SurgePays, Inc. - Annual Report: 2020 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020

or

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

Commission File Number 000-52522

SURGEPAYS, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

(901) 302-9587 (Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act: Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes [  ] No [X]

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes [  ] No [X]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. [  ]

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

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

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

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes [  ] No [X]

As of March 31, 2021, the Company had 147,917,608 shares of its common stock, par value $0.001 per share, outstanding.

As of June 30, 2020, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second quarter, the aggregate market value of the shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $27,157,139 based on $0.24 (on a post-reverse stock split basis), the closing price of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share on that date.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Annual Report”) contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All statements contained in this Annual Report, other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding our future operating results and financial position, our business strategy and plans, potential growth or growth prospects, future research and development, sales and marketing and general and administrative expenses, and our objectives for future operations, are forward-looking statements. Words such as “believes,” “may,” “will,” “estimates,” “potential,” “continues,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “expects,” “could,” “would,” “projects,” “plans,” “targets,” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, short-term and long-term business operations and objectives, and financial needs. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those described in the “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made in this Annual Report and in other documents we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) that disclose risks and uncertainties that may affect our business. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for us to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements we may make. In light of these risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, the future events and circumstances discussed in this Annual Report may not occur and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements.

You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. The events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements may not be achieved or occur. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, performance, or achievements. In addition, the forward-looking statements in this Annual Report are made as of the date of this filing, and we do not undertake, and expressly disclaim any duty, to update such statements for any reason after the date of this Annual Report or to conform statements to actual results or revised expectations, except as required by law.

You should read this Annual Report and the documents that we reference herein and have filed with the SEC as exhibits to this Annual Report with the understanding that our actual future results, performance, and events and circumstances may be materially different from what we expect.

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Business Overview

SurgePays, Inc. (“SurgePays,” “we”, “our” or “the Company”), incorporated in Nevada on August 18, 2006, is a technology-driven company building a next generation supply chain software platform that can offer wholesale goods and services more cost efficiently than traditional and existing wholesale distribution models.

Our current focus is offering wholesale goods and services direct to convenience stores, bodegas, minimarts, tiendas and other corner stores providing goods and services primarily to the underbanked community. We leverage Direct Store Delivery and the cost saving efficiencies of direct e-commerce to provide as many commonly sold consumable products as possible while increasing profit margins for these stores. These products include herbal stimulants, energy shots, dry foods, communication accessories, novelties, PPP products, bagged snacks, processed meats, automotive parts and many more goods, all in one convenient wholesale e-commerce platform.

Surge Marketplace Software

SurgePays Blockchain Software is a multi-purpose e-commerce platform offering wholesale goods and services direct to convenience stores, bodegas, minimarts, tiendas and other corner stores providing goods and services primarily to the underbanked community. The merchant or clerk is able to use the portal interface – similar to a website – with image driven navigation to add wireless minutes to any prepaid wireless carrier’s phone and access to other services such as bill payment and loading debit cards. We believe what makes us unique is that it also offers the merchant the ability to order wholesale consumable goods at a significant discount from traditional distributors through the portal with one touch ease. We are essentially a wholesale e-commerce storefront that offers products direct from manufactures while cutting out the middleman. The goal of the SurgePays Portal is to leverage the competitive advantage and efficiencies of direct e-commerce to provide as many commonly sold consumable products as possible to convenience stores, corner markets, bodegas, and supermarkets while increasing profit margins for these stores. These products include herbal stimulants, energy pills and shot drinks, dry foods, communication accessories, novelties, PPP products, bagged snacks, processed meats, automotive parts and many more goods, all in one convenient wholesale e-commerce platform.

ECS

Electronic Check Services (“ECS”) has been a financial technology tech and wireless top-up platform for over 15 years. On October 1, 2019, we acquired ECS primarily for the favorable ACH banking relationship. ECS is a fintech transactions platform processing over 20,000 transactions a day at approximately 8,000 independently owned retail stores. The goal was to incorporate our blockchain components into the existing EGS network. After a year of development and integration, we believe the ECS platform has been successfully merged into our platform with secure ledger data backups and will continue to serve as the proven backbone for wireless top-up transactions and wireless product aggregation.

LocoRabbit Wireless

LocoRabbit Wireless offers prepaid wireless plans with talk, text, and 4G LTE data at prices that average 30% – 50% lower than competitors. Available nationwide, LocoRabbit Wireless is sold online direct to consumers and by a nationwide network of convenience stores, gas stations, mini-marts, bodegas and tiendas connected to our software platform. Due to controlling the wireless company and the payment platform. We are able to exclusively offer an industry high commission to the retailer for top-ups paid monthly at the client’s store.

True Wireless

True Wireless is licensed through the United States Federal Communications Commission to provide Lifeline Service (subsidized wireless service to qualifying low-income customers) in 5 states. Utilizing the T-Mobile wireless backbone, True Wireless provides discounted and free wireless service to veterans and other disadvantaged customers who qualify for certain federal programs such as SNAP (EBT) and Medicaid.

Surge Logics

Surge Logics, Inc. (“Logics”) is a performance-driven marketing firm focused on the mass tort industry for attorneys and law firms. We primarily perform client acquisition and retention services for attorneys and law firms by operating highly-scalable digital marketing campaigns, called performance campaigns, using our proprietary technology and data-driven analytics. These performance campaigns, and the related follow-up by our experienced in-house team, enable our attorney and law firm advertising clients to more effectively and economically connect with potential clients they are seeking to represent in existing or planned litigation. Our proven strategy of delivering cost-effective lead acquisitions and retained cases to our attorney and law firm clients means those clients are better able to manage their media and advertising budgets and reach targeted audiences more quickly and effectively.

Our customized performance campaign offers are targeted at clients interested in completing signed retainers. The first step is to understand the specific criteria of our client. After this, we proceed to generate consumer traffic to our digital media platforms or our clients’ media platforms. Although there is no assurance of generating revenue from this move, we go all the way, bearing all the costs and risks involved. When we use our resources in acquiring consumer traffic, we want to help our clients amass cost-effective retained cases effectively. This, in turn, guarantees maximum profit margins for them.

Centercom

On January 17, 2019, we announced the completion of an agreement to acquire a 40% equity ownership of Centercom Global, S.A. de C.V. (“Centercom”). Centercom is a dynamic operations center currently providing the Company with sales support, customer service, IT infrastructure design, graphic media, database programming, software development, revenue assurance, lead generation, and other various operational support services. Anthony N. Nuzzo, a director and officer and a 10% shareholder of our voting equity has a 50% interest in Centercom. Centercom also provides call center support for various third-party clients. Centercom is based in El Salvador.

The strategic acquisition of a bilingual operations hub has powered the Company’s rapid growth and revenue. Centercom has been built to support the infrastructure required to rapidly scale in synergy and efficiency to support the Company’s sales growth, customer service and development.

Centercom manages or supports the following processes:

Experienced Leadership Team

Our management team consists of 4 executives with over 20 years in the prepaid wireless, underbanked and convenience store distribution industry while presiding over companies with a collective revenue run of over $2 Billion. Our finance team is led by a CFO with a background in private equity backed, and publicly traded companies ranging from $100 million to over $1.3 billion in annual revenue while our software development team is led by a CTO who got his start in the early days of operating systems. The combination of operating skills from our management team with the experience of successfully leading major multi-million-dollar, multinational companies give our organization a significant strength relative to most small- and medium-sized beverage companies.

Growth Strategies

Our primary long-term goal is to become a top provider of goods and services to independently owned retail stores across the country. We intend to achieve this goal by driving organic growth and acquisitions behind our existing portfolio of life enhancing underbanked products, in all major markets and regions, through an aligned network of retailer and ISO partners.

Our key growth strategies include the following:

SurgePays’ strategy for increasing revenues is based on developing, maintaining, and expanding our nationwide network of retail stores. Our relationship-driven approach to selling along with providing many of the top selling products at a wholesale discount greater than traditional distributors gives management confidence of continued growth into the foreseeable future.

Sales and Marketing

Sales Growth will be through both acquisition and organic means:

Acquisitions

A key part of our business strategy includes acquiring companies to support our growth and enhance our product portfolio. Our acquisition strategy has two channels.

Organic – Sales team

Our business strategy of organically expanding our network of retail locations, or points of distribution, also includes the following two channels:

Disrupting the Supply Chain

The traditional distribution components of transportation, warehousing, profit, and labor normally accounts for 25% of the retail cost of a product sold in convenience stores. The value proposition is realized by us through eliminating the markup the old-school supply chain adds to the wholesale price of goods. With Direct Store Delivery (DSD), goods can be taken to the retailer directly from the manufacturer and this will invariably reduce the cost price of the product to the store owner. Store owners can make their orders using one-click ordering on our software interface to get commonly sold wholesale products shipped directly to them. We have established models and programs to market and sell these products or services of our stores. We have the capability and capacity to scale significantly quick to bring approved products into stores nationwide.

Competition

Many of our current and potential competitors are well established and have longer operating histories, significantly greater financial and operational resources, and name recognition than we have. Most traditional convenience store distributors are companies that have been in business for over 50 years and utilize the historical “manufacturing plant to truck to warehouse to truck to store” logistics model. However, we believe that with our diverse product line, better efficiencies resulting in lower wholesale cost of goods sold, we have the ability to obtain a large market share and continue to generate sales growth and compete in the industry. The principal competitive factors in all our product markets are technical features, quality, availability, price, customer support, and distribution coverage. The relative importance of each of these factors varies depending on the region. We believe using our direct store distribution model nationwide will open significant opportunities for growth.

