United
States
Securities
and Exchange Commission
Washington,
D.C. 20549
F orm
10-K
☒
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For
the fiscal year ended December 31 , 2023
or
☐
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For
the transition period from ___________ to __________.
Commission
file number: 001-33899
Digital
Ally, Inc.
(Exact
name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada
20-0064269
(State
or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S.
Employer
Identification No.)
14001
Marshall Drive , Lenexa , KS
66215
(Address
of principal executive offices)
(Zip
Code)
Registrant’s
telephone number, including area code: (913) 814-7774
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Common
Stock, $0.001 par value
DGLY
Nasdaq
Capital Market
(Title
of class)
(Trading
Symbol)
(Name
of each exchange on which registered)
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act: None.
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2)
has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule
405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant
was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting
company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,”
“smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large
accelerated filer ☐
Accelerated
filer ☐
Non-accelerated
filer ☒
Smaller
reporting company ☒
Emerging
growth company ☐
If
an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying
with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant 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. ☐
If
securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant
included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation
received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to § 240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
As
of June 30, 2023, the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant’s most
recently completed second fiscal quarter, computed by reference to the closing price ($4.05), was: $ 10,255,337 , which have been
adjusted for the Reverse Split (as defined below).
The
number of shares of our common stock outstanding as of April 1, 2024 was: 2,800,752 as adjusted for the Company’s 1-for-20 reverse
stock split, which was effective on February 6, 2023 (the “Reverse Split”). All share and price per share information in
this Annual Report on Form 10-K has been retroactively adjusted to reflect the Reverse Split.
Documents
Incorporated by Reference: None .
FORM
10-K
DIGITAL
ALLY, INC.
DECEMBER
31, 2023
Table
of Contents
Page
PART I
Item
1.
Business
2
Item
1A.
Risk Factors
11
Item
1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
11
Item 1C.
Cybersecurity
11
Item
2.
Properties
11
Item
3.
Legal Proceedings
12
Item
4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
13
PART II
Item
5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
13
Item
6.
[Reserved]
13
Item
7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
13
Item
7a.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
38
Item
8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
38
Item
9.
Changes In and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
38
Item
9A
Controls and Procedures
38
Item
9B.
Other Information
39
Item
9C.
Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
39
PART III
Item
10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
40
Item
11.
Executive Compensation
45
Item
12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
52
Item
13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
54
Item
14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
54
PART IV
Item
15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
54
SIGNATURES
Signatures
57
Part
I
Item
1.
Business.
Overview
We
were incorporated in Nevada on December 13, 2000 as Vegas Petra, Inc. From that date until November 30, 2004, when we entered into a
Plan of Merger with Digital Ally, Inc., a Nevada corporation which was formerly known as Trophy Tech Corporation (the “Predecessor
Registrant”), we had not conducted any operations and were a closely-held company. In conjunction with the merger, we were renamed
Digital Ally, Inc.
On
January 2, 2008, we commenced trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “DGLY.” We conduct our business from
14001 Marshall Drive, Lenexa, Kansas 66215. Our telephone number is (913) 814-7774. Our website address is www.digitalallyinc.com. The
contents of, or information accessible through, our website are not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We make our filings with
the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to
those reports, as well as beneficial ownership filings available free of charge on our website as soon as reasonably practicable after
we file such reports with, or furnish such reports to, the SEC. Our filings with the SEC are available to the public through the SEC’s
website at www.sec.gov.
On
August 23, 2022 (the “Effective Time”), the Predecessor Registrant merged with and into its wholly owned subsidiary, DGLY
Subsidiary Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Registrant”), pursuant to an agreement and plan of merger, dated as of August
23, 2022 (the “Merger Agreement”), between the Predecessor Registrant and the Registrant, with the Registrant as the surviving
corporation in the merger (such transaction, the “Merger”). At the Effective Time, Articles of Merger were filed with the
Secretary of State of the State of Nevada, pursuant to which the Registrant was renamed “Digital Ally, Inc.” and, by operation
of law, succeeded to the assets, continued the business and assumed the rights and obligations of the Predecessor Registrant immediately
prior to the Merger. Under the Nevada Revised Statutes, shareholder approval was not required in connection with the Merger Agreement
or the transactions contemplated thereby.
At
the Effective Time, pursuant to the Merger Agreement, (i) each outstanding share of Predecessor Registrant’s common stock, par
value $0.001 per share (the “Predecessor Common Stock”) automatically converted into one share of common stock, par value
$0.001 per share, of the Registrant (“Registrant Common Stock”), (ii) each outstanding option, right or warrant to acquire
shares of Predecessor Common Stock converted into an option, right or warrant, as applicable, to acquire an equal number of shares of
Registrant Common Stock under the same terms and conditions as the original options, rights or warrants, and (iii) the directors and
executive officers of the Predecessor Registrant were appointed as directors and executive officers, as applicable, of the Registrant,
each to serve in the same capacity and for the same term as such person served with the Predecessor Registrant immediately before the
Merger.
For
the purposes of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, unless the context otherwise requires, (i) the term “our,” or “us”
refers to the Predecessor Registrant and its subsidiaries with respect to the period prior to the Effective Time and to the Registrant
and its subsidiaries with respect to the period on and after the Effective Time; (ii) as of any period prior to the Effective Time, references
to the “directors” mean the directors of the Predecessor Registrant, and, as of any period at and after the Effective Time,
the directors of the Registrant, (iii) as of any period prior to the Effective Time, references to “stockholders” mean the
holders of Predecessor Common Stock, and, as of any period at and after the Effective Time, the holders of Registrant Common Stock, and
(iv) as of any period prior to the Effective Time, references to “Common Stock” means the Predecessor Common Stock, and,
as of any period at and after the Effective Time, Registrant Common Stock.
2
The
business of the Registrant, Digital Ally, Inc. (with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Digital Ally International, Inc., Shield Products,
LLC, Digital Ally Healthcare, LLC (“Digital Ally Healthcare”), TicketSmarter, Inc. (“TicketSmarter”), Worldwide
Reinsurance, Ltd., Digital Connect, Inc., BirdVu Jets, Inc., Kustom 440 (“Kustom 440”), Inc., Kustom Entertainment, Inc.
(“Kustom”), and its majority-owned subsidiary Nobility Healthcare, LLC, collectively, “Digital Ally,” “Digital,”
and the “Company”), is divided into three reportable operating segments: 1) the Video Solutions Segment, 2) the Revenue Cycle
Management Segment and 3) the Entertainment Segment. The Video Solutions Segment is our legacy business that produces digital video imaging,
storage products, disinfectant and related safety products for use in law enforcement, security and commercial applications. This segment
includes both service and product revenues through our subscription models offering cloud and warranty solutions, and hardware sales
for video and health safety solutions. The Revenue Cycle Management Segment provides working capital and back-office services to a variety
of healthcare organizations throughout the country, as a monthly service fee. The Entertainment Segment acts as an intermediary between
ticket buyers and sellers within our secondary ticketing platform, ticketsmarter.com, and we also acquire tickets from primary sellers
to then sell through various platforms. The accounting guidance on Segment Reporting establishes standards for reporting information
regarding operating segments in annual financial statements and requires selected information of those segments to be presented in financial
statements. The following table sets forth the Company’s total revenue and the revenue derived from each reportable operating segment:
Years Ended December 31,
2023
2022
Net Revenues:
Video Solutions
$ 7,471,285
$ 8,252,288
Revenue Cycle Management
6,713,678
7,886,107
Entertainment
14,063,381
20,871,500
Total Net Revenues
$ 28,248,344
$ 37,009,895
Additional
information regarding each reportable operating segment is also included in Note 23 entitled Segment Data of “Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements”.
Video
Solutions Operating Segment
Within
our video solutions operating segment we supply technology-based products utilizing our portable digital video and audio recording capabilities
for the law enforcement and security industries and for the commercial fleet and mass transit markets. We have the ability to integrate
electronic, radio, computer, mechanical, and multi-media technologies to create positive solutions to our customers’ requests.
Our products include: the EVO-HD, DVM-800 and DVM-800 Lite, which are in-car digital video systems for law enforcement and commercial
markets; the FirstVu body-worn camera line, consisting of the FirstVu Pro, FirstVu II, and the FirstVu HD; our patented and revolutionary
VuLink product which integrates our body-worn cameras with our in-car systems by providing hands-free automatic activation for both law
enforcement and commercial markets; the FLT-250, DVM-250, and DVM-250 Plus, which are our commercial line of digital video mirrors that
serve as “event recorders” for the commercial fleet and mass transit markets; and FleetVu and VuLink, which are our cloud-based
evidence management systems. We further diversified and broadened our product offerings in 2020, by introducing two new lines of branded
products: (1) the ThermoVu® which is a line of self-contained temperature monitoring stations that provides alerts and controls facility
access when an individual’s temperature exceeds a pre-set threshold and (2) our Shield™ disinfectants and cleansers which
are for use against viruses and bacteria.
Our
video solutions segment revenue encompasses video recording products and services for our law enforcement and commercial customers and
the sale of Shield TM disinfectant and personal protective products. This segment generates revenues through our subscription
models offering cloud and warranty solutions, and hardware sales for video and personal protective safety products and solutions. Revenues
for product sales are recognized upon delivery of the product, and revenues from our cloud and warranty subscription plans are deferred
over the term of the subscription, typically 3 or 5 years.
Revenue
Cycle Management Operating Segment
We
entered the revenue cycle management business late in the second quarter of 2021 with the formation of our wholly owned subsidiary, Digital
Ally Healthcare, Inc. and its majority-owned subsidiary Nobility Healthcare, LLC (“Nobility Healthcare”). Nobility Healthcare
completed its first acquisition on June 30, 2021, when it acquired a private medical billing company, and has since completed three more
acquisitions of private medical billing companies, in which we assist in providing working capital and back-office services to healthcare
organizations throughout the country. Our assistance consists of insurance and benefit verification, medical treatment documentation
and coding, and collections. Through our expertise and experience in this field, we aim to maximize our customers’ service revenues
collected, leading to substantial improvements in their operating margins and cash flows.
3
Our
revenue cycle management segment consists of our medical billing subsidiaries. Revenues of this segment are recognized after we perform
the obligations of our revenue cycle management services. Our revenue cycle management services are services, performed and charged monthly,
generally based on a contractual percentage of total customer collections, for which we recognize our net service fees.
Entertainment
Operating Segment
We
also provide live entertainment and events ticketing services through the formation of our wholly owned subsidiary, TicketSmarter, Inc.
(“TicketSmarter”) and its completed acquisitions of Goody Tickets, LLC and TicketSmarter, LLC, on September 1, 2021. TicketSmarter
provides ticket sales, partnerships, and mainly, ticket resale services through its online ticketing marketplace for live events, TicketSmarter.com.
TicketSmarter offers tickets for over 125,000 live events through its platform, for a wide range of events, including concerts, sporting
events, theatres, and performing arts, throughout the country.
Our
entertainment operating segment consists of entertainment services provided through TicketSmarter and its online platform, TicketSmarter.com.
Revenues of this segment include ticketing service charges generally determined as a percentage of the face value of the underlying ticket
and ticket sales from our ticket inventory which are recognized when the underlying tickets are sold. Entertainment direct expenses include
the cost of tickets purchased for resale by the Company and held as inventory, credit card fees, ticketing platform expenses, website
maintenance fees, along with other administrative costs.
Business
Combination
On
June 1, 2023, the Company, entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “CLOE Merger Agreement”) with Clover Leaf Capital
Corp., a Delaware corporation (“Clover Leaf”), CL Merger Sub, Inc., a Nevada corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of
Clover Leaf (“Merger Sub”), Yntegra Capital Investments LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Yntegra”),
in the capacity as the representative from and after the effective time for the stockholders of Clover Leaf in accordance with the terms
and conditions of the CLOE Merger Agreement (the “Sponsor” or the “Purchaser Representative”), and Kustom, with
a focus and mission to own and produce events, festivals, and entertainment alongside its evolving primary and secondary ticketing technologies.
Pursuant
to the CLOE Merger Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein upon the consummation of the transactions contemplated
by the CLOE Merger Agreement (the “Closing”), Merger Sub will merge with and into Kustom (the “Merger” and, together
with the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, the “Business Combination”), with Kustom continuing as
the surviving corporation in the Merger and a wholly owned subsidiary of Clover Leaf. In the Merger, all of the issued and outstanding
capital stock of Kustom immediately prior to the effective time shall no longer be outstanding and shall automatically be cancelled and
shall cease to exist in exchange for the right for the Company to receive the Merger Consideration (as defined below). Upon consummation
of the Business Combination, Clover Leaf will change its name to “Kustom Entertainment, Inc.”
The
aggregate merger consideration to be paid pursuant to the CLOE Merger Agreement to the Company as of immediately prior to the effective
time will be an amount equal to (the “Merger Consideration”) (i) $125 million, minus (ii) the estimated consolidated indebtedness
of Kustom as of the Closing (“Closing Indebtedness”). The Merger Consideration to be paid to the Company will be paid solely
by the delivery of new shares of Clover Leaf Class A Common Stock, each valued at $11.14 per share (the “Merger Consideration Shares”).
The Closing Indebtedness (and the resulting Merger Consideration) is based solely on estimates determined shortly prior to the Closing
and is not subject to any post-Closing true-up or adjustment.
Kustom
is comprised of TicketSmarter and Kustom 440, both currently wholly owned subsidiaries. Both TicketSmarter and Kustom 440 will combine
their management teams and focus on concerts, entertainment and garnering additional ticketing partnerships in 2024 and beyond. Kustom
440 and TicketSmarter will use their existing sponsorships and sports property partnerships to develop alternative entertainment options
for consumers.
The
combined company will be known as Kustom Entertainment and will operate under the same management team as Kustom which is currently
led by Stanton E. Ross, the current CEO of the Company. The transaction contemplates an equity value of $125 million for Kustom. The
combined company is expected to have an implied initial pro forma equity value of approximately $222.2 million, with the proposed
Business Combination expected to provide approximately $18.1 million in gross proceeds from the cash held in trust by Clover Leaf, assuming
no redemptions. Additionally, the Company will distribute to its shareholders 20% of the Merger Consideration Shares obtained in Kustom
immediately following the closing of the Merger and intends to distribute the balance of such Merger Consideration Shares following a
six-month lock-up period.
The
transaction has been approved by the board of directors of the Company (the “Board” or “Board of Directors”)
and the board of directors of Clover Leaf and is subject to approval by the stockholders of Clover Leaf and other customary closing conditions.
The Company, as the sole holder of Kustom common stock, has approved the transaction.
Due
to the plan to consummate the Business Combination, the Company no longer expects to pursue a separation of Kustom into its own independent
publicly traded company via spin-off, as announced on December 8, 2022.
In
October 2023, Kustom Entertainment and Clover Leaf announced the filing of a Registration Statement on Form S-4 by Clover Leaf with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on October 4, 2023, relating to the previously announced proposed Business
Combination.
In
December 2023, Kustom Entertainment and Clover Leaf announced the filing of the Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form
S-4 by Clover Leaf with the SEC on December 8, 2023, relating to the previously announced proposed Business Combination.
In
February 2024, Kustom Entertainment and Clover Leaf announced the filing of the Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form
S-4 by Clover Leaf with the SEC on February 5, 2024, relating to the previously announced proposed Business Combination.
Our
Video Solutions Operating Segment Products and Services
Through
our video solutions operating segment we supply technology-based products utilizing our portable digital video and audio recording
capabilities for the law enforcement and security industries and for the commercial fleet and mass transit markets. We have the
ability to integrate electronic, radio, computer, mechanical, and multi-media technologies to create positive solutions to our
customers’ requests. Our products include: the EVO-HD, DVM-800 and DVM-800 Lite, which are in-car digital video systems for
law enforcement and commercial markets; the FirstVu body-worn camera line, consisting of the FirstVu Pro, FirstVu, and the FirstVu
HD; our patented and revolutionary VuLink product integrates our body-worn cameras with our in-car systems by providing hands-free
automatic activation for both law enforcement and commercial markets; the EVO Fleet, FLT-250, DVM-250, and DVM-250 Plus, which are
our commercial line of digital video products that serve as “event recorders” for the commercial fleet and mass transit
markets; and FleetVu and VuLink, which are our cloud-based evidence management systems. We further diversified and broadened our
product offerings in 2020, by introducing two new lines of branded products: (1) the ThermoVu® which is a line of self-contained
temperature monitoring stations that provides alerts and controls facility access when an individual’s temperature exceeds a
pre-set threshold and (2) our Shield™ disinfectants and cleansers which are for use against viruses and bacteria.
4
In-Car
Digital Video Mirror System for Law Enforcement – EVO-HD, DVM-800 and DVM-800 Lite
In-car
video systems for patrol cars are a necessity and have generally become standard. Current systems are primarily digital based systems
with cameras mounted on the windshield and the recording device generally in the trunk, headliner, dashboard, console or under the seat
of the vehicle.
The
Company launched its in-car digital video platform under the name EVO-HD during the second quarter of 2019. The EVO-HD is a revolutionary
in-car system that delivers versatility and reliability for law enforcement.
With
built-in, patented auto-activation technology, EVO-HD captures multiple recording angles in sync from a FirstVu PRO or FirstVu HD body-worn
camera and up to four HD in-car cameras – all from a single trigger. The EVO-HD maximizes space and offers top-end reliability
when paired with remote service capabilities. An internal cell modem will allow for connectivity to the VuVault.net cloud, powered by
Amazon Web Services (“AWS”) and real time metadata when in the field.
The
Company offers the DVM-800, a continuation in the family of highly successful digital video mirrored (DVM) systems developed by the Company.
The DVM-800 is a time-tested, compact, powerful and easy-to-use solution designed for law enforcement. The DVM-800 system has built-in
road and driver facing cameras and can record up to two external HD cameras. The DVM-800 is compatible with the patented VuLink®
auto-activation technology and can be paired with a FirstVu HD body-worn camera.
The
Company also offers the DVM-800 Lite, an entry level system is a self-contained video recorder, microphone and digital storage system
that is integrated into a rear-view mirror and is designed for law enforcement. The system can record up to two internal HD cameras.
In-Car
Digital Video “Event Recorder” System – EVO Fleet, DVM-250 Plus and FLT-250 for Commercial Fleets
Digital
Ally provides commercial fleets and commercial fleet managers with the digital video tools that they need to increase driver safety,
track assets in real-time and minimize the company’s liability risk while enabling fleet managers to operate the fleet at an optimal
level. We market a product designed to address these commercial fleet markets with our EVO Fleet, DVM-250 Plus and FLT-250 event recorders
that provide various types of commercial fleets with features and capabilities that are fully-customizable and consistent with their
specific application and inherent risks.
The
DVM-250 Plus is a part of the DVM family and is designed for commercial fleets featuring built-in digital audio and video recording technology
and other features to provide commercial fleet managers unmatched driver and asset management – all while aiming to deliver the
return on investment that matters most: the safety and security of drivers and passengers. The DVM-250 Plus is designed to capture events,
such as wrecks and erratic driving or other abnormal occurrences, for evidentiary or training purposes. The commercial fleet markets
may find our units attractive from both a feature and a cost perspective compared to other providers. Due to our marketing efforts, commercial
fleets are beginning to adopt this technology, and in particular, the ambulance and taxi-cab markets.
The
FLT-250 offers the same great features of the DVM-250 Plus in a new compact, non-mirrored form factor that allows for multiple mounting
options in any vehicle type for commercial fleets. The non-mirror-based aspect of this product, allowed the FLT-250 to become more attractive
for our potential customers, as it is a much simpler plug and play option compared to mirror-based products.
In
the fourth quarter of 2022, Digital Ally released the EVO Fleet, offering a full-featured solution utilizing the latest in telematics
technology, including immediate driver-assist feedback by recognizing pedestrians, distracted or drowsy driving, and lane shifting. We
believe that, due to the new technology, including the A.I. interface, live tracking capabilities, up to four streams of video, and video
on command, this product will become a very prominent product in the market and for our current and potential customers.
Digital
Ally offers a suite of data management web-based tools to assist fleet managers in the organization, archival, and management of videos
and telematics information. Within the suite, there are powerful mapping and reporting tools that are intended to optimize efficiency,
serve as training tools for teams on safety, and, ultimately, generate a significant return on investment for the organization.
5
The
EVO-HD has become the platform for a new family of in-car video solution products for the commercial markets. The innovative EVO-HD technology
replaces the current in-car mirror-based systems with a miniaturized system that can be custom-mounted in the vehicle, while offering
numerous hardware configurations to meet the varied needs and requirements of our commercial customers. In its commercial market application,
the EVO-HD can support up to four HD cameras, with two cameras having pre-event and ECA capabilities to allow customers to review entire
shifts. An internal cell modem will allow for connectivity to the FleetVu Manager cloud-based system for commercial fleet tracking and
monitoring, which is powered by AWS and real time metadata when in the field.
Body-Worn
Digital Video System – FirstVu Pro, FirstVu II, and FirstVu HD for Law Enforcement and Private Security
Digital
Ally launched two next generation body-worn cameras and docking stations, refreshing the Company’s complete ecosystem of evidence
recording devices. The latest body worn camera launched by the Company is the FirstVu Pro, the Company’s flagship product in its
family of next generation of technology. The light weight, one-piece unit captures full HD video and audio, while offering industry leading
features such as live streaming, a full-color touchscreen display, an advanced image sensor with IR LEDs, proprietary image distortion
reduction, IP67 rated resisting dust and wind and is water submersible for 30 minutes at a depth of 3 feet. It is also MIL-STD-810G compliant
capable of handling drops, shock, and vibration, and will function flawlessly in a wide temperature range.
In
addition to the FirstVu Pro, Digital Ally also added the FirstVu II to its family of next generation technology. The FirstVu II is a
one-piece device offering industry leading technology such as an articulating camera head, a full-color display, an advanced image sensor,
and GPS. It can be used in law enforcement, private and event security and commercial segments.
Digital
Ally still carries the FirstVu HD, the two-piece body-worn camera which allows for multiple mounting options while minimizing space and
weight. It can be used in law enforcement, private and event security and commercial segments. This system is also a derivative of our
in-car video systems, but is much smaller and lighter and more rugged and water-resistant to handle a hostile outdoor environment. The
FirstVu HD can be used in many applications in addition to law enforcement and private security and is designed specifically to be clipped
to an individual’s pocket or other outer clothing. The unit is self-contained and requires no external battery or storage devices.
Our FirstVU HD integrates with our in-car video systems through our patented VuLink system allowing for automatic activation of both
systems.
With
the newly introduced body-worn cameras, Digital Ally also introduced two new QuickVu docking stations compatible with the FirstVu PRO
and FirstVu II body-worn cameras. The QuickVu docking stations provide a comprehensive and elegant solution for storing and charging
body cameras while uploading video evidence to the cloud. QuickVu also allows for rapid reviewing of footage right from the interactive
touchscreen display, and is available in eight or twenty-four individual docking bays. For docking with the FirstVu HD body-worn cameras,
Digital Ally offers a 12-bay docking station and Mini-Docks. The 12-bay docking station includes a 1TB local memory hard drive which
simultaneously upload 4 hours of video from 12 FirstVu HD cameras within a 15-minute shift change and push configuration updates. The
Mini-Dock is a single unit, portable smart dock that uploads video evidence to VuVault from a FirstVu HD body camera.
Auto-activation
and Interconnectivity Between In-car Video Systems and Body-worn Camera Products – VuLink for Law Enforcement
Recognizing
a critical limitation in law enforcement camera technology, we pioneered the development of our VuLink ecosystem that provides intuitive
auto-activation functionality as well as coordination between multiple recording devices. The United States Patent and Trademark Office
(the “USPTO”) has recognized these pioneering efforts by granting us multiple patents with claims covering a variety of triggers,
including emergency lights and sirens, extreme acceleration or braking, g-force or any 12-volt relay. Additionally, the awarded patent
claims cover automatic coordination between multiple recording devices. Prior to our VuLink ecosystem, officers had to manually activate
each device while responding to emergency scenarios, a requirement that both decreased the usefulness of the existing camera systems
and diverted officers’ attention during critical moments.
6
EVO
Web and FleetVu Manager
EVO
Web is a web-based software, powered by and hosted on the AWS GovCloud platform, that enables police departments and security agencies
to manage digital video evidence quickly and easily. EVO Web is capable of playing back, reviewing, downloading, archiving, unit configuration
and management, running customizable reports and maintaining a chain of custody logs. AWS is the most secure cloud platform on the market
with features that go beyond simply storing and reviewing video evidence. AWS GovCloud platform is trusted by the Department of Justice,
Defense Digital Services for the US Air Force, U.S. Department of Treasury, and U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Our products that
are compatible with EVO Web include: FirstVu Pro, FirstVu II, FirstVu HD, QuickVu, EVO-HD, DVM-800 and DVM-800 Lite.
FleetVu
Manager is a web-based software that provides commercial fleet managers with the tools to increase driver safety, track assets in real-time
and minimize their companies’ liability risks. FleetVu Manager is able to generate driver reports, identify at risk behaviors before
an incident takes place, and enable commercial fleet managers to manage the entire fleet through a single, easy to use platform. Our
products compatible with FleetVu Manager include: EVO Fleet, DVM-250 Plus and FLT-250.
Shield TM
Heath Protection Products
The
Company’s Shield TM brand offers a variety of products to help keep you safe, including; Shield Cleansers, ThermoVu,
Shied Disinfectant, and a variety of personal protection equipment including masks, gloves and sanitizer wipes.
Shield
Cleansers is a full line of safe and effective hypochlorous acid (HOCl) based products - and is free of toxic bleach, ammonia, methanol,
ethanol, and alcohol ingredients. Shield Disinfectant is EPA approved and has shown effectiveness against SARS-COV-2, the virus that
causes the novel COVID-19 disease. Other products in the Shield brand include animal wellness products, wound care, and household cleaning
solutions.
ThermoVu
is a non-contact temperature-screening instrument that measures temperature through the wrist and controls entry to facilities when temperature
measurements exceed pre-determined parameters. ThermoVu has optional features such as facial recognition to improve facility security
by restricting access based on temperature and/or facial recognition reasons. ThermoVu provides an instant pass/fail audible tone with
its temperature display and controls access to facilities based on such results.
The
Company has been distributing other personal protective equipment and supplies, since the second quarter of 2021, such as masks and gloves
to supplement its Shield brand of products to health care workers as well as other consumers, consisting of vinyl and nitrile gloves,
level 3 and N95 NIOSH certified face masks, and disposable wipes.
Our
Revenue Cycle Management Operating Segment Products and Services
Through
our revenue cycle management segment, we provide assistance in providing working capital and back-office services to healthcare organizations
throughout the country. Our RCM operating segment services consist of insurance and benefit verification, medical treatment documentation
and coding, and collections. Through our expertise and experience in this field, we maximize our customers’ service revenues collected,
leading to substantial improvements in their operating margins and cash flows. We generally receive a service fee based on a percentage
of the service revenues collected by our customers.
Our
Entertainment Operating Segment Products and Services
Through
our entertainment segment, we provide customers with access to the online live event ticketing marketplace through our online platform
- TicketSmarter.com . Offering over 48 million tickets for sale for over 125,000 live events, TicketSmarter is a national ticket
marketplace offering tickets for live events featuring sports, concerts and theatre. TicketSmarter is the official ticket resale partner
of more than 35 collegiate conferences, over 300 universities, and hundreds of events and venues.
7
Established
in late 2022, Kustom 440 is another piece of the entertainment segment of the Company, whose mission it is to attract, manage and promote
concerts, sports and private events. Kustom 440 offers the production and promotion of live music events in third-party venues throughout
the country. These services begin with the logistical matters of an event, including artist booking and research, ticketing, staging,
on-site operations, vendor sourcing, and day of production. These events range in size from small corporate events to full stadium multi-day
events.
Our
entertainment operating segment primarily receives compensation for its services generally determined as a percentage of the face-value
of the tickets being purchased. Our entertainment operating segment also provides customers with access to tickets which it has purchased
or received in return for its sponsorship or partnership from the venue, event or owner.
Market
and Industry Overview – Video Solutions Operating Segment
Our
video solutions segment has historically had a primary market of domestic and international law enforcement agencies. We have since expanded
our scope by pursuing the commercial fleet vehicle and mass transit markets. Additionally, we have expanded into event security services
where we provide the hardware and software to supplement private security for NASCAR races, football and other sporting events, concerts
and other events where people gather. We continue to further expand our focus on private security, homeland security, mass transit, healthcare,
general retail, educational, general consumer and other commercial markets. In that regard, we have several installations involving private
security on cruise ships and similar markets. We believe there are many potential private uses of our product offerings. We continue
to have sales in the commercial fleet and ambulance service provider market, confirming that our EVO Fleet, DVM-250 Plus and FLT-250
products and FleetVu Manager can become a significant revenue producer for us. Additionally, our body-worn cameras have applications
in law enforcement, along with private and event security, as well as commercial segments. With the recent acquisitions we completed
in 2021 and 2022, we hope to utilize the connections we now have to live events, stadiums, and arenas, as well as new medical connections.
Market
and Industry Overview – Revenue Cycle Management Operating Segment
Our
revenue cycle management segment consists of end-to-end revenue cycle management services that focuses on claim reimbursement billing,
verification, and related services to medical providers throughout the country. We offer agreements with customers in which we provide
our services and bill the customers monthly for our services. The healthcare industry in the United States represents a strong portion
of the United States’ economy, offering a robust market for these services. Our current market includes many diverse specialties,
including radiology, oncology, orthopedics, pediatrics, internal medicine, and cardiology. We continue to investigate ways to expand
our market reach, although can make no assurances in that regard.
Market
and Industry Overview – Entertainment Operating Segment
Our
entertainment segment refers to the sale of event tickets primarily through our online and mobile platforms. We will buy inventory of
event tickets to then sell tickets through various platforms, including our own. Our resale services refer to the sale of tickets by
a holder, who originally obtained the tickets directly from a venue or entity, through our platform in which we then collect services
fees on the transaction. This is commonly referred to as secondary ticketing. We work directly with consumers looking to buy or sell
event tickets for particular shows, concerts, games, and other events, allowing a simple and effective platform to move tickets. We also
offer production and promotion of live music events in third-party venues throughout the country. These services begin with the logistical
matters of an event, including artist booking and research, ticketing, staging, on-site operations, vendor sourcing, and day of production.
Competition
- Video Solutions Operating Segment
Our
video solutions segment, consisting of law enforcement and security surveillance markets, is extremely competitive. Competitive factors
in these industries include ease of use, quality, portability, versatility, reliability, accuracy and cost. There are direct competitors
with technology and products in the law enforcement and surveillance markets for all of our products, including those that are in development.
Many of these competitors have significant advantages over us, including greater financial, technical, marketing and manufacturing resources,
more extensive distribution channels, larger customer bases and faster response times to adapt new or emerging technologies and changes
in customer requirements. Our primary competitors in the in-car video systems market include L-3 Mobile-Vision, Inc., Coban Technologies,
Inc., Enforcement Video, LLC d/b/a WatchGuard Video (“WatchGuard”), Kustom Signals, Panasonic System Communications Company,
International Police Technologies, Inc. and a number of other competitors who sell, or may in the future sell, in-car video systems to
law enforcement agencies. Our primary competitors in the body-worn camera market include Axon Enterprises, Inc. (“Axon”),
Reveal Media, WatchGuard, and VieVU, Inc., which was acquired by Axon in 2018. We face similar and intense competitive factors for our
event recorders in the commercial fleet and private security markets as we do in the law enforcement and security surveillance markets.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to compete successfully in these markets. Further, there can be no assurance that new
and existing companies will not enter the law enforcement and security surveillance markets in the future. The commercial fleet security
and surveillance markets likewise are also very competitive. There are direct competitors for our FLT-250 and DVM-250 Plus “event
recorders,” which may have greater financial, technical marketing, and manufacturing resources than we do. Our primary competitors
in the commercial fleet sector include Lytx, Inc. (previously DriveCam, Inc.) and SmartDrive Systems, among others.
8
Competition
– Revenue Cycle Management Operating Segment
Our
revenue cycle management segment is a highly competitive market that is only intensifying as the market continues to grow. We face competition
from a variety of sources, including internal revenue cycle management departments within healthcare organizations, as these organizations
are beginning to make internal investments in these departments to keep these services in-house. Additionally, other revenue cycle management
providers exist and offer similar services through software vendors, traditional consultants, and information technology sources.
Competition
– Entertainment Operating Segment
Our
entertainment segment faces robust competition from several sources throughout the industry. As the online and mobile ticketing market
continues to increase, it has allowed for more technology-based companies to offer ticketing services and systems. The online environment
consists of numerous other websites and platforms for all markets. With the market continuing to grow, resale marketplaces and websites
can reach a vastly larger audience with more convenient access to tickets for a wide variety of events. We continue to build our brand
and recognition, through numerous partnerships and sponsorships throughout the country, in attempt to become a preferred platform for
consumers. The event production portion of this segment faces strong competition ranging from small festival production companies to
large concert production companies and venues.
Worldwide
Reinsurance Ltd.
In
December 2021, the Company formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, Worldwide Reinsurance Ltd. (“Worldwide Re”), a Bermuda incorporated
captive insurance company that provided primarily liability insurance coverage to the Company for which insurance may not be currently
available or economically feasible in today’s insurance marketplace.
Worldwide
Re is subject to capital and other regulatory requirements imposed by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (“BMA”). Although these
capital requirements are generally less constraining than U.S. capital requirements, failure to satisfy these requirements could result
in regulatory actions from the BMA or loss of or modification of Worldwide Re’s Class 1 insurer license, which could adversely
impact our ability to support our insurance needs and to grow this business into another line of business for our holding company. To
date, our captive’s relatively immature claims history limits the predictive value of estimating the costs of incurred and future
claims. Accordingly, the captive could continue to incur significant fluctuations in financial results as the captive provides insurance
coverage to Digital Ally and its affiliated businesses and seeks to expand beyond our affiliated companies to offer coverage for third
parties.
Intellectual
Property – Video Solutions Operating Segment
Our
video solutions operating segment’s ability to compete effectively will depend on our success in protecting our proprietary technology,
both in the United States and abroad. We have filed for patent protection in the United States and certain other countries to cover certain
design aspects of our products.
9
Some
of our patent applications are still under review by the USPTO and, therefore, we have not yet been issued all the patents that we applied
for in the United States. We were issued several patents in recent years, including a patent on our VuLink product that provides automatic
triggering of our body-worn camera and our in-car video systems. No assurance can be given which, or any, of the patents relating to
our existing technology will be issued from the United States or any foreign patent offices. Additionally, no assurance can be given
that we will receive any patents in the future based on our continued development of our technology, or that our patent protection within
and/or outside of the United States will be sufficient to deter others, legally or otherwise, from developing or marketing competitive
products utilizing our technologies.
We
have entered into supply and distribution agreements with several companies that produce certain of our products, including our FirstVu
Pro & FirstVu II body cameras, QuickVu docking stations, EVO Fleet, DVM-250 and DVM-800 products. These supply and distribution agreements
contain certain confidentiality provisions that protect our proprietary technology, as well as that of the third-party manufacturers.
In
addition to seeking patent protection, we rely on trade secrets, know-how and continuing technological advancement to seek to achieve
and thereafter maintain a competitive advantage. Although we have entered into or intend to enter into confidentiality and invention
agreements with our employees, consultants and advisors, no assurance can be given that such agreements will be honored or that we will
be able to effectively protect our rights to our unpatented trade secrets and know-how. Moreover, no assurance can be given that others
will not independently develop substantially equivalent proprietary information and techniques or otherwise gain access to our trade
secrets and know-how.
Intellectual
Property – Revenue Cycle Management Operating Segment
Our
revenue cycle management’s operating segment’s ability to compete effectively primarily depends on our trade secrets and
know-how and does not depend heavily on any proprietary technology or patents.
