EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1392694
Filing Year: 2025
Filename: 1392694_10-K_2025_0001641172-25-000608.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Company Overview and History
About SurgePays, Inc.
SurgePays, Inc. (“SurgePays”, “we”, the “Company”) is a financial technology and telecommunications company with one clear mission: to enhance connectivity and financial access in the places people live, shop, and work. We were previously known as North American Energy Resources, Inc. and KSIX Media Holdings, Inc. Prior to April 27, 2015, we operated solely as an independent oil and natural gas company engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of oil and natural gas properties and the production of oil and natural gas through its wholly owned subsidiary, NAER. On April 27, 2015, NAER entered into a Share Exchange Agreement with KSIX Media whereby KSIX Media became a wholly owned subsidiary of NAER and which resulted in the shareholders of KSIX Media owning approximately 90% of the voting stock of the surviving entity. While we continued the oil and gas operations of NAER following this transaction, on August 4, 2015, we changed its name to KSIX Media Holdings, Inc. On December 21, 2017, we changed its name to Surge Holdings, Inc. to better reflect the diversity of its business operations. We changed our name to SurgePays, Inc. on October 29, 2020.
As described in more detail below, we currently operate in three different business segments through the following subsidiaries: (i) Surge Blockchain, LLC, formerly Blvd. Media Group, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company; (ii) LogicsIQ, Inc., a Nevada corporation; (iii) SurgePhone Wireless, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company; (iv) SurgePays Fintech, Inc., a Nevada limited liability company; (v) ECS Prepaid, LLC, a Missouri limited liability company, and (vi) Torch Wireless, LLC a Wyoming limited liability company.
Corporate Vision and Objective
At SurgePays, we believe we are just scratching the surface of what we believe is a valuable market opportunity. Our foundation is built on a robust infrastructure, a diversified product suite, and strategic partnerships that position us for a potential to expand rapidly. We are focused on capturing additional market potential and business opportunities across telecommunications, financial technology, and retail solutions.
Our integrated approach is not just about incremental growth; it is designed for scalability. We are not in this to compete on small, tactical wins. We are here to redefine how underserved and value-conscious markets access essential services, from prepaid wireless and financial products to digital engagement solutions. With a nationwide network of convenience stores, bodegas, and neighborhood locations as our distribution backbone, we believe we are positioned to bring these services directly to the communities that need them most.
We believe this is an important opportunity in an underserved market, and we are on the frontline. By seamlessly integrating telecommunications and fintech on a single platform, we strive to deliver the value and convenience customers demand while aiming to create a recurring revenue model. Our data-driven marketing strategies and the flexibility of our software enable us to tailor offerings in real time, driving high customer retention and capturing new opportunities at every turn.
With every new customer and every new partner, we are advancing towards our goals. SurgePays has laid the groundwork; now, it is about execution, speed, and capturing market share. This is a pivotal moment for the Company, and we believe we are positioned not just to compete but to dominate. We are building the foundation to achieve future success and we believe the opportunity is massive.
Our Business Segments
SurgePays operates through two primary business segments, each strategically designed to meet the diverse needs of our customers. These segments are driven by independent technology platforms that also function synergistically to foster mutual growth:
● MVNO Telecommunications: Providing reliable, affordable prepaid wireless services.
● Comprehensive Platform Services: Offering Point-of-sale (“POS”) transaction and marketing technology.
In addition, in November 2024, the Company entered into a multi-year strategic agreement with AT&T, providing direct access to its nationwide 4G LTE and 5G wireless network. This integration represents a significant advancement in the Company’s infrastructure and capabilities, enabling SurgePays to operate not only as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), but also as a Mobile Virtual Network Enabler (MVNE). As an MVNE, the Company now offers wireless services, including SIM provisioning, billing, and airtime, to other wireless providers that do not have a direct carrier relationship. This expansion creates a new high-margin, scalable revenue channel with minimal incremental cost to the Company, and anticipate this to become another major segment for the Company starting in 2025.
The Company previously also operated a Lead Generation segment; however, this business segment was discontinued in 2024.
MVNO Telecommunications
SurgePays’ Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) business delivers high-speed, reliable, and affordable wireless services by leveraging agreements with national telecom leaders. Generating $43,450,244 of year ended December 31, 2024 operating revenue, we believe this segment will be central to our growth, offering subsidized and prepaid options to meet diverse financial needs.
Subsidized Services
Our subsidized offerings-through programs like Lifeline -enable us to bridge the digital divide in underserved communities. These federal initiatives empower us to provide essential connectivity, driving social impact while targeting sustainable growth. Even as funding changes, we strategically maintain resilience by utilizing our Lifeline program to keep these critical services accessible, establishing a strong foundation. Brands like SurgePhone Wireless and Torch Wireless embody this mission, reaching customers where they need it most.
The Company previously offered subsidized offerings through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), however funding for this program ended in June 2024. As a transition strategy, we decided to keep the existing base of subscribers from the former ACP enrolled in our network. a built-in subscriber base of 250,000. We chose to keep our subscribers active, absorbing the wholesale costs (averaging around $7-10 per subscriber per month), and put our strong balance sheet to work to replace the cash inflow we lost once ACP funding ran out. We transitioned over 80,000 subscribers to the Lifeline program during 2024.
Prepaid Services
Our prepaid plans deliver flexibility, with contract-free, affordable solutions that provide unlimited talk and text across the USA, Mexico, and Canada-no credit checks or hidden fees. Through LinkUp Mobile, we leverage our purchasing power and established retailer relationships to offer low-cost SIM kits at convenience stores, creating accessible, local service hubs.
Our distribution strategy centers on empowering local community stores as trusted service points, where activations and payments are seamlessly integrated into customers’ routines. We believe this approach will not only drive subscriber growth but builds loyalty, allowing customers to switch from competitors effortlessly. By meeting customers in familiar locations, we strengthen long-term relationships and fuel desired sustainable growth.
Comprehensive Platform Services
Our Comprehensive Platform Services segment is tailored to the needs of retailers, using advanced POS technology to elevate operational efficiency and customer engagement. Through SurgePays Prepaid Wireless Top-ups and ClearLine, we deliver innovative transaction and marketing solutions that aim to transform how thousands of convenience stores operate.
Prepaid Wireless Top-Ups
Our Prepaid Wireless Top-Ups platform empowers convenience store clerks to handle top-ups for all major wireless brands efficiently. Additionally, it supports debit and gift card activations, creating a seamless, all-in-one payment processing solution. This functionality not only drives recurring revenue but also gives us critical feedback on what consumers are looking for in today’s Prepaid Wireless Market, allowing us to offer targeted promotions that increase retention and incremental sales. By presenting customers with a comparable Linkup wireless plan at the point of transaction, we maximize opportunities to upsell higher-margin brands, further enhancing growth.
ClearLine
Our ClearLine technology transforms POS terminals and customer-facing screens into powerful engagement tools. This patent-pending touchscreen application enables in-store marketing campaigns, loyalty program enrollment, and even QR code scanning for streamlined customer interactions. ClearLine replaces traditional posters with smart TVs, displaying interactive QR-code ads and real-time coupon redemptions, creating a measurable impact on store revenue and customer satisfaction.
