Creatd, Inc. 10-K

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.” This Form 10-K and other reports filed by Creatd, Inc., formerly Jerrick Media Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”), from time to time with the SEC (collectively, the “Filings”) contain or may contain forward-looking statements and information that are based upon beliefs of, and information currently available to, the Company’s management as well as estimates and assumptions made by Company’s management. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof. When used in the Filings, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “future,” “intend,” “plan,” or the negative of these terms and similar expressions as they relate to the Company or the Company’s management identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current view of the Company with respect to future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors, including the risks relating to the Company’s business, industry, and the Company’s operations and results of operations. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ significantly from those anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended, or planned. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, the Company cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States, the Company does not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform these statements to actual results. Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). These accounting principles require us to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions. We believe that the estimates, judgments and assumptions upon which we rely are reasonable based upon information available to us at the time that these estimates, judgments and assumptions are made. These estimates, judgments and assumptions can affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. Our financial statements would be affected to the extent there are material differences between these estimates and actual results. In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by GAAP and does not require management’s judgment in its application. There are also areas in which management’s judgment in selecting any available alternative would not produce a materially different result. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K. We intend for this discussion to provide information that will assist in understanding our financial statements, the changes in certain key items in those financial statements, and the primary factors that accounted for those changes, as well as how certain accounting principles affect our financial statements. Overview The creator economy is well-established and thriving, consisting of hundreds of millions of creators and billions of viewers. Creatd plays a crucial role within this ecosystem, with a range of businesses established to help creators realize their potential both creatively and monetarily, partnering with peers in their community and brands when the opportunity arises. At the center of our businesses lies Vocal, our core technology platform that hosts our creator community and generates the first-party data that powers our revenue generation. 29 Results of Operations Liquidity and Capital Resources The following table summarizes total current assets, liabilities and working capital at December 31, 2022 compared to December 31, 2021: December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 Increase / (Decrease) Current Assets $ 1,479,164 $ 4,475,242 $ (2,996,078 ) Current Liabilities $ 15,207,316 $ 5,421,015 $ 9,786,301 Working Capital (Deficit) $ (13,728,152 ) $ (945,773 ) $ (12,782,379 ) At December 31, 2022, the Company had a working capital deficit of $13,728,152 as compared to a working capital deficit of $945,773 at December 31, 2021, an increase in working capital deficit of $12,782,379. The increase is primarily attributable to the decrease in cash, and prepaids and other current assets, as well as an increase in accounts payable, notes payable and deferred revenue. This was offset by an increase in accounts receivable and inventory. Net Cash Net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2022, and 2021, was $16,805,429 and $20,518,807, respectively. The net loss for the year ended December 31, 2022, and 2021 was $35,676,315 and $37,379,153, respectively. This change is primarily attributable to the net loss for the current period offset by share-based payments in the amount of $4,183,844 to employees and consultants for services rendered, accretion of debt discount and debt issuance costs of $4,668,039, due to incentives given with debentures, and a change in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $4,773,551. The decreased net cash used in 2022 reflected an extraordinary cash outlay for marketing in 2021 that went toward generating a lower creator acquisition cost for paid Vocal subscribers and was not repeated in 2022, as well as a decrease in payroll expenses from 2021 to 2022. Net cash provided by investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2022, was $373,206. This is primarily attributable to the sale of minority interest in OG Collection, Inc. This was offset by the sale and purchase of digital assets. Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2022, and 2021 was $13,405,624 and $17,615,915, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company’s operations were predominantly financed by net proceeds of $1,781,947 from the exercise of warrants, the proceeds from sale of common stock and warrants of $5,722,300, and the proceeds from loans and notes of $10,611,124, which were partially offset by the repayment of notes and loans of $4,693,967. Similarly, the Company’s financing activity for the year ended December 31, 2021, generated $4,358,428 from loans and note issuances, the proceeds of which were partially offset by repayment of notes of $1,398,113. Summary of Statements of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2022, and 2021: Year Ended December 30, 2022 2021 Revenue $ 4,796,474 $ 4,299,717 Cost of revenue $ 6,109,206 $ 5,300,037 Operating expenses $ (27,718,380 ) $ (32,368,400 ) Loss from operations $ (29,031,112 ) $ (33,368,720 ) Other expenses $ 6,645,203 $ 4,010,433 Net loss $ (35,676,315 ) $ (37,379,153 ) Loss per common share - basic and diluted $ (1.66 ) $ (2.98 ) 30 Revenue Revenue was $4,796,474 for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to $4,299,717 for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase of $496,757 was attributable to our ecommerce business, which grew from $90,433 in revenue in 2021 to $1,456,593 in 2022. This growth in ecommerce revenues was partially offset by a decrease in agency revenues in a slowing market for influencer-based sales. Vocal revenues were stable though down year over year as the company transitioned from a pay-to-play marketing model to an organic growth framework. Cost of Revenue Cost of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022, was $6,109,206 as compared to $5,300,037 for the year ended December 31, 2021, an increase of $809,169 attributable to increased supply side costs in our direct-to-consumer product business, a portion of which were due to our increased revenue in our direct-to-consumer businesses. Operating Expenses Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2022, were $27,718,380 as compared to $32,368,400 for the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease of $4,650,020 is primarily attributable to a significant reduction in overhead, including an almost $5 million reduction in marketing spend and reductions in research and development. In addition, there was a reduction in stock-based compensation from $9.7 million in 2021 to $4.2 million in 2022. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in impairment of intangible assets, legal and consulting fees, as well as office rent. Loss from Operations Loss from operations for the year ended December 31, 2022, was $29,031,112 as compared to $33,368,720 for the year ended December 31, 2021. Other Expenses Other expenses for the year ended December 31, 2022, were $6,645,203 as compared to $4,010,433 for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in other expenses was predominantly due to an increase in accretion of debt discount and issuance cost, interest expense, loss of extinguishment of debt, and loss from settlement of vendor liabilities. This was offset by the decrease from the impairment of investment and change in derivative liability. Net Loss Net loss attributable to common shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2022, was $35,676,315, or loss per share of $1.66, as compared to a net loss attributable to common shareholders of $37,703,652, or loss per share of $2.98, for the year ended December 31, 2021. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements As of December 31, 2022, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements. Significant Accounting Policies We believe that the following accounting policies are the most critical to aid you in fully understanding and evaluating this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation.” 31 Use of Estimates and Critical Accounting Estimates and Assumptions The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. These significant accounting estimates or assumptions bear the risk of change due to the fact that there are uncertainties attached to these estimates or assumptions, and certain estimates or assumptions are difficult to measure or value. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable in relation to the financial statements taken as a whole under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Management regularly evaluates the key factors and assumptions used to develop the estimates utilizing currently available information, changes in facts and circumstances, historical experience and reasonable assumptions. After such evaluations, if deemed appropriate, those estimates are adjusted accordingly. The Company uses estimates in accounting for, among other items, revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts, stock-based compensation, income tax provisions, excess and obsolete inventory reserve, and impairment of intellectual property. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Fair Value of Financial Instruments The fair value measurement disclosures are grouped into three levels based on valuation factors: ● Level 1 - quoted prices in active markets for identical investments ● Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments and market corroborated inputs) ● Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs (including our own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) The Company’s Level 1 assets/liabilities include cash, accounts receivable, marketable trading securities, accounts payable, prepaid and other current assets, and due to related parties. Management believes the estimated fair value of these accounts at December 31, 2022 approximate their carrying value as reflected in the balance sheets due to the short-term nature of these instruments or the use of market interest rates for debt instruments. The Company’s Level 2 assets/liabilities include certain of the Company’s notes payable and capital lease obligations. Their carrying value approximates their fair values based upon a comparison of the interest rate and terms of such debt given the level of risk to the rates and terms of similar debt currently available to the Company in the marketplace. 32 The Company’s Level 3 assets/liabilities include goodwill, intangible assets, marketable debt securities, equity investments at cost, and derivative liabilities. Inputs to determine fair value are generally unobservable and typically reflect management’s estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The fair values are therefore determined using model-based techniques, including option pricing models and discounted cash flow models. Unobservable inputs used in the models are significant to the fair values of the assets and liabilities. Long-lived Assets Including Acquired Intangible Assets We evaluate the recoverability of property and equipment, acquired finite-lived intangible assets and, purchased infinite life digital assets for possible impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. The evaluation is performed at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. Recoverability of these assets is measured by a comparison of the carrying amounts to the future undiscounted cash flows the assets are expected to generate from the use and eventual disposition. Digital assets accounted for as intangible assets are subject to impairment losses if the fair value of digital assets decreases other than temporarily below the carrying value. The fair value is measured using the quoted price of the crypto asset at the time its fair value is being measured. If such review indicates that the carrying amount of property and equipment and intangible assets is not recoverable, the carrying amount of such assets is reduced to fair value. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $2,043,011 for intangible assets. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $688,127 for intangible assets. Acquired finite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. We routinely review the remaining estimated useful lives of property and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets. If we change the estimated useful life assumption for any asset, the remaining unamortized balance is amortized or depreciated over the revised estimated useful life. The remaining weighted average life of the intangible assets is 8.06 years. Goodwill Goodwill is not amortized but is subject to periodic testing for impairment in accordance with ASC Topic 350 “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment” (“ASC Topic 350”). The Company tests goodwill for impairment on an annual basis as of the last day of the Company’s fiscal December each year or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change indicating that the fair value of the goodwill may be below its carrying amount. The Company uses an income-based approach to determine the fair value of the reporting units. This approach uses a discounted cash flow methodology and the ability of our reporting units to generate cash flows as measures of fair value of our reporting units. During the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company completed its annual impairment tests of goodwill. The Company performed the qualitative assessment as permitted by ASC 350-20 and determined for one of its reporting units that the fair value of that reporting unit was more likely than not greater than its carrying value, including Goodwill. However, based on this qualitative assessment, the Company determined that the carrying value of the Denver Bodega, Dune, Plant Camp and, WHE Agency reporting units was more likely than not greater than their carrying value, including Goodwill. Based on the completion of the annual impairment tests, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $1,433,815 and $1,035,795 for goodwill for the years ended December 31 2022 and 2021, respectively. Derivative Liability The Company evaluates its debt and equity issuances to determine if those contracts or embedded components of those contracts qualify as derivatives to be separately accounted for in accordance with paragraph 815-10-05-4 and Section 815-40-25 of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. The result of this accounting treatment is that the fair value of the embedded derivative is marked-to-market each balance sheet date and recorded as either an asset or a liability. In the event that the fair value is recorded as a liability, the change in fair value is recorded in the consolidated statement of operations as other income or expense. Upon conversion, exercise or cancellation of a derivative instrument, the instrument is marked to fair value at the date of conversion, exercise or cancellation and then the related fair value is reclassified to equity. In circumstances where the embedded conversion option in a convertible instrument is required to be bifurcated and there are also other embedded derivative instruments in the convertible instrument that are required to be bifurcated, the bifurcated derivative instruments are accounted for as a single, compound derivative instrument. The classification of derivative instruments, including whether such instruments should be recorded as liabilities or as equity, is re-assessed at the end of each reporting period. Equity instruments that are initially classified as equity that become subject to reclassification are reclassified to liability at the fair value of the instrument on the reclassification date. Derivative instrument liabilities will be classified in the balance sheet as current or non-current based on whether or not net-cash settlement of the derivative instrument is expected within 12 months of the balance sheet date. The Company adopted Section 815-40-15 of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“Section 815-40-15”) to determine whether an instrument (or an embedded feature) is indexed to the Company’s own stock. Section 815-40-15 provides that an entity should use a two-step approach to evaluate whether an equity-linked financial instrument (or embedded feature) is indexed to its own stock, including evaluating the instrument’s contingent exercise and settlement provisions. 33 The Company utilizes a Monte Carlo simulation model for the make whole feature (see note 10) and a binomial option model for convertible notes that have an option to convert at a variable number of shares to compute the fair value of the derivative and to mark to market the fair value of the derivative at each balance sheet date. The inputs utilized in the application of the Monte Carlo model included a starting stock price, an expected term of each debenture remaining from the valuation date to maturity, an estimated volatility, drift, and a risk-free rate. The inputs utilized in the application of the Binomial model included a stock price on valuation date, an expected term of each debenture remaining from the valuation date to maturity, an estimated volatility, and a risk-free rate. The Company records the change in the fair value of the derivative as other income or expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Revenue Recognition Under Topic 606, revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. We determine revenue recognition through the following steps: ● identification of the contract, or contracts, with a customer; ● identification of the performance obligations in the contract; ● determination of the transaction price. The transaction price for any given subscriber could decrease based on any payments made to that subscriber. A subscriber may be eligible for payment through one or more of the monetization features offered to Vocal creators, including earnings through reads (on a cost per mille basis) and cash prizes offered to Challenge winners; ● allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and ● recognition of revenue when, or as, we satisfy a performance obligation. Deferred Revenue Deferred revenue consists of billings and payments from clients in advance of revenue recognition. The Company has two types of deferred revenue, subscription revenue whereas the revenue is recognized over the subscription period and contract liabilities where the performance obligation was not satisfied. The Company will recognize the deferred revenue within the next twelve months. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had deferred revenue of $299,409 and $234,159 respectively. Stock-Based Compensation The Company recognizes compensation expense for all equity-based payments granted in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 718 “Compensation - Stock Compensation”. Under fair value recognition provisions, the Company recognizes equity-based compensation over the requisite service period of the award. The company has a relatively low forfeiture rate of stock-based compensation and forfeitures are recognized as they occur. Restricted stock awards are granted at the discretion of the Company. These awards are restricted as to the transfer of ownership and generally vest over the requisite service periods. The fair value of an option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. The Black-Scholes option valuation model requires the development of assumptions that are inputs into the model. These assumptions are the value of the underlying share, the expected stock volatility, the risk-free interest rate, the expected life of the option, the dividend yield on the underlying stock and forfeitures are recognized as they occur.. Expected volatility is derived from the Company’s historical data over the expected option life and other appropriate factors. Risk-free interest rates are calculated based on continuously compounded risk-free rates for the appropriate term. The dividend yield is assumed to be zero as the Company has never paid or declared any cash dividends on its Common stock and does not intend to pay dividends on its Common stock in the foreseeable future. Forfeitures are recognized as they occur. 34 Determining the appropriate fair value model and calculating the fair value of equity-based payment awards requires the input of the subjective assumptions described above. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of equity-based payment awards represent management’s best estimates, which involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management’s judgment. As a result, if factors change and the Company uses different assumptions, our equity-based compensation could be materially different in the future. The Company issues awards of equity instruments, such as stock options and restricted stock units, to employees and certain non-employee directors. Compensation expense related to these awards is based on the fair value of the underlying stock on the award date and is amortized over the service period, defined as the vesting period. The vesting period is generally one to three years. A Black-Scholes model is utilized to estimate the fair value of stock options, while the market price of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant is used for restricted stock units. Compensation expense is reduced for actual forfeitures as they occur. Recent Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU-2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 affects loans, debt securities, trade receivables, and any other financial assets that have the contractual right to receive cash. The ASU requires an entity to recognize expected credit losses rather than incurred losses for financial assets. On October 16, 2019, FASB approved a final ASU delaying the effective date of ASU 2016-13 for small reporting companies to interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of these amendments to the Company’s financial position and results of operations and currently does not know or cannot reasonably quantify the impact of the adoption of the amendments as a result of the complexity and extensive changes from the amendments. The adoption of the guidance will affect disclosures and estimates around accounts receivable. In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity. This ASU amends the guidance on convertible instruments and the derivatives scope exception for contracts in an entity’s own equity, and also improves and amends the related EPS guidance for both Subtopics. ASU 2020-06 is effective for the fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within that fiscal year. Upon adoption, the Company would no longer recognize the intrinsic value of beneficial conversion features underlying convertible debt. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the company recognized approximately $2.0 million relating to a beneficial conversion feature. In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-08, Business Combinations — Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers (Topic 805), Which aims to improve the accounting for acquired revenue contracts with customers in a business combination by addressing diversity in recognition and payment terms that effect subsequent revenue recognition. ASU 2021-08 is effective for the fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within that fiscal year. The Company expects that there would be no material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements upon the adoption of this ASU. ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK Not applicable. 35