73,000.

In February 2021, the Company issued 2,926,830 shares of common stock at a price of $4.10 per share, raising aggregate net proceeds of approximately $12.0 million, after deducting offering expense totaling $70,000.

In March 2021, the Company issued 1,512,499 shares of common stock at a price of $9.00 per share, raising aggregate net proceeds of approximately $13.6 million, after deducting offering expense totaling $72,000.

The offerings described above were made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3, which was originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 10, 2020 (File No. 333-237626). The net proceeds from these offerings were intended to be used for working capital and other general corporate purposes, including sales and marketing activities, product development and capital expenditures. The Company also reserved the right to use a portion of the net proceeds for the acquisition of, or investment in, technologies, solutions or businesses.

Other 

Equity Distribution Agreement

On September 3, 2021, the Company entered into an Equity Distribution Agreement (the “Sales Agreement”) with two investment banks (the “Agents”), pursuant to which the Company may offer and sell, from time to time, through the Agents (the “ATM Offering”), up to $75 million of its shares of common stock (the “Shares”). Any Shares offered and sold in the Offering will be issued pursuant to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed with the SEC on September 3, 2021 (the “Form S-3”) and the prospectus relating to the Offering that forms a part of the Form S-3, following such time as the Form S-3 is declared effective by the SEC. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 the Company issued 323,639 shares of common stock, at an average price of $0.99, raising net proceeds of $312,000, under the Sales Agreement.

Subject to the terms and conditions of the Sales Agreement, the Agents will use their commercially reasonable efforts to sell the Shares from time to time, based upon the Company’s instructions. Under the Sales Agreement, the Agents may sell the Shares by any method permitted by law deemed to be an “at-the-market” offering as defined in Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), including, without limitation, sales made directly on the Nasdaq Capital Market, on any other existing trading market for the Company’s common stock or to or through a market maker. The Agents may also sell Shares in privately negotiated transactions, provided that the Agents receive the Company’s prior written approval.

The Company has no obligation to sell any of the Shares, and may at any time suspend offers under the Sales Agreement. The Offering will terminate upon the earlier of (a) the sale of all of the Shares, (b) the termination by the mutual written agreement of the managing agent and the Company, or (c) one year from the date that the Form S-3 is declared effective by the SEC.

Under the terms of the Sales Agreement, the Agents will be entitled to an aggregate commission at a fixed rate of 3.0% of the gross sales price of Shares sold under the Sales Agreement.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from any “at-the-market” offering primarily for working capital and general corporate purposes, including sales and marketing activities, product development and capital and acquisition related expenditures. The Company may also use a portion of the net proceeds for the acquisition of, or investment in, technologies, solutions or businesses.

The Company evaluated subsequent events for their potential impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures through the date the condensed consolidated financial statements were issued and determined that, except as set forth below, no subsequent events occurred that were reasonably expected to impact the condensed consolidated financial statements presented herein.

References in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to “Super League Gaming, Inc.” “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our,” or similar references mean Super League Gaming, Inc. References to the “SEC” refer to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Forward-Looking Statements

You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this interim report. Our condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The following discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of 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”), including, without limitation, statements regarding our expectations, beliefs, intentions or future strategies that are signified by the words “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” or similar language. All forward-looking statements included in this document are based on information available to us on the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Our business and financial performance are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. In evaluating our business, you should carefully consider the information set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” included Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, as well as in Item II, Part 1A of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Report”). Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

Overview

Super League Gaming, Inc. (Nasdaq: SLGG) builds and operates networks of games, monetization tools and content channels across open-world gaming platforms that empower developers, energize players, and entertain fans. Our solutions provide incomparable access to an audience consisting of players in the largest global metaverse environments, fans of hundreds of thousands of gaming influencers, and viewers of gameplay content across major social media and digital video platforms. Fueled by proprietary and patented technology systems, the Company’s platform includes access to vibrant in-game communities, a leading metaverse advertising platform, a network of highly viewed channels and original shows on Instagram, TikTok, Snap, YouTube, and Twitch, cloud-based livestream production tools, and an award-winning esports invitational tournament series. The Company’s properties deliver powerful opportunities for brands and advertisers to achieve impactful insights and marketing outcomes with gamers of all ages.