By capturing detailed analytics, ClearLine offers merchants actionable insights to drive growth and foster customer loyalty. This Software as a Service (SaaS) solution is compatible across various devices, positioning ClearLine as a high-value asset for retailers and an anticipated growing significant revenue driver for SurgePays.
Lead Generation
Effective December 31, 2024, the Company’s management elected to abandon its lead generation segment operations as part of a strategic reassessment of its business lines. This decision followed a review by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”, which is our Chief Executive Officer), who had been regularly evaluating the segment’s financial performance and determined that its continued operation was no longer aligned with the Company’s long-term strategic objectives.
Growth Strategies
At SurgePays, our growth strategy is simple yet powerful: leverage our strengths across business segments to drive for sustainable, scalable growth. Each business unit and service is aligned with our mission to create lasting value, enabling us to be strategically positioned for our goal of long-term profitability.
MVNO Communications
Subsidized Services:
● Expand Distribution: Strengthen our footprint in convenience stores, bodegas, and neighborhood retail locations to meet customers where they are, while accelerating growth through online sales channels.
● Simplify Engagement: Make Lifeline enrollments easy by integrating them directly at the point of sale, eliminating friction for eligible customers.
● Drive Growth: Fuel subscriber growth through strategic partnerships and incentives, focusing on expanding our reach and value to customers.
Prepaid Services:
● Optimize Sales Channels: Amplify the POS platform to maximize every sales opportunity, while seamlessly converting subsidized subscribers to non-subsidized services as their needs evolve.
● Leverage Buying Power: Harness our purchasing power to offer competitively priced plans and affordable SIM kits through our convenience store network, delivering a strong value proposition.
● Expand Rural Reach: Target rural markets where competition is low and demand is high, offering compelling pricing and retaining customers by promoting non-subsidized services in times of funding variability.
Comprehensive Platform Services
SurgePays Prepaid Wireless Top-Ups:
● Enhance Service Delivery: Continuously evolve our prepaid wireless offerings to align with customer needs, creating a seamless experience that keeps customers coming back.
● Strengthen Partnerships: Expand our distributor relationships with innovative POS technology, deepening market penetration and maximizing channel efficiency.
● Leverage Data: Deploy transaction data insights for targeted marketing, tailoring offers that boost customer retention and increase lifetime value.
ClearLine:
● Engage Customers: Transform each payment terminal into a dynamic engagement and SaaS marketing tool, maximizing brand interaction at every transaction.
● Boost Revenues: Drive sales through digital loyalty programs, targeted marketing campaigns, and customer feedback initiatives that enhance satisfaction and retention.
● Leverage Data Insights: Use customer data to create targeted promotions and operational improvements, giving merchants actionable insights that deepen their customer relationships.
Synergy Across Business Units
Our integrated approach means all units work in unison, creating efficiency and value that is hard to replicate. By aligning technology, data, and market expansion strategies, we are building a cohesive platform with a unique value proposition:
● Technology Integration: Our POS platforms unify transactions across prepaid wireless, financial products, and merchant services, delivering a streamlined retail experience.
● Data-Driven Engagement: Data analytics from our ACH banking and fintech transactions platform unlock valuable insights, enhancing customer engagement across all segments.
● Strategic Market Expansion: With a focus on underserved and rural markets, we are capturing untapped potential and fostering lasting customer loyalty.
Market Opportunity
MVNO Communications
Subsidized Services
According to Forbes Advisor from May 26, 2023, 42 million americans still do not have access to broadband internet. It is the Company’s initiative to address the gap created by the lack of access to high-speed internet, particularly rural areas. By focusing on these underserved regions, SurgePays not only meets an essential need but also positions itself within a market poised for growth. Government initiatives like Lifeline provide a steady stream of eligible customers allowing a consistent demand base.
Our strategy aligns with these government-backed programs, allowing us to capture steady demand among value-conscious households. Lower-income Americans are still less likely to have home broadband or smartphone. According to the Pew Research Center (from June 22, 2021), research shows that 27% of low-income adults rely on smartphones for internet access, underscoring the need for affordable mobile connectivity in these communities. By serving this critical market, we are positioned for both growth and resilience.
Prepaid Services
According to Research and Markets published January 3, 2025, the prepaid wireless market in the U.S. is thriving, with 74 million of the 307 million smartphone users choosing prepaid plans-a number expected to grow at a 5.2% CAGR from 2022 to 2030. SurgePays’ prepaid offerings directly address this demand, appealing to consumers seeking flexible, no-contract options.
Targeting rural areas, where competition is minimal and pricing is often higher, gives us a strategic edge. With rural Americans comprising nearly 17.9% of the U.S. population (according to NCESC.com from June 22, 2024), these regions represent a significant growth opportunity. Additionally, the multicultural segment-particularly Hispanic Americans-is one of the fastest-growing demographics, with a projected growth rate of 2.3% annually, published by the United States Census Bureau dated June 27, 2024. By aligning our offerings with the needs of these expanding demographics, we are aiming to capture a significant market share, supporting our vision for sustained growth.
Comprehensive Platform Services
SurgePays Prepaid Wireless Top-ups
We believe there is a strong market for prepaid wireless top-ups through convenience stores, bodegas, and neighborhood retail locations. Our approach aims to leverage the more than over 150,000 convenience stores (according to the National Association of Convenience Stores dated February 5, 2025) in the U.S. to deliver accessible prepaid wireless top-ups and essential services, creating a potential for a broad distribution network and we believe this high-transaction environment will become a significant revenue driver for the Company. The U.S. prepaid card market alone was valued at $542 billion in 2023 (according to Research and Markets dated May 30, 2024), and our platform is designed to captures value from every transaction in which it is utilized. Using transaction data to drive targeted marketing further enhances engagement, retention, and customer lifetime value.
ClearLine
Through our ClearLine channel, we are transforming traditional payment terminals into high-impact engagement and marketing tools that increase merchant revenue and customer satisfaction. Digital engagement can increase customer spending by up to 20% (according to McKinsey’s annual Digital Payments Consumer Survey from November 25, 2020), while personalized offers and loyalty programs improve retention by up to 10% and lifetime value by 25% (according to the article titled, A Guide on Impact of Personalization on Customer Lifetime Value dated February 27, 2025). We believe ClearLine solutions can be utilized across more retail locations to maximize market penetration and revenue potential, growing alongside the digital signage market expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.9% through 2028 (according to PR Newswire dated June 28, 2023).
Marketing and Sales
Our marketing strategies are meticulously designed for each business segment, anchored in three strategic pillars: strengthening retail partnerships, amplifying digital engagement, and extending market reach through direct and channel sales teams dedicated to customer retention.
Our retail distribution portfolio is the backbone of our MVNO business units. Being able to reach consumers where they are is our strength. Through software enhancements, we are able to reach potential MVNO subscribers in wireless retail stores, convenience stores, markets, and online sites. By collaborating with third-party partners, we facilitate Lifeline enrollments and offer a range of non-subsidized prepaid wireless plans. Through targeted education and proactive engagement, we maximize subscriber acquisition in underserved regions. By delivering tailored, incentivized plans to existing Lifeline, we enhance retention and create enduring value within this critical market segment.