Intellectual
Property – Entertainment Operating Segment
Our
entertainment operating segment’s ability to compete effectively primarily depends on our trade secrets and know-how and does not
depend heavily on any proprietary technology or patents.
Human
Capital
As
of December 31, 2023, Digital Ally, and its subsidiaries, had approximately 170 full-time employees spread throughout the country, representing
the core values and objectives of the Company. These employees are spread amongst our operating segments as follows:
As of
December 31,
2023
Employee headcount:
Video Solutions
98
Revenue Cycle Management [1]
60
Entertainment
12
Total Employee Headcount
170
[1]
Our revenue cycle management operating segment has no direct employees. Nobility Healthcare, our minority interest partner provides all
human capital resources to manage and operate the Company’s revenue cycle management operating segment.
10
Our
employees are our most important assets and they set the foundation for our ability to achieve our strategic objectives. All of our employees
contribute to Digital Ally’s success and, in particular, the employees in our manufacturing, sales, research and development, and
quality assurance departments are instrumental in driving operational execution and strong financial performance, advancing innovation
and maintaining a strong quality and compliance program.
Our
employees are not covered by any collective bargaining agreement, and we have never experienced a work stoppage. We strive to create
a culture and work environment that enables us to attract, train, promote, and retain a diverse group of talented employees who together
can help us gain a competitive advantage. Our key programs and initiatives that are focused to attract, develop and retain our diverse
workforce include:
●
Compensation
Programs and Employee Benefits: the main objective of Digital Ally’s compensation program is to provide a compensation package
that will attract, retain, motivate and reward superior employees who must operate in a highly competitive and technologically challenging
environment. We seek to do this by linking annual changes in compensation to overall Company performance, as well as each individual’s
contribution to the results achieved. The emphasis on overall Company performance is intended to align the employee’s financial
interests with the interests of shareholders. Digital Ally also seeks fairness in total compensation with reference to external comparisons,
internal comparisons and the relationship between management and non-management remuneration. The structure of our compensation programs
balances incentive earnings for both short-term and long-term performance. Specifically:
●
We
provide employee wages that are competitive and consistent with employee positions, skill levels, experience, knowledge and geographic
location.
●
We
align our executives’ long-term equity compensation with our shareholders’ interests by linking realizable pay with stock
performance.
●
Annual
increases and incentive compensation are based on merit, which is communicated to employees at the time of hiring and documented
through our talent management process as part of our annual review procedures and upon internal transfer and/or promotion.
●
All
employees are eligible for health insurance, paid and unpaid leaves, short-term disability, worker’s compensation, long-term
disability, a retirement plan and life and disability/accident coverage. We also offer a variety of voluntary benefits that allow
employees to select the options that meet their needs.
Item
1A.
Risk
Factors.
Not
applicable.
Item
1B.
Unresolved
Staff Comments.
None.
Item 1C.
Cybersecurity.
Risk
management and strategy
We
assess material risks from cybersecurity threats on an ongoing basis, including any potential unauthorized occurrence on or conducted
through our information systems that may result in adverse effects on the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of our information
systems or any information residing therein. As our Company grows, we plan to develop a more robust and detailed strategy for cybersecurity
in alignment with nationally accepted standards. We have not encountered cybersecurity challenges that have materially impaired our operations
or financial standing.
Governance
Our
management and the Board recognize the critical importance of maintaining the trust and confidence of our business partners and employees,
including the importance of managing cybersecurity risks as part of our larger risk management program. While all of our personnel play
a part in managing cybersecurity risks, one of the key functions of our Board is informed oversight of our risk management process, including
risks from cybersecurity threats. Our Board is responsible for monitoring and assessing strategic risk exposure, and our executive officers
are responsible for the day-to-day management of the material risks that we face. In general, we seek to address cybersecurity risks
through a cross-functional approach that is focused on preserving the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the information
that we collect and store by identifying, preventing, and mitigating cybersecurity threats and effectively responding to cybersecurity
incidents when they occur.
Item
2.
Properties.
On
May 13, 2020, the Company entered into an operating lease for new warehouse and office space which had served as its principal executive
office and primary business location, prior to the completed building purchase. The Company plans to relocate the entertainment operating
segment operations to this existing leased facility in 2023. This facility contains approximately 16,531 square feet and is located at
15612 College Blvd, Lenexa, Kansas 66219. The lease terms, as amended, include no base rent for the first nine months and monthly payments
ranging from $12,398 to $14,741 thereafter, with a termination date of December 31, 2026.
On
April 30, 2021, the Company closed on the purchase and sale agreement to acquire a 71,361 square feet commercial office building located
in Lenexa, Kansas which is intended to serve as the Company’s future office and warehouse needs for executive offices and for management
and warehouse operations for the video solutions operating segment. The building contains approximately 30,000 square feet of office
space and the remainder warehouse space. The total purchase price was approximately $5.3 million. The Company funded the purchase price
with cash on hand, without the addition of external debt or other financing.
On October 26, 2023, the Company entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (the “Kompass
Loan Agreement”) by and between the Company, Digital Ally Healthcare, and Kompass Kapital Funding, LLC, a Kansas limited liability
company (“Kompass”). In connection with the Kompass Loan Agreement, on October 26, 2023, the Company entered into a Mortgage,
Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing by and between the Company, as grantor, and Kompass, as grantee,
and mortgaged its real property having an address of 14001 Marshall Drive, Lenexa, KS 66215.
11
On
June 30, 2021, the Company completed the acquisition of a private medical billing company, through Nobility Healthcare, a majority owned
subsidiary. Upon completion of this acquisition, Nobility Healthcare became responsible for the operating lease for the seller’s
office space. The lease terms include monthly payments ranging from $2,648 to $2,774 and terminate in July 2024. The Company plans to
relocate the revenue cycle management operating segment acquired operations to existing owned or leased facilities upon termination of
this operating lease.
On
August 31, 2021, the Company completed the acquisition of another private medical billing company, through Nobility Healthcare. Upon
completion of this acquisition, Nobility Healthcare became responsible for the operating lease for the seller’s office space.
The lease was renewed in April 2023 with favorable terms and payments ranging from 7,436 to 8,877 thereafter, and with a termination
date in March 2030.
On
September 1, 2021, the Company completed the acquisition of Goody Tickets, LLC and TicketSmarter, LLC, through TicketSmarter. Upon
completion of this acquisition, the Company became responsible for the operating lease for the TicketSmarter office space. The lease
terms included monthly payments ranging from $7,211 to $7,364 and the lease was originally going to expire in December 2022. The
Company signed a six-month extension through June 2023 and is currently on a month-to-month lease with plans to relocate the
entertainment operating segment.
On
January 1, 2022, the Company completed the acquisition of another private medical billing company, through Nobility Healthcare. Upon
completion of this acquisition, Nobility Healthcare became responsible for the operating lease for the seller’s office space. The
lease terms include monthly payments ranging from $4,233 to $4,626 and terminate in June 2025. The Company plans to relocate the revenue
cycle management operating segment acquired operations to existing owned or leased facilities upon termination of this operating lease.
Item
3.
Legal
Proceedings.
From
time to time, we are notified that we may be a party to a lawsuit or that a claim is being made against us. It is our policy to not disclose
the specifics of any claim or threatened lawsuit until the summons and complaint are actually served on us. After carefully assessing
the claim, and assuming we determine that we are not at fault or we disagree with the damages or relief demanded, we vigorously defend
any lawsuit filed against us. We record a liability when losses are deemed probable and reasonably estimable. When losses are deemed
reasonably possible but not probable, we determine whether it is possible to provide an estimate of the amount of the loss or range of
possible losses for the claim, if material for disclosure. In evaluating matters for accrual and disclosure purposes, we take into consideration
factors such as our historical experience with matters of a similar nature, the specific facts and circumstances asserted, the likelihood
of our prevailing, the availability of insurance, and the severity of any potential loss. We reevaluate and update accruals as matters
progress over time.
While
the ultimate resolution is unknown, we do not expect that these lawsuits will individually, or in the aggregate, have a material adverse
effect to our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. However, the outcome of any litigation is inherently uncertain
and there can be no assurance that any expense, liability or damages that may ultimately result from the resolution of these matters
will be covered by our insurance or will not be in excess of amounts recognized or provided by insurance coverage and will not have a
material adverse effect on our operating results, financial condition or cash flows.
Culp
McCauley
On
May 31, 2022, the Company filed a lawsuit against Culp McAuley, Inc. (“defendant”) in the United States District Court for
the District of Kansas. The lawsuit arises from the defendant’s multiple breaches of its obligations to the Company. The Company
seeks monetary damages and injunctive relief based on certain conduct by the defendant. On July 18, 2022, the defendant filed its Answer
to the Company’s Verified Complaint and included Counterclaims alleging breach of contract and seeking monetary damages. On August
8, 2022, the Company filed its Reply and Affirmative Defenses to the Counterclaims by, among other things, denying the allegations and
any and all liability. During the second quarter of 2023, we concluded that a $1.8 million loss related to the allegations is probable,
with no conclusion on the remaining $2.2 million being a probable loss related to these claims. Although we believe a further loss could
be reasonably possible (as defined in ASC 450), we do not have sufficient information to determine the amount or range of reasonably
possible loss with respect to the potential damages given that the dispute is yet to enter the discovery process. We will continue to
vigorously pursue these claims, and we continue to believe that we have valid grounds for recovery of the disputed deliverables. However,
there can be no assurances as to the outcome of the dispute.
12
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 trades on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “DGLY”.
Holders
of Common Stock
As
of April 1, 2024 , we had approximately 164
shareholders of record for our Common Stock.
Dividend
Policy
To
date, we have not declared or paid cash dividends on our shares of Common Stock. The holders of our Common Stock will be entitled to
non-cumulative dividends on the shares of Common Stock, when and as declared by the Board in its discretion. We intend to retain all future earnings, if any, for our business and do not anticipate paying
cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
Any
future determination to pay cash dividends will be at the discretion of our Board and will be dependent upon our financial condition,
results of operations, capital requirements, general business conditions and such other factors as our Board may deem relevant.
Recent
Sales of Unregistered Securities
Except
as previously reported by the Company on its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or its Current Reports on Form 8-K, as applicable, we did
not sell any securities during the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K that were not registered under the Securities Act.
Item
6.
[Reserved].
Item
7.
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation.
This
discussion contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange
Act. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “may,”
“should,” “could,” “will,” “plan,” “future,” “continue,” and
other expressions that are predictions of or indicate future events and trends and that do not relate to historical matters identify
forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based largely on our expectations or forecasts of future events, can
be affected by inaccurate assumptions, and are subject to various business risks and known and unknown uncertainties, a number of which
are beyond our control. Therefore, actual results could differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this document,
and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.
We
undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events
or otherwise. A wide variety of factors could cause or contribute to such differences and could adversely impact revenues, profitability,
cash flows and capital needs. There can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements contained in this document will, in fact,
transpire or prove to be accurate.
13
Factors
that could cause or contribute to our actual results differing materially from those discussed herein or for our stock price to be adversely
affected include, but are not limited to: (1) our losses in recent years, including fiscal years 2023 and 2022; (2) economic and other
risks for our business from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the impacts on our law-enforcement and commercial customers,
suppliers and employees and on our ability to raise capital as required; (3) our ability to increase revenues, increase our margins and
return to consistent profitability in the current economic and competitive environment; (4) our operation in developing markets and uncertainty
as to market acceptance of our technology and new products; (5) the availability of funding from federal, state and local governments
to facilitate the budgets of law enforcement agencies, including the timing, amount and restrictions on such funding; (6) our ability
to maintain or expand our share of the market for our products in the domestic and international markets in which we compete, including
increasing our international revenues; (7) our ability to produce our products in a cost-effective manner; (8) competition from larger,
more established companies with far greater economic and human resources; (9) our ability to attract and retain quality employees; (10)
risks related to dealing with governmental entities as customers; (11) our expenditure of significant resources in anticipation of sales
due to our lengthy sales cycle and the potential to receive no revenue in return; (12) characterization of our market by new products
and rapid technological change; (13) our dependence on sales of our EVO-HD, DVM-800, DVM-250 and FirstVU products; (14) that stockholders
may lose all or part of their investment if we are unable to compete in our markets and return to profitability; (15) defects in our
products that could impair our ability to sell our products or could result in litigation and other significant costs; (16) our dependence
on a few manufacturers and suppliers for components of our products and our dependence on domestic and foreign manufacturers for certain
of our products; (17) our ability to protect technology through patents and to protect our proprietary technology and information, such
as trade secrets, through other similar means; (18) our ability to generate more recurring cloud and service revenues; (19) risks related
to our license arrangements; (20) the fluctuation of our operation results from quarter to quarter; (21) sufficient voting power by coalitions
of a few of our larger stockholders, including directors and officers, to make corporate governance decisions that could have a significant
effect on us and the other stockholders; (22) the issuance or sale of substantial amounts of our Common Stock, or the perception that
such sales may occur in the future, which may have a depressive effect on the market price of our securities; (23) potential dilution
from the issuance of Common Stock underlying outstanding options and warrants; (24) our additional securities available for issuance,
which, if issued, could adversely affect the rights of the holders of our Common Stock; (25) the volatility of our stock price due to
a number of factors, including, but not limited to, a relatively limited public float; (26) our ability to integrate and realize the
anticipated benefits from acquisitions; (27) our ability to maintain the listing of our Common Stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market.
Current
Trends and Recent Developments for the Company
Overview
Video
Solutions Operating Segment – Within our video solutions operating segment we supply technology-based products utilizing our
portable digital video and audio recording capabilities for the law enforcement and security industries and for the commercial fleet
and mass transit markets. We have the ability to integrate electronic, radio, computer, mechanical, and multi-media technologies to create
positive solutions to our customers’ requests. Our products include: the EVO-HD, DVM-800 and DVM-800 Lite, which are in-car digital
video systems for law enforcement and commercial markets; the FirstVU body-worn camera line, consisting of the FirstVu Pro, FirstVu,
and the FirstVU HD; our patented and revolutionary VuLink product integrates our body-worn cameras with our in-car systems by providing
hands-free automatic activation for both law enforcement and commercial markets; the FLT-250, DVM-250, and DVM-250 Plus, which are our
commercial line of digital video mirrors that serve as “event recorders” for the commercial fleet and mass transit markets;
and FleetVu and VuLink, which are our cloud-based evidence management systems. We further diversified and broadened our product offerings
in 2020, by introducing two new lines of branded products: (1) the ThermoVu® which is a line of self-contained temperature monitoring
stations that provides alerts and controls facility access when an individual’s temperature exceeds a pre-set threshold and (2)
our Shield™ disinfectants and cleansers which are for use against viruses and bacteria.
Revenue
Cycle Management Operating Segment - We entered the revenue cycle management business late in the second quarter of 2021 with the
formation of our wholly owned subsidiary, Digital Ally Healthcare, Inc. and its majority-owned subsidiary Nobility Healthcare. Nobility
Healthcare completed its first acquisition in June 2021, when it acquired a private medical billing company, and have since completed
three additional acquisitions of private medical billing companies, in which we will assist in providing working capital and back-office
services to healthcare organizations throughout the country. Our assistance consists of insurance and benefit verification, medical treatment
documentation and coding, and collections. Through our expertise and experience in this field, we maximize our customers’ service
revenues collected, leading to substantial improvements in their operating margins and cash flows.
14
Entertainment
Operating Segment - We also entered into live entertainment and events ticketing services through the formation of our wholly owned
subsidiary, TicketSmarter and its completed acquisitions of Goody Tickets, LLC and TicketSmarter, LLC, on September 1, 2021. TicketSmarter
provides ticket sales, partnerships, and mainly, ticket resale services through its online ticketing marketplace for live events, TicketSmarter.com.
TicketSmarter offers tickets for over 125,000 live events through its platform, for a wide range of events, including concerts, sporting
events, theatres, and performing arts, throughout the country. We also offer production and promotion of live music events in third-party
venues throughout the country. These services begin with the logistical matters of an event, including artist booking and research, ticketing,
staging, on-site operations, vendor sourcing, and day of production.
Business
Combination
In
June 2023, the Company, entered into the Merger Agreement with Clover Leaf, Merger Sub, Yntegra Capital Investments LLC, a Delaware limited
liability company, in the capacity as the representative from and after the Effective Time (as defined in the Merger Agreement) for the
stockholders of Clover Leaf in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, and Kustom Entertainment. Pursuant to
the Merger Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein upon the consummation of the transactions contemplated by
the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub will merge with and into Kustom, with Kustom continuing as the surviving corporation in the Merger and
a wholly owned subsidiary of Clover Leaf. Upon the Closing which is subject to the approval of Clover Leaf’s shareholders and the
satisfaction or waiver of certain other customary closing conditions, the common stock of the combined company is expected to be listed
on the Nasdaq under a mutually agreed new ticker symbol that reflects the name “Kustom Entertainment”.
Segment
Overview
Our
reportable segments are: 1) video solutions, 2) revenue cycle management, and 3) entertainment.
Video
Solutions Operating Segment
Our
video solutions segment revenue encompasses video recording products and services for our law enforcement and commercial customers and
the sale of Shield disinfectant and personal protective products. This segment generates revenues our subscription models offering cloud
and warranty solutions, and hardware sales for video and personal protective safety products and solutions. Revenues for product sales
are recognized upon delivery of the product, and revenues from our cloud and warranty subscription plans are deferred over the term of
the subscription, typically 3 or 5 years.
To
judge the health of our video solutions segment, we review the current active subscriptions and deferred service revenues, along with
the quantity and gross margins generated by our video solutions hardware sales.
Revenue
Cycle Management Operating Segment
Our
revenue cycle management segment consists of our medical billing subsidiaries. Revenues of this segment are recognized after we perform
our obligations of our revenue cycle management services. Our revenue cycle management segment is services performed and such services
are charged monthly, generally based on a contractual percentage of total customer collections, for which we recognize our net service
fees.
To
judge the health of our revenue cycle management segment, we review the collection success rate and collection timing. In addition, we
review the associated costs incurred to assist our customers, and any changes in operating margins and cash flows.
Entertainment
Operating Segment
Our
entertainment operating segment consists of ticketing services provided through TicketSmarter and its online platform, TicketSmarter.com.
Revenues of this segment include ticketing service charges generally determined as a percentage of the face value of the underlying ticket
and ticket sales from our ticket inventory which are recognized when the underlying tickets are sold along with tickets, concession,
merchandise, and other sales from the live events produced by this segment. Direct expenses include the cost of tickets purchased for
resale by the Company and holds as inventory, artist costs, staging costs, credit card fees, ticketing platform expenses, website maintenance
fees, along with other administrative costs.
15
To
judge the health of our entertainment operating segment, we review the gross transaction value, which represents the total value related
to a ticket sale and includes the face value of the ticket as well as the service charge. In addition, we review the number of visits
to our websites, cost of customer acquisition, the purchase conversion rate, the overall number of customers in our database, and the
number and percentage of tickets sold via the website and mobile app.
Summary
Financial Data
Summarized
financial information for the Company’s reportable business segments is provided for the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022:
Years Ended December 31,
2023
2022
Net Revenues:
Video Solutions
$ 7,471,285
$ 8,252,288
Revenue Cycle Management
6,713,678
7,886,107
Entertainment
14,063,381
20,871,500
Total Net Revenues
$ 28,248,344
$ 37,009,895
Gross Profit (loss):
Video Solutions
$ 1,290,509
$ (1,250,277 )
Revenue Cycle Management
2,772,271
3,303,477
Entertainment
1,699,704
268,741
Total Gross Profit
$ 5,762,484
$ 2,321,941
Operating Income (loss):
Video Solutions
$ (7,135,584 )
$ (9,278,721 )
Revenue Cycle Management
292,543
357,705
Entertainment
(3,646,770 )
(7,369,241 )
Corporate
(11,750,742 )
(13,443,001 )
Total Operating Income (Loss)
$ (22,240,553 )
$ (29,733,258 )
Depreciation and Amortization:
Video Solutions
$ 836,699
$ 769,228
Revenue Cycle Management
104,352
128,082
Entertainment
1,277,186
1,279,369
Total Depreciation and Amortization
$ 2,218,237
$ 2,176,679
Assets (net of eliminations):
Video Solutions
$ 26,396,559
$ 28,509,706
Revenue Cycle Management
2,260,376
2,201,570
Entertainment
6,324,211
11,190,491
Corporate
12,047,663
14,766,295
Total Identifiable Assets
$ 47,028,809
$ 56,668,062
16
Segment
net revenues reported above represent only sales to external customers. Segment gross profit represents net revenues less cost of revenues.
Segment operating income (loss), which is used in management’s evaluation of segment performance, represents net revenues, less
cost of revenues, less all operating expenses. Identifiable assets are those assets used by each segment in its operations. Corporate
assets primarily consist of cash, property, plant and equipment, accounts receivable, inventories, and other assets.
Consolidated
Results of Operations
We
experienced operating losses for all quarters during 2023 and 2022. The following is a summary of our recent operating results on a quarterly
basis:
For
the Three Months Ended:
December
31, 2023
September
30, 2023
June
30,
2023
March
31,
2023
December
31, 2022
September
30, 2022
June
30,
2022
March
31,
2022
Total
revenue
$ 6,228,351
$ 6,337,699
$ 8,062,097
$ 7,620,197
$ 8,879,504
$ 8,484,153
$ 9,351,457
$ 10,294,781
Gross
profit
549,031
1,226,149
2,519,505
1,467,799
(1,932,256 )
595,500
1,719,078
1,939,619
Gross
profit margin percentage
8.8 %
19.3 %
31.3 %
19.3 %
(21.8 )%
7.0 %
18.4 %
18.8 %
Total
selling, general and administrative expenses
6,528,031
6,374,192
7,460,209
7,640,605
7,769,389
7,162,523
8,380,330
8,742,957
Operating
loss
(5,979,000 )
(5,148,043 )
(4,940,704 )
(6,172,806 )
(9,701,645 )
(6,567,023 )
(6,661,252 )
(6,803,338 )
Operating
loss percentage
(96.0 )%
(81.2 )%
(61.3 )%
(81.0 )%
(109.3 )%
(77.4 )%
(71.2 )%
(66.1 )%
Net
income/(loss)
$ (7,484,778 )
$ (3,679,043 )
$ (8,320,549 )
$ (5,979,579 )
$ (9,574,258 )
$ (1,919,071 )
$ (682,187 )
$ (6,698,242 )
Our
business is subject to substantial fluctuations on a quarterly basis as reflected in the significant variations in revenues and operating
results in the above table. These variations result from various factors, including but not limited to: (1) the timing of large individual
orders; (2) the traction gained by products, such as the recently released FirstVu Pro, FirstVu II, FLT-250, EVO HD, the ThermoVu™
and the Shield™ lines; (3) production, quality and other supply chain issues affecting our cost of goods sold; (4) unusual increases
in operating expenses, such as the timing of trade shows and stock-based and bonus compensation; (5) the timing of patent infringement
litigation settlements (6) ongoing patent and other litigation and related expenses respecting outstanding lawsuits; and (7) the completion
of corporate acquisitions including the recent purchases in the revenue cycle management and entertainment operating segments. We reported
net loss of $7,484,778 on revenues of $6,228,351 for the fourth quarter of 2023.
The
factors and trends affecting our recent performance include:
●
The
Company formed two new operating segments in 2021 and continued to make acquisitions within these segments in 2021 and 2022 resulting
in increased revenues and costs. The Company has since focused on the profitability of these segments and resulting in fluctuating
revenues and costs on a quarterly basis. The entertainment operating segment generated $14,063,381 and $20,871,500
in revenue during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, a decrease of $6,808,119 (33%). The revenue cycle management
operating segment generated $6,713,678 and $7,886,107 in revenue for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, a decrease
of $1,172,429 (15%). We expect to continue to experience improved results from our two new operating segments and their recent acquisitions,
along with improved results from the video solutions segment as the recurring revenue model expands.
●
Our
objective is to expand our video solutions segment’s recurring service revenue to help stabilize our revenues on a quarterly basis.
Revenues from cloud storages have been increasing in recent quarters and reached approximately $572,892 in the fourth quarter of 2023,
an increase of $141,725 (33%) over the fourth quarter of 2022. Overall, cloud revenues increased to approximately $1,994,066 for the
year ended December 31, 2023 compared to approximately $1,471,860 for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $522,206, or 35%.
We are pursuing several new market channels outside of our traditional law enforcement and private security customers, similar to our
NASCAR and event security customers, which we believe will help expand the appeal of our products and service capabilities to new commercial
markets. If successful, we believe that these new market channels could yield recurring service revenues for us in the future.
17
Off-Balance
Sheet Arrangements
We
do not have any off-balance sheet debt, nor did we have any transactions, arrangements, obligations (including contingent obligations)
or other relationships with any unconsolidated entities or other persons that may have a material current or future effect on financial
conditions, changes in the financial conditions, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, capital resources, or significant
components of revenue or expenses.
We
are a party to operating leases and license agreements that represent commitments for future payments (described in Note 15, “Commitments
and Contingencies,” to our consolidated financial statements) and we have issued purchase orders in the ordinary course of business
that represent commitments to future payments for goods and services.
For
the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
Results
of Operations
Summarized
immediately below and discussed in more detail in the subsequent sub-sections is an analysis of our operating results for the years ended
December 31, 2023 and 2022, represented as a percentage of total revenues for each respective year:
Years Ended December 31,
2023
2022
Revenue
100 %
100 %
Cost of revenue
80 %
94 %
Gross profit
20 %
6 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses:
Research and development expense
9 %
6 %
Selling, advertising and promotional expense
25 %
25 %
General and administrative expense
65 %
55 %
Total selling, general and administrative expenses
99 %
86 %
Operating loss
(79 )%
(80 )%
Change in fair value of derivative liabilities
7 %
18 %
Change in fair value of contingent consideration promissory notes and earn-out agreements
1 %
1 %
Gain on extinguishment of warrant derivative liability
— %
10 %
Loss on accrual for legal settlement
(6 )%
— %
Loss on extinguishment of convertible debt
(4 )%
— %
Gain on extinguishment of debt
2 %
— %
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment
— %
1 %
Interest expense
(11 )%
— %
Interest income and other income, net
1 %
(1 )%
Loss before income tax benefit
(89 )%
(51 )%
Income tax expense (benefit)
— %
— %
Net loss
(89 )%
(51 )%
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests of consolidated subsidiary
(1 )%
(1 )%
Loss on redemption – Series A & B convertible redeemable preferred stock
— %
(6 )%
Net loss attributable to common stockholders
(90 )%
(58 )%
Net loss per share information:
Basic
$ (9.22 )
$ (8.50 )
Diluted
$ (9.22 )
$ (8.50 )
18
Revenues
Revenues
by Type and by Operating Segment
Our
operating segments generate two types of revenues:
Product
revenues primarily includes video solutions operating segment hardware sales of in-car and body-worn cameras, along with sales
of our ThermoVu TM units, disinfectants, and personal protective equipment. Additionally, product revenues also include
the sale of tickets by our entertainment operating segment that have been purchased or received through our sponsorships and
partnerships and held in inventory by our entertainment segment until their sale.
Service
and other revenues consist of cloud and warranty services revenues from our subscription plan and storage offerings of our video
solutions segment. Our entertainment operating segments’ secondary ticketing marketplace revenues are included in service revenue.
We recognize service revenue from sales generated through its secondary ticketing marketplace as we collect net services fees on secondary
ticketing marketplace transactions. Lastly, our revenue cycle management segment revenues are included in the service revenues for services
provided to medical providers throughout the country.
The
following table presents revenues by type and segment:
Year Ended December 31,
2023
% Change
2022
Product revenues:
Video solutions
$ 4,303,369
(20.3 )%
$ 5,401,089
Entertainment
5,044,576
(9.9 )%
5,598,803
Total product revenues
9,347,945
(15.0 )%
10,999,892
Service and other revenues:
Video solutions
3,167,916
11.1 %
2,851,199
Entertainment
9,018,805
(40.9 )%
15,272,697
Revenue cycle management
6,713,678
(14.9 )%
7,886,107
Total service and other revenues
18,900,399
(27.3 )%
26,010,003
Total revenues
$ 28,248,344
(23.7 )%
$ 37,009,895
Our
video solutions operating segment sells our products and services to customers in the following manner:
●
Sales
to domestic customers are made directly to the end customer (typically a law enforcement agency or a commercial customer) through
our sales force, comprised of our employees. Revenue is recorded when the product is shipped to the end customer.
●
Sales
to international customers are made through independent distributors who purchase products from us at a wholesale price and sell
to the end user (typically law enforcement agencies or a commercial customer) at a retail price. The distributor retains the margin
as compensation for its role in the transaction. The distributor generally maintains product inventory, customer receivables and
all related risks and rewards of ownership. Revenue is recorded when the product is shipped to the distributor consistent with the
terms of the distribution agreement.
●
Repair
parts and services for domestic and international customers are generally handled by our inside customer service employees. Revenue
is recognized upon shipment of the repair parts and acceptance of the service or materials by the end customer.
19
Our
revenue cycle management operating segment sells its services to customers in the following manner:
●
Our
revenue cycle management operating segment generates service revenues through relationships with medium to large healthcare organizations,
in which the underlying service revenue is recognized upon execution of services. Service revenues are generally determined as a
percentage of the dollar amount of medical billings collected by the customer.
Our
entertainment operating segment sells our products and services to customers in the following manner:
●
Our
entertainment operating segment generates product revenues from the sale of tickets directly to consumers for a particular event
that the entertainment operating segment has previously purchased and held in inventory for ultimate resale to the end consumer.
Service sales through TicketSmarter, are driven largely in part to the usage of the TicketSmarter.com marketplace by buyers and sellers,
in which the Company collects service fees for each transaction completed through this platform.
We
may discount our prices on specific orders based upon the size of the order, the specific customer and the competitive landscape.
Product
revenues by operating segment is as follows:
Years ended December 31,
2023
2022
Product Revenues:
Video Solutions
$ 4,303,369
$ 5,401,089
Revenue Cycle Management
—
—
Entertainment
5,044,576
5,598,803
Total Product Revenues
$ 9,347,495
$ 10,999,892
Product
revenues for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were $9,347,495 and $10,999,892, respectively, a decrease of $1,651,947 (15%),
due to the following factors:
●
Revenues
generated by the entertainment operating segment began with the Company’s acquisition of TicketSmarter on September 1, 2021.
The entertainment operating segment generated $5,044,576 in product revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $5,598,803
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. This largely relates to the Company focusing on right sizing and reducing costs and
working towards profitability.
●
The
Company’s video solutions operating segment generated product revenues totaling $4,303,369 during the year ended December 31,
2023 compared to $5,401,089 for the year ended December 31, 2022. In general, our video solutions operating segment has experienced
pressure on its product revenues as our in-car and body-worn systems are facing increased competition because our competitors have
released new products with advanced features. Additionally, our law enforcement revenues declined over the year ended December 31,
2023 and 2022 due to price-cutting and competitive actions by our competitors, adverse marketplace effects related to our patent
litigation proceedings and our recent financial condition.
●
Our
video solutions operating segment management has continued to focus on migrating commercial customers, from a hardware sale to a
service fee model. Therefore, we expect a reduction in commercial hardware sales (principally DVM-250’s, FLT-250’s, and
a portion of our body-worn camera line) as we convert these customers to a service model under which we provide the hardware as part
of a recurring monthly service fee. In that respect, we introduced a monthly subscription agreement plan for our body worn cameras
and related equipment during the second quarter of 2020 that allowed law enforcement agencies to pay a monthly service fee to obtain
body worn cameras without incurring a significant upfront capital outlay. This program has gained some traction, resulting in decreased
product revenues and increasing our service revenues. We expect this program to continue to hold traction, resulting in recurring
revenues over a span of three to five years.
20
Service
and other revenues by operating segment is as follows:
Years ended December 31,
2023
2022
Service and Other Revenues:
Video Solutions
$ 3,167,916
$ 2,851,199
Revenue Cycle Management
6,713,678
7,886,107
Entertainment
9,018,805
15,272,697
Total Service and Other Revenues
$ 18,900,399
$ 26,010,003
Service
and other revenues for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were $18,900,399 and $26,010,003, respectively, a decrease of $7,109,604
(27%), due to the following factors:
●
Cloud
revenues generated by the video solutions operating segment were $1,994,066 and $1,471,860 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and
2022, respectively, an increase of $522,206 (35%). We continue to experience increased interest in our cloud solutions for law enforcement
primarily due to the deployment of our cloud-based EVO-HD in-car system and our next generation body-worn camera products, which contributed
to our increased cloud revenues in the year ended December 31, 2023. We expect this trend to continue for 2024 as the migration from
local storage to cloud storage continues in our customer base.
●
Video
solutions operating segment revenues from extended warranty services were $860,337 and $692,017 for the years ended December 31, 2023
and 2022, respectively, an increase of $168,320 (24%). T his correlates with consistent sales of
hardware and additional extended warranties sold during the year .
●
Our
entertainment operating segment generated service revenues totaling $9,018,805 and $15,272,697 for the years ended December 31, 2023
and 2022, respectively, a decrease of $6,253,892 (41%). The Company completed the acquisitions of Goody Tickets, LLC and TicketSmarter,
LLC in the third quarter of 2021, thus resulting in the new revenue stream for the Company during the last fourth months of 2021
and twelve months ended December 31, 2022. TicketSmarter collects fees on transactions administered through the TicketSmarter.com
platform for the buying and selling of tickets for live events throughout the country. We expect
our entertainment operating segment to continue to fluctuate as we look right-size this segment and work towards profitability .
●
Our
revenue cycle management operating segment generated service revenues totaling $6,713,678 and $7,886,107 for the years ended December
31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, a decrease of $1,172,429 (15%). Our revenue cycle management operating segment has completed four
acquisitions since formation in June 2021, thus resulting in the new service revenue stream added in the twelve months ended December
31, 2022. Our revenue cycle management operating segment provides revenue cycle management solutions and back-office services to
healthcare organizations throughout the country. The decrease in revenue is due to refinement
within one of the recent acquisitions, as they strive to maximize profitability rather than focus on top line revenue.
Total
revenues for the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022 were $28,248,344 and $37,009,895, respectively, a decrease of $8,761,551 (24%),
due to the reasons noted above.
21
Cost
of Product Revenue
Overall
cost of product revenue sold for the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022 was $9,974,890 and $14,372,115, respectively, a decrease
of $4,397,225 (31%). Overall cost of goods sold for products as a percentage of product revenues for the years ended December 31, 2023,
and 2022 were 107% and 131%, respectively. Cost of products sold by operating segment is as follows:
Years Ended December 31,
2023
2022
Cost of Product Revenues:
Video Solutions
$ 4,824,967
$ 8,332,484
Revenue Cycle Management
—
—
Entertainment
5,149,923
6,039,631
Total Cost of Product Revenues
$ 9,974,890
$ 14,372,115
The
decrease in cost of goods sold for our video solutions segment products is due to numerous factors including a sizeable increase in the
allowance for excess and obsolete inventory in 2022, mostly surrounding the personal protective equipment product line. Cost of product
sold as a percentage of product revenues for the video solutions segment decreased to 112% for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared
to 154% for the year ended December 31, 2022.
The
decrease in entertainment operating segment cost of product sold directly correlates to the lower product revenues for the year
ended December 31, 2023. Cost of Product Revenues were $5,149,923 and $6,039,631 for the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, a
decrease of $889,708 (15%). Cost of product sold as a percentage of product revenues for the entertainment segment decreased to
102% for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to 108% for the year ended December 31, 2022.