The markets in which we operate can be generally categorized as highly competitive. In order to maximize our competitive advantages, we continue to expand our product portfolio to capitalize on market trends, changes in technology and new product releases. Based on available data for our served markets, we estimate that our market share of the convenience store sales business at this time is less than 1%. A substantial acquisition would be necessary to meaningfully and rapidly change our market share percentage.

Distributors generally do not have a broad set of product and service offerings or capabilities, and no single distributor currently provides all the top selling consumables while offering products and services to enhance the lifestyle of the underbanked such as prepaid wireless, gift cards, bill payment and reloadable debit cards. We believe this creates a significant opportunity for a dynamic paradigm shift to a nationwide wholesale e-commerce platform.

Nationwide Product Deployment

The SurgePays Blockchain platform streamlines the process for bringing products directly to the retail store. Our sales protocols have been tested and proven transferable from one product offering to another while ultimately providing our network of stores with better pricing and a larger product selection.

Competitive Edge

Our competitive edge is simple; we have the ability through our software platform, along with our relationships, capacity, efficiency, economies of scale and experience necessary to bring our products or services to market in an effective and efficient manner to ensure success. Our blockchain platform streamlines the process for bringing products directly to the targeted retail store. Our sales protocols have been tested and proven transferable from one product offering to another while ultimately improving our target stores with better pricing and more product selection.

Our strategy for increasing revenues is based on developing, maintaining, and expanding our nationwide network of retail stores. Our relationship-driven approach to selling along with providing many of the top selling c-store products at a wholesale discount greater than traditional distributors gives management confidence of continued growth into the foreseeable future.

Research and Development Activities

We conduct research and development on an ongoing basis, including new and existing products to offer and software product development to ensure we are delivering the most efficient, secure, and fast transactions at the store level. The SurgePays software platform is housed on the Amazon Web Service Cloud for redundancy, stability, and reliability. Traditionally, convenience stores are high volume and fast paces stores where space at the register is at a premium, thus leaving no room for a computer so wireless top-ups or cell phone activations are done over a Verifone terminal traditionally used for processing credit cards. We believe that our future success will depend in part upon our ability to continue the enhancement of our software platform and application to transact via tablets and other smaller devices while developing new products that meet or anticipate such changes in our served markets. Many of the stores we serve are now connected to the internet. This has allowed us to innovate our software to be more adaptive to equipment that is more compatible with the space constraints of the register area in a store.

Much of the development for specific products we offer is done by the manufacturers and is dictated by market conditions. For example: When the iPhone 12 was released, we simply added iPhone 12 chargers and adapters to its suite of smartphone accessories. Our continuity is secure due to our ability to adapt through adding new products seamlessly.

Seasonality

We experience some seasonality whereby the peak tax season months show a higher level of sales and consumption. However, the structure of our business and range of products in our portfolio mitigate any major fluctuations. Our revenue during the peak tax season months in the spring have historically been approximately 5% greater than the peak other months, and as our product portfolio continues to expand, the level of seasonal peaks we expect to diminish.

Employees

As of March 31, 2021 we had 30 full-time employees and 1 part-time employees. None of our employees are subject to a collective bargaining agreement, and we believe that relationship with our employees to be good.

We believe that our future success will depend in part on our continued ability to attract, hire and retain qualified personnel. Our human capital resources objectives include, as applicable, identifying, recruiting, retaining, incentivizing and integrating our existing and new employees, advisors and consultants. The principal purposes of our equity and cash incentive plans are to attract, retain and reward personnel through the granting of stock-based and cash-based compensation awards, in order to increase stockholder value and the success of our company by motivating such individuals to perform to the best of their abilities and achieve our objectives.

Where You Can Find More Information

Our website address is www.surgepays.com. We do not intend for our website address to be an active link or to otherwise incorporate by reference the contents of the website into this Form 10-K. The SEC maintains an Internet website (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.

Corporate Information

We were previously known as North American Energy Resources, Inc. and KSIX Media Holdings, Inc. Prior to April 27, 2015, we operated solely as an independent oil and natural gas company engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of oil and natural gas properties and the production of oil and natural gas through its wholly owned subsidiary, NAER. On April 27, 2015, NAER entered into a Share Exchange Agreement with KSIX Media whereby KSIX Media became a wholly-owned subsidiary of NAER and which resulted in the shareholders of KSIX Media owning approximately 90% of the voting stock of the surviving entity. While we continued the oil and gas operations of NAER following this transaction, on August 4, 2015, we changed its name to KSIX Media Holdings, Inc. On December 21, 2017, we changed its name to Surge Holdings, Inc. to better reflect the diversity of its business operations. We changed its name to SurgePays, Inc. on October 29, 2021.

Historically, we operated through its direct and indirect subsidiaries: (i) KSIX Media, Inc., incorporated in Nevada on November 5, 2014; (ii) KSIX, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company that was formed on September 14, 2011; (iii) Surge Blockchain, LLC, formerly Blvd. Media Group, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company that was formed on January 29, 2009; (iv) DigitizeIQ, LLC an Illinois limited liability company that was formed on July 23, 2014; (v) Surge Cryptocurrency Mining, Inc., formerly North American Exploration, Inc., a Nevada corporation that was incorporated on August 18, 2006 (since January 1, 2019, this has been a dormant entity that does not own any assets); (vi) Surge Logics Inc, an Nevada corporation that was formed on October 2, 2018; (vii) True Wireless, Inc., an Oklahoma corporation (formerly True Wireless, LLC); (viii) Surge Payments, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company; (ix) Surgephone Wireless, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company; and (x) SurgePays Fintech, Inc., a Nevada limited liability company. On January 22, 2021, the issued and outstanding equity securities of DIQ and KSIX were transferred to Logics and became wholly-owned subsidiaries of Logics.

Historically, our principal business has been digital advertising and lead generation through two of its wholly owned subsidiaries—DIQ, which is a full-service digital advertising agency specializing in survey generation and landing page optimization specifically designed for mass tort action lawsuits and KSIX, which is an Internet marketing company and has an advertising network designed to create revenue streams for its affiliates and to provide advertisers with increased measurable audience. KSIX has an online advertising network that works directly with advertisers and other networks to promote advertiser campaigns and manage offer tracking, reporting and distribution.

Our current focus is offering wholesale goods and services direct to convenience stores, bodegas, minimarts, tiendas and other corner stores providing goods and services primarily to the underbanked community. SurgePays leverages Direct Store Delivery and the cost saving efficiencies of direct e-commerce to provide as many commonly sold consumable products as possible while increasing profit margins for these stores. These products include herbal stimulants, energy shots, dry foods, communication accessories, novelties, PPP products, bagged snacks, processed meats, automotive parts and many more goods, all in one convenient wholesale e-commerce platform.

Historically, our principal business has been digital advertising and lead generation through two of its wholly owned subsidiaries—DIQ, which is a full-service digital advertising agency specializing in survey generation and landing page optimization specifically designed for mass tort action lawsuits and KSIX, which is an Internet marketing company and has an advertising network designed to create revenue streams for its affiliates and to provide advertisers with increased measurable audience. KSIX has an online advertising network that works directly with advertisers and other networks to promote advertiser campaigns and manage offer tracking, reporting and distribution.

Corporate Information

Our executive offices are located at 3124 Brother Blvd, Suite 410, Bartlett, TN 38133, and our telephone number is (800) 760-9689. Our website is www.surgepays.com. Our website and the information contained in, or accessible through, our website will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K and does not constitute part of this Form 10-K.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Investing in our securities involves a great deal of risk. Careful consideration should be made of the following factors as well as other information included in this Form 10-K before deciding to purchase our securities. There are many risks that affect our business and results of operations, some of which are beyond our control. Our business, financial condition or operating results could be materially harmed by any of these risks. This could cause the trading price of our securities to decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. Additional risks that we do not yet know of or that we currently think are immaterial may also affect our business and results of operations.

RISKS RELATED TO OUR COMPANY

Changes in the regulatory framework under which we operate could adversely affect our business prospects or results of operations.

Our operations are subject to regulation by the FCC and other federal, state and local agencies. These regulatory regimes frequently restrict or impose conditions on our ability to operate in designated areas and provide specified products or services. We are frequently required to maintain licenses for our operations and conduct our operations in accordance with prescribed standards. We are often involved in regulatory and other governmental proceedings or inquiries related to the application of these requirements. It is impossible to predict with any certainty the outcome of pending federal and state regulatory proceedings relating to our operations, or the reviews by federal or state courts of regulatory rulings. Without relief, existing laws and regulations may inhibit our ability to expand our business and introduce new products and services. Similarly, we cannot guarantee that we will be successful in obtaining the licenses needed to carry out our business plan or in maintaining our existing licenses. For example, the FCC grants wireless licenses for terms generally lasting ten (10) years, subject to renewal. The loss of, or a material limitation on, certain of our licenses could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

New laws or regulations or changes to the existing regulatory framework at the federal, state and local level, such as those described below, could restrict the ways in which we manage our wireline and wireless networks and operate our business, impose additional costs, impair revenue opportunities and potentially impede our ability to provide services in a manner that would be attractive to us and our customers.