For Comprehensive Platform Services, we prioritize building strong retail partnerships that ensure extensive distribution and easy access to our solutions. Our approach integrates the convenience of our expansive store network with powerful digital engagement tools, enabling us to reach a broad audience and deliver consistent customer value. To support this growth, we have and will continue as necessary to scale our national sales and distribution teams to deepen market penetration and deliver personalized, high touch support, driving for customer satisfaction and long-term growth.
Competition
SurgePays operates in a competitive and rapidly evolving market, where both traditional and non-traditional players in telecommunications and technology compete to capture market share.
In telecommunications, major MVNOs dominate the prepaid wireless landscape, while national carriers leverage their infrastructure and brand strength to attract prepaid customers. Regional providers further intensify competition by focusing on specific geographic areas. In financial technology, established prepaid card providers hold significant ground, while fintech startups push the envelope with digital innovation and streamlined user experiences. Traditional convenience store distributors, with decades of legacy behind them, rely on a manufacturing-to-warehouse-to-store logistics model that has remained largely unchanged. Currently, our MVNO market share at convenience store sales is under 1%, highlighting a substantial growth opportunity.
Yet, we believe our diverse product suite and operational efficiencies position us to capture a larger share of this market. Our ability to seamlessly integrate with others in this space, creates a unique dynamic allowing us to compensate for growth opportunities while unlocking the potential for additional revenue for stores. This collaborative approach is fueled by our unique product offerings, which drive more value for retail partners. Additionally, we may explore strategic acquisitions as a way to accelerate our path forward.
Across our product markets, competition is shaped by key factors: technical features, quality, availability, price, customer support, and distribution coverage. Each region may weigh these factors differently, but by deploying our direct store distribution model nationwide, we are positioned to meet these demands head-on and open substantial growth opportunities.
Differentiation
At SurgePays, our competitive edge is rooted in relentless adaptability, a tightly integrated service ecosystem, and robust retail partnerships. These strengths allow us to bring our communication and technology platform products to market with speed and precision, creating a clear path to success.
We stand apart by offering a seamless blend of telecommunications and transactions services on a single platform-a one-stop solution that delivers both convenience and exceptional value to our customers. By targeting underserved and rural communities, often overlooked by larger players, we provide vital services where people live, shop, and work. Through our network of convenience stores, bodegas, and local retail spots, we bring affordable, accessible solutions to the neighborhoods that need them most.
Owning the transaction software for processing, activations, and top-ups allows us to offer prepaid wireless and financial products at lower prices right at the community level. This structure not only captures a significant, value-conscious segment but also leverages efficiencies that drive down costs and improve margins.
In a fragmented distribution landscape where no single player offers top consumables alongside essential services like prepaid wireless, gift cards, bill payments, and reloadable debit cards, we see a major opportunity. Our partnerships with distributors enable broad market reach and higher customer engagement. Our vision extends to building a wholesale e-commerce platform that unites these services under one roof-a scalable model that enhances customer loyalty and operational efficiency.
Agility is our backbone. We continuously adapt our offering to stay ahead of customer needs. Using a combination of information gathered by extracting data from our customer service system and comparing it with industry marketing trends and offerings, we are able to offer targeted social media engagement and personalized offers. Incorporating these solutions helps us drive customer acquisition and retention by allowing our product offering to meet the market where we uncover the need.
With these strengths-an integrated platform, a focus on underserved markets, robust retail partnerships, and a commitment to data-driven insights-we believe SurgePays is well-positioned to thrive in a competitive market. Our approach is built to drive for long-term growth and profitability, supported by a foundation of innovation and customer focus that we believe is unmatched in the industry.
Internal Development Activities
At SurgePays, innovation is not a department-it is our DNA. We are relentlessly focused on enhancing our products to deliver efficient, secure, and lightning-fast transactions at convenience stores. Our software platform, hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud, leverages the power of world-class infrastructure to enable our goal of unmatched reliability and scalability.
Success demands a mindset of continuous improvement. We have developed integrated software solutions for popular point-of-sale systems from such companies as Clover, PAX, and Landi. These integrations provide additional opportunities to operate our platform in various types of retail businesses without the need for additional hardware, with a single goal in mind: to create powerful tools that help our retail partners operate more efficiently and serve their customers better. By embracing technology’s rapid evolution, we are not just keeping pace with change, we are shaping it.
Seasonality
Our diverse product portfolio helps mitigate any significant fluctuations, and as we continue to expand our offerings, we expect the impact of seasonality to diminish further.
SurgePays Team
At SurgePays, our people are the driving force behind everything we accomplish. As of March 2025, our team of over 130 dedicated professionals-across various areas such as accounting and finance (4), human resources (3), programming (13), customer service (79), sales (6), and operations (25)-is committed to solving real problems and delivering value to our customers and shareholders every day.
Our leadership team brings over a century of combined experience across telecommunications, technology, and national distribution. This depth of expertise fuels our ability to innovate, think long-term, and make bold bets that set us apart in the market.
We know that a business only grows by hiring exceptional talent and empowering them with a culture that prizes continuous improvement and ownership. We focus on attracting the best, building an environment that nurtures growth, and aligning incentives to performance through equity and cash plans. These plans not only reward high performance but are designed to create alignment with our long-term vision, fostering a team that acts like owners, not employees.
At SurgePays, we think in decades, not quarters. By investing in our people and cultivating a culture of excellence, we are building a foundation that will support our growth for years to come.
Corporate Information
Our executive offices are located at:
Brother Blvd, Suite 410, Bartlett, TN 38133
Telephone: (800) 760-9689 Website: www.surgepays.com
Please note that our website and the information contained in, or accessible through, it will not be deemed incorporated by reference into this Annual Report and does not constitute a part of this Annual Report.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Investing in our securities involves a great deal of risk. Careful consideration should be made of the following factors as well as other information included in this Annual Report before deciding to purchase our securities. There are many risks that affect our business and results of operations, some of which are beyond our control. Our business, financial condition or operating results could be materially harmed by any of these risks. This could cause the trading price of our securities to decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. Additional risks that we do not yet know of or that we currently think are immaterial may also affect our business and the results of operations.
Risks Related to Government Regulation and Legal Proceedings
The United States Government’s dissolution of the Affordable Connectivity Program (“ACP”) has had a substantial adverse effect on our business operations and profitability.
Since the introduction of the ACP, we derived over 70% of our revenue from reimbursement payments from the federal government under the ACP. According to the Federal Communications Commission (the “FCC”), the government entity that oversees the ACP, the ACP wound down and stopped accepting new applications and enrollments as of February 7, 2024, and June 2024 was the last funded month of the ACP due to lack of additional funding from Congress. The expiration of the ACP and the cessation in reimbursement payments had a substantial adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results during the year ended December 31, 2024. Without revenue from the ACP, we have shifted our focus to other business segments, including our MVNO Communications and Comprehensive Platform Services further described herein, however there is no guarantee that we will be able to successfully replicate our revenues from the ACP or past profitability, which will have a substantial adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results.