We
recorded $4,542,461 and $5,489,541 in reserves for obsolete and excess inventories for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Total raw materials and component parts were $3,044,653 and $4,509,165 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively,
a decrease of $1,464,512 (32%). Finished goods balances were $5,322,693 and $7,816,618 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December
31, 2022, respectively, a decrease of $2,493,925 (32%) which was attributable to a reduction in inventory for the video solutions product
lines and a large decrease in ticket inventory for the newly acquired entertainment segment. The decrease in the inventory reserve is
primarily due to the disposal of obsolete inventory that was included in the reserves during 2022. Additionally, the Company determined
a reasonable reserve for inventory held at the ticket operating segment, in which some inventory items sell below cost or go unsold,
thus having to be fully written-off following the event date. We believe the reserves are appropriate given our inventory levels as of
December 31, 2023.
Cost
of Service Revenue
Overall
cost of service revenue sold for the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022 was $12,510,970 and $20,315,839, respectively, a decrease
of $7,804,869 (38%). Overall cost of goods sold for services as a percentage of service revenues for the years ended December 31, 2023,
and 2022 were 66% and 78%, respectively. Cost of service revenues by operating segment is as follows:
Years Ended December 31,
2023
2022
Cost of Service Revenues:
Video Solutions
$ 1,355,809
$ 1,170,081
Revenue Cycle Management
3,941,407
4,582,630
Entertainment
7,213,754
14,563,128
Total Cost of Service Revenues
$ 12,510,970
$ 20,315,839
22
The
increase in cost of service revenues for our video solutions segment is commensurate with the increase in service revenues in the year
ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. Cost of service revenues as a percentage of service revenues for
the video solutions segment increased to 43% for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to 41% for the year ended December 31,
2022.
The
decrease in revenue cycle management operating segment cost of service revenue is commensurate with the decline in revenues due certain
loss generating services being eliminated during the year. Cost of service revenues as a percentage of product revenues for the revenue
cycle management operating segment increased to 59% for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to 58% for the year ended December
31, 2022.
The
decrease in entertainment operating segment cost of service revenues is due to management right sizing the business working towards profitability.
The Entertainment cost of service revenue was $7,213,754 for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $14,563,128 for the year ended
December 31, 2022. Cost of service revenues as a percentage of service revenues for the entertainment segment decreased to 80% for the
year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to 95% for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Gross
Profit
Overall
gross profit for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $5,762,484 and $2,321,941, respectively, an increase of $3,440,543 (148%).
Gross profit by operating segment was as follows:
Years Ended December 31,
2023
2022
Gross Profit:
Video Solutions
$ 1,290,509
$ (1,250,278 )
Revenue Cycle Management
2,772,271
3,303,477
Entertainment
1,699,704
268,742
Total Gross Profit
$ 5,762,484
$ 2,321,941
The
increase is attributable to the decrease in cost of goods sold across our video and entertainment segments for the year ended December
31, 2023, as there was an overall decrease in the cost of sales as a percentage of overall revenues to 80% for the year ended December
31, 2023 from 94% for the year ended December 31, 2022. This is primarily driven by large inventory reserve being established in 2022,
a focus on right sizing recent acquisitions to increase profitability and a transition to a service subscription-based model in our video
solutions segment. Our goal is to improve our margins over the longer term based on the expected margins generated by our new recent
revenue cycle management and entertainment operating segments together with our video solutions operating segment and its expected margins
from our EVO-HD, DVM-800, VuLink, FirstVu Pro, FirstVu II, Shield TM disinfectants and our cloud evidence storage and management
offering, provided that they gain traction in the marketplace. We plan to continue our initiative to more efficient management of our
supply chain through outsourcing production, quantity purchases and more effective purchasing practices.
Selling,
General and Administrative Expenses
Overall
selling, general and administrative expenses were $28,003,037 and $32,055,199 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively,
a decrease of $4,052,162 (13%). The decrease is primarily attributable to a focus on right-sizing the business with a reduction in administrative
headcount coupled with a reduction in sponsorships and advertising where costs outweighed the returns. Our selling, general and administrative
expenses as a percentage of sales increased to 99% for 2023 compared to 87% in the same period in 2022.
The
significant components of selling, general and administrative expenses are as follows:
Year ended December 31,
2023
2022
Research and development expense
$ 2,618,746
$ 2,290,293
Selling, advertising and promotional expense
7,137,529
9,312,204
General and administrative expense
18,246,762
20,452,702
Total
$ 28,003,037
$ 32,055,199
23
Research
and development expense. Our video solutions operating segment continues to focus on bringing new products to market, including
updates and improvements to current products. Our research and development expenses totaled $2,618,746 and $2,290,293 for the years ended
December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, an increase of $328,453 (14%). We employed 21 engineers at December 31, 2023 compared to 21
engineers at December 31, 2022. Most of our engineers are dedicated to research and development
activities for new products, primarily the new generation of body-worn cameras, EVO-HD and EVO Fleet that can be located in multiple
places in a vehicle. We expect our research and development activities will continue to trend higher in future quarters as we continue
to expand our product offerings based on our new body-worn camera and EVO-HD product platform and as we outsource more development projects .
We consider our research and development capabilities and new product focus to be a competitive advantage and will continue to invest
in this area on a prudent basis and consistent with our financial resources.
Selling,
advertising and promotional expenses. Selling, advertising and promotional expenses totaled $7,137,529 and $9,312,204 for the
years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, a decrease of $2,174,675 (23%). The decrease is primarily attributable to a reduction
in promotional and advertising sponsorships and expenses.
Promotional
and advertising expenses totaled $5,479,437 during the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $7,668,641 during the year ended December
31, 2022, a decrease of $2,189,204 (29%). The overall decrease is primarily attributable to TicketSmarter’s very active approach
to sponsorship and advertising in 2022 as they were aggressively building a brand and gaining recognition. TicketSmarter accounted for
$2,328,759 and $4,024,748 of the total promotional and advertising expense for the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
General
and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses totaled $18,246,762 and
$20,452,702 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The decrease in general and administrative expenses for the
year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 is primarily attributable to a decrease in administrative salaries,
as payroll begins to adjust from the new acquisitions completed by the Company. General and administrative expenses also decreased due
to a decline in rent expenses, and legal and professional expenses for the years ended December 31, 2023 compared to the same
period in 2022.
Operating
Loss
For
the reasons previously stated, our operating loss was $22,240,553 and $29,733,258 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively,
a decrease of $7,492,705 (25%). Operating loss as a percentage of revenues improved to 78% in 2023 from 80% in 2022.
Interest
Income
Interest
income decreased to $95,717 for the year ended December 31, 2023, from $131,025 in 2022, which reflects our overall decline in our cash
and cash equivalent levels in 2023 compared to 2022.
24
Interest
Expense
We
incurred interest expenses of $3,134,253 and $37,196 during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase is
attributable the amortization of debt discounts associated with the convertible debt, revolving loan agreements and merchant advances.
Loss
on Accrual for Legal Settlement
The
Company recognized a loss on accrual for legal settlement of $1,792,308 and $-0- during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
This is in connection with the ongoing lawsuit with Culp McCauley, Inc.
Loss
on Conversion of Convertible Debt
The
Company recognized a loss on conversion of convertible debt of $1,112,705 and $-0- during the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022,
respectively. This is in connection with the convertible notes issued during the year ended December 31, 2023, the conversion from
debt to equity and cash settlement of debt during the period.
Change
in Fair Value of Short-Term Investments
We
recognized a loss on change in fair value of short-term investments totaling $-0- and $84,818 during the years ended December 31, 2023
and 2022, respectively. Such short-term investments are included in cash and cash equivalents as they contain original maturities of
ninety (90) days or less. The decrease reflects our overall lower cash and cash equivalent levels in 2023 compared to 2022.
Change
in Fair Value of Warrant Derivative Liabilities
During the second quarter of
2023, the Company issued detachable warrants to purchase a total of 1,125,000 shares of Common Stock in association with the two
secured convertible notes previously described. The underlying warrant agreement terms provide for net cash settlement outside the
control of the Company in the event of tender offers under certain circumstances. As such, the Company is required to treat these
warrants as derivative liabilities which are valued at their estimated fair value at their issuance date and at each reporting date
with any subsequent changes reported in the consolidated statement of operations as the change in fair value of warrant
derivative liabilities. The change in fair value of the warrant derivative liabilities during year ended December 31, 2023 totaled
$1,846,642, compared to $6,726,638 for the year ended December 31, 2022, which was recognized as a gain on the Consolidated
Statements of Operations.
Change
in Fair Value of Contingent Consideration Promissory Notes and Earn-Out Agreements
On
June 30, 2021, Nobility Healthcare, a subsidiary of the Company, issued a contingent consideration promissory note (the “June Contingent
Note”) in connection with a stock purchase agreement between Nobility Healthcare and a private company (the “June Seller”)
of $350,000. Principal payments, since its inception, on this contingent consideration promissory note totaled $232,134. The estimated
fair value of the June Contingent Note at December 31, 2023 is $58,819, representing a decrease in its estimated fair value of $117,637
as compared to its estimated fair value as of December 31, 2022. This reduction only relates to the principal payments made for the year
ended December 31, 2023. Therefore, the Company recorded a gain of $-0- and $27,139 in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for
the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
On
August 31, 2021, Nobility Healthcare, issued another contingent consideration promissory note (the “August Contingent Payment Note”)
in connection with a stock purchase agreement between Nobility Healthcare and a private company (the “August Sellers”) of
$650,000. Principal payments, since its inception, on this contingent consideration promissory note totaled $552,256. The estimated fair
value of the August Contingent Note at December 31, 2023 is $129,651, representing a decrease in its estimated fair value of $259,303
as compared to is estimated fair value as of December 31, 2023. This reduction only relates to the principal payments made for the year
ended December 31, 2023. Therefore, the Company recorded a loss of $-0- and $31,907 in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for
the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
25
On January 1, 2022, Nobility Healthcare
issued another contingent consideration promissory note (the “January Contingent Payment Note”) in connection with a stock
purchase agreement between Nobility Healthcare and a private company (the “January Sellers”) of $750,000. Principal payments,
since its inception, on this contingent consideration promissory note totaled $153,769. The estimated fair value of the January Contingent
Note at December 31, 2023 is $-0-, representing a decrease in its estimated fair value of $208,083 as compared to its estimated fair value
as of December 31, 2022, of which $32,936 represents payments made during the year ended December 31, 2023. Therefore, the Company recorded
a gain of $175,146 and $421,085 in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022,
respectively.
On
February 1, 2022, Nobility Healthcare issued another contingent consideration promissory note (the “February Contingent Payment
Note”) in connection with an asset purchase agreement between Nobility Healthcare and a private company (the “February Sellers”)
of $105,000. The estimated fair value of the February Contingent Note at December 31, 2023 is $-0-, ,
representing a decrease in its estimated fair value of $4,347 as compared to its estimated fair value as of December 31, 2022, of which
$1,584 represents payments made during the year ended December 31, 2023. Therefore, the Company recorded a gain of $2,763 and
$100,654 in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Gain
on Extinguishment of Warrant Derivative Liabilities
We
recognized a gain on the extinguishment of warrant derivative liabilities of $-0- and $3,624,794 during the year ended December 31, 2023
and December 31, 2022, respectively. This is in connection with the Warrant Exchange Agreements executed by the Company on August 23,
2022.
Gain
on Extinguishment of Liabilities
Gain
on extinguishment of liabilities increased to $550,867 for the year ended December 31, 2023, from $-0- during the year ended December
31, 2022, which reflects income related to the entertainment segment’s ability to negotiate down payables and contract liabilities
during the period. This gain relates to the TicketSmarter Related Party Note payable for the entertainment segment, as a trust, the beneficiaries
of which are TicketSmarter’s Chief Executive Officer and his spouse, contributed cash in the amount of $2,700,000 to TicketSmarter.
Those funds were then utilized to resolve numerous outstanding payables at a discounted rate, the discount received is recognized as
a gain on extinguishment of liabilities on the statement of operations. Additionally, these negotiations relieved TicketSmarter of numerous
future obligations following fiscal year 2023, which will result in much more significant savings over the next several years.
Other
income
Other
income increased to $144,735 for the year ended December 31, 2023, from $-0- during the year ended December 31, 2022, which largely
reflects income related to a warehouse lease within the corporate headquarters.
Other
expense
Other
expense was $-0- for the year ended December 31, 2023, a decrease from $230,744 during the year ended December 31, 2022, which reflects
expense related to a note receivable adjustment.
Income/(Loss)
before Income Tax Benefit
As
a result of the above, we reported a net income/(loss) before income tax benefit of ($25,463,949) and ($18,873,758) for the years ended
December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, a decline of $6,590,191 (35%).
26
Income
Tax Benefit
We
recorded an income tax benefit of $-0- for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The effective tax rate for both
2023 and 2022 varied from the expected statutory rate due to our continuing to provide a 100% valuation allowance on net deferred tax
assets. We determined that it was appropriate to continue the full valuation allowance on net deferred tax assets as of December 31,
2023 and 2022 primarily because of the recurring operating losses.
We
have further determined to continue providing a full valuation reserve on our net deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2023. During
2023, we decreased our valuation reserve on deferred tax assets by $7,870,000 whereby
our deferred tax assets continue to be fully reserved due to our recent operating losses.
We
had approximately $145,035,000 of federal net operating loss carryforwards and $1,795,000
of research and development tax credit carryforwards as of December 31, 2023 available to offset future net taxable income.
Net
Loss
As
a result of the above, we reported a net income/(loss) of ($25,463,949) and ($18,873,758) for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022,
respectively, a decline of $6,590,191 (35%).
Net
Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests of Consolidated Subsidiary
The
Company owns a 51% equity interest in its consolidated subsidiary, Nobility Healthcare. As a result, the noncontrolling shareholders
or minority interest is allocated 49% of the income/loss of Nobility Healthcare which is reflected in the statement of income (loss)
as “net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests of consolidated subsidiary”. We reported net income (loss)
attributable to noncontrolling interests of consolidated subsidiary of $224,598 and $407,933 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and
2022, respectively.
Loss
on Redemption – Series A & B Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock
During
the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company redeemed 1,400,000 shares of Series A & 100,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock,
for a redemption price of $15,750,000, with a $13,365,000 carrying amount, resulting in a $2,385,000 loss on redemption.
Net
Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders
As
a result of the above, we reported a net loss of $25,688,547 and $21,666,691 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively,
a decline of $4,021,856 (19%).
Basic
and Diluted Income/(Loss) per Share
The
basic and diluted income/(loss) per share was ($9.22) and ($8.50) for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, for the
reasons previously noted. All outstanding stock options and common stock purchase warrants were considered antidilutive and therefore
excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 because all potentially dilutive
securities during 2023 had exercise prices in excess of the market value of the company’s common stock and because of the net loss
reported for 2023.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
Overall:
Management’s
Liquidity Plan - We have experienced net losses and cash outflows from operating activities since inception. Based upon our
current operating forecast, we anticipate that we will need to restore positive operating cash flows and/or raise additional capital
in the short-term to fund operations, meet our customary payment obligations and otherwise execute our business plan over the next 12
months. We are continuously in discussions to raise additional capital, which may include a variety of equity and debt instruments; however,
there can be no assurance that our capital raising initiatives will be successful. Our recurring losses and level of cash used in operations,
along with uncertainties concerning our ability to raise additional capital, raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as
a going concern.
27
Our
Common Stock is currently listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market. In order to maintain our listing, we must satisfy minimum financial and
other continued listing requirements and standards, including those regarding director independence and independent committee requirements,
minimum stockholders’ equity, minimum share price, and certain corporate governance requirements. There can be no assurances that
we will be able to comply with the applicable listing standards. See “Nasdaq Listing” below.
We
had $778,149 of available cash, equivalents and restricted cash and net negative working capital of $6,963,943 as of December 31,
2023. Net working capital as of December 31, 2023, included approximately $4.7 million of accounts receivable and other receivables
and $3.8 million of current inventory.
Cash,
cash equivalents and restricted cash: As of December 31, 2023, we had cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash with an
aggregate balance of $778,149, a decrease from a balance of $3,532,199 for the year December 31, 2022. Summarized immediately below
and discussed in more detail in the subsequent subsections are the main elements of the $2,754,050 net decrease in cash during the
year ended December 31, 2023:
●
Operating
activities :
$9,893,838
of net cash used in operating activities. Net cash used in operating activities was $9,893,838 and $18,580,385 for the years
ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, an improvement of $8,686,547. T he improvement
is attributable to a significant decrease in the non-cash gain attributable to the change in value of the warrant derivative liability
in 2023 compared to 2022, as well as the decline in the usage of cash to increase inventories, prepaid expenses, and other operating
assets along with the increase in operating liabilities during the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to 2022.
●
Investing
activities :
$240,706
of net cash used in investing activities. Cash used in investing activities was $240,706 and $2,940,591 for the years ended December
31, 2023 and 2022 respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we made capital expenditures
for: (i) building improvements of the newly purchased office and warehouse building; and (ii) patent applications on our proprietary
technology utilized in our new products and included in intangible assets. The improvement in cash used in investing activities was
due to several large investing activities in 2022 including cost for the purchase of an aircraft for our BirdVu Jets subsidiary and
the closing of one business acquisition and one asset acquisition that did not recur in 2023.
●
Financing
activities:
$7,380,494 of net cash provided by financing activities. Cash provided by financing activities was $7,380,494 for the year ended
December 31, 2023, compared to cash used in financing activities of $6,954,617 for the year ended December 31, 2022. In 2023, we
completed a convertible note agreement, a related party note payable, a revolving loan agreement and a merchant advance for our video
solution segment, received a Commercial Extension of Credit for our Entertainment Segment, receiving net proceeds of $12.5 million.
We also made principal payments on the extension of credit, merchant advance and contingent consideration promissory notes and paid
off the convertible loan totaling $5.2 million in principal payments. In 2022, we utilized over $4.0 million on the stock
repurchase program, $2.4 million for completion of the preferred stock transaction, as well as over $0.5 million on payments of contingent
consideration promissory notes related to the revenue cycle management segment.
28
The
net result of these activities was a decrease in cash of $2,754,050 to $778,149 for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Commitments:
We
had $778,149 of cash, and cash equivalents, including restricted cash of $97,600 and net negative working capital $6,963,943 as of
December 31, 2023. Accounts receivable and other receivable balances represented $4,692,296 of our net working capital as of
December 31, 2023. We intend to collect our outstanding receivables on a timely basis and reduce the overall level during 2024,
which would help to provide positive cash flow to support our operations during 2024. Inventory represented $3,845,281 of our net
working capital as of December 31, 2023. We are actively managing the level of inventory and our goal is to reduce such level during
2024 by our sales activities, the increase of which should provide additional cash flow to help support our operations during
2024.
Capital
Expenditures . On December 6, 2021, the Board authorized the repurchase of up to $10.0 million of the Company’s outstanding
common stock under the specified terms of a share repurchase program (the “Program”). During the year ended December 31,
2022, the Company repurchased 186,299 shares of its common stock for $4,026,523, in accordance with the Program.
On
June 30, 2022, the Board elected to terminate the Program, effective immediately. The Program began in December 2021, with the Company
purchasing a total of 273,041 shares at a cost of $6,001,602 through its termination on June 30, 2022.
The
Company’s revenue cycle management segment completed its third medical billing company acquisition using approximately $1.4 million
in cash for the portion of the purchase price during 2022. The acquisition of
the medical billing company included a contingent consideration promissory note payable to the sellers of $750,000 at closing, which
management estimated its fair value of $-0- and $208,083 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.
In
addition, the Company’s revenue cycle management segment completed its fourth medical billing asset acquisition using approximately
$230,000 in cash for a portion of the total purchase price. The acquisition of the fourth medical billing asset purchase price included
a contingent consideration promissory note payable to the sellers with an estimated fair value of $105,000 at closing which management
estimated its fair value of $-0- and $4,346 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Lease
commitments. On May 13, 2020, the Company entered into an operating lease for new warehouse and office space, which served as
its new principal executive office and primary business location prior to the April 30 purchase and sale agreement. The original lease
agreement was amended on August 28, 2020 to correct the footage under lease and monthly payment amounts resulting from such correction.
The lease terms, as amended include no base rent for the first nine months and monthly payments ranging from $12,398 to $14,741 thereafter,
with a termination date of December 31, 2026. The Company is responsible for property taxes, utilities, insurance and its proportionate
share of common area costs related to its new location. The Company took possession of the leased facilities on June 15, 2020. The remaining
lease term for the Company’s office and warehouse operating lease as of December 31, 2023 was thirty-six months.
The Company entered into an operating
lease with a third party in October 2019 for copiers used for office and warehouse purposes. The terms of the lease include 48 monthly
payments of $1,598 with a maturity date of October 2023. The Company has the option to purchase such equipment at maturity for its estimated
fair market value at that point in time. The lease for the Company’s copier operating lease expired was renewed in October 2023.
The
Company entered into an operating lease with a third party in October 2023 for copiers used for office and warehouse purposes. The terms
of the lease include 48 monthly payments of $1,786 with a maturity date of October 2027. The Company has the option to purchase such
equipment at maturity for its estimated fair market value at that point in time. The remaining lease term for the Company’s copier
operating lease as of December 31, 2023 was forty-six months.
On
June 30, 2021, the Company completed the acquisition of its first medical billing company, through Nobility Healthcare. Upon completion
of this acquisition, Nobility Healthcare became responsible for the operating lease for the seller’s office space. The lease terms
include monthly payments ranging from $2,648 to $2,774 thereafter, with a termination date in July 2024. The Company is responsible for
property taxes, utilities, insurance and its proportionate share of common area costs related to this location. The remaining lease term
for the Company’s office operating lease as of December 31, 2023 was seven months.
29
On
August 31, 2021, the Company completed the acquisition of its second acquired medical billing company, through Nobility Healthcare. Upon
completion of this acquisition, Nobility Healthcare became responsible for the operating lease for the seller’s office space. The
lease was renewed in April 2023 with favorable terms and payments ranging from $7,436 to $8,877 thereafter, with a termination date in
March 2030. The Company is responsible for property taxes, utilities, insurance and its proportionate share of common area costs related
to this location. The remaining term for the Company’s office operating lease was seventy-five months as of December 31, 2023.
On
September 1, 2021, the Company completed the acquisition of Goody Tickets, LLC and TicketSmarter, LLC through TicketSmarter. Upon completion
of this acquisition, the Company became responsible for the operating lease for TicketSmarter’s office space. The lease terms include
monthly payments ranging from $7,211 to $7,364 thereafter, with a termination date of December 2022. The Company is responsible for property
taxes, utilities, insurance and its proportionate share of common area costs related to this location. The Company took possession of
the leased facilities on September 1, 2021. The Company currently rents this space on a month-to-month basis with the intention to relocate
upon the identification of suitable space.
On
January 1, 2022, the Company completed the acquisition of a private medical billing company, through its revenue cycle management segment.
Upon completion of this acquisition, the Company became responsible for the operating lease for the seller’s office space. The
lease terms include monthly payments ranging from $4,233 to $4,626, with a termination date of June 2025. The Company is responsible
for property taxes, utilities, insurance and its proportionate share of common area costs related to this location. The Company took
possession of the leased facilities on January 1, 2022. The remaining lease term for the Company’s office and warehouse operating
lease as of December 31, 2023, was seventeen months.
Lease
expense related to the office spaces and copier operating leases was recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Total lease
expense under the five operating leases was approximately $534,830 for the year ended December 31, 2023 and included in selling, general
and administrative expenses.
The
weighted-average remaining lease term related to the Company’s lease liabilities as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022
was 4.5 years and 3.3 years, respectively.
The
discount rate implicit within the Company’s operating leases was not generally determinable, and therefore, the Company determined
the discount rate based on its incremental borrowing rate on the information available at commencement date. As of commencement date,
the operating lease liabilities reflect a weighted average discount rate of 8%.
The
following sets forth the operating lease right of use assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2023:
Assets:
Operating lease right of use assets
$ 1,053,159
Liabilities:
Operating lease obligations-current portion
$ 279,538
Operating lease obligations-less current portion
$ 827,836
Total operating lease obligations
$ 1,107,374
Following
are the minimum lease payments for each year and in total.
Year ending December 31:
2024
$ 358,424
2025
311,849
2026
293,300
2027
117,492
Thereafter
235,020
Total undiscounted minimum future lease payments
1,316,085
Imputed interest
(208,711 )
Total operating lease liability
$ 1,107,374
30
Debt
obligations is comprised of the following:
December 31,
2023
December 31,
2022
Economic injury disaster loan (EIDL)
$ 147,781
$ 150,000
Contingent consideration promissory note – Nobility Healthcare Division Acquisition
129,651
388,955
Contingent consideration promissory note – Nobility Healthcare Division Acquisition
58,819
176,456
Contingent consideration promissory note – Nobility Healthcare Division Acquisition
—
208,083
Contingent consideration promissory note – Nobility Healthcare Division Acquisition
—
4,346
Revolving Loan Agreement
4,880,000
—
Commercial Extension of Credit – Entertainment Segment
87,928
—
Unamortized debt issuance costs
(540,429 )
—
Merchant Advances
1,350,000
—
Debt obligations
6,113,750
927,840
Less: current maturities of debt obligations
1,260,513
485,373
Debt obligations, long-term
$ 4,853,237
$ 442,467
Debt
obligations mature as follows as of December 31, 2023:
December 31,
2023
2024
$ 1,260,513
2025
4,712,154
2026
3,542
2027
3,677
2028 and thereafter
133,864
Total
$ 6,113,750
Litigation.
From
time to time, we are notified that we may be a party to a lawsuit or that a claim is being made against us. It is our policy to not disclose
the specifics of any claim or threatened lawsuit until the summons and complaint are actually served on us. After carefully assessing
the claim, and assuming we determine that we are not at fault or we disagree with the damages or relief demanded, we vigorously defend
any lawsuit filed against us. We record a liability when losses are deemed probable and reasonably estimable. When losses are deemed
reasonably possible but not probable, we determine whether it is possible to provide an estimate of the amount of the loss or range of
possible losses for the claim, if material for disclosure. In evaluating matters for accrual and disclosure purposes, we take into consideration
factors such as our historical experience with matters of a similar nature, the specific facts and circumstances asserted, the likelihood
of our prevailing, the availability of insurance, and the severity of any potential loss. We re-evaluate and update accruals as matters
progress over time.
While
the ultimate resolution is unknown, we do not expect that these lawsuits will individually, or in the aggregate, have a material adverse
effect to our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. However, the outcome of any litigation is inherently uncertain
and there can be no assurance that any expense, liability or damages that may ultimately result from the resolution of these matters
will be covered by our insurance or will not be in excess of amounts recognized or provided by insurance coverage and will not have a
material adverse effect on our operating results, financial condition or cash flows. See Item 3, “Legal Proceedings,” of
this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information on our litigation.
31
401
(k) Plan. The Company sponsors a 401(k) retirement savings plan for the benefit of its employees. The plan, as amended, requires
the Company to provide 100% matching contributions for employees, who elect to contribute up to 3% of their compensation to the plan
and 50% matching contributions for employee’s elective deferrals on the next 2% of their contributions. The Company made matching
contributions totaling $207,463 and $223,084 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Each participant is 100% vested
at all times in employee and employer matching contributions.
Critical
Accounting Estimates
Our
significant accounting policies are summarized in Note 1, “Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies ,”
to our consolidated financial statements. While the selection and application of any accounting policy may involve some level of subjective
judgments and estimates, we believe the following accounting policies are the most critical to our financial statements, potentially
involve the most subjective judgments in their selection and application, and are the most susceptible to uncertainties and changing
conditions:
●
Revenue
Recognition / Allowance for Doubtful Accounts;
●
Allowance
for Excess and Obsolete Inventory;
●
Goodwill
and other intangible assets;
●
Warranty
Reserves;
●
Stock-based
Compensation Expense;
●
Fair
value of warrants;
●
Fair
value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations;
●
Accounting
for Income Taxes; and
●
Redeemable
Preferred Stock.
Revenue
Recognition / Allowances for Doubtful Accounts. Revenue is recognized for the shipment of products or delivery of service when
all five of the following conditions are met:
(i)
Identify
the contract with the customer;
(ii)
Identify
the performance obligations in the contract;
(iii)
Determine
the transaction price;
(iv)
Allocate
the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and
(v)
Recognize
revenue when a performance obligation is satisfied.
We
consider the terms and conditions of the contract and our customary business practices in identifying our contracts under ASC 606. We
determine we have a contract when the customer order is approved, we can identify each party’s rights regarding the services to
be transferred, we can identify the payment terms for the services, we have determined the customer has the ability and intent to pay
and the contract has commercial substance. At contract inception we evaluate whether the contract includes more than one performance
obligation. We apply judgment in determining the customer’s ability and intent to pay, which is based on a variety of factors,
including the customer’s historical payment experience or, in the case of a new customer, credit and financial information pertaining
to the customer.
32
Performance
obligations promised in a contract are identified based on the services and the products that will be transferred to the customer that
are both capable of being distinct, whereby the customer can benefit from the service either on its own or together with other resources
that are readily available from third parties or from us, and are distinct in the context of the contract, whereby the transfer of the
services and the products is separately identifiable from other promises in the contract. Our performance obligations consist of (i)
products, (ii) professional services, and (iii) extended warranties.
The
transaction price is determined based on the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for transferring services to
the customer. Variable consideration is included in the transaction price if, in our judgment, it is probable that a significant future
reversal of cumulative revenue under the contract will not occur. None of our contracts contain a significant financing component.
If
the contract contains a single performance obligation, the entire transaction price is allocated to the single performance obligation.
Contracts that contain multiple performance obligations require an allocation of the transaction price to each performance obligation
based on the relative standalone selling price (“SSP”).
Revenue
for our video solutions segment is recognized at the time the related performance obligation is satisfied by transferring the control
of the promised service to a customer. Revenue is recognized when control of the service is transferred to the customer, in an amount
that reflects the consideration that we expect to receive in exchange for our services. We generate all our revenue from contracts with
customers.
Revenue
for our revenue cycle management segment is recorded on a net basis, as its primary source of revenue is its end-to-end service fees.
These service fees are reported as revenue monthly upon completion of our performance obligation to provide the agreed upon services.
Revenue
for our entertainment segment is recorded on a gross or net basis based on management’s assessment of whether we are acting as
a principal or agent in the transaction. The determination is based upon the evaluation of control over the event ticket, including the
right to sell the ticket, prior to its transfer to the ticket buyer.
We
sell our tickets held in inventory, which consists of one performance obligation, being to transfer control of an event ticket to the
buyer upon confirmation of the order. We act as the principal in these transactions as we own the ticket at the time of sale, therefore
we control the ticket prior to transferring to the customer. In these transactions, revenue is recorded on a gross basis based on the
value of the ticket and is recognized when an order is confirmed. Payment is typically due upon delivery of the ticket.
We
also act as an intermediary between buyers and sellers through the online secondary marketplace. Revenues derived from this marketplace
primarily consist of service fees from entertainment operations, and consists of one primary performance obligation, which is facilitating
the transaction between the buyer and seller, being satisfied at the time the order has been confirmed. As we do not control the ticket
prior to the transfer, we act as an agent in these transactions. Revenue is recognized on a net basis, net of the amount due to the seller
when an order is confirmed, the seller is then obligated to deliver the tickets to the buyer per the seller’s listing. Payment
is due at the time of sale.
We
review all significant, unusual, or nonstandard shipments of products or delivery of services as a routine part of our accounting and
financial reporting process to determine compliance with these requirements. Extended warranties are offered on selected products, and
when a customer purchases an extended warranty, the associated proceeds are treated as contract liability and recognized over the term
of the extended warranty.
For
our video solutions segment, our principal customers are state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies, which historically have
been low risks for uncollectible accounts. However, we have commercial customers and international distributors that present a greater
risk for uncollectible accounts than such law enforcement customers and we consider a specific reserve for bad debts based on their individual
circumstances. As of December 31, 2023, our historical bad debts have been negligible, with less than $323,000 charged off as uncollectible
on cumulative revenues of $284.8 million since we commenced deliveries in 2006.
33
For
our entertainment segment, our customers are mainly online visitors that pay at the time of the transaction, and we collect the service
fees charged with the transaction. Thus, leading to minimal risk for uncollectible accounts, to which we then consider a specific reserve
for bad debts based on their individual circumstances. As we continue to learn more about the collectability related to this recent acquisition,
we will track historical bad debts and continue to assess appropriate reserves.
For
our revenue cycle management segment, our customers are mainly medium to large healthcare organizations that are charged monthly upon
the execution of our services. Being these customers are healthcare organizations with minimal risk for uncollectible accounts, we consider
a specific reserve for bad debts based on their individual circumstances. As we continue to learn more about the collectability related
to this recently added segment, we will track historical bad debts and continue to assess appropriate reserves.
As
of December 31, 2023, and 2022, we had provided a reserve for doubtful accounts of $200,668 and $152,736, respectively.
We
periodically perform a specific review of significant individual receivables outstanding for risk of loss due to uncollectability. Based
on such review, we consider our reserve for doubtful accounts to be adequate as of December 31, 2023. However, should the balance due
from any significant customer ultimately become uncollectible then our allowance for bad debts will not be sufficient to cover the charge-off
and we will be required to record additional bad debt expense in our statement of operations.
Allowance
for Excess and Obsolete Inventory. We record valuation reserves on our inventory for estimated excess or obsolete inventory items.
The amount of the reserve is equal to the difference between the cost of the inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions
about future demand and market conditions. On a quarterly basis, management performs an analysis of the underlying inventory to identify
reserves needed for excess and obsolescence. Management uses its best judgment to estimate appropriate reserves based on this analysis.
In addition, we adjust the carrying value of inventory if the current market value of that inventory is below its cost.
Inventories
consisted of the following as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Raw material and component parts
$ 3,044,653
$ 4,509,165
Work-in-process
20,396
3,164
Finished goods – video solutions
4,623,489
6,846,091
Finished goods – entertainment
699,204
970,527
Subtotal
8,387,742
12,328,947
Reserve for excess and obsolete inventory – video solutions
(4,355,666 )
(5,230,261 )
Reserve for excess and obsolete inventory – entertainment
(186,795 )
(259,280 )
Total inventories
$ 3,845,281
$ 6,839,406
We
balance the need to maintain strategic inventory levels to ensure competitive delivery performance to our customers against the risk
of inventory obsolescence due to changing technology and customer requirements. As reflected above, our inventory reserves
represented 54.2% of the gross inventory balance as of December 31, 2023, compared to 44.5% of the gross inventory balance as of
December 31, 2022. We had $4,542,461 and $5,489,541in reserves for obsolete and excess inventories as of December 31, 2023 and 2022,
respectively. Total raw materials and work-in-process was $3,065,049 and $4,512,329 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively,
a decrease of $1,447,280 (32%). Finished goods balances were $5,322,693 and $7,816,618 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022,
respectively, a decrease of $2,493,925 (32%). The decrease in finished goods was primarily attributable to declining inventory for
the new Shield product line, our new body-worn cameras and docking stations, along with a decline in inventory from our
entertainment segment, acquired in September 2021. The decrease in the inventory reserve is primarily due to disposal of obsolete
inventory previously reserved.
34
If
actual future demand or market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management or significant engineering changes to
our products that are not anticipated and appropriately managed, additional inventory write-downs may be required in excess of the inventory
reserves already established.
Goodwill
and other intangible assets. When we acquire a business, we determine the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed
on the date of acquisition, which may include a significant amount of intangible assets such as customer relationships, software and
content, as well as goodwill. When determining the fair values of the acquired intangible assets, we consider, among other factors, analyses
of historical financial performance and an estimate of the future performance of the acquired business. The fair values of the acquired
intangible assets are primarily calculated using an income approach that relies on discounted cash flows. This method starts with a forecast
of the expected future net cash flows for the asset and then adjusts the forecast to present value by applying a discount rate that reflects
the risk factors associated with the cash flow streams. We consider this approach to be the most appropriate valuation technique because
the inherent value of an acquired intangible asset is its ability to generate future income. In a typical acquisition, we engage a third-party
valuation expert to assist us with the fair value analyses for acquired intangible assets.
Determining
the fair values of acquired intangible assets requires us to exercise significant judgment. We select reasonable estimates and assumptions
based on evaluating a number of factors, including, but not limited to, marketplace participants, consumer awareness and brand history.
Additionally, there are significant judgments inherent in discounted cash flows such as estimating the amount and timing of projected
future cash flows, the selection of discount rates, hypothetical royalty rates and contributory asset capital charges. Specifically,
the selected discount rates are intended to reflect the risk inherent in the projected future cash flows generated by the underlying
acquired intangible assets.
Determining
an acquired intangible asset’s useful life also requires significant judgment and is based on evaluating a number of factors, including,
but not limited to, the expected use of the asset, historical client retention rates, consumer awareness and trade name history, as well
as any contractual provisions that could limit or extend an asset’s useful life.
The
Company’s goodwill is evaluated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 350, which requires goodwill to be assessed for impairment at
least annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable. In
addition, an impairment evaluation of our amortizable intangible assets may also be performed if events or circumstances indicate potential
impairment. Among the factors that could trigger an impairment review are current operating results that do not align with our annual
plan or historical performance; changes in our strategic plans or the use of our assets; restructuring charges or other changes in our
business segments; competitive pressures and changes in the general economy or in the markets in which we operate; and a significant
decline in our stock price and our market capitalization relative to our net book value.
When
performing our annual assessment of the recoverability of goodwill, we initially perform a qualitative analysis evaluating whether any
events or circumstances occurred or exist that provide evidence that it is more likely than not that the fair value of any of our reporting
units is less than the related carrying amount. If we do not believe that it is more likely than not that the fair value of any of our
reporting units is less than the related carrying amount, then no quantitative impairment test is performed. However, if the results
of our qualitative assessment indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its respective
carrying amount, then we perform a two-step quantitative impairment test.
Evaluating
the recoverability of goodwill requires judgments and assumptions regarding future trends and events. As a result, both the precision
and reliability of our estimates are subject to uncertainty. Among the factors that we consider in our qualitative assessment are general
economic conditions and the competitive environment; actual and projected reporting unit financial performance; forward-looking business
measurements; and external market assessments. To determine the fair values of our reporting units for a quantitative analysis, we typically
utilize detailed financial projections, which include significant variables, such as projected rates of revenue growth, profitability
and cash flows, as well as assumptions regarding discount rates, the Company’s weighted average cost of capital and other data.
35
Our
most recent annual impairment test of goodwill conducted as of December 31, 2023, indicated no impairment. Subsequent to completing our
2023 annual impairment test, no events or changes in circumstances were noted that required an interim goodwill impairment test. Note
1 — Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 8 — Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets in
the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements provide additional information regarding the Company’s goodwill and other intangible
assets.
Warranty
Reserves. We generally provide up to a two-year parts and labor standard warranty on our products to our customers. Provisions
for estimated expenses related to product warranties are made at the time products are sold. These estimates are established using historical
information on the nature, frequency, and average cost of claims. We actively study trends of claims and take action to improve product
quality and minimize claims. Our warranty reserves were increased to $17,699 as of December 31, 2023 compared to $15,964 as of December
31, 2022 as we begin to slow our warranty exposures through the roll-off of DVM-750 and DVM-800 units from warranty coverage. Standard
warranty exposure on the DVM-800 and DVM-250plus are the responsibility of the contract manufacturers, which reduced our overall warranty
exposure as these are very popular products in our line. There is a risk that we will have higher warranty claim frequency rates and
average cost of claims than our history has indicated on our legacy mirror products on our new products for which we have limited experience.
Actual experience could differ from the amounts estimated requiring adjustments to these liabilities in future periods.
Stock-based
Compensation Expense . We grant stock options to our employees and directors and such benefits provided are share-based payment
awards which require us to make significant estimates related to determining the value of our share-based compensation. Our expected
stock-price volatility assumption is based on historical volatilities of the underlying stock that are obtained from public data sources
and there were no stock options granted during the year ended December 31, 2023.
If
factors change and we develop different assumptions in future periods, the compensation expense that we record in the future may differ
significantly from what we have recorded in the current period. There is a high degree of subjectivity involved when using option pricing
models to estimate share-based compensation. Changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect our estimates of the fair
value of our share-based compensation. Certain share-based payment awards, such as employee stock options, may expire worthlessly or
otherwise result in zero intrinsic value compared to the fair values originally estimated on the grant date and reported in our financial
statements. Alternatively, values may be realized from these instruments that are significantly in excess of the fair values originally
estimated on the grant date and reported in our financial statements. Although the fair value of employee share-based awards is determined
using an established option pricing model, that value may not be indicative of the fair value observed in a willing buyer/willing seller
market transaction. In addition, we account for forfeitures as they occur.
Warrant
derivative liabilities. On April 5, 2023, the Company issued warrants to purchase a total of 1,125,000 shares of Common Stock.
The warrant terms provide for net cash settlement outside the control of the Company under certain circumstances in the event of tender
offers. As such, the Company is required to treat these warrants as derivative liabilities which are valued at their estimated fair value
at their issuance date and at each reporting date with any subsequent changes reported in the consolidated statements of operations as
the change in fair value of warrant derivative liabilities.
The
Company has utilized the following assumptions in its Black-Scholes option valuation model to calculate the estimated fair value of the
warrant derivative liabilities as of their date of issuance and as of December 31, 2023:
Issuance date assumptions
December 31, 2023 assumptions
Volatility - range
106.0 %
105.4 %
Risk-free rate
3.36 %
3.84 %
Dividend
0 %
0 %
Remaining contractual term
5.0 years
4.3 years
Exercise price
$ 5.50 - 7.50
$ 5.50 - 7.50
Common stock issuable under the warrants
1,125,000
1,125,000
36
Accounting
for Income Taxes. Accounting for income taxes requires significant estimates and judgments on the part of management. Such estimates
and judgments include, but are not limited to, the effective tax rate anticipated to apply to tax differences that are expected to reverse
in the future, the sufficiency of taxable income in future periods to realize the benefits of net deferred tax assets and net operating
losses currently recorded and the likelihood that tax positions taken in tax returns will be sustained on audit.
As
required by authoritative guidance, we record deferred tax assets or liabilities based on differences between financial reporting and
tax bases of assets and liabilities using currently enacted rates that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse.
Authoritative guidance also requires that deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that
all or some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. As of December 31, 2023, cumulative valuation allowances in the amount
of $42,070,000 were recorded in connection with the net deferred income tax assets. Based
on a review of our deferred tax assets and recent operating performance, we determined that our valuation allowance should be increased
by $ 7,870,000 to a balance of $42,070,000
to fully reserve our deferred tax assets at December 31, 2023. We determined that it was appropriate to continue to provide a full valuation
reserve on our net deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2023, because of the overall net operating loss carryforwards available. We
expect to continue to maintain a full valuation allowance until we determine that we can sustain a level of profitability that demonstrates
our ability to realize these assets. To the extent we determine that the realization of some or all of these benefits is more likely
than not based upon expected future taxable income, a portion or all of the valuation allowance will be reversed. Such a reversal would
be recorded as an income tax benefit and, for some portion related to deductions for stock option exercises, an increase in shareholders’
equity.
As
required by authoritative guidance, we have performed a comprehensive review of our portfolio of uncertain tax positions in accordance
with recognition standards established by the FASB, an uncertain tax position represents our expected treatment of a tax position taken
in a filed tax return or planned to be taken in a future tax return, that has not been reflected in measuring income tax expense for
financial reporting purposes. We have no recorded liability as of December 31, 2023, representing uncertain tax positions.
We
have generated substantial deferred income tax assets related to our operations primarily from the charge to compensation expense taken
for stock options, certain tax credit carryforwards and net operating loss carryforwards. For us to realize the income tax benefit of
these assets, we must generate sufficient taxable income in future periods when such deductions are allowed for income tax purposes.
In some cases where deferred taxes were the result of compensation expense recognized on stock options, our ability to realize the income
tax benefit of these assets is also dependent on our share price increasing to a point where these options have intrinsic value at least
equal to the grant date fair value and are exercised. In assessing whether a valuation allowance is needed in connection with our deferred
income tax assets, we have evaluated our ability to generate sufficient taxable income in future periods to utilize the benefit of the
deferred income tax assets. We continue to evaluate our ability to use recorded deferred income tax asset balances. If we fail to generate
taxable income for financial reporting in future years, no additional tax benefit would be recognized for those losses, since we will
not have accumulated enough positive evidence to support our ability to utilize net operating loss carryforwards in the future. Therefore,
we may be required to increase our valuation allowance in future periods should our assumptions regarding the generation of future taxable
income not be realized.
37
Redeemable
Preferred Stock. Preferred stock may be classified as a liability, temporary equity (i.e., mezzanine equity) or permanent equity.
In order to determine the appropriate classification, an evaluation of the cash redemption features is required. Where there exists an
absolute right of redemption presently or in the future, the preferred stock would be classified as a liability. If redemption is contingently
redeemable upon the occurrence of an event that is outside of the issuer’s control, it should be classified as mezzanine equity.
The probability that the redemption event will occur is irrelevant. If no redemption features exist, or if a contingent redemption feature
is within the Company’s control, the preferred stock would be considered equity.
Inflation
and Seasonality
Inflation
has not materially affected us during the past fiscal year; however, we believe that it is likely to have significant impact to all of
our operating segments in 2024 and beyond. We do not believe that our business is seasonal in nature; however, we generally generate
higher revenues during the second half of the calendar year compared to the first half.
Item
7a.
Quantitative
and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
Not
applicable.
Item
8.
Financial
Statements and Supplementary Data.
Our
financial statements are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K commencing on page F-1.
Item
9.
Changes
in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.
Item
9A.
Controls
and Procedures.
Conclusion
Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under
the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial
officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures to
provide reasonable assurance of achieving the control objectives, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act.
Based on their evaluation as of December 31, 2023, the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our principal
executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective at a
reasonable assurance level to ensure that the information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange
Act, including this Annual Report on Form 10-K, was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified
in the SEC’s rules and forms, and was accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal executive officer
and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s
Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our
management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control over
financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation
of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies
and procedures that:
●
Pertain
to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;
38
●
Provide
reasonable assurance that the transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations
of our management and directors; and
●
Provide
reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that
could have a material effect on the financial statements.
All
internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective
can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Because of its inherent limitations,
internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to
future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance
with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In
connection with the filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over
financial reporting as of December 31, 2023. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth by 2013 Internal Control
– Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our assessment
using the framework in 2013 Internal Control – Integrated Framework, management believes that, as of December 31, 2023, our internal
control over financial reporting is not effective.
Material Weakness
In connection
with the audit of our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we identified a material weakness in our internal
control over financial reporting related to timely review and detection of potential accounting misstatements, which in the aggregate,
constitute a material weakness.
Remediation Activities
As part
of our plan to remediate this material weakness, we are performing a full review of our internal control procedures. We have implemented,
and plan to continue to implement, new controls and new processes. We have hired and plan to continue to hire additional qualified personnel
and establish more robust processes to support our internal control over financial reporting, including clearly defined roles and responsibilities.
The Company anticipates time being required to complete the implementation and to assess and ensure the sustainability of these controls.
The material weakness will not be considered remediated until the applicable controls operate for a sufficient period of time and management
has concluded, through testing, that these controls are operating effectively.
Changes
in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We
have completed the process of integrating our recent business acquisition, which was acquired at the beginning of 2022, into our overall
internal control over the financial reporting process. Other than this integration, there have been no changes in our internal control
over financial reporting during the year ended December 31, 2023, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially
affect, our internal control over financial reporting. We are continually monitoring and assessing our internal controls to ensure the
appropriate design and operating effectiveness.
Item
9B.
Other
Information.
None
of the Company’s directors or officers adopted or terminated a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement or a non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement
during the Company’s fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2023.
Item
9C.
Disclosure
Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections.
Not
applicable.
39
PART
III
Item
10.
Directors,
Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
Directors
The
names of the members of our Board of Directors and certain information about them as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K are
set forth below:
Name
of Board of Director Member (4)
Positions
Age
Director
Since
Stanton
E. Ross
Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer
62
2005
Leroy
C. Richie (1)(2)(3)
Lead
Independent Director, Chairman of the Nominating Committee and Compensation Committee and attorney
82
2005
D.
Duke Daughtery (1)
Independent
Director; Chairman of Audit Committee
59
2023
(1)
Member
of Audit Committee
(2)
Member
of Compensation Committee
(3)
Member
of Nominating Committee
(4)
The
address of each executive officer and director listed is 14001 Marshall Drive, Lenexa, Kansas 66215.
The
Board has determined that Messrs. Richie, and Daughtery are “independent directors,” as defined by the rules and
listing standards of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”). In making this determination, the Board considered the transactions
and relationships disclosed under “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” below.
Stanton
E. Ross has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) since September 2005. From March 1992 to June
2005, Mr. Ross was the Chairman and President of American Noble Gas Inc. (formerly known as Infinity Energy Resources, Inc.), a publicly
held oil and gas exploration and development company (“AMGAS”) and served as an officer and director of each of AMGAS’s
subsidiaries. He resigned from all his positions with AMGAS in June 2005, except Chairman, but was reappointed President in October 2006.
From 1991 until March 1992, he founded and served as President of Midwest Financial, a financial services corporation involved in mergers,
acquisitions, and financing for corporations in the Midwest. From 1990 to 1991, Mr. Ross was employed by Duggan Securities, Inc., an
investment banking firm in Lenexa, Kansas, where he primarily worked in corporate finance. From 1989 to 1990, he was employed by Stifel,
Nicolaus & Co., a member of the New York Stock Exchange, where he was an investment executive. From 1987 to 1989, Mr. Ross was self-employed
as a business consultant. From 1985 to 1987, Mr. Ross was President and founder of Kansas Microwave, Inc., which developed a radar detector
product. From 1981 to 1985, he was employed by Birdview Satellite Communications, Inc., which manufactured and marketed home satellite
television systems, initially as a salesman and later as National Sales Manager. Mr. Ross estimates he devoted most of his time to Digital
Ally and the balance to AMGAS in 2020. In late 2007, AMGAS sold a substantial portion of its operating assets and has not required a
substantial amount of his time since such point. Mr. Ross holds no public company directorships other than with the Company and AMGAS
and has not held any others during the previous five years. The Company believes that Mr. Ross’s broad entrepreneurial, financial,
and business expertise and his experience with micro-cap public companies and his role as President and Chief Executive Officer give
him the qualifications and skills to serve as a Director.
Leroy
C. Richie has been the Lead Independent Director of Digital Ally since September 2005. He is also the Chairman of the
Compensation Committee and Nominating Committee and a member of the Audit Committee. Since June 1, 1999, Mr. Richie has been a
director of AMGAS. Additionally, until 2017, Mr. Richie served as a member of the board of directors of Columbia Mutual Funds, (or
mutual fund companies acquired by or merged with Columbia Mutual Funds), a family of investment companies managed by Ameriprise
Financial, Inc. From 2004 to 2015, he was of counsel to the Detroit law firm of Lewis & Munday, P.C. From 2007 to 2014, Mr.
Richie served as a member of the board of directors of OGE Energy Corp. He holds no other public directorships and has not held any
others during the previous five years. Until 2019, Mr. Richie served as the Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Chairman of
the Compensation Committee for the Henry Ford Health System, in Detroit. Mr. Richie was formerly Vice President of Chrysler
Corporation and General Counsel for automotive legal affairs, where he directed all legal affairs for its automotive operations from
1986 until his retirement in 1997. Before joining Chrysler, he was an associate with the New York law firm of White & Case
(1973-1978) and served as director of the New York office of the Federal Trade Commission (1978-1983). Mr. Richie received a B.A.
from City College of New York, where he was valedictorian, and a J.D. from the New York University School of Law, where he was
awarded an Arthur Garfield Hays Civil Liberties Fellowship. The Company believes that Mr. Richie’s extensive experience as a
lawyer and as an officer or director of public companies gives him the qualifications and skills to serve as a Director.
D.
Duke Daughtery joined the board of directors of Digital Ally in October 2023. He serves as Chairman of the Audit Committee
and is the Board’s financial expert. From 1987 to 2019, Mr. Daughtery was an assurance partner and audit practice leader with
Grant Thornton and Deloitte & Touche in Kansas City. Mr. Daughtery was instrumental in the significant growth of Grant
Thornton’s Kansas City audit practice. Mr. Daughtery served numerous companies ranging from high growth private equity backed
clients, to multi-billion revenue private companies to public companies ranging from smaller public companies to the Fortune 500.
Mr. Daughtery brings to the board of directors many years of leadership experience as an assurance partner at major accounting firms
and extensive experience in developing and executing growth strategies, acquisitions and capital transactions. Digital Ally
considers Mr. Daughtery to be an audit committee financial expert. Mr. Daughtery obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and in
Management and Business Administration from Saint Ambrose University. Mr. Daughtery holds no public company directorships other than
with the Company and has only held the forementioned position in Digital Ally during the previous five years. From 2019 to 2023 Mr.
Daughtery was not employed by any company. The Company believes that Mr. Daughtery’s extensive experience as an accountant of
public companies gives him the qualifications and skills to serve as a director.
Our
Directors are elected annually and hold office until the next annual meeting of our stockholders or until their successors are elected
and qualified. Officers are elected annually and serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors. There is no family relationship between
any of our directors, director nominees and executive officers. Board vacancies are filled by a majority vote of the Board.
40
Board
of Directors and Committee Meetings
Our
Board of Directors held four meetings and acted a number of times by unanimous consent resolutions during the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2023. Each of our directors attended at least 75% of the meetings of the Board of Directors and the committees on which
he was appointed and served in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. Our directors are expected, absent exceptional
circumstances, to attend all Board meetings and meetings of committees on which they serve and are also expected to attend our
annual meeting of stockholders. All directors then in office attended the 2023 annual meeting of stockholders.
Committees
of the Board of Directors
Our
Board of Directors currently has three committees: an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Nominating Committee. Each committee
has a written charter approved by the Board of Directors outlining the principal responsibilities of the committee. These charters are
also available on the Investor Relations page of our website. All of our directors, other than our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,
have met in executive sessions without management present on a regular basis in 2023 and year-to-date 2024.
Audit
Committee
Our
Audit Committee appoints the Company’s independent auditors, reviews audit reports and plans, accounting policies, financial statements,
internal controls, audit fees, and certain other expenses and oversees our accounting and financial reporting process. Specific responsibilities
include selecting, hiring and terminating our independent auditors; evaluating the qualifications, independence and performance of our
independent auditors; approving the audit and non-audit services to be performed by our auditors; reviewing the design, implementation,
adequacy and effectiveness of our internal controls and critical accounting policies; overseeing and monitoring the integrity of our
financial statements and our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements as they relate to financial statements or accounting matters;
reviewing any earnings announcements and other public announcements regarding our results of operations in conjunction with management
and our public auditors; conferring with management and the independent auditors regarding the effectiveness of internal controls, financial
reporting processes and disclosure controls; consulting with management and the independent auditors regarding Company policies governing
financial risk management; reviewing and discussing reports from the independent auditors on critical accounting policies used by the
Company; establishing procedures, as required under applicable law, for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by
the Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters and the confidential and anonymous submission by employees
of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters; reviewing and approving related-person transactions in accordance
with the Company’s policies and procedures with respect to related-person transactions and applicable rules; reviewing the financial
statements to be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K; discussing with management and the independent auditors the results of the
annual audit and the results of quarterly reviews and any significant changes in our accounting principles; and preparing the report
that the SEC requires in our annual proxy statement.
The
Audit Committee is comprised of two Directors, each of whom is independent, as defined by the rules and regulations of the SEC and
Nasdaq Rule 5605(a)(2). The Audit Committee held four meetings during the year ended December 31, 2023. The members of our Audit Committee
are D. Duke Daughtery (Chairman), and Leroy C. Richie. The Board of Directors determined that
Mr. Daughtery qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined under the applicable rules and listing standards
of Nasdaq and SEC rules and regulations and is independent as noted above.
Under
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, all audit and non-audit services performed by the Company’s independent registered public accounting
firm must be approved in advance by the Audit Committee to assure that such services do not impair the auditor’s independence from
the Company. Accordingly, the Audit Committee has adopted an Audit and Non-Audit Services Pre-Approval Policy (the “Policy”)
that sets forth the procedures and the conditions pursuant to which services to be performed by the independent auditors are to be pre-approved.
Pursuant to the Policy, certain services described in detail in the Policy may be pre-approved on an annual basis together with pre-approved
maximum fee levels for such services. The services eligible for annual pre-approval consist of services that would be included under
the categories of Audit Fees, Audit-Related Fees and Tax Fees in the table, as well as services for limited review of actuarial reports
and calculations. If not pre-approved on an annual basis, proposed services must otherwise be separately approved prior to being performed
by the independent registered public accounting firm. In addition, any services that receive annual pre-approval but exceed the pre-approved
maximum fee level also will require separate approval by the Audit Committee prior to being performed. The Audit Committee may delegate
authority to pre-approve audit and non-audit services to any member of the Audit Committee but may not delegate such authority to management.
41
Compensation
Committee
Our
Compensation Committee assists our Board of Directors in determining the development plans and compensation of our officers, directors
and employees. Specific responsibilities include approving the compensation and benefits of our executive officers; reviewing the performance
objectives and actual performance of our officers; administering our stock option and other equity compensation plans; and reviewing
and discussing with management the compensation discussion and analysis that the SEC requires in our future Form 10-Ks and proxy statements.
Our
Compensation Committee is comprised of two Directors, whom the Board considers to be independent under the applicable rules and
listing standards of Nasdaq and SEC rules and regulations. The members of our Compensation Committee are Leroy C. Richie (Chairman)
and D. Duke Daughtery. The Compensation Committee held two meetings and acted several times by unanimous written consent resolutions
during the year ended December 31, 2023. Mr. Ross, our Chief Executive Officer, does not participate in the determination of his own
compensation or the compensation of directors. However, he makes recommendations to the Compensation Committee regarding the amount
and form of the compensation of the other executive officers and key employees, and he often participates in the Compensation
Committee’s deliberations about such persons’ compensation. Thomas J. Heckman, our Chief Financial Officer
(“CFO”), also assists the Compensation Committee in its deliberations regarding executive officer, director and employee
compensation. No other executive officers participate in the determination of the amount or the form of the compensation of
executive officers or directors. The Compensation Committee does not utilize the services of an independent compensation consultant
to assist in its oversight of executive and director compensation.
Nominating
Committee
Our
Nominating Committee assists our Board of Directors by identifying and recommending individuals qualified to become members of our Board
of Directors, reviewing correspondence from our stockholders, and establishing, evaluating, and overseeing our corporate governance guidelines.
Specific responsibilities include the following: evaluating the composition, size and governance of our Board of Directors and its committees
and making recommendations regarding future planning and appointing directors to our committees; establishing a policy for considering
stockholder nominees for election to our Board of Directors; and evaluating and recommending candidates for election to our Board of
Directors.
Our
Nominating Committee strives for a Board composed of individuals who bring a variety of complementary skills, expertise, or background
and who, as a group, will possess the appropriate skills and experience to oversee our business. The diversity of the members of the
Board relates to the selection of its nominees. While the Committee considers diversity and variety of experiences and viewpoints to
be important factors, it does not believe that a director nominee should be chosen or excluded solely or largely because of race, color,
gender, national origin or sexual orientation or identity. In selecting a director nominee for recommendation to our Board, our Nominating
Committee focuses on skills, expertise or background that would complement the existing members on the Board. Accordingly, although diversity
may be a consideration in the Committee’s process, the Committee and the Board of Directors do not have a formal policy regarding
the consideration of diversity in identifying director nominees.
When
the Nominating Committee has either identified a prospective nominee or determined that an additional or replacement director is required,
the Nominating Committee may take such measures as it considers appropriate in connection with its evaluation of a director candidate,
including candidate interviews, inquiry of the person or persons making the recommendation or nomination, engagement of an outside search
firm to gather additional information, or reliance on the knowledge of the members of the Board of Directors or management. In its evaluation
of director candidates, including the members of the Board eligible for re-election, the Nominating Committee considers a number of factors,
including: the current size and composition of the Board of Directors, the needs of the Board of Directors and the respective committees
of the Board, and such factors as judgment, independence, character and integrity, age, area of expertise, diversity of experience, length
of service and potential conflicts of interest.
42
The
Nominating Committee of the Board selects director nominees and recommends them to the full Board of Directors. In relation to such nomination
process, the Nominating Committee:
●
determines
the criteria for the selection of prospective directors and committee members;
●
reviews
the composition and size of the Board and its committees to ensure proper expertise and diversity among its members;
●
evaluates
the performance and contributions of directors eligible for re-election;
●
determines
the desired qualifications for individual directors and desired skills and characteristics for the Board;
●
identifies
persons who can provide needed skills and characteristics;
●
screens
possible candidates for Board membership;
●
reviews
any potential conflicts of interests between such candidates and the Company’s interests; and
●
shares
information concerning the candidates with the Board and solicits input from other directors.
The
Nominating Committee has specified the following minimum qualifications that it believes must be met by a nominee for a position on the
Board: the highest personal and professional ethics and integrity; proven achievement and competence in the nominee’s field and
the ability to exercise sound business judgment; skills that are complementary to those of the existing Board; the ability to assist
and support management and make significant contributions to our success; the ability to work well with the other directors; the extent
of the person’s familiarity with the issues affecting our business; an understanding of the fiduciary responsibilities that are
required of a member of the Board of Directors; and the commitment of time and energy necessary to diligently carry out those responsibilities.
A candidate for director must agree to abide by our Code of Ethics and Conduct.
After
completing its evaluation, the Nominating Committee makes a recommendation to the full Board of Directors as to the persons who should
be nominated to the Board, and the Board of Directors determines the nominees after considering the recommendation and report of the
Committee.
Our
Nominating Committee is comprised of two Directors, whom the Board considers to be independent under the applicable rules and listing
standards of Nasdaq and SEC rules and regulations. The Nominating Committee held one meeting during the year ended December 31, 2023.
The members of our Nominating Committee are Leroy C. Richie (Chairman) and D. Duke Daughtery.
Board
of Directors’ Role in the Oversight of Risk Management
We
face a variety of risks, including credit, liquidity, and operational risks. In fulfilling its risk oversight role, our Board of
Directors focuses on the adequacy of our risk management process and overall risk management system. Our Board of Directors believes
that an effective risk management system will (i) adequately identify the material risks that we face in a timely manner; (ii)
implement appropriate risk management strategies that are responsive to our risk profile and specific material risk exposures; (iii)
integrate consideration of risk and risk management into our business decision-making; and (iv) include policies and procedures that
adequately transmit necessary information regarding material risks to senior executives and, as appropriate, to the Board or
relevant committee.
The
Board of Directors has designated the Audit Committee to take the lead in overseeing risk management at the Board of Directors level.
Accordingly, the Audit Committee schedules time for periodic review of risk management, in addition to its other duties. In this role,
the Audit Committee receives reports from management, independent registered public accounting firm, outside legal counsel, and other
advisors, and strives to generate serious and thoughtful attention to our risk management process and system, the nature of the material
risks we face, and the adequacy of our policies and procedures designed to respond to and mitigate these risks.
43
Although
the Board of Directors has assigned the primary risk oversight to the Audit Committee, it also periodically receives information about
our risk management system and the most significant risks that we face. This is principally accomplished through Audit Committee reports
to the Board of Directors and summary versions of the briefings provided by management and advisors to the Audit Committee.
In
addition to the formal compliance program, our Board of Directors and the Audit Committee encourage management to promote a corporate
culture that understands risk management and incorporates it into our overall corporate strategy and day-to-day business operations.
Our risk management structure also includes an ongoing effort to assess and analyze the most likely areas of future risk for us. As a
result, the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee periodically ask our executives to discuss the most likely sources of material
future risks and how we are addressing any significant potential vulnerability.
Board
Leadership Structure
Our
Board of Directors does not have a policy on whether the roles of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors should
be separate and, if they are to be separate, whether the Chairman of the Board should be selected from the non-employee directors or
be an employee. Our Board of Directors believes that it should be free to make a choice from time to time in any manner that is in the
best interest of us and our stockholders. The Board of Directors believes that Mr. Ross’s service as both Chief Executive Officer
and Chairman of the Board is in the best interest of us and our stockholders. Mr. Ross possesses detailed and in-depth knowledge of the
issues, opportunities and challenges we face and is thus best positioned to develop agendas, with the input of Mr. Richie, the lead independent
director, to ensure that the Board’s time and attention are focused on the most critical matters. His combined role enables decisive
leadership, ensures clear accountability, and enhances our ability to communicate our message and strategy clearly and consistently to
our stockholders, employees, customers, and suppliers, particularly during times of turbulent economic and industry conditions.
Our
Board of Directors also believes that a lead independent director is part of an effective Board leadership structure. To this end, the
Board has appointed Mr. Richie as the lead independent director. The independent directors meet regularly in executive sessions at which
only they are present, and the lead independent director chairs those sessions. As the lead independent director, Mr. Richie calls meetings
of the independent directors as needed; sets the agenda for meetings of the independent directors; presides at meetings of the independent
directors; is the principal liaison on Board issues between the independent directors and the Chairman and between the independent directors
and management; provides feedback to the Chairman and management on the quality, quantity and timeliness of information sent to the Board;
is a member of the Compensation Committee that evaluates the CEO’s performance; and oversees the directors’ evaluation of
the Board’s overall performance. The Nominating Committee and the Board believe that its leadership structure, which includes the
appointment of a lead independent director, is appropriate because it, among other things, provides for an independent director who gives
board member leadership and each of the directors, other than Mr. Ross, is independent. Our Board of Directors believes that independent
directors provide effective oversight of management.
Stockholder
Communications with the Board of Directors
Stockholders
may communicate with the Board of Directors by writing to us as follows: Digital Ally, Inc., attention: Corporate Secretary, 14001 Marshall
Drive, Lenexa, Kansas 66215. Stockholders who would like their submission directed to a member of the Board of Directors may specify
and the communication will be forwarded as appropriate.
Policy
for Director Recommendations and Nominations
Our
Nominating Committee will consider candidates for Board membership suggested by Board members, management and our stockholders. The policy
of our Nominating Committee is to consider recommendations for candidates to the Board of Directors from any stockholder of record in
accordance with our Bylaws. A director candidate recommended by our stockholders will be considered in the same manner as a nominee recommended
by a Board member, management or other sources. In addition, a stockholder may nominate a person directly for election to the Board of
Directors at an annual meeting of stockholders, provided the stockholder meets the requirements set forth in our Bylaws. We do not pay
a fee to any third party to identify or evaluate or assist in identifying or evaluating potential nominees.
Stockholder
Recommendations for Director Nominations . Stockholder recommendations for director nominations may be submitted to the
Company at the following address: Digital Ally, Inc., Attention: Corporate Secretary, 14001 Marshall Drive, Lenexa, Kansas 66215. Such
recommendations will be forwarded to the Nominating Committee for consideration, provided that they are accompanied by sufficient information
to permit the Board to evaluate the qualifications and experience of the nominees, and they are in time for the Nominating Committee
to do an adequate evaluation of the candidate before the Annual Meeting. The submission must be accompanied by a written consent of the
individual to stand for election if nominated by the Board of Directors and to serve if elected and to cooperate with a background check.
44
Stockholder
Nominations of Directors. Our Bylaws provide that, in order for a stockholder to nominate a director at an annual meeting of
stockholders, the stockholder must give timely written notice to our Secretary and such notice must be received at our principal executive
offices not less than one-hundred-and-twenty (120) days before the date of our release of the proxy statement to stockholders in connection
with our previous year’s annual meeting of stockholders. Such stockholder’s notice shall include, with respect to each person
whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election as a director, all information relating to such nominee that is required under
the Exchange Act, including such person’s written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and serving as a director,
and cooperating with a background investigation. In addition, the stockholder must include in such notice the name and address, as they
appear on our records, of the stockholder proposing the nomination of such person, and the name and address of the beneficial owner,
if any, on whose behalf the nomination is made, the class and number of shares of our capital stock that are owned beneficially and of
record by such stockholder of record and by the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination is made, and any material interest
or relationship that such stockholder of record and/or the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination is made may respectively
have in such business or with such nominee. At the request of the Board of Directors, any person nominated for election as a director
shall furnish to our Secretary the information required to be set forth in a stockholder’s notice of nomination that pertains to
the nominee.
To
be timely in the case of a special meeting or if the date of the annual meeting is changed by more than thirty (30) days from such anniversary
date, a stockholder’s notice must be received at our principal executive offices no later than the close of business on the tenth
(10 th ) day following the earlier of the day on which notice of the meeting date was mailed or public disclosure of the meeting
date was made.
Compensation
Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
None
of our executive officers serves, or in the past has served, as a member of the Compensation Committee. None of the members of our Compensation
Committee is, or has ever been, an officer or employee of the Company.
Code
of Ethics and Conduct
Our
Board of Directors has adopted a Code of Ethics and Conduct that is applicable to all of our employees, officers and directors.
Our Code of Ethics and Conduct is intended to ensure that our employees, officers and directors act in accordance with the highest
ethical standards. The Code of Ethics and Conduct is available on the Investor Relations page of our website at http://www.digitalally.com
and the Code of Ethics and Conduct was filed as an exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB filed March 4, 2008.
Delinquent
Section 16(a) Reports
Under
the securities laws of the United States, our directors, executive (and certain other) officers, and any persons holding ten percent
or more of our Common Stock must report on their ownership of the Common Stock and any changes in that ownership to the SEC. Specific
due dates for these reports have been established. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, we believe the following reports listed
in the table below were required to be filed by such persons pursuant to Section 16(a) and were not filed on a timely basis for each such reporting person:
Name
Number
of Late Reports
Description
Han
Peng
1
Mr.
Peng’s Form 4 was not filed on timely basis.
Stanton
E. Ross
1
Mr.
Ross’ Form 4 was not filed on timely basis.
Item
11.
E xecutive
Compensation.
The
following table presents information concerning the total compensation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”),
Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) and Chief Operating Officer (“COO”) and collectively with the CEO and the CFO,
the “Named Executive Officers”) for services rendered to the Company in all capacities for the years ended December 31, 2023
and 2022, as required by Item 402(m)(2) of Regulation S-K.
45
Summary
Compensation Table
Name and Principal Position
Year
Salary ($)
Bonus ($)
Stock awards ($)
Option awards
($) (1)
All other compensation ($) (2)
Total ($)
Stanton E. Ross
2022
$ 300,000
$ 100,000
$ 374,500 (3)
$ —
$ 32,034
$ 806,534
Chairman and CEO
2023
$ 250,000
$ —
$ 87,325 (6)
$ —
$ 11,200
$ 348,525
Thomas J. Heckman
2022
$ 120,000
$ —
$ 80,250 (4)
$ —
$ 16,292
$ 216,542
CFO, Treasurer and Secretary
2023
$ 120,000
$ —
$ 18,713 (7)
$ —
$ 6,354
$ 145,067
Peng Han
2022
$ 250,000
$ —
$ 107,000 (5)
$ —
$ 10,576
$ 367,576
COO
2023
$ 250,000
$ —
$ 24,950 (8)
$ —
$ 10,821
$ 285,771
(1)
Represents aggregate grant date fair value pursuant to ASC Topic 718 for the respective year for stock options granted. Please refer
to Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements for a further description of the awards and the underlying assumptions utilized to
determine the amount of grant date fair value related to such grants.
(2)
Amounts included in all other compensation include the following items: the employer contribution to the Company’s 401(k) Retirement
Savings Plan (the “401(k) Plan”) on behalf of the named executive. We are required to provide a 100% matching contribution
for all who elect to contribute up to 3% of their compensation to the plan and a 50% matching contribution for all employees’ elective
deferral between 4% and 5%. The employee (i) is 100% vested at all times in the employee contributions and employer matching contributions;
(ii) receives Company paid healthcare insurance; (iii) receives Company paid contributions to health savings accounts; and (iv) receives
Company paid life, accident and disability insurance. See “All Other Compensation Table” below.
(3)
Stock awards include the following restricted stock granted during 2022 to Mr. Ross: 17,500 shares at $21.40 per share that vest 50%
on January 7, 2023 and 50% on January 7, 2024, subject to Mr. Ross remaining an employee of the Company at that point in time.
(4)
Stock awards include the following restricted stock granted during 2022 to Mr. Heckman: 3,750 shares at $21.40 per share that on January
7, 2023, subject to Mr. Heckman remaining an employee of the Company at that point in time.
(5)
Stock awards include the following restricted stock granted during 2022 to Mr. Han: 5,000 shares at $21.40 per share that vest 20% annually
on the anniversary of January 7 from 2023 to 2027, subject to Mr. Han remaining an employee of the Company at that point in time.
(6)
Stock awards include the following restricted stock granted during 2023 to Mr. Ross: 17,500 shares at $4.99 per share that vest 50% on
January 10, 2024 and 50% on January 10, 2025, subject to Mr. Ross remaining an employee of the Company at that point in time.
(7)
Stock awards include the following restricted stock granted during 2023 to Mr. Heckman: 3,750 shares at $4.99 per share that vested on
April 1, 2023.
(8)
Stock awards include the following restricted stock granted during 2023 to Mr. Han: 5,000 shares at $4.99 per share that vest 20% annually
on the anniversary of January 10 from 2024 to 2028, subject to Mr. Han remaining an employee of the Company at that point in time.
46
All
Other Compensation Table
Name and Principal Position
Year
401(k) Plan contribution by Company
Company
paid healthcare insurance
Flexible & health savings account contributions by Company
Company
paid life, accident & disability insurance
Other Contractual payments
Total
($)
Stanton E. Ross
2022
$ 10,039
$ 20,319
$ 1,100
$ 576
$ —
$ 32,034
Chairman and CEO
2023
$ 11,200
$ —
$ 1,100
$ 821
$ —
$ 13,121
Thomas J. Heckman
2022
$ 4,800
$ 10,021
$ 895
$ 576
$ —
$ 16,292
CFO, Treasurer and Secretary
2023
$ 4,800
$ —
$ 895
$ 659
$ —
$ 6,354
Peng Han
2022
$ 10,000
$ —
$ —
$ 576
$ —
$ 10,576
COO
2023
$ 10,000
$ —
$ —
$ 821
$ —
$ 10,821
Compensation
Policy. Our executive compensation plan is based on attracting and retaining qualified professionals who possess the skills and
leadership necessary to enable us to achieve earnings and profitability growth to satisfy its stockholders. We must, therefore, create
incentives for these executives to achieve both our and individual performance objectives using 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.
Compensation
Components. The main elements of its compensation package consist of base salary, stock options or restricted stock awards and
bonus.
Base
Salary. The base salary for each executive officer is reviewed and compared to the prior year, with considerations given for
increase or decrease. The review is generally on an annual basis but may take place more often in the discretion of the Compensation
Committee.
On
January 7, 2022, the Compensation Committee restored the annual base salaries of Stanton E. Ross, Chief Executive Officer, Thomas J.
Heckman, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary, and Peng Han, Chief Operating Officer, at $300,000, $120,000, and $250,000,
respectively for 2022.
On
January 10, 2023, the Compensation Committee restored the annual base salaries of Stanton E. Ross, Chief Executive Officer, Thomas J.
Heckman, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary, and Peng Han, Chief Operating Officer, at $250,000, $120,000, and $250,000,
respectively for 2023.
The
Compensation Committee plans to review the base salaries for possible adjustments on an annual basis. Base salary adjustments will be
based on both the individual and our performances and will include both objective and subjective criteria specific to each executive’s
role and responsibility with us.
Stock
Options and Restricted Stock Awards. The Compensation Committee determined stock option and restricted stock awards based on
numerous factors, some of which include responsibilities incumbent with the role of each executive with us, tenure with us, as well as
our performance. The vesting period of options and restricted stock is also tied, in some instances, to our performance directly related
to certain executive’s responsibilities with us. The Compensation Committee determined that Messrs. Ross, Heckman, and Han were
eligible for awards of stock options or restricted stock in 2022 based on their performance. Refer to the “Grants of Plan-Based
Awards” table below for restricted stock awards made in 2022. The Committee also determined that Messrs. Ross, Heckman, and Han
would be eligible in 2023 for awards of restricted stock or stock options.
Bonuses.
The Compensation Committee determined to award bonuses to each of the executive officers in 2023 and 2022, as set forth in the
foregoing table. Refer to the “Summary Compensation Table” above for the bonuses paid to Messrs. Ross, Heckman, and Han in
2023 and 2022. In fiscal 2023, Messrs. Ross, Heckman, and Han were eligible for bonuses of up to $250,000, $120,000, and $250,000, respectively.
Other.
In July 2008, we amended and restated our 401(k) Plan. The amended 401(k) Plan requires us to provide a 100% matching contribution
for employees who elect to contribute up to 3% of their compensation to the plan and a 50% matching contribution for employees’
elective deferrals between 4% and 5%. We have made matching contributions for executives who elected to contribute to the 401(k) Plan
during 2021. Each participant is 100% vested at all times in employee and employer matching contributions. As of December 31, 2023, a
total of 66,946 shares of our Common Stock were held in the 401(k) Plan. Mr. Heckman, as trustee of the 401(k) Plan, holds the voting
power as to the shares of our Common Stock held in the 401(k) Plan. We have no profit-sharing plan in place for our employees. However,
we may consider adding such a plan to provide yet another level of compensation to our compensation plan.
47
The
following table presents information concerning the grants of plan-based awards to the Named Executive Officers during the year ended
December 31, 2023:
Grant
of Plan-Based Awards
Name
Grant date
Date
approved by
Compensation
Committee
All other stock
awards: Number
of shares of stock
or units:
(#) (1)
(2)
Exercise or base
price of option
awards
($/Share)
Grant date fair
value of stock
awards
($) (3)
Stanton E. Ross
Chairman and CEO
January 10, 2023
January 10, 2023
17,500 (1)
$ 4.99
$ 87,325
Thomas J. Heckman
CFO, Treasurer and Secretary
—
—
—
$ —
$ —
Peng Han
COO
January 10, 2023
January 10, 2023
5,000 (2)
$ 4.99
$ 24,950
(1)
These restricted stock awards were made under the Digital Ally, Inc. Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plans and vest over a two-year
period (50% on January 10, 2024 and 50% on January 10, 2025) contingent upon whether the individual is still employed by us at that point.
(3)
These restricted stock awards were made under the Digital Ally, Inc. Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plans and vest over a five-year
period (20% on each anniversary of January 10 from 2024 to 2028) contingent upon whether the individual is still employed by us at that
point.
(3)
Stock awards noted represent the aggregate amount of grant date fair value as determined under ASC Topic 718. Please refer to Note 14
to the consolidated financial statements that appear in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 31, 2023, for a further
description of the awards and the underlying assumptions utilized to determine the amount of grant date fair value related to such grants.
Employment
Contracts; Termination of Employment and Change-in-Control Arrangements
We
do not have any employment agreements with any of our executive officers. However, on December 23, 2008, we entered into retention agreements
with the following executive officers: Stanton E. Ross and Thomas J. Heckman. In April 2018 we amended these agreements.
Retention
Agreements - Potential Payments upon Termination or Change of Control
The
following table sets forth for each named executive officer potential post-employment payments and payments on a change in control and
assumes that the triggering event took place on January 1, 2024 and that the amendments to the retention agreements of each person were
in effect.
48
Retention
Agreement Compensation
Name
Change in control
payment due based
upon successful
completion of
transaction
Severance payment
due based on
termination after
Change of
Control occurs
Total
Stanton E. Ross
$ 125,000
$ 500,000
$ 625,000
Thomas J. Heckman
$ 115,000
$ 460,000
$ 575,000
Total
$ 240,000
$ 960,000
$ 1,200,000
The
retention agreements guarantee the executive officers’ specific payments and benefits upon a Change in Control of the Company.
The retention agreements also provide for specified severance benefits if, after a Change in Control of the Company occurs, the executive
officer voluntarily terminates employment for “Good Reason” or is involuntarily terminated without “Cause.”
Under
the retention agreements, a “Change in Control” means (i) one party alone, or acting with others, has acquired or gained
control over more than 50% of the voting shares of the Company; (ii) the Company merges or consolidates with or into another entity or
completes any other corporate reorganization, if more than 50% of the combined voting power of the surviving entity’s securities
outstanding immediately after such merger, consolidation or other reorganization is owned by persons who were not stockholders of the
Company immediately prior to such merger, consolidation or other reorganization; (iii) a majority of the Board of Directors is replaced
and/or dismissed by the stockholders of the Company without the recommendation of or nomination by the Company’s current Board
of Directors; (iv) the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”) is replaced and/or dismissed by stockholders without
the approval of the Board of Directors; or (v) the Company sells, transfers or otherwise disposes of all or substantially all of the
consolidated assets of the Company and the Company does not own stock in the purchaser or purchasers having more than 50% of the voting
power of the entity owning all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Company after such purchase.
“Good
Reason” means either (i) a material adverse change in the executive’s status as an executive or other key employee of the
Company, including without limitation, a material adverse change in the executive’s position, authority, or aggregate duties or
responsibilities; (ii) any adverse change in the executive’s base salary, target bonus or benefits; or (iii) a request by the Company
to materially change the executive’s geographic work location.
“Cause”
means (i) the executive has acted in bad faith and to the detriment of the Company; (ii) the executive has refused or failed to act in
accordance with any specific lawful and material direction or order of his or her supervisor; (iii) the executive has exhibited, in regard
to employment, unfitness or unavailability for service, misconduct, dishonesty, habitual neglect, incompetence, or has committed an act
of embezzlement, fraud or theft with respect to the property of the Company; (iv) the executive has abused alcohol or drugs on the job
or in a manner that affects the executive’s job performance; and/or (v) the executive has been found guilty of or has plead nolo
contendere to the commission of a crime involving dishonesty, breach of trust, or physical or emotional harm to any person. Prior to
termination for Cause, the Company shall give the executive written notice of the reason for such potential termination and provide the
executive a 30-day period to cure such conduct or act or omission alleged to provide grounds for such termination.
If
any Change in Control occurs and the executive continues to be employed as of the completion of such Change in Control, upon completion
of such Change in Control, as payment for the executive’s additional efforts during such Change in Control, the Company shall pay
the executive a Change in Control benefit payment equal to three months of the his base salary at the rate in effect immediately prior
to the Change in Control completion date, payable in a lump sum net of required tax withholdings. If any Change in Control occurs, and
if, during the one-year period following the Change in Control, the Company terminates the executive’s employment without Cause
or the executive submits a resignation for Good Reason (the effective date of such termination or resignation, the “Termination
Date”), then:
a)
The
Company shall pay the executive severance pay equal to 12 months of his base salary at the higher of the rate in effect immediately
prior to the Termination Date or the rate in effect immediately prior to the occurrence of the event or events constituting Good
Reason, payable on the Termination Date in a lump sum net of required tax withholdings, plus all other amounts then payable by the
Company to the executive less any amounts then due and owing from the executive to the Company;
49
b)
The
Company shall provide continuation of the executive’s health benefits at the Company’s expense for 18 months following
the Termination Date; and
c)
The
executive’s outstanding employee stock options shall fully vest and be exercisable for a 90-day period following the Termination
Date.
The
executive is not entitled to the above severance benefits for a termination based on death or disability, resignation without Good Reason
or termination for Cause. Following the Termination Date, the Company shall also pay the executive all reimbursements for expenses in
accordance with the Company’ policies, within ten days of submission of appropriate evidence thereof by the executive.
The
following table presents information concerning the outstanding equity awards for the Named Executive Officers as of December 31, 2023:
Outstanding
Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
Option Awards
Stock Awards
Name
Number
of securities underlying unexercised options (#) exercisable (1)
Number
of securities underlying unexercised options (#) unexercisable
Equity
incentive plan awards: Number of securities underlying unexercised unearned options (#)
Option exercise price ($)
Option
expiration date
Number
of shares or units of stock that have not vested (1)
Market value of shares or units of stock that have not vested (2)
Equity
incentive plan awards: Number of unearned shares, units or other rights that have not vested
Equity
incentive plan awards: Market or Payout value of unearned shares, units or other rights that have not vested
Stanton E. Ross
Chairman and CEO
-
-
-
-
26,250
$ 55,650
-
$ -
Thomas J. Heckman
CFO, Treasurer and Secretary
-
-
-
-
-
-
$ -
-
$ -
Peng Han
COO
-
-
-
-
-
9,000
$ 19,080
-
$ -
50
(1)
These stock option and restricted stock awards were made under the Digital Ally, Inc. Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plans and vest
over the prescribed period contingent upon whether the individual is still employed by the Company at that point.
(2)
Market value based upon the closing market price of $2.12 on December 31, 2023.
The
following table presents information concerning the stock options exercised and the vesting of restricted stock awards during 2023 for
the Named Executive Officers for the year ended December 31, 2023:
Option Exercises and Restricted Stock Vested
Option Awards
Stock Awards
Number of Shares acquired realized on exercise (#)
Value realized
on exercise ($)
Number of
Shares
acquired on
vesting (#)
Value on
vesting ($)
Stanton E. Ross
Chairman and CEO
-
$ -
16,250
$ 77,675 (1)
Thomas J. Heckman
CFO, Treasurer and Secretary
-
$ -
7,500
$ 35,250 (2)
Peng Han
COO
-
$ -
1,000
$ 4,780 (3)
(1)
Based
on the closing market price of our Common Stock of $4.78 on January 6, 2023, the date of vesting for 7,500 shares of Common Stock,
and the closing market price of our Common Stock of $4.78 on January 7, 2023, the date of vesting for 8,750 shares of Common Stock
for Mr. Ross.
(2)
Based
on the closing market price of our Common Stock of $4.78 on January 6, 2023, the date of vesting for 3,750 shares of Common Stock,
and the closing market price of our Common Stock of $4.62 on March 31, 2023, the date of vesting for 3,750 shares of Common Stock
for Mr. Heckman.
(3)
Based
on the closing market price of our Common Stock of $4.78 on January 7, 2023, the date of vesting for 1,000 shares of Common Stock
for Mr. Han.
The
number of stock options and restricted stock awards that an employee, director, or consultant may receive under our Plans (defined below
under “Information Regarding Plans and Other Arrangements Not Subject to Security Holder Action”) is in the discretion of
the administrator and therefore cannot be determined in advance. The Board of Directors’ policy in 2023 was to grant officers an
award of 17,500 restricted shares of Common Stock to our CEO and 3,750 restricted shares of Common Stock to our CFO/Treasurer and each
non-employee director an award of options to purchase 5,000 shares of Common Stock, all subject to vesting requirements.
The
following table sets forth (a) the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock subject to options granted under the Plans during the year
ended December 31, 2023 and (b) the average per share exercise price of such options.
Stock
Options and Restricted Stock Grants
Name of Individual or Group
Number of Restricted
Shares of Common
Stock Granted
Number of
Options
Granted
Average per
Share Exercise
Price
Stanton E. Ross, Chairman of the Board of Directors & CEO
17,500
-
$ -
Leroy C. Richie, Director
-
-
$ -
Thomas J. Heckman, Vice President, CFO, Treasurer & Secretary
3,750
-
$ -
Peng Han, COO
5,000
-
$ -
All executive officers, as a group
26,250
-
$ -
All directors who are not executive officers, as a group
-
-
$ -
All employees who are not executive officers, as a group
12,500
-
$ -
Director
Compensation
Our
non-employee directors received the stock option grants noted in the “Director Compensation” table below for their service
on the Board of Directors in 2023, including on the Audit, Nominating and Compensation Committees.
Director
compensation for the year ended December 31, 2023 was as follows:
Director
Compensation
Name
Fees earned or paid in
cash ($)
Stock
awards
($)
Option
awards
($)
Total
($)
Stanton E. Ross, Chairman of the Board of Directors (1)
$ —
$ —
$ —
$ —
Leroy C. Richie
$ 60,000
$ —
$ —
$ 60,000
Daniel F. Hutchins
$ 55,000
$ —
$ —
$ 55,000
Michael J. Caulfield
$ 50,000
$ —
$ —
$ 50,000
D. Duke Daughtery
$ 12,500
$ —
$ —
$ 12,500
(1)
As
a Named Executive Officer, Mr. Ross’s compensation and option awards are fully reflected in the “Summary Compensation”
table, and elsewhere under “Executive Compensation.” He did not receive compensation, stock awards or options for his
services as a director.
51
On
November 17, 2023, our board of directors adopted a clawback policy (the “Clawback Policy”) permitting the Company to
seek the recovery of incentive compensation received by any of the Company’s current and former executive officers (as
determined by the board in accordance with Section 10D of the Exchange Act) and such other senior executives/employees who may from
time to time be deemed subject to the Clawback Policy by the board (collectively, the “Covered Executives”). The amount
to be recovered will be the excess of the incentive compensation paid to the Covered Executive based on the erroneous data over the
incentive compensation that would have been paid to the Covered Executive had it been based on the restated results, as determined
by the board. If the board cannot determine the amount of excess incentive compensation received by the Covered Executive directly
from the information in the accounting restatement, then it will make its determination based on a reasonable estimate of the effect
of the accounting restatement. Refer to Exhibit 97 of this Annual Report for the Company’s Clawback Policy.
Item
12.
Security
Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
The
following table sets forth, as of April 1, 2024, information regarding beneficial ownership of our Common Stock for:
●
each
person, or group of affiliated persons, known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our Common Stock;
●
each
of our executive officers;
●
each
of our directors; and
●
all
of our current executive officers and directors as a group
Beneficial
ownership is determined according to the rules of the SEC and generally means that a person has beneficial ownership of a security if
he, she or it possesses sole or shared voting or investment power of that security, including securities that are currently exercisable
or exercisable within sixty (60) days of April 1, 2024. Except as indicated by the footnotes below, we believe, based on the information
furnished to us, that the persons named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of Common
Stock shown that they beneficially own, subject to community property laws where applicable.
Common
Stock subject to securities currently exercisable or exercisable within sixty (60) days of April 1, 2024 are deemed to be outstanding
for computing the percentage ownership of the person holding such securities and the percentage ownership of any group of which the holder
is a member but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of any other person.
Unless
otherwise indicated, the address of each beneficial owner listed in the table below is c/o Digital Ally, Inc., 14001 Marshall Drive.,
Lenexa, KS 66215.
Number of Shares of Common
Stock Beneficially Owned (1)
% of Total
Shares
%
Voting Power
5% or Greater Stockholders:
None
—
—
—
Executive Officers and Directors:
Stanton E. Ross (2)
116,065
4.1 %
4.1 %
Leroy C. Richie (3)
18,211
*
*
D. Duke Daughtery
1,405
*
*
Thomas J. Heckman (4)
120,513
4.3 %
4.3 %
Peng Han (5)
13,781
*
*
All executive officers and directors as a group (five individuals)
269,975
9.6 %
9.6
%
*
Represents
less than 1%.
(1)
Based
on 2,800,754 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding as of April 1, 2024 and, with respect only to the ownership by all executive
officers and directors as a group.
(2)
Mr.
Ross’s total shares of Common Stock include 8,750 restricted shares that are subject to forfeiture to us.
(3)
Mr.
Richie’s total shares of Common Stock include 16,250 shares of Common Stock to be received upon the exercise of vested options.
(4)
Mr.
Heckman’s total shares of Common Stock include 66,946 shares of Common Stock held in the Company’s 401(k) Plan (on December
31, 2023) as to which Mr. Heckman has voting power as trustee of the 401(k) Plan.
(5)
Mr.
Han’s total shares of Common Stock include (i) 9,000 restricted shares that are subject to forfeiture to us and (ii) 331 shares
of Common Stock to be received upon the exercise of vested options.
52
Securities
Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
Our
Board of Directors adopted the 2005 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the “2005 Plan”) on September 1, 2005. The 2005
Plan authorized us to reserve 15,625 shares of our Common Stock for issuance upon exercise of options and grant of restricted stock awards.
The 2005 Plan terminated in 2015 with 1,078 shares of Common Stock reserved for awards that are now unavailable for issuance. Stock options
granted under the 2005 Plan that remain unexercised and outstanding as of December 31, 2023 total 284.
On
January 17, 2006, our Board adopted the 2006 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the “2006 Plan”). The 2006 Plan authorizes
us to reserve 9,375 shares of Common Stock for future grants under it. The 2006 Plan terminated in 2016 with 2,739 shares of Common Stock
reserved for awards that are now unavailable for issuance. Stock options granted under the 2006 Plan that remain unexercised and outstanding
as of December 31, 2023 total 531.
On
January 24, 2007, our Board adopted the 2007 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the “2007 Plan”). The 2007 Plan authorizes
us to reserve 9,375 shares of Common Stock for future grants under it. The 2007 Plan terminated in 2017 with 4,733 shares of Common Stock
reserved for awards that are now unavailable for issuance. There are no stock options granted under the 2007 Plan that remain unexercised
and outstanding as of December 31, 2023.
On
January 2, 2008, our Board adopted the 2008 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the “2008 Plan”). The 2008 Plan authorizes
us to reserve 6,250 shares of Common Stock for future grants under it. The 2008 Plan terminated in 2018 with 2,025 shares of Common Stock
reserved for awards that are now unavailable for issuance. There are no stock options granted under the 2008 Plan that remain unexercised
and outstanding as of December 31, 2023.
On
March 18, 2011, our Board adopted the 2011 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the “2011 Plan”). The 2011 Plan authorizes
us to reserve 3,125 shares of Common Stock for future grants under it. At December 31, 2023, there were 438 shares of Common Stock reserved
for awards available for issuance under the 2011 Plan. Stock options granted under the 2011 Plan that remain unexercised and outstanding
as of December 31, 2023 total 50.
On
March 22, 2013, our Board adopted the 2013 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the “2013 Plan”). The 2013 Plan was amended
on March 28, 2014 and November 14, 2014 to increase the number of shares of Common Stock authorized and reserved for issuance under the
2013 Plan to a total of 15,000. At December 31, 2023, there were no shares of Common Stock reserved for awards available for issuance
under the 2013 Plan. Stock options granted under the 2013 Plan that remain unexercised and outstanding as of December 31, 2023 total
1,000.
On
March 27, 2015, our Board of Directors adopted the 2015 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the “2015 Plan”). The 2015
Plan was amended on February 25, 2016 and May 31, 2017 to increase the number of shares of Common Stock authorized and reserved for issuance
under the 2015 Plan to a total of 62,500. At December 31, 2023, there were no shares of Common Stock reserved for awards available for
issuance under the 2015 Plan, as amended. Stock options granted under the 2015 Plan that remain unexercised and outstanding as of December
31, 2023 total 6,500.
On
April 12, 2018, our Board of Directors adopted the 2018 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the “2018 Plan”). The 2018
Plan was amended on May 21, 2019 to increase the number of shares of Common Stock authorized and reserved for issuance under the 2018
Plan to a total of 87,500. At December 31, 2023, there were 31,275 shares of Common Stock reserved for awards available for issuance
under the 2018 Plan. Stock options granted under the 2018 Plan that remain unexercised and outstanding as of December 31, 2023 total
17,000.
Our
Board of Directors adopted the 2020 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the “2020 Plan”) on June 30, 2020 and the Company’s
stockholders approved the 2020 Plan at the Annual Meeting held on September 9, 2020. The Company’s stockholders approved an amendment
to the 2020 Plan at the Annual Meeting held on June 22, 2021 which increased the number of shares of Common Stock authorized and reserved
for issuance under the 2020 Plan to a total of 125,000. At December 31, 2023, there were 12,042 shares of Common Stock reserved for awards
available for issuance under the 2020 Plan. Stock options granted under the 2020 Plan that remain unexercised and outstanding as of December
31, 2023 total 29,000.
Our
Board of Directors adopted the 2022 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the “2022 Plan”) on October 28, 2022 and the
Company’s stockholders approved the 2022 Plan at the Annual Meeting held on December 7, 2022. The number of shares of Common Stock
authorized and reserved for issuance under the 2022 Plan totals 125,000. At December 31, 2023, there were no shares of Common Stock reserved
for awards available for issuance under the 2022 Plan. Stock options granted under the 2022 Plan that remain unexercised and outstanding
as of December 31, 2023 total 125,000.
The
2005 Plan, 2006 Plan, 2007 Plan, 2008 Plan, 2011 Plan, 2013 Plan, 2015 Plan, 2018 Plan, 2020 Plan, and 2022 Plan are collectively referred
to as the “Plans.”
The
Plans authorize us to grant (i) to the key employees incentive stock options (except for the 2007 Plan) to purchase shares of Common
Stock and non-qualified stock options to purchase shares of Common Stock and restricted stock awards, and (ii) to non-employee directors
and consultants’ non-qualified stock options and restricted stock. The Compensation Committee of our Board (the “Compensation
Committee”) administers the Plans by making recommendations to the Board or determinations regarding the persons to whom options
or restricted stock should be granted and the amount, terms, conditions and restrictions of the awards.
The
Plans allow for the grant of incentive stock options (except for the 2007 Plan), non-qualified stock options and restricted stock awards.
Incentive stock options granted under the Plans must have an exercise price at least equal to 100% of the fair market value of the Common
Stock as of the date of grant. Incentive stock options granted to any person who owns, immediately after the grant, stock possessing
more than 10% of the combined voting power of all classes of our stock, or of any parent or subsidiary corporation, must have an exercise
price at least equal to 110% of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant. Non-statutory stock options may have
exercise prices as determined by our Compensation Committee.
The
Compensation Committee is also authorized to grant restricted stock awards under the Plans. A restricted stock award is a grant of shares
of the Common Stock that is subject to restrictions on transferability, risk of forfeiture and other restrictions and that may be forfeited
in the event of certain terminations of employment or service prior to the end of a restricted period specified by the Compensation Committee.
We
have filed various registration statements on Form S-8 and amendments to previously filed Form S-8’s with SEC, which registered
a total of 408,750 shares of Common Stock issued or to be issued underlying the awards under the Plans.
The
following table sets forth certain information regarding the Plans as of December 31, 2023:
Equity
Compensation Plan Information
Plan category
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a)
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b)
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (c)
Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders
53,600
$ 45.55
408,750
Equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders
—
$ —
—
Total all plans
53,600
$ 45.55
408,750
53
Item
13.
Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
In
2023, a trust, the beneficiaries of which are the Chief Executive Officer of TicketSmarter, and his spouse, contributed cash in the
amount of $2,700,000 to support TicketSmarter’s operations and to repay approved debts and obligations of TicketSmarter in
exchange for the TicketSmarter Related Party Note (the “TickerSmarter Related Party Note”). The TicketSmarter Related Party Note
bears interest of 13.25% per annum with weekly repayments of the principal amount of $54,000.00 each, together with accrued
interest, for fifty weeks, or until the principal is paid in full, commencing on January 2, 2024. The use of proceeds of the
TicketSmarter Related Party Note was to resolve numerous outstanding payables at a discounted rate, the discount received is
recognized as a gain on extinguishment of liabilities on the statement of operations. Additionally, these negotiations relieved
TicketSmarter of numerous future obligations following fiscal year 2023.
Item
14.
Principal
Accountant Fees and Services.
The
following table is a summary of the fees billed to us by RBSM LLP for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
Fee Category
Fiscal
2023 fees
Fiscal
2022 fees
Audit fees
$ 312,500
$ 327,415
Audit-related fees
145,000
—
Tax fees
—
—
All other fees
—
—
Total fees
$ 457,500
$ 327,415
Audit
Fees . Such amount consists of fees billed for professional services rendered in connection with the audit of our annual
financial statements and review of the interim financial statements included in our quarterly reports. It also includes services that
are normally provided by our independent registered public accounting firms in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.
Audit-Related
Fees . Consists of fees billed for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the
audit or review of our financial statements and are not reported under “Audit Fees.” These services include employee benefit
plan audits, consents issued for certain filings with the SEC, accounting consultations in connection with acquisitions, attest services
that are not required by statute or regulation, and consultations concerning financial accounting and reporting standards.
Tax
Fees . Tax fees consist of fees billed for professional services related to tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.
These services include assistance regarding federal, state and international tax compliance, tax audit defense, customs and duties, mergers
and acquisitions, and international tax planning.
All
Other Fees . Consists of fees for products and services other than the services reported above.
Pre–Approval
Policy of Services Performed by Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. The Audit Committee’s policy is to pre–approve
all audit and non–audit related services, tax services and other services. Pre–approval is generally provided for up to one
year, and any pre–approval is detailed as to the particular service or category of services and is generally subject to a specific
budget. The Audit Committee has delegated the pre–approval authority to its chairperson when expedition of services is necessary.
The independent registered public accounting firm and management are required to periodically report to the full Audit Committee regarding
the extent of services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm in accordance with this pre–approval and the
fees for the services performed to date.
PART
IV
Item
15.
Exhibits
and Financial Statement Schedules.
(a)
The
following documents are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
1.
Consolidated
Financial Statements :
The
consolidated financial statements required to be included in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, begin
on Page F-1 and are submitted as a separate section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
54
2.
Financial
Statement Schedules :
All
schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or are not required, or because the required information is included in the
consolidated financial statements or notes in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
3.
Exhibits :
Exhibit
Number
Description
of Exhibit
2.1
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated August 23, 2022, between Digital Ally, Inc. and DGLY Subsidiary.
(19)
2.2
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated June 1, 2023, by and among Clover Leaf Capital Corp., CL Merger Sub, Inc., Yntegra Capital Investments LLC, in the capacity as the Purchaser Representative, Kustom Entertainment, Inc. and Digital Ally, Inc.
(27)
3.1(i)(a)
Articles of Incorporation.
(19)
3.1(i)(b)
Articles
of Merger.
(19)
3.1(i)(c)
Certificate of Amendment to Digital Ally, Inc.’s Articles of Incorporation, dated December 8, 2022.
(22)
3.1(i)(d)
Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of Digital Ally, Inc., dated February 6, 2023.
(23)
3.1(ii)
Bylaws
(19)
4.1
Form of Common Stock Certificate.
*
4.2
Form of Certificate of Designation of Series A Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock.
(20)
4.3
Form of Certificate of Designation of Series B Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock.
(20)
4.4
Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant of Digital Ally, Inc., dated August 5, 2019.
(10)
4.5
Form of Pre-Funded Common Stock Purchase Warrant of Digital Ally, dated February 1, 2021.
(13)
4.6
Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant of Digital Ally, dated February 1, 2021.
*
4.7
Form of Senior Secured Convertible Note, issued by Digital Ally, Inc., dated April 5, 2023.
(26)
4.8
Form of Warrant of Digital Ally, Inc., dated April 5, 2023.
(26)
4.9
Revolving Note, dated October 26, 2023, issued by Digital Ally, Inc.to Kompass Kapital Funding, LLC.
(28)
4.10
Description of the Registrant’s Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
(25)
10.1
2005 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan.
(2)
10.2
2006 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan.
(2)
10.3
Form of Stock Option Agreement (ISO and Non-Qualified) 2005 Stock Option Plan.
(2)
10.4
Form of Stock Option Agreement (ISO and Non-Qualified) 2006 Stock Option Plan.
(2)
10.9
Forms of Restricted Stock Agreement for 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plans.
(3)
10.11
2011 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan
(4)
10.12
Form of Stock Option Agreement for 2011 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan
(4)
10.13
Amended and Restated 2015 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan
(5)
10.14
Form of 2015 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan Restricted Stock Grant Agreement.
(25)
10.15
Digital Ally, Inc. 2018 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan.
(9)
10.16
Form of 2018 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan Restricted Stock Grant Agreement.
(25)
10.17
Digital Ally, Inc. 2020 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan.
(11)
10.18
Amendment to Digital Ally, Inc. 2020 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan.
(14)
10.19
Form of 2020 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan Restricted Stock Grant Agreement.
(25)
10.20
Digital Ally, Inc. 2022 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan.
(21)
10.21
Form of 2022 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan Restricted Stock Grant Agreement under the 2022 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan.
(24)
10.22
Proceeds Investment Agreement, dated as July 31, 2018, by and between Digital Ally, Inc. and Brickell Key Investments LP.
(8)
10.23
Letter Agreement, dated as July 31, 2018, by and between Digital Ally, Inc. and Brickell Key Investments LP.
(8)
10.24
Form of Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 11, 2021, by and between Digital Ally, Inc. and the Investors.
(12)
10.25
Form of Placement Agency Agreement, dated January 27, 2021, by and between Digital Ally, Inc. and Kingswood Capital Markets, division of Benchmark Investments, Inc.
(13)
55
10.26
Form of Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 27, 2021, by and between Digital Ally, Inc. and the Investors.
(13)
10.27
Commercial Real Estate Sales Contract, dated February 24, 2021, between Digital Ally, Inc. and DDG Holding, LLC.
(15)
10.28
Form of Operating Agreement of Nobility Healthcare, LLC, dated June 1, 2021.
(16)
10.29
Warrant Exchange Agreement, dated August 19, 2021, by and among Digital Ally, Inc. and the warrant holders who are signatories thereto.
(17)
10.30
Unit Purchase Agreement, dated September 2, 2021.
(18)
10.31
Form
of Exchange Agreement, dated August 23, 2022.
(19)
10.32
Form of Securities Purchase Agreement, dated October 13, 2022, between Digital Ally, Inc. and the investors thereto.
(20)
10.33
Form of Registration Rights Agreement, dated October 13, 2022, by and among Digital Ally, Inc. and the investors named therein.
(20)
10.34
Form of Securities Purchase Agreement, dated April 5, 2023, between Digital Ally, Inc. and certain Purchasers who are signatories thereto.
(26)
10.35
Form of Security Agreement, dated April 5, 2023, between Digital Ally, Inc. and certain holders of Digital Ally, Inc.’s Senior Secured Convertible Notes who are signatories thereto.
(26)
10.36
Form of Trademark Security Agreement, dated April 5, 2023, between Digital Ally, Inc. and a lender.
(26)
10.37
Form of Patent Security Agreement, dated April 5, 2023, between Digital Ally, Inc. and between Digital Ally, Inc. and a lender.
(26)
10.38
Form of Subsidiary Guaranty, dated April 5, 2023, by and among Digital Ally, Inc. and its direct and indirect subsidiaries and a lender.
(26)
10.39
Form of Registration Rights Agreement, dated April 5, 2023, between Digital Ally, Inc. and certain Purchasers, who are signatories thereto.
(26)
10.40
Loan and Security Agreement, dated October 26, 2023, by and between Digital Ally, Inc., Digital Ally Healthcare, LLC, and Kompass Kapital Funding, LLC.
(28)
10.41
Mortgage, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing, dated October 26, 2023, by and between Digital Ally, Inc. and Kompass Kapital Funding, LLC.
(28)
10.42
Lock-Up Agreement, dated June 1, 2023, by and between Clover Leaf Capital Corp., Yntegra Capital Investments, LLC, and Digital Ally, Inc.
(27)
14.1
Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct.
(1)
21.1
Subsidiaries of Registrant
*
23.1
Consent of RBSM LLP
*
24.1
Power of Attorney
*
31.1
Certificate of Stanton E. Ross, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
*
31.2
Certificate of Thomas J. Heckman, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
*
32.1
Certificate of Stanton E. Ross, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
*
32.2
Certificate of Thomas J. Heckman, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
*
97
Digital Ally, Inc. Clawback Policy
*
101.INS
Inline
XBRL Instance Document **
101.SCH
Inline
XBRL Taxonomy Schema **
101.CAL
Inline
XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase **
101.LAB
Inline
XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase **
101.PRE
Inline
XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase **
104
Cover
Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
*Filed
herewith.
**
The XBRL related information in Exhibit 101 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of
Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to liability of that Section and shall not be incorporated
by reference into any filing or other document pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as shall be expressly set forth
by specific reference in such filing or document.
