+

 

 

 

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

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

 

For the quarterly period ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021

 

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: 001-34887

 

nel.jpg

 

Net Element, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Delaware

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

90-1025599

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

 

3363 NE 163rd Street, Suite 705605

North Miami Beach, Florida

(Address of principal executive offices)

33160

(Zip Code)

 

(305) 507-8808

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Not applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

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

 

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share

NETE

The Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC (Nasdaq Capital Market)

 

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  ☐

Non-accelerated filer   ☒

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 is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒

 

The number of outstanding shares of common stock, $.0001 par value, of the registrant as of November 11, 2020August 13, 2021 was 4,845,211.5,404,287.

 

 

 


 

Net Element, Inc.

 

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

 

Page No.

 PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
   

Item 1.

Financial Statements

3

   
 

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets – at SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 and December 31, 20192020

3

   
 

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss – for the Three and NineSix Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 and 20192020

4

   
 

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – for the NineSix Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 and 20192020

5

   
 

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

6

   

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

21

   

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

3435

   

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

3435

   
 

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

3536

   

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

3536

   

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

3536

   

Item 6.

Exhibits

36

   
 

Signatures

37

 

 

 

 

 

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1 — Financial Statements

 

NET ELEMENT, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

September 30, 2020

  

December 31, 2019

  

June 30, 2021

  

December 31, 2020

 

ASSETS

              

Current assets:

             

Cash

 $2,119,628  $486,604  $3,926,150  $4,541,013 

Accounts receivable, net

  5,252,882   6,560,928  10,760,417  7,109,173 
Due from Mullen Technologies, Inc.  641,000   -  2,039,961 480,000 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

  1,156,689   1,621,144   1,709,847   1,837,972 

Total current assets, net

  9,170,199   8,668,676  18,436,375  13,968,158 

Intangible assets, net

  4,131,500   5,678,649  2,801,626  3,595,326 

Goodwill

  7,681,186   7,681,186  7,681,186  7,681,186 

Operating lease right-of-use asset

  834,089   380,986  732,013  801,062 

Other long term assets

  755,593   629,651   1,121,907   780,998 

Total assets

 $22,572,567  $23,039,148  $30,773,107  $26,826,730 
         

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

              

Current liabilities:

             

Accounts payable

 $5,460,746  $6,037,833  $10,042,807  $7,171,376 

Accrued expenses

  2,402,869   1,800,344  3,082,697  4,604,097 

Deferred revenue

  854,436   1,401,117  1,461,017  1,607,329 
Notes payable (current portion)  27,305   909,086  520,397 1,330,018 

Operating lease liability (current portion)

  32,628   133,727  72,720  140,973 

Due to related party

  222,398   126,662   346,331   216,657 
Total current liabilities  9,000,382   10,408,769  15,525,970 15,070,450 

Operating lease liability (net of current portion)

  801,594   247,259  660,621  660,621 
Notes payable (net of current portion)  9,906,134   8,342,461  8,428,232 8,613,587 
Total liabilities  19,708,110   18,998,489  24,614,823 24,344,658 
         

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

              

Series A Convertible Preferred stock ($.0001 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019)

  -   - 

Common stock ($.0001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized and 4,833,880 and 4,111,082 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively)

  483   410 

Series A Convertible Preferred stock ($.0001 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020)

 0  0 

Common stock ($.0001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized and 5,199,185 and 4,997,349 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively)

 519  499 

Paid in capital

  188,116,981   185,297,069  191,722,577  189,700,103 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

  (2,211,449)  (2,274,187) (2,147,227) (2,259,410)

Accumulated deficit

  (182,771,691)  (178,750,634) (183,123,628) (184,692,067)

Non-controlling interest

  (269,867)  (231,999)  (293,957)  (267,053)

Total stockholders' equity

  2,864,457   4,040,659   6,158,284   2,482,072 

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

 $22,572,567  $23,039,148  $30,773,107  $26,826,730 

 

See Accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Unaudited Financial Statements.

 

 

3

Table of Contents

 

 

NET ELEMENT, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSSINCOME (LOSS)

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended September 30,

  

Three Months Ended June 30,

  

Six Months Ended June 30,

 
 

2020

  

2019

  

2020

  

2019

  

2021

  

2020

  

2021

  

2020

 
                 

Net revenues

                 

Service fees

 $16,734,374  $16,819,686  $46,290,549  $48,354,179  $33,291,935  $13,718,609  $57,077,282  $29,556,175 

Total Revenues

  16,734,374   16,819,686   46,290,549   48,354,179  33,291,935  13,718,609  57,077,282  29,556,175 
                 

Costs and expenses:

                 

Cost of service fees

  14,560,190   14,079,241   39,397,384   40,240,754  29,582,598  11,536,787  50,369,043  24,837,195 

Selling, general and administrative

  1,647,596   2,398,786   5,348,817   7,082,721  2,050,861  1,385,329  3,962,710  3,701,221 

Non-cash compensation

  1,089,113   15,008   1,135,013   2,035,855  11,237  7,500  22,494  45,900 

Bad debt expense

  592,200   423,379   1,068,288   905,877  514,381  33,310  1,209,058  476,088 

Depreciation and amortization

  749,474   755,985   2,301,318   2,354,552   528,884   772,402   1,264,562   1,551,844 

Total costs and operating expenses

  18,638,573   17,672,399   49,250,820   52,619,759   32,687,961   13,735,328   56,827,867   30,612,248 

Loss from operations

  (1,904,199)  (852,713)  (2,960,271)  (4,265,580)

Income (loss) from operations

 603,974  (16,719) 249,415  (1,056,073)

Interest expense

  (360,503)  (270,041)  (1,049,936)  (767,676) (363,312) (341,020) (719,592) (689,433)

Other (expense) income

  (77,784)  83,343   (48,719)  1,281,361 

Net loss from continuing operations before income taxes

  (2,342,486)  (1,039,411)  (4,058,926)  (3,751,895)

Gain on debt forgiveness

 441,492 0 441,492 0 

Late fees due from Mullen

 559,986 0 1,559,961 0 

Other income

  8,971   19,325   10,261   29,065 

Net income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

 1,251,111  (338,414) 1,541,537  (1,716,441)

Income taxes

  -   -   -   -   0   0   0   0 

Net loss from continuing operations

  (2,342,486)  (1,039,411)  (4,058,926)  (3,751,895)

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

 1,251,111  (338,414) 1,541,537  (1,716,441)

Net income attributable to the non-controlling interest

  12,916   28,784   37,869   82,974   12,764   13,724   26,903   24,953 

Net loss attributable to Net Element, Inc. stockholders

  (2,329,570)  (1,010,627)  (4,021,057)  (3,668,921)

Net income (loss) attributable to Net Element, Inc. stockholders

 1,263,875  (324,690) 1,568,440  (1,691,488)

Foreign currency translation

  (2,086)  4,373   62,738   (15,726)  93,601   (65,990)  112,183   64,824 

Comprehensive loss attributable to common stockholders

 $(2,331,656) $(1,006,254) $(3,958,319) $(3,684,647)

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common stockholders

 $1,357,476  $(390,680) $1,680,623  $(1,626,664)
                 

Loss per share - basic and diluted

 $(0.52) $(0.24) $(0.94) $(0.91)

Income (loss) per share - basic and diluted

 $0.21  $(0.08) $0.26  $(0.41)
                 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic and diluted

  4,498,510   4,152,433   4,264,624   4,033,521   5,966,123   4,175,148   5,944,636   4,146,396 

 

See Accompanying Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

4

Table of Contents

 

 

NET ELEMENT, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

  

Six Months Ended June 30,

 
 

2020

  

2019

  

2021

 

2020

 

Cash flows from operating activities

             

Net loss attributable to Net Element, Inc. stockholders

 $(4,021,057) $(3,668,921)

Net income (loss) attributable to Net Element, Inc. stockholders

 $1,568,440  $(1,691,488)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:

             

Non-controlling interest

  (37,869)  (82,974) (26,903) (24,953)

Share based compensation

  1,135,013   2,035,855  22,494  45,899 

Deferred revenue

  (546,681)  (551,566) (146,312) (109,414)
Provision for bad debt  2,847   -  872 (8,668)

Depreciation and amortization

  2,301,318   2,354,552  1,264,562  1,551,844 

Non cash interest

  83,370   36,683  438,151  46,552 

Changes in assets and liabilities:

             

Accounts receivable

  1,355,563   741,381  (3,592,063) 700,506 

Due from Mullen Technologies, Inc.

 (1,559,961) 0 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

  (382,283)  226,353  (58,402) (287,386)

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

  (157,498)  (2,488,057)  896,151   (538,178)

Net cash used in operating activities

  (267,277)  (1,396,694)  (1,192,971)  (315,286)
         

Cash flows from investing activities:

             

Client acquisition costs

  (439,071)  (1,622,482) (333,050) (359,350)

Purchase of equipment and changes in other assets

  (579,045)  (463,628)  (53,588)  (35,666)

Net cash used in investing activities

  (1,018,116)  (2,086,110)  (386,638)  (395,016)
         

Cash flows from financing activities:

             
Proceeds from SBA Loans  651,392   -  0 651,392 

Proceeds from indebtedness

  1,684,970   2,036,684  2,287,339  174,314 
Repayment of indebtedness  -   (319,288) (994,959) 0 

Lease liability

  453,236   411,996  (68,253) (64,868)

Related party advances

  229,709   252,503   2,295   159,432 

Net cash provided by financing activities

  3,019,307   2,381,895   1,226,422   920,270 
         

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

  25,052   (284)  (61,767)  14,589 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and restricted cash

  1,758,966   (1,101,193)

Net (decrease) increase in cash and restricted cash

 (414,954) 224,557 
         

Cash and restricted cash at beginning of period

  1,116,255   2,249,551   5,322,011   1,116,255 

Cash and restricted cash at end of period

 $2,875,221  $1,148,358  $4,907,057  $1,340,812 
         

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information

             

Cash paid during the period for:

             

Interest

 $966,566  $730,993  $281,441  $336,120 

Taxes

 $92,259  $120,544  $205,200  $0 

Non Cash activities:

     

Shares issued for redemption of indebtedness

 $1,999,980 $0 

 

See Accompanying Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

5

Table of Contents

 

NET ELEMENT, INC.

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

The accompanying SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Certain information and note disclosures normally included in the annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations, but we believe the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal and recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation have been included in the condensed consolidated financial statements included herein. These statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. 2020. The results of operations for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full fiscal year or any other periods.

 

The condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements contained in this report include the accounts of Net Element, Inc., and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

 

NOTE 2. ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS

 

Net Element, Inc. (collectively with its subsidiaries, “Net Element”, “we”, “us”, “our” or the “Company”) is a financial technology-driven group specializing in payment acceptance and value-added solutions across multiple channels in the United States and selected international markets. We are differentiated by our proprietary technology which enables us to provide a broad suite of payment products and end-to-end transaction processing services. Our transactional services business enables merchants to accept credit cards as well as other forms of payment, including debit cards, checks, gift cards, loyalty programs and alternative payment methods in traditional card-present or swipe transactions, as well as card-not-presentcard-not-present transactions, such as those conducted over the phone or through the Internet or a mobile device. We operate in two reportable business operating segments: (i) North American Transaction Solutions, and (ii) International Transaction Solutions.

 

We are able to deliver our services across multiple points of access, or “multi-channel,” including brick and mortar locations, software integration, e-commerce, mobile operator billing, mobile and tablet-based solutions. In the United States, via our U.S. based subsidiaries, we generate revenues from transactional services and other payment technologies for small and medium-sized businesses. Through PayOnline, we provide transactional services, mobile payment transactions, online payment transactions and other payment technologies in emerging countries in the Eurasian Economic Community ("EAEC"), Europe and Asia.

 

Our transactional services business enables merchants to accept credit cards as well as other forms of payment, including debit cards, checks, gift cards, loyalty programs and alternative payment methods in traditional card-present or swipe transactions, as well as card-not-presentcard-not-present transactions, such as those conducted over the phone or through the Internet or a mobile device. We market and sell our services through both independent sales groups (“ISGs”), which are non-employee, external sales organizations and other third-partythird-party resellers of our products and services, and directly to merchants through electronic media, telemarketing and other programs, including utilizing partnerships with other companies that market products and services to local and international merchants. We have agreements with several banks that sponsor us for membership in the Visa ®, MasterCard ®, American Express ®, and Discover ® card associations and settle card transactions for our merchants. These sponsoring banks include Citizens Bank, Esquire Bank, N.A. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. From time to time, we may enter into agreements with additional banks. We perform core functions for merchants such as application processing, underwriting, account set-up, risk management, fraud detection, merchant assistance and support, equipment deployment and chargeback services.

 

Our Mobile Solutions business, PayOnline, provides relationships and contracts with mobile operators that gives us the ability to offer our clients in-app, premium SMS (short message services, which is a text messaging service), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)-click, one click and other carrier billing services. PayOnline provides flexible high- tech payment solutions to companies doing business on the Internet or in the mobile environment. PayOnline specializes in integration and customization of payment solutions for websites and mobile apps. In particular, PayOnline arranges payment on the website of any commercial organization, which increases the convenience of using the website and helps maximize the number of successful transactions. In addition, PayOnline is focused on providing online and mobile payment acceptance services to the travel industry through direct integration with leading Global Distribution Systems (“GDS”), which include Amadeus® and Sabre®. Key geographic regions that PayOnline serves include Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Western Europe, North America and Asia major sub regions. The PayOnline office is located in Moscow, Russia.

 

Also part of our transactional services business, Aptito is a proprietary, cloud-based payments platform for the hospitality industry, which creates an online consumer experience in offline commerce environments via tablet, mobile and all other cloud-connected devices. Aptito’s easy to use point-of-sale (“POS”) system makes things easier by providing a comprehensive solution to the hospitality industry to help streamline management and operations. Orders placed tableside by customers directly speed up the ordering process and improve overall efficiency. Aptito's mobile POS system provides portability to the staff while performing all the same functions as a traditional POS system.

 

 

6

 

NOTE 3. LIQUIDITY AND GOING CONCERN CONSIDERATIONS

 

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. We sustainedhad net income attributable to common stockholders of approximately $1.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and a net loss attributable to common stockholders of approximately $4.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and $6.5$5.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 2020 and have an accumulated deficit of approximately $182.8 million$183,123,628 and a negativepositive working capital of approximately $0.3$2.9 million at SeptemberJune 30, 2020.2021. A significant portion of this positive working capital at June 30, 2021 relates to amounts due from Mullen Technologies which remains unpaid (See Note 5 - Due from Mullen).

 

The continuingCOVID-19 outbreak has resulted in government authorities around the world implementing numerous measures to try to reduce the spread of COVID-19, such as travel bans and restrictions, quarantines, promotion of social distancing measures, “shelter-in-place,” “stay-at-home,” total lock-down orders, business limitations or shutdowns and similar orders.  More recently, many news agencies have reported the spread of new variants of COVID-19, such as the Delta variant, that are significantly more contagious than previous strains. The spread of these new strains are causing some government authorities to reimplement the aforementioned measures, and some businesses to implement their own restrictions, to try to reduce the spread of COVID-19 that had become less prevalent. 

The COVID-19 pandemic and these measures have significantly impacted, and may continue to impact, the restaurant and hospitality industries. As a result, the Company’s revenues, which are largely tied to processing volumes in these verticals, were materially impacted during 2020. Since the quarter ended December 31, 2020, the Company has seen a significant recovery in its end-to-end payment volumes as some merchants began resuming their normal operations. However, while end-to-end volumes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 have exceeded those for the respective three and six months ended June 30, 2020, the ultimate impact that the COVID-19 pandemic and, in particular, the highly contagious Delta variant, will have on the Company’s consolidated results of operations in future periods remains uncertain and will depend on future developments, which are continuously evolving and cannot be predicted. This includes, but is not limited to, the duration and spread of the novel coronavirusCOVID-19 pandemic (“COVID-19”) is currently impacting countries, communities, supply chains and markets, global financial markets,the Delta variant, its severity, the emergence and severity of other variants, the availability and the efficacy of vaccines (particularly with respect to emerging strains of the virus) and potential hesitancy to utilize them, other protective actions taken to contain the virus or treat its impact, such as well as, the largest industry group serviced by our Company.restrictions on indoor dining, travel and transportation, and how quickly and to what extent normal economic and operating conditions will continue. The Company cannot predict, at this time, whether COVID-19 will continue to have a material impact on our future financial conditionevaluate the nature and extent of these potential impacts to its business, consolidated results of operations, due to understaffing in the service sector and the decrease in revenues and profits, particularly restaurants, and any possible future government ordinances that may further restrict restaurant and other service or retail sectors operations.liquidity.

 

During March 2020, our Company evaluated its liquidity position, future operating plans, and its labor force, which included a reduction in the labor force and compensation to executives and other employees, in order to maintain current payment processing functions, capabilities, and continued customer service to its merchants. We are also seeking sources of capital to pay our contractual obligations as they come due, in light of these uncertain times. Management believes that its operating strategy will provide the opportunity for us to continue as a going concern as long as we are able to obtain additional financing. At this time, due to our continuing losses from operations, negative working capital,the unprecedented and the COVID-19 pandemic,rapid spread of COVID-19 and its variants, we cannot predict the impact of these conditions on our ability to obtain financing necessary for the Company to fund its future working capital requirements.  Our Company has also decided to explore strategic alternatives and potential options for its business, including sale of the Company or certain assets, licensing of technology, spin-offs, or a business combination. Accordingly, the Company has entered into a merger agreement in connection with the contemplated merger with Mullen Automotive (as defined below) and certain related transactions, including a divestiture of the Company’s existing business operations. See below and Note 14Subsequent Events for additional information. There can be no assurance, at this time, regarding the eventual outcome of our planned strategic alternatives.  In most respects, it is still too early inalternatives, including such merger and the COVID-19 pandemic to be able to quantify or qualify the longer-term ramifications on our merchant processing business, our merchants, our planned strategic alternatives to enhance current shareholder value, our current investors, and/or future potential investors.related transactions.

 

On March 27, 2020, our Company entered into a Master Exchange Agreement (the “ESOUSA Agreement”) with ESOUSA Holdings, LLC ("ESOUSA"), a related party. Prior to entering into the ESOUSA Agreement, ESOUSA agreed to acquire an existing promissory note that had been previously issued by the Company, of up to $2,000,000 in principal amount outstanding plus interest due to RBL Capital Group, LLC ("RBL"). Pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement, the Company hashad the right, at any time prior to March 27, 2021, to request ESOUSA, and ESOUSA agreed upon each such request, to exchange this promissory note in tranches on the dates when the Company instructs ESOUSA, for such number of shares of the Company’s common stock (“Common Stock”) as determined under the ESOUSA Agreement based upon the number of shares of Common Stock (already in ESOUSA’s possession) that ESOUSA sold in order to finance its purchase of such tranche of the promissory note from RBL Capital Group, LLC.RBL. ESOUSA will purchase each tranche of the promissory note equal to 88% of the gross proceeds from the shares of Common Stock sold by ESOUSA to finance the purchase of such Exchange Amountexchange amount from RBL Capital Group, LLC.RBL. Each such tranche to be $148,000 unless otherwise agreed to by the Company and ESOUSA.

 

On April 23, 2020 and August 3, 2020, the Company entered into certain amendments to the ESOUSA Agreement, which together increased from $2,000,000$2,000,000 to $15,000,000 the principal amount and unpaid interest of one or more promissory notes of the Company or its direct or indirect subsidiaries that ESOUSA either purchased in whole or has an irrevocable right to purchase in tranches from RBL in connection with the ESOUSA Agreement.

 

On March 27, 2020, the Company received its first tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $148,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement. Included in other accrued expenses at SeptemberJune 30, 2020 2021 is approximately $145,000 in connection with this first tranche for which shares of Common Stock have not yet been issued. Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $148,000$148,000 from RBL under the Loan and Security Agreement (“Credit Facility”) with RBL.

 

On April 28, 2020, the Company received its second tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $143,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.  The Company issued 65,862 shares of Common Stock to ESOUSA in connection with this exchange.  Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $143,000$143,000 from RBL under the Credit Facility. 

 

On August 11, 2020, the Company received its third tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $707,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.  The Company issued 66,190 shares of Common Stock to ESOUSA in connection with this exchange.  Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $707,000 from RBL under the Credit Facility. 

 

On August 21, 2020, the Company received its fourth tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $401,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.  The Company issued 45,654 shares of Common Stock to ESOUSA in connection with this exchange.  Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $401,000 from RBL under the Credit Facility. 

 

On September 25, 2020, the Company received its fifth tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $426,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.  The Company issued 50,000 shares of Common Stock to ESOUSA in connection with this exchange.  Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $426,000 from RBL under the Credit Facility. 

 

On December 30, 2020, the Company received its sixth tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $1,960,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement. The Company issued 200,000 shares of Common Stock to ESOUSA in connection with this exchange. Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $1,960,000 from RBL under the Credit Facility.

On July 9, 2021, the Company entered into a new Master Exchange Agreement with ESOUSA.  See Note 14 - Subsequent Events for additional information.

Mullen Merger and Related Transactions

On August 4, 2020, ourthe Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Mullen Technologies, Inc., a California corporation (“Mullen”), and Mullen Acquisition, Inc., a California corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Merger Sub”), which was amended on December 29, 2020, March 30, 2021 and April 30, 2021 (as amended, the “Original Merger Agreement”). Pursuant to, and on the terms and subject to the conditions of, the Original Merger Agreement, Merger Sub was to be merged with and into Mullen, with Mullen continuing as the surviving corporation in such merger.

On May 14, 2021, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Prior Restated Merger Agreement”) with Mullen, Merger Sub and Mullen Automotive, Inc. (“Mullen Automotive”), a California corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mullen, which amended, restated and replaced in its entirety the Original Merger Agreement.  On July 20, 2021, the parties entered into a Second Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Restated Merger Agreement”), which amended, restated and replaced in its entirety the Prior Restated Merger Agreement. Pursuant to, and on the terms and subject to the conditions of, the Restated Merger Agreement, Merger Sub will be merged with and into Mullen Automotive (the “Merger”), with Mullen Automotive continuing as the surviving corporation in the Merger. After Mullen’s completion and delivery to our Company, of the audited financial statements for Mullen and its subsidiaries and affiliates required to be included in a registration statement, the Company intends to prepare and file with the Commission a registration statement on Form S-4 (together with all amendments thereto, the “Registration Statement”) in which the proxy statement will be included as a part of the prospectus, in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of the shares of Parent Shares to be issued in connection with the transactions contemplated in the Merger Agreement. (See Note 14 - Subsequent Events).

The Restated Merger Agreement contains termination rights for each of the Company and Mullen Automotive, including, among others, (i) in the event that the Merger has not been consummated by DecemberAugust 31, 2020, (ii)2021, (ii) in the event that the requisite approval of the Company’s stockholders is not obtained upon a vote thereon, (iii) in the event that any governmental authority shall have taken action to restrain, enjoin or prohibit the consummation of the Merger, which action shall have become final and non-appealable and (iv) in the event that there is a breach by the other party of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements, which breach is sufficiently material and not timely cured or curable. In addition, Mullen Automotive may terminate the Restated Merger Agreement if, prior to receipt of the requisite approval of the Company’s stockholders, the Company’s board of directors shall have changed their recommendation in respect of the Merger. Further, the Company may terminate the Restated Merger Agreement prior to receipt of the requisite approval of the Company’s stockholders to enter into a definitive agreement with respect to a Superior Proposal (as such term is defined in the Restated Merger Agreement).

The consummation of the Merger is subject to (i) the Merger and the shares of Company common stock to be issued in connection with the Merger and other transactions contemplated by the Restated Merger Agreement being approved and authorized for the listing on Nasdaq and (ii) the Company’s and its subsidiaries aggregate cash and cash equivalents plus amounts lent by the Company to Mullen Automotive pursuant to the Restated Merger Agreement less accounts payable and debt (exclusive of unfunded warrant proceeds) is $10,000,000 less legal fees as set forth in the Restated Merger Agreement, the Late Fees (as defined below), $500,000 previously lent by the Company to Mullen pursuant to the Mullen Note (as defined below) together with all accrued interested thereon (the “Net Cash Position”). The parties to the Restated Merger Agreement intend that the Company will effect a private placement of the Company common stock prior to the Merger Effective Time (the “Private Placement”) in order to raise sufficient capital for the Net Cash Position.

The parties to the Restated Merger Agreement intend that the number of shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding immediately after the Merger effective time on a fully diluted and fully converted basis will not exceed 75,000,000, with 15% of such common stock outstanding immediately after the Merger effective time on a fully diluted and fully converted basis to be allocated to the persons that hold shares of the Company common stock immediately prior to the Merger effective time (subject to upward adjustment described below).

The Company and Mullen Automotive may agree that the Company may raise additional capital beyond the Net Cash Position. In such event, Mullen Automotive and its pre-Merger shareholders shall solely absorb all of the dilution from such additional capital raise beyond the Net Cash Position for purposes of allocating ownership between the Company pre-Merger stockholders, on the one hand, and all other parties, on the other hand.