Additionally, there is no guarantee whether or for how long the FCC or other federal agencies will continue to provide funding for the Lifeline program. As a material component of our current business operations and source of revenue, any decrease or end to funding of the Lifeline program would have a substantial adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results.
Changes in the regulatory framework under which we operate could adversely affect our business prospects or results of operations.
Our operations are subject to regulation by the FCC and other federal, state and local agencies. These regulatory regimes frequently restrict or impose conditions on our ability to operate in designated areas and provide specified products or services. We are frequently required to maintain licenses for our operations and conduct our operations in accordance with prescribed standards. We are often involved in regulatory and other governmental proceedings or inquiries related to the application of these requirements. It is impossible to predict with any certainty the outcome of pending federal and state regulatory proceedings relating to our operations, or the reviews by federal or state courts of regulatory rulings. Without relief, existing laws and regulations may inhibit our ability to expand our business and introduce new products and services. Similarly, we cannot guarantee that we will be successful in obtaining the licenses needed to carry out our business plan or in maintaining our existing licenses. For example, the FCC grants wireless licenses for terms generally lasting ten (10) years, subject to renewal. The loss of, or a material limitation on, certain of our licenses could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
New laws or regulations or changes to the existing regulatory framework at the federal, state and local level, such as those described below, could restrict the ways in which we manage our wireline and wireless networks and operate our business, impose additional costs, impair revenue opportunities and potentially impede our ability to provide services in a manner that would be attractive to us and our customers.
● Privacy and data protection - we are subject to federal, state and international laws related to privacy and data protection.
● Regulation of broadband Internet access services - On June 11, 2018, the repeal of the FCC’s “net neutrality” rules took effect and returned to a “light-touch” regulatory framework. The prior rules were designed to ensure that all online content is treated the same by internet service providers and other companies that provide broadband services. Additionally, California and a number of other states are considering or have enacted legislation or executive actions that would regulate the conduct of broadband providers. We cannot predict whether the FCC order or state initiatives will be modified, overturned, or vacated by legal action of the court, federal legislation, or the FCC. With the repeal of net neutrality rules in effect, we could incur greater operating expenses, which could harm our results of operations.
● “Open Access” - we hold certain wireless licenses that require us to comply with so-called “open access” FCC regulations, which generally require licensees of a particular spectrum to allow customers to use devices and applications of their choice. Moreover, certain services could be subject to conflicting regulation by the FCC and/or various state and local authorities, which could significantly increase the cost of implementing and introducing new services.
The further regulation of broadband, wireless and our other activities and any related court decisions could restrict our ability to compete in the marketplace and limit the return we can expect to achieve on past and future investments in our networks.
We could be impacted by unfavorable results of legal proceedings, and may, from time to time, be involved in future litigation in which substantial monetary damages are sought.
We are currently subject to a number of litigations as described under the heading “Legal Proceedings.” In connection with certain of these litigations, we may be required to pay significant monetary damages. Defending against the current litigations is or can be time-consuming, expensive and cause diversion of our management’s attention.
In addition, we may from time to time be involved in future litigation in which substantial monetary damages are sought. Litigation claims may relate to intellectual property, contracts, employment, securities and other matters arising out of the conduct of our current and past business activities. Any claims, whether with or without merit, could be time-consuming, expensive to defend and could divert management’s attention and resources. We may maintain insurance against some, but not all, of these potential claims, and the levels of insurance we do maintain may not be adequate to fully cover any and all losses.
With respect to any litigation, our insurance may not reimburse us, or may not be sufficient to reimburse us for the expenses or losses we may suffer in contesting and concluding such lawsuit. The results of any future litigation or claims are inherently unpredictable and substantial litigation costs, including the substantial self-insured retention that we are required to satisfy before any insurance applies to a claim, unreimbursed legal fees or an adverse result in any litigation may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, cash from operating activities or financial condition.
Risks Related to Our Business, Industry and Operations
Low demand for our products and services, and the inability to develop and introduce new products and services at favorable margins, could adversely impact our performance and prospects for future growth.
Without revenue from the ACP, we have shifted our focus to other business segments, including our MVNO Communications and Comprehensive Platform Services further described herein, however we will need to continue to develop our products and services, and introduce new products and services in a timely manner at favorable margins. There are numerous uncertainties associated with developing and introducing new products and services, including higher costs, limited market opportunity, and low demand. An increase in costs, which may continue indefinitely or until increased demand and greater availability of our products and services are available, could adversely affect our results of operations and profitability. Market acceptance of the new products and services may not meet sales expectations due to various factors, such as the failure to accurately predict consumer demands, end-user preferences, evolving industry standards, or the emergence of new or disruptive technologies. Moreover, the ultimate success and profitability of the new products and services may depend on our ability to resolve technical and technological challenges in a timely and cost-effective manner.
If we are not able to adapt to changes and disruptions in technology and address changing consumer demand on a timely basis, we may experience a decline in the demand for our services, be unable to implement our business strategy and experience reduced profits.
Our industries are rapidly changing as modern technologies are developed that offer consumers an array of choices for their communications needs and allow new entrants into the markets we serve. In order to grow and remain competitive, we will need to adapt to future changes in technology, enhance our existing offerings and introduce new offerings to address our customers’ changing demands. If we are unable to meet future challenges from competing technologies on a timely basis or at an acceptable cost, we could lose customers to our competitors. We may not be able to accurately predict technological trends or the success of new services in the market. In addition, there could be legal or regulatory restraints on our introduction of new services. If our services fail to gain acceptance in the marketplace, or if costs associated with the implementation and introduction of these services materially increase, our ability to retain and attract customers could be adversely affected. Additionally, we must phase out outdated and unprofitable technologies and services. If we are unable to do so on a cost-effective basis, we could experience reduced profits. In addition, there could be legal or regulatory restraints on our ability to phase out current services.
We have, and may continue to expand through investments in, acquisitions of, or the development of new products with assistance from, other companies, any of which may not be successful and may divert our management’s attention.
In the past, we completed several strategic acquisitions. We also may evaluate and enter into discussions regarding an array of potential strategic transactions, including acquiring complementary products, technologies, or businesses. An acquisition, investment or business relationship may result in unforeseen operating difficulties and expenditures. In particular, we may encounter difficulties integrating the businesses, technologies, products, personnel or operations of the acquired companies, particularly if the key personnel of the acquired company choose not to be employed by us, and we may have difficulty retaining the customers of any acquired business due to changes in management and ownership. Acquisitions may also disrupt our ongoing business, divert our resources and require significant management attention that would otherwise be available for ongoing development of our business. Moreover, we cannot assure you that the anticipated benefits of any acquisition, investment or business relationship would be realized timely, if at all, or that we would not be exposed to unknown liabilities. In connection with any such transaction, we may:
● encounter difficulties retaining key employees of the acquired company or integrating diverse business cultures;
● incur large charges or substantial liabilities, including without limitation, liabilities associated with products or technologies accused or found to infringe on third-party intellectual property rights or violate existing or future privacy regulations;
● issue shares of our capital stock as part of the consideration, which may be dilutive to existing stockholders;
● become subject to adverse tax consequences, legal disputes, substantial depreciation or deferred compensation charges;
● use cash that we may otherwise need for ongoing or future operation of our business;
● enter new geographic markets that subject us to different laws and regulations that may have an adverse impact on our business;
● experience difficulties effectively utilizing acquired assets;
● encounter difficulties integrating the information and financial reporting systems of acquired businesses, particularly those that operated under accounting principles other than those generally accepted in the U.S. prior to the acquisition by us; and
● incur debt, which may be on terms unfavorable to us or that we are unable to repay.
We have undertaken in the past, and may in the future undertake, strategic acquisitions. Failure to integrate acquisitions could adversely affect our value.
One of the ways we have grown our business in the past is through strategic acquisitions of other businesses, products, and technologies. We may, from time to time, evaluate additional acquisition opportunities, and may, in the future, strategically make further acquisitions of, and investments in, businesses, products and technologies when we believe the opportunity is advantageous to our prospects, such as the acquisition of Clearline Mobile, Inc (“Clearline”) assets. There can be no assurance that in the future we will be able to find appropriate acquisitions or investments. In connection with these acquisitions or investments, we may:
● issue stock that would dilute our shareholders’ percentage of ownership;
● be obligated to make milestone or other contingent or non-contingent payments;
● incur debt and assume liabilities; and/ or
● incur amortization expenses related to intangible assets or incur large and immediate write-offs.
We also may be unable to find suitable acquisition candidates and may not be able to complete acquisitions on favorable terms, if at all, or obtain adequate financing for such acquisitions. If we do complete an acquisition, such as with Clearline, we may not be able to successfully integrate the acquired business into our preexisting business, and we may not ultimately strengthen our competitive position or ensure that we will not be viewed negatively by customers, financial markets or investors. Further, acquisitions could also pose numerous additional risks to our operations, including:
● problems integrating the purchased business, products or technologies without substantial costs, delays or other problems;
● increases to our expenses;
● the failure to have discovered undisclosed liabilities of the acquired asset or company for which we may not be adequately indemnified;
● diversion of management’s attention from their day-to-day responsibilities and our core business;
● inability to enforce indemnification and non-compete agreements;
● the failure to successfully incorporate acquired products or technologies into our business;
● the failure of the acquired business, products, or technologies to perform as well as anticipated;
● the failure to realize expected synergies and cost savings;
● harm to our operating results or financial condition, particularly during the first several reporting periods after the acquisition is completed;
● entrance into markets in which we have limited or no prior experience; and
● potential loss of key employees or customers, particularly those of the acquired entity.
Our business could be adversely affected if we fail to implement and maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting.
If we are unable to maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures, or if there are identified significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the future, our ability to produce accurate and timely financial statements and public reports could be impaired, which could adversely affect our business and financial condition. In addition, investors may lose confidence in our reported information and the market price of our Common Stock may decline.
Our success is substantially dependent on the continued service of our senior management.
Our success is substantially dependent on the continued service of our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), Kevin Brian Cox and our Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), Anthony Evers. We do not carry key person life insurance on any of its management, which would leave us uncompensated for the loss of any of its management. The loss of the services of any of our senior management could make it more difficult to successfully operate our business and achieve our business goals. In addition, competition in our industry for senior management and other key personnel is intense. If we are unable to retain our existing personnel, or attract and train additional qualified personnel, either because of competition in our industry for such personnel or because of insufficient financial resources, our product development capabilities and customer and employee relationships growth may be harmed and overall growth may be limited.
We offer competitive compensation packages in order to retain the services of our senior management, and we could be required to pay significant compensation payments in the case we are unable to retain our senior management.
As the continued employment of our executive officers is critical to the Company’s success, we have entered into competitive employment agreements in order to retain the services of our existing officers. In addition to guaranteed base compensation, we have offered our CEO incentive compensation upon the Company’s completion of milestones including achieving certain annual revenue, annual EBITDA, and market capitalization goals, that could require the Company to pay large equity grants for the achievement of each milestone completed.
In the case our CEO were to terminate their employment agreement due to breach of contract, a substantial downturn in the Company’s business or personnel, a reduction in officer’s role, responsibilities, or compensation, or significant change in the Company’s location of business and operations, the Company would be required to pay a severance package that, in combination with the compensation that would need to be paid to a replacement executive, could have a severe strain on the Company’s finances.
We may not have sufficient resources to effectively introduce and market our services and products, which could materially harm our operating results.
Continuation of market acceptance for our existing services and products require substantial marketing efforts and will require our sales account executives and contract partners to make significant expenditures of time and money. In some instances, we will be significantly or totally reliant on the marketing efforts and expenditures of our contract partners, outside sales agents and distributors.
Commercialization of our products and services, require us to expand our own marketing and sales capabilities or consider collaborating with additional third parties to perform these functions. We may, in some instances, rely significantly on sales, marketing and distribution arrangements with collaborative partners and other third parties. In these instances, our future revenue will be materially dependent upon the success of the efforts of these third parties.
Should we determine that expanding our own marketing and sales capabilities continues to be required, we may not be able to attract and retain qualified personnel to serve in our sales and marketing organization, to develop an effective distribution network or to otherwise effectively support our commercialization activities. The cost of establishing and maintaining a more comprehensive sales and marketing organization may exceed its cost effectiveness. If we fail to further develop our sales and marketing capabilities, if sales efforts are not effective or if costs of increasing sales and marketing capabilities exceed their cost effectiveness, our business, results of operations and financial condition would be materially adversely affected.
We operate in a highly competitive industry.
We may encounter competition from local, regional, or national entities, some of which have superior resources or other competitive advantages in the larger wireless services space. Intense competition may adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations. These competitors may be larger and more highly capitalized, with greater name recognition. We will compete with such companies on brand name, quality of services, level of expertise, advertising, product and service innovation and differentiation of product and services. As a result, our ability to secure significant market share may be impeded.
We may require additional financing to sustain or grow our operations. Raising additional capital may cause dilution to our existing stockholders and investors, or restrict our operations.
We may need to seek additional capital through a variety of means, including through private and public equity offerings and debt financings, collaborations, or strategic alliances and acquisitions. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, or through the issuance of shares under other types of contracts, the ownership interests of our stockholders may be diluted, and the terms of such financings may include liquidation or other preferences, anti-dilution rights, conversion and exercise price adjustments and other provisions that adversely affect the rights of our stockholders, including rights, preferences and privileges that are senior to those of our holders of Common Stock in terms of the payment of dividends or in the event of a liquidation. In addition, debt financing, if available, could include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take certain actions, such as incurring additional debt, making capital expenditures, entering into contractual arrangements, or declaring dividends and may require us to grant security interests in our assets.