We generate revenue from (i) advertising, serving as a marketing channel for brands and advertisers to reach their target audiences of gamers across our network, (ii) content, curating and distributing esports and gaming-centric entertainment content for our own network of digital channels and media and entertainment partner channels, and (iii) direct to consumer offers, including digital subscriptions, in-game digital goods, and gameplay access fees. We operate in one reportable segment to reflect the way management and our chief operating decision maker review and assess the performance of the business.

Matters Affecting Comparability

During fiscal year 2021, we completed the acquisitions described below under the heading, “FY 2021 Acquisitions” (collectively, the FY 2021 Acquisitions”). 

Executive Summary

During the third quarter of 2022, we continued our growth trajectory, highlighted by reaching over 70 million unique monthly players through our metaverse gaming network. Our challenge, and opportunity, is to capture the significant shift in the digital advertising market toward in-game advertising. We continued to strengthen our leadership position in video game experiences and entertainment by winning a larger share of advertisers’ wallets, further monetizing our sought-after premium advertising inventory, and adding new partners to expand our global network sales fleet.

Our continued focus on topline revenue growth resulted in third quarter 2022 revenue of $4.5 million, an increase of 25%, compared to $3.6 million in the third quarter of 2021, driven by strong percentage increases in our advertising and sponsorship revenue stream. Third quarter 2022 cost of revenue was $2.7 million compared to $2.3 million in the comparable prior year quarter, primarily reflecting the significant increase in related revenue, compared to the prior year quarter. As a percent of revenue, gross profit in the third quarter of 2022 was 40% compared to 38% in the prior year quarter.

Total operating expense in the third quarter of 2022, excluding noncash goodwill impairment charges totaling $42.0 million (Note 2) and accrued contingent consideration related to FY 2021 Acquisitions totaling $1.8 million (Note 4), were $10.1 million compared to $8.3 million in the comparable prior year quarter, and included increased personnel costs, and intangible asset amortization expense associated with our FY 2021 Acquisitions. Operating expense in the third quarter of 2022 included noncash amortization of intangible assets, totaling $1.7 million compared to $1.1 million in the third quarter of 2021, reflecting a full quarter of amortization of intangible assets acquired in connection with our FY 2021 Acquisitions. Noncash stock compensation charges for the third quarter of 2022 totaled $1.2 million compared to $636,000 in the third quarter of 2021.

As discussed below, third quarter 2022 results included a goodwill impairment charge totaling $42.0 million, primarily due to the sustained decline in our market capitalization as of September 30, 2022, consistent with the broader mid and micro-cap markets. In addition, as discussed below, third quarter 2022 results included the accrual of contingent consideration related to FY 2021 Acquisitions totaling $1.8 million, which is reflected as compensation expense in the condensed consolidated statement of operations due to the related earn out being contingent upon continued employment.

On a GAAP-basis, which includes the impact of noncash charges, including the goodwill impairment charge of $42.0 million, net loss in the third quarter of 2022 was $52.6 million, or $(1.41) per share, compared to a net loss of $7.0 million, or $(0.20) per share, in the comparable prior year quarter. Excluding the impact of the goodwill impairment charges and the accrual of FY 2021 Acquisition related contingent consideration, the net loss for the third quarter of 2022 was $8.7 million, or ($0.23) per share.

FY 2021 Acquisitions

FY 2021 Acquisitions were comprised of the following:

During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, we also focused on continuing to forge strategic partnerships to create a global reseller network to augment our direct salesforce efforts. These partners have breadth and depth across all of the significant industry verticals along with global geographic coverage, which we believe will facilitate the acceleration of the rollout and awareness for our innovative ad products and drive the acceleration of future monetization. 

Delisting Notice

On October 4, 2022, Super League Gaming, Inc. (the “Company”) received a letter (the “Letter”) from the Listing Qualifications Staff of The Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC (“Nasdaq”) indicating that, based upon the closing bid price of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Common Stock”), for 30 consecutive business days, the Company is not currently in compliance with the requirement to maintain a minimum bid price of $1.00 per share for continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market, as set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2). The Letter has no immediate effect on the listing of the Company's Common Stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market.