The parties to the Restated Merger Agreement intend that, prior to the Merger effective time but, subject to and after the Company’s stockholders’ approval, the Company will divest itself of its existing business operations to another party, and will cause such party to assume all liabilities of the Company directly related to its operations of its existing business immediately prior to the closing of such divestiture (the “Divestiture”).   On July 20, 2021, the Company entered into a divestiture agreement (the “Divestiture Agreement”) with RBL relating to the contemplated Divestiture.  See Note 14 - Subsequent Events for additional information.

 

As was contemplated by the Original Merger Agreement, on August 11, 2020, ourthe Company as lender, entered into an unsecured Promissory Note, dated August 11, 2020 (the “Note”(the “Mullen Note”), with Mullen. Pursuant to the Mullen Note, Mullen borrowed from the Company $500,000. Prior to maturity of the loan, the principal amount of the loan will carry an interest rate of 14% per annum compounded monthly and payable upon demand. This loan will mature on the earlier of (i) the date that the Merger Agreementmerger agreement is terminated for any reason by any party thereto and (ii) the Merger Effective Time (as definedeffective time.

In addition, pursuant to the Original Merger Agreement, the Company, Mullen and Merger Sub agreed that, if the registration statement on Form S-4 (with the merger proxy statement included as part of the prospectus) was not filed with the Commission on or prior to January 15, 2021, then Mullen would pay the Company an agreed sum of $13,333 per day (the “Late Fee”) until the such registration statement (with the merger proxy statement included as part of the prospectus) is filed with the Commission. All accumulated Late Fees will be due and payable by Mullen on the 5th day of each calendar month commencing February 5, 2021 and on the 5th day of each month thereafter until the above-refenced filing has occurred. An initial Form S-4 registration statement was filed on May 14, 2021. The parties to the Restated Merger Agreement agreed that Mullen Automotive will pay the Late Fee as set forth in the Original Merger Agreement).Agreement. At June 30, 2021, the Company is owed approximately $1.5 million from Mullen in connection with Late Fees, which remains unpaid.

 

On September 14, 2020, an advancePrior to the effective time of $141,000 which was previously borrowed by the Company from RBL, was sentMerger, (i) Mullen is contemplating to assign and transfer to Mullen byAutomotive all of its electric vehicle business related assets, business and operations, and Mullen Automotive is contemplating assuming certain debt and liabilities of Mullen and (ii) Mullen is contemplating a spin off, via share dividend, of all of the Company.in connection with expenses incurred bycapital stock of Mullen Automotive to the Company on behalfstockholders of Mullen.  Subsequent to September 30, 2020, the Company received $55,000 from Mullen as a payment towards this advance..of the effective date of such spin off. After such spin off and immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger, the capital structure (including its issued and outstanding common and preferred stock) of Mullen Automotive shall mirror the capital structure of Mullen.

 

Consummation of the Merger, the Divestiture, the Private Placement and the other transactions contemplated in the Restated Merger Agreement, is subject to customary conditions including, among others, the approval of the Company’s stockholders. There is no guarantee that the Merger, the Divestiture, the Private Placement or the other transactions contemplated in the Restated Merger Agreement will be completed.

 

These conditions raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.

 

 

NOTE 4. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Significant accounting policies are defined as those that are reflective of significant judgments and uncertainties, and potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. The Company’s significant accounting policies are described below.

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP and pursuant to the reporting and disclosure rules and regulations of the Commission.

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Net Element, Inc. and our subsidiary companies. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Cash

 

We maintain our U.S. dollar-denominated cash in several non-interest bearing bank deposit accounts. All U.S. non-interest bearing transaction accounts are insured up to a maximum of $250,000$250,000 at FDIC insured institutions. The bank balances exceeded FDIC limits by approximately $1.5 $2.9 million and $134,000$3.7 million at SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 and December 31, 20192020, respectively. We maintained approximately $42,000 $10,000and $30,000 n$43,000 in uninsured bank accounts in Russia and the Cayman Islands at SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 and December 31, 20192020, respectively.

 

Restricted Cash

 

Restricted cash represents funds held-on-deposit with processing banks pursuant to agreements to cover potential merchant losses. It is presented as other long-term assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets since the related agreements extend beyond the next twelve months. Following the adoption of  ASU 2016-18,Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash (Topic 230)230), the Company includes restricted cash along with the cash balance for presentation in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The reconciliation between the consolidated balance sheet and the consolidated statement of cash flows is as follows:

 

 

September 30, 2020

  

December 31, 2019

  

June 30, 2021

  

December 31, 2020

 

Cash on consolidated balance sheet

 $2,119,628  $486,604  $3,926,150  $4,541,013 

Restricted cash

  755,593   629,651   980,907   780,998 

Total cash and restricted cash

 $2,875,221  $1,116,255  $4,907,057  $5,322,011 

 

Accounts Receivable and Credit Policies

 

Accounts receivable consist primarily of uncollateralized credit card processing residual payments due from processing banks requiring payment within thirty days following the end of each month. Accounts receivable also include amounts due from the sales of our technology solutions to our customers. The carrying amount of accounts receivable is reduced by an allowance for doubtful accounts, if necessary, which reflects management’s best estimate of the amounts that will not be collected. The allowance is estimated based on management’s knowledge of its customers, historical loss experience and existing economic conditions. Accounts receivable and the allowance are written-off when, in management’s opinion, all collection efforts have been exhausted.

 

Other Current Assets

 

Other current assets consist of point-of-sale equipment which we use to service both merchants and independent sales agents ("ISG"). Often, we will provide the equipment as an incentive for merchants and independent sales agents to enter into a merchant contracts with us. The term of these contracts have an average length of three years and the cost of the equipment plus any setup fees will be amortized over the contract period. If the merchants terminate their contract with us early, they are obligated to either return the equipment or pay for it.

 

 

7

Intangible Assets

 

Intangible assets acquired, either individually or with a group of other assets (but not those acquired in a business combination), are initially recognized and measured based on fair value. Goodwill acquired in business combinations is initially computed as the amount paid in excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired. We did not acquire any businesses during the year ended December 31, 20192020 or the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021.

 

The cost of internally developing, maintaining and restoring intangible assets (including goodwill) that are not specifically identifiable, that have indeterminate lives, or that are inherent in a continuing business and related to an entity are recognized as an expense when incurred.

 

Intangible assets include acquired merchant relationships, recurring cash flow portfolios, referral agreements, trademarks, tradenames, website development costs and non-compete agreements. Merchant relationships represent the fair value of customer relationships purchased by us. Recurring cash flow portfolios give us the right to retain a greater share of the cash flow, in the form of paying less commissions to an independent sales agent, related to certain future transactions with the agent referred sales partners. Referral agreements represent the right to exclusively obtain referrals from a partner for their customers' credit card processing services.

 

We amortize definite lived identifiable intangible assets using a method that reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset are expected to be consumed or otherwise utilized. The estimated useful lives of our customer-related intangible assets approximate the expected distribution of cash flows on a straight- line basis from each asset. The useful lives of contract-based intangible assets are equal to the terms of the agreement.

 

Management evaluates the remaining useful lives and carrying values of long-lived assets, including definite lived intangible assets, at least annually, or when events and circumstances warrant such a review, to determine whether significant events or changes in circumstances indicate that a change in the useful life or impairment in value may have occurred. There were no0 impairment charges during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2020 2021 and 20192020.

 

Goodwill

 

In accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other, we test goodwill for impairment for each reporting unit on an annual basis, or when events or circumstances indicate the fair value of a reporting unit is below its carrying value.

 

Our goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired in business combinations. The goodwill generated from the business combinations is primarily related to the value placed on the employee workforce and expected synergies. Judgment is involved in determining if an indicator or change in circumstances relating to impairment has occurred. Such changes may include, among others, a significant decline in expected future cash flows, a significant adverse change in the business climate, and unforeseen competition.

 

We have the option of performing a qualitative assessment of impairment to determine whether any further quantitative testing for impairment is necessary. The option of whether or not to perform a qualitative assessment is made annually and may vary by reporting unit. Factors we consider in the qualitative assessment include general macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, cost factors, overall financial performance of our reporting units, events or changes affecting the composition or carrying amount of the net assets of its reporting units, sustained decrease in its share price, and other relevant entity specific events. If the management determines on the basis of qualitative factors that the fair value of the reporting unit is more likely than not less than the carrying value, then we perform a quantitative test for that reporting unit. The fair value of each reporting unit is compared to the reporting unit’s carrying value, including goodwill. Subsequent to the adoption on January 1, 2017 of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2017-04,ASU 2017-04, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, if the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we recognize an impairment equal to the excess carrying value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.

 

At December 31, 2019, our management determined that an impairment charge of approximately $1.3 million was necessary to reduce the goodwill relating to the acquisition of PayOnline which is part of our International Transaction Solutions segment . We did not recognize any impairment charge to goodwill during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2021 and 2020.

 

For a discussion of the estimate methodology and the significance of various inputs, please see the subheading below titled “Use of Estimates.”

 

Capitalized Customer Acquisition Costs, Net

 

Capitalized customer acquisition costs consist of up-front cash payments made to ISG’s for the establishment of new merchant relationships. Capitalized customer acquisition costs represent incremental, direct customer acquisition costs that are recoverable through gross margins associated with merchant contracts. The up-front cash payment to the ISG is based on the estimated gross margin for the first year of the merchant contract. The deferred customer acquisition cost asset is recorded at the time amounts are receivable but not yet earned and the capitalized acquisition costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of approximately four years. These capitalized costs, net of amortization expense, are included in intangible assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets (See Note 6 – item labeled “Client Acquisition Costs”).

 

8

Accrued Residual Commissions

 

We record commissions as a cost of revenues in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss. We pay agent commissions to ISGs and independent sales agents based on the processing volume of the merchants enrolled. The commission obligations are based on varying percentages of the volume processed by us on behalf of the merchants. Percentages vary based on the program type and transaction volume of each merchant.

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

Our financial instruments consist primarily of cash, accounts receivables, accounts payables, and a note payable. The carrying values of these financial instruments are considered to be representative of their fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The carrying amount of notes payable of approximately $8.9 million and $9.9 million at June 30, 2021and $9.3 million at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 20192020, respectively, approximates fair value because current borrowing rates do not materially differ from market rates for similar bank borrowings. The notes payable are classified as a Level 2 item within the fair value hierarchy.

 

We measure certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. We use a three-levelthree-level fair value hierarchy to prioritize the inputs used to measure fair value and maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:

 

Level 1 — Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date

 

Level 2 — Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data

 

Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data

 

These non-financial assets and liabilities include intangible assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination as well as impairment calculations, when necessary. The fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with the PayOnline acquisition, were measured at fair value by us at the acquisition date. The fair values of our merchant portfolios are primarily based on Level 3 inputs and are generally estimated based upon independent appraisals that include discounted cash flow analyses based on our most recent cash flow projections, and, for years beyond the projection period, estimates based on assumed growth rates. Assumptions are also made regarding appropriate discount rates, perpetual growth rates, and capital expenditures, among others. In certain circumstances, the discounted cash flow analyses are corroborated by a market-based approach that utilizes comparable company public trading values, and, where available, values observed in private market transactions. The inputs used by management for the fair value measurements include significant unobservable inputs, and therefore, the fair value measurements employed are classified as Level 3. Goodwill impairment is primarily based on observable inputs using company specific information and is classified as Level 3.

 

Leases

 

Effective January 1, 2019, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-02,ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842)842) which supersedes the lease accounting requirements in Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 840, Leases (Topic 840)840). Please refer to Recent Accounting Pronouncements below for additional information on the adoption of Topic 842 and the impact upon adoption to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Under Topic 842, we applied a dual approach to all leases whereby we are a lessee and classify leases as either finance or operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase by the Company. Lease classification is evaluated at the inception of the lease agreement. Regardless of classification, we record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term greater than 12 months. Our lease, for the premises we occupy for the North American Transaction Solutions segment's U.S. headquarters, was classified as an operating lease as of January 1, 2019. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

 

We identify leases in our contracts if the contract conveys the right to control the use of identified property or equipment for a period of time in exchange for consideration. We do not allocate lease consideration between lease and non-lease components and record a lease liability equal to the present value of the remaining fixed consideration under the lease. Any interest rate implicit in our leases are generally not readily determinable. Accordingly, we use our estimated incremental borrowing rate at the commencement date of the lease to determine the present value discount of the lease liability. We estimate the incremental borrowing rate for each lease based on an evaluation of our expected credit rating and the prevailing market rates for collateralized debt in a similar economic environment with similar payment terms and maturity dates commensurate with the term of the lease. The right-of-use asset for each lease is equal to the lease liability, adjusted for unamortized initial direct costs and lease incentives. We exclude options to extend or terminate leases from the calculation of the lease liability unless it is reasonably certain the option will be exercised.

 

9

Revenue Recognition and Deferred Revenue

 

We recognize revenue when all of the following criteria are met: (1)(1) the parties to the contract have approved the contract and are committed to perform their respective obligations, (2)(2) we can identify each party’s rights regarding the goods or services to be transferred, (3)(3) we can identify the payment terms for the goods or services to be transferred, (4)(4) the contract has commercial substance, and (5)(5) it is probable that we will collect substantially all of the consideration to which we will be entitled in exchange for the goods or services that will be transferred to the customer. We consider persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement to be the receipt of a billable transaction from aggregators, signed contract or the processing of a credit card transaction. Collectability is assessed based on a number of factors, including transaction history with the customer and the credit worthiness of the customer. If it is determined that the collection is not reasonably assured, revenue is not recognized until collection becomes reasonably assured, which is generally upon receipt of cash. We record cash received in advance of revenue recognition as deferred revenue. Revenue consists primarily of fees generated through the electronic processing of payment transactions and related services and is recognized as revenue during the period the transactions are processed or when the related services are performed.

 

Our transactional processing fees are generated primarily from TOT Payments doing business as Unified Payments, which is our North American Transaction Solutions segment, PayOnline, which is our International Transaction Solutions segment, and Aptito, which is our point of sale solution for restaurants.

 

We work directly with payment card networks and banks so that our merchants do not need to manage the complex systems, rules, and requirements of the payments industry. We satisfy our performance obligations and therefore recognize the transactional processing service fees as revenue upon authorization of a transaction by the merchant’s customer’s bank.

 

The majority of our revenues is derived from volume-based payment processing fees ("discount fees”) and other related fixed transaction or service fees. Discount fees represent a percentage of the dollar amount of each credit or debit transaction processed. Discount fees are recognized at the time the merchants’ transactions are processed. Generally, where we have control over merchant pricing, merchant portability, credit risk and ultimate responsibility for the merchant relationship, revenues are reported at the time of sale on a gross basis equal to the full amount of the discount charged to the merchant. This amount includes interchange fees paid to card issuing banks and assessments paid to payment card networks pursuant to which such parties receive payments based primarily on processing volume for particular groups of merchants. Revenues generated from merchant portfolios where we do not have control over merchant pricing, liability for merchant losses or credit risk or rights of portability are reported net of interchange and other fees.

 

Revenues are also derived from a variety of fixed transaction or service fees, including authorization fees, convenience fees, statement fees, annual fees, and fees for other miscellaneous services, such as handling chargebacks. Revenues derived from service fees are recognized at the time the services are performed and there are no further performance obligations. Revenue from the sale of equipment is recognized upon transfer of ownership and delivery to the customer, after which there are no further performance obligations.

 

We primarily report revenues gross as a principal versus net as an agent. Although some of our processing agreements vary with respect to specific terms, the transactional processing service fees collected from merchants generally are recognized as revenue on a gross basis as we are the principal in the delivery of the managed payments solutions to the sellers. The gross fees we collect are intended to cover the interchange, assessments and other processing and non-processing fees which are included and are part of our gross margin.

 

We have primary responsibility for providing end-to-end payment processing services for our clients. Our clients contract us for all credit card processing services, including transaction authorization, settlement, dispute resolution, data/transmission security, risk management, reporting, technical support and other value-added services. We have concluded that we are the principal because we control the services before delivery to the merchant, and are primarily responsible for the delivery of the services, have discretion in setting prices charged to merchants, and are responsible for losses. We also have pricing latitude and can provide services using several different network options.

 

Net LossIncome (Loss) per Share

 

Basic net lossincome (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net lossincome (loss) applicable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per common share is determined using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, adjusted for the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents, consisting of shares issuable upon exercise of common stock options or warrants. In periods when losses are reported, the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding excludes common stock equivalents because their inclusion would have an anti-dilutive effect.

 

10

Income Taxes

 

We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined on the basis of the differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

 

We recognize net deferred tax assets to the extent that we believe these assets are more likely than not to be realized. In making such a determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. If we determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, we would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.

 

We account for uncertainty in income taxes using a two-steptwo-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. We classify the liability for unrecognized tax benefits as current to the extent we anticipate payment (or receipt) of cash within one year. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recognized and recorded as necessary in the provision for income taxes. Our evaluation of uncertainThe open United States tax positions was performed for the tax years ended December 31, 2012 and forward, the tax years which remain subject to examination at September 30, 2020.with respect to our operations are 2017,2018,2019 and 2020.

 

Interchange, Network Fees and Other Cost of Services

 

Interchange and network fees consist primarily of fees that are directly related to discount fee revenue. These include interchange fees paid to issuers and assessment fees payable to card associations, which are a percentage of the processing volume we generate from Visa and Mastercard, AMEX, and Discover, as well as fees charged by card-issuing banks. Other costs of services include costs directly attributable to processing and bank sponsorship costs, which may not be based on a percentage of volume. These costs also include related costs such as residual payments to sales groups, which are based on a percentage of the net revenues generated from merchant referrals. In certain merchant processing bank relationships we are liable for chargebacks against a merchant equal to the volume of the transaction. Losses resulting from chargebacks against a merchant are included in other cost of services or as a bad debt expense, determined on the timing and nature of the specific transaction, on the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. We evaluate the risk for such transactions and our potential loss from chargebacks based primarily on historical experience and other relevant factors.

 

Equity-based Compensation

We account for grants of equity awards to employees in accordance with ASC 718,CompensationStock Compensation. This standard requires compensation expense to be measured based on the estimated fair value of the share-based awards on the date of grant and recognized as expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period.

Foreign Currency Transactions

 

We are subject to exchange rate risk in our foreign operations in Russia, the functional currency of which is the Russian ruble, where we generate service fee revenues, interest income or expense, incur product development, engineering, website development, and selling, general and administrative costs and expenses. Our Russian subsidiaries pay a majority of their operating expenses in their local currencies, exposing us to exchange rate risk.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the reporting period. Such estimates include, but are not limited to, the value of purchase consideration paid and identifiable assets acquired and assumed in acquisitions, amortization of intangible assets, goodwill and asset impairment review, valuation reserves for accounts receivable, valuation of acquired or current merchant portfolios, incurred but not reported claims, revenue recognition for multiple element arrangements, loss reserves, assumptions used in the calculation of equity-based compensation and in the calculation of income taxes, and certain tax assets and liabilities, as well as, the related valuation allowances. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Below is a summary of the Company’s critical accounting estimates for which the nature of management’s assumptions are material due to the levels of subjectivity and judgment necessary to account for highly uncertain matters or the susceptibility of such matters to change, and for which the impact of the estimates and assumptions on financial condition or operating performance is material.

 

Goodwill

 

The Company tests goodwill for impairment using a fair value approach at least annually, absent some triggering event that would require an interim impairment assessment.

 

Significant estimates and assumptions are used in our goodwill impairment review and include the identification of reporting units, assigning assets and liabilities to reporting units, assigning goodwill to reporting units and determining the fair value of each reporting unit. Our assessment of qualitative factors involves significant judgments about expected future business performance, general market conditions, and regulatory changes. In a quantitative assessment, the fair value of each reporting unit is determined based largely on the present value of projected future cash flows, growth assumptions regarding discount rates, estimated growth rates and our future long-term business plans. Changes in any of these estimates or assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value and the associated goodwill impairment charge for each reporting unit.

 

11

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

Adoption of ASU 2016-02,2016-02, Leases

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2016-02,2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)842)” which, for operating leases, requires a lessee to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments, in its balance sheet. The standard also requires a lessee to recognize a single lease cost, calculated so that the cost of the lease is allocated over the lease term, on a generally straight-line basis. The ASU is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Effective January 1, 2019, we adopted Topic 842 using the modified retrospective transition method. Under this method, we applied Topic 842 to the lease for the premises we occupy for our North American Transaction Solutions segment's U.S. headquarters. There was no cumulative impact adjustment necessary with the adoption to our accumulated deficit on January 1, 2019. Our consolidated financial statements for periods ending after January 1, 2019 are presented in accordance with the requirements of Topic 842, while comparative prior period amounts have not been adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with Topic 840. Please refer to "Leases" above for a description of our lease accounting policies upon the adoption on Topic 842.

 

Adoption of ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial InstrumentsRecent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted.

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13,2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326)326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” The amendments in this update changed how companies measure and recognize credit impairment for many financial assets. The new expected credit loss model will require companies to immediately recognize an estimate of credit losses expected to occur over the remaining life of the financial assets (including trade receivables) that are within the scope of the update. The update also made amendments to the current impairment model for held-to-maturity and available-for-sale debt securities and certain guarantees. The guidance was effective for us on January 1, 2020. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

 

12

 

NOTE 5. DUE FROM MULLEN 

 

As contemplated by the Original Merger Agreement referred to in Note 3, on August 11, 2020, our Company as lender, borrowed an additional $500,000 from RBL and entered into an unsecured Promissory Note, dated August 11, 2020 (the “Note”(the “Mullen Note”), with Mullen. Pursuant to the Mullen Note, Mullen borrowed $500,000 from the Company $500,000.Company. Prior to maturity of the loan, the principal amount of the loan will carry an interest rate of 14% per annum compounded monthly and payable upon demand. This loan will mature on the earlier of (i) the date that the Merger Agreementmerger agreement is terminated for any reason by any party thereto and (ii) the Merger Effective Time (as defined in the Merger Agreement).effective time.

 

On September 14, 2020, an advance of $141,000 which was previously borrowed by At June 30, 2021, the Company is also owed approximately $1.5 million from RBL, was sent to Mullen by the Company.inin connection with expenses incurred byLate Fees, pursuant to the Company on behalf  ofOriginal Merger Agreement with Mullen.  Subsequent to September 30, 2020, the Company received $55,000 from Mullen, as a payment towards this advance..

 

 

NOTE 6. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

The Company had approximately $4.1$2.8 million and $5.7$3.6 million in intangible assets, net of amortization, at SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 and December 31, 20192020, respectively. Shown below are the details of the components that represent these balances.

 

Intangible assets consisted of the following as of SeptemberJune 30, 20202021

 

 

Cost

  Accumulated Amortization  Carrying Value 

Amortization Life and Method

 

Cost

  Accumulated Amortization  Carrying Value 

Amortization Life and Method

                     

IP Software

 $2,343,888  $(2,286,575) $57,313 

3 years - straight-line

 $2,378,248  $(2,367,723) $14,406 

3 years - straight-line

Portfolios and Client Lists

  7,714,665   (6,485,958)  1,228,707 

4 years - straight-line

 7,739,665  (7,151,144) 588,521 

4 years - straight-line

Client Acquisition Costs

  8,719,392   (5,873,913)  2,845,479 

4 years - straight-line

 9,149,668  (6,950,968) 2,198,699 

4 years - straight-line

PCI Certification

  449,000   (449,000)  - 

3 years - straight-line

 449,000  (449,000) 0 

3 years - straight-line

Trademarks

  703,586   (703,586)  - 

3 years - straight-line

 703,586  (703,586) 0 

3 years - straight-line

Domain Names

  437,810   (437,810)  - 

3 years - straight-line

  437,810   (437,810)  0 

3 years - straight-line

Total

 $20,368,341  $(16,236,841) $4,131,500   $20,857,976  $(18,060,231) $2,801,626  

 

Intangible assets consisted of the following as of December 31, 20192020

 

 

Cost

  Accumulated Amortization  Carrying Value 

Amortization Life and Method

 

Cost

  Accumulated Amortization  Carrying Value 

Amortization Life and Method

                     

IP Software

 $2,343,888  $(2,240,695) $103,193 

3 years - straight-line

 $2,378,248  $(2,321,843) $40,185 

3 years - straight-line

Portfolios and Client Lists

  7,714,665   (5,614,880)  2,099,785 

4 years - straight-line

 7,714,665  (6,776,317) 938,348 

4 years - straight-line

Client Acquisition Costs

  8,238,018   (4,762,347)  3,475,671 

4 years - straight-line

 8,841,617  (6,224,824) 2,616,794 

4 years - straight-line

PCI Certification

  449,000   (449,000)  - 

3 years - straight-line

 449,000  (449,000) 0 

3 years - straight-line

Trademarks

  703,586   (703,586)  - 

3 years - straight-line

 703,586  (703,586) 0 

3 years - straight-line

Domain Names

  437,810   (437,810)  - 

3 years - straight-line

  437,810   (437,810)  0 

3 years - straight-line

Total

 $19,886,967  $(14,208,318) $5,678,649   $20,524,925  $(16,913,379) $3,595,326  

 

Amortization expense for the intangible assets was approximately $665,000 $452,000 and $697,000$679,000 for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2020 2021 and 20192020, respectively.  Amortization expense for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2020 2021 and 20192020 was approximately $2.0$1.1 million and $2.1$1.4 million, respectively.

 

The following table presents the estimated aggregate future amortization expense of intangible assets:

 

2020 (remainder of year)

 $249,227 

2021

  996,909 

2021 (remainder of year)

 $336,867 

2022

  996,909  673,735 

2023

  992,133   673,735 

2024

  896,321  671,334 

Balance September 30, 2020

 $4,131,500 

2025

  445,955 

Balance June 30, 2021

 $2,801,626 

 

13

 

NOTE 7. ACCRUED EXPENSES

 

At SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 and December 31, 20192020, accrued expenses amounted to approximately $2.4$3.1 million and $1.8$4.6 million, respectively. Accrued expenses represent expenses that are owed at the end of the period or are estimates of services provided that have not been billed by the provider or vendor. The following table reflects the balances outstanding as of SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 and December 31, 20192020.

 

 

September 30, 2020

  

December 31, 2019

  

June 30, 2021

  

December 31, 2020

 

Accrued professional fees

 $220,140  $276,239  $220,140  $268,435 

PayOnline accrual

  -   69,039  0  61,719 

Accrued interest

  240,363   43,021  759,945  409,525 

Accrued bonus

  1,603,682   1,318,060  1,864,304  1,690,556 

Accrued foreign taxes

  5,082   2,064  (11,475) (12,336)

Other accrued expenses

  333,602   91,921   249,783   2,186,197 

Total accrued expenses

 $2,402,869  $1,800,344  $3,082,697  $4,604,097 

 

Included in accrued bonus are non-discretionary compensation due to our Chairman and CEO, which was approximately $1.2$1.5 million and $1.0$1.3 million at SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 and December 31, 20192020, respectively, and approximately $374,000$410,000 and $339,000$386,000 at SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 and December 31, 20192020, respectively, for discretionary performance bonuses due to certain employees.

 

Included in other accrued expenses at SeptemberDecember 31, 2020 is approximately $2.0 million which was due to ESOUSA for the sixth tranche received on December 30, 2020, is approximately $136,000 received from RBLwhich was subsequently paid by the issuance of 200,000 shares of common stock in connection with the first tranche January of RBL promissory notes exchanged with ESOUSA on March 27, 2020,2021 pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement, for which shares of the Company's stock have not yet been issued.

Agreement.

 

14

NOTE 8. NOTES PAYABLE 

 

Notes payable consist of the following at SeptemberJune 30, 2020 2021 and December 31, 2019:2020:

 

 

September 30, 2020

  

December 31, 2019

  

June 30, 2021

  

December 31, 2020

 

RBL Capital Group, LLC

 $9,431,157  $9,431,157  $8,949,199  $9,431,157 
SBA Loan - EIDL  159,899   -  159,899 159,899 
SBA Loan - PPP  491,493   -   0  491,493 

Subtotal

  10,082,549   9,431,157  9,109,098  10,082,549 

Less: deferred loan costs

  (149,110)  (179,610)  (160,469)  (138,944)
Subtotal  9,933,439   9,251,547  8,948,629 9,943,605 

Less: current portion

  (27,305)  (909,086) (520,397) (1,330,018)

Long term debt

 $9,906,134  $8,342,461  $8,428,232 $8,613,587 

 

RBL Capital Group, LLC

 

Effective June 30, 2014, TOT Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries as co-borrowers, TOT Payments, LLC, TOT BPS, LLC, TOT FBS, LLC, Process Pink, LLC, TOT HPS, LLC and TOT New Edge, LLC (collectively, the “co-borrowers”), entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (“Credit Facility”) with RBL Capital Group, LLC (“RBL”), as lender (the “RBL Loan Agreement”). The original terms provided us with an 18-month, $10 million credit facility with interest at the higher of 13.90% per annum or the prime rate plus 10.65%. On May 2, 2016, we renewed our Credit Facility with RBL, increasing the facility from $10$10 million to $15 million and extending the term through February 2019.

 

The co-borrowers’ obligations to RBL pursuant to the RBL Loan Agreement are secured by a first priority security interest in all of the co-borrowers’ tangible and intangible assets, including but not limited to their merchants, merchant contracts and proceeds thereof, and all right title and interest in co-borrowers’ processing contracts, contract rights, and portfolio cash flows with all processors of the co-borrowers.

 

On December 19, 2019, in connection with an addendum to those certain term notes made by TOT Group, Inc.in favor of RBL, the Credit Facility referred to above, we received funding of $1,000,000 and new terms were negotiated for the total outstanding notes payable amount of $9,431,157. This total loan amount bears interest at 14.19%. On January 20, 2020, we were required to make one (1) (1) payment of interest only for $117,329, followed by five (5) (5) payments of interest only in the amount of $111,523. Effective July 20, 2020, we were required to make forty-eight (48) (48) monthly payments, which includes principal and interest for $258,620, until March 20, 2024 the date this term note matures. In the event any of the installments or other payment requiredwas to be made is not received by or on behalf of RBL in full within ten (10) days after the due date thereof, and the same subsequently is received and accepted by or on behalf of RBL, the Company shall pay on demand a late charge in the amount of five percent (5%) of the amount of the delinquent payment. In the event of the occurrence of an Event of Default (as defined in the Loan Agreement), the entire unpaid balance of principal and interest of the Loan shall become due and payable immediately, without notice or demand, at the election of the Note holder, provided that the holder shall endeavor (but is not required) to provide notice to the Company of any such acceleration. The Company waives demand, presentment for payment, protest, notice of protest and notice of nonpayment or dishonor of the Note. The Company shall not have any right to prepay this loan except as expressly provided in the Loan Agreement.mature. 

 

On June 20, 2020, in connection with those certain term notes made by TOT Group, Inc.in favor of RBL, the Credit Facility referred to above, the Company executed two (2) (2) promissory term notes, totaling $9,431,157, which replaces all previous outstanding term notes with RBL.The first term note is for $4,432,157$4,431,157 and bears interest at 14.19%. On December 20, 2021, we are required to make one (1) (1) payment of interest only for $67,746, followed by eight (8) (8) payments of interest only for the same amount, followed by a balloon payment for any outstanding principal and accrued interest of approximately $5,540,128. The second  term note is for $5,000,000 and bears interest at 14.19%. On June 20, 2020, we are required to make one (1) (1) payment of interest only for $59,125 followed by six (6) (6) payments of interest only for the same amount. Starting on January 20,2021, the Company shall make twenty (20) equal monthly payments of principal and interest of $137,109, followed by one (1) (1) payment of principal and interest for approximately $3,290,475.In$3,290,475. In connection with thisthese term note,notes, the Company agreed to pay a financing fee of $894,311. Such financing fee will be due and payable as follows; $25,000 on February 20, 2021; $25,000$25,000 on June 20, 2021; $94,311$94,311 on August 20, 2022; and $750,000 on September 20, 2022. The Company waives demand, presentment for payment, protest, notice of protest and notice of nonpayment or dishonor of the Note.notes. The Company shall not have any right to prepay this loan except as expressly provided in the RBL Loan Agreement. The Company waives demand, presentment for payment, protest, notice of protest and notice of nonpayment or dishonor of the Note.notes. The Company shall not have any right to prepay this loan except as expressly provided in the RBL Loan Agreement. 

 

On March 27, 2020, our Company entered into a Master Exchange Agreement (the “ESOUSA Agreement”) with ESOUSA Holdings, LLC ("ESOUSA"), a related party. Prior to entering into the ESOUSA Agreement, ESOUSA agreed to acquire an existing promissory note that had been previously issued by the Company, of up to $2,000,000 in principal amount outstanding plus interest due to RBL Capital Group, LLC ("RBL"). Pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement, the Company hashad the right, at any time prior to March 27, 2021, to request ESOUSA, and ESOUSA agreed upon each such request, to exchange this promissory note in tranches on the dates when the Company instructs ESOUSA, for such number of shares of the Company’s common stock (“Common Stock”) as determined under the ESOUSA Agreement based upon the number of shares of Common Stock (already in ESOUSA’s possession) that ESOUSA sold in order to finance its purchase of such tranche of the promissory note from RBL Capital Group, LLC. ESOUSA will purchase each tranche of the promissory note equal to 88% of the gross proceeds from the shares of Common Stock sold by ESOUSA to finance the purchase of such Exchange Amount from RBL Capital Group, LLC. Each such tranche to be $148,000 unless otherwise agreed to by the Company and ESOUSA. 

 

On April 23, 2020 and August 3, 2020, the Company entered into certain amendments to the ESOUSA Agreement, which together increased from $2,000,000$2,000,000 to $15,000,000 the principal amount and unpaid interest of one or more promissory notes of the Company or its direct or indirect subsidiaries that ESOUSA either purchased in whole or has an irrevocable right to purchase in tranches from RBL in connection with the ESOUSA Agreement.

 

On March 27, 2020, the Company received its first tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $148,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.  Included in other accrued expenses at SeptemberJune 30, 2020 2021 is approximately $145,000 in connection with this first tranche for which shares of Common Stock have not yet been issued.  Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $148,000$148,000 from RBL under the Credit Facility. 

 

On April 28, 2020, the Company received its second tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $143,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.  The Company issued 65,862 shares of Common Stock to ESOUSA in connection with this exchange.  Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $143,000$143,000 from RBL under the Credit Facility.

 

On August 11, 2020, the Company received its third tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $707,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.  The Company issued 66,190 shares of Common Stock to ESOUSA in connection with this exchange.  Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $707,000$707,000 from RBL under the Credit Facility. 

 

On August 21, 2020, the Company received its fourth tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $401,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.  The Company issued 45,654 shares of Common Stock to ESOUSA in connection with this exchange.  Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $401,000$401,000 from RBL under the Credit Facility. 

 

On September 25, 2020, the Company received its fifth tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $426,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.  The Company issued 50,000 shares of Common Stock to ESOUSA in connection with this exchange.  Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $426,000$426,000 from RBL under the Credit Facility. 

 

   On December 30, 2020, the Company received its sixth tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $1,960,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement. The Company issued 200,000 shares of Common Stock to ESOUSA in connection

with this exchange. Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $1,960,000 from RBL under the Credit Facility.

On July 9, 2021, the Company entered into a new Master Exchange Agreement with ESOUSA.  See Note 14 - Subsequent Events for additional information.

SBA Loans

 

On May 7, 2020, the Company entered into a promissory note (the “Note”“PPP Note”) evidencing an unsecured loan (the “Loan”) in the amount of $491,493 made to the Company under the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”). The PPP Note matureswas to mature on May 7, 2022 and bearsbore interest at a rate of 1% per annum. Beginning December 7, 2020, the Company iswas required to make 17 monthly payments of principal and interest, with the principal component of each such payment based upon the level amortization of principal over a two-yeartwo-year period from May 7, 2020. Pursuant to the terms of the CARES Act and the PPP, the Company maycould apply to the Lender for forgiveness for the amount due on the Loan. The amount eligible for forgiveness iswas based on the amount of Loan proceeds used by the Company (during the eight-weekeight-week period after the Lender makes the first disbursement of Loan proceeds) for the payment of certain covered costs, including payroll costs (including benefits), interest on mortgage obligations, rent and utilities, subject to certain limitations and reductions in accordance with the CARES Act and the PPP. No assurance can be given, at this time,On May 9, 2021, our Company was informed by the Small Business Administration that the loan forgiveness application was approved. The Company will obtain forgivenessreversed the amount due and reflected it as a gain on extinguishment of debt during the Loan in whole or in part.three months ended June 30, 2021.

 

On May 18, 2020, the Company entered into a promissory note (the "Note""EIDL Note") in the amount of $159,899 made to the Company by the U.S. Small Business Administration under the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. Monthly installment payments on the EIDL Note will begin twelve months from the date of the EIDL Note, with the balance of any accrued principal and interest at 3.75% annually, payable thirty years from the date of the EIDL Note.

 

Scheduled notes payable principal repayment at SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 is as follows:

 

2020 (remainder of year)

 $27,305 
2021  1,330,018 

2021 (remainder of year)

 $520,397 
2022  8,574,057  8,437,531 
2023  5,514  5,514 
2024  5,514  5,514 
thereafter  140,141   140,142 

Balance September 30, 2020

 $10,082,549 
   

Balance June 30, 2021

 $9,109,098 

 

1514

 

 

NOTE 9. CONCENTRATIONS

 

Our credit card processing revenues are from merchant customer transactions, which were processed primarily by two third-partythird-party processors (greater than 5%) and our own dedicated bank identification number ("BIN")/Interbank Card Association ("ICA") number during the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2020 2021 and 20192020.

 

During the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2020, 2021, we processed 32%18% of our total revenue with Priority Payment Systems, 71% from our own dedicated BIN/ICA with Esquire Bank, and 7% with First Data Corp. During the six months ended June 30, 2020, we processed 33% of our total revenue with Priority Payment Systems, 46% from our own dedicated BIN/ICA with Esquire Bank, and 10% from First Data Corp.

During the three months ended June 30, 2021, we processed 16% of our total revenue with Priority Payment Systems, 73% from our own dedicated BIN/ICA with Esquire Bank, and 6% with First Data Corp. During the three months ended June 30, 2020, we processed 27% of our total revenue with Priority Payment Systems, 50% from our own dedicated BIN/ICA with Esquire Bank, and 10% with First Data Corp. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we processed 46% of our total revenue with Priority Payment Systems, 37% from our own dedicated BIN/ICA with Esquire Bank, and 8% from First Data Corp.

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2020, we processed 31% of our total revenue with Priority Payment Systems, 55% from our own dedicated BIN/ICA with Esquire Bank, and 9% with First Data Corp. During the three months ended September 30, 2019, we processed 40% of our total revenue with Priority Payment Systems, 41% from our own dedicated BIN/ICA with Esquire Bank, and 10% from First Data Corp.

 

NOTE 10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Notes Payable

On June 20, 2020, in connection with those certain term notes made by TOT Group, Inc.in favor of RBL, the Credit Facility (See Note. 8), the Company executed two (2) promissory term notes, totaling $9,431,157, which replaces all previous outstanding term notes with RBL. The first term note is for $4,432,157 and bears interest at 14.19%. On December 20, 2021, we are required to make one (1) payment of interest only for $67,746, followed by eight (8) payments of interest only for the same amount, followed by a balloon payment for any outstanding principal and accrued interest of approximately $5,540,128. The second  term note is for $5,000,000 and bears interest at 14.19%. On June 20, 2020, we are required to make one (1) payment of interest only for $59,125 followed by six (6) payments of interest only for the same amount. Starting on January 20,2021, the Company shall make twenty (20) equal monthly payments of principal and interest of $137,109, followed by one (1) payment of principal and interest for approximately $3,290,475.In connection with this term note, the Company agreed to pay a financing fee of $894,311. Such financing fee will be due and payable as follows; $25,000 on February 20, 2021; $25,000 on June 20, 2021; $94,311 on August 20, 2022; and $750,000 on September 20, 2022. The Company waives demand, presentment for payment, protest, notice of protest and notice of nonpayment or dishonor of the Note. The Company shall not have any right to prepay this loan except as expressly provided in the Loan Agreement. The Company waives demand, presentment for payment, protest, notice of protest and notice of nonpayment or dishonor of the Note. The Company shall not have any right to prepay this loan except as expressly provided in the Loan Agreement. 

 

Employment Agreement

 

On February 25, 2020, as per approval of the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of the board of directors of the Company, the Company entered into an employment agreement (the “Agreement”) with Steven Wolberg, the Company's Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary. The Agreement provides for continuation of the current base salary of $250,000. The term of the Agreement is 5 years, with subsequent 1-year renewals. The Agreement provides for a sign-on bonus of 10,000 shares of Company’s common stock, to be granted to Mr. Wolberg pursuant to the Company’s equity incentive plan, the severance in the amount of two times annual base salary of Mr. Wolberg if Mr. Wolberg’s employment is terminated by the Company without “cause” (as defined in the Agreement) or Mr. Wolberg terminates the employment for “good reason” (as defined in the Agreement). For each fiscal year during the term of the Agreement, the Agreement provides for a bonus arrangement equal to 50% of Mr. Wolberg’s base salary, payable in the Company’s shares of common stock or, at the Company’s discretion, in cash. Further, for each fiscal year during the term of the Agreement, Mr. Wolberg will be eligible to receive long-term equity incentive awards, as determined by the Committee at the time of grant, pursuant to the Company’s equity incentive plan.

 

Minimum Billing Processing Fees Commitment

 

We have non-exclusive agreements with two of our processors to provide services related to processing. The agreements require us to submit a minimum number of  billable processing fees. If we submit an amount that is lower than the minimum, we are required to pay to each processor the fees it would have received if we had submitted the required minimum number of billable processing fees. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2020, 2021, the aggregate minimum monthly processing fees for these processors amounts to approximately $150,000 per month.

 

Leases

 

North American Transaction Solutions

 

During May 2013, we entered into a lease agreement, for approximately 4,101 square feet of office space located at 3363 N.E. 163rd Street, Suites 705 through 707, North Miami Beach, Florida 33160. The term of the lease agreement was from May 1, 2013 through December 31, 2016, with monthly rent increasing from $16,800 per month at inception to $19,448 per month (or $233,377 per year) for the period from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016. The lease was extended for a period of five years commencing August 1, 2017 and expiring July 31, 2022 with equal monthly base rent installments of $14,354 ($172,248 per year) plus sales tax. In September 2020, we entered into an agreement with the Landlord modifying this existing lease. In consideration of payment to Landlord of the sum of $65,600, the Company surrendered all existing premises occupied by it and entered into a new 4 year lease for a smaller premises at Unit #707 in the same building for a monthly rent of $2,954. There will bewas a $65,600$65,600 payment payablemade as follows: (1)(1) $22,700 due upon the execution of the Modification of Lease Agreement; (2)Agreement; (2) $20,100 due on or before December 31, 2020; 2020; and (3)(3) $22,800 due on or before March 31, 2021. Except as previously mentioned, all other terms and conditions of the initial lease agreement continues to remain in effect. 

 

On September 26, 2019, we entered into a lease for additional office space in the building that our current office space is located for our North American Transactions Solutions. The space is for 5,875 square feet and the term is for 5 years commencing on September 23, 2019 and expiring on September 30, 2024. The monthly base rent is $16,156 ($193,875 per year) plus sales tax. In consideration of our Company foregoing its rights to credits from the landlord towards the cubicle installation and foregoing its rights to one (1) (1) of the the two (2)(2) month rent deposits prepaid to the landlord, , the lease was amended. The amended lease requires the Company to begin paying $11,500 effective July 7, 2020, with the original monthly rent payment of $16,156 commencing on January 1, 2021. In addition, commencing on March 1, 2021, our Company will begin making up the difference between the original monthly lease payment of $16,156$16,156 and the amended monthly lease payment of $11,500,$11,500, the deferred monthly rent, by paying the landlord an additional $2,000 per month until the deferred portion of the rent is fully repaid. All outstanding amounts of deferred rent shall be subject to interest at an annual the rate of 4%. The Company occupied the space in July of 2020.

 

Net Element Software, our subsidiary, currently leases approximately 1,654 square feet of office space in Yekaterinburg, Russia, where we develop value added services, mobile applications, smart terminals applications, sales central ERP system development and marketing activities, at an annual rent of approximately $21,000.The$21,000.The lease term expired on June 1, 2019 and was renewed with indefinite terms.

 

15

International Transaction Solutions

 

The Company occupies an office in Moscow, Russia with approximately 1600 square feet at an annual rent of $50,900, which lease expired on February 10, 2020. 2021. This lease was renewed with indefinite terms.for one year.

 

We believe that our current facilities are suitable and adequate for our present purposes, and we anticipate that we will be able to extend our existing leases on terms satisfactory to us or move to new facilities on acceptable terms.

 

The following table presents a reconciliation of the undiscounted future minimum lease payments, under the lease for the premises we occupy for our North American Transaction Solutions segment's U.S. headquarters, to the amounts reported as operating lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet as of SeptemberJune 30, 20202021:

 

 

Total

  

Total

 

Undiscounted future minimum lease payments:

       

2020 (remainder of year)

  57,331 

2021

  229,589 

2021 (remainder of year)

 $114,928 

2022

  230,660  230,660 

2023

  231,764  231,764 
2024  222,926  222,926 
2025  129,250   129,250 

Total

 $1,101,520  $929,528 

Amount representing imputed interest

  (267,299)  (196,187)

Total operating lease liability

  834,222   733,341 

Current portion of operating lease liability

  (32,628)  (72,720)

Operating Lease Liability, non-current

 $801,594  $660,621 

 

  

As of SeptemberJune 30, 20202021

 

Remaining term on Leases

  4.253.75 

Incremental borrowing rate

 1212%%

 

As of SeptemberJune 30, 20202021, the future minimum lease payments under other operating leases, not subject to Topic 842, are approximately $19,000 $58,000for the remainder of the year.

 

Litigation, Claims, and Assessments

With respect to all legal, regulatory and governmental proceedings, and in accordance with ASC 450-20,450-20, Contingencies—ContingenciesLossContingencies, we consider the likelihood of a negative outcome. If we determine the likelihood of a negative outcome with respect to any such matter is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, we record an accrual for the estimated amount of loss for the expected outcome of the matter. If the likelihood of a negative outcome with respect to material matters is reasonably possible and we are able to determine an estimate of the amount of possible loss or a range of loss, whether in excess of a related accrued liability or where there is no accrued liability, we disclose the estimate of the amount of possible loss or range of loss. However, management in some instances may be unable to estimate an amount of possible loss or range of loss based on the significant uncertainties involved in, or the preliminary nature of, the matter, and in these instances we will disclose the nature of the contingency and describe why we are unable to determine an estimate of possible loss or range of loss.

 

In addition, we are involved in ordinary course legal proceedings, which include all claims, lawsuits, investigations and proceedings, including unasserted claims, which are probable of being asserted, arising in the ordinary course of business and otherwise not described below. We have considered all such ordinary course legal proceedings in formulating our disclosures and assessments, which are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements.

 

Aptito.com, Inc..

 

On August 6, 2014, our subsidiary (Aptito, LLC) filed a lawsuit against Aptito.com, Inc. and the shareholders of Aptito.com, Inc., in state court in the 11th Judicial Circuit in and for Miami-Dade County. This is an interpleader action in regards to 125,000 shares of our stock. Aptito, LLC acquired Aptito.com, Inc. in exchange for, among other things, 125,000 shares (prior to adjustment for two one-for-tenone-for-ten reverse stock splits) of our stock. There has been disagreements among the Aptito.com, Inc. shareholders as to proper distribution of the 125,000 shares (prior to adjustment for two one-for-tenone-for-ten reverse stock splits). To avoid any liability in regards to improper distribution, Aptito, LLC filed the interpleader action so as to allow the Defendants to litigate amongst themselves as to how the shares (prior to adjustment for two one- for-tenone- for-ten reverse stock splits) should be distributed. Aptito.com, Inc. opposed the motion to interplead and filed counterclaims relative to Aptito, LLC for non-delivery of the 125,000 shares (prior to adjustment for two one-for-tenone-for-ten reverse stock splits).

 

On July 18, 2017, the Court granted Aptito LLC’s motion to interplead and also indicated that Aptito, LLC could not be held liable for any alleged damages relative to the purported non- delivery of the 125,000 shares after the interpleader action was filed on August 6, 2014.

 

In March 2018, a new Judge in the case ruled that Aptito.com, Inc. was entitled to receive 125,000 newly issued shares of our common stock, but indicated that he was not ruling that we were required to issue such shares. We plan to appeal this ruling, and our legal counsel is addressing the counterclaims filed by Aptito.com, Inc. in this matter.

 

In July 2018, our counsel was disqualified due to a conflict of interest. We engaged a new law firm to represent our ongoing interests in this case. Since that time, there have been multiple Motions and claims brought by Aptito.com, Inc., including the request for rescission of the asset purchase agreement that gave rise to the share issuance obligation. All of these Motions and claims are being vigorously defended.

 

A court ordered mediation conference was held on April 24, 2019 but the parties were unable to reach a settlement. On May 1, 2019 the Court denied Aptito.com, Inc.’s Motion for Summary Judgement and further hearings on a variety of Motions were scheduled in this matter.

 

On August 14, 2019, the court granted final Summary Judgment in favor of the Company, removing Net Element as a party to the lawsuit and denying Aptito.com, Inc’s Motion for rehearing and reconsideration of this matter. Aptito, LLC, in which the Company has a majority ownership interest, remains a Defendant in this litigation. On September 17, 2019, the court granted the Company’s Motion for sanctions against the attorney representing Aptito.com, Inc. in this matter. The Company is pursuing collection of legal fees incurred from the Plaintiff and their attorney. This matter was pending a special set hearing to be held on March 23, 2020. That hearing was postponed and rescheduled for hearing in July 2020. On July 23, 2020, the Court entered a judgement against the attorney representing Aptito.com and awarded attorney fees to the Company. The attorney stated on the record he will be filing for bankruptcy. In August 2020, Plaintiffs attorney, filed an appeal against the Judgement. This matter is still proceeding. The Company intends pursuing recovery from the attorney.

 

Gene ZellZell

 

In June 2014, we, as plaintiff, commenced an action in the Miami-Dade Circuit Court, Florida against Gene Zell ("Zell") for defamation of our Company and CEO and tortious interference with our business relationships. In October 2014, the court granted a temporary injunction against Zell enjoining him from posting any information about our Company andand/or CEO on any website and enjoining him from contacting our business partners or investors. Zell violated the Court Order and the Court granted a Motion imposing sanctions against Zell. We continue to seek enforcement of the Court Order.

 

In April 2015, Zell filed a Motion to set aside the Court Order alleging he was unaware of the Court Proceedings. The Court, on August 26, 2015, dismissed Zell’s Motion to dissolve the injunction. In March 2017 the Court dismissed another Motion brought by Zell to dissolve the injunction. Accordingly, the injunction order prohibiting Zell from making further defamatory posts remains in place.

 

In 2018, we filed a motion to enforce the injunction and contempt orders against Zell. The court upheld the injunction and we continue to vigorously protect its interests. We are pursuing an action for damages sustained as a result of the defamation.

 

On September 20, 2019, the Court granted a Permanent Injunction against Zell. The Company is evaluating pursuing actions against Zell for collection of legal fees and damages.

 

A trial was scheduled for April 2020 on the issue of Net Element’s damages. However, Zell recently filed bankruptcy, so that trial and all further legal proceedings involving Zell will be stayed as a result of the automatic bankruptcy stay.

 

Georgia Notes 18, LLC

On March 22, 2021, the Company was notified that one of its shareholder, Georgia Notes 18, LLC, filed an action in the Delaware Chancery Court to compel inspection of the Company’s books and records pertaining to a 2014 transaction in which the shareholder had an interest. The Company has engaged counsel to protect its interests in this matter. A hearing on this matter is scheduled for August 31, 2021. At this time, the Company cannot predict the eventual outcome of this matter.

Litigation relating to the proposed merger with Mullen Technologies.

A.

The following lawsuits have been filed against Net Element and current and former members of its board of directors in connection with the proposed Merger with Mullen:

·Raquel Ruby v. Net Element, Inc., Oleg Firer, Jon Najarian, John Roland, and Todd Raarup, filed on June 11, 2021 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York; 

·Thomas Farley v. Net Element, Inc., Oleg Firer, Jon Najarian, John Roland, and Todd Raarup, filed on June 8, 2021 in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York; 

·Michael Gatto v. Net Element, Inc., Oleg Firer, Jon Najarian, John Roland, Todd Raarup, Mullen Automotive, Inc., Mullen Technologies, Inc., and Mullen Acquisition, Inc., filed on June 3, 2021 in the United States District Court of Delaware; and

·Atish Shinde v. Net Element, Inc., Oleg Firer, Howard Ash, Jon Najarian, Todd Raarup, Mullen Technologies, Inc. and Mullen Acquisition, Inc., filed on May 28, 2021 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York;

                 Each of the above complaints allege that the initial Form S-4 registration statement filed on May 14, 2021 (the "Form S-4"), which was subject to completion, contained materially false and misleading statements or material misrepresentations or omissions regarding the Merger, the process for entering into the                             Merger Agreement and the associated transactions. Ruby seeks to enjoin the defendants from proceeding with the Merger, direct the defendants to amend the Form S- 4 to correct the alleged deficiencies, direct the defendants to account for all damages sustained, and reasonable fees and expenses. Farley seeks to                           enjoin the Merger, or, in the event it’s consummated, rescind the Merger and set it aside or award rescissory damages, a declaration that the defendants violated Sections 14(a) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 14a-9, and fees and expenses. Gatto seeks to enjoin the Merger, or, if the Merger is consummated,                       rescind the Merger and set it aside or award rescissory damages, a direction to the defendants to amend the Form S-4 to correct any alleged deficiencies, a declaration that the defendants violated Sections 14(a) and/or 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 14a-9, and costs and expenses. Finally, Shinde seeks to enjoin                     the Merger, or, in the event the Merger is consummated, rescind the Merger and set it aside or award rescissory damages, declare that the Merger Agreement was entered into in breach of the fiduciary duties of the board of directors of Net Element, direct the board of directors for Net Element to exercise their                               fiduciary duties to commence a sales process, direct the board of directors for Net Element to account for damages, an amendment to the Form S-4 and fees and expenses.

      These suits were filed prior to the Company’s filing of Amendment No.1 to Form S-4 on July 22, 2021 and prior to the Form S-4 being declared effective by the Commission as of July 26, 2021.  The Company has engaged outside counsel to represent its interests in these cases

B.  -Shawn Strickland v. Net Element, Inc., Oleg Firer, Jon Najarian, John Roland, and Todd Raarup, filed on August 10, 2021 in the United States District Court for Delaware. 

-Matthew Whitfield v. Net Element, Inc., Oleg Firer, Jon Najarian, John Roland, Todd Raarup, filed on August 13, 2021 in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and

-Robert Wilhelm v. Net Element, Inc., Oleg Firer, Jon Najarian, John Roland, Todd Raarup, filed on August 13, 2021 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

                  Each of the above complaints allege that the proxy statement and/or prospectus filed on July 27, 2021 omits or misrepresents material information essential to the vote on the Merger. The complaints seek to enjoin the Merger unless, in the Strickland and Wilhelm cases, the alleged missing material information is                          distributed to shareholders or, in the event the Merger is consummated, rescind the Merger and set it aside or award rescissory damages, a declaration that the defendants violated Sections 14(a) and/or 20(a) of the Exchange Act, as well as SEC Rule 14a-9, and fees and expenses. Whitfield also seeks an order for the                      defendants to disseminate a 424B3 that does not contain any untrue statements of material facts and that states all material facts required in it or necessary to make the statements contained therein not misleading. The Company has engaged outside counsel to represent its interests in these cases.

C.   On June 8, 2021 the Company received a demand from Attorneys representing a shareholder, Len Gordon, requesting to inspect certain of the Company's books and records pursuant to 8Del. C.8220. The Company has engaged outside counsel to represent its interests in this matter.

 

 

NOTE 11. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 

 

During each of the threesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2020 2021 and 20192020, agent commissions resulting from merchant processing of approximately $6,000 and $18,000, respectively, $18,000were paid to Prime Portfolios, LLC, an entity owned by Oleg Firer, our Chairman and CEO, and Steven Wolberg, our Chief Legal Officer. In addition, key members of management owned companies received similar commissions and/or reimbursement for equipment purchased on the Company’s behalf, which amounted to approximately $191,000 $782,000and $181,000$186,000 for the threesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2020 2021 and 2019, respectively.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, agent commissions resulting from merchant processing of approximately $64,000 and $54,000 were paid to Prime Portfolios, LLC, an entity owned by Oleg Firer, our Chairman and CEO, and Steven Wolberg, our Chief Legal Officer. In addition, key members of management owned companies received similar commissions and/or reimbursement for equipment purchased on the Company’s behalf, which amounted to approximately $609,000 and $546,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

At SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 and December 31, 20192020, we had accrued expenses of approximately $208,000 $209,000and $127,000,$122,000, respectively, which consisted primarily of various travel, professional fees, and other expenses paid and charged for by our CEO on his personal credit cards. This is reflected as due to related party on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. 

 

On March 27, 2020, our Company entered into a Master Exchange Agreement, (the “ESOUSA Agreement”) with ESOUSA Holdings, LLC ("ESOUSA"), a related party. Prior to entering into the ESOUSA Agreement, ESOUSA agreed to acquire an existing promissory note that had been previously issued by the Company, of up to $2,000,000 in principal amount outstanding plus interest due to RBL Capital Group, LLC ("RBL"). Pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement, the Company hashad the right, at any time prior to March 27, 2021, to request ESOUSA, and ESOUSA agreed upon each such request, to exchange this promissory note in tranches on the dates when the Company instructs ESOUSA, for such number of shares of the Company’s common stock (“Common Stock”) as determined under the ESOUSA Agreement based upon the number of shares of Common Stock (already in ESOUSA’s possession) that ESOUSA sold in order to finance its purchase of such tranche of the promissory note from RBL Capital Group, LLC. ESOUSA will purchase each tranche of the promissory note equal to 88% of the gross proceeds from the shares of Common Stock sold by ESOUSA to finance the purchase of such Exchange Amount from RBL Capital Group, LLC. Each such tranche to be $148,000 unless otherwise agreed to by the Company and ESOUSA. 

 

On March 27, 2020, the Company received its first tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $148,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.  Included in other accrued expenses at SeptemberJune 30, 2020 2021 is approximately $145,000 in connection with this first tranche for which shares of Common Stock have not yet been issued.  Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $148,000$148,000 from RBL under the Credit Facility. 

 

On April 28, 2020, the Company received its second tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $143,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.  The Company issued 65,862 shares of Common Stock to ESOUSA in connection with this exchange.  Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $143,000$143,000 from RBL under the Credit Facility.

 

On August 11, 2020, the Company received its third tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $707,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.  The Company issued 66,190 shares of Common Stock to ESOUSA in connection with this exchange.  Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $707,000$707,000 from RBL under the Credit Facility. 

 

On August 21, 2020, the Company received its fourth tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $401,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.  The Company issued 45,654 shares of Common Stock to ESOUSA in connection with this exchange.  Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $401,000$401,000 from RBL under the Credit Facility. 

 

On September 25, 2020, the Company received its fifth tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $426,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.  The Company issued 50,000 shares of Common Stock to ESOUSA in connection with this exchange.  Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $426,000$426,000 from RBL under the Credit Facility. 

 

On December 30, 2020, the Company received its sixth tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $1,960,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement. The Company issued 200,000 shares of Common Stock to ESOUSA in connection with this exchange. Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $1,960,000 from RBL under the Credit Facility.

On July 9, 2021, the Company entered into a new Master Exchange Agreement with ESOUSA. See Note 14 - Subsequent Events for additional information.

 

 

 

18

 

NOTE 12. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

 

On October 5, 2017, we effected a one-for-tenone-for-ten reverse stock split of our common stock. Our condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures reflect these changes in capital structure for all periods presented.

 

On June 12, 2015 and June 13,2016, our shareholders approved 100,000,000 increases in our authorized common stock to 300,000,000 and 400,000,000, respectively. On October 2, 2017, our shareholders approved a 300,000,000 decrease in our authorized common stock to 100,000,000.

 

The following table represents the change in our stockholders' equity for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2020 2021 and 20192020:

 

 

Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019

  

Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2020

 
 

Common Stock

  

Paid in

  

Accumulated Other

  

Non-controlling

  

Accumulated

  

Total

  

Common Stock

 

Paid in

 

Accumulated Other

 

Non-controlling

 

Accumulated

 

Total

 
 

Shares

  

Amount

  

Capital

  

Comprehensive Loss

  

interest

  

Deficit

  

Stockholder's Equity

  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Capital

  

Comprehensive Loss

  

interest

  

Deficit

  

Stockholder's Equity

 

Balance December 31, 2018

  3,863,019  $386.30  $183,246,232  $(2,232,163) $(125,737) $(172,292,252) $8,596,466 

Balance December 31, 2019

  4,111,082  $410.66  $185,297,069  $(2,274,187) $(231,999) $(178,750,634) $4,040,660 

Share based compensation

  2,448   0.24   15,006   -   -   -   15,006  14,672  1.47  45,896  0  0  0  45,897 

Expenses paid in connection with ESOUSA transaction

 - 0 (5,000) 0 0 0 (5,000)

Net income (loss)

  -   -   -   -   (13,966)  (1,120,847)  (1,134,813) -  0  0  0  (11,228) (1,366,798) (1,378,026)

Comprehensive income - foreign currency translation

  -   -   -   (14,561)  -   -   (14,561)  -   0   0   130,813   0   0   130,813 

Balance March 31, 2019

  3,865,467  $386.55  $183,261,238  $(2,246,724) $(139,703) $(173,413,099) $7,462,098 

Balance March 31, 2020

  4,125,754  $412.13  $185,337,965  $(2,143,374) $(243,227) $(180,117,432) $2,834,345 

Share based compensation

  319,047   23.90   2,005,816               2,005,840  4,054 0.41 7,500 0 0 0 7,500 

ESOUSA transaction

 65,862 6.59 151,475 0 0 0 151,482 

Net loss

  -   -   -       (40,225)  (1,537,447)  (1,577,672) - 0 0 0 (13,724) (324,690) (338,414)

Comprehensive income - foreign currency translation

  -   -   -   (5,537)          (5,537)  -  0  0  (65,990)  0  0  (65,990)

Balance June 30, 2019

  4,184,514  $410.45  $185,267,054  $(2,252,261) $(179,928) $(174,950,546) $7,884,729 
Share based compensation  3,284   0.33   15,008               15,008 
Net loss                  (28,784)  (1,010,627)  (1,039,411)
Comprehensive income - foreign currency translation              4,373           4,373 

Balance September 30, 2019

  4,187,798  $410.78  $185,282,062  $(2,247,888) $(208,712) $(175,961,173) $6,864,700 

Balance June 30, 2020

  4,195,670 $419.13 $185,496,940 $(2,209,364) $(256,951) $(180,442,122) $2,588,923 

 

 

Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

  

Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2021

 
 

Common Stock

  

Paid in

  

Accumulated Other

  

Non-controlling

  

Accumulated

  

Total

  

Common Stock

 

Paid in

 

Accumulated Other

 

Non-controlling

 

Accumulated

 

Total

 
 

Shares

  

Amount

  

Capital

  

Comprehensive Loss

  

interest

  

Deficit

  

Stockholder's Equity

  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Capital

  

Comprehensive Loss

  

interest

  

Deficit

  

Stockholder's Equity

 

Balance December 31, 2019

  4,111,082  $410.66  $185,297,069  $(2,274,187) $(231,999) $(178,750,634) $4,040,659 

Balance December 31, 2020

  4,997,349  $499.28  $189,700,103  $(2,259,410) $(267,053) $(184,692,067) $2,482,072 

Share based compensation

  14,672   1.47   45,896   -   -   -   45,897  807  0.08  11,258  0  0  0  11,258 

Expenses paid in connection with ESOUSA transaction

  -   -   (5,000)  -   -   -   (5,000)

ESOUSA transaction

 200,000  20.00  1,999,980  0  0  0  2,000,000 

Net income (loss)

 -  0  0  0  (14,140) 304,562  290,422 

Comprehensive loss - foreign currency translation

  -   0   0   18,583   0   0   18,583 

Balance March 31, 2021

  5,198,156  $519.37  $191,711,341  $(2,240,827) $(281,193) $(184,387,504) $4,802,335 

Share based compensation

 1,029 0.10 11,237 0 0 0 11,237 

Net loss

  -   -   -   -   (11,228)  (1,366,798)  (1,378,026)   0 0 0 (12,764) 1,263,876 1,251,111 

Comprehensive loss - foreign currency translation

  -   -   -   130,813   -   -   130,813      0  0  93,601  0  0  93,601 

Balance March 31, 2020

  4,125,754  $412.13  $185,337,965  $(2,143,374) $(243,227) $(180,117,432) $2,834,344 
Share based compensation  4,054   0.41   7,500   -   -   -   7,500 
ESOUSA transaction  65,862   6.59   151,475   -   -   -   151,482 
Net loss  -   -   -   -   (13,724)  (324,690)  (338,414)
Comprehensive loss - foreign currency translation  -   -   -   (65,990)  -   -   (65,990)

Balance June 30, 2020

  4,195,670  $419.13  $185,496,940  $(2,209,364) $(256,951) $(180,442,122) $2,588,922 
Share based compensation  152,459   15.25   1,085,348   -   -   -   1,085,363 
ESOUSA transaction  485,751   48.58   1,534,693   -   -   -   1,534,742 
Net loss  -   -   -   -   (12,916)  (2,329,570)  (2,342,486)
Comprehensive loss - foreign currency translation  -   -   -   (2,086)  -   -   (2,086)

Balance September 30, 2020

  4,833,880  $482.95  $188,116,981  $(2,211,449) $(269,867) $(182,771,691) $2,864,457 

Balance June 30, 2021

  5,199,185 $519.47 $191,722,577 $(2,147,227) $(293,957) $(183,123,628) $6,158,284 

 

Equity Incentive Plan Activity

 

On December 5, 2013, our shareholders approved the Net Element International, Inc. 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (as amended to date, the “2013“2013 Plan”). Awards under the 2013 Plan may be granted in any one or all of the following forms: (i) incentive stock options meeting the requirements of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; (ii) non-qualified stock options (unless otherwise indicated, references to “Options” include both Incentive Stock Options and Non-Qualified Stock Options); (iii) stock appreciation rights, which may be awarded either in tandem with Options or on a stand-alone basis; (iv) shares of common stock that are restricted; (v) units representing shares of common stock; (vi) units that do not represent shares of common stock but which may be paid in the form of common stock; and (vii) shares of common stock that are not subject to any conditions to vesting.

 

On November 27, 2018, December 1, 2020, our shareholders approved an amendment to the 2013 Plan to increase the number of shares of the Company’s common stock available for issuance by 178,900219,500 shares resulting in the aggregate of 773,0001,160,500 shares authorized for issuance under the 2013 Plan. 

On October 23, 2019, our shareholders approved an amendment to the 2013 Plan to increase the number of shares of the Company’s common stock available for issuance by 177,000 shares resulting in the aggregate of 950,000 shares authorized for issuance under the 2013 Plan.

 

The maximum aggregate number of shares of common stock available for award under the 2013 Plan at SeptemberJune 30, 2020 2021 and December 31, 2019 2020 was 1,251208,664 and 252,436,210,500, respectively. The 2013 Plan is administered by the compensation committee.

 

 

 

 

 

19

2013 Equity Incentive Plan - Shares and Stock Options

During the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2020 2021 and 20192020, we issued common stock pursuant to the 2013 Plan to the members of our Board of Directors and recorded a compensation charge of $11,250 $11,237 and $15,000,$7,500, respectively.

 

During the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2020 2021 and 2019,2020, we issued common stock pursuant to the 2013 Plan to the members of our Board of Directors and recorded a compensation charge of $57,158  approximately $22,494and $30,000,$15,000, respectively. 

 

During the three months ended SeptemberAt June 30, 2020, our Board of Directors approved 2021 and authorized the issuance of 151,597 shares of our common stock pursuant to the 2013 Plan which were allocated to certain named executives, certain employees, and certain consultants of the Company and we recorded compensation expense of approximately $1,077,855.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 our Board of Directors approved and authorized the issuance of 80,000 incentive stock options which were allocated to certain named executives pursuant to the 2013 Plan and we recorded compensation expense of approximately $503,000. At September 30, 2020 and
December 31, 2019, 2020 we had 154,005200,648 incentive stock options outstanding, with a weighted average exercise price of  $10.73 $10.73 at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 and a weighted average remaining contract term of 7.33 6.58 years at June 30, 2021 and 8.087.07 years respectively. at December 31, 2020. All of the stock options were anti-dilutive at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.2020.

NOTE 13. WARRANTS AND OPTIONS

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 our Board of Directors approved and authorized the issuance of 22,000 shares of our common stock pursuant to the 2013 Plan to members of our Board of Directors and we recorded compensation expense of approximately $138,000. Also during the nine months September 30, 2019, our Board of Directors approved and authorized the issuance of 214,507 shares of our common stock pursuant to the 2013 Plan which were allocated to certain named executives, certain employees, and certain consultants of the Company and we recorded compensation expense of approximately $1,349,000.

NOTE 13. WARRANTS AND OPTIONS

Options

 

At SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 and December 31, 20192020, we had fully vested options outstanding to purchase 200,648, and 314,218, respectively, of shares of common stock at exercise prices ranging from $6.29to $134.00per share.

 

Due to the high level of volatility in the stock price of our common stock, our management determined the grant date fair value of the options using the then quoted stock price at the grant date.

 

Warrants

 

At SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 and December 31, 20192020, we had warrants outstanding to purchase 404,676 and 728,583 shares of common stock, respectively.stock. At SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 the warrants had a weighted average exercise price of $11.12$11.12 per share purchased and a weighted average remaining contractual term of 2.25  1.50 years. At December 31, 20192020, the warrants had a weighted average exercise price of $6.18 per share purchased and a weighted average remaining contractual term of 3.00 years.

 

Non-Incentive Plan Options

 

At SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 and December 31, 20192020, we had 46,643 and 323,498 non-incentive options outstanding with a weighted-average exercise price of $21.46 and $21.84, respectively. The$21.46. These non-incentive options have a remaining contract termterms expired as of  .70 years at SeptemberJune 30, 20202021. These options were out of the money at  September 30, 2020 and December 31, 20192020 and had no0 intrinsic value.

 

NOTE 14. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

ESOUSA Master Exchange Agreement

On July 9, 2021, the Company entered into a new Master Exchange Agreement, (the “New ESOUSA Agreement”) with ESOUSA. Prior to entering into the New ESOUSA Agreement, ESOUSA agreed to acquire the existing promissory notes that had been previously issued by the Company, of up to $15,000,000 in principal amount outstanding plus interest due to RBL. Pursuant to the New ESOUSA Agreement, the Company has the right, at any time prior to July 8, 2022, to request ESOUSA, and ESOUSA agreed upon each such request, to exchange such promissory notes in tranches on the dates when the Company instructs ESOUSA, for such number of shares of Common Stock as determined under the New ESOUSA Agreement based upon the number of shares of Common Stock (already in ESOUSA’s possession) that ESOUSA sold in order to finance its purchase of such tranche of the promissory note from RBL. ESOUSA will purchase each tranche of the promissory note equal to 88% of the gross proceeds from the shares of Common Stock sold by ESOUSA to finance the purchase of such exchange amount from RBL. Each such tranche to be $100,000 unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the Company and ESOUSA.

Mullen Second Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger

On July 20, 2021, the Company entered into a Second Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Restated Merger Agreement”) with Mullen, Merger Sub and Mullen Automotive, which amended, restated and replaced in its entirety the Prior Restated Merger Agreement. The Restated Merger Agreement, among other things, (i) clarified that Mullen is contemplating to assign and transfer to Mullen Automotive all of its electric vehicle business related assets, business and operations, and Mullen Automotive is contemplating assuming certain debt and liabilities of Mullen, prior to the effective time of the Merger and (ii) updated certain schedules contained in the Restated Merger Agreement.

RBL Divestiture Agreement

On July 20, 2021, the Company entered into the Divestiture Agreement with RBL. Pursuant to the Divestiture Agreement, the Company agreed, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions precedent set forth in the Divestiture Agreement, including the Company’s stockholders’ requisite approval of and the consummation of the Merger and a release of any and all claims and liabilities of the Company and its affiliates with respect to the RBL Loan Agreement, to divest itself of its existing business operations to RBL by a transfer by the Company to RBL of 100% of shares of capital stock of TOT Group, Inc. (“TOT”), a whole-owned subsidiary of the Company, causing RBL to assume TOT’s and the Company’s liabilities directly related to operations of its existing business immediately prior to the closing of such divestiture, in full satisfaction of the outstanding loan balance owed to RBL by the Company and its subsidiaries.  As a part of the Divestiture, RBL has agreed not to accelerate payment under the RBL Loan Agreement and, upon closing of the Divestiture, to release the Company and its affiliates from all of the obligations under the RBL Loan Agreement.

The Divestiture is contingent upon and subject to the Company’s stockholders’ requisite approval of the Divestiture. If the Company’s stockholders’ requisite approval of the Divestiture is obtained and if the Merger is consummated, the Divestiture will occur immediately prior to the consummation of the Merger.

20

Table of Contents

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The following discussion should be read and evaluated in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this "Report") and the Risk Factors set forth in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20192020 (the "Annual Report") and in Part II, Item 1A of this Report.

 

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

As used in this Report, unless the context otherwise indicates, the references to “we”, “us,” “our” or the “Company” refers to Net Element, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context suggests otherwise.

 

This Report and other written or oral statements made from time to time by us may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can sometimes identify forward looking-statements by our use of the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “forecast,” “guidance” and similar expressions. Some of the statements we use in this report contain forward-looking statements concerning our business operations, economic performance and financial condition, including in particular: our business strategy and means to implement the strategy; measures of future results of operations, such as revenue, expenses, operating margins, and earnings per share; other operating metrics such as shares outstanding and capital expenditures; our success and timing in developing and introducing new products or services and expanding our business, including with respect to joint ventures; the successful integration of future acquisitions; our future responses to and the anticipatedany future impact of novel coronavirus COVID-19 ("COVID-19"); the new Delta variant; and the potential Merger between the Company and Mullen Automotive and the related transactions, including the Divestiture.

 

Although we believe that the plans and expectations reflected in or suggested by our forward-looking statements are reasonable, those statements are based on a number of assumptions and estimates that are inherently subject to significant risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, cannot be foreseen and reflect future business decisions that are subject to change. Accordingly, we cannot guarantee you that our plans and expectations will be achieved. Our actual results, including actual revenues, revenue growth rates and margins, other results of operations and shareholder values, could differ materially from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements as a result of known and unknown factors, many of which are beyond our ability to predict or control. These factors include, but are not limited to, those set forth in Part II, Item 1A - Risk Factors of this Report and in our Annual Report, those set forth elsewhere in this report and those set forth in our press releases, reports and other filings made with the SEC, including under “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements” in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 5, 2020,July 21, 2021, as amended.  In particular, these statements also depend on the duration, severity, and evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic and related risks, the surge in the new Delta variant, and its effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

These cautionary statements qualify all of our forward-looking statements, and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

 

Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and should not be relied upon as representing our plans and expectations as of any subsequent date. While we may elect to update or revise forward-looking statements at some time in the future, we specifically disclaim any obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to our forward-looking statements.

 

Company Overview

 

Net Element is a global technology and value-added solutions group that supports electronic payments acceptance in a multi-channel environment including point-of- sale (POS), ecommerce and mobile devices. The Company operates two business segments as a provider of North American Transaction Solutions and International Transaction Solutions.

 

We offer a broad range of payment acceptance and transaction processing services that enable merchants of all sizes to accept and process over 100 different payment options in more than 120 currencies, including credit, debit, prepaid and alternative payments. We also provide merchants with value-added services and technologies including integrated payment technologies, POS solutions, fraud management, information solutions and analytical tools.

 

We are differentiated by our technology-centered value-added service offerings built around our payments ecosystem and our diversified business model, which enables us to provide our varied customer base with a broad range of transaction-processing services from a single source across numerous channels and geographic markets. We believe these capabilities provide several competitive advantages that will enable us to continue to penetrate our existing customer base with complementary new services, win new customers, develop new sales channels and enter new markets. We believe these competitive advantages include:

 

Our ability to provide competitive products through use of proprietary technologies;

 

Our ability to provide competitive products through usein one package a range of proprietary technologies;services that traditionally had to be sourced from different vendors;

 

Our ability to provide in one package a range of services that traditionally hadsingle agnostic on-boarding and merchant management platform to be sourced from different vendors;our indirect non-bank sales force ("Sales Partners");

 

Our ability to provide a single agnostic on-boardingmanagement and merchant management platformoptimization tools to our indirect non-bank sales force ("Sales Partners");Partners amongst multiple networks and platforms;

 

Our ability to provide managementserve customers with disparate operations in several geographies with technology solutions that enable them to manage their business as one enterprise; and optimization tools to our Sales Partners amongst multiple networks and platforms;

Our ability to serve customers with disparate operations in several geographies with technology solutions that enable them to manage their business as one enterprise; and

 

Our ability to capture and analyze data across the transaction processing value chain and use that data to provide value-added services that are differentiated from those offered by pure-play vendors that serve only one portion of the transaction processing value chain (such as only merchant acquiring or POS).

 

We have operations and offices located within the United States (“U.S.”) (domestic) and outside of the U.S. (international) where sales, customer service and/or administrative personnel are based. Through U.S. based subsidiaries, we generate revenues from transactional services, valued-added payment services and technologies that we provide to SMBs. Through wholly owned subsidiaries, we focus on transactional services, mobile payment transactions, online payment transactions, value-added payment services and technologies in selected international markets.

 

Our business is characterized by transaction related fees, multi-year contracts, and a diverse client base, which allows us to grow alongside our clients. Our multi-year contracts allow us to achieve a high level of recurring revenues with the same clients. While the contracts typically do not specify fixed revenues to be realized thereunder, they do provide a framework for revenues to be generated based on volume of services provided during such contracts’ term.

 

21

Table of Contents

 

Products and Services Information

 

Our broad suite of services spans the entire transaction processing value chain of commerce enabling services and technologies and includes a range of front-end customer-facing solutions, as well as back-end support services and account reconciliation. We deliver our value-added solutions from a suite of proprietary technology products, software, cloud-based applications, processing services, fraud management offerings, and customer support programs that we configure to meet our client’s individual needs.

 

Many of our payment solutions are technology-enabled in that they incorporate or are incorporated into innovative, technology-driven solutions, including enterprise software solutions, designed to enable merchants to better manage their businesses.

 

Integrated and Vertical Markets. Our integrated and vertical market solutions provide advanced payments technology that is deeply integrated into business enterprise software solutions either owned by us or by our partners. We grow our business when new merchants implement our enterprise software solutions and when new or existing merchants enable payments services through enterprise software solutions sold by us or by our partners. Our primary technology-enabled solutions include integrated and vertical markets, ecommerce and multi-channel solutions, each as described below:

 

Unified Payments – doing business as Unified Payments, we provide businesses of all sizes and types throughout the United States with a wide range of fully- integrated payment acceptance solutions, value-added POS and business process management services;

PayOnline – through our subsidiary, PayOnline Systems (“PayOnline”), we provide a wide range of value-added online solutions in the selected international markets utilizing our fully-integrated, agnostic electronic commerce platform that simplifies complex enterprise online transaction processing challenges from payment acceptance and processing through risk prevention and payment security via point-to-point encryption and tokenization solutions;

Pay-Travel – integrated payment processing solutions to the travel industry, which includes integrations with various Global Distribution Systems (“GDS”) such as Amadeus®, Galileo®, Sabre®, additional geo filters and passenger name record (PNR) through Pay-Travel service offered by PayOnline;

Aptito POS Platform – an integrated POS platform developed on Apple’s® iOS and Android® mobile operating systems for the hospitality, retail, service and on the go industries. Our goal with Aptito is to create an easy to use POS and business management solution, which incorporates everything a small business needs to help streamline every-day management, operations and payment acceptance;

Restoactive – utilizing Aptito POS Platform architecture, we have developed and launched Restoactive, which seamlessly plugs into a current restaurant environment through integrations with some of the biggest POS and restaurant management platforms available on the market today;

 

Unified Paymentsm-POS doing businessmobile POS application makes accepting payments on the go easy and secure. Mobile application is EMV-compliant, accepts traditional and contactless transactions such as Apple Pay®. Unified Payments, we provide businesses of all sizesm-POS application is available for download in Apple’s App Store and types throughout the United States with a wide range of fully- integrated payment acceptance solutions, value-added POS and business process management services;Google Play;

 

PayOnlineZero Pay through our subsidiary, PayOnline Systems (“PayOnline”), we provide a wide range of value-added online solutionszero-fee payment acceptance program for SMB merchants in the selected international markets utilizing our fully-integrated, agnostic electronic commerce platform that simplifies complex enterprise online transaction processing challenges from payment acceptanceUnited States. Zero Pay program saves merchants costs involved in accepting credit and processing through risk prevention and payment security via point-to-point encryption and tokenization solutions;debit cards using mobile POS;

 

Pay-TravelNetevia integratedour internally developed future-ready multi-channel payments and merchant management platform. Connecting and simplifying payments across sales channels through a single integration point, Netevia delivers end-to-end payment processing solutions tothrough easy-to-use APIs. The Netevia platform is the travel industry, which includes integrations with various Global Distribution Systems (“GDS”) such as Amadeus®, Galileo®, Sabre®, additional geo filters and passenger name record (PNR) through Pay-Travel service offered by PayOnline;core of the company’s technology stack;

 

Aptito POS Platform – an integrated POS platform developed on Apple’s® iOS and Android® mobile operating systems for the hospitality, retail, service and on the go industries. Our goal with Aptito is to create an easy to use POS and business management solution, which incorporates everything a small business needs to help streamline every-day management, operations and payment acceptance;

Restoactive – utilizing Aptito POS Platform architecture, we have developed and launched Restoactive, which seamlessly plugs into a current restaurant environment through integrations with some of the biggest POS and restaurant management platforms available on the market today;

Unifiedm-POS– mobile POS application makes accepting payments on the go easy and secure. Mobile application is EMV-compliant, accepts traditional and contactless transactions such as Apple Pay®. Unified m-POS application is available for download in Apple’s App Store and Google Play;

Zero Pay – zero-fee payment acceptance program for SMB merchants in the United States. Zero Pay program saves merchants costs involved in accepting credit and debit cards using mobile POS;

Netevia – our internally developed future-ready multi-channel payments and merchant management platform. Connecting and simplifying payments across sales channels through a single integration point, Netevia delivers end-to-end payment processing through easy-to-use APIs. The Netevia platform is the core of the company’s technology stack;

Blade-our internally developed, proprietary, fully automated, artificial intelligence powered underwriting solution with predictive scoring. Built for underwriting and on-boarding of new merchants, reducing potential risks and decision-making time while improving the customer experience;

CryptocurrencyAcceptance - We are currently inour internally developed, proprietary, fully automated, artificial intelligence powered underwriting solution with predictive scoring. Built for underwriting and on-boarding of new merchants, reducing potential risks and decision-making time while improving the beta stage with some merchants in Europe currently utilizing our proprietary application on point terminals to effectuate cryptocurrency acceptance at the point-of-sale; andcustomer experience;

 

Netevia Mastercard for SMB - The Netevia Mastercard®, powered by Aliaswire’s patented technology, is part of a unique platform that combines efficient and low-cost payment processing with the ability to save money on credit and debit card payment acceptance fees.

 

Recent Developments

 

The outbreak and continuing spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected businesses across the globe, in particular the service industry, which includes restaurants, a significant part of our business, as well as disrupted global supply chains and workforce participation, and created significant volatility and disruption of financial markets. Further, thisoutbreak has resulted in government authorities around the world implementing numerous measures to try to reduce the spread of COVID-19, such as travel bans and restrictions, quarantines, promotion of social distancing measures, “shelter-in-place,” “stay-at-home” or similar“stay-at-home,” total lock-down orders, business limitations or total shutdowns. For example,shutdowns and similar orders.  More recently, many of our restaurant merchants that we service located within mainland United States, as well as hospitality and retail sector merchants,news agencies have been temporarily closed, have shortened operating hours and/or have otherwise been adversely affected byreported the impact and continuing spread of COVID-19. These merchants have experienced significant sales declines or no sales at all duenew variants of COVID-19, such as the Delta variant, that are significantly more contagious than previous strains. The spread of these new strains are causing some government authorities to closure ofreimplement the aforementioned measures, and some businesses to implement their business. Additionally, the COVID-19 outbreak has negatively impacted our employee productivity, including affecting the availability of employees reporting for work.

Since March 2020, we have taken initiativesown restrictions, to help minimize the riskstry to our business and protect our shareholders. Our management team’s experience during the 2008 financial crisis is proving to be very valuable in dealing with the current crisis. Our entire staff is fully committed and working diligently to support our merchants through these difficult times. Most of our merchants have contactless payment acceptance capabilities through their POS solutions, as well as, e-commerce and mobile contactless payment acceptance capabilities to eliminate the need for physical payments to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. The following initiatives, including an extensive business continuity plan, have been implemented:COVID-19 that had become less prevalent. 

 

Risk Management:

● Enhanced risk controlsThe COVID-19 pandemic and safeguardsthese measures have been putsignificantly impacted, and may continue to impact, the restaurant and hospitality industries. As a result, the Company’s revenues, which are largely tied to processing volumes in placethese verticals, were materially impacted during 2020. Since the quarter ended December 31, 2020, the Company has seen a significant recovery in its end-to-end payment volumes as some merchants began resuming their normal operations. However, while end-to-end volumes for merchantsthe three and six months ended June 30, 2021 have exceeded those for the respective three and six months ended June 30, 2020, the ultimate impact that sell productsthe COVID-19 pandemic and, in particular, the highly contagious Delta variant, will have on the Company’s consolidated results of operations in future periods remains uncertain and will depend on future developments, which are continuously evolving and cannot be predicted. This includes, but is not limited to, the duration and spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Delta variant, its severity, the emergence and severity of other variants, the availability and the efficacy of vaccines (particularly with an extended delivery time frame, products paid in advance, catering, ticketing,respect to emerging strains of the virus) and potential hesitancy to utilize them, other protective actions taken to contain the virus or treat its impact, such as restrictions on indoor dining, travel and transportation, and travel related merchants
● Onboardinghow quickly and to what extent normal economic and operating conditions will continue. The Company will continue to evaluate the nature and extent of new merchants inthese potential impacts to its business, consolidated results of operations, and liquidity.  Accordingly, the above categories has been put on hold until further notice
● For those employees that willCompany’s current results and financial condition discussed herein may not be working from home, we have implemented a “remote work” policyindicative of future operating results and provided employees with the technology necessary to do so
● For those employees that require office attendance, we are taking significant steps to ensure seamless service delivery while safeguarding employees health

Contactless Payments:


● Most of our merchants have contactless payment acceptance capabilities through their POS devices from equipment manufacturers such as PAX, Poynt and Verifone which are fully integrated into Netevia and Aptito platforms
● We launched an initiative to deploy contactless payment acceptance equipment to merchants that don’t currently have it
● Mobile contactless payment acceptance is available through our Unified mPOS App which can be downloaded from Apple’s App Store and Google’s Google Play Apps
● Online ecommerce payments through shopping carts allow our merchants to sell their products and services to customers that prefer to shop from the convenience of their homestrends.

 

During March 2020, our Company evaluated its liquidity position, future operating plans, and its labor force, which included a reduction in the labor force and compensation to executives and other employees, in order to maintain current payment processing functions, capabilities, and continued customer service to its merchants. We are also seeking sources of capital to pay our contractual obligations as they come due, in light of these uncertain times. Management believes that its operating strategy will provide the opportunity for us to continue as a going concern as long as we are able to obtain additional financing. At this time, due to our continuing losses from operations, negative working capital,the unprecedented and therapid spread of COVID-19 pandemic,and its variants, we cannot predict the impact of these conditions on our ability to obtain financing necessary for the Company to fund its future working capital requirements.  Our Company has also decided to explore strategic alternatives and potential options for its business, including sale of the Company or certain assets, licensing of technology, spin-offs, or a business combination. Accordingly, on August 4, 2020, the Company has entered into a merger agreement in connection with the contemplated merger (the “Merger”) with Mullen Technologies, Inc., a California corporation (“Mullen”),Automotive and certain related transactions, including a divestiture of the Company’s existing business operations. See “—Recent Developments—Mullen Merger and Related Transactions” for additional information. There can be no assurance, at this time, regarding the eventual outcome of our planned strategic alternatives, including the Merger and the related transactions. In most respects, it

Over the past year, we have taken initiatives to help minimize the risks to our business and protect our shareholders. Our management team’s experience during the 2008 financial crisis is still too early in the COVID-19 pandemicproving to be ablevery valuable in dealing with the current crisis. Our entire staff is fully committed and working diligently to quantify or qualify the longer-term ramifications on our merchant processing business,support our merchants through these difficult times. Most of our planned strategic alternativesmerchants have contactless payment acceptance capabilities through their POS solutions, as well as, e-commerce and mobile contactless payment acceptance capabilities to enhance current shareholder value,eliminate the need for physical payments to help reduce the spread of the virus. The following initiatives, including an extensive business continuity plan, have been implemented:

Risk Management:

● Enhanced risk controls and safeguards have been put in place for merchants that sell products with an extended delivery time frame, products paid in advance, catering, ticketing, transportation and travel related merchants
● For those employees that will be working from home, we have implemented a “remote work” policy and provided employees with the technology necessary to do so
● For those employees that require office attendance, we are taking significant steps to ensure seamless service delivery while safeguarding employees health

Contactless Payments:


● Most of
our current investors, and/or future potential investors.merchants have contactless payment acceptance capabilities through their POS devices from equipment manufacturers such as PAX, Poynt and Verifone which are fully integrated into Netevia and Aptito platforms
● We launched an initiative to deploy contactless payment acceptance equipment to merchants that don’t currently have it
● Mobile contactless payment acceptance is available through our Unified mPOS App which can be downloaded from Apple’s App Store and Google’s Google Play Apps
● Online ecommerce payments through shopping carts allow our merchants to sell their products and services to customers that prefer to shop from the convenience of their homes

 

As part of our Company's plan to obtain capital to fund future operations, on March 27, 2020, our Company entered into a Master Exchange Agreement, (the “ESOUSA Agreement”) with ESOUSA Holdings, LLC ("ESOUSA"), a related party. Prior to entering into the ESOUSA Agreement, ESOUSA agreed to acquire an existing promissory note that had been previously issued by the Company, of up to $2,000,000 in principal amount outstanding and unpaid interest due to RBL Capital Group, LLC ("RBL"). Pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement, the Company hashad the right, at any time prior to March 27, 2021, to request ESOUSA, and ESOUSA agreed upon each such request, to exchange this promissory note in tranches on the dates when the Company instructs ESOUSA, for such number of shares of the Company’s common stock (“Common Stock”) as determined under the ESOUSA Agreement based upon the number of shares of Common Stock (already in ESOUSA’s possession) that ESOUSA sold in order to finance its purchase of such tranche of the promissory note from RBL.  ESOUSA will purchase each tranche of the promissory note equal to 88% of the gross proceeds from the shares of Common Stock sold by ESOUSA to finance the purchase of such exchange amount from RBL. Each such tranche shall be $148,000 unless otherwise agreed to by the Company and ESOUSA. 

 

On April 23, 2020 and August 3, 2020, the Company entered into certain amendments to the ESOUSA Agreement, which together increased from $2,000,000 to $15,000,000 the principal amount and unpaid interest of one or more promissory notes of the Company or its direct or indirect subsidiaries that ESOUSA either purchased in whole or has an irrevocable right to purchase in tranches from RBL in connection with the ESOUSA Agreement.

 

On July 9, 2021, the Company entered into a new Master Exchange Agreement with ESOUSA.  See Note 14 - Subsequent Events in the condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements contained in Part I, Item 1 of this Report for additional information.

On May 7, 2020, the Company entered into a promissory note (the “Note”“PPP Note”) evidencing an unsecured loan (the “Loan”) in the amount of $491,493 made to the Company under the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”). The PPP Note matureswas to mature on May 7, 2022 and bearsbore interest at a rate of 1% per annum. Beginning December 7, 2020, the Company iswas required to make 17 monthly payments of principal and interest, with the principal component of each such payment based upon the level amortization of principal over a two-year period from May 7, 2020. Pursuant to the terms of the CARES Act and the PPP, the Company maycould apply to the Lender for forgiveness for the amount due on the Loan. The amount eligible for forgiveness iswas based on the amount of Loan proceeds used by the Company (during the eight-week period after the Lender makes the first disbursement of Loan proceeds) for the payment of certain covered costs, including payroll costs (including benefits), interest on mortgage obligations, rent and utilities, subject to certain limitations and reductions in accordance with the CARES Act and the PPP. No assurance can be given, at this time, that the Company will obtain forgiveness of the Loan in whole or in part.

On May 18, 2020, the9, 2021, our Company entered into a promissory note in the amount of $159,899 made to the Companywas informed by the U.S. Small Business Administration underthat the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.loan forgiveness application was approved. The Company reversed the amount due and reflected it as a gain on extinguishment of debt during the three months ended June 30, 2021.

 

On June 20, 2020, in connection with those certain term notes made by TOT Group, Inc.in favor of RBL, the Credit Facility (See Note. 8) , the Company executed two (2) promissory term notes, totaling $9,431,157, which replaces all previous outstanding term notes with RBL. The first term note is for $4,432,157 and bears interest at 14.19%. On December 20, 2021, we are required to make one (1) payment of interest only for $67,746, followed by eight (8) payments of interest only for the same amount, followed by a balloon payment for any outstanding principal and accrued interest of approximately $5,540,128. The second  term note is for $5,000,000 and bears interest at 14.19%. On June 20, 2020, we are required to make one (1) payment of interest only for $59,125 followed by six (6) payments of interest only for the same amount. Starting on January 20,2021, the Company shall make twenty (20) equal monthly payments of principal and interest of $137,109, followed by one (1) payment of principal and interest for approximately $3,290,475.In connection with this term note, the Company agreed to pay a financing fee of $894,311. Such financing fee will be due and payable as follows; $25,000 on February 20, 2021; $25,000 on June 20, 2021; $94,311 on August 20, 2022; and $750,000 on September 20, 2022. The Company waives demand, presentment for payment, protest, notice of protest and notice of nonpayment or dishonor of the Note. The Company shall not have any right to prepay this loan except as expressly provided in the Loan Agreement. The Company waives demand, presentment for payment, protest, notice of protest and notice of nonpayment or dishonor of the Note. The Company shall not have any right to prepay this loan except as expressly provided in the Loan Agreement. 

Mullen Merger and Related Transactions

 

On August 4, 2020, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Mullen Technologies, Inc., a California corporation (“Mullen”), and Mullen Acquisition, Inc., a California corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Merger Sub”), which was amended on December 29, 2020, March 30, 2021 and April 30, 2021 (as amended, the “Original Merger Agreement”). Pursuant to, and on the terms and subject to the conditions of, the Original Merger Agreement, Merger Sub willwas to be merged with and into Mullen, with Mullen continuing as the surviving corporation in such merger.

On May 14, 2021, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Prior Restated Merger Agreement”) with Mullen, Merger Sub and Mullen Automotive, Inc. (“Mullen Automotive”), a California corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mullen, which amended, restated and replaced in its entirety the Original Merger Agreement.  On July 20, 2021, the parties entered into a Second Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Restated Merger Agreement”), which amended, restated and replaced in its entirety the Prior Restated Merger Agreement. Pursuant to, and on the terms and subject to the conditions of, the Restated Merger Agreement, Merger Sub will be merged with and into Mullen Automotive (the “Merger”), with Mullen Automotive continuing as the surviving corporation in the Merger (See Note 14 - Subsequent Events in the condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements contained in Part I, Item 1 of this Report).

The Restated Merger Agreement contains termination rights for each of the Company and Mullen Automotive, including, among others, (i) in the event that the Merger has not been consummated by August 31, 2021, (ii) in the event that the requisite approval of the Company’s stockholders is not obtained upon a vote thereon, (iii) in the event that any governmental authority shall have taken action to restrain, enjoin or prohibit the consummation of the Merger, which action shall have become final and non-appealable and (iv) in the event that there is a breach by the other party of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements, which breach is sufficiently material and not timely cured or curable. In addition, Mullen Automotive may terminate the Restated Merger Agreement if, prior to receipt of the requisite approval of the Company’s stockholders, the Company’s board of directors shall have changed their recommendation in respect of the Merger. Further, the Company may terminate the Restated Merger Agreement prior to receipt of the requisite approval of the Company’s stockholders to enter into a definitive agreement with respect to a Superior Proposal (as such term is defined in the Restated Merger Agreement).

The consummation of the Merger is subject to (i) the Merger and the shares of Company common stock to be issued in connection with the Merger and other transactions contemplated by the Restated Merger Agreement being approved and authorized for the listing on Nasdaq and (ii) the Company’s and its subsidiaries aggregate cash and cash equivalents plus amounts lent by the Company to Mullen Automotive pursuant to the Restated Merger Agreement less accounts payable and debt (exclusive of unfunded warrant proceeds) is $10,000,000 less legal fees as set forth in the Restated Merger Agreement, the Late Fees (as defined below), $500,000 previously lent by the Company to Mullen pursuant to the Mullen Note (as defined below) together with all accrued interested thereon (the “Net Cash Position”). The parties to the Restated Merger Agreement intend that the Company will effect a private placement of the Company common stock prior to the Merger Effective Time (the “Private Placement”) in order to raise sufficient capital for the Net Cash Position.

The parties to the Restated Merger Agreement intend that the number of shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding immediately after the Merger effective time on a fully diluted and fully converted basis will not exceed 75,000,000, with 15% of such common stock outstanding immediately after the Merger effective time on a fully diluted and fully converted basis to be allocated to the persons that hold shares of the Company common stock immediately prior to the Merger effective time (the “Parent Pre-Merger Stockholders”) (subject to upward adjustment described below).

 

The parties to the Merger Agreement intendCompany and Mullen Automotive may agree that subject to the Company’s stockholders’ approval, the Company will effect a private placementmay raise additional capital beyond the Net Cash Position. In such event, Mullen Automotive and its pre-Merger shareholders shall solely absorb all of the Company common stock prior todilution from such additional capital raise beyond the Merger effective time (the “Private Placement”) and to loan at 14% annual interest rate compounding monthly all or a portionNet Cash Position for purposes of the net proceeds of the Private Placement to Mullen on an unsecured basis. In connection with such financing, for every one dollar of loan funding (including all accrued interest on such loans) provided byallocating ownership between the Company to Mullen prior topre-Merger stockholders, on the Merger effective time,one hand, and all other parties, on the Parent Pre-Merger Stockholders will retain an additional 0.00000067% of the shares of the Company common stock to be outstanding on a fully diluted basis immediately after the Merger effective time.other hand.

 

The Partiesparties to the Restated Merger Agreement intend that, prior to the Merger effective time but, subject to and after the Company’s stockholders’ approval, the Company will divest itself of its existing business operations to another party, and will cause such party to assume all liabilities of the Company directly related to its operations of its existing business immediately prior to the closing of such divestiture (the “Divestiture”).   On July 20, 2021, the Company entered into a divestiture agreement (the “Divestiture Agreement”) with RBL relating to the contemplated Divestiture.  See Note 14 - Subsequent Events in the condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements contained in Part I, Item 1 of this Report for additional information.

 

As was contemplated by the Original Merger Agreement, on August 11, 2020, ourthe Company as lender, borrowed an additional $500,000 from RBL and entered into an unsecured Promissory Note, dated August 11, 2020 (the “Note”“Mullen Note”), with Mullen. Pursuant to the Mullen Note, Mullen borrowed from the Company $500,000. Prior to maturity of the loan, the principal amount of the loan will carry an interest rate of 14% per annum compounded monthly and payable upon demand. This loan will mature on the earlier of (i) the date that the Merger Agreementmerger agreement is terminated for any reason by any party thereto and (ii) the Merger Effective Time (as definedeffective time.

In addition, pursuant to the Original Merger Agreement, the Company, Mullen and Merger Sub agreed that, if the registration statement on Form S-4 (with the merger proxy statement included as part of the prospectus) was not filed with the Commission on or prior to January 15, 2021, then Mullen would pay the Company an agreed sum of $13,333 per day (the “Late Fee”) until the such registration statement (with the merger proxy statement included as part of the prospectus) is filed with the Commission. All accumulated Late Fees will be due and payable by Mullen on the 5th day of each calendar month commencing February 5, 2021 and on the 5th day of each month thereafter until the above-refenced filing has occurred. An initial Form S-4 registration statement was filed on May 14, 2021. The parties to the Restated Merger Agreement agreed that Mullen Automotive will pay the Late Fee as set forth in the Original Merger Agreement).Agreement. At June 30, 2021, the Company is owed approximately $1.5 million from Mullen in connection with Late Fees, which remains unpaid.

 

On September 14, 2020, an advancePrior to the effective time of $141,000 which was previously borrowed by the Company from RBL, was sentMerger, (i) Mullen is contemplating to assign and transfer to Mullen byAutomotive all of its electric vehicle business related assets, business and operations, and Mullen Automotive is contemplating assuming certain debt and liabilities of Mullen and (ii) Mullen is contemplating a spin off, via share dividend, of all of the Company.in connection with expenses incurred bycapital stock of Mullen Automotive to the Company on behalfstockholders of Mullen.  Subsequent to September 30, 2020, the Company received $55,000 from Mullen as a payment towards this advance..of the effective date of such spin off. After such spin off and immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger, the capital structure (including its issued and outstanding common and preferred stock) of Mullen Automotive shall mirror the capital structure of Mullen.

 

Consummation of the Merger, the Divestiture, the Private Placement and the other transactions contemplated in the Restated Merger Agreement, is subject to customary conditions including, among others, the approval of the Company’s stockholders. There is no guarantee that the Merger, the Divestiture, the Private Placement or the other transactions contemplated in the Restated Merger Agreement will be completed. For additional information, see the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 5, 2020, as amended.July 21, 2021.

22

 

Our Mission and Vision

 

Our mission is to power global commerce and allow our clients to conduct business globally through a centralized solution. We believe that understanding consumer behavior and the needs of our merchants is the most effective and, ultimately, the most profitable means to accomplish our mission and create long-term value for all stakeholders.

 

We drive client growth through our in-depth knowledge of global transactional services and related value-added service offerings which separate us from the competition.

 

Our vision is to set the standard for multi-channel payments acceptance and value-added service offerings with focus on the creation of a unified global transaction acceptance ecosystem. We believe in disruptive emerging technologies and, as such, we have developed Netevia, our future-ready multi-channel payments platform to support development of value-added solutions designed for everyday commerce. Moving forward, we believe exciting projects and disruptive technologies like blockchain, IoT, biometric payments and artificial intelligence will provide us the opportunity to continue developing innovative payments solutions, which will provide value to our clients.

 

In order to achieve this vision, we seek to further develop single on-boarding, global transaction acceptance ecosystem. Manifesting this vision requires scaling our direct and indirect connectivity to multiple payment and mobile networks internationally. By implementing this vision, we believe that we will be able to provide centralized, global multi-channel transactional platform to our clients internationally.

 

 

 

2223

Table of Contents

 

Our Strategy

 

Subject to the potential Merger between the Company and Mullen Automotive and the related transactions, including the Divestiture, our strategy is to capitalize on consumer appetite for digital payment methods, the perceived movement towards a cashless society. To continue to grow our business, our strategy is to focus on providing merchants with the ability to process a variety of electronic transactions across multiple channels. We seek to leverage the adoption of and transition to card, electronic and digital-based payments by expanding our market share through our distribution channels and services innovations. We also seek growth through strategic acquisitions to improve our offerings, scale and geography. We intend to continue to invest in and leverage our technology infrastructure and our people to increase our penetration in existing markets.

 

Key elements of our business strategy include:

 

Continued investment in our core technology and new technology offerings;

 

Continued investmentAllocation of resources and expertise to grow in our core technologycommerce and new technology offerings;payments segments;

 

Allocation of resourcesGrow and expertise to grow in commercecontrol distribution by adding new merchants and payments segments;partners;

 

GrowLeverage technology and control distribution by adding new merchants and partners;operational advantages throughout our global footprint;

 

Leverage technologyExpansion of our cardholder and operational advantages throughout our global footprint;subscriber customer base;

 

Expansion ofContinue to develop seamless multinational solutions for our cardholder and subscriber customer base;clients;

 

Continue to develop seamless multinational solutionsIncrease monetization while creating value for our clients;

 

Increase monetization while creating value for our clients;Focus on continued improvement and operation excellence; and

Focus on continued improvement and operation excellence; and

 

Pursue potential domestic and international acquisitions of, investments in, and alliances with companies that have high growth potential, significant market presence or key technological capabilities.

 

 

With our existing infrastructure and supplier relationships, we believe that we can accommodate expected revenue growth. We believe that our available capacity and infrastructure will allow us to take advantage of operational efficiencies and increased margin as we grow our processing volume and expand to other geographical territories.

 

Market Overview

 

The financial technology and transaction processing industry is an integral part of today’s worldwide financial structure. The industry is continually evolving, driven in large part by technological advances. The benefits of card-based payments allow merchants to access a broader universe of consumers, enjoy faster settlement times and reduce transaction errors. By using credit or debit cards, consumers are able to make purchases more conveniently, whether in person, over the Internet, or by mail, fax or telephone, while gaining the benefit of loyalty programs, such as frequent flyer miles or cash back, which are increasingly being offered by credit or debit card issuers.

 

In addition, consumers are also beginning to use card-based and other electronic payment methods for purchases at an earlier age in life, and increasingly for small dollar amount purchases. Given these advantages of card-based payment systems to merchants and consumers, favorable demographic trends, and the resulting proliferation of credit and debit card usage, we believe businesses will increasingly seek to accept card-based payment systems in order to remain competitive.

 

We believe that cash transactions are becoming progressively obsolete. The proliferation of bankcards has made the acceptance of bankcard payments a virtual necessity for many businesses, regardless of size, in order to remain competitive. In addition, the advent and growth of e-commerce and crypto-currencies have marked a significant new trend in the way business is being conducted. E-commerce is dependent upon credit and debit cards, as well as other cashless payment processing methods.

 

The payment processing industry continues to evolve rapidly, based on the application of new technology and changing customer needs. We intend to continue to evolve with the market to provide the necessary technological advances to meet the ever-changing needs of our market place. Traditional players in the industry must quickly adapt to the changing environment or be left behind in the competitive landscape.

 

The recent outbreakIn most respects, the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and continuing spreadthe surge in the new Delta variant makes it difficult to be able to quantify or qualify the longer-term ramifications on our business and our merchants.  See “—Recent Developments” for additional information relating to the impact of the novel coronavirusCOVID-19 pandemic (“COVID-19”) is currently impacting countries, communities, supply chains and markets, global financial markets, as well as, the largest industry group serviced by our Company. The Company cannot predict, at this time, whether COVID-19 will
continue to have a material impact on our future financial condition and results of operations due to understaffing in the service sector and the decrease in revenues and profits, particularly restaurants, and any possible future government ordinances that may further restrict restaurant and other service or retail sectors operations.Delta variant.

 


24

 

Business Segments

 

We operate two reportable business operating segments: (i) North American Transaction Solutions and (ii) International Transaction Solutions. Our segments are designed to establish lines of businesses that support our client base and further globalize our solutions. Management determines the reportable segments based on the internal reporting used by our Chief Operating Decision Maker to evaluate performance and to assess where to allocate resources. The principal revenue stream for all segments comes from service and transaction related fees.

 

North American Transaction Solutions

 

North American Transaction Solutions is currently our largest segment, where through our subsidiary TOT Payments, LLC, doing business as Unified Payments, we provide businesses of all sizes and types with a wide range of fully-integrated payment acceptance solutions at the point of sale, including Merchant Acquiring, e-commerce, mobile commerce, POS and other business solutions. Our largest service in this segment is Merchant Acquiring, which facilitates the acceptance of cashless transactions at the POS, whether a retail transaction at a physical business location, a mobile commerce transaction through a mobile or tablet device, which includes m-POS acceptance, Android Pay™, Apple Pay™ and Samsung Pay or an electronic commerce transaction over the web. Geographical presence for this segment is North America.

 

International Transaction Solutions

 

Through our subsidiary, PayOnline, we provide a wide range of value-added online and mobile solutions utilizing our fully-integrated, platform agnostic electronic commerce offering that simplifies complex enterprise online transaction processing challenges from payment acceptance and processing through risk prevention and payment security via point-to-point encryption and tokenization solutions. Our proprietary SaaS suite of solutions for electronic and mobile commerce gateway and payment processing platform is compliant at Level 1 of PCI DSS, streamlines the order-to-cash process, improves electronic payment acceptance and reduces the scope of burden of PCI DSS compliance. PayOnline holds a potential leadership position in the Russian Federation as one of the largest independent Internet Payment Services Providers (“IPSP”).

 

Segment Summary Information

 

The following tables present financial information of the Company’s reportable segments at and for the three and nine months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 and 2019.2020. The “corporate and eliminations” column includes corporate expenses and intercompany eliminations for consolidated purposes.

 

Three months ended September 30, 2020

 North American Transaction Solutions  International Transaction Solutions  Corp Exp & Eliminations  

Total

 

Three months ended June 30, 2021

 

North American Transaction Solutions

  

International Transaction Solutions

  

Corp Exp & Eliminations

  

Total

 

Net revenues

 $16,072,518  $661,856  $-  $16,734,374  $32,015,097  $1,276,838  $-  $33,291,935 

Cost of revenues

  14,083,449   476,741   -   14,560,190   28,561,909   1,020,689   -   29,582,598 

Gross Margin

  1,989,069   185,115   -   2,174,184  3,453,188  256,149  -  3,709,337 

Gross margin %

  12%  28%  -   13% 11% 20% -  11%

Selling, general and administrative

  816,740   205,733   625,123   1,647,596  886,240  248,924  915,697  2,050,861 

Non-cash compensation

  -   -   1,089,113   1,089,113  -  -  11,237  11,237 

Provision for bad debt

  590,322   1,878   -   592,200  514,145  236  -  514,381 

Depreciation and amortization

  744,452   5,022   -   749,474  527,587  1,297  -  528,884 

Interest expense

  352,480   -   8,023   360,503  363,312  -  -  363,312 

Other expense

  -   2,784   75,000   77,784 

Net loss for segment

 $(514,925) $(30,302) $(1,797,259) $(2,342,486)

Gain on debt forgiveness

 - - (441,492) (441,492)

Late fees due from Mullen

 - - (559,986) (559,986)

Other (income) expense

  (13,500)  4,529   -   (8,971)

Net income (loss) for segment

 $1,175,404  $1,163  $74,544  $1,251,111 

Goodwill

  6,671,750   1,009,436   -   7,681,186  6,671,750  1,009,436  -  7,681,186 

Other segment assets

  14,491,982   399,399   -   14,891,381   22,561,469   520,328   -   23,081,797 

Total segment assets

 $21,163,732  $1,408,835  $-  $22,572,567  $29,233,219  $1,529,765  $-  $30,762,984 

Three months ended June 30, 2020

 

North American Transaction Solutions

  

International Transaction Solutions

  

Corp Exp & Eliminations

  

Total

 

Net revenues

 $12,977,536  $741,073  $-  $13,718,609 

Cost of revenues

  11,016,028   520,759   -   11,536,787 

Gross Margin

  1,961,508   220,314   -   2,181,822 

Gross margin %

  15%  30%  -   16%

Selling, general and administrative

  720,538   125,785   539,006   1,385,329 

Non-cash compensation

  -   -   7,500   7,500 

Provision for bad debt

  31,755   1,555   -   33,310 

Depreciation and amortization

  765,823   6,579   -   772,402 

Interest expense

  341,020   -   -   341,020 

Other income

  (17,846)  9,289   (10,768)  (19,325)

Net income (loss) for segment

 $120,218  $77,106  $(535,738) $(338,414)

Goodwill

  6,671,750   1,009,436   -   7,681,186 

Other segment assets

  13,545,980   455,704   -   14,001,684 

Total segment assets

 $20,217,730  $1,465,140  $-  $21,682,870 

 

 

Three months ended September 30, 2019

 

North American Transaction Solutions

  

International Transaction Solutions

  

Corp Exp & Eliminations

  

Total

 

Net revenues

 $15,923,805  $895,881  $-  $16,819,686 

Cost of revenues

  13,414,334   664,907   -   14,079,241 

Gross Margin

  2,304,622   378,328   -   2,740,445 

Gross margin %

  14%  42%  -   16%

Selling, general and administrative

  687,509   292,269   1,419,008   2,398,786 

Non-cash compensation

  -   -   15,008   15,008 

Provision for bad debt

  422,204   1,175   -   423,379 

Depreciation and amortization

  746,829   9,156   -   755,985 

Interest expense (income), net

  270,041   -   -   270,041 

Other expense (income)

  28,974   (151,469)  39,152   (83,343)

Net income (loss) for segment

 $485,897  $227,197  $(1,313,728) $(1,039,411)

Goodwill

  6,671,750   2,972,002   -   9,643,752 

Other segment assets

  14,122,542   310,973   -   14,433,515 

Total segment assets

 $20,794,292  $3,282,975  $-  $24,077,267 

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2020

 North American Transaction Solutions  International Transaction Solutions  Corp Exp & Eliminations  

Total

 

Six months ended June 30, 2021

 

North American Transaction Solutions

  

International Transaction Solutions

  

Corp Exp & Eliminations

  

Total

 

Net revenues

 $44,204,134  $2,086,415  $-  $46,290,549  $54,906,407  $2,170,875  $-  $57,077,282 

Cost of revenues

  37,923,749   1,473,635   -   39,397,384   48,685,056   1,683,987   -   50,369,043 

Gross Margin

  6,280,385   612,780   -   6,893,165  6,221,351  486,888  -  6,708,239 

Gross margin %

  14%  29%  -   15% 11% 22% -  12%

Selling, general and administrative

  2,406,843   742,492   2,199,482   5,348,817  1,695,502  513,531  1,753,677  3,962,710 

Non-cash compensation

  -   -   1,135,013   1,135,013  - - 22,494 22,494 

Provision for bad debt

  1,065,340   2,948   -   1,068,288  1,208,204  854  -  1,209,058 

Depreciation and amortization

  2,281,517   19,801   -   2,301,318  1,261,557  3,005  -  1,264,562 

Interest expense

  1,041,913   -   8,023   1,049,936  719,592  -  -  719,592 

Gain on debt forgiveness

 - - (441,492) (441,492)

Late fees due from Mullen

 - - (1,559,961) (1,559,961)

Other (income) expense

  (17,846)  2,333   64,232   48,719   (16,347)  2,536   3,550   (10,261)

Net loss for segment

 $(497,382) $(154,794) $(3,406,750) $(4,058,926) $1,352,843 $(33,038) $221,732 $1,541,537 

Goodwill

  6,671,750   1,009,436   -   7,681,186  6,671,750  1,009,436  -  7,681,186 

Other segment assets

  14,491,982   399,399   -   14,891,381   22,561,469   520,328   -   23,081,797 

Total segment assets

 $21,163,732  $1,408,835  $-  $22,572,567  $29,233,219  $1,529,765  $-  $30,762,984 

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2019

 

North American Transaction Solutions

  

International Transaction Solutions

  

Corp Exp & Eliminations

  

Total

 

Six months ended June 30, 2020

 

North American Transaction Solutions

  

International Transaction Solutions

  

Corp Exp & Eliminations

  

Total

 

Net revenues

 $46,025,308  $2,328,871  $-  $48,354,179  $28,131,616  $1,424,559  $-  $29,556,175 

Cost of revenues

  38,627,147   1,613,607   -   40,240,754   23,840,300   996,895   -   24,837,195 

Gross Margin

  7,398,161   715,264   -   8,113,425  4,291,316  427,664  -  4,718,980 

Gross margin %

  16%  31%  -   17% 15% 30% -  16%

Selling, general and administrative

  1,972,596   813,887   4,296,238   7,082,721  1,590,103  536,760  1,574,358  3,701,221 

Non-cash compensation

  48,433   -   1,987,422   2,035,855  -  -  45,900  45,900 

Provision for bad debt

  913,351   (7,474)  -   905,877  475,018  1,070  -  476,088 

Depreciation and amortization

  2,327,487   27,065   -   2,354,552  1,537,065  14,779  -  1,551,844 

Interest expense (income), net

  767,676   -   -   767,676  689,433  -  -  689,433 

Other expense (income)

  324,913   (1,328,629)  (277,645)  (1,281,361)  (17,846)  (451)  (10,768)  (29,065)

Net income (loss) for segment

 $1,043,705  $1,210,415  $(6,006,015) $(3,751,895) $17,543  $(124,494) $(1,609,490) $(1,716,441)

Goodwill

  6,671,750   2,972,002   -   9,643,752  6,671,750  1,009,436  -  7,681,186 

Other segment assets

  14,122,542   310,973   -   14,433,515   13,545,980   455,704   -   14,001,684 

Total segment assets

 $20,794,292  $3,282,975  $-  $24,077,267  $20,217,730  $1,465,140  $-  $21,682,870 

 

Results of Operations for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 Compared to the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020

We reported a net income attributable to common stockholders of approximately $1.6 million or $0.26 per share income for the six months ended June 30, 2021 as compared to a net loss of approximately $1.7 million or $0.41 per share loss for the six months ended June 30, 2020. The decrease in net loss attributable to stockholders of approximately $3.3 million was primarily due to a significant increase in net revenues and approximately $1.5 million in late fees owed by Mullen, which remains unpaid.

The following tables set forth our sources of revenues, cost of revenues and the respective gross margins for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020.

  

Six

      

Six

         
  

Months Ended

      

Months Ended

      

Increase /

 

Source of Revenues

 

June 30, 2021

  

Mix

  

June 30, 2020

  

Mix

  

(Decrease)

 

North American Transaction Solutions

 $54,906,407   96.2% $28,131,616   95.2% $26,774,791 

International Transaction Solutions

  2,170,875   3.8%  1,424,559   4.8%  746,316 

Total

 $57,077,282   100.0% $29,556,175   100.0% $27,521,107 

  

Six

      

Six

         
  

Months Ended

  

% of

  

Months Ended

  

% of

  

Increase /

 

Cost of Revenues

 

June 30, 2021

  

revenues

  

June 30, 2020

  

revenues

  

(Decrease)

 

North American Transaction Solutions

 $48,685,056   88.7% $23,840,300   84.7% $24,844,756 

International Transaction Solutions

  1,683,987   77.6%  996,895   70.0%  687,092 

Total

 $50,369,043   88.2% $24,837,195   84.0% $25,531,848 

  

Six

      

Six

         
  

Months Ended

  

% of

  

Months Ended

  

% of

  

Increase /

 

Gross Margin

 

June 30, 2021

  

revenues

  

June 30, 2020

  

revenues

  

(Decrease)

 

North American Transaction Solutions

 $6,221,351   11.3% $4,291,316   15.3% $1,930,035 

International Transaction Solutions

  486,888   22.4%  427,664   30.0%  59,224 

Total

 $6,708,239   11.8% $4,718,980   16.0% $1,989,259 

Net revenues consist primarily of service fees from transaction processing. Net revenues were approximately $57.1 million and $29.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company’s revenues, which are largely tied to processing volumes were materially impacted beginning in the final two weeks of March 2020. Since the quarter ended December 31, 2020, the Company has seen a significant recovery in its end-to-end payment volumes as some merchants began resuming their normal operations. 

Cost of revenues represents direct costs of generating revenues, including commissions, mobile operator fees, interchange expense, processing, and non-processing fees. Cost of revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2021 were approximately $50.4 million as compared to approximately $24.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020. The increase in cost of revenues was primarily due to a significant increase in net revenues.

The gross margin for the six months ended June 30, 2021 was approximately $6.7 million, or 11.8% of net revenues, as compared to approximately $4.7 million, or 16.0% of net revenues, for the six months ended June 30, 2020. The decrease in the overall gross margin percentage was primarily the result of the competitive pressure in our industry and a large wholesale client converting their merchant processing relationship to our platform. Our wholesale platform generally provides for lower margins compared to our other products and services.

 

Operating Expenses Analysis:

Operating expenses were approximately $6.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021, as compared to approximately $5.8 million for six months ended June 30, 2020. Operating expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2021 primarily consisted of selling, general and administrative expenses of approximately $4.0 million, bad debt expense of approximately $1.2 million and depreciation and amortization expense of approximately $1.3 million. Operating expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2020 primarily consisted of selling, general and administrative expenses of approximately $3.7 million, bad debt expense of approximately $476,000, and depreciation and amortization expense of approximately $1.6 million. The net increase was primarily due to additional personnel retained to meet the demand of growth, the increase in bad debt expense due to the increase in net revenues, fees in connection with the Form S-4 filing, which were partially offset by the reduction of compensation of certain employees, consultants, and executives of the Company.

The components of our selling, general and administrative expenses are reflected in the tables below.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 consisted of operating expenses not otherwise delineated in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss, as follows:

Six months ended June 30, 2021

                
                 

Category

 

North American Transaction Solutions

  

International Transaction Solutions

  

Corporate Expenses & Eliminations

  

Total

 

Salaries, benefits, taxes and contractor payments

 $912,201  $299,609  $645,363  $1,857,173 

Professional fees

  368,954   64,137   612,976   1,046,067 

Rent

  152,933   33,142   9,765   195,840 

Business development

  84,601   13,335   38,055   135,991 

Travel expense

  7,734   62,375   94,216   164,325 

Filing fees

  -   -   46,502   46,502 

Transaction gains

  -   (41,986)  -   (41,986)

Office expenses

  104,598   11,403   45,648   161,649 

Communications expenses

  63,739   57,552   76,588   197,879 

Insurance expense

  -   -   83,832   83,832 

Other expenses

  742   13,964   100,732   115,438 

Total

 $1,695,502  $513,531  $1,753,677  $3,962,710 

Six months ended June 30, 2020

                
                 

Category

 

North American Transaction Solutions

  

International Transaction Solutions

  

Corporate Expenses & Eliminations

  

Total

 

Salaries, benefits, taxes and contractor payments

 $1,085,541  $204,967  $669,295  $1,959,803 

Professional fees

  161,578   88,428   496,948   746,954 

Rent

  17,643   30,158   91,508   139,309 

Business development

  111,349   17   5,907   117,273 

Travel expense

  5,309   34,496   95,526   135,331 

Filing fees

  -   -   37,338   37,338 

Transaction losses

  -   76,499   -   76,499 

Office expenses

  119,485   10,728   44,975   175,188 

Communications expenses

  88,770   89,364   35,871   214,005 

Insurance expense

  -   -   80,685   80,685 

Other expenses

  428   2,103   16,305   18,836 

Total

 $1,590,103  $536,760  $1,574,358  $3,701,221 

Variance

                
                 

Category

 

North American Transaction Solutions

  

International Transaction Solutions

  

Corporate Expenses & Eliminations

  

Total

 

Salaries, benefits, taxes and contractor payments

 $(173,340) $94,642  $(23,932) $(102,630)

Professional fees

  207,376   (24,291)  116,028   299,113 

Rent

  135,290   2,984   (81,743)  56,531 

Business development

  (26,748)  13,318   32,148   18,718 

Travel expense

  2,425   27,879   (1,310)  28,994 

Filing fees

  -   -   9,164   9,164 

Transaction gains

  -   (118,485)  -   (118,485)

Office expenses

  (14,887)  675   673   (13,539)

Communications expenses

  (25,031)  (31,812)  40,717   (16,126)

Insurance expense

  -   -   3,147   3,147 

Other (income) expenses

  314   11,861   84,427   96,602 

Total

 $105,399  $(23,229) $179,319  $261,489 

Salaries, benefits, taxes and contractor payments decreased by approximately $100,000 on a consolidated basis for the six months ended June 30, 2021 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020. This was primarily due to the reduction of  compensation of certain employees, consultants, and executives of the Company.

Segment

 

Salaries and benefits for the six months ended June 30, 2021

  

Salaries and benefits for the six months ended June 30, 2020

  

Increase / (Decrease)

 

North American Transaction Solutions

 $912,201  $1,085,541  $(173,340)

International Transaction Solutions

  299,609   204,967   94,642 

Corporate Expenses & Eliminations

  645,363   669,295   (23,932)

Total

 $1,857,173  $1,959,803  $(102,630)

Six months ended June 30, 2021

                
                 

Professional Fees

 

North American Transaction Solutions

  

International Transaction Solutions

  

Corporate Expenses & Eliminations

  

Total

 

General Legal

 $41,104  $1,645  $28,395  $71,144 

SEC Compliance Legal Fees

  -   -   375,035   375,035 

Accounting and Auditing

  -   -   1,465   1,465 

Tax Compliance and Planning

  -   -   4,800   4,800 

Consulting

  327,850   62,492   203,281   593,623 

Total

 $368,954  $64,137  $612,976  $1,046,067 

Six months ended June 30, 2020

                
                 

Professional Fees

 

North American Transaction Solutions

  

International Transaction Solutions

  

Corporate Expenses & Eliminations

  

Total

 

General Legal

 $2,600  $64  $19,708  $22,372 

SEC Compliance Legal Fees

  -   -   80,776   80,776 

Accounting and Auditing

  -   -   196,621   196,621 

Consulting

  158,978   88,364   199,843   447,185 

Total

 $161,578  $88,428  $496,948  $746,954 

Variance

                
                 

Professional Fees

 

North American Transaction Solutions

  

International Transaction Solutions

  

Corporate Expenses & Eliminations

  

Increase / (Decrease)

 

General Legal

 $38,504  $1,581  $8,687  $48,772 

SEC Compliance Legal Fees

  -   -   294,259   294,259 

Accounting and Auditing

  -   -   (195,156)  (195,156)

Consulting

  168,872   (25,872)  3,438   146,438 

Total

 $207,376  $(24,291) $116,028  $299,113 

All other operating expenses were relatively in line with the previous comparable period, with the exception of filing fees paid in connection with the Form S-4 registration statement relating to the contemplated merger.

