XML 32 R21.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.24.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Nature of Operations

Nature of Operations

LM Funding America, Inc. (“we”, “our”, “LMFA” or the “Company”) was formed as a Delaware corporation on April 20, 2015.

LMFA is the sole member of several entities including LM Funding, LLC, which was organized in January 2008, US Digital Mining and Hosting Co. ("US Digital"), which was created on September 10, 2021; LMFA Financing LLC, created on November 21, 2020, and LMFAO Sponsor LLC, created on October 29, 2020. US Digital has created various 100% owned subsidiaries to engage in business in various states.

LMFAO Sponsor LLC created a majority owned subsidiary LMF Acquisition Opportunities Inc. on October 29, 2020. LMF Acquisition Opportunities Inc was merged with Seastar Medical Holding Corporation on October 28, 2022.

The Company also from time to time organizes other subsidiaries to serve a specific purpose or hold a specific asset.

Lines of Business

On September 15, 2021, the Company announced its plan to operate in the Bitcoin mining ecosystem, and we commenced Bitcoin mining operations in late September 2022. This business operation deploys our computing power to mine Bitcoin on the Bitcoin network. We conduct this business through our wholly owned subsidiary, US Digital, a Florida limited liability company, which we formed in 2021 to develop and operate our cryptocurrency mining business.

With respect to our specialty finance business, the Company has historically engaged in the business of providing funding to nonprofit community associations primarily located in the state of Florida. We offer incorporated nonprofit community associations, which we refer to as “Associations,” a variety of financial products customized to each Association’s financial needs. Our original product offering consists of providing funding to Associations by purchasing their rights under delinquent accounts that are selected by the Associations arising from unpaid Association assessments. Historically, we provided funding against such delinquent accounts, which we refer to as “Accounts,” in exchange for a portion of the proceeds collected by the Associations from the account debtors on the Accounts. In addition to our original product offering, we also purchase Accounts on varying terms tailored to suit each Association’s financial needs, including under our New Neighbor Guaranty™ program.

Cryptocurrency Mining Business

Bitcoin was introduced in 2008 with the goal of serving as a digital means of exchanging and storing value. Bitcoin is a form of digital currency that depends upon a consensus-based network and a public ledger called a “blockchain”, which contains a record of every Bitcoin transaction ever processed. The Bitcoin network is the first decentralized peer-to-peer payment network, powered by users participating in the consensus protocol, with no central authority or middlemen, that has wide network participation. The authenticity of each Bitcoin transaction is protected through digital signatures that correspond with addresses of users that send and receive Bitcoin. Users have full control over remitting Bitcoin from their own sending addresses. All transactions on the Bitcoin blockchain are transparent, allowing those running the appropriate software to confirm the validity of each transaction. To be recorded on the blockchain, each Bitcoin transaction is validated through a proof-of-work consensus method, which entails solving complex mathematical problems to validate transactions and post them on the blockchain. This process is called mining. Miners are rewarded with Bitcoins, both in the form of newly-created Bitcoins and transaction fees in Bitcoin, for successfully solving the mathematical problems and providing computing power to the network.

Factors such as access to computer processing capacity, interconnectivity, electricity cost, environmental factors (such as cooling capacity) and location play important roles in mining. In Bitcoin mining, “hashrate” is a measure of the computing and processing power and speed by which a mining computer mines and processes transactions on the Bitcoin network. We expect to continue increasing our computing power through 2024 and beyond as we expand the number of active mining machines. A company’s computing power measured in hashrate is generally considered to be one of the most important metrics for evaluating Bitcoin mining companies.

We obtain Bitcoin as a result of our mining operations, and we sell Bitcoin from time to time, to support our operations and strategic growth. We plan to convert our Bitcoin to U.S. dollars. We may engage in regular trading of Bitcoin or engage in hedging activities related to our holding of Bitcoin. However, our decisions to hold or sell Bitcoin at any given time may be impacted by the Bitcoin market, which has been historically characterized by significant volatility. Currently, we do not use a formula or specific methodology to determine whether or when we will sell Bitcoin that we hold, or the number of Bitcoins we will sell. Rather, decisions to hold or sell Bitcoins are currently determined by management by monitoring the market in real time.

Specialty Finance Company

In our specialty finance business, we purchase an Association’s right to receive a portion of the Association’s collected proceeds from owners that are not paying their assessments. After taking assignment of an Association’s right to receive a portion of the Association’s proceeds from the collection of delinquent assessments, we engage law firms to perform collection work on a deferred billing basis wherein the law firms receive payment upon collection from the account debtors or a predetermined contracted amount if payment from account debtors is less than legal fees and costs owed. Under this business model, we typically fund an amount equal to or less than the statutory minimum an Association could recover on a delinquent account for each Account, which we refer to as the “Super Lien Amount”. Upon collection of an Account, the law firm working on the Account, on behalf of the Association, generally distributes to us the funded amount, interest, and administrative late fees, with the law firm retaining legal fees and costs collected, and the Association retaining the balance of the collection. In connection with this line of business, we have developed proprietary software for servicing Accounts, which we believe enables law firms to service Accounts efficiently and profitably.

Under our New Neighbor Guaranty program, an Association will generally assign substantially all of its outstanding indebtedness and accruals on its delinquent units to us in exchange for payment by us of monthly dues on each delinquent unit. This simultaneously eliminates a substantial portion of the Association’s balance sheet bad debts and assists the Association to meet its budget by receiving guaranteed monthly payments on its delinquent units and relieving the Association from paying legal fees and costs to collect its bad debts. We believe that the combined features of the program enhance the value of the underlying real estate in an Association and the value of an Association’s delinquent receivables.

Because we acquire and collect on the delinquent receivables of Associations, the Account debtors are third parties about whom we have little or no information. Therefore, we cannot predict when any given Account will be paid off or how much it will yield. In assessing the risk of purchasing Accounts, we review the property values of the underlying units, the governing documents of the relevant Association, and the total number of delinquent receivables held by the Association.

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of LMFA and its wholly-owned subsidiaries: LM Funding, LLC; LMF October 2010 Fund, LLC; REO Management Holdings, LLC (including all 100% owned subsidiary limited liability companies); LM Funding of Colorado, LLC; LM Funding of Washington, LLC; LM Funding of Illinois, LLC; US Digital Mining and Hosting Co., LLC (includes all 100% owned subsidiary limited liability companies) and LMF SPE #2, LLC and various single purpose limited liability corporations owned by REO Management Holdings, LLC which own various properties. It also includes LMFA Sponsor LLC (a 69.5% owned subsidiary). All significant intercompany balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”).

Reclassification

Reclassification

Certain prior period immaterial amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the reported results of operations.

Liquidity

Liquidity

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. The going concern basis of presentation assumes that the Company will continue in operation one year after the date these financial statements are issued and will be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. The evaluation of going concern under the accounting guidance requires significant judgment which involves the Company to consider that it has historically incurred losses in recent years as it has prepared to grow its business through expansion and acquisition opportunities. The Company must also consider its current liquidity as well as future market and economic conditions that may be deemed outside the control of the Company as it relates to obtaining financing and generating future profits. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had $2.4 million available cash on-hand and bitcoin with a fair market value of $3.4 million. After considering its current liquidity and future market and economic conditions, the Company has concluded there is no substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates include the evaluation of probable losses on balances due from a related party, the realization of deferred tax assets, the evaluation of contingent losses related to litigation and reserves on notes receivables. We consider our critical accounting estimates to be those related to long-lived asset impairment assessments. Our estimates may change, however, as new events occur and additional information is obtained, and any such changes will be recognized in the consolidated financial statements.

Segment and Reporting Unit Information

Segment and Reporting Unit Information

Operating segments are defined as components of an entity for which discrete financial information is available that is regularly reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) in deciding how to allocate resources to an individual segment and in assessing performance. The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company are determined to comprise the CODM, as a group. The Company has two operating segments as of December 31, 2023, which we refer to as Specialty Finance and Mining Operations. Our corporate oversight function and other components that may earn revenues that are only incidental to the activities of the Company are aggregated and included in the “All Other” category. See Note 11, “Segment Information”.

Cash

Cash

The Company maintains cash balances at several financial institutions that are insured under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s (“FDIC”) Transition Account Guarantee Program. Balances with the financial institutions may exceed federally insured limits. We have approximately $2.2 million of cash in various institutions that exceed the FDIC or SIPC insurance coverage limit of $250,000.

Digital Assets

Digital Assets

Bitcoin are included in current assets in the consolidated balance sheets due to the Company’s ability to sell them in a highly liquid marketplace and its intent to liquidate its bitcoin to support operations when needed. Bitcoin are accounted for under the Company’s revenue recognition policy detailed in Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. Bitcoin are classified as indefinite-lived intangible assets in accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, and are recorded at cost less impairment.

We have ownership of and control over our digital assets and use cold storage wallets and third-party custodial services to secure them. Digital assets that are purchased are initially recorded at cost and bitcoin that is earned is measured at fair value on the date earned at the daily closing price, which is not materially different from the fair value at contract inception, which is the daily opening price (refer to Revenue Recognition policy). Digital assets are measured on the consolidated balance sheet at cost, net of any impairment losses incurred since acquisition. When applicable, we account for stablecoin as financial assets in accordance with ASC 310, Receivables. The stablecoin are recorded at cost less impairment, which approximates their fair value.