(1)
Filed
as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10KSB for the Year ended December 31, 2007.
(2)
Filed
as an exhibit to the Company’s October 2006 Form SB-2.
(3)
Filed
as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10K for the Year ended December 31, 2009.
(4)
Filed
as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K filed June 1, 2011.
(5)
Filed
as an exhibit to the Company’s Form S-8 filed May 23, 2016.
(6)
Filed
as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K filed August 25, 2017.
(7)
Filed
as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K filed April 4, 2018.
(8)
Filed
as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K filed August 2, 2018.
(9)
Filed
as an exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed August 20, 2018.
(10)
Filed
as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K filed August 5, 2019.
(11)
Filed
as an exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed November 16, 2020.
(12)
Filed
as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K filed January 12, 2021.
(13)
Filed
as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K filed January 28, 2021.
(14)
Filed
as Appendix A to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed April 27, 2021.
(15)
Filed
as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K filed May 3, 2021.
(16)
Filed
as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K filed June 9, 2021.
(17)
Filed
as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K filed August 19, 2021.
(18)
Filed
as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K filed September 9, 2021.
(19)
Filed
as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K filed August 23, 2022.
(20)
Filed
as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K filed October 19, 2022.
(21)
Filed
as Appendix A to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed October 28, 2022.
(22)
Filed
as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K filed December 8, 2022.
(23)
Filed
as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K filed February 7, 2023.
(24)
Filed
as an exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed February 28, 2023.
(25)
Filed
as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10K for the Year ended December 31, 2022.
(26)
Filed
as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K filed April 7, 2023.
(27)
Filed
as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K filed June 6, 2023.
(28)
Filed
as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K filed October 27, 2023.
(b)
No
financial statement schedules have been provided because the information is not required or is shown either in the financial statements
or the notes thereto.
56
Signatures
Pursuant
to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
DIGITAL
ALLY, INC.,
a
Nevada corporation
By:
/s/
Stanton E. Ross
Stanton
E. Ross
Chief
Executive Officer
(Principal
Executive Officer)
Dated:
April 1, 2024
Each
person whose signature appears below authorizes Stanton E. Ross to execute in the name of each such person who is then an officer or
director of the registrant, and to file, any amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K necessary or advisable to enable the registrant
to comply with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission
in respect thereof, which amendments may make such changes in such Report as such attorney-in-fact may deem appropriate.
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.
Signature
and Title
Date
/s/
Stanton E. Ross
April 1, 2024
Stanton
E. Ross, Director and Chief Executive Officer
/s/
Leroy C. Richie
April 1, 2024
Leroy
C. Richie, Director
/s /
D. Duke Daughtery
April 1, 2024
D.
Duke Daughtery
/s/
Thomas J. Heckman
April 1, 2024
Thomas J. Heckman, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary, Treasurer and
Principal Accounting Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
57
DIGITAL
ALLY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page(s)
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID No: 587 )
F-2
Consolidated
Financial Statements:
Consolidated Balance Sheets – December 31, 2023 and 2022
F-4
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
F-5
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
F-7
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
F-8
F- 1
New
York Office:
805
Third Avenue
New
York, NY 10022
212.838-5100
www.rbsmllp.com
Report
of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To
the Stockholders and the
Board
of Directors of
Digital
Ally, Inc. and subsidiaries
Lenexa,
KS
Opinion
on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We
have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Digital Ally, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31,
2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in
the two year period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the financial statements). In our opinion,
the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and
2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flow for each of the years in the two year period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The
Company’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern
The
accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note
1 to the financial statements, the Company has incurred substantial operating losses and will require additional capital to continue
as a going concern. This raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s
plans regarding these matters are also described in Note 1. The financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible
future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities that may result from
the outcome of this uncertainty.
Basis
for Opinion
These
financial statement are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s
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 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 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.
New York, NY Washington DC Mumbai & Pune, India Boca Raton, FL
San Francisco, CA Las Vegas, NV Beijing, China Athens, Greece
Member:
ANTEA International with affiliated offices worldwide
F- 2
Our
audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error
or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits
provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical
Audit Matters
The
critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements
that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relate to accounts or disclosures that are
material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The
communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole,
and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the
accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Goodwill,
Indefinite Life Intangibles and Other Intangibles Impairment Assessments – Entertainment/Ticketing Reporting Unit – Refer
to Notes 1, 8 and 22 to the consolidated financial statements
Critical
Audit Matter Description
As
described in Note 22 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s goodwill and indefinite life intangible asset balance
was $5,886,547 and $600,000, respectively as of December 31, 2023. The Company also has amortizable identifiable intangible assets of
$5,600,000 and $600,000 which are being amortized over 5 years and 4 years, respectively, and are related to the Entertainment/Ticketing
reporting unit. Management tests these assets annually for impairment or more frequently when potential impairment triggering events
are present. Goodwill is tested for impairment by comparing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value. Management
uses a market approach to estimate the fair value of its reporting unit. The key assumptions and estimates utilized in the market approach
primarily include market multiples, peer group and comparable transaction selection and selection of relevant financial matrices for
concluding the fair value of reporting unit, and future levels of revenue growth.
The
principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the goodwill and intangible asset impairment assessments
of the Entertainment/Ticketing reporting unit is a critical audit matter because (i) the significant judgment used by management when
determining the fair value estimates of the reporting units; (ii) the high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity and effort in performing
procedures and evaluating the significant assumptions used in management’s fair value estimates; and (iii) the audit effort involved
in the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge.
How
the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Addressing
the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated
financial statements.
●
These
procedures included, among others, (i) testing management’s process for determining the fair value estimates of the entertainment/ticketing
reporting unit; (ii) testing the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data used in the market approach; and (iii) evaluating
the reasonableness of the significant assumptions used by management related to market multiples, peer group and comparable transaction
selection and selection of relevant financial matrices for concluding the fair value of reporting unit and future levels of revenue
growth.
●
Evaluating
management’s assumptions related to the future levels of revenue growth and involved evaluating whether the assumptions were
reasonable considering (i) current and past performance of the reporting units; (ii) the consistency with external market and industry
data; and (iii) whether these assumptions were consistent with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit.
●
Professionals
with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in evaluating (i) the appropriateness of the market approach and (ii) the
reasonableness of significant assumptions related to the market multiples, peer group and comparable transaction selection and selection
of relevant financial matrices for concluding the fair value of reporting unit and future levels of revenue growth.
/s/ RBSM LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2019.
New York, NY
April 1, 2024
PCAOB ID Number 587
New York, NY Washington DC Mumbai & Pune, India Boca Raton, FL
San Francisco, CA Las Vegas, NV Beijing, China Athens, Greece
Member:
ANTEA International with affiliated offices worldwide
F- 3
DIGITAL
ALLY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER
31, 2023 AND 2022
2023
2022
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 680,549
$ 3,532,199
Accounts receivable-trade, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $ 200,668 – 2023 and $ 152,736 – 2022
1,584,662
2,044,056
Other receivables, net of $ 5,000 allowance – 2023 and $ 0 - 2022 (including $- 0 - due from related parties – 2023 and $ 138,384 – 2022, refer to Note 19)
3,107,634
4,076,522
Inventories, net
3,845,281
6,839,406
Prepaid expenses
6,366,368
8,466,413
Total current assets
15,584,494
24,958,596
Property, plant, and equipment, net
7,283,702
7,898,686
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net
16,510,422
17,872,970
Operating lease right of use assets, net
1,053,159
782,129
Other assets
6,597,032
5,155,681
Total assets
$ 47,028,809
$ 56,668,062
Liabilities and Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
$ 10,732,089
$ 9,477,355
Accrued expenses
3,269,330
1,090,967
Current portion of operating lease obligations
279,538
294,617
Contract liabilities – current
2,937,168
2,154,874
Notes payable – related party – current portion
2,700,000
—
Debt obligations – current
1,260,513
485,373
Warrant derivative liabilities
1,369,738
—
Income taxes payable
61
8,097
Total current liabilities
22,548,437
13,511,283
Long-term liabilities:
Debt obligations – long term
4,853,237
442,467
Operating lease obligation – long term
827,836
555,707
Contract liabilities – long term
7,340,459
5,818,082
Lease deposit
10,445
—
Total liabilities
35,580,414
20,327,539
Commitments and contingencies
-
-
Equity:
Common stock, $ 0.001 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued: 2,800,754 – 2023 and 2,720,170 – 2022
2,801
2,721
Additional paid in capital
128,441,083
127,869,342
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiary
673,292
448,694
Accumulated deficit
( 117,668,781 )
( 91,980,234 )
Total equity
11,448,395
36,340,523
Total liabilities and equity
$ 47,028,809
$ 56,668,062
See
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
F- 4
DIGITAL
ALLY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR
THE YEARS ENDED
DECEMBER
31, 2023 AND 2022
2023
2022
Revenue:
Product
$ 9,347,945
$ 10,999,892
Service and other
18,900,399
26,010,003
Total revenue
28,248,344
37,009,895
Cost of revenue:
Product
9,974,890
14,372,115
Service and other
12,510,970
20,315,839
Total cost of revenue
22,485,860
34,687,954
Gross profit
5,762,484
2,321,941
Selling, general and administrative expenses:
Research and development expense
2,618,746
2,290,293
Selling, advertising and promotional expense
7,137,529
9,312,204
General and administrative expense
18,246,762
20,452,702
Total selling, general and administrative expenses
28,003,037
32,055,199
Operating loss
( 22,240,553 )
( 29,733,258 )
Other income (expense):
Interest income
95,717
131,025
Interest expense
( 3,134,253 )
( 37,196 )
Other income
144,735
—
Other expense
—
( 230,744 )
Loss on accrual for legal settlement
( 1,792,308 )
—
Loss on conversion of convertible debt
( 1,112,705 )
—
Change in fair value of short-term investments
—
( 84,818 )
Change in fair value of warrant derivative liabilities
1,846,642
6,726,638
Change in fair value of contingent consideration promissory notes and earn-out agreements
177,909
516,970
Gain on the extinguishment of liabilities
550,867
—
Gain on extinguishment of warrant derivative liabilities
—
3,624,794
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment
—
212,831
Total other income (loss)
( 3,223,396 )
10,859,500
Loss before income tax benefit (provision)
( 25,463,949 )
( 18,873,758 )
Income tax expense benefit (provision)
—
—
Net loss
( 25,463,949 )
( 18,873,758 )
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests of consolidated subsidiary
( 224,598 )
( 407,933 )
Loss on redemption – Series A & B convertible redeemable preferred stock
—
( 2,385,000 )
Net loss attributable to common stockholders
$ ( 25,688,547 )
$ ( 21,666,691 )
Net loss per share attributable to common information:
Basic
$ ( 9.22 )
$ ( 8.50 )
Diluted
$ ( 9.22 )
$ ( 8.50 )
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic
2,784,894
2,548,549
Diluted
2,784,894
2,548,549
See
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
F- 5
DIGITAL
ALLY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
YEARS
ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022
Noncontrolling
Additional
Interest in
Common Stock
Paid In
consolidated
Accumulated
Shares
Amount
Capital
subsidiary
deficit
Total
Balance, December 31, 2021
2,545,220
$ 2,545
$ 124,476,447
$ 56,453
$ ( 68,672,206 )
$ 55,863,239
Stock-based compensation
—
—
1,282,757
—
—
1,282,757
Restricted common stock grant
35,750
36
( 36 )
—
—
—
Restricted common stock forfeitures
( 3,250 )
( 3 )
3
—
—
—
Distribution to noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiary
—
—
—
( 15,692 )
—
( 15,692 )
Issuance of common stock under rule 144 restrictions related to contemplated spin-off transaction
25,000
25
( 25 )
—
—
—
Repurchase and cancellation of common stock
( 186,299 )
( 186 )
—
—
( 4,026,337 )
( 4,026,523 )
Issuance of common stock through warrant exchange agreement
303,750
304
4,495,196
—
—
4,495,500
Loss on redemption of Series A and Series B Preferred Stock
—
—
( 2,385,000 )
—
—
( 2,385,000 )
Net loss
—
—
—
407,933
( 19,281,691 )
( 18,873,758 )
Balance, December 31, 2022
2,720,171
$ 2,721
$ 127,869,342
$ 448,694
$ ( 91,980,234 )
$ 36,340,523
Balance,
2,720,171
$ 2,721
$ 127,869,342
$ 448,694
$ ( 91,980,234 )
$ 36,340,523
Stock-based compensation
—
—
452,071
—
—
452,071
Restricted common stock grant
35,000
35
( 35 )
—
—
—
Restricted common stock forfeitures
( 3,625 )
( 4 )
4
—
—
—
Conversion of convertible note into common stock
25,000
25
119,725
—
—
119,750
Issuance due to rounding from reverse stock split
24,208
24
( 24 )
—
—
—
Net loss
—
—
—
224,598
( 25,688,547 )
( 25,463,949 )
Balance, December 31, 2023
2,800,754
$ 2,801
$ 128,441,083
$ 673,292
$ ( 117,668,781 )
$ 11,448,395
Balance,
2,800,754
$ 2,801
$ 128,441,083
$ 673,292
$ ( 117,668,781 )
$ 11,448,395
See
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
F- 6
DIGITAL
ALLY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS
ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022
2023
2022
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net loss
$ ( 25,463,949 )
$ ( 18,873,758 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
2,218,237
2,176,679
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment
—
( 212,831 )
Stock based compensation
452,071
1,282,757
Non-cash interest expense
576,380
—
Amortization of debt issuance costs
161,893
—
Gain on extinguishment of liabilities
( 550,867 )
—
Convertible debt discount amortization
2,169,545
—
Loss on conversion of debt
93,386
—
Loss on extinguishment of convertible debt
1,019,319
—
Loss on accrual for legal settlement
1,792,308
—
Provision for doubtful accounts receivable
47,932
( 39,502 )
Provision for doubtful lease receivable
5,000
140,448
Change in fair value of contingent consideration promissory notes and earn-out agreements
( 177,909 )
( 516,970 )
Change in fair value of warrant derivative liability
( 1,846,642 )
( 6,726,638 )
Gain on extinguishment of warrant derivative liabilities
—
( 3,624,794 )
Provision for inventory obsolescence
( 947,080 )
1,574,453
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in:
Accounts receivable – trade
411,462
722,498
Accounts receivable – other (including related party)
963,888
( 2,195,157 )
Inventories
3,941,205
1,245,677
Prepaid expenses
2,100,045
1,293,080
Operating lease right of use assets
340,672
328,772
Other assets
( 1,343,751 )
( 3,048,382 )
Increase (decrease) in:
Accounts payable
1,805,601
4,709,030
Accrued expenses
289,957
( 112,896 )
Accrued interest - related party
95,031
—
Income taxes payable
( 8,036 )
6,270
Lease deposit
10,445
—
Operating lease obligations
( 354,652 )
( 328,772 )
Contract liabilities
2,304,671
3,619,651
Net cash used in operating activities
( 9,893,838 )
( 18,580,385 )
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
( 94,165 )
( 2,068,508 )
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
—
609,559
Purchases of intangible assets
( 146,541 )
( 116,990 )
Proceeds from sale of intangible assets
—
18,975
Cash paid for acquisition of Medical Billing Company
—
( 1,153,627 )
Cash paid for asset acquisition of Medical Billing Company
—
( 230,000 )
Net cash used in investing activities
( 240,706 )
( 2,940,591 )
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Repurchase and cancellation of common stock
—
( 4,026,523 )
Distribution to noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiary
—
( 15,692 )
Net proceeds of convertible debt with detachable warrants
2,640,000
—
Net proceeds of related party note payable
2,700,000
—
Net proceeds of revolving loan agreement – Video Solutions Segment
4,691,745
—
Proceeds – Commercial Extension of Credit – Entertainment Segment
1,455,643
—
Proceeds – Merchant Advances – Video Solutions Segment
1,000,000
—
Payments on convertible debt
( 3,162,500 )
—
Payments on Commercial Extension of Credit – Entertainment Segment
( 1,367,715 )
—
Payments on Merchant Advances – Video Solutions Segment
( 162,000 )
—
Principal payment on EIDL loan
( 2,219 )
—
Principal payment on contingent consideration promissory notes
( 412,460 )
( 527,402 )
Proceeds from issuance of Series A & B convertible redeemable preferred shares, net of issuance costs
—
13,365,000
Redemption of Series A & B convertible redeemable preferred shares
—
( 15,750,000 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
7,380,494
( 6,954,617 )
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
( 2,754,050 )
( 28,475,593 )
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of year
3,532,199
32,007,792
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of year
$ 778,149
$ 3,532,199
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash payments for interest
$ 88,631
$ 49,070
Cash payments for income taxes
$ 1,606
$ 8,730
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Restricted common stock grant
$ 35
$ 61
Restricted common stock forfeitures
$ 4
$ 3
Issuance of contingent consideration earn-out agreement for business acquisitions
$ —
$ 750,000
Issuance of contingent consideration promissory note for asset acquisitions
$ —
$ 105,000
Assets acquired in business acquisitions
$ —
$ 190,631
Goodwill acquired in business acquisitions
$ —
$ 2,100,000
Liabilities assumed in business acquisitions
$ —
$ 387,005
ROU and lease liability recorded on extension of lease
$ 611,702
$ 42,403
Common stock issued due to rounding from reverse stock split
$ 24
$ —
Conversion of convertible notes payable into common stock
$ 119,750
$ —
Issuance of common stock through warrant exchange agreement
$ —
$ 4,495,500
Debt discount on convertible note
$ 3,000,000
$ —
F- 7
DIGITAL
ALLY, INC.
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE
1. NATURE OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Nature
of Business:
Digital
Ally, Inc. was originally incorporated in Nevada on December 13, 2000 as Vegas Petra, Inc. and had no operations until 2004. On November
30, 2004, Vegas Petra, Inc. entered into a Plan of Merger with Digital Ally, Inc., at which time the merged entity was renamed Digital
Ally, Inc. (such merged entity, the “Predecessor Registrant”).
On
August 23, 2022 (the “ Effective Time ”), the Predecessor Registrant merged with and into its wholly owned subsidiary,
DGLY Subsidiary Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “ Registrant ”), pursuant to an agreement and plan of merger, dated
as of August 23, 2022 (the “ Merger Agreement ”), between the Predecessor Registrant and the Registrant, with the Registrant
as the surviving corporation in the merger (such transaction, the “ Merger ”). At the Effective Time, Articles of Merger
were filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada, pursuant to which the Registrant was renamed “Digital Ally, Inc.”
and, by operation of law, succeeded to the assets, continued the business and assumed the rights and obligations of the Predecessor Registrant
immediately prior to the Merger. Under the Nevada Revised Statutes, shareholder approval was not required in connection with the Merger
Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby.
At
the Effective Time, pursuant to the Merger Agreement, (i) each outstanding share of Predecessor Registrant’s common stock, par
value $ 0.001 per share (the “ Predecessor Common Stock ”) automatically converted into one share of common stock, par
value $ 0.001 per share, of the Registrant (“ Registrant Common Stock ”), (ii) each outstanding option, right or warrant
to acquire shares of Predecessor Common Stock converted into an option, right or warrant, as applicable, to acquire an equal number of
shares of Registrant Common Stock under the same terms and conditions as the original options, rights or warrants, and (iii) the directors
and executive officers of the Predecessor Registrant were appointed as directors and executive officers, as applicable, of the Registrant,
each to serve in the same capacity and for the same term as such person served with the Predecessor Registrant immediately before the
Merger.
The
business of the Registrant, Digital Ally, Inc. (with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Digital Ally International, Inc., Shield Products,
LLC, Digital Ally Healthcare, LLC (“Digital Ally Healthcare”), TicketSmarter, Inc. (“TicketSmarter”), Worldwide
Reinsurance, Ltd., Digital Connect, Inc., BirdVu Jets, Inc., Kustom 440, Inc. (“Kustom 440”), Kustom Entertainment, Inc.,
and its majority-owned subsidiary Nobility Healthcare, LLC, collectively, “Digital Ally,” “Digital,” and the
“Company”), is divided into three reportable operating segments: 1) the Video Solutions Segment, 2) the Revenue Cycle Management
Segment and 3) the Ticketing Segment. The Video Solutions Segment is our legacy business that produces digital video imaging, storage
products, disinfectant and related safety products for use in law enforcement, security and commercial applications. This segment includes
both service and product revenues through our subscription models offering cloud and warranty solutions, and hardware sales for video
and health safety solutions. The Revenue Cycle Management Segment provides working capital and back-office services to a variety of healthcare
organizations throughout the country, as a monthly service fee. The Ticketing Segment acts as an intermediary between ticket buyers and
sellers within our secondary ticketing platform, ticketsmarter.com, and we also acquire tickets from primary sellers to then sell through
various platforms. The accounting guidance on Segment Reporting establishes standards for reporting information regarding operating segments
in annual financial statements and requires selected information of those segments to be presented in financial statements. Such required
segment information is included in Note 23.
Reverse
Stock Split
On
February 6, 2023, the Company filed a Certificate of Amendment to its Articles of Incorporation, as amended, with the Secretary of State
of the State of Nevada to effect a 1-for-20 reverse stock split (the “Reverse Stock Split”) of the shares of its common stock.
The Reverse Stock Split was effective as of time of filing. No fractional shares were issued in connection with the Reverse Stock Split.
Any fractional shares of our Common Stock that would have otherwise resulted from the Reverse Stock Split were rounded up to the nearest
whole number. In connection with the Reverse Stock Split, the board of directors of the Company approved appropriate and proportional
adjustments to all outstanding securities or other rights convertible or exercisable into shares of the Company’s common stock,
including, without limitation, all preferred stock, warrants, options, and other equity compensation rights. All historical share and
per-share amounts reflected throughout the Company’s consolidated financial statements and other financial information in this
Report have been adjusted to reflect the Reverse Stock Split as if the split occurred as of the earliest period presented. The par value
per share of the Company’s common stock was not affected by the Reverse Stock Split.
F- 8
Business
Combination
In
June 2023, the Company, entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Clover Leaf Capital Corp.,
a Delaware corporation (Nasdaq: CLOE) (“Clover Leaf”), CL Merger Sub, Inc., a Nevada corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary
of Clover Leaf (“Merger Sub”), Yntegra Capital Investments LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, in the capacity as
the representative from and after the Effective Time (as defined in the Merger Agreement) for the stockholders of Clover Leaf in accordance
with the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, and Kustom Entertainment, Inc., a Nevada corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary
of the Company, with a focus and mission to own and produce events, festivals, and entertainment alongside its evolving primary and secondary
ticketing technologies (“Kustom”). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein
upon the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement (the “Closing”), Merger Sub will merge with
and into Kustom, with Kustom continuing as the surviving corporation in the Merger and a wholly owned subsidiary of Clover Leaf. Upon
the Closing which is subject to the approval of Clover Leaf’s shareholders and the satisfaction or waiver of certain other customary
closing conditions, the common stock of the combined company is expected to be listed on the Nasdaq under a mutually agreed new ticker
symbol that reflects the name “Kustom Entertainment”.
The
following is a summary of the Company’s Significant Accounting Policies:
Basis
of Consolidation :
The
accompanying financial statements include the consolidated accounts of Digital Ally, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Digital Ally International,
Inc., Shield Products, LLC, Digital Ally Healthcare, LLC, TicketSmarter, Inc., Worldwide Reinsurance, Ltd., Digital Connect, Inc., BirdVu
Jets, Inc., Kustom 440, Inc., and its majority-owned subsidiary Nobility Healthcare, LLC. All intercompany balances and transactions
have been eliminated during consolidation.
The
Company formed Digital Ally International, Inc. during August 2009 to facilitate the export sales of its products. The Company formed
Shield Products, LLC in May 2020 to facilitate the sales of its Shield™ line of disinfectant/cleanser products and ThermoVu®
line of temperature monitoring equipment. The Company formed Nobility Healthcare, LLC (“Nobility Healthcare”) in June 2021
to facilitate the operations of its revenue cycle management solutions and back-office services for healthcare organizations. The Company
formed TicketSmarter, Inc. upon its acquisition of Goody Tickets, LLC and TicketSmarter, LLC, to facilitate its global ticketing operations.
The Company formed Worldwide Reinsurance Ltd., which is a captive insurance company domiciled in Bermuda. It will provide primarily liability
insurance coverage to the Company for which insurance may not be currently available or economically feasible in today’s insurance
marketplace. The Company formed Digital Connect, Inc. and BirdVu Jets, Inc. for travel and transportation purposes in 2022. The Company
formed Kustom 440, Inc. in 2022 to create unique entertainment experiences directly for consumers, and Kustom Entertainment, Inc. in
2023 to serve as the participant in the Business Combination.
Fair
Value of Financial Instruments :
The
carrying amounts of financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and subordinated
notes payable approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these items.
Revenue
Recognition :
The
Company applies the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 606-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , and all
related appropriate guidance. The Company recognizes revenue under the core principle to depict the transfer of control to its customers
in an amount reflecting the consideration to which it expects to be entitled. In order to achieve that core principle, the Company applies
the following five-step approach: (1) identify the contract with a customer, (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract,
(3) determine the transaction price, (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (5) recognize
revenue when a performance obligation is satisfied.
The
Company has two different revenue streams, product and service, represented through its three segments. The Company reports all revenues
on a gross basis, other than service revenues from the Company’s entertainment and revenue cycle management segments, Revenues
generated by all segments are reported net of sales taxes.
F- 9
Video
Solutions
The
Company considers customer purchase orders, which in some cases are governed by master sales agreements, to be the contracts with the
customer. In situation where sales are to a distributor, the Company had concluded its contracts are with the distributor as the Company
holds a contract bearing enforceable rights and obligations only with the distributor. As part of part of its consideration for the contract,
the Company evaluates certain factors including the customers’ ability to pay (or credit risk). For each contract, the Company
considers the promise to transfer products, each of which is distinct, to be the identified performance obligations. In determining the
transaction price, the Company evaluates whether the price is subject to refund or adjustment to determine the net consideration to which
it expects to be entitled. As the Company’s standard payment terms are less than one year, it has elected the practical expedient
under ASC 606-10-32-18 to not assess whether a contract has a significant financing component. The Company allocates the transaction
price to each distinct product based on its relative standalone selling price. The product price as specified on the purchase order is
considered the standalone selling price as it is an observable input which depicts the price as if sold to a similar customer in similar
circumstances. Revenue is recognized when control of the product is transferred to the customer (i.e. when the Company’s performance
obligations is satisfied), which typically occurs at shipment. Further in determining whether control has been transferred, the Company
considers if there is a present right to payment and legal title, along with risks and rewards of ownership having transferred to the
customer. Customers do not have a right to return the product other than for warranty reasons for which they would only receive repair
services or replacement products. The Company has also elected the practical expedient under ASC 340-40-25-4 to expense commissions for
product sales when incurred as the amortization period of the commission asset the Company would have otherwise recognized is less than
one year.
Service
and other revenue is comprised of revenues from extended warranties, repair services, cloud revenue and software revenue. Revenue is
recognized upon shipment of the product and acceptance of the service or materials by the end customer for repair services. Revenue for
extended warranty, cloud service or other software-based products is over the term of the contract warranty or service period. A time-elapsed
method is used to measure progress because the Company transfers control evenly over the contractual period. Accordingly, the fixed consideration
related to these revenues is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the contract term, as long as the other revenue recognition
criteria have been met.
The
Company’s multiple performance obligations may include future in-car or body-worn camera devices to be delivered at defined points
within a multi-year contract, and in those arrangements, the Company allocates total arrangement consideration over the life of the multi-year
contract to future deliverables using management’s best estimate of selling price.
Revenue
Cycle Management
The
Company reports revenue cycle management revenues on a net basis, as its primary source of revenue is its end-to-end service fees which
is generally determined as a percentage of the invoice amounts collected. These service fees are reported as revenue monthly upon completion
of the Company’s performance obligation to provide the agreed upon service.
Entertainment
The
Company reports ticketing revenue on a gross or net basis based on management’s assessment of whether the Company is acting as
a principal or agent in the transaction. The determination is based upon the evaluation of control over the event ticket, including the
right to sell the ticket, prior to its transfer to the ticket buyer.
The
Company sells tickets held in inventory, which consists of one performance obligation, being to transfer control of an event ticket to
the buyer upon confirmation of the order. The Company acts as the principal in these transactions as the ticket is owned by the Company
at the time of sale, therefore controlling the ticket prior to transferring to the customer. In these transactions, revenue is recorded
on a gross basis based on the value of the ticket and is recognized when an order is confirmed. Payment is typically due upon delivery
of the ticket.
The
Company also acts as an intermediary between buyers and sellers through online secondary marketplace. Revenues derived from this marketplace
primarily consist of service fees from ticketing operations, and consists of one primary performance obligation, which is facilitating
the transaction between the buyer and seller, being satisfied at the time the order has been confirmed. As the Company does not control
the ticket prior to the transfer, the Company acts as an agent in these transactions. Revenue is recognized on a net basis, net of the
amount due to the seller when an order is confirmed, the seller is then obligated to deliver the tickets to the buyer per the seller’s
listing. Payment is due at the time of sale.
F- 10
Other
Contract
liabilities consist of deferred revenue and include payments received in advance of performance under the contract and are reported separately
as current liabilities and non-current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Such amounts consist of extended warranty contracts,
prepaid cloud services and prepaid installation services and are generally recognized as the respective performance obligations are satisfied.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recognized revenue of $2.6 million related to its contract liabilities. Contract
liabilities consist of deferred revenue and include payments received in advance of performance under the contract and are reported separately
as current liabilities and non-current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Such amounts consist of extended warranty contracts,
prepaid cloud services and prepaid installation services and are generally recognized as the respective performance obligations are satisfied.
Total contract liabilities consist of the following:
SCHEDULE
OF CONTRACT LIABILITIES
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Additions/Reclass
Recognized Revenue
December 31, 2023
Contract liabilities, current
$ 2,154,874
$ 2,538,187
$ 1,755,893
$ 2,937,168
Contract liabilities, non-current
5,818,082
2,328,994
806,617
7,340,459
$ 7,972,956
$ 4,867,181
$ 2,562,510
$ 10,277,627
December 31, 2022
December 31, 2021
Additions/Reclass
Recognized Revenue
December 31, 2022
Contract liabilities, current
$ 1,665,519
$ 1,478,479
$ 989,124
$ 2,154,874
Contract liabilities, non-current
2,687,786
4,560,600
1,430,304
5,818,082
$ 4,353,305
$ 6,039,079
$ 2,419,428
$ 7,972,956
Sales
returns and allowances aggregated $ 117,713 and $ 118,026 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Obligations for
estimated sales returns and allowances are recognized at the time of sales on an accrual basis. The accrual is determined based upon
historical return rates adjusted for known changes in key variables affecting these return rates.
Use
of Estimates :
The
preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America 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 amount of revenues and
expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Management utilizes various other estimates,
including but not limited to, determining the estimated lives of long-lived assets, determining the potential impairment of
long-lived assets, the fair value of warrants, options, the recognition of revenue, inventory valuation reserve, allowances for
doubtful accounts and other receivables, incremental borrowing rate on leases, the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets and other legal
claims and contingencies. The results of any changes in accounting estimates are reflected in the financial statements in the period
in which the changes become evident. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically, and the effects of revisions are reflected
in the period that they are determined to be necessary.
F- 11
Cash
and cash equivalents :
Cash
and cash equivalents include funds on hand, in bank and short-term investments with original maturities of ninety (90) days or less.
The following table shows the Company’s cash and cash equivalents by significant investment category as of December 31, 2023 and
2022:
SCHEDULE
OF SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2023
Adjusted
Cost
Realized
Gains
Realized
Losses
Fair Value
Demand deposits
$ 545,207
$ —
$ —
$ 545,207
Short-term investments with original maturities of 90 days or less (Level 1):
Money market funds
135,342
—
—
135,342
$ 680,549
$ —
$ —
$ 680,549
December 31, 2022
Adjusted
Cost
Realized
Gains
Realized
Losses
Fair Value
Demand deposits
$ 897,745
$ —
$ —
$ 897,745
Short-term investments with original maturities of 90 days or less (Level 1):
Money market funds
2,634,454
—
—
2,634,454
$ 3,532,199
$ —
$ —
$ 3,532,199
The
Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents in banks insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) in accounts that
at times may be in excess of the federally insured limit of $ 250,000 per bank. The Company minimizes this risk by placing its cash deposits
with numerous major financial institutions. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the uninsured balance amounted to $ 29,700 and $ 2,495,189 ,
respectively.
Restricted
Cash :
Restricted
cash of $ 97,600 and $- 0 - was included in other assets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Restricted cash consists of bank
deposits that collateralize our debt obligations.
The
following table provides a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated balance sheets to cash, cash equivalents
and restricted cash in the consolidated statements of cash flows:
SCHEDULE
OF RECONCILIATION OF CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
December 31,
2023
December 31,
2022
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 680,549
$ 3,532,199
Long-term restricted cash included in other assets
97,600
—
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statements of cash flows
$ 778,149
$ 3,532,199
Accounts
Receivable :
Accounts
receivable are carried at original invoice amount less an estimate made for doubtful receivables based on a review of all outstanding
amounts on a weekly basis. The Company determines the allowance for doubtful accounts by regularly evaluating individual customer receivables
and considering a customer’s financial condition, credit history, and current economic conditions.
Trade
receivables are written off when deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of trade receivables previously written off are recorded when received.
A trade receivable is considered to be past due if any portion of the receivable balance is outstanding for more than thirty (30) days
beyond terms. No interest is charged on overdue trade receivables.
Goodwill
and Other Intangibles :
Goodwill
- In connection with acquisitions, the Company applies the provisions of ASC 805, Business Combinations , using the acquisition
method of accounting. The excess purchase price over the fair value of net tangible assets and identifiable intangible assets acquired
is recorded as goodwill. In accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other , the Company assesses goodwill for impairment
annually as of December 31, and more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired.
Goodwill
impairment testing is performed at the reporting unit level. Goodwill is assigned to reporting units at the date the goodwill is initially
recorded. Once goodwill has been assigned to reporting units, it no longer retains its association with a particular acquisition, and
all of the activities within a reporting unit, whether acquired or internally generated, are available to support the value of the goodwill.
F- 12
Traditionally,
goodwill impairment testing is a two-step process. Step one involves comparing the fair value of the reporting units to its carrying
amount. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit is greater than zero and its fair value is greater than its carrying amount, there
is no impairment. If the reporting unit’s carrying amount is greater than the fair value, the second step must be completed to
measure the amount of impairment, if any. Step two involves calculating an implied fair value of goodwill. The Company has adopted ASU
2017-04 which simplifies subsequent goodwill measurement by eliminating step two from the goodwill impairment test. As a result, the
Company compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its respective carrying value and recognizes an impairment charge for the amount
by which the carrying amount exceeded the reporting unit’s fair value.
The
Company determines the fair value of its reporting units using the market approach. Under the market approach, we estimate the fair value
based on multiples of comparable public companies and precedent transactions. Significant estimates in the market approach include: identifying
similar companies with comparable business factors such as size, growth, profitability, risk and return on investment, and assessing
comparable revenue and operating income multiples in estimating the fair value of the reporting unit.
Long-lived
and Other Intangible Assets - The Company periodically assesses potential impairments of its long-lived assets in accordance with
the provisions of ASC 360, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets . An impairment review is performed whenever
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. The Company groups its assets
at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of the other assets and liabilities.
The Company has determined that the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are available is the operating segment level.
Factors
considered by the Company include, but are not limited to, significant underperformance relative to historical or projected operating
results; significant changes in the manner of use of the acquired assets or the strategy for the overall business; and significant negative
industry or economic trends. When the carrying value of a long-lived asset may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or
more of the above indicators of impairment, the Company estimates the future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use
of the asset and its eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected future undiscounted cash flows and eventual disposition is less
than the carrying amount of the asset, the Company recognizes an impairment loss. An impairment loss is reflected as the amount by which
the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset, based on the fair value if available, or discounted cash flows,
if fair value is not available. The Company assessed potential impairments of its long-lived assets as of December 31, 2023 and concluded
that there was no impairment.