Total Other Income and Expenses Delineated in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss): 

Bad Debt Expense Analysis:

We reflected a bad debt expense on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, which represents uncollected fees of approximately $1.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to bad debt expense, representing uncollected fees of approximately $0.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020The increase in bad debt expense was primarily due to billing adjustments relating to chargebacks made by our processors due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our merchants, and a corresponding significant increase in our net revenues.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense:

Depreciation and amortization expense consists primarily of the amortization of merchant portfolios in connection with residual buyout arrangements and client acquisition costs.  Depreciation and amortization expense was approximately $1.3 for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and $0.5 million for the six months June 30, 2020.

Interest Expense:

Interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020 is as follows;  

Funding Source

 

Six months ended June 30, 2021

  

Six months ended June 30, 2020

  

Increase / (Decrease)

 

RBL Notes

  691,117   669,100   22,017 

Other

  28,475   20,334   8,142 

Total

 $719,592  $689,433  $30,159 

Total Other Income:

Total other income was approximately $2.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and was primarily due to approximately $442,000 in connection with the gain on extinguishment of debt relating to the PPP Note and late fees of approximately $1.5 million owed by Mullen, which remain unpaid. For additional information see "Recent Developments-Mullen Merger and Related Transactions".

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 Compared to the Three Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20192020

 

We reported a net lossincome attributable to common stockholders of approximately $2.3$1.3 million or $0.52$0.21 per share income for the three months ended June 30, 2021 as compared to a net loss of approximately $325,000 or $0.08 per share loss for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2020 as compared to a net loss of approximately $1.0 million or $0.24 per share loss for the three months ended September 30, 2019.2020. The increasedecrease in net loss attributable to stockholders of approximately $1.3$1.6 million was primarily due to an increase in non-cash compensationnet revenues of approximately $1.1$19.6 million and an increaseapproximately $500,000 in bad debt expense of approximately $200,000.late fees owed by Mullen during the three months ended June 30, 2021.

 

The following tables set forth our sources of revenues, cost of revenues and the respective gross margins for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 and 2019.2020.

 

 

Three

      

Three

          

Three

   

Three

     
 

Months Ended

      

Months Ended

      

Increase /

  

Months Ended

   

Months Ended

   

Increase /

 

Source of Revenues

 

September 30, 2020

  

Mix

  

September 30, 2019

  

Mix

  

(Decrease)

  

June 30, 2021

  

Mix

  

June 30, 2020

  

Mix

  

(Decrease)

 

North American Transaction Solutions

 $16,072,518   96.0% $15,923,805   94.7% $148,713  $32,015,097  96.2% $12,977,536  94.6% $19,037,561 

International Transaction Solutions

  661,856   4.0%  895,881   5.3%  (234,025)  1,276,838  3.8%  741,073  5.4%  535,765 

Total

 $16,734,374   100.0% $16,819,686   100.0% $(85,312) $33,291,935  100.0% $13,718,609  100.0% $19,573,326 

 

 

Three

      

Three

          

Three

   

Three

     
 

Months Ended

  

% of

  

Months Ended

  

% of

  

Increase /

  

Months Ended

 

% of

 

Months Ended

 

% of

 

Increase /

 

Cost of Revenues

 

September 30, 2020

  

revenues

  

September 30, 2019

  

revenues

  

(Decrease)

  

June 30, 2021

  

revenues

  

June 30, 2020

  

revenues

  

(Decrease)

 

North American Transaction Solutions

 $14,083,449   87.6% $13,414,334   84.2% $669,115  $28,561,909  89.2% $11,016,028  84.9% $17,545,881 

International Transaction Solutions

  476,741   72.0%  664,907   74.2%  (188,166)  1,020,689  79.9%  520,759  70.3%  499,930 

Total

 $14,560,190   87.0% $14,079,241   83.7% $480,949  $29,582,598  88.9% $11,536,787  84.1% $18,045,811 

 

 

Three

      

Three

          

Three

   

Three

     
 

Months Ended

  

% of

  

Months Ended

  

% of

  

Increase /

  

Months Ended

 

% of

 

Months Ended

 

% of

 

Increase /

 

Gross Margin

 

September 30, 2020

  

revenues

  

September 30, 2019

  

revenues

  

(Decrease)

  

June 30, 2021

  

revenues

  

June 30, 2020

  

revenues

  

(Decrease)

 

North American Transaction Solutions

 $1,989,069   12.4% $2,509,471   15.8% $(520,402) $3,453,188  10.8% $1,961,508  15.1% $1,491,680 

International Transaction Solutions

  185,115   28.0%  230,974   25.8%  (45,859)  256,149  20.1%  220,314  29.7%  35,835 

Total

 $2,174,184   13.0% $2,740,445   16.3% $(566,261) $3,709,337  11.1% $2,181,822  15.9% $1,527,515 

 

Net revenues consist primarily of service fees from transaction processing. Net revenues were approximately $16.8$33.3 million and $13.7 million for each of the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2021 and 2020, and 2019respectively. The Company’s revenues, which are largely tied to processing volumes were materially impacted beginning in the final two weeks of March 2020. Since the quarter ended December 31, 2020, the Company has seen a significant recovery in its end-to-end payment volumes as some merchants began resuming their normal operations. 

 

Cost of revenues represents direct costs of generating revenues, including commissions, mobile operator fees, interchange expense, processing, and non-processing fees. Cost of revenues for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 were approximately $14.6$29.6 million as compared to approximately $14.1$11.5 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20192020. The increase in cost of revenues was primarily due to a significant increase in net revenues.

 

The gross margin for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 was approximately $2.2$3.7 million, or 13.0%11.1% of net revenues, as compared to approximately $2.7$2.2 million, or 16.3%15.9% of net revenues, for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019.2020. The primary reason for the decrease in the overall gross margin percentage was primarily the result of the competitive pressure in our industry relating to costs that can be passed throughand a large wholesale client converting their merchant processing relationship to our merchants.platform. Our wholesale platform generally provides for lower margins compared to our other products and services.

 

 

Operating Expenses Analysis:

 

Operating expenses were approximately $4.1$3.1 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2020,2021, as compared to $3.6$2.2 million for three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019.2020. Operating expenses for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 primarily consisted of selling, general and administrative expenses of approximately $1.6 million, non-cash compensation of approximately $1.1$2.1 million, bad debt expense of approximately $600,000$500,000 and depreciation and amortization expense of approximately $750,000.$500,000. Operating expenses for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20192020 primarily consisted of selling, general and administrative expenses of approximately $2.4$1.4 million, bad debt expense of approximately $400,000,$33,000, and depreciation and amortization expense of approximately $750,000.$800,000. The net increase was primarily due to additional personnel retained to meet the demand of growth, the increase in operating expenses was primarily relatedbad debt expense due to the increase in non-cash compensation,net revenues, fees in connection with the Form S-4 filing, which were partially offset by a decrease in selling, general, and administrative due to the reduction of the labor force and the reduction of compensation of certain employees, consultants, and executives of the Company, as compared to the previous corresponding quarter.Company.

 

The components of our selling, general and administrative expenses are reflected in the tables below.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 and 20192020 consisted of operating expenses not otherwise delineated in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss, as follows:

 

Three months ended September 30, 2020

                

Three months ended June 30, 2021

         
                         

Category

 North American Transaction Solutions  International Transaction Solutions  Corporate Expenses & Eliminations  

Total

  North American Transaction Solutions  International Transaction Solutions  Corporate Expenses & Eliminations  

Total

 

Salaries, benefits, taxes and contractor payments

 $563,948  $95,254  $84,688  $743,890  $468,053  $154,778  $325,100  $947,931 

Professional fees

  91,468   29,523   251,262   372,253  217,495  32,117  438,633  688,245 

Rent

  16,664   16,183   10,568   43,415  64,178  17,223  4,885  86,286 

Business development

  42,198   2,500   2,929   47,627  37,222  6,559  35,151  78,932 

Travel expense

  1,306   12,396   39,506   53,208  5,474  25,851  15,124  46,449 

Filing fees

  -   -   18,916   18,916  -  -  16,075  16,075 

Transaction gains

  -   12,641   -   12,641  -  (36,843) -  (36,843)

Office expenses

  65,208   2,961   18,091   86,260  54,124  5,934  17,612  77,670 

Communications expenses

  33,387   32,210   25,707   91,304  39,157  34,698  15,808  89,663 

Insurance expense

  -   -   46,772   46,772  -  -  41,832  41,832 

Other expenses

  2,561   2,065   126,684   131,310   537   8,607   5,477   14,621 

Total

 $816,740  $205,733  $625,123  $1,647,596  $886,240  $248,924  $915,697  $2,050,861 

 

Three months ended September 30, 2019

                

Three months ended June 30, 2020

         
                         

Category

 North American Transaction Solutions  International Transaction Solutions  Corporate Expenses & Eliminations  

Total

  North American Transaction Solutions  International Transaction Solutions  Corporate Expenses & Eliminations  

Total

 

Salaries, benefits, taxes and contractor payments

 $304,391  $124,921  $729,426  $1,158,738  $536,915  $91,825  $118,574  $747,314 

Professional fees

  125,713   58,478   486,984   671,175  55,336  39,537  241,288  336,161 

Rent

  -   23,048   51,795   74,843  13,070  13,325  39,093  65,488 

Business development

  75,414   540   18,707   94,661  32,228  -  3,805  36,033 

Travel expense

  36,337   10,553   18,466   65,356  638  9,373  39,894  49,905 

Filing fees

  -   -   37,213   37,213  -  -  15,525  15,525 

Transaction losses

  -   7,169   -   7,169  -  (80,512) -  (80,512)

Office expenses

  91,051   4,460   12,093   107,604  41,976  3,759  16,879  62,614 

Communications expenses

  39,530   61,428   17,710   118,668  40,083  46,374  15,863  102,320 

Insurance expense

  -   -   42,418   42,418  -  -  42,000  42,000 

Other expenses

  15,073   1,672   4,196   20,941   292   2,104   6,085   8,481 

Total

 $687,509  $292,269  $1,419,008  $2,398,786  $720,538  $125,785  $539,006  $1,385,329 

 

Variance

                         
                         

Category

 North American Transaction Solutions  International Transaction Solutions  Corporate Expenses & Eliminations  

Total

  North American Transaction Solutions  International Transaction Solutions  Corporate Expenses & Eliminations  

Total

 

Salaries, benefits, taxes and contractor payments

 $259,557  $(29,667) $(644,738) $(414,848) $(68,862) $62,953  $206,526  $200,617 

Professional fees

  (34,245)  (28,955)  (235,722)  (298,922) 162,159  (7,420) 197,345  352,084 

Rent

  16,664   (6,865)  (41,227)  (31,428) 51,108  3,898  (34,208) 20,798 

Business development

  (33,216)  1,960   (15,778)  (47,034) 4,994  6,559  31,346  42,899 

Travel expense

  (35,031)  1,843   21,040   (12,148) 4,836  16,478  (24,770) (3,456)

Filing fees

  -   -   (18,297)  (18,297) -  -  550  550 

Transaction gains

  -   5,472   -   5,472 

Transaction gains/losses

 -  43,669  -  43,669 

Office expenses

  (25,843)  (1,499)  5,998   (21,344) 12,148  2,175  733  15,056 

Communications expenses

  (6,143)  (29,218)  7,997   (27,364) (926) (11,676) (55) (12,657)

Insurance expense

  -   -   4,354   4,354  -  -  (168) (168)

Other (income) expenses

  (12,512)  393   122,488   110,369 

Other expenses

  245   6,503   (608)  6,140 

Total

 $129,231  $(86,536) $(793,885) $(751,190) $165,702  $123,139  $376,691  $665,532 

 

 

Salaries, benefits, taxes and contractor payments decreasedincreased by approximately $0.4 million$200,000 on a consolidated basis for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 as compared to the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019. This2020. The net increase was primarily due to additional personnel retained to meet the staffing reductions necessary anddemand of growth offset by the reduction of compensation of certain employees, consultants, and executives of the Company, due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations.Company. 

 

Segment

 Salaries and benefits for the three months ended September 30, 2020  Salaries and benefits for the three months ended September 30, 2019  

Increase / (Decrease)

  Salaries and benefits for the three months ended June 30, 2021  Salaries and benefits for the three months ended June 30, 2020  

Increase / (Decrease)

 

North American Transaction Solutions

 $563,948  $304,391  $259,557  $468,053  $536,915  $(68,862)

International Transaction Solutions

  95,254   124,921   (29,667) 154,778  91,825  62,953 

Corporate Expenses & Eliminations

  84,688   729,426   (644,738)  325,100   118,574   206,526 

Total

 $743,890  $1,158,738  $(414,848) $947,931  $747,314  $200,617 

 

Professional fees decreased by approximately $0.3 million compared to the previous comparable quarter due to the staffing reductions necessary due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations.

Three months ended June 30, 2021

                
                 

Professional Fees

 North American Transaction Solutions  International Transaction Solutions  Corporate Expenses & Eliminations  

Total

 

General Legal

 $38,479  $1,196  $25,965  $65,640 

SEC Compliance Legal Fees

  -   -   317,338   317,338 

Accounting and Auditing

  -   -   739   739 

Tax Compliance and Planning

  -   -   4,800   4,800 

Consulting

  179,016   30,921   89,791   299,728 

Total

 $217,495  $32,117  $438,633  $688,245 

 

Three months ended September 30, 2020

                

Three months ended June 30, 2020

         
                         

Professional Fees

 North American Transaction Solutions  International Transaction Solutions  Corporate Expenses & Eliminations  

Total

  North American Transaction Solutions  International Transaction Solutions  Corporate Expenses & Eliminations  

Total

 

General Legal

 $-  $941  $-  $941  $-  $-  $13,284  $13,284 

SEC Compliance Legal Fees

  -   -   89,147   89,147  -  -  35,390  35,390 

Accounting and Auditing

  -   -   98,223   98,223  -  -  98,264  98,264 

Tax Compliance and Planning

  -   -   -   - 

Consulting

  91,468   28,582   63,892   183,942   55,336   39,537   94,350   189,223 

Total

 $91,468  $29,523  $251,262  $372,253  $55,336  $39,537  $241,288  $336,161 

 

Three months ended September 30, 2019                
                 

Professional Fees

 North American Transaction Solutions  International Transaction Solutions  Corporate Expenses & Eliminations  

Total

 

General Legal

 $554  $1,681  $173,115  $175,350 

SEC Compliance Legal Fees

  -   -   43,393   43,393 

Accounting and Auditing

  -   -   98,051   98,051 

Tax Compliance and Planning

  -   -   13,800   13,800 

Consulting

  125,159   56,797   158,625   340,581 

Total

 $125,713  $58,478  $486,984  $671,175 

Variance

                         
                         

Professional Fees

 

North American Transaction Solutions

  

International Transaction Solutions

  

Corporate Expenses & Eliminations

  

Increase / (Decrease)

  

North American Transaction Solutions

  

International Transaction Solutions

  

Corporate Expenses & Eliminations

  

Increase / (Decrease)

 

General Legal

 $(554) $(740) $(173,115) $(174,409) $38,479  $1,196  $12,681  $52,356 

SEC Compliance Legal Fees

  -   -   45,754   45,754  -  -  281,948  281,948 

Accounting and Auditing

  -   -   172   172  -  -  (97,525) (97,525)

Tax Compliance and Planning

  -   -   (13,800)  (13,800)

Consulting

  (33,691)  (28,215)  (94,733)  (156,639)  123,680   (8,616)  (4,559)  110,505 

Total

 $(34,245) $(28,955) $(235,722) $(298,922) $162,159  $(7,420) $197,345  $352,084 

 

All other operating expenses were relatively in line with the previous comparable quarter, with the exception of an increase of approximately $353,000 in professional fees paid in connection with the decreases in general legal and consulting fees which totalled approximately $0.3 million.Form S-4 registration statement relating to the contemplated merger.   .

 

 

Total Other Income and Expenses Delineated in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss:Income (Loss): 

Non-cash compensation expense was approximately $1.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 as compared to $15,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2019. During the three months ended September 30, 2020, the Board of Directors approved and authorized the issuance of 151,597 shares of our common stock pursuant to the 2013 Plan which were allocated to certain executives, employees, and consultants of the Company resulting in compensation expense of approximately $1.1 million.

 

Bad Debt Expense Analysis:

 

We reflected a bad debt expense on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, which represents uncollected fees of approximately $592,000$500,000 for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021, compared to bad debt expense, representing uncollected fees of approximately $423,000$33,000 for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20192020The increase in bad debt expense was primarily due to billing adjustments relating to chargebacks made by our processors due to the to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our merchants.merchants, and a corresponding significant increase in our net revenues.

 

Depreciation and Amortization Expense:

 

Depreciation and amortization expense consists primarily of the amortization of merchant portfolios in connection with residual buyout arrangements and client acquisition costs.  Depreciation and amortization expense was approximately $750,000$529,000 for each of the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 and September$772,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2019.2020.

 

Interest Expense:

 

Interest expense for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 compared to the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20192020 is as follows;

 

Funding Source

 Three months ended September 30, 2020  Three months ended September 30, 2019  

Increase / (Decrease)

 

RBL Notes

 $328,165  $262,289  $65,876 

Other

  32,338   7,752   24,586 

Total

 $360,503  $270,041  $90,462 

Total interest expense increased primarily due to additional borrowings from RBL.

Funding Source

 Three months ended June 30, 2021  Three months ended June 30, 2020  

Increase / (Decrease)

 

RBL Notes

 $345,003  $330,853  $14,150 

Other

  18,309   10,167   8,142 

Total

 $363,312  $341,020  $22,292 

 

Total Other Income (Expense):Income:

 

Other losses wereTotal other income was approximately $(78,000)$1.0 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2020 as compared2021 primarily due to other incomeapproximately $442,000 in connection with the gain on extinguishment of debt relating to the PPP Note and late fees of approximately $83,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2019$500,000 million owed by Mullen, which remain unpaid. For additional information see "Recent Developments-Mullen Merger and Related Transactions".

 

Results of Operations for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019

We reported a net loss attributable to common stockholders of approximately $4.0 million or $0.94 per share loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 as compared to a net loss of approximately $3.7 million or $0.91 per share loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The increase in net loss attributable to stockholders was primarily due to a decrease in net revenues of approximately $2.0 million, which was partially offset by decreases in selling, general, and administrative expenses of approximately $1.7 million and non-cash compensation of approximately $0.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 Also, interest expense increased approximately $0.3 million which was combined with a decrease of  approximately $1.3 million in other income due to recognizing other income of approximately $1.1 million relating to merchant reserves recorded in a previous year, deemed not to be an obligation during the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

The following tables set forth our sources of revenues, cost of revenues and the respective gross margins for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.

  

Nine

      

Nine

         
  

Months Ended

      

Months Ended

      

Increase /

 

Source of Revenues

 

September 30, 2020

  

Mix

  

September 30, 2019

  

Mix

  

(Decrease)

 

North American Transaction Solutions

 $44,204,134   95.5% $46,025,308   95.2% $(1,821,174)

International Transaction Solutions

  2,086,415   4.5%  2,328,871   4.8%  (242,456)

Total

 $46,290,549   100.0% $48,354,179   100.0% $(2,063,630)

  

Nine

      

Nine

         
  

Months Ended

  

% of

  

Months Ended

  

% of

  

Increase /

 

Cost of Revenues

 

September 30, 2020

  

revenues

  

September 30, 2019

  

revenues

  

(Decrease)

 

North American Transaction Solutions

 $37,923,749   85.8% $38,627,147   83.9% $(703,398)

International Transaction Solutions

  1,473,635   70.6%  1,613,607   69.3%  (139,972)

Total

 $39,397,384   85.1% $40,240,754   83.2% $(843,370)

  

Nine

      

Nine

         
  

Months Ended

  

% of

  

Months Ended

  

% of

  

Increase /

 

Gross Margin

 

September 30, 2020

  

revenues

  

September 30, 2019

  

revenues

  

(Decrease)

 

North American Transaction Solutions

 $6,280,385   14.2% $7,398,161   16.1% $(1,117,776)

International Transaction Solutions

  612,780   29.4%  715,264   30.7%  (102,484)

Total

 $6,893,165   14.9% $8,113,425   16.8% $(1,220,260)

Net revenues consist primarily of service fees from transaction processing. Net revenues were approximately $46.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 as compared to approximately $48.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The decrease in net revenues for the comparable period was primarily due to the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our end-to-end payment volumes and gateway transactions.

Cost of revenues represents direct costs of generating revenues, including commissions, mobile operator fees, interchange expense, processing, and non-processing fees. Cost of revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 were approximately $39.4 million as compared to approximately $40.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. This decrease is in line with the decrease in revenues for the nine months ended September, 30, 2020.

The gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was approximately $6.9 million, or 14.9% of net revenues, as compared to approximately $8.1 million, or 16.8% of net revenues, for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The decrease in gross margin was primarily the result of the competitive pressure in our industry, relating to costs that can be passed through to our merchants.

 

Operating Expenses Analysis:

Operating expenses were approximately $9.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, as compared to $12.4 million for nine months ended September 30, 2019. Operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 primarily consisted of selling, general and administrative expenses of approximately $5.3 million, non-cash compensation of approximately $1.1 million, bad debt expense of approximately $1.0 million and depreciation and amortization expense of approximately $2.3 million. Operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 primarily consisted of selling, general and administrative expenses of approximately $7.1 million, non-cash compensation of approximately $2.0 million, bad debt expense of approximately $0.9 million, and depreciation and amortization expense of approximately $2.4 million.

The components of our selling, general and administrative expenses are reflected in the table below.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 consisted of operating expenses not otherwise delineated in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss, as follows:

Nine months ended September 30, 2020

                
                 

Category

 North American Transaction Solutions  International Transaction Solutions  Corporate Expenses & Eliminations  

Total

 

Salaries, benefits, taxes and contractor payments

 $1,649,488  $300,221  $753,983  $2,703,692 

Professional fees

  253,046   117,951   748,210   1,119,207 

Rent

  34,307   46,341   102,076   182,724 

Business development

  153,547   2,517   8,836   164,900 

Travel expense

  6,615   46,892   135,032   188,539 

Filing fees

  -   -   56,254   56,254 

Transaction gains

  -   89,140   -   89,140 

Office expenses

  184,692   13,688   63,065   261,445 

Communications expenses

  122,158   121,574   61,578   305,310 

Insurance expense

  -   -   127,457   127,457 

Other expenses

  2,990   4,168   142,991   150,149 

Total

 $2,406,843  $742,492  $2,199,482  $5,348,817 

Nine months ended September 30, 2019

                
                 

Category

 North American Transaction Solutions  International Transaction Solutions  Corporate Expenses & Eliminations  

Total

 

Salaries, benefits, taxes and contractor payments

 $926,868  $400,943  $2,294,391  $3,622,202 

Professional fees

  400,058   186,440   1,334,367   1,920,865 

Rent

  -   57,144   157,086   214,230 

Business development

  168,582   1,655   28,821   199,058 

Travel expense

  95,984   24,038   83,833   203,855 

Filing fees

  -   -   78,125   78,125 

Transaction losses

  -   (36,923)  -   (36,923)

Office expenses

  249,232   14,485   38,406   302,123 

Communications expenses

  119,233   158,495   59,584   337,312 

Insurance expense

  -   -   112,932   112,932 

Other expenses

  12,639   7,610   108,693   128,942 

Total

 $1,972,596  $813,887  $4,296,238  $7,082,721 

Variance

                
                 

Category

 North American Transaction Solutions  International Transaction Solutions  Corporate Expenses & Eliminations  

Total

 

Salaries, benefits, taxes and contractor payments

 $722,620  $(100,722) $(1,540,408) $(918,510)

Professional fees

  (147,012)  (68,489)  (586,157)  (801,658)

Rent

  34,307   (10,803)  (55,010)  (31,506)

Business development

  (15,035)  862   (19,985)  (34,158)

Travel expense

  (89,369)  22,854   51,199   (15,316)

Filing fees

  -   -   (21,871)  (21,871)

Transaction gains

  -   126,063   -   126,063 

Office expenses

  (64,540)  (797)  24,659   (40,678)

Communications expenses

  2,925   (36,921)  1,994   (32,002)

Insurance expense

  -   -   14,525   14,525 

Other (income) expenses

  (9,649)  (3,442)  34,298   21,207 

Total

 $434,247  $(71,395) $(2,096,756) $(1,733,904)

Salaries, benefits, taxes and contractor payments decreased by approximately $0.9 million on a consolidated basis for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2019. This was primarily due to the staffing reductions necessary and the reduction of compensation of certain employees and executives of the Company, due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations.