The Company intends to monitor the closing bid price of its Common Stock. To regain compliance, the closing bid price of the Company's Common Stock must be at least $1.00 per share for 10 consecutive business days during the 180-day period from October 4, 2022 to April 3, 2023. If the Company does not regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement by April 3, 2023, Nasdaq may grant the Company a second 180-day period to regain compliance. To qualify for this additional 180-day compliance period, the Company would be required to meet the continued listing requirement for market value of publicly held shares and all other initial listing standards for the Nasdaq Capital Market, other than the minimum bid price requirement. In addition, the Company would also be required to notify Nasdaq of its intent to cure the minimum bid price deficiency by effecting a reverse stock split, if necessary. If the Company does not regain compliance within the allotted compliance periods, including any extensions that may be granted by Nasdaq, Nasdaq will provide notice that the Company's Common Stock will be subject to delisting. The Company would then be entitled to appeal that determination to a Nasdaq hearings panel. 

Seasonality

Our revenue fluctuates quarterly and is generally higher in the second half of our fiscal year, with the fourth quarter typically representing our highest revenue quarter each year. Advertising spending is traditionally seasonally strong in the second half of each year, reflecting the impact of seasonal back to school, game release and holiday season advertising spending by brands and advertisers. We believe that this seasonality in advertising spending affects our quarterly results, which generally reflect relatively higher advertising revenue in second half of each year, compared to the first half of the year.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic

The novel coronavirus and actions taken to mitigate the spread of it have had and are expected to continue to have an adverse impact on the economies and financial markets of many countries, including the geographical areas in which the Company operates. It is unknown how long the adverse conditions associated with the coronavirus will last and what the complete financial effect will be to the Company.

Although we were impacted by the general deferral in advertising spending by brands and sponsors resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic for a significant portion of fiscal year 2020, we reported significant quarter over quarter growth in revenue in the second half of fiscal 2020, and throughout fiscal year 2021 and we expect to continue to expand our advertising revenue and revenue from the sale of our proprietary and third-party user generated content in future periods, as we continue to expand our advertising inventory, viewership and related sales activities.

For a discussion of the risk factors related to COVID-19, please refer to Part II, Item 1A.“"Risk Factor”" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.

Results of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 and 2021

The following table sets forth a summary of our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (dollars in thousands):

Comparison of the Results of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 and 2021

Revenue (dollars in table in thousands)

Three Months Ended September 30, 2022, Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2021:

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022, Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021:

Cost of Revenue

Cost of revenue includes direct costs incurred in connection with the satisfaction of performance obligations under our revenue arrangements including internal and third-party engineering, creative, content, broadcast and other personnel, talent and influencers, content capture and production services, direct marketing, cloud services, software, prizing, revenue sharing fees and venue fees. Cost of revenue fluctuates period to period based on the specific programs and revenue streams contributing to revenue each period and the related cost profile of our physical and digital experiences, advertising campaigns and content sales activities occurring each period.

Three Months Ended September 30, 2022, Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2021:

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022, Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021:

Operating Expense

Refer to the table summarizing our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 above.

Noncash stock-based compensation expense for the periods presented was included in the following operating expense line items (dollars in table in thousands):

On January 1, 2022, the Company issued 1,350,000 performance stock units (“PSUs”) under the Company’s 2014 Amended and Restated Stock Option and Incentive Plan, which vest in five equal increments of 270,000 PSUs, based on satisfaction of market related vesting conditions during the three-year period commencing on January 1, 2022, as described at Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein. A market condition is reflected in the grant-date fair value of an award, and therefore, a Monte Carlo simulation model is utilized to determine the estimated fair value of the equity-based award. Compensation cost is recognized for awards with a market condition, provided the requisite service period is satisfied, regardless of whether the market condition is ever satisfied. Noncash stock compensation expense related to the PSUs totaled $570,000 and $1,691,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022. 

Selling, Marketing and Advertising

Three Months Ended September 30, 2022, Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2021:

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022, Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021:

The increase in selling, marketing and advertising expense was primarily due to the following:

Engineering, Technology and Development 

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

Three Months Ended September 30, 2022, Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2021:

The increase in engineering, technology and development costs was primarily due to the following:

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022, Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021:

The increase in engineering, technology and development costs was primarily due to the following:

General and Administrative

General and administrative expense for the periods presented was comprised of the following (dollars in table in thousands):

A summary of the main drivers of the change in general and administrative expense for the periods presented is as follows:

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2022, Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2021: