Usio Inc
For the period ended Dec 31, 2023. Filed Mar 27, 2024.
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FY2023 · Filed Mar 27, 2024
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023 and 2022
Note1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
*Organization:Usio, Inc., along with its subsidiaries, FiCentive, Inc., a Nevada corporation, and Zbill, Inc., a Nevada corporation, provides integrated *electronic payment services, including credit and debit card-based processing services and transaction processing via the Automated Clearing House, or ACH network to billers and retailers. The Company also has an additional wholly-owned subsidiary, Usio Output Solutions, Inc., which is the entity for the Output Solutions operations. In addition, the Company operates various product websites, such as www.usio.com, www.singularpayments.com, www.payfacinabox.com, www.ficentive.com, www.akimbocard.com, and www.usiooutput.com.
*Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation:The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its *wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
*Use of Estimates:The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make *estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition:Revenue consists primarily of fees generated through the electronic processing of payment transactions and related services. Revenue is recognized during the period in which the transactions are processed or when the related services are performed. The Company complies with ASC606-10 and reports revenues at gross as a principal versus net as an agent. Although some of the Company's processing agreements vary with respect to specific credit risks, the Company has determined for each agreement it is acting in the principal role. Merchants* maybe charged for these processing services at a bundled rate based on a percentage of the dollar amount of each transaction and, in some instances, additional fees are charged for each transaction. Certain merchant customers are charged a flat fee per transaction, while others mayalso be charged miscellaneous fees, including fees for chargebacks or returns, monthly minimums, and other miscellaneous services. Revenues derived from electronic processing of credit, debit, and prepaid card transactions that are authorized and captured throughthird*-party networks are reported gross of amounts paid to sponsor banks as well as interchange and assessments paid to credit card associations. Certain card distributors remit payment of fees earned45 days after the end of the processing period. Prepaid card distributors have payment terms of30 days following the end of the month. Sales taxes billed are reported directly as a liability to the taxing authority and arenot included in revenue. Usio Output Solutions, Inc. provides bill preparation, presentment and mailing services. Revenue from Output Solutions is recognized when the related services are performed for printing and delivered to USPS for postage.
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | $ Change | % Change | |
| ACH and complementary service revenue | $14,888,973 | $14,782,606 | $106,367 | 1% |
| Credit card revenue | 28,476,591 | 27,121,621 | 1,354,970 | 5% |
| Prepaid card services revenue | 18,729,350 | 9,117,670 | 9,611,680 | 105% |
| Output solutions revenue | 20,496,195 | 18,406,388 | 2,089,807 | 11% |
| Total Revenue | $82,591,109 | $69,428,285 | $13,162,824 | 19% |
*Deferred Revenues:The Company records deferred revenues when it receives payments or issues invoices in advance of transferring control of promised *goods or services to a customer. The advance consideration received from a customer is deferred until the Company provides the customer that product or service.
The deferred revenue balances are as follows:
| 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Deferred revenues, beginning of period | $— | $17,647 |
| Deferred revenues, end of period | — | — |
| Revenue recognized in the period from amounts included in deferred revenues at the beginning of the period | $— | $17,647 |
Cash and Cash Equivalents:Cash and cash equivalents includes cash and other money market instruments. The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of90 days or less to be cash equivalents.
*Settlement Processing Assets and Obligations:Settlement processing assets and obligations represent intermediary balances arising in our settlement *process for merchants.
*Prepaid Card Load Assets:*The Company maintains pre-funding accounts for its customers to facilitate prepaid card loads as initiated by our customer. These prepaid card load assets are carried on the Company's balance sheet with a corresponding liability.
Customer Deposits:The Company holds customer deposits primarily for postage expenses to ensure the Company isnot out of pocket for amounts billed daily by the United States Postal Service. These customer deposits are carried on the Company's balance sheet with a corresponding liability.
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Merchant Reserves:The Company has merchant reserve requirements associated with Automated Clearing House, or ACH transactions. The merchant reserve assets are carried on the Company's balance sheet with a corresponding liability. Merchant Reserves are set for each merchant. Funds are collected from each merchant and held as collateral to minimize contingent liabilities associated with any losses that mayoccur under the merchant agreement. While this cash isnot restricted in its use, the Company believes that designating this cash to collateralize Merchant Reserves strengthens its fiduciary standing with the Company's member sponsors and is in accordance with the guidelines set by the card networks.
The reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents to cash, cash equivalents, prepaid card load assets, customer deposits and merchant reserves is as follows for each period presented:
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Beginning cash, cash equivalents, prepaid card load assets, customer deposits and merchant reserves: | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $5,709,117 | $7,255,321 |
| Prepaid card load assets | 20,170,761 | 36,590,893 |
| Customer deposits | 1,554,122 | 1,364,193 |
| Merchant reserves | 4,909,501 | 6,381,153 |
| Total | $32,343,501 | $51,591,560 |
| Ending cash, cash equivalents, prepaid card load assets, customer deposits and merchant reserves: | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $7,155,687 | $5,709,117 |
| Prepaid card load assets | 31,578,973 | 20,170,761 |
| Customer deposits | 1,865,731 | 1,554,122 |
| Merchant reserves | 5,310,095 | 4,909,501 |
| Total | $45,910,486 | $32,343,501 |
Accounts Receivable/Allowance for Estimated Credit Losses:Accounts receivable are reported as outstanding principal net of an allowance for expected credit losses of $319,000 at December 31, 2023and2022.
The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses for estimated losses resulting from the inability or failure of its customers to make required payments. The Company determines the allowance based on an account-by-account review, taking into consideration such factors as the age of the outstanding balance, historical pattern of collections and financial condition of the customer. Past losses incurred by the Company due to credit losses have been within its expectations. If the financial condition of its customers deteriorates, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make contractual payments, additional allowances might be required. Estimates for credit losses are variable based on the volume of transactions processed and could increase or decrease accordingly. The Company normally doesnot charge interest on accounts receivable.
Inventory: Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. At* December 31, 2023and2022*, inventory consisted primarily of printing and paper supplies used for Output Solutions.
*Property and Equipment:Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed on a straight-line method over the *estimated useful lives of the related assets, ranging from three toten years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the estimated useful lives or remaining lease period. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.
Accounting for Internal Use Software:The Company capitalizes the costs associated with software developed and / or software obtained for internal use. The software is capitalized when both the preliminary project stage is complete, and the software being developed is placed-in service. Capitalized costs include only (i) external direct costs of materials and services consumed in developing or obtaining internal-use software, (ii) payroll and other related costs for employees who are directly associated with and who devote time to the internal-use software project, and (iii) interest costs incurred, when material, while developing internal-use software. The Company ceases capitalization of such costsno later than the point at which the project is substantially complete and ready for its intended purpose. For the years ended* December 31, 2023* and* December 31, 2022*, the Company capitalized $634,571 and $584,246, respectively.
Concentration of Credit Risk:Financial instruments that potentially expose the Company to credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents, and accounts receivable. The Company is exposed to credit risk on its cash and cash equivalents in the event of default by the financial institutions to the extent account balances exceed the amount insured by the FDIC, which is$250,000. Accounts receivables potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk. The Company’s customer base operates in a variety of industries and is geographically dispersed. The Company closely monitors extensions of credit. Estimated credit losses have been recorded in the consolidated financial statements. Recent credit losses have been within management's expectations. No customer accounted for more than10% of revenues in2023 or2022.
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*Fair Value of Financial Instruments:Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and short-term borrowings are *reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements at cost, which approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Intangible Assets:The Company reviews periodically, on at least an annual basis, the carrying value of its long-lived assets and intangible assets and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may**not be recoverable. To the extent the fair value of a long-lived asset, determined based upon the estimated future cash inflows attributable to the asset, less estimated future cash outflows, is less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized.
Reserve for Processing Losses:If, due to insolvency or bankruptcy ofone of the Company’s merchant customers, or for any other reason, the Company is* not able to collect amounts from its card processing, credit card, ACH or merchant prepaid customers that have been properly "charged back" by the customer or if a prepaid cardholder incurs a negative balance, the Company must bear the credit risk for the full amount of the transaction. The Company mayrequire cash deposits and other types of collateral from certain merchants to minimize any such risk. In addition, the Company utilizes a number of systems and procedures to manage merchant risk. ACH, prepaid and credit card merchant processing loss reserves are primarily determined by performing a historical analysis of our loss experience and considering other factors that could affect that experience in the future, such as the types of transactions processed and nature of the merchant relationship with its consumers and the Company with its prepaid card holders. This reserve amount is subject to the risk that actual losses maybe greater than our estimates. The Company hasnot* incurred any significant processing losses to date. Estimates for processing losses vary based on the volume of transactions processed and could increase or decrease accordingly. The Company evaluates its risk for such transactions and estimates its potential processing losses based primarily on historical experience and other relevant factors. At* December 31, 2023and2022*, respectively, the Company’s reserve for processing losses was $826,528 and $755,494, respectively.
Advertising Costs:Advertising is expensed as incurred. The Company incurred approximately $16,500 and $94,000 in advertising costs in2023 and2022,* *respectively.
Income Taxes:Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded based on difference between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets are computed with the presumption that they will be realizable in future periods when taxable income is generated. Predicting the ability to realize these assets in future periods requires a great deal of judgment by management. U.S. generally accepted accounting principles prescribe a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Income tax benefits that meet the “more likely thannot” recognition threshold should be recognized. Goodwill is amortized over 15 years for tax purposes.
As with all businesses, the Company’s tax returns are subject to periodic examination. The Company’s federal returns for the pastfour years remain open to examination. The Company is subject to the Texas margin tax and Tennessee franchise tax. Management isnot aware of any tax positions that would have a significant impact on its financial position.
*Stock-Based Compensation:The Company recognizes as compensation expense all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors, *including grants of stock options and warrants, based on estimated fair values. Fair value is generally determined based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.
401(k) Plan:The Company has a defined contribution plan, or401(k) Plan, pursuant to Section401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. All eligible full and* part-time employees of the Company who meet certain age requirements mayparticipate in the401*(k) Plan. Participants* maycontribute between 1% and 80% of their pre-tax compensation, butnot* in excess of the maximum allowable under the Code. The401(k) Plan allows for discretionary and matching contributions by the Company. In2023, the Company matched 100% of employee contributions up to 3% and 50% of the employee contribution over 3% with a maximum employer contribution of 4%. The Company made matching contributions of $280,619 and $262,530 in2023 and2022, respectively.
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*Earnings (Loss) Per Share:Basic and diluted (loss) per common share are calculated by dividing earnings by the weighted average number of common *shares outstanding during the period.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements: In* June 2016,the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU)No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses(Topic326*), to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity at each reporting date. To achieve this objective, the amendments in Topic326 replace the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. Topic326 is effective for fiscal years beginning after* December 25, 2022,including interim periods within those fiscal years for smaller reporting companies. We adopted this guidance effective January 1 2023on a prospective basis. Our financial statements werenot* materially impacted upon adoption. For additional information, see "Note4 - Valuation Accounts."
Accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by the FASB, the SEC or other standard setting bodies that donot require adoption until a future date arenot expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements upon adoption.
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Note2. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consisted of the following at* December 31:*
| 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Software | $7,688,476 | $7,053,905 |
| Equipment | 3,542,707 | 2,530,498 |
| Furniture and fixtures | 818,522 | 818,522 |
| Leasehold improvements | 207,624 | 207,624 |
| Total property and equipment | 12,257,329 | 10,610,548 |
| Less: accumulated depreciation | (8,597,237) | (7,387,732) |
| Net property and equipment | $3,660,092 | $3,222,816 |
Note3. Intangibles
Akimbo Financial, Inc. Acquisition (2015)
On* December 22, 2014,we acquired substantially all of the assets of Akimbo Financial, Inc. The intangibles acquired in the acquisition consist of the customer list and contracts at cost of $396,824 (net of accumulated amortization of $396,824 at December 31,2023) and goodwill of $9,759. The intangible asset was fully amortized as of December 31, 2017.The fair value of the customer list and contracts was calculated using the net present value of the projected gross profit to be generated by the customer list over a period of36* months beginning in* January 2015*and was amortized over 3 years at $163,139 annually.
Goodwill was determined based on the purchase price paid over the assets acquired and has an indefinite life, which is tested for impairment annually.
Singular Payments, LLC Acquisition (2017)
On* September 1, 2017,we acquired all of the membership interest of Singular Payments, LLC. The intangibles acquired in such acquisition consist of customer list assets of $5,000,000 at cost (net of accumulated amortization of $5,000,000 at December 31,2023). The fair value of the customer list was calculated using the net present value of the projected gross profit to be generated by the customer list over 60 months beginning in September 2017and ending in August 2022.Amortization expense in2023* and2022 was $0 and $666,667 respectively.
Information Management Solutions, LLC Acquisition (2020)
On* December**15,* 2020, we acquired substantially all of assets of Information Management Solutions, LLC. The intangibles acquired in such acquisition consist of customer list assets of $4,359,335 at cost (net of accumulated amortization of $2,615,761 at* December 31,2023). The fair value of the customer list was calculated using the net present value of the projected gross profit to be generated by the customer list over 60 months beginning in January 2021and ending in December 2025.Annual amortization expense will be $871,867 per year through the year2025.*
Note4. Valuation Accounts
Valuation and allowance accounts included the following at* December 31:*
| Net Charged | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance · to · Balance End | |||||
| Beginning of · Costs and · of | |||||
| Year | Expenses | Transfers | Net Write-Off | Year | |
| Allowance for expected credit losses | $319,000 | $— | $— | $— | $319,000 |
| Reserve for processing losses | 755,494 | 71,034 | — | — | 826,528 |
| Allowance for expected credit losses | $319,000 | $— | $— | $— | $319,000 |
| Reserve for processing losses | 623,494 | 132,000 | — | — | 755,494 |
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Note5. Loans
Equipment Loans
On* March 20, 2021,the Company entered into a debt arrangement to finance $165,996 for the purchase of an Output Solutions sorter. The loan is for a period of 36 months with a maturity date of March 20, 2024.*The repayment amount is for 36 months at $4,902 per month. Annual payments are $58,821. The financing is at an interest rate of 3.95%. Current year payments on the Equipment Loan were $54,634.
On* October 1, 2023,the Company entered into a debt arrangement to finance $811,819 for the purchase of an Output Solutions folder and inserter. The loan is for a period of 66 months with a maturity date of April 5, 2029*and annual interest of 6.75%. Monthly principal and interest payments are required in the amount of $16,017. Current year payments on the Equipment Loan were $9,894.
Note 6. Accrued Expenses
Accrued expenses consisted of the following balances at December 31:
| 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Accrued commissions | $2,433,353 | $1,479,580 |
| Reserve for processing losses | 826,528 | 755,494 |
| Other accrued expenses | 246,444 | 821,167 |
| Accrued taxes | 294,953 | 320,854 |
| Accrued salaries | — | 344,013 |
| Total accrued expenses | $3,801,278 | $3,721,108 |
Note7. Operating Leases
The Company leases approximately 10,535 square feet of office space for its San Antonio, TX executive offices and operations. Rental expense under the operating lease was $157,682 and $150,129 for the years ended* December 31, 2023and2022*, respectively. The lease expires on* July 31, 2024.*
The Company leased approximately 3,794 square feet of office space for its Nashville, Tennessee sales offices and operations. Rental expense under the operating lease was $36,995 and $102,976 for the years ended* December 31, 2023and2022*, respectively. The lease expired on* April 30, 2023.*We did enter into a lease extension, or new lease agreement in Nashville, Tennessee upon the expiration of the lease agreement.
The Company assumed a lease in San Antonio, Texas as a part of the Information Management Solutions, LLC acquisition for its Output Solutions employees and warehouse operations. The lease has a remaining life of 45 months and expires on* September 30, 2024.The space leased is 22,400 square feet. Annual rents during the lease term range from $123,554 to $133,703. Rental expense for the years ended December 31, 2023and2022* was $117,836 and $112,504 respectively.
On* January 1, 2021,we entered into a lease in Austin, Texas commencing on January 1, 2021for our Austin technology organization. The lease is for a period of 25 months and expires on January 31, 2023.The space leased is 1,890 square feet. Rental expense for the years ended December 31, 2023and2022* was $79,467 and $83,610 respectively. On* January 26, 2023,the Company entered into a lease amendment commencing on February 1, 2023,extending the term of the existing lease for a period of 23 months and expiring on January 31, 2025.*
On* March 15, 2021,we entered into a lease amendment to our existing lease in San Antonio, Texas commencing April 1, 2021and expiring on September 30, 2024running concurrently with the existing lease. The incremental space leased is 2,734 square feet. The incremental annual rent during the lease term ranges from $56,047 to $60,148. Rental expense for the years ended December 31, 2023and2022* was $48,113 and $46,658 respectively.
On* October 19, 2021,the Company entered into a lease amendment to the existing lease in San Antonio, Texas commencing April 1, 2022and expiring on September 24, 2024running concurrently with the existing lease. The incremental space lease is 6,628 square feet. The incremental annual rent during the lease term ranges from $135,874 to $145,816. Rental expense for the year ended December 31, 2023and2022* was $104,375 and $75,269 respectively.
The Company has various copier equipment with leases that havenot expired. Rental expense under the operating lease was $6,546 and $12,729 for the years ended* December 31, 2023and2022*, respectively.
The weighted average remaining lease term is 4.20 years. The weighted average discount rate is 4.47%
The Company recognized total operating lease expense of approximately $674,000 and $711,000 for the years ended* December 31, 2023and2022*, respectively. In2023, the operating lease expense of $674,000 consisted of $544,000 of fixed operating expense and $130,000 of interest expense.
The maturities of lease liabilities are as follows at* December 31, 2023*:
| Year ended December 31, | |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $633,616 |
| 2025 | 454,928 |
| 2026 | 447,683 |
| 2027 | 447,683 |
| 2028 | 447,683 |
| Thereafter | 478,836 |
| Total minimum lease payments | 2,910,429 |
| Less imputed interest | (357,669) |
| Total lease liabilities | $2,552,760 |
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Note8. Related Party Transactions
Louis Hoch
During the year ended* December 31, 2023and2022*, the Company purchased $24,389 and $22,835, respectively, of corporate imprinted sportswear, promotional items and caps from Angry Pug Sportswear. Louis Hoch, Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Operating Officer is a 50% owner of Angry Pug Sportswear.
Officers and Directors
On* January 6, 2022,we repurchased 11,361 shares for $47,930 in a private transaction at the closing price on January 6, 2022*of $4.21 per share from Tom Jewell, the Company's former Chief Financial Officer, to cover his share of taxes.
On* October 4, 2022,we repurchased 26,234 shares for $42,761 in a private transaction at the closing price on October 4, 2022*of $1.63 per share from Louis Hoch, the Company's Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, to cover his share of taxes.
On* November 18, 2023we repurchased 2,619 shares for $4,452 in a private transaction at a closing price on November 18, 2023*of $1.70 per share from Tom Jewell, the Company's former Chief Financial Officer, to cover his share of taxes.
On* November 18, 2023we repurchased 3,927 shares for $6,675 in a private transaction at a closing price on November 18, 2023*of $1.70 per share from Louis Hoch, the Company's Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, to cover his share of taxes.
On* February 8, 2022,*the Company granted 1,000 RSUs with a 3-year vesting period to Houston Frost as a performance bonus at an issue price of $3.32 per share.
On* June 26, 2022,*the Company granted 66,667 RSUs with a 3-year vesting period to Elizabeth Michelle Miller for joining the Board of Directors at an issue price of $2.28 per share.
Effective on* February 17, 2023,the Company entered into an employment agreement with Greg Carter, the Company’s Executive Vice President, Payment Acceptance. Under the terms of this agreement, Mr. Carter will receive an annual salary of$250,000, Override/Commissions of 10% of the actual cash commissions paid to salespersons under direct management of Mr. Carter, to be paid quarterly, and the payment of aone*-time signing bonus of $40,000.
On* February 8, 2023,*the Company granted 1,403,000 shares of restricted common stock with a 10-year vesting period and 273,000 RSUs with a 3-year vesting period to employees and Directors as a performance bonus at an issue price of $1.75 per share. Executive officers and Directors included in the 10-year restricted stock grant were Louis Hoch (330,000 shares), Tom Jewell (200,000 shares), Greg Carter (100,000 shares) and Houston Frost (100,000 shares). Executive officers included in the RSU grant were Louis Hoch (33,000 RSUs), Tom Jewell (21,000 RSUs), Greg Carter (12,000 RSUs) and Houston Frost (12,000 RSUs).
On* March 16, 2023,*the Company granted 69,000 RSUs with a 3-year vesting period to Directors as a performance bonus at an issue price of $1.60 per share. Directors included in the RSU grant were Blaise Bender (21,000 RSUs), Brad Rollins (21,000 RSUs), Ernesto Beyer (21,000 RSUs) and Michelle Miller (6,000 RSUs).
On* November 30, 2023,Tom Jewell, the Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and principal financial and accounting officer of the Company notified the Company of his intention to retire. On December 11, 2023,Mr. Jewell entered into a Separation and Mutual Release of Claims Agreement (“Separation Agreement”) with the Company. Pursuant to the Separation Agreement, Mr. Jewell will be paid installment payments equal to his current base salary until and including April 18, 2024.Additionally, Mr. Jewell will be permitted to retain any unvested Company stock options or other equity awards which shall vest in accordance with the applicable schedules. Mr. Jewell will also receive all employee benefits including, butnot* limited to, health, dental, vision and life insurances that he was receiving prior to his execution of the Agreement until* April 18, 2024.*
Note9. Income Taxes
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.
Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax asset are as follows at* December 31:*
| 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Deferred tax assets: | ||
| Net operating loss carryforwards | $4,686,000 | $5,024,000 |
| Depreciation and amortization | 1,137,000 | 1,159,000 |
| Non-cash compensation | 1,649,000 | (117,000) |
| Other | 124,000 | 69,000 |
| Total | 7,596,000 | 6,135,000 |
| Valuation Allowance | (6,092,000) | (4,631,000) |
| Deferred tax asset | $1,504,000 | $1,504,000 |
Management has reviewed its net deferred asset position, and due to the history of operating losses has determined that the application of a valuation allowance at* December 31, 2023and2022* is warranted. If applicable, the Company would recognize interest expense and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in interest expense. As of* December 31, 2023*, the Company hadnot accrued any interest or penalties related to uncertain tax provisions.
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The Company has net operating loss carryforwards for tax purposes of approximately $23.3 million. Net operating loss carryforwards prior to2017 are available to offset taxable income of future periods and expire20 years after the loss was generated. The schedule below outlines when our pre-2017 net operating losses were generated and the year they* may*expire.
| Tax Year End | NOL | Expiration |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | $1,768,851 | 2025 |
| 2006 | 1,350,961 | 2026 |
| 2007 | 1,740,724 | 2027 |
| 2008 | 918,960 | 2028 |
| 2009 | 835,322 | 2029 |
| 2010 | 429,827 | 2030 |
| 2013 | 504,862 | 2033 |
| 2016 | 474,465 | 2036 |
| 2017 | 1,267,336 | 2037 |
| Total | $9,291,308 |
Effective for tax years ending in2018 or later, net operating losses cannot be carried back but can be carried forward to future tax years indefinitely, subject to annual limitations for utilization. Net operating losses generated in2018 and later total approximately $13,023,000.
The tax provision for federal and state income tax is as follows for the years ended* December 31:*
| 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Current provision: | ||
| Federal | $— | $— |
| State | 292,524 | 280,000 |
| 292,524 | 280,000 | |
| Deferred provision: | ||
| Federal expense (benefit) | — | — |
| Expense for income taxes | $292,524 | $280,000 |
The reconciliation of federal income tax computed at the U.S. federal statutory tax rates to total income tax expense is as follows for the years ended* December 31:*
| 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Income tax (benefit) at 21% | $(99,772) | $(1,134,200) |
| Change in valuation allowance | (1,361,228) | (581,000) |
| Permanent and other differences | 1,461,000 | 1,715,200 |
| Federal income tax (benefit) | — | — |
| State taxes | 292,524 | 280,000 |
| Income tax expense | $292,524 | $280,000 |
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Note10. Stock Options, Incentive Plans, Stock Awards, and Employee Benefit Plan
Stock Option Plans:The Company’s2015 Equity Incentive Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options as defined in Section422 of the Internal* Revenue Code and the grant of Stock Options, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Awards, or other Awards to employees, non-employee directors, and consultants. The Board of Directors has authorized 5,000,000 shares of common capital stock for issuance under the2015* Equity Incentive Plan, including automatic increases provided for in the2015 Equity Incentive Plan through fiscal year2025. The number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the2015 Equity Incentive Plan will automatically increase, withno further action by the stockholders, on thefirst business day of each fiscal year during the term of the2015 Equity Incentive Plan, beginning* January 1, 2016,in an amount equal to 5% of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock on the last day of the immediately preceding year, or such lesser amount if so determined by the Board or the Plan Administrator. During2023*, the Company granted 273,000 shares of stock to several employees as incentive compensation or new-hire bonuses. During2023, the Company granted 402,900 restricted stock units to employees and directors as a new hire bonus or as incentive compensation.
Treasury Stock: The Company purchased 26,606 shares of common stock with a value of $47,382 to cover the employee's share of tax liabilities* related to the vesting of commons stock and restricted stock units in2023.*
Stock Awards: The Company has granted restricted stock awards to its employees at different periods from2005 through2023. The majority of the shares* *granted to those employees vest 10 years from the grant date and are forfeited in the event that the recipient’s employment relationship with the Company is terminated prior to vesting.
During2023, a portion of the restricted stock awards were granted, butnot issued and arenot listed as outstanding in the financial statements for2023.
Stock-based compensation expense related to stock and restricted stock awards was $2.2 million in2023 and $2.1 million in2022.
A summary of stock awards outstanding and2023 activities are as follows:
| Weighted Average | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weighted Average · Contractual · Aggregate Intrinsic | ||||
| Stock Awards | Shares | Exercise Price | Remaining Life | Value |
| Outstanding, December 31, 2022 | 4,982,900 | $2.27 | ||
| Granted | 1,520,000 | 1.74 | ||
| Vested | 3,000 | — | ||
| Forfeited | 115,000 | — | ||
| Outstanding, December 31, 2023 | 6,384,900 | $2.17 | 5.13 | $(0.45) |
| Expected to Vest after December 31, 2023 | 6,384,900 | $2.17 | 5.13 | $(0.45) |
As of* December 31, 2023*, there was $6,907,775 of unrecognized compensation costs related to the un-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted. The cost is expected to be recognized over the weighted average remaining contractual life of 5.13 years.
The aggregate intrinsic value represents the difference between the weighted average exercise price and the closing price of the Company’s stock on* December 31, 2023*, or $1.72.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan:
The Company's board of directors adopted the2023 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”) and the Company's stockholders approved the ESPP in* July 2023.The ESPP was adopted under the requirements of Section423* of the* Internal Revenue Code to allow eligible employees to purchase the Company’s common stock at regular intervals. Participating employees may*purchase common stock through voluntary payroll deductions at the end of each participation period at a purchase price equal to 85% of the lower of the fair market value of the common stock at the beginning or the end of the participation period.
The ESPP initially authorized the issuance of 2,500,000 shares of our common stock under purchase rights granted to our employees or to employees of any of our designated affiliates. The number of shares of our common stock reserved for issuance automatically increases on* January 1of each calendar year, beginning on January 1, 2024through December 31, 2033,by the lesser of (i)1% of the total number of shares of our common stock outstanding on the last day of the fiscal year before the date of the automatic increase (determined on an as-converted to voting common stock basis); and (ii) such number of shares of common stock that would cause the aggregate number of shares of common stock then reserved for issuance under the ESPP tonot* exceed 2,500,000 shares; provided that before the date of any such increase, our board of directors* maydetermine that there will beno* increase or that such increase will be for a lesser number of shares. As of the date hereof, no shares of our common stock have been purchased under the ESPP.
Stock Warrants:
On* December**15,* 2020, the Company issued warrants to purchase 945,599 unregistered warrants to purchase shares of Usio, Inc. for 945,599 shares of our common stock, with an exercise price of $4.23 to IMS. The warrants were valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Assumptions used were as follows: (i) the fair value of the underlying stock was$0.58; (ii) the risk-free interest rate is 0.09%; (iii) the contractual life is 5 years; (iv) the dividend yield of 0%; and (v) the volatility is 59.9%. The fair value of the warrants amounted to $552,283 and will be recorded as an increase in the customer list asset and have a term offive years from time of vest.
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Note11. Net (Loss) per Share
Basic (loss) per share (EPS) was computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS differs from basic EPS due to the assumed conversion of potentially dilutive options that were outstanding during the period. The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and the denominators of the basic and diluted per share computations for net (loss).
| 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Numerator: | ||
| Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share, net (loss) available to common shareholders | $(475,104) | $(5,483,244) |
| Denominator: | ||
| Denominator for basic (loss) per share, weighted average shares outstanding | 20,105,968 | 20,379,386 |
| Effect of dilutive securities-stock options and restricted awards | — | — |
| Denominator for diluted (loss) per share, adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversion | 20,105,968 | 20,379,386 |
| Basic (loss) per common share | $(0.02) | $(0.27) |
| Diluted (loss) per common share and common share equivalent | $(0.02) | $(0.27) |
The awards and options to purchase shares of common stock that were outstanding at* December 31, 2023and2022* that werenot included in the computation of diluted (loss) per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive, are as follows:
| Year Ended | ||
|---|---|---|
| December 31, | ||
| 2023 | 2022 | |
| Anti-dilutive awards and options | 6,384,900 | 4,982,900 |
Note12. Concentration of Credit Risk and Significant Customers
The Company hasno significant off-balance sheet or concentrations of credit risk such as foreign exchange contracts, option contracts or other foreign hedging arrangements. The Company currently maintains the majority of its cash and cash equivalent balance withone financial institution. No customers account for more than10% of the revenues of the company.
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Note13. Legal Proceedings
BEN KAUDER, NINA PIOLETTI, & TRIPLE PAY PLAY, INC.
In2017, USIO acquired Singular Payments, Inc. (“Singular”), another payment processing company with offices in Nashville, Tennessee and St. Augustine, Florida.
Ben Kauder and Nina Pioletti were executives of Singular; after the acquisition, USIO hired them as executive-level employees. USIO hired Kauder to serve as Senior Vice President of Integrated Payments, and Pioletti was hired to serve as Director of Sales. As a condition of employment, Kauder and Pioletti agreed to be bound by certain USIO policies, including as it relates to preserving the confidentiality of USIO’s proprietary information. As USIO executives, Kauder and Pioletti were afforded access to and contributed to the development of USIO’s trade secrets and other proprietary informationnot generally known by the public at large, including butnot limited to financial information, marketing plans, cost and operational/strategic plans, and sales presentations.
In* May 2021,Kauder resigned from USIO followed by Pioletti in Julyof2022.* Thereafter, Kauder and Pioletti formed Triple Pay Play, another payment processing company which competes with the same services as USIO. Upon information and belief, Kauder and Pioletti were working to form Triple Pay Play while employed by USIO, during USIO business hours, and while using USIO resources and USIO property.
On or about* June 21, 2023,*USIO filed suit against Ben Kauder, Nina Pioletti and Triple Pay Play for breach of contract and misappropriation of trade secrets and unfair business competition.
On* July 6, 2023,Ben Kauder, Nina Pioletti and Triple Pay Play filed a Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction. The motion was granted. Subsequently, in Februaryof2024,* USIO refiled its case in Tennessee, where Kauder, Nina, and Triple Pay Play reside.
Currently, this case is in the early-stage discovery.
GREENWICH BUSINESS CAPITAL, LLC
On or about* September 25, 2019,Usio, Inc., (USIO) and Greenwich Business Capital LLC (“GBC”), entered into an Agreement for payment processing services (the “Agreement”). Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, USIO effectively terminated the Agreement with GBC on October 31, 2023,by providing Greenwich with a30*-days written notice as required by the Agreement.
On* November 13, 2023,GBC filed lawsuit against USIO, alleging violations of the NACHA rules. In early Marchof2024,* USIO filed a Motion to Dismiss for improper venue and failure to state a claim. The motion is set to be heard in* Mayof2024.*
KDHM, LLC
On* September 1, 2021,KDHM, LLC, an entity owned by the former owners of IMS, sued PDS Acquisition Corp, now known as Usio Output Solutions, Inc., in the73rd* District Court of Bexar County, Texas claiming a breach of the asset purchase agreement executed by the parties on* December 14, 2020.*The lawsuit alleges that due to a mistake, accident, or inadvertence, certain customer deposits in the amount of $317,000 were improperly transferred to us.
We believe that plaintiff's claims in the lawsuit haveno merit and contradict the express terms of the asset purchase agreement. As a result of this post-sale dispute, we discovered that KDHM, LLC and its principals made certain misrepresentations and breached the terms of the asset purchase agreement.
On* September 28, 2021,we filed an answer generally denying the plaintiff’s allegations. On October 5, 2021,we filed a counterclaim andthird*-party petition. Therein, we allege that neither KDHM nor its principals disclosed that KDHM wasnot accounting for the customer deposits in accordance with GAAP. KDHM andthird-party defendants, its principals Henry Minten and Thomas Dowe, affirmatively represented and warranted in section3.1(e) of the asset purchase agreement that “[t]he Annual Financial Statements and the Interim Financial Statements have been prepared from the books and records of Seller in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis.”
We also discovered that KDHM by and through its principals failed to disclose that $305,000 in additional customer deposits existed and that these deposits werenot conveyed to us as required by the asset purchase agreement. KDHM, Minten and Dowe provided us with fraudulent and misleading profit and loss statements that didnot disclose these additional customer deposits. KDHM and the defendants donot dispute that these additional customer deposits existed and that they were purchased by Usio. However, despite a written representation that these funds would be returned, KDHM and its principals have held these funds hostage. Section2.1(b)(x) of the asset purchase agreement provides that the purchased assets include “All of Seller’s deposits from its customer, including without limitation, those customer deposits listed on Schedule2.1(b)(xi) of the Disclosure Schedules.” Finally, we discovered that KDHM didnot provide us with all customer lists, which are identified as purchased assets under the agreement.
In our counterclaims andthird-party petition, we assert causes of action for fraud, breach of contract and conversion.
On* August 18, 2023,the judge granted a summary motion entitling KDHM to deposits for customer accounts that were printed and mailed prior to the acquisition, and Usio Output Solutions, Inc. was entitled to deposits for accounts that werenot* yet printed and printed butnot yet mailed prior to the acquisition. Usio has requested a reconsideration of the motion, as it doesnot consider that deposits are only owed to KDHM if they were earned and offset against accounts receivable.
On* March 4, 2024,the court held a hearing on KDHM’s Supplemental Rule166*(G) Motion; the court granted the motion in favor of KDHM. However, USIO believes the court erred in granting the motion and ultimately filed a motion for reconsideration on* March 19, 2024.*
Usio’s Motion for Reconsideration of Order Granting Plaintiff’s Supplemental Rule166(g) Motion is set to be heard on* March 28, 2024.*
OTHER PROCEEDINGS
Aside from these proceedings, the Company* maybe involved in legal matters arising in the ordinary course of business from time to time. While we believe that such matters are currentlynot* material, there can beno assurance that matters arising in the ordinary course of business for which we are or could become involved in litigation willnot have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
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The text of this filing, as the company filed it with the SEC, without its images or exhibits. This is not investment advice.