We determine the fair value of our digital assets that are accounted for as intangible assets in accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, based on quoted prices from our principal market for such assets (Level 1 inputs). We perform an analysis each month to identify whether events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that our digital assets are impaired. If the current carrying value of a digital asset exceeds the fair value so determined, an impairment loss has occurred with respect to those digital assets in the amount equal to the difference between their carrying values and the fair value. The fair value of digital assets is determined on a nonrecurring basis based on the lowest intraday quoted price as reported in the digital assets’ principal market.

The impaired digital assets are written down to their fair value at the time of impairment and this new cost basis will not be adjusted upward for any subsequent increase in fair value. When applicable, any impairment loss on digital assets held for investment would be recognized during the period incurred within "Impairment loss on digital assets" in other income/expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Impairment loss on mined digital assets would be recognized during the period incurred within "Impairment loss on mined digital assets" in operating costs and expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

Gains are not recorded until realized upon sale, at which point they are presented separately from any impairment losses. Any realized gain or loss from the sale of digital assets that were purchased as an investment is recorded in other income (loss), while any realized gain or loss from the sale of digital assets that were earned through mining operations would be recognized within operating costs and expenses. The Company accounts for its gains or losses in accordance with the first in first out (“FIFO”) method of accounting.

Digital assets earned by the Company through its mining activities, proceeds from the sale of mined digital assets, realized gain (loss) from the sale of digital assets and the loss on impairment of digital assets are included within operating activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows, where applicable. Purchases of digital assets and proceeds from the sale of purchased digital assets and included within investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

On December 13, 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-08, which addresses the accounting and disclosure requirements for certain crypto assets. The standard will be adopted by the Company effective January 1, 2024. Refer to Recently issued accounting pronouncements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a description of the expected effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results from operations upon adoption of the standard.

Investment in Securities

Investment in Securities

Investment in Securities includes investments in common stocks and convertible notes receivables. Investments in securities are reported at fair value with changes in unrecognized gains or losses included in other income on the income statement. The Symbiont convertible note receivable is reported at amortized costs less impairment.

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities

We account for investments in less than 50% owned and more than 20% owned entities using the equity method of accounting. Because we have elected the fair value option for these securities, unrealized holding gains and losses during the period are included in other income within the Consolidated Statements of Operation.

Financing Receivables

Finance Receivables

Finance receivables are recorded at the amount funded or cost (by unit). The Company evaluates its finance receivables at each period end for losses that are considered probable and can be reasonably estimated in accordance with ASC 450-20. As discussed above, recoverability of funded amounts under the Company’s original product is generally assured because of the protection of the Super Lien Amount. However, the Company did have an accrual at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively for an allowance for credit losses for this program of approximately $44 thousand and $48 thousand.

Under the New Neighbor Guaranty program (special product), the Company funds amounts in excess of the Super Lien Amount. When evaluating the carrying value of its finance receivables, the Company looks at the likelihood of future cash flows based on historical payoffs, the fair value of the underlying real estate, the general condition of the Association in which the unit exists, and the general economic real estate environment in the local area. The Company estimated an allowance for credit losses for this program of approximately $8 thousand and $9 thousand as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively under ASC 450-20 related to its New Neighbor Guaranty program.

The Company will charge any receivable against the allowance for credit losses when management believes the uncollectability of the receivable is confirmed. The Company considers writing off a receivable when (i) a first mortgage holder who names the association in a foreclosure suit takes title and satisfies an estoppel letter for amounts owed which are less than amounts the Company funded to the association; (ii) a tax deed is issued with insufficient excess proceeds to pay amounts the Company funded to the Association; (iii) an association settles an account for less than amounts the Company funded to the Association or (iv) the Association terminates its relationship with the Company’s designated legal counsel. Upon the occurrence of any of these events, the Company evaluates the potential recovery via a deficiency judgment against the prior owner and the ability to collect upon the deficiency judgment within the statute of limitations period or whether the deficiency judgment can be sold. If the Company determines that collection through a deficiency judgment or sale of a deficiency judgment is not feasible, the Company writes off the unrecoverable receivable amount. Any losses greater than the recorded allowance will be recognized as expenses. Under the Company’s revenue recognition policies, all finance receivables (original product and special product) are classified as nonaccrual.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

FASB ASC 825-10, Financial Instruments, requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the balance sheet.

Fixed Assets

Fixed Assets

The Company capitalizes all acquisitions of fixed assets in excess of $500. Fixed assets are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. State and local use tax for equipment shipped from overseas is generally accrued on a quarterly basis at the time equipment is placed in service and is paid to the state in which the equipment is being utilized. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets and commences once the assets are ready for their intended use. Fixed assets are comprised of furniture, computer, office equipment, buildings and mining machines with assigned useful lives of 3 to 30 years.

The Company classifies mining machine deposit payments within "Deposits on mining equipment" in the consolidated balance sheets. As mining machines are received, the respective cost of the mining machines plus the related shipping and customs fees are reclassified from "Deposits on mining equipment" to "Fixed assets, net" in the consolidated balance sheet. Refer to Note 4. In addition, as part of its periodic review of its fixed asset groups during the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company changed the estimated useful life for its mining machines from 5 years to 4 years. The change is accounted for on a prospective basis.

The Company operates in an emerging industry for which limited data is available to make estimates of the useful economic lives of mining machines. To the extent that any of the assumptions underlying management’s estimate of useful life of its mining machines are subject to revision in a future reporting period, either as a result of changes in circumstances or through the availability of greater quantities of data, then the estimated useful life could change and have a prospective impact on depreciation expense and the carrying amounts of these assets.

Equipment Purchases

Equipment Purchases

During 2021, we purchased an aggregate of 5,046 Bitcoin S19J Pro Antminer cryptocurrency mining machines for an aggregate purchase price of $24.4 million (the “Mining Machines”) from Bitmain after certain credits. We received all of the Mining Machines purchased during 2021 from August 2022 through November 2022.

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company purchased an additional 400 Bitcoin Miner S19J Pro machines from Bitmain for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $1.3 million which were delivered in December 2022.

Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company purchased 200 Bitcoin S19 XP Antminer cryptocurrency mining machines ("XP Machines") from Bitmain for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $1.3 million. which were delivered in January 2023. We used various Bitmain credits and coupons totaling approximately $1.0 million to pay for the machines and we paid the remaining $0.3 million non-refundable payment in cash.

We purchased an additional 65 S19 XP machines on December 20, 2022 and another 125 S19 XP machines on January 15, 2023 from Bitmain for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $1.1 million. We used various Bitmain credits and coupons totaling approximately $0.6 million to pay for the 65 S19 XP machines that were ordered in December 2022, and in January 2023 we paid the remaining $0.5 million non-refundable payment relating to the 125 S19 XP machines in cash. All 190 XP machines were delivered in April 2023. We also paid $0.3 million to acquire an additional 101 S19 XP machines from Bitmain which were delivered in May 2023.

Since the inception of our contracts with Bitmain, we have paid an aggregate of approximately $29.0 million to Bitmain and related vendors relating to the purchase of these machines through December 31, 2023.

As of March 8, 2024, we had approximately 5,900 active machines with hashing capacity of approximately 0.61 EH/s.

Right to Use Assets

Right to Use Assets

The Company capitalizes all leased assets pursuant to ASU 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)," which requires lessees to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liability, initially measured at present value of the lease payments, on its balance sheet for leases with terms longer than 12 months and classified as either financing or operating leases. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, right to use assets, net of accumulated amortization, was approximately $189 thousand and $266 thousand.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Management reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment amount is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. There was no impairment of long-lived assets for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition - Digital Mining

We recognize revenue in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as outlined in the Financial Accounting Standard Board's (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, Revenue From Contracts with Customers, which requires that five steps be followed in evaluating revenue recognition: (i) identify the contract with the customer; (ii) identity the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price; and (v) recognize revenue when or as the entity satisfied a performance obligation.

Our accounting policy on revenue recognition for our bitcoin mining segment is provided below.

Step 1: The Company enters into a contract with a bitcoin mining pool operator (i.e., the customer) to provide computing power to the mining pools. The contracts are terminable at any time by either party and the Company’s enforceable right to compensation only begins when the Company starts providing computing power to the mining pool operator (which occurs daily at midnight Universal Time Coordinated (UTC)). When participating in ratable share pools, in exchange for providing computing power the Company is entitled to a fractional share of the Bitcoin award the mining pool operator receives for successfully adding a block to the blockchain, plus a fractional share of the transaction fees attached to that blockchain. The Company’s fractional share is based on the proportion of computing power the Company contributed to the mining pool operator to the total computing power contributed by all mining pool participants in solving the current algorithm.

When participating in a Full Pay Per Share (“FPPS”) mining pool, in exchange for providing computing power to the pool the Company is entitled to compensation, calculated on a daily basis, at an amount that approximates the total Bitcoin that could have been mined using the Company’s computing power, calculated on a look-back basis across previous blocks using the pools hash rate index. Applying the criteria per ASC 606-10-25-1, the contract arises at the point that the Company provides computing power to the mining pool operator, which is beginning contract day at midnight UTC (contract inception), because customer consumption is in tandem with daily earnings of delivery of the computing power.

Step 2: In order to identify the performance obligations in a contract with a customer, a company must assess the promised goods or services in the contract and identify each promised good or service that is distinct. A performance obligation meets ASC 606’s definition of a “distinct” good or service (or bundle of goods or services) if both of the following criteria are met:

•The customer can benefit from the good or service either on its own or together with other resources that are readily available to the customer (i.e., the good or service is capable of being distinct); and

•The entity’s promise to transfer the good or service to the customer is separately identifiable from other promises in the contract (i.e., the promise to transfer the good or service is distinct within the context of the contract).

Based on these criteria, the Company has a single performance obligation in providing computing power services (i.e., hashrate) to the mining pool operator (i.e., customer). The performance obligation of computing power services is fulfilled daily over-time, as opposed to a point in time, because the Company provides the hashrate throughout the day and the customer simultaneously obtains control of it and uses the asset to produce bitcoin. The Company has full control of the mining equipment utilized in the mining pool and if the Company determines it will increase or decrease the processing power of its machines and/or fleet (i.e., for repairs or when power costs are excessive) the computing power provided to the customer will be reduced.

Step 3: The transaction consideration the Company earns is non-cash digital consideration in the form of bitcoin, which the Company measures at fair value on the date earned at the daily closing price, which is not materially different from the fair value at contract inception, which is the daily opening price.

The transaction consideration the Company earns is all variable since it is dependent on the daily computing power provided by the Company under the FPPS model and total bitcoin earned by the under the ratable share model. The Company’s bitcoins earned through the contractual payout formula is not known until the Company’s computational hashrate contributed over the daily measurement period is fulfilled over-time daily between midnight-to-midnight UTC time. The Company’s proportionate amount of the global network transaction fee rewards earned are calculated at the end of each transactional day (midnight to midnight). There are no other forms of variable considerations, such as discounts, rebates, refunds, credits, price concessions, incentives, performance bonuses, penalties, or other similar items.

The Company does not constrain this variable consideration because it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of revenue recognized from the contract will not occur when the uncertainty is subsequently resolved and recognizes the noncash consideration on the same day that control is transferred, which is the same day as contract inception.

Step 4: The transaction price is allocated to the single performance obligation upon verification for the provision of computing power to the mining pool operator, and total Bitcoin rewards earned by the pool, when applicable under a ratable share model. There is a single performance obligation (i.e., computing power or (hashrate) for the contract; therefore, all consideration from the mining pool operator is allocated to this single performance obligation.

Step 5: The Company’s performance is complete in transferring the hashrate service over-time (midnight to midnight) to the customer and the customer obtains control of that asset.

In exchange for providing computing power, the Company is entitled to a pro-rata share of the fixed bitcoin awards earned over the measurement period, plus a pro-rata fractional share of the global transaction fee rewards for the respective measurement period, less net digital asset fees due to the mining pool operator over the measurement period, as applicable. The transaction consideration the Company receives is non-cash consideration, in the form of bitcoin. The Company measures the bitcoin at fair value on the date earned using the closing price of bitcoin on the date earned (midnight UTC), which is not materially different from the fair value at contract inception, which is the daily opening price.

There are no deferred revenues or other liability obligations recorded by the Company since there are no payments in advance of the performance. At the end of the 24 hour “midnight-to-midnight” period, there are no remaining performance obligations.

Bitcoin earned by the Company through its mining activities are included within operating activities on the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows. The sale of bitcoin are included within operating activities as the Company sells its bitcoin to fund operations in the normal course of business. The Company will evaluate time periods when the Company holds bitcoin for a longer period of time and sale so such would be recorded as investing activities. For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, all cash proceeds received from sale of bitcoin were classified as operating cash flows in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows.

Revenue Recognition - Specialty Finance

Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606 of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) states an entity needs to conclude at the inception of the contract that collectability of the consideration to which it will be entitled in exchange for the goods and services that will be transferred to the customer is probable. That is, in some circumstances, an entity may not need to assess its ability to collect all of the consideration in the contract. The Company provides funding to Associations by purchasing their rights under delinquent accounts from unpaid assessments due from property owners. Collections on the Accounts may vary greatly in both the timing and amount ultimately recovered compared with the total revenues earned on the Accounts because of a variety of economic and social factors affecting the real estate environment in general.

The Company’s contracts with its specialty finance customers have very specific performance obligations. The Company has determined that the known amount of cash to be realized or realizable on its revenue generating activities cannot be reasonably estimate and as such, classifies its finance receivables as nonaccrual and recognizes revenues in the accompanying statements of income on the cash basis or cost recovery method in accordance with ASC 310-10, Receivables. The Company’s operations also consist of rental revenue earned from tenants under leasing arrangements which provide for rent income. The leases have been accounted for as operating leases. For operating leases, revenue is recorded based on cash rental payments was collected during the period. The Company analyzed its remaining revenue streams and concluded there were no changes in revenue recognition with the adoption of the new standard.

Under ASC 606, the Company applies the cash basis method to its original product and the cost recovery method to its special product as follows:

Finance Receivables—Original Product: Under the Company’s original product, delinquent assessments are funded only up to the Super Lien Amount as discussed above. Recoverability of funded amounts is generally assured because of the protection of the Super Lien Amount. As such, payments by unit owners on the Company’s original product are recorded to income when received in accordance with the provisions of the Florida Statute (718.116(3)) and the provisions of the purchase agreements entered into between the Company and Associations. Those provisions require that all payments be applied in the following order: first to interest, then to late fees, then to costs of collection, then to legal fees expended by the Company and then to assessments owed. In accordance with the cash basis method of recognizing revenue and the provisions of the statute, the Company records revenues for interest and late fees when cash is received. In the event the Company determines the ultimate collectability of amounts funded under its original product are in doubt, payments are applied to first reduce the funded or principal amount.

Finance Receivables—Special Product (New Neighbor Guaranty program): During 2012, the Company began offering associations an alternative product under the New Neighbor Guaranty program whereby the Company will fund amounts in excess of the Super Lien Amount. Under this special product, the Company purchases substantially all of the delinquent assessments owed to the association, in addition to all accrued interest and late fees, in exchange for payment by the Company of (i) a negotiated amount or (ii) on a going forward basis, all monthly assessments due for a period up to 48 months. Under these arrangements, the Company considers the collection of amounts funded is not assured and under the cost recovery method, cash collected is applied to first reduce the carrying value of the funded or principal amount with any remaining proceeds applied next to interest, late fees, legal fees, collection costs and any amounts due to the Association. Any excess proceeds still remaining are recognized as revenues. If the future proceeds collected are lower than the Company’s funded or principal amount, then a loss is recognized.

Net Commission Revenue: The Company acts as an agent in providing health travel insurance policies. As a result, the Company revenue is recorded at net. The Company has determined that the known amount of cash to be realized or realizable on its revenue generating activities can be reasonably estimated and as such, classifies its receivables as accrual and recognizes revenues in the accompanying statements of income on the accrual basis. If a policy is not effective as of the end of a period, then the associated revenue and underwriting costs are deferred until the effective date. The majority of the commission revenue is underwritten by two policy underwriters who pays the Company commissions.

Cost of Revenues - Digital Assets

Cost of Revenues - Digital Assets

The Company includes energy costs and external co-location mining hosting fees in cost of revenues. Depreciation of mining machines is included within "Depreciation and amortization" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Hosting Contracts

Hosting Contracts

The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, US Digital, entered into a hosting agreement (the “Core Hosting Agreement”) with Core Scientific Inc. (“Core”) pursuant to which Core agreed to host approximately 4,870 of the Company's Bitcoin Miner S19J Pro or XP machines at a secure location and provide power, maintenance and other services specified in the contract with a term of one year, with automatic renewals unless we or Core notifies the other in writing not less than ninety (90) calendar days before such renewal of its desire for the order not to renew unless terminated sooner pursuant to the terms of the Core Hosting Agreement. These agreements mature in different tranches starting in May 2024 for approximately 4,380 machines and December 2024 for approximately 500 machines.

As required under the Core Hosting Agreement, the Company has paid approximately $2.2 million as of December 31, 2023 as a deposit. As of March 8, 2024, Core has energized approximately 4,870 of our machines located at their sites with a hashing capacity of approximately 0.50 EH/s on a daily basis. In December 2022, Core filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas and exited bankruptcy in January 2024. Core's bankruptcy filing did not negatively impact our mining ability at their sites.

On January 26, 2023, the Company entered into a hosting agreement (the “Phoenix Hosting Agreement”) with Phoenix Industries Inc. (“Phoenix”) pursuant to which Phoenix agreed to host 228 of the Company's Bitcoin Miner S19J Pro machines at a secure location and provide power, maintenance and other services specified in the contract with a term of two years. This Phoenix Hosting Agreement would renew automatically for an additional two years if the Company were to provide written notice to Phoenix of our desire of renewal at least sixty (60) days in advance of the conclusion of the initial term of two years, unless terminated sooner pursuant to the terms of the Phoenix Hosting Agreement. As required under the Phoenix Hosting Agreement, the Company paid approximately $36 thousand as a deposit in January 2023. The Company and Phoenix mutually terminated this agreement effective April 18, 2023 and the Company's S19J Pro machines were returned to the Company in May 2023. The Company fully impaired the $36 thousand deposit during the year ended December 31, 2023.

On March 9, 2023, the Company entered into a hosting agreement (the “Longbow Hosting Agreement”) with Longbow Host Co LLC (“Longbow”) pursuant to which Longbow agreed to host 500 of the Company's Bitcoin Miner S19J Pro machines at a secure location and provide power, maintenance and other services specified in the contract with a term of two years. Upon written request from the Company at least ninety (90) days prior to the conclusion of the then current term and approval by Longbow, the term shall renew for successive one year periods with a three percent (3%) increase as of the commencement of each renewal term unless terminated sooner pursuant to the terms of the Longbow Hosting Agreement. As required under the Longbow Hosting Agreement, the Company paid approximately $157 thousand as a refundable deposit in March 2023. The Company had 500 machines installed at the Longbow site as of June 30, 2023. The Company terminated this agreement on August 1, 2023 and expensed 50% of the $157 thousand deposit during the year ended December 31, 2023 and applied the remainder to outstanding invoices. The machines were returned to the Company in September 2023.

On May 5, 2023, the Company entered into a hosting agreement (the “GIGA Hosting Agreement”) with GIGA Energy Inc. (“GIGA”) pursuant to which GIGA agreed to host 1,080 of the Company's Bitcoin Miner S19J Pro machines at a secure location and provide power, maintenance and other services specified in the contract with a term of one year. As required under the GIGA Hosting Agreement, the Company paid approximately $173 thousand as a pre-payment in May 2023, which was applied to subsequent invoices. The Company also paid a refundable deposit of $173 thousand in August 2023 of which $56 thousand was applied to subsequent invoices. The Company had 1,075 active machines installed at the GIGA site as of December 31, 2023.

Coupon Sales

Coupon Sales

From time to time the Company receives coupons from Bitmain to incentivize purchases of equipment. Coupons have a stated face value in dollars and can be applied against future invoices for purchased machines. Coupons are transferable and there are not restrictions on the sale to third parties. Occasionally, the Company sells coupons to third parties in exchange for cash consideration or digital assets. As there is currently no active market for the buying and selling of Bitmain coupons, the Company has determined that the fair value of coupons received is nil at the time of receipt therefore revenue associated with the sale of such coupons is not recognized until the sale transaction has been completed and consideration has been received from the third party. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company sold Bitmain coupons for approximately $639 thousand, which was recognized as other income within "Other income - coupon sales" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The coupons sold during the year ended December 31, 2023 were exchanged for digital assets (Tether) which had a fair value of approximately $10 thousand at the time of receipt.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company records all equity-based incentive grants to employees and non-employee members of the Company’s Board of Directors in operating expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations based on their fair values determined on the date of grant. Stock-based compensation expense, reduced for estimated forfeitures, is recognized over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally the vesting term of the outstanding equity awards. The expense attribution method is straight-line or accelerated graded-vesting depending on the nature of the award.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

Income taxes are provided for the tax effects of transactions reported in the consolidated financial statements and consist of taxes currently due plus deferred taxes resulting primarily from the tax effects of temporary differences between financial and income tax reporting. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

Under ASC 740-10-30-5, Income Taxes, deferred tax assets should be reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more-likely-than-not (i.e., a likelihood of more than 50%) that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets

will not be realized. The Company considers all positive and negative evidence available in determining the potential realization of deferred tax assets including, primarily, the recent history of taxable earnings or losses. Based on operating losses reported by the Company during 2023, 2022, 2020 and 2019, the Company concluded there was not sufficient positive evidence to overcome this recent operating history. As a result, the Company believes that a valuation allowance is necessary based on the more-likely-than-not threshold noted above. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company increased the valuation allowance to approximately $14.1 million to reflect a change in deferred tax assets. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company increased the valuation allowance to $8.5 million to reflect a change in deferred tax assets.

Prior to the Company’s initial public offering in October 2015, the taxable earnings of the Predecessor were included in the tax returns of its members (separate limited liability companies) and taxed depending on personal tax situations. In connection with the Company’s initial public offering, the members contributed ownership interests to the Company (a newly form C-Corporation) and all earnings subsequent to that date (October 23, 2015) are subject to taxes and reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Income (Loss) Per Share

Income (loss) Per Share

Basic income (loss) per share is calculated as net income (loss) to common stockholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period (as adjusted to give effect to the Reverse Stock Split).

The Company has restated all share amounts to reflect the Reverse Stock Split.

The Company issued approximately 260 thousand and nil restricted shares during the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. The weighted average shares used in calculating loss per share for the year ended December 31, 2023 includes 173,333 restricted shares that were fully vested as of December 31, 2023 based on their respective vesting date and excludes 86,667 restricted shares that were legally issued but not vested as of December 31, 2023. The Company issued nil and 12,324 of common stock at various times during 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Company has weighted average these new shares in calculating income (loss) per share for the relevant period.

Diluted income (loss) per share for the period equals basic loss per share as the effect of any convertible notes, stock based compensation awards, cancellation of such awards or stock warrants would be anti-dilutive.

The anti-dilutive stock based compensation awards and convertible notes consisted of:





As of December 31,

 





2023

 



2022

 

Stock Options



 

599,597

 



 

186,877

 

Stock Warrants



 

1,274,807

 



 

1,279,573

 

Restricted Shares



 

86,667

 

 

 

-

 

Contingencies

Contingencies

The Company accrues for contingent obligations, including estimated legal costs, when the obligation is probable and the amount is reasonably estimable. As facts concerning contingencies become known, the Company reassesses its position and makes appropriate adjustments to the consolidated financial statements. Estimates that are particularly sensitive to future changes include those related to tax, legal and other regulatory matters.

Related Party

Related Party

ASC 850 - Related Party Disclosures requires disclosure of related party transactions and certain common control relationships. The Company disclosures related party transactions and such transactions are approved by the Company’s Board of Directors. See Note 9.

Risks and Uncertainties

Risks and Uncertainties

Funding amounts are secured by a priority lien position provided under Florida law (see discussion above regarding Florida Statute 718.116). However, in the event the first mortgage holder takes title to the property, the amount payable by the mortgagee to satisfy the priority lien is capped under this same statute and would generally only be sufficient to reimburse the Company for funding amounts noted above for delinquent assessments. Amounts paid by the mortgagee would not generally reimburse the Company for interest, administrative late fees and collection costs. Even though the Company does not recognize these charges as revenues until collected, its business model and long-term viability is dependent on its ability to collect these charges. In the event a delinquent unit owner files for bankruptcy protection, the Company may at its option be reimbursed by the Association for the amounts funded (i.e., purchase price) and all collection rights are re-assigned to the Association.

Non-cash Financing and Investing Activities

Non-cash Financing and Investing Activities

Financing of Insurance Premium – the Company financed the purchase of various insurance policies during the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 in the amount of approximately $716 thousand and $660 thousand, respectively, using a finance agreement.

ROU assets and operating lease obligation recognized - Due to the extension of its office building operating lease during the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company remeasured its lease liability and ROU asset associated with the lease. The Company accounted for the lease extension as a lease modification under ASC 842. At the effective date of modification, the Company recorded an adjustment to the right-of-use asset and lease liability in the amount of approximately $301 thousand.

Reclassification of mining equipment deposit to fixed assets, net - During the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 as mining machines were received, the Company reclassified approximately $1.2 million and $26.9 million of mining machine costs plus related shipping and customs fees from "Deposits on mining equipment" to "Fixed assets, net" in the consolidated balance sheets.

Amount of capital expenditures in accounts payable and accrued expenditures - During the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, approximately $1.0 million and $718 thousand or accrued expenditures were capitalized as fixed assets, respectively.

Reclassification of Reverse stock split - During the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, approximately $11 thousand and nil was reclassified from common stock to additional paid in capital, respectively, as a result of the reverse stock split.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Recently adopted accounting pronouncements

There were no new accounting pronouncements adopted during the year ended December 31, 2023 or 2022 that were determined to have a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Recently issued accounting pronouncements

The Company considers the applicability and impact of all Accounting Standards Updates ("ASUs") issued the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”). ASUs issued by FASB, but which are not yet effective, were assessed and determined to be either not applicable to the Company or to have an insignificant impact on the consolidated financial statements.

On December 13, 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-08, which addresses the accounting and disclosure requirements for certain crypto assets. The new guidance requires entities to subsequently measure certain crypto assets at fair value, with changes in fair value recorded in net income in each reporting period. In addition, entities are required to provide additional disclosures about the holdings of certain crypto assets. For all entities, the ASU’s amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, including interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted. If an entity adopts the amendments in an interim period, it must adopt them as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. The Company will early adopt the standard as of January 1, 2024 which will result in an adjustment to increase opening retained earnings and digital assets by approximately $600 thousand.

On December 14, 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which requires more detailed income tax disclosures. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adoption of the standard.

On November 27, 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, which addresses improvements to reportable segment disclosures. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2024, applied retrospectively with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adoption of the standard.