The further regulation of broadband, wireless and our other activities and any related court decisions could restrict our ability to compete in the marketplace and limit the return we can expect to achieve on past and future investments in our networks.

Changes to the federal Lifeline Assistance Program could negatively impact the growth of our True Wireless business and its profitability.

True Wireless offers service to low-income subscribers eligible for the federal Lifeline Assistance Program. True Wireless provides a monthly discount to eligible subscribers in the form of free blocks of minutes and text messages. This discount is subsidized by the Low-Income Program of the federal USF and administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company. In 2012, the FCC adopted reforms to the Low Income program to increase program effectiveness and efficiencies. More stringent eligibility and certification requirements have made it more difficult for Lifeline service providers to sign up and retain Lifeline subscribers. Some regulators and legislators have questioned the structure of the current program, and the FCC is continuing to review and implement measures to improve the program, including enforcement action involving alleged rule violations, and roll-out of the National Lifeline Accountability Database. Changes in the Lifeline program as a result of the ongoing FCC proceeding or new legislation, or potential enforcement action, could negatively impact growth of True Wireless and/or the profitability of True Wireless.

If we are not able to adapt to changes and disruptions in technology and address changing consumer demand on a timely basis, we may experience a decline in the demand for our services, be unable to implement our business strategy and experience reduced profits.

Our industries are rapidly changing as new technologies are developed that offer consumers an array of choices for their communications needs and allow new entrants into the markets we serve. In order to grow and remain competitive, we will need to adapt to future changes in technology, enhance our existing offerings and introduce new offerings to address our customers’ changing demands. If we are unable to meet future challenges from competing technologies on a timely basis or at an acceptable cost, we could lose customers to our competitors. We may not be able to accurately predict technological trends or the success of new services in the market. In addition, there could be legal or regulatory restraints on our introduction of new services. If our services fail to gain acceptance in the marketplace, or if costs associated with the implementation and introduction of these services materially increase, our ability to retain and attract customers could be adversely affected. Additionally, we must phase out outdated and unprofitable technologies and services. If we are unable to do so on a cost-effective basis, we could experience reduced profits. In addition, there could be legal or regulatory restraints on our ability to phase out current services.

Unfavorable global economic, business, or political conditions could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Our results of operations could be adversely affected by general conditions in the global economy and in the global financial markets, including conditions that are outside of our control, including the impact of health and safety concerns, such as those relating to the current COVID-19 coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic.

On January 30, 2020 the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern” and on March 10, 2020, declared it to be a pandemic. Actions taken around the world to help mitigate the spread of the coronavirus include restrictions on travel, and quarantines in certain areas, and forced closures for certain types of public places and businesses. The COVID-19 coronavirus and actions taken to mitigate 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 area in which the Company operates.

Additionally, the global financial crisis in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic has caused extreme volatility and disruptions in the capital and credit markets. A severe or prolonged economic downturn could result in a variety of risks to our business, including reduction in revenue stream across all segments of the Company . Any of the foregoing could harm our business and we cannot anticipate all the ways in which the current economic climate and financial market conditions could adversely impact our business.

Failure to develop new products, such as cross-media solutions, that are compelling for the marketplace in the expected time frame may adversely affect the combined company’s future results.

As the media and advertising industry looks to evaluate investments such as advertising campaigns across various forms of media, such as television, radio, online, and mobile, the ability to measure the combined size and composition of audiences across platforms is increasingly important and demanded. A primary strategic reason for this business combination is to allow our companies to more quickly and effectively develop cross-media capabilities using the combined talents and assets of the two companies to meet a growing market demand. The management of the combined company may face significant challenges in developing new products while integrating existing products and technologies. If the companies are not successful in developing credible products in the expected timeframe, the anticipated benefits of the merger may not be realized fully or at all or may take longer to realize than expected.

We may expand through investments in, acquisitions of, or the development of new products with assistance from, other companies, any of which may not be successful and may divert our management’s attention.

In the past, we completed several strategic acquisitions. We also may evaluate and enter into discussions regarding an array of potential strategic transactions, including acquiring complementary products, technologies or businesses. An acquisition, investment or business relationship may result in unforeseen operating difficulties and expenditures. In particular, we may encounter difficulties integrating the businesses, technologies, products, personnel or operations of the acquired companies, particularly if the key personnel of the acquired company choose not to be employed by us, and we may have difficulty retaining the customers of any acquired business due to changes in management and ownership. Acquisitions may also disrupt our ongoing business, divert our resources and require significant management attention that would otherwise be available for ongoing development of our business. Moreover, we cannot assure you that the anticipated benefits of any acquisition, investment or business relationship would be realized timely, if at all, or that we would not be exposed to unknown liabilities. In connection with any such transaction, we may:

Our business could be adversely affected if we fail to implement and maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting.

If we are unable to maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures, or if there are identified significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the future, our ability to produce accurate and timely financial statements and public reports could be impaired, which could adversely affect our business and financial condition. In addition, investors may lose confidence in our reported information and the market price of our Common Stock may decline.

If we are unable to obtain additional financing, business operations will be harmed and if we do obtain additional financing then existing shareholders may suffer substantial dilution.

We need substantial capital to implement our sales distribution strategy for our current products, strategic acquisitions to maximize existing technologies to create opportunities to create synergy and opportunity. Our capital requirements will depend on many factors, including but not limited to:

If adequate funds are not available or if we fail to obtain acceptable additional financing, we may be required to:

Our success is substantially dependent on the continued service of our senior management.

Our success is substantially dependent on the continued service of our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO), Kevin Brian Cox, our Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), Tony Evers, and President, Anthony P. Nuzzo. We do not carry key person life insurance on any of its management, which would leave us uncompensated for the loss of any of its management. The loss of the services of any of our senior management could make it more difficult to successfully operate our business and achieve our business goals. In addition, our failure to retain qualified personnel in the diverse areas required for continuing its operations could harm our product development capabilities and customer and employee relationships, delay the growth of sales of our products and could result in the loss of key information, expertise or know-how.

We may not be able to hire or retain other key personnel required for our business, which could disrupt the development and sales of our products and limit our ability to grow.

Competition in our industry for senior management and other key personnel is intense. If we are unable to retain our existing personnel, or attract and train additional qualified personnel, either because of competition in our industry for such personnel or because of insufficient financial resources, our growth may be limited.

Our CEO and Chairman, Kevin Brian Cox, has significant control over shareholder matters and the minority shareholders will have little or no control over our affairs.

Mr. Cox currently owns approximately 62% of our outstanding voting equity and, on a fully diluted basis, based on the conversion feature of the Series A and Series C Convertible Preferred Stock, 54% of our shares outstanding. Subject to any fiduciary duties owed to our other stockholders under Nevada law, Mr. Cox is able to exercise significant influence over matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors and approval of significant corporate transactions, and will have some control over our management and policies. Mr. Cox may have interests that are different from yours. For example, Mr. Cox may support proposals and actions with which you may disagree. The concentration of ownership could delay or prevent a change in control of our Company or otherwise discourage a potential acquirer from attempting to obtain control of our Company, which in turn could reduce the price of our stock. In addition, Mr. Cox could use his voting influence to maintain our existing management and directors in office, delay or prevent changes in control of our Company, or support or reject other management and board proposals that are subject to stockholder approval, such as amendments to our employee stock plans and approvals of significant financing transactions.

We may not have sufficient resources to effectively introduce and market our services and products, which could materially harm our operating results.

Continuation of market acceptance for our existing services and products require substantial marketing efforts and will require our sales account executives and contract partners to make significant expenditures of time and money. In some instances, we will be significantly or totally reliant on the marketing efforts and expenditures of our contract partners, outside sales agents and distributors.

Because we currently have very limited marketing resources and sales capabilities, commercialization of our products, some of which require regulatory clearance prior to market entrance, we must either expand our own marketing and sales capabilities or consider collaborating with additional third parties to perform these functions. We may, in some instances, rely significantly on sales, marketing and distribution arrangements with collaborative partners and other third parties. In these instances, our future revenue will be materially dependent upon the success of the efforts of these third parties.

Should we determine that expanding our own marketing and sales capabilities is required, we may not be able to attract and retain qualified personnel to serve in our sales and marketing organization, to develop an effective distribution network or to otherwise effectively support our commercialization activities. The cost of establishing and maintaining a more comprehensive sales and marketing organization may exceed its cost effectiveness. If we fail to further develop our sales and marketing capabilities, if sales efforts are not effective or if costs of increasing sales and marketing capabilities exceed their cost effectiveness, our business, results of operations and financial condition would be materially adversely affected.

Risks and uncertainties related to the Company’s foreign operations could negatively impact the Company’s operating results.

Centercom, our subsidiary, operates in El Salvador. Doing business in El Salvador, and in Latin America generally, involves increased risks related to geo-political events, political instability, corruption, economic volatility, property crime, drug cartel and gang-related violence, social and ethnic unrest including riots and looting, enforcement of property rights, governmental regulations, tax policies, banking policies or restrictions, foreign investment policies, public safety, health and security, anti-money laundering regulations, interest rate regulation and import/export regulations among others. As in many developing markets, there are also uncertainties as to how both local law and U.S. federal law is applied, including areas involving commercial transactions and foreign investment. As a result, actions or events could occur in El Salvador that are beyond the Company’s control, which could restrict or eliminate the Company’s ability to operate in El Salvador or significantly reduce customer traffic, product demand and the expected profitability of such operations.

We operate in a highly competitive industry.

We may encounter competition from local, regional or national entities, some of which have superior resources or other competitive advantages in the larger wireless services space. Intense competition may adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. These competitors may be larger and more highly capitalized, with greater name recognition. We will compete with such companies on brand name, quality of services, level of expertise, advertising, product and service innovation and differentiation of product and services. As a result, our ability to secure significant market share may be impeded.

RISKS RELATED TO OUR SECURITIES

Sales of a significant number of shares of our Common Stock in the public market or the perception of such possible sales, could depress the market price of our Common Stock.

Sales of a substantial number of shares of our Common Stock in the public markets, which include an offering of our preferred stock or Common Stock could depress the market price of our Common Stock and impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional equity or equity-related securities. We cannot predict the effect that future sales of our Common Stock or other equity-related securities would have on the market price of our Common Stock.

Our share price could be volatile and our trading volume may fluctuate substantially.

The price of our Common Stock has been and may in the future continue to be extremely volatile. Many factors could have a significant impact on the future price of our shares of Common Stock, including:

A decline in the price of our shares of Common Stock could affect our ability to raise further working capital and adversely impact our ability to continue operations.

The relatively low price of our shares of Common Stock, and a decline in the price of our shares of Common Stock, could result in a reduction in the liquidity of our Common Stock and a reduction in our ability to raise capital. Because a significant portion of our operations has been and will continue to be financed through the sale of equity securities, a decline in the price of our shares of Common Stock could be especially detrimental to our liquidity and our operations. Such reductions and declines may force us to reallocate funds from other planned uses and may have a significant negative effect on our business plans and operations, including our ability to continue our current operations. If the price for our shares of Common Stock declines, it may be more difficult to raise additional capital. If we are unable to raise sufficient capital, and we are unable to generate funds from operations sufficient to meet our obligations, we will not have the resources to continue our operations.

The market price for our shares of Common Stock may also be affected by our ability to meet or exceed expectations of analysts or investors. Any failure to meet these expectations, even if minor, may have a material adverse effect on the market price of our shares of Common Stock.

Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) sales practice requirements may also limit a stockholder’s ability to buy and sell our Common Stock.

FINRA has adopted rules that require that in recommending an investment to a customer, a broker-dealer must have reasonable grounds for believing that the investment is suitable for that customer. Prior to recommending speculative low-priced securities to their non-institutional customers, broker-dealers must make reasonable efforts to obtain information about the customer’s financial status, tax status, investment objectives and other information. Under interpretations of these rules, FINRA believes that there is a high probability that speculative low-priced securities will not be suitable for at least some customers. FINRA requirements make it more difficult for broker-dealers to recommend that their customers buy our Common Stock, which may limit your ability to buy and sell our Common Stock and have an adverse effect on the market for our shares.

“Penny Stock” rules may make buying or selling our Common Stock difficult.

Trading in our Common Stock has previously been subject to the “penny stock” rules. The SEC has adopted regulations that generally define a penny stock to be any equity security that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. These rules require that any broker-dealer that recommends our Common Stock to persons other than prior customers and accredited investors, must, prior to the sale, make a special written suitability determination for the purchaser and receive the purchaser’s written agreement to execute the transaction. Unless an exception is available, the regulations require the delivery, prior to any transaction involving a penny stock, of a disclosure schedule explaining the penny stock market and the risks associated with trading in the penny stock market. In addition, broker-dealers must disclose commissions payable to both the broker-dealer and the registered representative and current quotations for the securities they offer. The additional burdens imposed upon broker-dealers by such requirements may discourage broker-dealers from effecting transactions in our Common Stock, which could severely limit the market price and liquidity of our Common Stock.

We currently do not intend to pay dividends on our Common Stock. As result, your only opportunity to achieve a return on your investment is if the price of our Common Stock appreciates.

We currently do not expect to declare or pay dividends on our Common Stock. In addition, in the future we may enter into agreements that prohibit or restrict our ability to declare or pay dividends on our Common Stock. As a result, your only opportunity to achieve a return on your investment will be if the market price of our Common Stock appreciates and you sell your shares at a profit.

We could issue additional Common Stock, which might dilute the book value of our Common Stock.

Our Board has authority, without action or vote of our shareholders, to issue all or a part of our authorized but unissued shares. Such stock issuances could be made at a price that reflects a discount or a premium from the then-current trading price of our Common Stock. In addition, in order to raise capital, we may need to issue securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for our Common Stock. These issuances would dilute the percentage ownership interest, which would have the effect of reducing your influence on matters requiring shareholders vote and might dilute the book value of our Common Stock. You may incur additional dilution if holders of stock warrants or options, whether currently outstanding or subsequently granted, exercise their options, or if warrant holders exercise their warrants to purchase shares of our Common Stock.

Future Issuance of Our Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Options and Warrants Could Dilute the Interests of Existing Stockholders.

We may issue additional shares of our Common Stock, preferred stock, options and warrants in the future. The issuance of a substantial amount of Common Stock, options and warrants could have the effect of substantially diluting the interests of our current stockholders. In addition, the sale of a substantial amount of Common Stock or preferred stock in the public market, or the exercise of a substantial number of warrants and options either in the initial issuance or in a subsequent resale by the target company in an acquisition which received such Common Stock as consideration or by investors who acquired such Common Stock in a private placement could have an adverse effect on the market price of our Common Stock.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements contain information about our expectations, beliefs or intentions regarding our product development and commercialization efforts, business, financial condition, results of operations, strategies or prospects, and other similar matters. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions about future events, which are inherently subject to uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. These statements may be identified by words such as “expects,” “plans,” “projects,” “will,” “may,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “should,” “intends,” “estimates,” and other words of similar meaning.

These statements relate to future events or our future operational or financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, those listed under the section titled “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

Any forward-looking statement in this Form 10-K reflects our current view with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our business, results of operations, industry and future growth. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. No forward-looking statement is a guarantee of future performance. You should read this Form 10-K and the documents that we reference herein and therein and have filed as exhibits hereto and thereto completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, even if new information becomes available in the future.

This Form 10-K also contains or may contain estimates, projections and other information concerning our industry, our business and the markets for our products, including data regarding the estimated size of those markets and their projected growth rates. Information that is based on estimates, forecasts, projections or similar methodologies is inherently subject to uncertainties and actual events or circumstances may differ materially from events and circumstances reflected in this information. Unless otherwise expressly stated, we obtained these industry, business, market and other data from reports, research surveys, studies and similar data prepared by third parties, industry and general publications, government data and similar sources. In some cases, we do not expressly refer to the sources from which these data are derived.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

We presently occupy space at 3 locations: 3124 Brother Blvd, Suite 410, Bartlett, TN 38133, (This building is owned by an entity owned by Mr. Cox, our CEO and Chairman and the controlling shareholder of the Company), 1375 E Woodfield Road, Schaumburg IL 60173 and1615 S Ingram Mill, Building B, Springfield, Missouri 65804.

We will acquire additional office space as its needs warrant.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

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

The following is summary of threatened, pending, asserted or un-asserted claims against us or any of its wholly owned subsidiaries.

On February 14, 2020, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission filed a complaint against True Wireless, Inc., related to a compliance dispute. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission has taken issue with some subscribers enrolled outside the designated service area. Local counsel is preparing filing of exceptions and Motion for Hearing En Banc in before Oklahoma Corporation Commission. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission is seeking a substantial fine in excess of $100,000.00 and revocation of its license in Oklahoma.

On January 21, 2020, A complaint was filed related to a noncompetition dispute. Terracom believes Jonathan and Jerry are in violation of their non-compete agreements by working for us and True Wireless, Inc. Oklahoma and TN do not adhere to non-competes and are not usually successful when in court, as such we believe it has a strong case against Terracom. The matter is entering the discovery process. Both Jerry Carroll and Jonathan Coffman are no longer working for True Wireless in sales. Carroll is no longer employed by the Company or any of its affiliates and Coffman works for SurgePays, Inc., but not in sales of wireless. The complaint requests general damages plus fees and costs for tortious interference with a business relationship in their prayer for relief. They have made no written demand for damages at this point in time. This matter is simply an anti-competitive attempt by Terracom to cause distress to True Wireless.

On May 21, 2019, a complaint was filed related to a breach of contract dispute, alleging Unimax Communications, LLC sold defective phones to True Wireless which were not paid for by True Wireless, resulted in default and entry of judgment in the amount of $767,291, plus fees and costs in enforcing the judgment entered against True Wireless and us.

On March 23, 2020, a complaint was filed related to a breach of contract dispute. The complaint was brought by a factoring company regarding Account Stated and Open Account claims against us. We have filed a cross-complaint against defendant AATAC for Breach of Contract, Account Stated, Open Account and Common Law Indemnity. The matter is currently in discovery. Juno Financial, a factoring company, is seeking in excess of $1,700,000.00. Surge never received any goods in this matter and has never owned or possessed the goods in this matter.

With the exception of the foregoing, we are not involved in any disputes and do not have any litigation matters pending. There is no action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation before or by any court, public board, government agency, self-regulatory organization or body pending or, to the knowledge of the executive officers of our Company, threatened against or affecting our Company or our Common Stock, in which an adverse decision could have a material adverse effect.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not Applicable.

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Information

Our Common Stock is quoted on the OTCQB under the trading symbol “SURG”. The Company’s shares began trading on July 24, 2007.

As of March 1, 2021, there were approximately 1,885 holders of record of our Common Stock. The last reported sales price for our Common Stock as reported on the OTCQB on March 31, 2021 was $0.25.

Common Stock

Each share of our Common Stock entitles its holder to one vote in the election of each director and on all other matters voted on generally by our stockholders, other than any matter that (1) solely relates to the terms of any outstanding series of preferred stock or the number of shares of that series and (2) does not affect the number of authorized shares of preferred stock or the powers, privileges and rights pertaining to the Common Stock. No share of our Common Stock affords any cumulative voting rights. This means that the holders of a majority of the voting power of the shares voting for the election of directors can elect all directors to be elected if they choose to do so.

Holders of our Common Stock will be entitled to dividends in such amounts and at such times as our Board of Directors in its discretion may declare out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends. We currently intend to retain our entire available discretionary cash flow to finance the growth, development and expansion of our business and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on the Common Stock in the foreseeable future. Any future dividends will be paid at the discretion of our Board of Directors.

If we liquidate or dissolve our business, the holders of our Common Stock will share ratably in all our assets that are available for distribution to our stockholders after our creditors are paid in full and the holders of all series of our outstanding preferred stock, if any, receive their liquidation preferences in full.

Our Common Stock has no preemptive rights and is not convertible or redeemable or entitled to the benefits of any sinking or repurchase fund.

As of March 31, 2021, there were 147,917,608 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding.

Preferred Stock

Series “A” Preferred Stock

The Company, pursuant to the consent of the Board of Directors filed a Certificate of Designation with the Nevada Secretary of State which designated 10,000,000 shares of the Company’s authorized preferred stock as Series “A” Preferred Stock, par value $0.001. The Series “A” Preferred Stock has the following attributes:

On March 29, 2018, the Company, pursuant to the consent of the Board of Directors, filed a Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Designation with the Nevada Secretary of State which increased the amount of authorized Series A Preferred Stock from 10,000,000 to 13,000,000.

On April 11, 2018, the Company issued 3,000,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock as consideration for the True Wireless, Inc. merger. As discussed in Note 1 to our audited financial statements, the equity of the Company is the historical equity of TW retroactively restated to reflect the number of shares issued by the Company in the transaction. These preferred shares were recorded as a retroactive 2017 transaction as incentive to complete the merger.

Upon close of the merger, the Company recorded 10,000,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock as a part of the recapitalization transaction for services previously rendered by the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors.

As of December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, there were 13,000,000 and 13,000,000 shares of Series A issued and outstanding, respectively.

Series “C” Convertible Preferred Stock

On June 22, 2018, the Board of Directors approved a Certificate of Designation for Company Series C Convertible Preferred stock, which was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada on that date. The Certificate of Designations approved the creation of a new series of preferred stock consisting of 1,000,000 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock par value $0.001 (“Series C Preferred Stock”) with an original issue price of $100.00 per share.

The Series “C” Preferred Stock has the following attributes:

As noted above, each share of Series C Preferred Stock is convertible into 250 shares of Company Common Stock (the same conversion rate utilized in the exchange transaction), but is only convertible on the first to occur of the following events:

On June 29, 2018, each of Kevin Brian Cox (“Cox”), the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, and Thirteen Nevada LLC (“13”) entered into separate Exchange Agreements with the Company whereby the Shareholders agreed to exchange an aggregate of 148,741,531 shares of previously issued Company Common Stock for an aggregate of 594,966 shares of newly-issued Company Series C Convertible Preferred Stock. The calculation of weighted average shares was retroactively restated in order to properly account for the above noted share exchange.

During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company issued 48,400 shares of Series C Preferred in exchange for the conversion of a note payable of $3,000,000 and accrued interest of $24,952.

As discussed in Note 1 to our audited financial statements, on January 17, 2019, the Company announced the completion of an agreement to acquire a 40% equity ownership of Centercom. Upon execution of the agreement, the Company issued 72,000 shares of Preferred C stock (convertible into 18,000,000 shares of common stock) to a director, officer and minority owner of the Company who has a 50% interest in Centercom. The Company recorded its investment in Centercom of $178,508, which is the Company’s 40% ownership of Centercom’s net book value upon close of the completion of the transaction, as “Investment in Centercom” in long term assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

On February 15, 2019, Carter Matzinger elected to exchange outstanding non-interest-bearing debt totaling $389,502 owed by the Company into 6,232 shares of Preferred C stock.

As of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, there were 721,598 shares of Series C issued and outstanding, respectively.

Transfer Agent

The transfer agent of our Common Stock is VStock Transfer, LLC. Their address is 18 Lafayette Place, Woodmere, NY 11598.

Holders

As of March 1, 2021, there were approximately 1,885 registered holders of record of our Common Stock, 3 holders of record of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and 4 holders of record of our Series C Convertible Preferred Stock. Since certain shares of our Common Stock are held by brokers and other institutions on behalf of stockholders, the foregoing number of holders of our Common Stock is not representative of the number of beneficial holders of our Common Stock.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities

We have previously disclosed all sales of securities without registration under the Securities Act of 1933.

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Not applicable.

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report. In addition to historical information, this discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including but not limited to those set forth in “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors.”

Business Overview

SurgePays, incorporated in Nevada on August 18, 2006, is a technology-driven company building a next generation supply chain software platform that offers wholesale goods and services in a cost-efficient manner as an alternative to traditional wholesale supply chain distribution models. We offer goods and services direct to convenience stores, bodegas, minimarts, tiendas and other corner stores, providing goods and services primarily to the underbanked community. Our products are currently distributed nationwide using our direct to store distribution (“DSD”) system that reaches more than 8,000 outlets. We market our products using a range of marketing mediums, including in-store merchandising and promotions, experiential marketing, sales spiffs and incentives, digital marketing and social media, and internal regional salespeople.

SurgePays Blockchain Software

SurgePays Blockchain Software is a multi-purpose e-commerce platform offering wholesale goods and services direct to convenience stores, bodegas, minimarts, tiendas and other corner stores providing goods and services primarily to the underbanked community. SurgePays leverages Direct Store Delivery (DSD) and the cost saving efficiencies of e-commerce to provide our customers as many commonly-sold consumable products as possible with a focus on increasing profit margins. These products include herbal stimulants, energy shots, dry foods, CBD products, communication accessories, novelties, PPP products, bagged snacks and food items, automotive parts and many more goods, all through one convenient wholesale e-commerce platform.

Surge Marketplace Software

Surge Marketplace Software allows the merchant to use the portal interface, which is similar to a website, with image driven navigation to add wireless minutes to any prepaid wireless carrier’s phone and access to other services such as bill payment and loading debit cards. We believe what makes SurgePays unique in that it also offers the merchant the ability to order wholesale consumable goods at a discount through the portal with one touch ease. SurgePays is essentially a wholesale e-commerce storefront that offers products direct from manufactures. The goal of the SurgePays Portal is to leverage the competitive advantage and efficiencies of direct e-commerce to provide as many commonly-sold consumable products as possible to convenience stores, all through one convenient wholesale e-commerce platform.

Electronic Check Services (ECS)

ECS has been a financial technology tech and wireless top-up platform for over 15 years. On October 1, 2019, we acquired ECS primarily for the favorable ACH banking relationship; a fintech transactions platform processing over 20,000 transactions a day at approximately 8,000 independently owned retail stores. The goal was to incorporate our blockchain components into the existing EGS network. After a year of development and integration, we believe the ECS platform has been successfully merged into our platform with secure ledger data backups and will continue to serve as the proven backbone for wireless top-up transactions and wireless product aggregation.

LocoRabbit Wireless

LocoRabbit Wireless offers prepaid wireless plans with talk, text, and 4G LTE data at prices that are lower than direct competitors. Available nationwide, LocoRabbit Wireless is sold online direct to consumers and by a nationwide network of convenience stores, gas stations, mini-marts, bodegas and tiendas connected to the SurgePays software platform. Due to our wireless payment platform, SurgePays is able to exclusively offer an industry high commission to the retailer for top-ups paid monthly at the client’s store.

True Wireless

True Wireless is licensed through the FCC to provide Lifeline Service (subsidized wireless service to qualifying low-income customers) in five (5) states. Utilizing the T-Mobile backbone, True Wireless provides discounted and free wireless service to veterans and other disadvantaged customers who qualify for certain federal programs such as SNAP (EBT) and Medicaid.

Surge Logics

Surge Logics, Inc. is wholly owned subsidiary that operates as a performance-driven marketing firm focused on the mass tort industry for attorneys and law firms. We primarily perform client acquisition and retention services for attorneys and law firms by operating highly-scalable digital marketing campaigns, called performance campaigns, using our proprietary technology and data-driven analytics. These performance campaigns, and the related follow-up by our experienced in-house team, enable our attorney and law firm advertising clients to more effectively and economically connect with potential clients they are seeking to represent in existing or planned litigation. Our proven strategy of delivering cost-effective lead acquisitions and retained cases to our attorney and law firm clients means those clients are better able to manage their media and advertising budgets and reach targeted audiences more quickly and effectively.

Our customized performance campaign offers are targeted at clients interested in completing signed retainers. The first step is to understand the specific criteria of our client. After this, we proceed to generate consumer traffic to our digital media platforms or our clients’ media platforms. Although there is no assurance of generating revenue from this move, we go all the way, bearing all the costs and risks involved. When we use our resources in acquiring consumer traffic, we want to help our clients amass cost-effective retained cases effectively. This, in turn, guarantees maximum profit margins for them.

Centercom

On January 17, 2019, we announced the completion of an agreement to acquire a 40% equity ownership of Centercom Global, S.A. de C.V. (“Centercom”). Centercom is a dynamic operations center currently providing sales support, customer service, IT infrastructure design, graphic media, database programming, software development, revenue assurance, lead generation, and other various operational support services. Our Centercom team is based in El Salvador. Anthony N. Nuzzo, a director and officer and the holder of approximately 10% of our voting equity has a controlling interest in Centercom Global. Centercom also provides call center support for various third-party clients.

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

Centercom manages or supports the following processes:

COMPARISON OF YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

Revenues during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 consisted of the following:

Revenue increased $28,663,847 (111%) primarily as a result of the increase of the ECS revenues of $24,094,753 and an increase of $9,195,691 in revenues from Surge Logics offset by decreases of $3,044,411 in True Wireless, Inc. and $3,697,947 in Surge Blockchain LLC. Gross profit decreased by $650,743 (21%) primarily as a result of a decreases in gross profit of $201,847 in True Wireless, Inc. and $765,572 of Surge Blockchain LLC that offset the gross profit gains from the increased revenues of the other subsidiaries.

Costs and expenses during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 consisted of the following:

Depreciation and amortization increased $946,047 primarily as a result of the addition of the ECS assets. The asset purchase agreement dated September 27, 2019 created an intangible asset. The amortization of this was recorded for a full year in 2020 and only 3 month in 2019.

Selling, general and administrative expenses during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 consisted of the following:

Selling, general and administrative costs (S, G & A) increased by $780,850 (7%). The 2020 period includes $554,386 in expenses for the ECS companies that are not included in the 2019 expenses. The detail changes are discussed below:

Other (expense) income during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 consisted of the following:

Interest expense increased to $3,383,996 in 2020 from $227,016 in 2019 primarily due to an increase in total borrowings.

During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company identified certain embedded features within its borrowings that required the Company to classify the features as derivative liabilities. The Company recognized a change in fair value in 2020 of $577,936. In addition, the Company recorded a derivative expense of $566,789 which represents the debt discount and derivative features that exceed the face value of the notes. The increase in derivative expense is the result of additional borrowings in 2020 with a default note conversion trigger.

The gain on equity investment in Centercom of $210,912 in 2020 compared to $25,192 in 2019.

During 2019, the Company settled outstanding liabilities through the issuance of 875,000 shares of Common Stock and recorded a loss on settlement of $481,187. During 2020, the Company settled outstanding liabilities through the issuance of 8,150,000 shares of Common Stock and recorded a gain on settlement of $2,556,979.

LIQUIDITY, CAPITAL RESOURCES AND GOING CONCERN

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, our current assets were $1,251,029 and $3,574,885, respectively, and our current liabilities were $15,306,509 and $7,054,124, respectively, which resulted in a working capital deficit of $14,055,480 and $3,479,239, respectively. The decrease in current assets is a result of recognizing bad debt expense to write off uncollectible accounts receivable. The increase in current liabilities is the result of incurring additional debt in 2020 with payment terms less than one-year.

Total assets at December 31, 2020 and 2019 amounted to $7,325,071 and $9,986,373, respectively. The decrease in total assets is a result of recognizing bad debt expense to write off uncollectible accounts receivable. At December 31, 2020, assets consisted of current assets of $1,251,029, net property and equipment of $236,810, net intangible assets of $4,125,742, goodwill of $866,782, equity investment in Centercom of $414,612, and operating lease right of use asset of $368,638, as compared to current assets of $3,574,885, net property and equipment of $294,616, net intangible assets of $4,769,117, goodwill of $866,782, equity investment in Centercom of $203,700 and operating lease right of use asset of $210,816 at December 31, 2019. The operating lease right of use increased related to a new lease acquired in the ECS assets purchase agreement.

At December 31, 2020, our total liabilities of $18,051,037 increased $3,365,049 from $14,685,988 at December 31, 2019. The Company entered into several promissory notes during 2020, creating additional debt in 2020 over 2019.

At December 31, 2020, our total stockholders’ deficit was $10,725,966 as compared to $4,699,615 at December 31, 2019. The principal reason for the increase in stockholders’ deficit was the impact of the net loss of $10,721,626 offset by equity issuances during 2020.

We believe we will continue to incur net losses and do not expect positive cash flows from operations until the 4^th quarter of 2021. At that time, we believe the impact of COVID-19 will have rescinded enough to allow us to fully implement our sales strategy, resulting in increased revenue in all segments of our business.

The following table sets forth the major sources and uses of cash for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

As a result of increased financing activities in 2020, the cash increased in 2020 by $327,955.

At December 31, 2020, the Company had the following material commitments and contingencies.

Notes payable – related party - See Note 8 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Notes payable and long-term debt - See Note 9 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Convertible promissory notes - See Note 10 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Related party transactions - See Note 15 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Cash requirements and capital expenditures – At the current level of operations, the Company has to borrow funds to meet basic operating costs.

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

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Not applicable.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on page F-1 of this Annual Report.

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

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

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act). Our management has determined has determined that, as of December 31, 2020, the Company’s disclosure controls are effective but the Company lacks segregation of duties similar to other companies our size.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The following table and biographical summaries set forth information, including principal occupation and business experience, about our directors and executive officers as of the date of this Form 10-K:

Kevin Brian Cox – Chief Executive Officer and a Director – Mr. Cox has been Chief Executive Officer and a Director since July 2017. He also served as Chief Financial Officer of the Company from July 2017 to March 2018 and as President of the Company from July 2017 to February 2019. He was the majority owner of True Wireless from January 2011 through April 2018, when True Wireless became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. He became CEO of True Wireless on January 2011 and served in this capacity until December 2, 2018. Mr. Cox got his start in telecom in 2004 when he founded his first telephone company (CLEC). Through organic growth and acquisition, he ran 3 CLECs providing service to 200,000 residential subscribers and became the largest prepaid home phone company in the country before selling in 2009. Mr. Cox is a minority partner, investor and or stakeholder in several other technology companies including telecom, wireless and network transactions and has realized over $550,000,000 in sales from companies he has founded or acquired. Mr. Cox graduated from Murray State University with a B.A. in Economics.

Anthony P. Nuzzo Jr. – President , Chief Operating Officer and Director – Mr. Nuzzo has been the Chief Operating Officer and a director of the Company since July 2017. In February 2019, he was appointed President of the Company. In 1991 Mr. Nuzzo formed Nuzzo Enterprises, Inc. d/b/a Jackson Hewitt Tax Service, a tax franchise, and successfully expanded the company to include twenty-two locations spread over six counties in Chicago, IL and the Syracuse, NY area. In June 2003, Mr. Nuzzo became one of five co-founders and Managing Members to successfully launch Leading Edge Recovery Solutions, LLC., which, in 2008, was ranked 21st in the U.S. within the Financial Services Industry by the Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Private Companies Annual Publication received the honor of Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Private Companies Annual Publication being Ranked 346 overall by Inc. In 2009, Mr. Nuzzo left for a new challenge and purchased Glass Mountain Capital, LLC. Mr. Nuzzo set out to create an Accounts Receivable Management company that focused on helping the consumer while achieving goals set by the clients. In early 2017, Mr. Nuzzo successful launched a near shore BPO, Centercom Global, BPO in Central America. Centercom will give all clients a near shore option that will drive down costs and build efficiencies. Mr. Nuzzo received his B.A. from Kennesaw State University.

David C. Ansani – Secretary and Chief Administrative Officer – Mr. Ansani has been Chief Administrative Officer since August 2017, and was a Director until February 2021. He was also appointed Secretary of the Company in February 2019. From 2010 to the present date, he has served as Chief Compliance Officer/Human Resources Officer/In-House Counsel for Glass Mountain Capital, LLC, a start-up financial services company specializing in the recovery of distressed assets. In this capacity, he reviews and evaluates compliance issues and concerns within the organization. The position ensures that management and employees are in compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations of regulatory agencies (FDCPA, TCPA, GLB, CFPB, etc.); that company policies and procedures are being followed; and that behavior in the organization meets the company’s standards of conduct. Ms. Ansani received his B.A. and MBA from the University of Chicago, and J.D. from the Chicago-Kent College of Law.