Long-lived
assets such as property, plant and equipment and purchased intangible assets subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If circumstances require a long-lived
asset or asset group be tested for possible impairment, the Company first compares undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by
that asset or asset group to its carrying value. If the carrying value of the long-lived asset or asset group is not recoverable on an
undiscounted cash flow basis, an impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds its fair value. Fair value is
determined through various valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow models, quoted market values and third-party appraisals,
as considered necessary.
Intangible
assets include deferred patent costs and license agreements and intangibles related to acquisitions. Legal expenses incurred in preparation of
patent application have been deferred and will be amortized over the useful life of granted patents. Costs incurred in preparation
of applications that are not granted will be charged to expense at that time. The Company has entered into several sublicense
agreements under which it has been assigned the exclusive rights to certain licensed materials used in its products. These
sublicense agreements generally require upfront payments to obtain the exclusive rights to such material. The Company capitalizes
the upfront payments as intangible assets and amortizes such costs over their estimated useful life on a straight-line
method.
Inventories :
Inventories
for the video solutions segment consist of electronic parts, circuitry boards, camera parts and ancillary parts (collectively, “components”),
work-in-process and finished goods. Finished goods that are manufactured and assembled by the Company are carried at the lower of cost
or net realizable value, with cost determined by standard cost methods, which approximate the first-in, first-out method. Inventory costs
include material, labor and manufacturing overhead. Inventories for the entertainment segment consists of tickets to live events purchased,
which are held at lower of cost or net realizable value, and written-off after the event has occurred. Event tickets for the entertainment
segment are carried at lower of cost or net realizable value, and fully written off at the time the event occurs if the ticket is unsold
and remaining in inventory after the completion of the event. Management has established inventory reserves based on estimates of excess
and/or obsolete current inventory.
F- 13
Manufacturing
inventory for the video solutions segment is reviewed for obsolescence and excess quantities on a quarterly basis, based on estimated
future use of quantities on hand, which is determined based on past usage, planned changes to products and known trends in markets and
technology. Changes in support plans or technology could have a significant impact on obsolescence.
To
support our world-wide service operations for the video solutions segment, we maintain service spare parts inventory, which consists
of both consumable and repairable spare parts. Consumable service spare parts are used within our service business to replace worn or
damaged parts in a system during a service call and are generally classified in current inventory as our stock of this inventory turns
relatively quickly. However, if there has been no recent usage for a consumable service spare part, but the part is still necessary to
support systems under service contracts, the part is considered to be non-current and included within non-current inventories within
our consolidated balance sheet. Consumables are charged to cost of goods sold when issued during the service call.
As
these service parts age over the related product group’s post-production service life, we reduce the net carrying value of our
repairable spare part inventory on the consolidated balance sheet to account for the excess that builds over the service life. The post-production
service life of our systems is generally seven to twelve years and, at the end of twelve years, the carrying value for these parts in
our consolidated balance sheet is reduced to zero. We also perform periodic monitoring of our installed base for premature end of service
life events and expense, through cost of sales, the remaining net carrying value of any related spare parts inventory in the period incurred.
Property,
plant and equipment :
Property,
plant and equipment is stated at cost net of accumulated depreciation. Additions and improvements are capitalized while ordinary maintenance
and repair expenditures are charged to expense as incurred. Depreciation is recorded by the straight-line method over the estimated useful
life of the asset, which ranges from three to thirty years, other than the infinite useful life of land. Amortization expense on capitalized
leases is included with depreciation expense. The cost and accumulated depreciation related to assets sold or retired are removed from
the accounts and any gain or loss is credited or charged to income.
Leases :
The
Company determines if an arrangement contains a lease at inception. For arrangements where the Company is the lessee, the Company will
evaluate whether to account for the lease as an operating or finance lease. Operating leases are included in the right of use assets
(ROU) and operating lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2023. Finance leases would be included in
property, plant and equipment, net and long-term debt and finance lease obligations on the balance sheet. The Company had operating leases
for copiers, offices and warehouse space at December 31, 2023 but no financing leases.
ROU
assets and lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement
date. The Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the
operating lease liabilities if the operating lease does not provide an implicit rate. Lease terms may include the option to extend when
Company is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. Lease expense for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line
basis over the lease term.
The
Company elected to apply the short-term lease measurement and recognition exemption in which ROU assets and lease liabilities are not
recognized for short term leases.
Warranties :
The
Company’s video solutions segment products carry explicit product warranties that extend up to two years from the date of shipment.
The Company records a provision for estimated warranty costs based upon historical warranty loss experience and periodically adjusts
these provisions to reflect actual experience. Accrued warranty costs are included in accrued expenses. Extended warranties are offered
on selected products and when a customer purchases an extended warranty the associated proceeds are treated as contract liabilities and
recognized over the term of the extended warranty.
F- 14
Shipping
and Handling Costs :
Shipping
and handling costs video solutions segment for outbound sales orders totaled $ 51,061 and $ 70,749 for the years ended December 31, 2023
and 2022, respectively. Such costs are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Advertising
Costs :
Advertising
expense video solutions segment and entertainment segments includes costs related to trade shows and conventions, promotional material
and supplies, and media costs. Advertising costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred. The Company incurred total advertising
expenses of approximately $ 5,773,965 and $ 7,668,641 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Such costs are included
in selling, advertising and promotional expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Income
Taxes :
Deferred
taxes are provided for by the liability method in which deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and operating
loss and tax credit carryforwards and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences
are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax basis. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a
valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all the deferred tax assets will
not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.
The
Company applies the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”)
No. 740 - Income Taxes that provides a framework for accounting for uncertainty in income taxes and provided a comprehensive model to
recognize, measure, present, and disclose in its financial statements uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax
return. It initially recognizes tax positions in the financial statements when it is more likely than not the position will be sustained
upon examination by the tax authorities. Such tax positions are initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit
that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the tax authority assuming full knowledge of the position
and all relevant facts. Application requires numerous estimates based on available information. The Company considers many factors when
evaluating and estimating its tax positions and tax benefits, and it recognized tax positions and tax benefits may not accurately anticipate
actual outcomes. As it obtains additional information, the Company may need to periodically adjust its recognized tax positions and tax
benefits. These periodic adjustments may have a material impact on its Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The
Company’s policy is to record estimated interest and penalties related to the underpayment of income taxes as income tax expense
in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. There was no interest expense related to the underpayment of estimated taxes during the
years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. There were no penalties in 2023 and 2022.
The
Company is subject to taxation in the United States and various states. As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s tax returns filed
for 2020, 2021 and 2022 and to be filed for 2023 are subject to examination by the relevant taxing authorities. With a few exceptions,
as of December 31, 2023, the Company is no longer subject to Federal, state, or local examinations by tax authorities for taxable years
prior to 2020.
Research
and Development Expenses :
The
Company expenses all research and development costs as incurred, which is generally incurred by the video solutions segment. Development
costs of computer software to be sold, leased, or otherwise marketed are subject to capitalization beginning when a product’s technological
feasibility has been established and ending when a product is available for general release to customers. In most instances, the Company’s
products are released soon after technological feasibility has been established. Costs incurred subsequent to achievement of technological
feasibility were not significant, and software development costs were expensed as incurred during 2023 and 2022.
F- 15
Warrant
Derivative Liabilities :
In
accordance with FASB ASC 815-40, Derivatives and Hedging: Contracts in an Entities Own Equity, entities must consider whether to classify
contracts that may be settled in its own stock, such as warrants to purchase shares of Common Stock, as equity of the entity or as an
asset or liability. If an event that is not within the entity’s control could require net cash settlement, then the contract should
be classified as an asset or a liability rather than as equity. We have determined because the terms of the warrants issued during the
first quarter of 2021, and remain outstanding, include a provision that entitles all the warrant holders to receive cash for their warrants
in the event of a qualifying cash tender offer, while only certain of the holders of the underlying shares of common stock would be entitled
to cash, our warrants should be classified as liability measured at fair value, with changes in fair value each period reported in earnings.
Volatility in the price of our common stock may result in significant changes in the value of the derivatives and resulting gains and
losses on our statement of operations.
Stock-Based
Compensation :
The
Company grants stock-based compensation to its employees, board of directors and certain third-party contractors. Share-based compensation
arrangements may include the issuance of options to purchase common stock in the future or the issuance of restricted stock, which generally
are subject to vesting requirements. The Company records stock-based compensation expense for all stock-based compensation granted based
on the grant-date fair value. The Company recognizes these compensation costs on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period
of the award.
The
Company estimates the grant-date fair value of stock-based compensation using the Black-Scholes valuation model. Assumptions used to
estimate compensation expense are determined as follows:
●
Expected
term is determined using the contractual term and vesting period of the award;
●
Expected
volatility of award grants made in the Company’s plan is measured using the weighted average of historical daily changes in
the market price of the Company’s common stock over the period equal to the expected term of the award;
●
Expected
dividend rate is determined based on expected dividends to be declared;
●
Risk-free
interest rate is equivalent to the implied yield on zero-coupon U.S. Treasury bonds with a maturity equal to the expected term of
the awards; and
●
Forfeitures
are accounted for as they occur.
Segment
Reporting
The
accounting guidance on Segment Reporting establishes standards for reporting information regarding operating segments in annual financial
statements and requires selected information of those segments to be presented in financial statements. Operating segments are identified
as components of an enterprise for which separate discrete financial information is available for evaluation by the chief operating decision
maker (the Company’s Chief Executive Officer or “CODM”) in making decisions on how to allocate resources and assess
performance. The Company’s three operating segments are Video Solutions, Revenue Cycle Management, and Entertainment, each of which
has specific personnel responsible for that business and reports to the CODM. Corporate expenses capture the Company’s corporate
administrative activities, is also to be reported in the segment information. Therefore, its operations are eliminated in consolidation
and is not considered a separate business segment for financial reporting purposes.
F- 16
Contingent
Consideration
In
circumstances where an acquisition involves a contingent consideration arrangement that meets the definition of a liability under the
Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 480, Distinguishing Liabilities
from Equity, the Company recognizes a liability equal to the fair value of the contingent payments the Company expects to make as of
the acquisition date. The Company remeasures this liability each reporting period and records changes in the fair value through the consolidated
statement of operations.
Repurchase
and Cancellation of Shares
From
time to time, the Board may authorize share repurchases of common stock. Shares
repurchased under Board authorizations are held in treasury for general corporate purposes and cancelled when it is determined appropriate
by management. The Company accounts for repurchases of common stock under the cost method. Shares repurchased and cancelled during the
period were recorded as a reduction to stockholders’ equity. See further discussion of the Company’s share repurchase program
in Note 18–Stockholders’ Equity.
Non-Controlling
Interests
Non-controlling
interests in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements represent the interest in subsidiaries held by venture partners. The
venture partners hold noncontrolling interests in the Company’s consolidated subsidiary Nobility Healthcare, LLC. Since the Company
consolidates the financial statements of all wholly-owned and majority owned subsidiaries, the noncontrolling owners’ share of
each subsidiary’s results of operations are deducted and reported as net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in the
Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Redeemable
Preferred Stock
Preferred
stock may be classified as a liability, temporary equity (i.e., mezzanine equity) or permanent equity. In order to determine the appropriate
classification, an evaluation of the cash redemption features is required. Where there exists an absolute right of redemption presently
or in the future, the preferred stock would be classified as a liability. If redemption is contingently redeemable upon the occurrence
of an event that is outside of the issuer’s control, it should be classified as mezzanine equity. The probability that the redemption
event will occur is irrelevant. If no redemption features exist, or if a contingent redemption feature is within the Company’s
control, the preferred stock would be considered equity.
Lease
Receivable
Lease
receivable are carried at the original invoice amount less the total payments received pertaining to each individual customer’s
lease agreement. These agreements range from three to five years and are removed from lease receivables upon termination of the agreement.
The Company determines if an allowance for doubtful accounts by regularly evaluating individual customer lease receivables and considering
a customer’s financial condition, credit history, and current economic conditions. No allowance was deemed necessary for the year
ended December 31, 2023.
Notes
Receivable
Notes
receivable are carried at the original note amount less an estimate made for doubtful receivables based on a review of all outstanding
notes on a quarterly basis. The Company determines the allowance for doubtful accounts by regularly evaluating each note receivable and
considering the borrower’s financial condition, credit history, and current economic conditions. The Company entered into a promissory
note, through its entertainment segment, as part of a co-marketing agreement, with a principal amount of $ 3,000,000 . Principal payment,
since its inception, on this promissory note totaled $ 2,849,846 as of December 31, 2023, resulting in a remaining balance of $ 150,154
maturing December 31, 2023 .
F- 17
New
Accounting Standards
In
November 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2023-07, “Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable
Segment Disclosures” (“ASU 2023-07”), which is intended to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily
through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December
15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The guidance is to
be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. Upon transition, the segment expense categories
and amounts disclosed in the prior periods should be based on the significant segment expense categories identified and disclosed in
the period of adoption. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting this new guidance on our consolidated financial
statements and related disclosures.
In
December 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures”
(“ASU 2023-09”), which modifies the rules on income tax disclosures to require entities to disclose (1) specific categories
in the rate reconciliation, (2) the income or loss from continuing operations before income tax expense or benefit (separated between
domestic and foreign) and (3) income tax expense or benefit from continuing operations (separated by federal, state and foreign). ASU
2023-09 also requires entities to disclose their income tax payments to international, federal, state and local jurisdictions, among
other changes. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted for annual
financial statements that have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. ASU 2023-09 should be applied on a prospective basis,
but retrospective application is permitted. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting this new guidance on our consolidated
financial statements and related disclosures.
Going
Concern Matters and Management’s Plans
The
accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of
assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The Company incurred substantial operating losses in
the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 primarily due to reduced gross margins caused by a combination of
competitors’ introduction of newer products with more advanced features together with significant price cutting of their
products and the recent acquisitions with much smaller margins than the video solutions segment, historically. The Company incurred
operating losses of approximately $ 22.2
million for the year ended December 31, 2023 and $ 29.7
million during the year ended December 31, 2022 and it had an accumulated deficit of $ 117.7
million as of December 31, 2023. These matters raise substantial doubt about Company’s ability to continue as a going
concern. In recent years the Company has accessed the public and private capital markets to raise funding through the issuance of
debt and equity. In that regard, the Company raised approximately $ 66.6 million
in the year ended December 31, 2021 through two underwritten public offerings. These equity raises were utilized to fund its
operations and acquisitions. Management expects to continue this pattern until it achieves positive cash flows from operations,
although it can offer no assurance in this regard.
The
Company will have to restore positive operating cash flows and profitability over the next year and/or raise additional capital to fund
its operational plans, meet its customary payment obligations and otherwise execute its business plan. There can be no assurance that
it will be successful in restoring positive cash flows and profitability, or that it can raise additional financing when needed, and
obtain it on terms acceptable or favorable to the Company.
The
Company has increased its contract liabilities to nearly $ 10.3 million as of December 31, 2023, which results in recurring revenue during
the period of 2023 to 2026. The Company believes that its quality control and cost cutting initiatives, expansion to non-law enforcement
sales channels and new product introduction will eventually restore positive operating cash flows and profitability, although it can
offer no assurances in this regard.
The
Company has significantly cut costs in its entertainment segment through the removal of several large partnerships and sponsorships.
These were not yielding the results management expected; thus, it is not expected that these costs with significantly hinder total revenues
in 2024 and beyond.
In
addition to the initiatives described above, the Board of Directors is conducting a review of a full range of strategic alternatives
to best position the Company for the future including, but not limited to, the sale of all or certain assets, properties or groups of
properties or individual businesses or merger or combination with another company. The result of this review may also include the continued
implementation of the Company’s business plan. There can be no assurance that any additional transactions or financings will result
from this process.
F- 18
In
that regard, the Company, entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with Clover Leaf Capital Corp., with a focus and mission to own
and produce events, festivals, and entertainment alongside its evolving primary and secondary ticketing technologies. Pursuant to the
Merger Agreement, the entertainment segment will become a separate publicly traded Company while the video and revenue cycle management
segments will be retained by Digital Ally, Inc.
Based
on the uncertainties described above, the Company believes its business plan does not alleviate the existence of substantial doubt about
its ability to continue as a going concern within one year from the date of the issuance of these consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments related to the recoverability and classification of
asset amounts or the classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
NOTE
2. CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK AND MAJOR CUSTOMERS
Financial
instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist of accounts receivable. Sales to domestic customers
are typically made on credit and the Company generally does not require collateral while sales to international customers require payment
before shipment or backing by an irrevocable letter or credit. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers’
financial condition and maintains an allowance for estimated losses. Accounts are written off when deemed uncollectible and accounts
receivable are presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts totaled $ 200,668
as of December 31, 2023 and
$ 152,736 as of December 31, 2022.
The
Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents in banks insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) in accounts that
at times may be in excess of the federally insured limit of $ 250,000 per bank. The Company minimizes this risk by placing its cash deposits
with major financial institutions. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the uninsured balance amounted to $ 29,700 and $ 2,495,189 , respectively.
The Company uses primarily a network of unaffiliated distributors for international sales and an employee-based direct sales force for
domestic sales. No international distributor individually exceeded 10 % of total revenues. No one individual customer receivable balance
exceeded 10 % of total accounts receivable as of December 31, 2023.
The
Company’s video solutions segment purchases finished circuit boards and other proprietary component parts from suppliers located
in the United States and on a limited basis from Asia. Although the Company obtains certain of these components from single source suppliers,
it generally owns all tooling and management has located alternative suppliers to reduce the risk in most cases to supplier problems
that could result in significant production delays. The Company has not historically experienced significant supply disruptions from
any of its principal vendors and does not anticipate future supply disruptions. The Company acquires most of its components on a purchase
order basis and does not have long-term contracts with its suppliers.
NOTE
3. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE – ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
The
allowance for doubtful accounts receivable was comprised of the following for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
SCHEDULE
OF ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Beginning balance
$ 152,736
$ 113,234
Provision for bad debts
84,446
126,018
Charge-offs to allowance, net of recoveries
( 36,514 )
( 86,516 )
Ending balance
$ 200,668
$ 152,736
F- 19
NOTE
4. OTHER RECEIVABLES
Other
receivables were the following at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
SCHEDULE OF OTHER
RECEIVABLES
December 31,
2023
December 31,
2022
Notes receivable
$ 150,154
$ 1,598,340
Lease receivable, net
2,940,261
2,339,799
Other
17,219
138,383
Total other receivables
$ 3,107,634
$ 4,076,522
Notes
receivable decreased by over $ 1.4 million at December 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022, primarily due to payments on a note receivable
issued by the Company during 2022. The Company entered into a promissory note, through its entertainment segment, as part of a co-marketing
agreement, with a principal amount of $ 3,000,000 . Principal payment, since its inception, on this promissory note totaled $ 2,849,846
as of December 31, 2023, resulting in a remaining balance of $ 150,154 maturing December 31, 2023. Lease receivable increased by $ 0.6
million primarily due to increased sales under the Company’s subscription model during 2023. The Company determines if an allowance
for doubtful accounts by regularly evaluating notes receivable and individual customer lease receivables, by considering a customer’s
financial condition, credit history, and current economic conditions. The Company recorded an allowance of $ 5,000 and $- 0 - for the years
ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. Other receivables relate to a related party receivable further described in Note 19.
NOTE
5. INVENTORIES
Inventories
consisted of the following at December 31, 2023 and 2022:
SCHEDULE
OF INVENTORIES
December 31,
2023
December 31,
2022
Raw material and component parts– video solutions segment
$ 3,044,653
$ 4,509,165
Work-in-process– video solutions segment
20,396
3,164
Finished goods – video solutions segment
4,623,489
6,846,091
Finished goods – entertainment segment
699,204
970,527
Subtotal
8,387,742
12,328,947
Reserve for excess and obsolete inventory– video solutions segment
( 4,355,666 )
( 5,230,261 )
Reserve for excess and obsolete inventory – entertainment segment
( 186,795 )
( 259,280 )
Total inventories
$ 3,845,281
$ 6,839,406
Finished
goods inventory includes units held by potential customers and sales agents for test and evaluation purposes. The cost of such units
totaled $ 42,797 and $ 171,071 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
NOTE
6. PREPAID EXPENSES
Prepaid
expenses were the following at December 31, 2023 and 2022:
SCHEDULE
OF PREPAID EXPENSE
December 31,
2023
December 31,
2022
Prepaid inventory
$ 5,318,939
$ 6,110,321
Prepaid advertising
612,292
1,931,628
Other
435,137
424,464
Total prepaid expenses
$ 6,366,368
$ 8,466,413
Prepaid
expenses decreased by approximately $ 2.1 million primarily due to a decline in prepaid inventory purchases and advertising in 2023.
F- 20
NOTE
7. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property,
plant and equipment consisted of the following at December 31, 2023 and 2022:
SCHEDULE
OF PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Estimated
Useful Life
December 31,
2023
December 31,
2022
Building
25 years
$ 4,537,037
$ 4,537,037
Land
Infinite
739,734
739,734
Office furniture, fixtures, equipment, and aircraft
3 - 20 years
2,065,092
2,048,169
Warehouse and production equipment
3 - 7 years
29,055
51,302
Demonstration and tradeshow equipment
3 - 7 years
87,987
72,341
Building improvements
5 - 7 years
1,328,654
1,334,374
Total cost
8,787,559
8,782,957
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
( 1,503,857 )
( 884,271 )
Net property, plant and equipment
$ 7,283,702
$ 7,898,686
Depreciation
and amortization of property, plant and equipment aggregated $ 711,103 and $ 614,121 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The cost and accumulated depreciation related to assets sold or retired are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is credited
or charged to income. The Company retired fixed assets during 2023 totaling $ 89,562 resulting in no gain or loss for the year ended December
31, 2023 on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations. The Company retired fixed assets during 2022 totaling $ 549,104
resulting in a gain on sale of assets of $ 212,831 for the year ended December 31, 2022 on the Company’s Consolidated Statement
of Operations.
NOTE
8. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible
assets consisted of the following at December 31, 2023 and 2022:
SCHEDULE OF INTANGIBLE ASSETS
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Gross
value
Accumulated
amortization
Net
carrying
value
Gross
value
Accumulated
amortization
Net
carrying
value
Amortized intangible assets:
Licenses (video solutions segment)
$ 225,545
$ 89,887
$ 135,658
$ 211,183
$ 80,378
$ 130,805
Patents and trademarks (video solutions segment)
483,521
266,403
217,118
472,077
305,021
167,056
Sponsorship agreement network (entertainment segment)
5,600,000
2,613,333
2,986,667
5,600,000
1,493,333
4,106,667
SEO content (entertainment segment)
600,000
350,000
250,000
600,000
200,000
400,000
Personal seat licenses (entertainment
segment)
180,081
14,004
166,077
180,081
8,001
172,080
Website enhancements (entertainment segment)
13,500
—
13,500
—
—
—
Client agreements (revenue cycle management segments)
999,034
226,768
772,266
999,034
126,864
872,170
8,101,681
3,560,395
4,541,286
8,062,375
2,213,597
5,848,778
Indefinite life intangible assets:
Goodwill (entertainment and revenue cycle management segments)
11,367,514
—
11,367,514
11,367,514
—
11,367,514
Trade name (entertainment segment)
600,000
—
600,000
600,000
—
600,000
Patents and trademarks pending
(video solutions segment)
1,622
—
1,622
56,678
—
56,678
Total
$ 20,070,817
$ 3,560,395
$ 16,510,422
$ 20,086,567
$ 2,213,597
$ 17,872,970
F- 21
Patents
and trademarks pending will be amortized beginning at the time they are issued by the appropriate authorities. If issuance of the final
patent or trademark is denied, then the amount deferred will be immediately charged to expense.
Amortization
expense for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $ 1,507,134 and $ 1,562,558 , respectively. Estimated amortization for intangible
assets with definite lives for the next five years ending December 31, 2023, and thereafter is as follows:
SCHEDULE
OF ESTIMATED AMORTIZATION FOR INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Year ending
December 31:
2024
$ 1,502,013
2025
1,409,517
2026
904,979
2027
112,965
2028 and thereafter
611,810
Total
$ 4,541,284
NOTE
9. OTHER ASSETS
Other
assets were the following at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
SCHEDULE OF OTHER ASSETS
December 31,
2023
December 31,
2022
Lease receivable
$ 6,095,050
$ 4,700,923
Sponsorship network
—
116,828
Restricted Cash
97,600
—
Other
404,382
337,930
Total other assets
$ 6,597,032
$ 5,155,681
NOTE
10. DEBT OBLIGATIONS
Debt
obligations is comprised of the following:
SUMMARY
OF DEBT OBLIGATIONS
December 31,
2023
December 31,
2022
Economic injury disaster loan (EIDL)
$ 147,781
$ 150,000
Contingent consideration promissory note – Nobility Healthcare Division Acquisition
129,651
388,955
Contingent consideration promissory note – Nobility Healthcare Division Acquisition
58,819
176,456
Contingent consideration promissory note – Nobility Healthcare Division Acquisition
—
208,083
Contingent consideration promissory note – Nobility Healthcare Division Acquisition
—
4,346
Revolving Loan Agreement
4,880,000
—
Commercial Extension of Credit- Entertainment Segment
87,928
—
Merchant Advances
1,350,000
—
Unamortized debt issuance costs
( 540,429 )
—
Debt obligations
6,113,750
927,840
Less: current maturities of debt obligations
1,260,513
485,373
Debt obligations, long-term
$ 4,853,237
$ 442,467
F- 22
Debt
obligations mature as follows as of December 31, 2023:
SCHEDULE OF MATURITY OF DEBT OBLIGATIONS
December 31,
2023
2024
$ 1,260,513
2025
4,712,154
2026
3,542
2027
3,677
2028 and thereafter
133,864
Total
$ 6,113,750
2020
Small Business Administration Notes .
On
May 12, 2020, the Company received $ 150,000 in loan funding from the SBA under the EIDL program administered by the SBA, which program
was expanded pursuant to the recently enacted CARES Act. The EIDL is evidenced by an unsecured promissory note, dated May 8, 2020, in
the original principal amount of $ 150,000 with the SBA, the lender.
Under
the terms of the note issued under the EIDL program, interest accrues on the outstanding principal at the rate of 3.75 % per annum. The
term of such note is thirty years, though it may be payable sooner upon an event of default under such note. Monthly principal and interest
payments began in November 2022, after being deferred for thirty months after the date of disbursement and total $ 731.00 per month thereafter.
Such note may be prepaid in part or in full, at any time, without penalty. The Company granted the secured party a continuing interest
in and to any and all collateral, including but not limited to tangible and intangible personal property.
The
Company made principal payments of $ 2,219 and $- 0 - for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 and recorded interest expense of $ 5,606
in 2023.
Contingent
Consideration Promissory Notes
On
June 30, 2021, Nobility Healthcare, a subsidiary of the Company, issued a contingent consideration promissory note (the “June Contingent
Note”) in connection with a stock purchase agreement between Nobility Healthcare and a private company (the “June Seller”)
of $ 350,000 . The Contingent Note has a three-year term and bears interest at a rate of 3.00 % per annum. Quarterly principal and interest
payments are deferred for six months and is due in equal quarterly installments on the seventh business day of each quarter. The principal
amount of the June Contingent Note is subject to an earn-out adjustment, being the difference between the $ 975,000 (the “June Projected
Revenue”) and the cash basis revenue (the “June Measurement Period Revenue”) collected by the June Seller in its normal
course of business from the clients existing on June 30, 2021, during the period from October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022 (the
“June Measurement Period”) measured on a quarterly basis and annualized as of the relevant period. If the June Measurement
Period Revenue is less than the June Projected Revenue, such amount will be subtracted from the principal balance of this June Contingent
Note on a dollar-for-dollar basis. If the June Measurement Period Revenue is more than the June Projected Revenue, such amount will be
added to the principal balance of this June Contingent Note on a dollar-for-dollar basis. In no event will the principal balance of this
June Contingent Note become a negative number. The maximum downward earn-out adjustment to the principal balance will be to zero. There
are no limits to the increases to the principal balance of the June Contingent Note as a result of the earn-out adjustments.
The
June Contingent Payment Note is considered to be additional purchase price, therefore the estimated fair value of the contingent liability
is recorded as a liability at the acquisition date and the fair value is considered part of the consideration paid for the acquisition.
Management has recorded the contingent consideration promissory note at its estimated fair value of $ 350,000 at the acquisition date.
Principal payments, since its inception, on this contingent consideration promissory note totaled $ 232,134 . The estimated fair value
of the June Contingent Note at December 31, 2023 is $ 58,819 , representing a decrease in its estimated fair value of $ 117,637 as compared
to its estimated fair value as of December 31, 2022. This reduction only relates to the principal payments made for the year ended December
31, 2023. Therefore, the Company recorded a gain of $- 0 - and $ 27,139 in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended
December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
F- 23
On
August 31, 2021, Nobility Healthcare, issued another contingent consideration promissory note (the “August Contingent Payment Note”)
in connection with a stock purchase agreement between Nobility Healthcare and a private company (the “August Sellers”) of
$ 650,000 . The August Contingent Payment Note has a three-year term and bears interest at a rate of 3.00 % per annum. Quarterly principal
and interest payments are deferred for six months and is due in equal quarterly installments on the seventh business day of each quarter.
The principal amount of the August Contingent Payment Note is subject to an earn-out adjustment, being the difference between the $ 3,000,000
(the “August Projected Revenue”) and the cash basis revenue (the “August Measurement Period Revenue”) collected
by the August Sellers in its normal course of business from the clients existing on September 1, 2021, during the period from December
1, 2021 through November 30, 2022 (the “August Measurement Period”) measured on a quarterly basis and annualized as of the
relevant period. If the August Measurement Period Revenue is less than the August Projected Revenue, such amount will be subtracted from
the principal balance of this August Contingent Payment Note on a dollar-for-dollar basis. If the August Measurement Period Revenue is
more than the August Projected Revenue, such amount will be added to the principal balance of this August Contingent Payment Note on
a dollar-for-dollar basis. In no event will the principal balance of this August Contingent Payment Note become a negative number. The
maximum downward earn-out adjustment to the principal balance will be to zero. There are no limits to the increases to the principal
balance of the August Contingent Payment Note as a result of the earn-out adjustments.
The
August Contingent Payment Note is considered to be additional purchase price, therefore the estimated fair value of the contingent liability
is recorded as a liability at the acquisition date and the fair value is considered part of the consideration paid for the acquisition.
Management has recorded the contingent consideration promissory note at its estimated fair value of $ 650,000 at the acquisition date.
Principal payments, since its inception, on this contingent consideration promissory note totaled $ 552,256 . The estimated fair value
of the August Contingent Note at December 31, 2023 is $ 129,651 , representing a decrease in its estimated fair value of $ 259,303 as compared
to is estimated fair value as of December 31, 2023. This reduction only relates to the principal payments made for the year ended December
31, 2023. Therefore, the Company recorded a loss of $- 0 - and $ 31,907 in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended
December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
On
January 1, 2022, Nobility Healthcare issued another contingent consideration promissory note (the “January Contingent Payment Note”)
in connection with a stock purchase agreement between Nobility Healthcare and a private company (the “January Sellers”) of
$ 750,000 . The January Contingent Payment Note has a two-and-a-half-year term and bears interest at a rate of 3.00 % per annum. Quarterly
principal and interest payments are deferred for seven months and is due in equal quarterly installments on the tenth business day of
each quarter. The principal amount of the January Contingent Payment Note is subject to an earn-out adjustment, being the difference
between $ 3,500,000 (the “January Projected Revenue”) and the cash basis revenue (the “January Measurement Period Revenue”)
collected by the January Sellers in its normal course of business from the clients existing on January 1, 2022, during the period from
April 1, 2022 through March 31, 2023 (the “January Measurement Period”) measured on a quarterly basis and annualized as of
the relevant period. If the January Measurement Period Revenue is less than the January Projected Revenue, such amount will be subtracted
from the principal balance of this January Contingent Payment Note on a dollar-for-dollar basis. If the January Measurement Period Revenue
is more than the January Projected Revenue, such amount will be added to the principal balance of this January Contingent Payment Note
on a dollar-for-dollar basis. In no event will the principal balance of this January Contingent Payment Note become a negative number.
The maximum downward earn-out adjustment to the principal balance will be a reduction to zero. There are no limits to the increases to
the principal balance of the January Contingent Payment Note as a result of the earn-out adjustments.
On
January 1, 2022, Nobility Healthcare issued another contingent consideration promissory note (the “January Contingent Payment Note”)
in connection with a stock purchase agreement between Nobility Healthcare and a private company (the “January Sellers”) of
$ 750,000 . Principal payments, since its inception, on this contingent consideration promissory note totaled $ 153,769 . The estimated fair
value of the January Contingent Note at December 31, 2023 is $- 0 -, representing a decrease in its estimated fair value of $ 208,083 as
compared to its estimated fair value as of December 31, 2022, of which $ 32,936 represents payments made during the year ended December
31, 2023. Therefore, the Company recorded a gain of $ 175,146 and $ 421,085 in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years
ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
F- 24
On
February 1, 2022, Nobility Healthcare issued another contingent consideration promissory note (the “February Contingent Payment
Note”) in connection with an asset purchase agreement between Nobility Healthcare and a private company (the “February Sellers”)
of $ 105,000 . The February Contingent Payment Note has a three-year term and bears interest at a rate of 3.00 % per annum. Quarterly principal
and interest payments are deferred for seven months and are due in equal quarterly installments on the tenth business day of each quarter.
The principal amount of the February Contingent Payment Note is subject to an earn-out adjustment, being the difference between $ 440,000
(the “February Projected Revenue”) and the cash basis revenue (the “February Measurement Period Revenue”) collected
by the February Sellers in its normal course of business from the clients existing on February 1, 2022, during the period from May 1,
2022 through April 30, 2023 (the “February Measurement Period”) measured on a quarterly basis and annualized as of the relevant
period. If the February Measurement Period Revenue is less than the February Projected Revenue, such amount will be subtracted from the
principal balance of this February Contingent Payment Note on a dollar-for-dollar basis. If the February Measurement Period Revenue is
more than the February Projected Revenue, such amount will be added to the principal balance of this February Contingent Payment Note
on a dollar-for-dollar basis. In no event will the principal balance of this February Contingent Payment Note become a negative number.
The maximum downward earn-out adjustment to the principal balance will be a reduction to zero. There are no limits to the increases to
the principal balance of the February Contingent Payment Note as a result of the earn-out adjustments.
The
February Contingent Payment Note is considered to be additional purchase price, therefore the estimated fair value of the contingent
liability is recorded as a liability at the acquisition date and the fair value is considered part of the consideration paid for the
acquisition. Management has recorded the contingent consideration promissory note at its estimated fair value of $ 105,000 at the acquisition
date. The estimated fair value of the February Contingent Note at December 31, 2023 is $- 0 -, representing a decrease in its estimated
fair value of $ 4,347 as compared to its estimated fair value as of December 31, 2022, of which $ 1,584 represents payments made during
the year ended December 31, 2023. Therefore, the Company recorded a gain of $ 2,763 and $ 100,654 in the Consolidated Statements of Operations
for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Contingent
consideration earn-out Agreement – TicketSmarter Acquisition
On
September 1, 2021, TicketSmarter, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company, issued a contingent consideration earn-out agreement (the “TicketSmarter
Earn-Out”) in connection with the Stock Purchase Agreement between TicketSmarter, Inc., Goody Tickets, LLC and TicketSmarter, LLC
(“TicketSmarter”) of up to $ 4,244,400 with a fair value at acquisition of $ 3,700,000 . The TicketSmarter Earn-Out shall be
payable with ninety percent ( 90 %) readily available funds and ten percent ( 10 %) in stock consideration. The principal amount of the TicketSmarter
Earn-Out is subject to an earn-out adjustment, being the difference between the $ 2,896,829 (the “Projected EBITDA”) and the
actual EBITDA (the “Measurement Period EBITDA”) generated by TicketSmarter in its normal course of business, during the period
from September 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021 (the “Measurement Period”). If the Measurement Period EBITDA is less than
seventy percent ( 70 %) of the Projected EBITDA, there will be zero contingent payment. If the Measurement Period EBITDA is between seventy
percent ( 70 %) and one hundred percent ( 100 %) of the Projected EBITDA, then a fractional amount of the contingent payment will be paid
out. If the Measurement Period EBITDA is more than the Projected EBITDA, the full principal balance of this TicketSmarter Earn-Out will
be paid out. In no event will the principal balance of this TicketSmarter Earn-Out become a negative number. The maximum downward earn-out
adjustment to the earn-out balance will be to reduce the balance to zero.