Risks Related to Our Securities
Our CEO and Chair, Kevin Brian Cox, has significant control over shareholder matters and the minority shareholders will have little or no control over our affairs.
Mr. Cox currently owns approximately 28.3% of our outstanding voting equity. Subject to any fiduciary duties owed to our other stockholders under Nevada law, Mr. Cox is able to exercise significant influence over matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors and approval of significant corporate transactions, and will have some control over our management and policies. Mr. Cox may have interests that are different from yours. For example, Mr. Cox may support proposals and actions with which you may disagree. The concentration of ownership could delay or prevent a change in control of our Company or otherwise discourage a potential acquirer from attempting to obtain control of our Company, which in turn could reduce the price of our stock. In addition, Mr. Cox could use his voting influence to maintain our existing management and directors in office, delay or prevent changes in control of our Company, or support or reject other management and proposals of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) that are subject to stockholder approval, such as amendments to our employee stock plans and approvals of significant financing transactions.
Sales of a significant number of shares of our Common Stock in the public market or the perception of such possible sales, could depress the market price of our Common Stock.
Sales of a substantial number of shares of our Common Stock in the public markets, which include an offering of our preferred stock or Common Stock could depress the market price of our Common Stock and impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional equity or equity-related securities. We cannot predict the effect that future sales of our Common Stock or other equity-related securities would have on the market price of our Common Stock.
Our share price has been volatile and our trading volume may fluctuate substantially.
The price of our Common Stock has been and may in the future continue to be extremely volatile, ranging from a high of $8.43 and a low of $1.13, since the beginning of 2024. Many factors could have a significant impact on the future price of our shares of Common Stock, including:
● our inability to raise additional capital to fund our operations, whether through the issuance of equity securities or debt;
● our failure to successfully implement our business objectives and new lines of business;
● compliance with ongoing regulatory requirements;
● market acceptance and demand of our products;
● changes in government regulations;
● Replacing lost revenues from ACP;
● actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly financial and operating results; and
● the degree of trading liquidity in our shares of Common Stock.
A decline in the price of our shares of Common Stock could affect our ability to raise further working capital and adversely impact our ability to continue operations.
The decline in the price of our shares of Common Stock, could result in a reduction in the liquidity of our Common Stock, a reduction in our ability to raise capital and hinder our ability to stay in compliance with Nasdaq listing rules. Because a significant portion of our operations has been and will continue to be financed through the sale of equity securities, a decline in the price of our shares of Common Stock could be especially detrimental to our liquidity and our operations. Such reductions and declines may force us to reallocate funds from other planned uses and may have a significant negative effect on our business plans and operations, including our ability to continue our current operations. If the price for our shares of Common Stock declines, it may be more difficult to raise additional capital. If we are unable to raise sufficient capital, and we are unable to generate sufficient funds from operations to meet our obligations, we will not have the resources to continue our operations.
The market price for our shares of Common Stock may also be affected by our ability to meet or exceed expectations of analysts or investors. Any failure to meet these expectations, even if minor, may have a material adverse effect on the market price of our shares of Common Stock.
We currently do not intend to pay dividends on our Common Stock. As result, your only opportunity to achieve a return on your investment is if the price of our Common Stock appreciates.
We currently do not expect to declare or pay dividends on our Common Stock. In addition, in the future we may enter into agreements that prohibit or restrict our ability to declare or pay dividends on our Common Stock. As a result, your only opportunity to achieve a return on your investment will be if the market price of our Common Stock appreciates and you sell your shares at a profit.
We could issue additional Common Stock, which might dilute the book value of our Common Stock.
The Board has authority, without action or vote of our shareholders, to issue all or a part of our authorized but unissued shares. Such stock issuances could be made at a price that reflects a discount or a premium from the then-current trading price of our Common Stock. In addition, in order to raise capital, we may need to issue securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for our Common Stock. These issuances would dilute the percentage ownership interest, which would have the effect of reducing your influence on matters requiring shareholders vote and might dilute the book value of our Common Stock. You may incur additional dilution if holders of stock warrants or options, whether currently outstanding or subsequently granted, exercise their options, or if warrant holders exercise their warrants to purchase shares of our Common Stock.
Future Issuance of Our Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Options and Warrants Could Dilute the Interests of Existing Stockholders.
We may issue additional shares of our Common Stock, preferred stock, options and warrants in the future, including through the Company’s 2022 Omnibus Securities and Incentive Plan and the evergreen provisions contained therein. These issuances may include substantial milestone-based issuances of securities to our executive officers as described in Item 11 of this Annual Report under the heading “Employment Agreements.” The issuance of a substantial amount of Common Stock, options and warrants could have the effect of substantially diluting the interests of our current stockholders. In addition, the sale of a substantial amount of Common Stock or preferred stock in the public market, or the exercise of a substantial number of warrants and options either in the initial issuance or in a subsequent resale by the target company in an acquisition which received such Common Stock as consideration or by investors who acquired such Common Stock in a private placement could have an adverse effect on the market price of our Common Stock.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
We presently occupy space at 3 locations: 3124 Brother Blvd, Suite 410, Bartlett, TN 38133 (this building is owned by an entity owned by Mr. Cox, our CEO and Chair), which houses our corporate headquarters along with back office, inventory and marketing departments, 8745 West Higgins, Chicago, IL 60361, which houses our human resources departments, 1615 S Ingram Mill, Building B, Springfield, Missouri 65804, which houses our Comprehensive Platform Services technical operations, and 73 Av. Norte y 5 Calle Poniente, Colonia Escalon, San Salvador, SV, which house our business process operations.
See pages - for detailed lease information.
We will acquire additional office space as needed.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 3: LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
From time to time, we may be engaged in various lawsuits and legal proceedings in the ordinary course of our business. Except as described below, we are currently not aware of any legal proceedings, the ultimate outcome of which, in our judgment based on information currently available, would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
The following is a summary of threatened, pending, asserted or unasserted claims against us or any of our wholly owned subsidiaries for which there have been material developments since our last annual report for the year ended December 31, 2023.
(1) Juno Financial v. AATAC and Surge Holdings Inc. AND Surge Holdings Inc. v. AATAC; Circuit Court of Hillsborough County, Florida, Case # 20-CA-2712 DIV A: Breach of Contract, Account Stated and Open Account claims against Surge by a factoring company. Surge has filed a cross-complaint against defendant AATAC for Breach of Contract, Account Stated, Open Account and Common Law Indemnity. The Court dismissed the case with the agreement of the parties at a case management conference on September 12, 2024.