Anthony Evers – Chief Financial Officer – Mr. Evers has been the Chief Financial Officer of the Company since May 1, 2020. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Evers served as Chief Financial Officer for Vista Health System from October 2019 to March 2020. Between June 2019 and October 2019, Mr. Evers served as CFO of Santa Cruz Valley Regional Hospital. Between 2015 and 2019, Mr. Evers served as CFO and CIO of KSB Hospital. Prior to that, he served as CFO of various organizations, including Norwegian American Hospital and Horizon Homecare and Hospice. During his career, Mr. Evers has been the financial lead in over 20 merger and divesture transactions ranging from a single physician practice to multi-entity nursing homes. Throughout his career, Mr. Evers has served on numerous boards of directors, including Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare, Covenant Healthcare, All Saints Health System, Rogers Hospital, and the Animal Shelter in Beaver Dam WI. He has also served as a member of the Dixon Illinois Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Evers has also served as the audit and finance committee chair at several of these organizations. Mr. Evers obtained his Bachelors of Business Administration in Finance and Masters of Science in Accounting from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Mr. Evers also successfully obtained his Certified Public Accountant and Certified Internal Auditor credentials.

Carter Matzinger – Chief Strategic Officer - Mr. Matzinger is the Chief Strategic Officer of the Company, and served as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company from April 2015 to July 2017. He remains an employee of the Company and as President of Surge Logics, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. He has over 18 years of diverse experience including working with many Fortune 500 companies including: The Limited, CompuServe, Goodyear Tire, and Amoco. For the past nine years, Mr. Matzinger has worked in the field of online marketing and has specialized in building large affiliate networks. He works closely with online advertisers and advertising networks to expand the reach of profitability of the Company. His experience in search engine optimization, list management, and pay-per-click advertising provides a vast network of relationships and industry expertise. Mr. Matzinger is the co-founder and President of Blvd Media Group, LLC (now Surge Blockchain, LLC), and KSIX LLC. Mr. Matzinger is a graduate of the University of Utah in 1997 B.A. in Business Administration.

David N. Keys – Director.- Mr. Keys has been a director of the Company since July 2019. Mr. Keys began his career with Deloitte serving in the audit group in the Las Vegas and New York City executive offices. David was the Executive Vice President, CFO and member of the executive committee of the Board of Directors of American Pacific, a chemical company that was publicly traded on the NASDAQ for the entirety of the time he was a director and executive officer. Since 2004, Mr. Keys has been an independent financial and operations consultant. Mr. Keys currently serves as Chairman of the Board and Audit Committee of RSI International Systems Inc. (TSXV: RSY), and on the Board of private companies, including Prosetta Biosciences Inc., Akonni Biosystems Inc., Walker Digital Table Systems, LLC, and Coast Flight Training and Management Inc. He previously served on the Boards of Directors of AmFed Financial Inc., Norwest Bank of Nevada and Wells Fargo Bank of Nevada. Mr. Keys also served on the Advisory Board of Directors of FM Global, a leading provider of property and casualty insurance. Mr. Keys is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP), Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF), and Certified in Financial Management (CFM). David is a member of the National Roster of Neutrals of the American Arbitration Association. He received a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Oklahoma State University.

David May – Director - David combines over 27 years of experience in commercial banking. Mr. May has been involved with both community banks and large regional banks as a bank officer. Since 2007 he has served as Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking at Landmark Community Bank, a billion-dollar Memphis based commercial bank. Additionally, from 2000 to 2007, he served as Chairman of the Board for the Agency for Youth and Family Development, a residential treatment facility for adolescent males. Mr. May is also a founding member of Global Defense Specialists, a military aircraft fleet sustainment company specializing in Lockheed F-16’s and C-130’s as well as Northrop F-5 jet fighters. He has an undergraduate degree from Memphis State University and is a graduate of the Southeastern School of Commercial Banking at Vanderbilt University

None of the above directors and executive officers has been involved in any legal proceedings as listed in Regulation S-K, Section 401(f), except as follows:

On November 20, 2018, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (the “OCC”) entered a Final Order Approving Consent Decree (the “Order”) regarding the operations of True Wireless Inc. (our wholly-owned subsidiary) as a wireless telecommunications provider in Oklahoma. This Order finalized a settlement resolving violations of the OCC’s rules governing the marketing of subsidized wireless telecommunications services from mobile locations (i.e., other than from brick and mortar locations). As part of that settlement, True Wireless agreed to restructure its management team to shift regulatory compliance and managerial responsibilities to other persons whose focus is on the day-to-day operations of True Wireless. As of December 7, 2018, Mr. Cox had resigned as an officer, director and manager of True Wireless. Mr. Cox is not an employee of True Wireless and does not participate in any of our or its subsidiaries’ operations in Oklahoma. Mr. Cox was expressly permitted by the settlement to remain as CEO of the Surge Holdings, Inc. (now known as SurgePays, Inc.), the parent of True Wireless.

Family Relationships

There are no family relationships among any of our directors or executive officers.

Board Composition, Committees, and Independence

Audit Committee. We intend to establish an audit committee, which will consist of independent directors. The audit committee’s duties would be to recommend to our board of directors the engagement of independent auditors to audit our financial statements and to review its accounting and auditing principles. The audit committee would review the scope, timing and fees for the annual audit and the results of audit examinations performed by the internal auditors and independent public accountants, including their recommendations to improve the system of accounting and internal controls. The audit committee would at all times be composed exclusively of directors who are, in the opinion of our board of directors, free from any relationship which would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment as a committee member and who possess an understanding of financial statements and generally accepted accounting principles.

Compensation Committee. Our board of directors does not have a standing compensation committee responsible for determining executive and director compensation. Instead, the entire board of directors fulfills this function, and each member of the Board participates in the determination. Given the small size of the Company and its Board and our limited resources, locating, obtaining and retaining additional independent directors is extremely difficult. In the absence of independent directors, the Board does not believe that creating a separate compensation committee would result in any improvement in the compensation determination process. Accordingly, the board of directors has concluded that the Company and its stockholders would be best served by having the entire board of directors’ act in place of a compensation committee. When acting in this capacity, the Board does not have a charter.

In considering and determining executive and director compensation, our board of directors’ reviews compensation that is paid by other similar public companies to its officers and takes that into consideration in determining the compensation to be paid to our officers. The board of directors also determines and approves any non-cash compensation to any employee. We do not engage any compensation consultants to assist in determining or recommending the compensation to our officers or employees.

Code of Ethics

Our Board of Directors has not adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.

Term of Office

Our directors are appointed at the annual meeting of shareholders and hold office until the annual meeting of the shareholders next succeeding his or her election, or until his or her prior death, resignation or removal in accordance with our bylaws. Our officers are appointed by the Board and hold office until the annual meeting of the Board next succeeding his or her election, and until his or her successor shall have been duly elected and qualified, subject to earlier termination by his or her death, resignation or removal.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors, executive officers and persons who beneficially own 10% or more of a class of securities registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act to file reports of beneficial ownership and changes in beneficial ownership with the SEC. Directors, executive officers and greater than 10% stockholders are required by the rules and regulations of the SEC to furnish us with copies of all reports filed by them in compliance with Section 16(a). To our knowledge, based solely on a review of reports furnished to it, our officers, directors and ten percent holders have made the required filings

Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings

To the best of our knowledge, other than as described above, none of our directors or executive officers has, during the past ten years:

Except as set forth in our discussion below in “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions,” none of our directors or executive officers has been involved in any transactions with us or any of our directors, executive officers, affiliates or associates which are required to be disclosed pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Summary Compensation Table

The following table shows the compensation for our Chief Executive Officer and all other of our executive officers and any of our employees whose cash compensation exceeded $100,000 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

Equity Incentive Plan

We plan to adopt, in 2021, an Incentive Plan to authorize the issuance of shares of Common Stock pursuant to options or shares of Common Stock granted pursuant to the Incentive Plan. The terms and conditions of any options granted, and the terms and conditions of any stock issued, including the price of the shares of Common Stock issuable on the exercise of vested options, will be governed by the provisions of the Incentive Plan and any agreements with the Incentive Plan participants.

Pursuant to the Incentive Plan, awards may be in the form of Incentive Stock Options, Non-Qualified Stock Options, or Stock Bonuses.

Incentive Stock Options

All of our employees will be eligible to receive Incentive Stock Options pursuant to the Incentive Plan as may be determined by the Compensation Committee which, once established, will administer the Incentive Plan.

Options granted pursuant to the Incentive Plan terminate at such time as may be specified when the option is granted.

The total fair market value of the shares of Common Stock (determined at the time of the grant of the option) for which any employee may receive options which are first exercisable in any calendar year may not exceed $100,000.

In the discretion of the Compensation Committee, once established, options granted pursuant to the Incentive Plan may include instalment exercise terms for any option such that the option becomes fully exercisable in a series of cumulating portions. The Compensation Committee may also accelerate the date upon which any option (or any part of any option) is first exercisable. However, no option, or any portion thereof may be exercisable until one year following the date of grant. In no event shall an option granted to an employee then owning more than l0% of our Common Stock be exercisable by its terms after the expiration of five years from the date of grant, nor shall any other option granted pursuant to the Incentive Plan be exercisable by its terms after the expiration of ten (10) years from the date of grant.

Non-Qualified Stock Options

Our employees, directors and officers, and consultants or advisors will be eligible to receive Non-Qualified Stock Options pursuant to the Incentive Plan as may be determined by our Compensation Committee which, once established, will administer the Incentive Plan, provided however that bona fide services must be rendered by such consultants or advisors and such services must not be in connection with a capital-raising transaction or promoting our Common Stock.

Options granted pursuant to the Incentive Plan shall terminate at such time as may be specified when the option is granted.