The
contingent consideration earn-out is considered to be additional purchase price, therefore the estimated fair value of the contingent
liability is recorded as a liability at the acquisition date and the fair value is considered part of the consideration paid for the
acquisition. Management has recorded the contingent consideration earn-out at its estimated fair value of $ 3,700,000 at the acquisition
date. Management determined that the actual Measurement Period EBITDA generated by TicketSmarter was less than 70% of the Projected EBITDA
threshold. Therefore, no TicketSmarter Earn-Out payments amounts were due under the agreement. Therefore, the fair value of the contingent
consideration earn-out agreement was reduced to zero, and the resulting gain of $- 0 - and $- 0 - was reported in our Consolidated Statements
of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
F- 25
2023
Commercial Extension of Credit
On
February 23, 2023, the Company’s Entertainment segment entered into an extension of credit in the form of a loan to use in marketing
and operating its business in accordance with the Private Label Agreement previously entered into with the Lender. The Lender agreed
to extend, subject to the conditions hereof, and Borrower agreed to take, a Loan for Principal Sum of $ 1,000,000 .
Lender
shall retain 25 % of each remittance owed to Borrower under the terms of the Private Label Agreement. Such remittances shall include regular
weekly remittances and any additional incentive payments to which the Borrower may be entitled. The 25% withholding of the Borrower’s
applicable remittance shall be deemed a “Payment” under the terms of this Note, and Payments shall continue until the earlier
of (i) repayment of the Principal Sum, accrued Interest, and a fee of $35,000.00 or (ii) expiration of the Private Label Agreement on
December 31, 2023.
During
the year ended December 31, 2023, the Entertainment segment drew an additional $ 455,643 on this agreement, with the principal balance
never exceeding $ 1,000,000 . During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company’s Entertainment segment had repaid $ 1,367,715
towards the principal on the loan through remittances and had an outstanding balance of $ 87,928 .
Convertible
Note
On
April 5, 2023, the Company entered into and consummated the initial closing (the “First Closing”) of the transactions contemplated
by a Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 5, 2023 (the “Purchase Agreement”), between the Company and certain
investors (the “Purchasers”).
At
the First Closing, the Company issued and sold to the Purchasers Senior Secured Convertible Notes in the aggregate original principal
amount of $ 3,000,000 (the “Notes”) and warrants (the “Warrants”). The Purchase Agreement provided for a ten percent
( 10 %) original interest discount resulting in gross proceeds to the Company of $ 2,700,000 . No interest accrues under the Notes. The Warrants
are exercisable for an aggregate 1,125,000 shares comprised of 375,000 warrants at an exercise price of $ 5.50 per share of the Company’s
common stock, par value $ 0.001 (the “Common Stock”), 375,000 warrants at an exercise price of $ 6.50 per share of Common Stock,
and 375,000 warrants at an exercise price of $ 7.50 per share of Common Stock.
Subject
to certain conditions, within 18 months from the effectiveness date and while the Notes remain outstanding, the Purchasers have the right
to require the Company to consummate a second closing of up to an additional $ 3,000,000 of Notes (the “Second Notes”) and
Warrants on the same terms and conditions as the First Closing, except that the Second Notes may be subordinate to a mortgage on the
Company’s headquarters building (the “Bank Mortgage”).
The
Notes are convertible into shares of Common Stock at the election of the Purchasers at any time at a fixed conversion price of $ 5.00
(the “Conversion Price”) per share of Common Stock. The Conversion Price is subject to customary adjustments for stock dividends,
stock splits, reclassifications and the like, and subject to price-based adjustment in the event of any issuances of Common Stock, or
securities convertible, exercisable or exchangeable for, Common Stock at a price below the then-applicable Conversion Price (subject
to certain exceptions). Subject to certain conditions, including certain equity conditions, the Company may redeem some or all of the
then outstanding principal amount of the Note for cash in an amount equal to 110 % of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes (the
“Optional Redemption Amount”). In addition, the Purchasers may, at their option, demand repayment at the Optional Redemption
Amount upon five (5) business days’ written notice following (i) the closing by the Company of the Bank Mortgage, or (ii) a sale
by the Company of Common Stock or Common Stock equivalents.
F- 26
The
Notes rank senior to all outstanding and future indebtedness of the Company and its subsidiaries, and are secured by substantially all
of the Company’s assets, as evidenced by (i) a security agreement entered into at the Closing, (ii) a trademark security agreement
entered into at the Closing, (iii) a patent security agreement entered into at the Closing, (iv) a guaranty executed by all direct and
indirect subsidiaries of the Company pursuant to which each of them has agreed to guaranty the obligations of the Company under the Notes,
and (v) a mortgage on the Company’s headquarters building in favor of the Purchasers.
Also
at the Closing, the Company entered into a Registration Rights Agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) with the Purchasers.
Pursuant to the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company has agreed to prepare and file with the SEC within the 10th business
day following the First Closing (the “Filing Date”) a registration statement covering the resale of the shares of Common
Stock issuable upon conversion of the Notes and exercise of the Warrants, and to use its best efforts to cause such Registration Statement
to be declared effective under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), as promptly as possible, but
in any event no later than 45 days following the Filing Date (the “Effectiveness Date”). If the Registration Statement is
not filed by the Filing Date or is not declared effective by the Effectiveness Date, or under certain other circumstances described in
the Registration Rights Agreement, then the Company shall be obligated to pay, as partial liquidated damages, to each Purchaser an amount
in cash equal to 2 % of the original principal amount of the Notes each month until the applicable event giving rise to such payments
is cured. If the Company fails to pay any partial liquidated damages in full within seven days after the date payable, the Company will
pay interest thereon at a rate of 10 % per annum.
The
Company recognized the full warrant derivative value, with the remaining amount being allocated to the debt obligation. As the warrant
derivative value exceeded the net proceeds from the issuance, the excess amount is recognized as a loss on the date of the issue date.
Thus, the Company recorded a loss of $ 576,380 as an interest expense on the date of issuance relating to the Convertible note. The following
is the assumptions used in calculating the estimated grant-date fair value of the detachable warrants to purchase common stock granted
in connection with the Convertible Note:
SCHEDULE
OF WARRANT TO PURCHASE COMMON STOCK GRANTED
Terms at
April 5, 2023
(issuance date)
Volatility - range
106.0 %
Risk-free rate
3.36 %
Dividend
0 %
Remaining contractual term
5.0 years
Exercise price
$ 5.50 – 7.50
Common stock issuable under the warrants
1,125,000
On
June 2, 2023, the Purchasers elected to convert $ 125,000 principal, at the fixed price of $ 5.00 per share of common stock, 25,000 shares
valued at $ 119,750 . The loss on conversion of convertible note into common shares, of $ 93,386 , was recorded during the period.
On
October 26, 2023, the Company entered into a Revolving Loan Agreement of which a portion of the net proceeds were used to repay the principal
amount of the Convertible debt. The Company made an aggregate payment of $ 3,162,500 from the proceeds, inclusive of fees to retire the
convertible notes. In 2023, the Company amortized $ 2,169,545 in debt issuance costs associated with the convertible notes and expensed
the remaining balance of $ 731,819 upon extinguishment of the notes. As a result a loss on extinguishment of debt totaling $ 1,019,319
was recorded in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2023. The warrants associated with the convertible
debt remain outstanding.
Revolving
Loan Agreement
On
October 26, 2023, the Company entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”)
by and between the Company, Digital Ally Healthcare, Inc., a Nevada corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“Digital
Ally Healthcare” and, together with the Company, the “Borrower”), and Kompass Kapital Funding, LLC, a Kansas limited
liability company (“Kompass”). In connection with the Loan Agreement, on October 26, 2023, the Company entered into a Mortgage,
Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing (the “Mortgage”) by and between the Company, as grantor,
and Kompass, as grantee, and issued a Revolving Note (the “Revolving Note”) to Kompass. The gross proceeds to the Company
are $ 4,880,000 before repaying those certain Senior Secured Convertible Notes issued on April 5, 2023 in the aggregate amount of $ 3,162,500
and paying customary fees and expenses.
F- 27
Pursuant
to the Loan Agreement, Kompass agreed to make revolving loans (the “Revolving Loans”) available to the Borrower as the Borrower
may from time to time request until, but not including, October 26, 2025, and in such amounts as the Borrower may from time to time request,
provided, however, that the aggregate principal balance of the Revolving Loans outstanding at any time shall not exceed the lesser of
$ 4,880,000.00 or an amount equal to eighty percent of the value of the mortgaged property, which consists of the real property owned
by the Company having an address of 14001 Marshall Drive, Lenexa, KS 66215 (the “Mortgaged Property”). Under the Loan Agreement,
the Revolving Loans made by Kompass may be repaid and, subject to customary terms and conditions, borrowed again up to, but not including
October 26, 2025, unless the Revolving Loans are otherwise accelerated, terminated or extended as provided in the Loan Agreement. The
Revolving Loans shall be used by the Borrower for the purpose of working capital and to retire existing debt. Under the Loan Agreement,
the Borrower is required to provide written notice to Kompass prior to creating, assuming or incurring any debt or becoming liable, whether
as endorser, guarantor, surety or otherwise, for any debt or obligation of any other party. While obligations remain outstanding under
the Loan Agreement, the Borrower is required to maintain a minimum balance of $ 97,600 in a reserve account (the “Capital Reserve
Account”). Under the Loan Agreement, the Borrower is prohibited from creating, assuming, incurring or suffering or permitting to
exist any lien of any kind or character upon the collateral, which consists of the Mortgaged Property and the Company’s interest
in the Capital Reserve Account. The Loan Agreement contains customary covenants, representations and warranties by the Borrower.
Pursuant
to the Loan Agreement, the Company issued the Revolving Note to Kompass whereby the Company and Digital Ally Healthcare jointly and severally
promise to pay to the order of Kompass the lesser of (i) $4,880,000.00, or (ii) the aggregate principal amount of all Revolving Loans
outstanding under and pursuant to the Loan Agreement at the maturity or maturities and in the amount or amounts stated on the records
of Kompass, together with interest (computed on the actual number of days elapsed on the basis of a 360 day year) at a floating per annum
rate equal to the greater of (i) the Prime Rate plus four percent or (ii) eight percent, on the aggregate principal amount of all Revolving
Loans outstanding from time to time as provided in the Loan Agreement.
The
Company entered into the Mortgage to secure its obligations under the Loan Agreement. The property mortgaged under the Mortgage consists
of the Mortgaged Property. The Mortgage contains customary covenants, representations and warranties by the Company. In addition, the
Company recorded debt issuance costs of $ 188,255 . During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company amortized $ 16,997 of debt discount
under interest expense, compared to $- 0 - for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Merchant
Cash Advances
In
November 2023, the Company obtained a short-term merchant advance, which totaled $ 1,050,000 ,
from a single lender to fund operations. These advances included origination fees totaling $ 50,000
for net proceeds of $ 1,000,000 .
The advance is, for the most part, is secured by expected future sales transactions of the Company with expected payments on a weekly
basis. The Company will repay an aggregate of $ 1,512,000
to the lender. During 2023, the
Company made repayments totaling $ 162,000
and $ 1,350,000
remained outstanding, which is
expected to be repaid in 2024.
During
the year ended December 2023 the Company amortized $ 142,829 of debt discount under interest expense, compared to $- 0 - for year ended
December 31, 2022.
F- 28
NOTE
11. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
In
accordance with ASC Topic 820 — Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”), the Company utilizes the
market approach to measure fair value for its financial assets and liabilities. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information
generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets, liabilities or a group of assets or liabilities, such as a
business.
ASC
820 utilizes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels.
The following is a brief description of those three levels:
●
Level
1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities
●
Level
2 — Other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities)
●
Level
3 — Significant unobservable inputs (including the Company’s own assumptions in determining the fair value)
The
following table represents the Company’s hierarchy for its financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring
basis as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.
SCHEDULE
OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES MEASURED AT FAIR VALUE ON RECURRING BASIS
December 31, 2023
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Liabilities:
Warrant derivative liabilities
$ —
$ —
$ 1,369,738
$ 1,369,738
Contingent consideration promissory notes and contingent consideration earn-out agreement
—
—
188,470
188,470
$ —
$ —
$ 1,558,208
$ 1,558,208
December 31, 2022
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Liabilities:
Warrant derivative liabilities
$ —
$ —
$ —
$ —
Contingent consideration promissory notes and contingent consideration earn-out agreement
—
—
777,840
777,840
$ —
$ —
$ 777,840
$ 777,840
The
following table represents the change in Level 3 tier value measurements:
SCHEDULE OF FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS CHANGE IN LEVEL 3 INPUTS
Contingent
Consideration
Promissory Notes and Earn-Out Agreement
Warrant Derivative
Liabilities
Balance, December 31, 2022
$ 777,840
$ —
Issuance of warrant derivative liabilities
—
3,216,380
Change in fair value of warrant derivative liabilities
—
( 1,846,642 )
Principal payments on contingent consideration promissory notes – Revenue Cycle Management Acquisitions
( 411,460 )
—
Change in fair value of contingent consideration promissory notes - Revenue Cycle Management Acquisitions
( 177,910 )
—
Balance, December 31, 2023
$ 188,470
$ 1,369,738
F- 29
NOTE
12. ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accrued
expenses consisted of the following at December 31, 2023 and 2022:
SCHEDULE OF ACCRUED EXPENSES
December 31,
2023
December 31,
2022
Accrued warranty expense
$ 17,699
$ 15,694
Accrued litigation costs
2,040,292
247,984
Accrued sales commissions
87,421
55,000
Accrued payroll and related fringes
367,826
504,020
Accrued sales returns and allowances
117,713
118,026
Accrued taxes
150,981
46,408
Accrued interest - related party
95,031
—
Customer deposits
219,462
—
Other
172,905
103,835
Total accrued
expenses
$ 3,269,330
$ 1,090,967
Accrued
warranty expense was comprised of the following for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
SCHEDULE OF ACCRUED WARRANTY EXPENSE
2023
2022
Beginning balance
$ 15,694
$ 13,742
Provision for warranty expense
63,980
71,734
Charges applied to warranty reserve
( 61,975 )
( 69,782 )
Ending balance
$ 17,699
$ 15,694
NOTE
13. INCOME TAXES
The
components of income tax provision (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022 are as follows:
SCHEDULE
OF COMPONENTS OF INCOME TAX PROVISION (BENEFIT)
2023
2022
Current taxes:
Federal
$ —
$ —
State
—
—
Total current taxes
—
—
Deferred tax provision (benefit)
—
—
Income tax provision (benefit)
$ —
$ —
A
reconciliation of the income tax (provision) benefit at the statutory rate of 21% for the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022 to
the Company’s effective tax rate is as follows:
SCHEDULE
OF RECONCILIATION OF INCOME TAX (PROVISION) BENEFIT
2023
2022
U.S. Statutory tax rate
21.0 %
21.0 %
State taxes, net of Federal benefit
6.0 %
6.0 %
Stock based compensation
4.3 %
( 1.5 )%
Change in valuation reserve on deferred tax assets
( 28.8 )%
( 91.2 )%
Termination of warrant derivative liabilities
— %
57.0 %
Contingent consideration for acquisition
( 3.0 )%
4.1 %
Extinguishment of convertible debt
3.2 %
— %
Other, net
( 2.7 )%
4.6 %
Income tax (provision) benefit
— %
— %
The
effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022 varied from the expected statutory rate due to the Company continuing
to provide a 100 % valuation allowance on net deferred tax assets. The Company determined that it was appropriate to continue the full
valuation allowance on net deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2023, primarily because of the current year operating losses.
Significant
components of the Company’s deferred tax assets (liabilities) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
SCHEDULE
OF SIGNIFICANT COMPONENTS OF DEFERRED TAX ASSETS (LIABILITIES)
2023
2022
Deferred tax assets:
Stock-based compensation
$ 305,000
$ 510,000
Start-up costs
110,000
110,000
Inventory reserves
1,120,000
1,355,000
Uniform capitalization of inventory costs
115,000
70,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable
50,000
40,000
Property, plant and equipment depreciation
230,000
290,000
Deferred revenue
2,535,000
1,965,000
Accrued litigation reserve
500,000
60,000
Accrued expenses
35,000
50,000
Net operating loss carryforward
35,365,000
27,940,000
Research and development tax credit carryforward
1,795,000
1,795,000
State jobs credit carryforward
230,000
230,000
Charitable contributions carryforward
95,000
95,000
Total deferred tax assets
42,485,000
34,510,000
Valuation reserve
( 41,610,000 )
( 34,200,000 )
Total deferred tax assets
875,000
310,000
Deferred tax liabilities:
Warrant derivative liabilities
( 455,000 )
—
Intangible assets
( 265,000 )
( 165,000
Domestic international sales company
( 155,000 )
( 145,000 )
Total deferred tax liabilities
( 875,000 )
( 310,000 )
Net deferred tax assets (liability)
$ —
$ —
The
valuation allowance on deferred tax assets totaled $ 41,610,000 and $ 34,200,000 as of December 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively. The Company
records the benefit it will derive in future accounting periods from tax losses and credits and deductible temporary differences as “deferred
tax assets.” In accordance with ASC 740, “Income Taxes,” the Company records a valuation allowance to reduce the carrying
value of our deferred tax assets if, based on all available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax
assets will not be realized.
The
Company incurred operating losses in 2023 and 2022 and it continues to be in a three-year cumulative loss position at December 31, 2023
and 2022. Accordingly, the Company determined there was not sufficient positive evidence regarding its potential for future profits to
outweigh the negative evidence of our three-year cumulative loss position under the guidance provided in ASC 740. Therefore, it determined
to increase our valuation allowance by $ 7,870,000 but continue to fully reserve its deferred tax assets at December 31, 2023. The Company
expects to continue to maintain a full valuation allowance until it determines that it can sustain a level of profitability that demonstrates
its ability to realize these assets. To the extent the Company determines that the realization of some or all of these benefits is more
likely than not based upon expected future taxable income, a portion or all of the valuation allowance will be reversed. Such a reversal
would be recorded as an income tax benefit and, for some portion related to deductions for stock option exercises, an increase in shareholders’
equity.
As
of December 31, 2023, the Company had available approximately $ 140,940,000 of Federal net operating loss carry-forwards available to
offset future taxable income generated. Such tax net operating loss carry-forwards expire between 2025 and 2043, with $ 91,352,000 of
the tax net operating loss carry-forwards have an indefinite life since the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. In addition,
the Company had research and development tax credit carry-forwards totaling $ 1,794,000 available as of December 31, 2023, which expire
between 2024 and 2040 .
The
Internal Revenue Code contains provisions under Section 382 which limit a company’s ability to utilize net operating loss carry-forwards
in the event that it has experienced a more than 50% change in ownership over a three-year period. Current estimates prepared by the
Company indicate that due to ownership changes which have occurred, approximately $ 765,000 of its net operating loss and $ 175,000 of
its research and development tax credit carry-forwards are currently subject to an annual limitation of approximately $ 1,151,000 and
may be further limited by additional ownership changes which may occur in the future. As stated above, the net operating loss and research
and development credit carry-forwards expire between 2024 and 2039 , allowing the Company to potentially utilize all of the limited net
operating loss carry-forwards during the carry-forward period.
As
discussed in Note 1, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” tax positions are evaluated in a two-step process. The
Company first determines whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination. If a tax position
meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, it is then measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial
statements. The tax position is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate
settlement. Management has identified no tax positions taken that would meet or exceed these thresholds and therefore there are no gross
interest, penalties and unrecognized tax expense/benefits that are not expected to ultimately result in payment or receipt of cash in
the consolidated financial statements.
The
effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022 varied from the expected statutory rate due to the Company continuing
to provide a 100 % valuation allowance on net deferred tax assets. The Company determined that it was appropriate to continue the full
valuation allowance on net deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2023, primarily because of the current year operating losses.
The
Company’s federal and state income tax returns are closed for examination purposes by relevant statute and by examination for 2019
and all prior tax years.
F- 30
NOTE
14. OPERATING LEASE
The
Company entered into an operating lease with a third party in October 2019 for copiers used for office and warehouse purposes. The terms
of the lease include 48 monthly payments of $ 1,598 with a maturity date of October 2023. The Company has the option to purchase such
equipment at maturity for its estimated fair market value at that point in time. The lease for the Company’s copier operating lease
expired and was renewed in October 2023.
The
Company entered into an operating lease with a third party in October 2023 for copiers used for office and warehouse purposes. The terms
of the lease include 48 monthly payments of $ 1,786 with a maturity date of October 2027. The Company has the option to purchase such
equipment at maturity for its estimated fair market value at that point in time. The remaining lease term for the Company’s copier
operating lease as of December 31, 2023 was forty-six months .
On
May 13, 2020, the Company entered into an operating lease for new warehouse and office space, which served as its new principal executive
office and primary business location prior to the April 30 purchase and sale agreement. The original lease agreement was amended on August
28, 2020 to correct the footage under lease and monthly payment amounts resulting from such correction. The lease terms, as amended include
no base rent for the first nine months and monthly payments ranging from $ 12,398 to $ 14,741 thereafter, with a termination date of December
2026 . The Company is responsible for property taxes, utilities, insurance and its proportionate share of common area costs related to
its new location. The Company took possession of the leased facilities on June 15, 2020. The remaining lease term for the Company’s
office and warehouse operating lease as of December 31, 2023 was thirty-six months .
On
June 30, 2021, the Company completed the acquisition of its first medical billing company, through Nobility Healthcare. Upon completion
of this acquisition, Nobility Healthcare became responsible for the operating lease for the seller’s office space. The lease terms
include monthly payments ranging from $ 2,648 to $ 2,774 thereafter, with a termination date in July 2024. The Company is responsible for
property taxes, utilities, insurance and its proportionate share of common area costs related to this location. The remaining lease term
for the Company’s office operating lease as of December 31, 2023 was seven months .
On
August 31, 2021, the Company completed the acquisition of its second acquired medical billing company, through Nobility Healthcare. Upon
completion of this acquisition, Nobility Healthcare became responsible for the operating lease for the seller’s office space. The
lease was renewed in April 2023 with favorable terms and payments ranging from $ 7,436 to $ 8,877 thereafter, with a termination date in
March 2030 . The Company is responsible for property taxes, utilities, insurance and its proportionate share of common area costs related
to this location. The remaining term for the Company’s office operating lease was seventy-five months as of December 31, 2023.
On
September 1, 2021, the Company completed the acquisition of Goody Tickets, LLC and TicketSmarter, LLC through TicketSmarter. Upon completion
of this acquisition, the Company became responsible for the operating lease for TicketSmarter’s office space. The lease terms include
monthly payments ranging from $ 7,211 to $ 7,364 thereafter, with a termination date of December 2022 . The Company is responsible for property
taxes, utilities, insurance and its proportionate share of common area costs related to this location. The Company took possession of
the leased facilities on September 1, 2021. The Company currently rents this space on a month-to-month basis with intentions to relocate
upon the identification of suitable space.
On
January 1, 2022, the Company completed the acquisition of a private medical billing company, through its revenue cycle management segment.
Upon completion of this acquisition, the Company became responsible for the operating lease for the seller’s office space. The
lease terms include monthly payments ranging from $ 4,233 to $ 4,626 , with a termination date of June 2025 . The Company is responsible
for property taxes, utilities, insurance and its proportionate share of common area costs related to this location. The Company took
possession of the leased facilities on January 1, 2022. The remaining lease term for the Company’s office and warehouse operating
lease as of December 31, 2023, was seventeen months .
Lease
expense related to the office spaces and copier operating leases was recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Total lease
expense under the five operating leases was approximately $ 534,830 for the year ended December 31, 2023.
The
weighted-average remaining lease term related to the Company’s lease liabilities as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022
was 4.5 years and 3.3 years, respectively.
The
discount rate implicit within the Company’s operating leases was not generally determinable, and therefore, the Company determined
the discount rate based on its incremental borrowing rate on the information available at commencement date. As of commencement date,
the operating lease liabilities reflect a weighted average discount rate of 8 %.
The
following sets forth the operating lease right of use assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2023:
SCHEDULE
OF OPERATING LEASES RIGHT OF USE ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
Assets:
Operating lease right of use assets
$ 1,053,159
Liabilities:
Operating lease obligations-current portion
279,538
Operating lease obligations-less current portion
827,836
Total operating lease obligations
$ 1,107,374
F- 31
Following
are the minimum lease payments for each year and in total.
SCHEDULE
OF FUTURE MINIMUM LEASE PAYMENTS
Year ending December 31:
2024
$ 358,424
2025
311,849
2026
293,300
2027
117,492
Thereafter
235,020
Total undiscounted minimum future lease payments
1,316,085
Imputed interest
( 208,711 )
Total operating lease liability
$ 1,107,374
NOTE
15. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Litigation.
From
time to time, we are notified that we may be a party to a lawsuit or that a claim is being made against us. It is our policy to not disclose
the specifics of any claim or threatened lawsuit until the summons and complaint are actually served on us. After carefully assessing
the claim, and assuming we determine that we are not at fault or we disagree with the damages or relief demanded, we vigorously defend
any lawsuit filed against us. We record a liability when losses are deemed probable and reasonably estimable. When losses are deemed
reasonably possible but not probable, we determine whether it is possible to provide an estimate of the amount of the loss or range of
possible losses for the claim, if material for disclosure. In evaluating matters for accrual and disclosure purposes, we take into consideration
factors such as our historical experience with matters of a similar nature, the specific facts and circumstances asserted, the likelihood
of our prevailing, the availability of insurance, and the severity of any potential loss. We reevaluate and update accruals as matters
progress over time.
On
May 31, 2022, the Company filed a lawsuit against Culp McAuley, Inc. (“defendant”) in the United States District Court for
the District of Kansas. The lawsuit arises from the defendant’s multiple breaches of its obligations to the Company. The Company
seeks monetary damages and injunctive relief based on certain conduct by the defendant. On July 18, 2022, the defendant filed its Answer
to the Company’s Verified Complaint and included Counterclaims alleging breach of contract and seeking monetary damages. On August
8, 2022, the Company filed its Reply and Affirmative Defenses to the Counterclaims by, among other things, denying the allegations and
any and all liability.
As
of December 31, 2023, we are able to estimate a range of reasonably possible loss related to the Culp McCauley case, our estimate of
the aggregate reasonably possible loss (in excess of any accrued amounts) was approximately $ 1.8 million. Our estimate with respect to
the aggregate reasonably possible loss is based upon currently available information and is subject to significant judgment and a variety
of assumptions and known and unknown uncertainties, which may change quickly and significantly from time to time, particularly if and
as we engage with applicable governmental agencies or plaintiffs in connection with a proceeding. Also, the matters underlying the reasonably
possible loss will change from time to time. As a result, actual results may vary significantly from the current estimate.
While
the ultimate resolution is unknown, based on the information currently available, we do not expect that these lawsuits will individually,
or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect to our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. However, the outcome
of any litigation is inherently uncertain and there can be no assurance that any expense, liability or damages that may ultimately result
from the resolution of these matters will be covered by our insurance or will not be in excess of amounts recognized or provided by insurance
coverage and will not have a material adverse effect on our operating results, financial condition or cash flows.
F- 32
General
401
(k) Plan. The Company sponsors a 401(k) retirement savings plan for the benefit of its employees. The plan, as amended, requires
it to provide 100 % matching contributions for employees, who elect to contribute up to 3% of their compensation to the plan and 50 % matching
contributions for employee’s elective deferrals on the next 2% of their contributions. The Company made matching contributions
totaling $ 207,463 and $ 223,084 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Each participant is 100 % vested at all times
in employee and employer matching contributions.
NOTE
16. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
The
Company recorded pre-tax compensation expense related to the grant of stock options and restricted stock issued of $ 452,071 and $ 1,282,757
for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
As
of December 31, 2023, the Company had adopted ten separate stock option and restricted stock plans: (i) the 2005 Stock Option and Restricted
Stock Plan (the “2005 Plan”), (ii) the 2006 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the “2006 Plan”), (iii) the
2007 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the “2007 Plan”), (iv) the 2008 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the
“2008 Plan”), (v) the 2011 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the “2011 Plan”), (vi) the 2013 Stock Option
and Restricted Stock Plan (the “2013 Plan”), (vii) the 2015 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the “2015 Plan”),
(viii) the 2018 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the “2018 Plan”), (ix) the 2020 Stock Option and Restricted Stock
Plan (the “2020 Plan”), and (x) the 2022 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the “2022 Plan”). The 2005 Plan,
2006 Plan, 2007 Plan, 2008 Plan, 2011 Plan, 2013 Plan, 2015 Plan, 2018 Plan, 2020 Plan and 2022 Plan are referred to as the “Plans.”
These
Plans permit the grant of stock options or restricted stock to its employees, non-employee directors and others for up to a total of
333,750 shares of common stock. The 2005 Plan terminated during 2015 with 1,078 shares not awarded or underlying options, which shares
are now unavailable for issuance. Stock options granted under the 2005 Plan that remain unexercised and outstanding as of December 31,
2023 total 284 . The 2006 Plan terminated during 2016 with 2,739 shares not awarded or underlying options, which shares are now unavailable
for issuance. Stock options granted under the 2006 Plan that remain unexercised and outstanding as of December 31, 2023 total 531 . The
2007 Plan terminated during 2017 with 4,733 shares not awarded or underlying options, which shares are now unavailable for issuance.
There are no stock options granted under the 2007 Plan that remain unexercised and outstanding as of December 31, 2023. The 2008 Plan
terminated during 2018 with 2,025 shares not awarded or underlying options, which shares are now unavailable for issuance. There are
no stock options granted under the 2008 Plan that remain unexercised and outstanding as of December 31, 2023.
Our
Board of Directors adopted the 2020 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the “2020 Plan”) on June 30, 2020 and the Company’s
stockholders approved the 2020 Plan at the Annual Meeting held on September 9, 2020. The Company’s stockholders approved an amendment
to the 2020 Plan at the Annual Meeting held on June 22, 2021 which increased the number of shares of Common Stock authorized and reserved
for issuance under the 2020 Plan to a total of 125,000 . A total of 112,958 options and restricted stock have been granted under the 2020
Plan to date. The 2020 Plan also authorizes us to grant (i) to the key employees’ incentive stock options to purchase shares of
Common Stock and non-qualified stock options to purchase shares of Common Stock and restricted stock awards and (ii) to non-employee
directors and consultants non-qualified stock options and restricted stock.
F- 33
Our
Board of Directors adopted the 2022 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the “2022 Plan”) on October 28, 2022 and the
Company’s stockholders approved the 2022 Plan at the Annual Meeting held on December 7, 2022. The number of shares of Common Stock
authorized and reserved for issuance under the 2022 Plan totals 125,000 . The 2022 Plan also authorizes us to grant (i) to the key employees’
incentive stock options to purchase shares of Common Stock and non-qualified stock options to purchase shares of Common Stock and restricted
stock awards and (ii) to non-employee directors and consultants non-qualified stock options and restricted stock.
The
Company believes that such awards better align the interests of our employees with those of its stockholders. Option awards have been
granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of its stock at the date of grant with such option awards generally vesting
based on the completion of continuous service and having ten-year contractual terms. These option awards typically provide for accelerated
vesting if there is a change in control (as defined in the Plans). The Company has registered all shares of common stock that are issuable
under its Plans with the SEC. A total of 137,042 shares remained available for awards under the various Plans as of December 31, 2023.
The
fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option valuation model.
Activity
in the various Plans during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 is reflected in the following table:
SUMMARY OF STOCK OPTIONS OUTSTANDING
Options
Number of
Shares
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
Outstanding at January 1, 2022
54,303
$ 47.40
Granted
1,250
19.60
Exercised
—
—
Forfeited
( 1,603 )
( 80.80 )
Outstanding at December 31, 2022
53,950
$ 45.80
Exercisable at December 31, 2022
53,950
$ 45.80
Options
Number of
Shares
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
Outstanding at January 1, 2023
53,950
$ 45.80
Granted
—
—
Exercised
—
—
Forfeited
( 350 )
( 83.20 )
Outstanding at December 31, 2023
53,600
$ 45.55
Exercisable at December 31, 2023
53,600
$ 45.55
The
fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option valuation model. The total estimated grant
date fair value stock options issued during the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $- 0 - and $ 22,768 , respectively.
The
Company has utilized the following assumptions in its Black-Scholes option valuation model to calculate the estimated grant date fair
value of the options during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
SCHEDULE OF FAIR VALUE OF STOCK OPTIONS ASSUMPTION
2023
2022
Assumptions
Assumptions
Volatility – range
—
111.67 %
Risk-free rate
—
1.81 %
Expected term
—
10.0 years
Exercise price
—
$ 19.60
F- 34
The
Plans allow for the cashless exercise of stock options. This provision allows the option holder to surrender/cancel options with an intrinsic
value equivalent to the purchase/exercise price of other options exercised. There were no shares surrendered pursuant to cashless exercises
during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
At
December 31, 2023 and 2022, the aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding was approximately $- 0 - and $- 0 -, respectively, and the
aggregate intrinsic value of options exercisable was approximately $- 0 - and $- 0 -, respectively.
The
following table summarizes the range of exercise prices and weighted average remaining contractual life for outstanding and exercisable
options under the Company’s option plans as of December 31, 2023:
SCHEDULE OF SHARES AUTHORIZED UNDER STOCK OPTION PLANS BY EXERCISE PRICE RANGE
Outstanding options
Exercisable options
Exercise price
range
Number of
options
Weighted
average
remaining
contractual life
Number of
options
Weighted average
remaining
contractual life
$ 0.01 to $ 49.99
37,000
6.6 years
37,000
6.6 years
$ 50.00 to $ 69.99
15,100
4.5 years
15,100
4.5 years
$ 70.00 to $ 89.99
1,500
2.4 years
1,500
2.4 years
53,600
5.9 years
53,600
5.9 years
Restricted
stock grants. The Board of Directors has granted restricted stock awards under the Plans. Restricted stock awards are valued
on the date of grant and have no purchase price for the recipient. Restricted stock awards typically vest over one to four years corresponding
to anniversaries of the grant date. Under the Plans, unvested shares of restricted stock awards may be forfeited upon the termination
of service to or employment with the Company, depending upon the circumstances of termination. Except for restrictions placed on the
transferability of restricted stock, holders of unvested restricted stock have full stockholder’s rights, including voting rights
and the right to receive cash dividends.
A
summary of all restricted stock activity under the equity compensation plans for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 is as follows:
SUMMARY OF RESTRICTED STOCK ACTIVITY
Number of
Restricted
shares
Weighted
average
grant date
fair value
Nonvested balance, January 1, 2022
52,869
$ 37.40
Granted
60,750
14.67
Vested
( 31,244 )
( 34.73 )
Forfeited
( 3,250 )
( 21.20 )
Nonvested balance, December 31, 2022
79,125
$ 21.73
Number of
Restricted
shares
Weighted
average
grant date
fair value
Nonvested bal
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