(2) Blue Skies Connections, LLC, and True Wireless, Inc. v. SurgePays, Inc., et. al.: In the District Court of Oklahoma County, OK, CJ-2021-5327, filed on December 13, 2021. Plaintiffs’ petition alleges breach of a Stock Purchase Agreement by SurgePays, SurgePhone Wireless, LLC, and Kevin Brian Cox (“Defendants”), and makes other allegations related to SurgePays’ consulting work with Jonathan Coffman, formerly a True Wireless employee. The petition requests injunctive relief, general damages, punitive damages, attorney fees and costs for alleged breach of contract, tortious interference with a business relationship, and fraud. Blue Skies alleged the Defendants are in violation of their non-competition and non-solicitation agreements related to the sale of True Wireless from SurgePays to Blue Skies. Defendants filed various dispositive motions with the Court demonstrating Oklahoma state law does not recognize non-compete agreements and non-solicitation agreements in the manner alleged by Plaintiffs, and the Court granted these motions, finding the non-solicitation and non-competition clauses in the Stock Purchase Agreement void as a matter of Oklahoma law. Defendants then filed additional dispositive motions on Plaintiffs’ claims in tort and equity, which the Court granted in part based on its prior rulings. Plaintiffs took the position the Court granting Defendants’ dispositive motions on these material issues only leaves partial contract claims that are inextricably intertwined with the remaining claims and defences. Plaintiffs sought a certified interlocutory appeal of the Court’s orders. On March 10, 2025, the Oklahoma Supreme Court entered an order denying Plaintiffs’ Petition for Certiorari to review the certified interlocutory appeal. The case will now proceed in the district court on the parties’ remaining claims. Presently, there is no trial date.
In the Circuit Court of Tennessee for the 30th Judicial District at Memphis, Docket # CT-3219-23. On August 8, 2023, a complaint was filed by SurgePays for breach of a promissory note by Blue Skies Connections, LLC. The note at issue is dated June 14, 2021, and requires Blue Skies Connections to repay the principal sum of $176,850.56, by monthly payments of $7,461.37 commencing on June 1, 2023. Blue Skies Connections has failed to make any payments due under the terms of the note, and this breach entitles SurgePays to demand payment of the entire amount of the note together with all accrued interest. Blue Skies Connections responded by filing a Motion to Dismiss or, in the alternative, a Motion to Stay, taking the position that, under the prior suit pending doctrine, the subject promissory note is subject to the prior litigation instituted by Blue Skies Connections against SurgePays, styled Skies Connections, LLC and True Wireless, Inc. v. SurgePays, Inc., et al., Case No. CJ-2021-5327, District Court of Oklahoma County, Oklahoma. Surge Pays elected to dismiss its complaint without prejudice and is in the process of re-filing the matter in the District Court of Oklahoma County, Oklahoma.
(3) Robert Aliotta and Steve Vasquesz, on behalf of themselves and others similarly situated v. SurgePays, Inc. d/b/a Surge Logics, filed January 4, 2023, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Case No. 1:23-cv-00042. Plaintiffs allege violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the Florida Telephone Solicitations Act (FTSA) based on telephone solicitations allegedly made by or on behalf of SurgePays, Inc. Plaintiffs seek damages for themselves and seek certification of a class action on behalf of others similarly situated. Defendants intend to vigorously defend the action however most similar cases are eventually resolved by an out-of-court settlement. A Confidential Settlement Agreement and Release of Claims has been entered into in April 2024 and a Dismissal Order was entered by the Court on April 30, 2024.
(4) SurgePays, Inc. et al. v. Fina et al., Case No. CJ-2022-2782, District Court of Oklahoma County, Oklahoma. Plaintiffs SurgePays, Inc. and Kevin Brian Cox initiated this case against its former officer Mike Fina, his companies Blue Skies Connections, LLC, True Wireless, Inc., Government Consulting Solutions, Inc., Mussell Communications LLC, and others. This case also arises from the June 2021 transaction by which SurgePays sold True Wireless to Blue Skies. During the litigation of CJ-2021-5327 described above, SurgePays learned information that showed Mike Fina breached his duties owed to True Wireless during his employment and consulting work for True Wireless prior to SurgePays’ sale of True Wireless to Blue Skies. SurgePays alleges that Mike Fina conspired with the other defendants to damage True Wireless thereby harming the value of the company and causing its eventual sale at a greatly reduced price. SurgePays asserts claims for (i) breach of contract; (ii) breach of fiduciary duty; (iii) fraud; (iv) tortious interference; and (v) unjust enrichment. At this stage, no defendant has asserted a counterclaim against SurgePays. SurgePays filed a Second Amended Petition on January 27, 2023. Defendants Fina, Blue Skies, True Wireless, and Government Consulting Solutions filed a Motion to Dismiss on March 10, 2023. On June 29, 2023, the Court granted the Motion to Dismiss, ruling the claims asserted are “derivative” and could only be asserted by the True Wireless entity now owed by Blue Skies. The Court rejected SurgePays’ request to certify this ruling for immediate appeal. Defendant Misty Garrett filed a Motion for Summary Judgment seeking the same relief as the Motion to Dismiss, which was granted by the Court. It is SurgePays’ intent to appeal the Court’s dismissal of Fina, Blue Skies, True Wireless, Government Consulting Solutions, and Misty Garrett. At this stage, no attempts at settlement have been made.
(5) Consumer Attorney Marketing Group, LLC v. LogicsIQ, Inc. and SurgePays, Inc. On February 13, 2024, in the Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County, Case No. 24 ST CV 03653, Consumer Attorney Marketing Group, LLC (“CAMG”) filed a complaint naming SurgePays, Inc. (the “Company”) a defendant and alleging claims for breach of contract, declaratory judgment and express and implied indemnity. The complaint demands that defendants indemnify CAMG for any damages or losses that CAMG may incur in the case Robert Aliotta, et al. v. SurgePays, Inc. d/b/a SurgeLogics, Case No. 23 C 00042, pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. CAMG’s claims against the Company are solely based upon theories of participatory and vicarious liability. A Confidential Settlement Agreement and Release of Claims has been entered into in April 2024 and the parties await a Dismissal Order to be entered by the Court.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not Applicable.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information
The Common Stock began trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol SURG on November 2, 2021.
As of March 5, 2025, there were approximately 7,277 holders of record of our Common Stock. Since certain shares of our Common Stock are held by brokers and other institutions on behalf of stockholders, the foregoing number of holders of our Common Stock is not representative of the number of beneficial holders of our Common Stock.
The last reported sales price for our Common Stock as reported on the Nasdaq Capital Market on March 21, 2025 was $1.34.
Dividends
We have not declared or paid any cash dividends on our Common Stock, and we do not anticipate declaring or paying cash dividends for the foreseeable future. We are not subject to any legal restrictions respecting the payment of dividends, except that we may not pay dividends if the payment would render us insolvent. Any future determination as to the payment of cash dividends on our Common Stock will be at the discretion of our Board and will depend on our financial condition, operating results, capital requirements and other factors that the Board considers to be relevant.
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
See the information incorporated by reference in “Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters” for information regarding shares of our common stock authorized for issuance under our stock compensation plans, which information is incorporated herein by reference.
Preferred Stock
As of December 31, 2024, the Company does not have any shares of preferred stock outstanding.
Transfer Agent
The transfer agent of our Common Stock is VStock Transfer, LLC. Their address is 18 Lafayette Place, Woodmere, NY 11598.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities
We have previously disclosed in our 10-Qs and 8-Ks filed in 2024 all 2024 sales of securities without registration under the Securities Act of 1933.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Not applicable.