In the discretion of the Compensation Committee options granted pursuant to the Incentive Plan may include instalment exercise terms for any option such that the option becomes fully exercisable in a series of cumulating portions. The Compensation Committee may also accelerate the date upon which any option (or any part of any option) is first exercisable. In no event shall an option be exercisable by its terms after the expiration of ten years from the date of grant.

Stock Bonuses

Our employees, directors and officers, and consultants or advisors will be eligible to receive a grant of our shares, provided however that bona fide services must be rendered by such consultants or advisors and such services must not be in connection with a capital-raising transaction or promoting our Common Stock. The grant of the shares rests entirely with our Compensation Committee which, once established, will administer the Incentive Plan. It will also be left to the Compensation Committee to decide the type of vesting and transfer restrictions which will be placed on the shares.

Employee Pension, Profit Sharing or other Retirement Plan

We do not have a defined benefit, pension plan, profit sharing or other retirement plan, although we may adopt one or more of such plans in the future.

Compensation of Executive Officers

Effective May 1, 2020, we began to compensate Mr. Anthony Evers, as our Chief Financial Officer, an annual salary of $270,000 paid in accordance with our standard employee payroll practices. We also paid the full cost of Mr. Evers’ health insurance premiums.

Effective August 20, 2020, we began to compensate Mr. Kevin Brian Cox, our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, an annual salary of $750,000 paid in accordance with our standard employee payroll practices. We also provide Mr. Cox with a monthly car allowance of $1,800.

Effective August 20, 2020, we began to compensate Mr. Anthony P. Nuzzo, our President, Chief Operating Officer and a member of the Board, an annual salary of $550,000 paid in accordance with our standard employee payroll practices. We also provided Mr. Nuzzo with a monthly car allowance of $1,800.

Our Company’s executive compensation plan is based on attracting and retaining qualified professionals which possess the skills and leadership necessary to enable our Company to achieve earnings and profitability growth to satisfy our stockholders. We must, therefore, create incentives for these executives to achieve both Company and individual performance objectives through the use of performance-based compensation programs. No one component is considered by itself, but all forms of the compensation package are considered in total. Wherever possible, objective measurements will be utilized to quantify performance, but many subjective factors still come into play when determining performance.

As a growth stage Company with a plan of action of both vertical and horizontal industry acquisitions (and potential retention of management of acquired businesses), the main elements of compensation packages for executives shall consist of a base salary, stock options under the proposed plan discussed above under this section, and bonuses (cash and/or equity) based upon performance standards to be negotiated.

As we continue to grow, both through acquisition or through revenue growth from existing business interests, and financial conditions improve, these base salaries, bonuses, and incentive compensation will be reviewed for possible adjustments. Base salary adjustments will be based on both individual and Company performance and will include both objective and subjective criteria specific to each executive’s role and responsibility to us.

Compensation of Directors

We did not make any equity or other compensation payments to non-employee director during fiscal 2020.

On July 17, 2019, we entered into a Director Agreement with David N. Keys (the “Keys Director Agreement”) whereby Mr. Keys is to be reimbursed for (i) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending any in-person meetings; and (ii) any costs associated with filings required to be made by Mr. Keys in regards to any beneficial ownership of securities.

In conjunction with the Keys Director Agreement, we entered into an Indemnification Agreement (the “Indemnification Agreement”) with Mr. Keys. The Indemnification Agreement indemnifies to the fullest extent permitted under Nevada law for any claims arising out of or resulting from, amongst other things, (i) any actual, alleged or suspected act or failure to act by Mr. Keys in his capacity as a director or agent of the Company and (ii) any actual, alleged or suspected act or failure to act by Mr. Keys in respect of any business, transaction, communication, filing, disclosure or other activity of the Company. Under the Indemnification Agreement, Mr. Keys is indemnified for any losses pertaining to such claims, provided, however, that the losses shall not include expenses incurred by Mr. Keys in respect of any claim as which he shall have been adjudged liable to us, unless the court having jurisdiction rules otherwise. The Indemnification Agreement provides for indemnification of Mr. Keys during his directorship and for a period of six (6) years thereafter.

Other than as provided above with respect to the Keys Director Agreement and the Indemnification Agreement, at the time of this filing, directors receive no remuneration for their services as directors of the Company, nor does the Company reimburse directors for expenses incurred in their service to our Board of Directors. We plan to put in place an industry standard director compensation package during the fiscal year 2021.

Change of Control

There are no arrangements, known to us, including any pledge by any person of our securities, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of us.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The following sets forth information as of March 31, 2021, regarding the number of shares of our Common Stock beneficially owned by (i) each person that we know beneficially owns more than 5% of our outstanding Common Stock, (ii) each of our directors and executive officers and (iii) all of our directors and executive officers as a group.

The amounts and percentages of our Common Stock beneficially owned are reported on the basis of SEC rules governing the determination of beneficial ownership of securities. Under the SEC rules, a person is deemed to be a “beneficial owner” of a security if that person has or shares “voting power,” which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting of such security, or “investment power,” which includes the power to dispose of or to direct the disposition of such security. A person is also deemed to be a beneficial owner of any securities of which that person has the right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60 days through the exercise of any stock option, warrant or other right, and the conversion of preferred stock. Under these rules, more than one person may be deemed a beneficial owner of the same securities and a person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of securities as to which such person has no economic interest. Unless otherwise indicated, each of the shareholders named in the table below, or his or her family members, has sole voting and investment power with respect to such shares of our Common Stock. Except as otherwise indicated, the address of each of the shareholders listed below is: 3124 Brother Blvd, Suite 410, Bartlett, TN 38133.

There are no arrangements, known to us, including any pledge by any person of our securities, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of us.

We are not aware of any arrangements that may result in “changes in control” as that term is defined by the provisions of Item 403(c) of Regulation S-K.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

The Company’s former Chief Executive Officer has advanced the Company various amounts on a non-interest-bearing basis, which is being used for working capital. The advance had no fixed maturity. As noted, Mr. Matzinger elected to exchange outstanding non-interest-bearing debt totaling $389,502 owed by the Company into 6,232 shares of Preferred C stock. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the outstanding balance due was $0.

For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, outsourced management services fees of $0 and $1,020,000, respectively, were paid to Axia Management, LLC (“Axia”) as compensation for services provided. These costs are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. Axia is owned by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer.

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had trade payables to Axia of $373,012 and $666,112, respectively.

For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company purchased telecom services and access to wireless networks from 321 Communications in the amount of $218,334 and $704,683, respectively. These costs are included in Cost of revenue in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer is a minority owner of 321 Communications.

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had trade payables to 321 Communications of $25,336 and $140,923, respectively.

The Company contracted with CenterCom Global, S.A. de C.V. (“CenterCom Global”) to provide customer service call center services, manage the sales process to include handling incoming orders, the collection and verification of all documents to comply with FCC regulations, monthly audit of all subscribers to file the USAC 497 form, yearly audit of all subscribers that have been active over one year to file the USAC 555 form (Recertification), information technology professionals to maintain company websites, sales portals and server maintenance. Billings for these services in the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were $2,821,925 and $2,384,780, respectively, and are included in Cost of revenue in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company’s President has a 50% interest in CenterCom Global.

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had trade payables to CenterCom Global of $1,252,331 and $282,159, respectively.

See Note 7 long-term debt due to related parties.

Director Independence

Our Common Stock is currently quoted on the OTCQB. Because our Common Stock is not currently listed on a national securities exchange, we have used the definition of “independence” of The NASDAQ Stock Market to make this determination. NASDAQ Listing Rule 5605(a)(2) provides that an “independent director” is a person other than an officer or employee of the Company or any other individual having a relationship which, in the opinion of our board of directors, would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. The NASDAQ listing rules provide that a director cannot be considered independent if:

We periodically review the independence of each director. Pursuant to this review, our directors and officers, on an annual basis, are required to complete and forward to the Corporate Secretary a detailed questionnaire to determine if there are any transactions or relationships between any of the directors or officers (including immediate family and affiliates) and us. If any transactions or relationships exist, we then consider whether such transactions or relationships are inconsistent with a determination that the director is independent. At this time the Board has determined that Mr. Keys qualifies as independent director.

Disclosure of SEC Position on Indemnification of Securities Act Liabilities

Our directors and officers are indemnified as provided by the Nevada corporate law and our bylaws. We have agreed to indemnify each of our directors and certain officers against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our directors, officers and controlling persons pursuant to the provisions described above, or otherwise, we have been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than our payment of expenses incurred or paid by our director, officer or controlling person in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, we will, unless in the opinion of our counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

We have been advised that in the opinion of the SEC indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act, and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities is asserted by one of our directors, officers, or controlling persons in connection with the securities being registered, we will, unless in the opinion of our legal counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit the question of whether such indemnification is against public policy to a court of appropriate jurisdiction. We will then be governed by the court’s decision.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Fees Billed for Audit and Non-Audit Services

The following table presents for each of the last two fiscal years the aggregate fees billed in connection with the audits of our financial statements and other professional services rendered by our independent registered public accounting firm Rodefer Moss & Co, PLLC.

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY

Not applicable.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

SURGEPAYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

SurgePays, Inc. & Subsidiaries

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of SurgePays, Inc. & Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ deficit and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2020 and the related notes (collectively referred to as the financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its consolidated operations and its consolidated cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.