Segment

 Salaries and benefits for the nine months ended September 30, 2020  Salaries and benefits for the nine months ended September 30, 2019  

Increase / (Decrease)

 

North American Transaction Solutions

 $1,649,488  $926,868  $722,620 

International Transaction Solutions

  300,221   400,943   (100,722)

Corporate Expenses & Eliminations

  753,983   2,294,391   (1,540,408)

Total

 $2,703,692  $3,622,202  $(918,510)

Professional fees decreased by approximately $0.8 million compared to the previous comparable quarter due to the staffing reductions necessary due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations.

Nine months ended September 30, 2020

                
                 

Professional Fees

 North American Transaction Solutions  International Transaction Solutions  Corporate Expenses & Eliminations  

Total

 

General Legal

 $2,600  $1,005  $19,708  $23,313 

SEC Compliance Legal Fees

  -   -   169,922   169,922 

Accounting and Auditing

  -   -   294,844   294,844 

Tax Compliance and Planning

  -   -   -   - 

Consulting

  250,446   116,946   263,736   631,128 

Total

 $253,046  $117,951  $748,210  $1,119,207 

Nine months ended September 30, 2019

                
                 

Professional Fees

 North American Transaction Solutions  International Transaction Solutions  Corporate Expenses & Eliminations  

Total

 

General Legal

 $21,670  $23,315  $390,925  $435,910 

SEC Compliance Legal Fees

  -   -   136,484   136,484 

Accounting and Auditing

  -   -   293,051   293,051 

Tax Compliance and Planning

  -   -   19,800   19,800 

Consulting

  378,388   163,125   494,107   1,035,620 

Total

 $400,058  $186,440  $1,334,367  $1,920,865 

Variance

                
                 

Professional Fees

 North American Transaction Solutions  International Transaction Solutions  Corporate Expenses & Eliminations  

Increase / (Decrease)

 

General Legal

 $(19,070) $(22,310) $(371,217) $(412,597)

SEC Compliance Legal Fees

  -   -   33,438   33,438 

Accounting and Auditing

  -   -   1,793   1,793 

Tax Compliance and Planning

  -   -   (19,800)  (19,800)

Consulting

  (127,942)  (46,179)  (230,371)  (404,492)

Total

 $(147,012) $(68,489) $(586,157) $(801,658)

All other operating expenses were relatively in line with the previous comparable quarter, with the exception of the decreases in general legal and consulting fees which totalled approximately $0.8 million.

Other Income and Expenses Delineated in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss: 

Non-cash compensation expense was approximately $1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 as compared to approximately $2.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The decrease in expense was associated with less shares issued during the comparable period to certain executives,  employees, and consultants in connection with equity incentive awards approved by the Board of Directors.

Bad Debt Expense Analysis:

We reflected a bad debt expense on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, which represents uncollected fees of approximately $1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to bad debt expense, representing uncollected fees of approximately $0.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019The increase in bad debt expense was primarily due to billing adjustments relating to chargebacks made by our processors due to the to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our merchants.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense:

Depreciation and amortization expense consists primarily of the amortization of merchant portfolios in connection with residual buyout arrangements and client acquisition costs. Depreciation and amortization expense was approximately $2.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 as compared to approximately $2.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019

Interest Expense:

Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2019 is as follows;

Funding Source

 Nine months ended September 30, 2020  Nine months ended September 30, 2019  

Increase / (Decrease)

 

RBL Notes

  997,265   730,992   266,273 

Other

  52,671   36,684   15,987 

Total

 $1,049,936  $767,676  $282,260 

Total interest expense increased primarily due to additional borrowings from RBL.

Other Income:

Other income decreased by approximately $1.3 million due to the recognition in other income of approximately $1.1 million relating to merchant reserves recorded in a previous year, deemed not to be an obligation during the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Total assets at SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 were approximately $22.6$30.8 million compared to approximately $23.0$26.8 million at December 31, 2019.2020. The net decreaseincrease in total assets reflectsis primarily the result of an increase in operating cash, a decreaseaccounts receivable due to an increase in cash for the amount loaned to Mullen,revenues and the increase in the operating lease right-of-use asset with a corresponding decrease in accounts receivable and intangible assets.Late Fees due from Mullen, which remain unpaid.

 

At SeptemberJune 30, 2020,2021 we had total current assets of approximately $9.2$18.4 million and approximately $8.7$14.0 million at December 31, 2019.2020. The primary reason for the increase in total current assets reflectsis primarily the result of an increase in operating cash, with a corresponding decreaseaccounts receivable due to an increase in cash forrevenues and the amount loaned to Mullen.Late Fees due from Mullen, which remain unpaid.

 

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. We sustainedhad net income attributable to common stockholders of approximately $1.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and a net loss of approximately $4.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and $6.5$5.9 million for the year ended December 31, 20192020 and have an accumulated deficit of $182.8approximately $182.3 million and a negativepositive working capital of $0.3approximately $2.9 million at SeptemberJune 30, 2021. A significant portion of this positive working capital at June 30, 2021 relates to amounts due from Mullen Technologies which remains unpaid (See Note 5 - Due from Mullen in the condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements contained in Part I, Item 1 of this Report).

The COVID-19 outbreak has resulted in government authorities around the world implementing numerous measures to try to reduce the spread of COVID-19, such as travel bans and restrictions, quarantines, promotion of social distancing measures, “shelter-in-place,” “stay-at-home,” total lock-down orders, business limitations or shutdowns and similar orders.  More recently, many news agencies have reported the spread of new variants of COVID-19, such as the Delta variant, that are significantly more contagious than previous strains. The spread of these new strains are causing some government authorities to reimplement the aforementioned measures, and some businesses to implement their own restrictions, to try to reduce the spread of COVID-19 that had become less prevalent. 

The COVID-19 pandemic and these measures have significantly impacted, and may continue to impact, the restaurant and hospitality industries. As a result, the Company’s revenues, which are largely tied to processing volumes in these verticals, were materially impacted during 2020. Since the quarter ended December 31, 2020, the Company has seen a significant recovery in its end-to-end payment volumes as some merchants began resuming their normal operations. However, while end-to-end volumes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 have exceeded those for the respective three and six months ended June 30, 2020, the ultimate impact that the COVID-19 pandemic and, in particular, the highly contagious Delta variant, will have on the Company’s consolidated results of operations in future periods remains uncertain and will depend on future developments, which are continuously evolving and cannot be predicted. This includes, but is not limited to, the duration and spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Delta variant, its severity, the emergence and severity of other variants, the availability and the efficacy of vaccines (particularly with respect to emerging strains of the virus) and potential hesitancy to utilize them, other protective actions taken to contain the virus or treat its impact, such as restrictions on indoor dining, travel and transportation, and how quickly and to what extent normal economic and operating conditions will continue. The Company will continue to evaluate the nature and extent of these potential impacts to its business, consolidated results of operations, and liquidity.

 

During March 2020, our Company evaluated its liquidity position, future operating plans, and its labor force, which included a reduction in the labor force and compensation to executives and other employees, in order to maintain current payment processing functions, capabilities, and continued customer service to its merchants. We are also seeking sources of capital to pay our contractual obligations as they come due, in light of these uncertain times. Management believes that its operating strategy will provide the opportunity for us to continue as a going concern as long as we are able to obtain additional financing. At this time, due to our continuing losses from operations, negative working capital,the unprecedented and therapid spread of COVID-19 pandemic,and its variants, we cannot predict the impact of these conditions on our ability to obtain financing necessary for the Company to fund its future working capital requirements.  Our Company has also decided to explore strategic alternatives and potential options for its business, including sale of the Company or certain assets, licensing of technology, spin-offs, or a business combination. There can be no assurance, at this time, regardingAccordingly, the eventual outcomeCompany has entered into a merger agreement in connection with the contemplated merger with Mullen Automotive and certain related transactions, including a divestiture of our planned strategic alternative.  In most respects, it is still too earlythe Company’s existing business operations. See “—Recent Developments—Mullen Merger and Related Transactions” and Note 14 - Subsequent Events in the COVID-19 pandemiccondensed consolidated unaudited financial statements contained in Part I, Item 1 of this Report for additional information.

On May 7, 2020, the Company entered into a promissory note (the “PPP Note”) evidencing an unsecured loan (the “Loan”) in the amount of $491,493 made to be ablethe Company under the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”). The PPP Note was to quantify or qualifymature on May 7, 2022 and bore interest at a rate of 1% per annum. Beginning December 7, 2020, the longer-term ramificationsCompany was required to make 17 monthly payments of principal and interest, with the principal component of each such payment based upon the level amortization of principal over a two-year period from May 7, 2020. Pursuant to the terms of the CARES Act and the PPP, the Company could apply to the Lender for forgiveness for the amount due on the Loan. The amount eligible for forgiveness was based on the amount of Loan proceeds used by the Company (during the eight-week period after the Lender makes the first disbursement of Loan proceeds) for the payment of certain covered costs, including payroll costs (including benefits), interest on mortgage obligations, rent and utilities, subject to certain limitations and reductions in accordance with the CARES Act and the PPP. On May 9, 2021, our merchant processing business, our merchants, our planned strategic alternatives to enhance current shareholder value, our current investors, and/or future potential investors.Company was informed by the Small Business Administration that the loan forgiveness application was approved. The Company reversed the amount due and reflected it as a gain on extinguishment of debt during the three months ended June 30, 2021.

 

As part of our Company's plan to obtain capital to fund future operations, on March 27, 2020, our Company entered into a Master Exchange Agreement (the “ESOUSA Agreement”) with ESOUSA Holdings, LLC ("ESOUSA"), a related party. Prior to entering into the ESOUSA Agreement, ESOUSA agreed to acquire an existing promissory note that had been previously issued by the Company, of up to $2,000,000 in principal amount outstanding and unpaidplus interest due to RBL Capital Group, LLC ("RBL"). Pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement, the Company hashad the right, at any time prior to March 27, 2021, to request ESOUSA, and ESOUSA agreed upon each such request, to exchange this promissory note in tranches on the dates when the Company instructs ESOUSA, for such number of shares of the Company’s common stock (“Common Stock”) as determined under the ESOUSA Agreement based upon the number of shares of Common Stock (already in ESOUSA’s possession) that ESOUSA sold in order to finance its purchase of such tranche of the promissory note from RBL. ESOUSA will purchase each tranche of the promissory note equal to 88% of the gross proceeds from the shares of Common Stock sold by ESOUSA to finance the purchase of such exchange amountExchange Amount from RBL. Each such tranche shallto be $148,000 unless otherwise agreed to by the Company and ESOUSA.

 

On April 23, 2020 and August 3, 2020, the Company entered into certain amendments to the ESOUSA Agreement, which together increased from $2,000,000 to $15,000,000 the principal amount and unpaid interest of one or more promissory notes of the Company or its direct or indirect subsidiaries that ESOUSA either purchased in whole or has an irrevocable right to purchase in tranches from RBL in connection with the ESOUSA Agreement.

 

On March 27, 2020, the Company received its first tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $148,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement. Included in other accrued expenses at SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 is approximately $145,000 in connection with this first tranche for which shares of Common Stock have not yet been issued. Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $148,000 from RBL under the Loan and Security Agreement (“Credit Facility”) with RBL.  See Note 8. "Notes Payable" in the condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements contained in Part I, Item 1 of this Report for more information regarding the terms of the Credit Facility. 

 

On April 28, 2020, the Company received its second tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $143,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.  The Company issued 65,862 shares of Common Stock to ESOUSA in connection with this exchange.  Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $143,000 from RBL under the Credit Facility. \

 

On August 11, 2020, the Company received its third tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $707,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.  The Company issued 66,190 shares of Common Stock to ESOUSA in connection with this exchange.  Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $707,000 from RBL under the Credit Facility. 

 

On August 21, 2020, the Company received its fourth tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $401,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.  The Company issued 45,654 shares of Common Stock to ESOUSA in connection with this exchange.  Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $401,000 from RBL under the Credit Facility. 

 

On September 25, 2020, the Company received its fifth tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $426,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.  The Company issued 50,000 shares of Common Stock to ESOUSA in connection with this exchange.  Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $426,000 from RBL under the Credit Facility. 

 

On May 7,December 30, 2020, the Company received its sixth tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $1,960,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement. The Company issued 200,000 shares of Common Stock to ESOUSA in connection with this exchange. Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $1,960,000 from RBL under the Credit Facility.

On July 9, 2021, the Company entered into a promissory note (the “Note”) evidencing an unsecured loan (the “Loan”)new Master Exchange Agreement with ESOUSA.  See Note 14 - Subsequent Events in the amount of $491,493 made to the Company under the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”). The Note matures on May 7, 2022 and bears interest at a rate of 1% per annum. Beginning December 7, 2020, the Company is required to make 17 monthly payments of principal and interest, with the principal component of each such payment based upon the level amortization of principal over a two-year period from May 7, 2020. Pursuant to the terms of the CARES Act and the PPP, the Company may apply to the Lender for forgiveness for the amount due on the Loan. The amount eligible for forgiveness is based on the amount of Loan proceeds used by the Company (during the eight-week period after the Lender makes the first disbursement of Loan proceeds) for the payment of certain covered costs, including payroll costs (including benefits), interest on mortgage obligations, rent and utilities, subject to certain limitations and reductions in accordance with the CARES Act and the PPP. No assurance can be given, at this time, that the Company will obtain forgiveness of the Loan in whole or in part.

On May 18, 2020, the Company entered into a promissory note in the amount of $159,899 made to the Company by the U.S. Small Business Administration under the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.

On August 4, 2020, our Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Mullen Technologies, Inc., a California corporation (“Mullen”), and Mullen Acquisition, Inc., a California corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Merger Sub”). Pursuant to, and on the terms and subject to the conditions of, the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub will be merged with and into Mullen (the “Merger”), with Mullen continuing as the surviving corporation in the Merger. After Mullen’s completion and delivery to our Company, of the auditedcondensed consolidated unaudited financial statements contained in Part I, Item 1 of this Report for Mullen and its subsidiaries and affiliates required to be included in a registration statement, the Company intends to prepare and file with the Commission a registration statement on Form S-4 (together with all amendments thereto, the “Registration Statement”) in which the proxy statement will be included as a part of the prospectus, in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of the shares of Parent Shares to be issued in connection with the transactions contemplated in the Merger Agreement. The Merger Agreement contains termination rights for each of the Company and Mullen, including, among others, (i) in the event that the Merger has not been consummated by December 31, 2020, (ii) in the event that the requisite approval of the Company’s stockholders is not obtained upon a vote thereon, (iii) in the event that any governmental authority shall have taken action to restrain, enjoin or prohibit the consummation of the Merger, which action shall have become final and non-appealable and (iv) in the event that there is a breach by the other party of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements, which breach is sufficiently material and not timely cured or curable. In addition, Mullen may terminate the Merger Agreement if, prior to receipt of the requisite approval of the Company’s stockholders, the Company’s board of directors shall have changed their recommendation in respect of the Merger. Further, the Company may terminate the Merger Agreement prior to receipt of the requisite approval of the Company’s stockholders to enter into a definitive agreement with respect to a Superior Proposal (as such term is defined in the Merger Agreement). 

As contemplated by the Merger Agreement, on August 11, 2020, our Company as lender, borrowed an additional $500,000 from RBL and entered into an unsecured Promissory Note, dated August 11, 2020 (the “Note”), with Mullen. Pursuant to the Note, Mullen borrowed from the Company $500,000. Prior to maturity of the loan, the principal amount of the loan will carry an interest rate of 14% per annum compounded monthly and payable upon demand. This loan will mature on the earlier of (i) the date that the Merger Agreement is terminated for any reason by any party thereto and (ii) the Merger Effective Time (as defined in the Merger Agreement).

On September 14, 2020, an advance of $141,000 which was previously borrowed by the Company from RBL, was sent to Mullen by the Company.in connection with expenses incurred by the Company on behalf  of Mullen.  Subsequent to September 30, 2020, the Company received $55,000 from Mullen, as a payment towards this advance..information.

 

Consummation of the Merger, the Divestiture, the Private Placement and the other transactions contemplated in the Restated Merger Agreement, is subject to customary conditions including, among others, the approval of the Company’s stockholders. There is no guarantee that the Merger, the Divestiture, the Private Placement or the other transactions contemplated in the Restated Merger Agreement will be completed.  For additional information, see the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 5, 2020, as amended.

 

These conditions raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.

 

The net lossincome (loss) attributable to Net Element, Inc. stockholders was approximately $2.3$1.6 million of net income for the threesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 compared to approximately $1.0$1.7 million of net loss for the threesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019.

The net loss attributable to Net Element, Inc. stockholders was approximately $4.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to approximately $3.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.2020.

 

Operating activities used approximately $0.3$1.2 million of cash for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 as compared to approximately $1.4 million$315,000 of cash used for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019.2020. The decreasechange is primarily the result of the decreaseincrease in non-cash compensationnet income, accounts receivable, and late fees due from Mullen for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 as compared to the previous ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019.2020.

 

Investing activities used approximately $1.0 million$387,000 in cash for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 as compared to approximately $2.1 million$395,000 in cash used in investing activities for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019. The decrease in cash used in investing was primarily due to the decrease in client acquisition costs.2020. 

 

Financing activities provided approximately $3.0$1.2 million in cash for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 as compared to approximately $2.4 million$920,000 of cash provided by financing activities for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2019. The increase in cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was primarily the result of proceeds received from the Small Business Administration.2020. 

 

Off-balance sheet arrangements

 

At SeptemberJune 30, 2020,2021, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as defined in Item 303(a)(4) of Regulation S-K.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

As of the end of the period covered by this Report, our management conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")).

 

Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable, but not absolute, assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Based on that evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not deemed effective due to the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f )and Rule 15d-15(f ) under the Exchange Act), as discussed in Item 9A. Controls and Procedures of the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019,2020, under the heading “Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.”

 

Changes in Internal Control

 

As of SeptemberJune 30, 2020,2021, the material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting disclosed in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20192020 have not yet been fully remediated; however, significant progress were made during 2019 in remediating certain material weaknesses. Several steps taken in improving and remediating internal controls over financial reporting have included retaining a financial reporting manager, the formation of a disclosure committee, as well as, formal education and training of our Board members. Remediation activities for our material weaknesses include:

 

 

Risk Assessment. We are continuing the process of designing and implementing an improved enterprise wide risk management process that follows the COSO 2013 framework and one aspect of this process will focus on identifying and mitigating risks to our business that could have an impact on our internal control over financial reporting. Our process includes periodic updates of the enterprise risk universe through the consideration of current and historical risks, periodic input from executive management, and our domestic and international segment local management. Each time a new potential risk is identified, we will evaluate if any additional controls are required to mitigate risks to our internal control over financial reporting. Our process includes periodic updates ofDuring the enterprise risk universe throughyear ended December 31, 2019, management sent a consultant to Russia in an effort to fully understand, implement, train, and eventually test the consideration of current and historical risks, periodic input from executive management, andinternal controls relating to our domestic and international segment local management. Each time a new potential risk is identified, we will evaluate if any additional controls are required to mitigate risks to ourInternational Transaction Solution's segment’s internal control over financial reporting. During the year ended December 31, 2019, management sent a consultant to Russia in an effort to fully understand, implement, train, and eventually test the internal controls relating to our International Transaction Solution's segment’s internal control over financial reporting. The local management team in our International Transaction Solution's segment is continuing in the process of documenting processes, controls, and recommendations provided under the guidance and assistance of the Company's consultant.

 

Due to the currentongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the surge in the Delta variant, the Company has had to allocate resources to mitigate risks with its current merchant accounts and evaluated its operational plans to eliminate any potential exposure to its disclosure controls and procedures. Pending the outcome of this uncertainty, including health concerns, certain personnel continuing to work remotely, and travel restrictions to Russia, we cannot determine how or when we expect to remediate the material weaknesses noted above, including the allocation of appropriate resources to department heads during 2020.2021.

 

Except as stated above, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in management’s evaluation pursuant to Rules 13a-15(d) or 15d-15(d) of the Exchange Act during our quarterthe three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20202021 that have affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting

 

Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls and Procedures

 

Control systems, no matter how well conceived and operated, are designed to provide a reasonable, but not an absolute, level of assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. Because of the inherent limitations in any control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

 

 

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal proceedings

 

For a discussion of legal proceedings, Refer to Note 10. "Commitments and Contingencies”Contingencies - Litigation, Claims and Assessments” in the condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements contained in Part I, Item 1 of this Report, which section is incorporated by reference herein.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

In addition to the information set forth in this Report, you should read and consider the risk factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019,2020, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results of operation. The risks described in such report are not the only risks facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may eventually prove to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and/or future operating results.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Sale of Unregistered Securities

Information required by Item 701 of Regulation S-K as to other unregistered equity securities we sold during the period covered by this Report that were not registered under the Securities Act has been previously reported in the Company’s Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the Commission in addition to the following:

On August 11, 2020, we issued 66,190 shares of our common stock in exchange for a tranche of $707,000 aggregate amount, less any fees, of certain RBL promissory notes purchased by ESOUSA pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.

On August 21, 2020, we issued 45,654 shares of our common stock in exchange for a tranche of $401,000 aggregate amount, less any fees, of certain RBL promissory notes purchased by ESOUSA pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.

On September 25, 2020, we issued 50,000 shares of our common stock in exchange for a tranche of $426,000 aggregate amount, less any fees, of certain RBL promissory notes purchased by ESOUSA pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.

Such shares of common stock were issued to ESOUSA under an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in reliance upon Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act. See Note 8 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information.


 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit

Number

 

Exhibit

Description

   
2.1+2.1 Third Amendment dated as of April 30, 2021 to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 4, 2020, as amended, among Net Element, Inc., Mullen Acquisition, Inc. and Mullen Technologies, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 5, 2020)April 30, 2021)
2.2+Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 14, 2021, among Net Element, Inc., Mullen Technologies, Inc., Mullen Acquisition, Inc. and Mullen Automotive, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on May 14, 2021)
2.3+Second Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 20, 2021, among Net Element, Inc., Mullen Technologies, Inc., Mullen Acquisition, Inc. and Mullen Automotive, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 21, 2021)
   

3.1

 

Certificate of Corporate Domestication of Cazador, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on October 2, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on October 5, 2012)

3.2

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Net Element International, Inc., a Delaware corporation, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on October 2, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on October 5, 2012)

   

3.23.3

 

Amended and Restated Certificate of IncorporationBylaws of Net Element International, Inc., a Delaware corporation filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on October 2, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.23.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on October 5, 2012)

   

3.33.4

 

Amended and Restated BylawsCertificate of Net Element International, Inc., aMerger, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware corporationon October 2, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.33.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on October 5, 2012)

   

3.4

Certificate of Merger, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on October 2, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on October 5, 2012)

3.5

 

Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dated December 5, 2013, changing the Company’s name from Net Element International, Inc. to Net Element, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on December 6, 2013)

3.6

Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dated December 16, 2014, to increase authorized common stock to 200 million shares (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on December 17, 2014)

3.7

Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on December 6, 2013)

3.6

Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dated December 16, 2014, to increase authorized common stock to 200 million shares (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on December 17, 2014)

3.7

Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on May 1, 2015)

 

3.8

 

Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dated June 15, 2015, to increase authorized common stock to 300 million shares (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 16, 2015)

   

3.9

 

Amendment No. 1 to the Bylaws of the Company, dated June 15, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 16, 2015)

   

3.10

 

Amendment No. 2 to the Bylaws of the Company, dated July 10, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 10, 2015)

   

3.11

 

Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dated May 24, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s second Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on May 24, 2016)

   

3.12

 

Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dated June 15, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 16, 2016)

   

3.13

 

Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dated October 4, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on October 4, 2017)

   
10.1 Amendment No. 1, dated as of July 10, 2020, to the Binding Letter of Intent, dated June 12, 2020, between Net Element, Inc. and Mullen Technologies, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 13, 2020)
10.2Second Amendment, dated as of August 3, 2020, to Master Exchange Agreement, dated as of March 27, 2020, as amended on April 23, 2020,July 9, 2021 between Net Element, Inc. and ESOUSA Holdings, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 5, 2020)July 12, 2021)
   
10.310.2 Commercial Lease,Divestiture Agreement, dated September 26, 2019,as of July 20, 2021 between Lara One Investments, LLC and Net Element, Inc.
10.4Commercial Lease, dated September 11, 2020, between Golden Star Investments Corp and Net Element, Inc.RBL Capital Group LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 21, 2021)
   
31.1 * Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
31.2 *Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
   
31.2 *32.1* Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
32.1*Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350

 

 

101.INS* Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document

 

101.SCH* Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

 

101.CAL*  Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

 

101.DEF* Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

 

101.LAB*  Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

 

101.PRE* Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

104* Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL with applicable taxonomy extension information contained in Exhibits 101)

 

* Filed herewith (furnished herewith with respect to Exhibit 32.1).

 

+ Certain schedules (or similar attachments) have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The Companyregistrant agrees to furnish copies of any such schedules (or similar attachments) to the Commission upon request.

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements 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.

 

Net Element, Inc.

Dated: NovemberAugust 16, 20202021

By:

/s/ Oleg Firer

Name: Oleg Firer

Title:  Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

Net Element, Inc.

Dated: NovemberAugust 16, 20202021

By:

/s/ Jeffrey Ginsberg

Name: Jeffrey Ginsberg

Title:  Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

 

37