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report. In addition to historical information, this discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including but not limited to those set forth in “Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors.”
Business Overview
We were incorporated in Nevada on August 18, 2006 as a pioneering financial technology and telecommunications company with one clear mission: to enhance connectivity and financial access in the places people live, shop, and work.
Our Mobile Virtual Network Operators consisting of SurgePhone Wireless and Torch Wireless provide mobile broadband (internet connectivity) to consumers nationwide. Our Comprehensive Platform Services provides ACH banking relationships and a fintech transactions platform that processes thousands of transactions a day with independently owned convenience stores.
Please see the description in Item 1 of this Annual Report for a description of our Mobile Virtual Network Operators and Comprehensive Platform Services.
COMPARISON OF YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2024 AND 2023
We measure our performance on a consolidated basis as well as the performance of each segment.
We report our financial performance based on the following segments: Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO) and Comprehensive Platform Service (Top-up). The MVNO segment is further broken down into subsidized and non-subsidized components. The subsidized component is the result of the mobile broadband (internet connectivity) services provided by SurgePhone Wireless and Torch Wireless to low-income consumers and accounts for the majority of our revenue. The Comprehensive Platform Service segment is comprised of Surge Fintech and ECS as previously shown.
The segment amounts included in MD&A are presented on a basis consistent with our internal management reporting. Additional information on our reportable segments is contained in Note 10 - Segment Information and Geographic Data of the Notes to Financial Statements.
Revenues during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 consisted of the following:
Revenue $ 60,881,173 $ 137,141,832
Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) (75,205,372 ) (101,499,341 )
General and administrative (27,458,152 ) (16,777,107 )
Income (Loss) from operations $ (41,782,351 ) $ 18,865,384
Revenue decreased overall by $76,260,659 (55.6%) from year ended December 31, 2023 to year ended December 31, 2024. The breakout was as follows:
For the Years Ended December 31,
Revenues:
Mobile Virtual Network Operator $ 43,450,244 $ 118,577,920
Comprehensive Platform Services 17,419,088 11,341,183
Other Corporate Overhead 11,841 7,222,729
Total $ 60,881,173 $ 137,141,832
Mobile Virtual Network Operators consisting of SurgePhone Wireless and Torch Wireless revenues (as detailed in Notes 2 and 10 of the financial statements) decreased by $75,127,676 or (63.4%). Due to a lack of additional funding from Congress, April 2024 was the last month ACP households received the full ACP discount, as they had received in prior months, and effective June 1, 2024, households no longer receive an ACP discount.
As a transition strategy, we decided to keep the existing base of subscribers from the former ACP enrolled in our network with a built-in subscriber base of 250,000. We chose to keep our subscribers active, absorbing the wholesale costs (averaging around $7-10 per subscriber per month), and put our strong balance sheet to work to replace the cash inflow we lost once ACP funding ran out. We transitioned over 80,000 subscribers to the Lifeline program during 2024.
The Company signed a Master Services Agreement (MSA) with TerraCom, Inc. (“TerraCom”), a wireless service provider and licensed Lifeline provider, effective October 3, 2024, in order to execute the strategy of offering Lifeline to our existing ACP subscriber base. This agreement allows us to offer a government-subsidized program to our previous 250,000 ACP wireless subscribers. We transitioned over 80,000 subscribers to the Lifeline program during 2024. Equally important, this allows us to reignite our sales channels to acquire new Lifeline subscribers who lost their ACP service when their carrier chose to shut them off.
Comprehensive Platform Services revenues increased by $6,077,905 as a result of increasing our sales force and hiring of a new Director of Sales.
Effective December 31, 2024, the Company’s management elected to abandon its lead generation segment operations as part of a strategic reassessment of its business lines. This decision followed a review by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”, which is our Chief Executive Officer), who had been regularly evaluating the segment’s financial performance and determined that its continued operation was no longer aligned with the Company’s long-term strategic objectives. The revenue was $0 and $7,184,283 respectively in years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. Comparison numbers for the lead generation segment are shown in the respective Other Corporate Overhead lines.
Cost of Revenue, Gross Profit and Gross Margin
For the year 2024, cost of revenue for services primarily consists of data plan expenses ($21,684,451), prepaid retail expenses ($16,779,312), devices ($5,685,656), marketing ($15,632,078), advertising ($4,808,305), and other expenses such as royalties and call-center expenses ($4,233,099). With the stoppage of ACP, we reviewed the inventory associated with the program and decided to write off the entirety of the tablets ($6,382,471). Efforts to find buyers of this inventory have been challenging, thus, the Company has decided to write-off any inventory related to ACP. For the year 2023, cost of revenue for services primarily consists of data plan expenses ($28,612,000), devices ($28,476,000), marketing and advertising ($23,227,000), and other expenses such as royalties and call-center expenses ($3,604,000).
We expect that our cost of revenue will increase or decrease to the extent that our revenue increases and decreases.
For the Years Ended December 31,
Cost of Revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization):
Mobile Virtual Network Operator $ 58,410,842 $ 83,918,968
Comprehensive Platform Services 16,779,312 11,281,722
Other Corporate Overhead 15,218 6,298,651
Total $ 75,205,372 $ 101,499,341
Gross profit margin is calculated as revenue less cost of revenue. Gross profit margin is gross profit expressed as a percentage of revenue. Our gross profit in future periods will depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions that may impact our pricing, sales mix among devices, sales mix changes among consumables, excess and obsolete inventories, and the cost of our products from manufacturers. Our gross profit in future periods will vary based upon our revenue stream mix and may increase based upon our distribution channels.
For the Years Ended December 31,
Gross Profit (Loss) (exclusive of depreciation and amortization):
Mobile Virtual Network Operator $ (14,960,598 ) $ 34,658,952
Comprehensive Platform Services 639,776 59,461
Other Corporate Overhead (3,377 ) 924,078
Total $ (14,324,199 ) $ 35,642,491
The Company expects to continue the improvement of gross margin in the Comprehensive Platform Service segment during 2025. As we continue to expand both subsidized and non-subsidized products of the MNVO segment in 2025, we also anticipate gross margins in the MVNO segment will increase with an aim to return to positive results.
For the Years Ended December 31,
Gross Margin:
Mobile Virtual Network Operator
% (34.4 )
% 29.2
Comprehensive Platform Services
3.7
0.5
Other Corporate Overhead
(28.5 )
12.8
Total
% (23.5 )
% 26.0
General and administrative during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 consisted of the following:
Depreciation and amortization $ 1,165,279 $ 1,064,099
Selling, general and administration 26,292,873 15,713,008
Total $ 27,458,152 $ 16,777,107
The increase in depreciation and amortization costs for 2024 is the result of capitalizing costs associated with software enhancements to our various software platforms.
Selling, general and administrative expenses during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 consisted of the following:
Contractors and consultants $ 4,303,580 $ 2,715,605
Professional services 2,110,510 1,949,407
Compensation 14,605,283 6,342,955
Computer and internet 959,222 858,041
Advertising and marketing 109,004 152,851
Insurance 1,096,027 1,249,556
Other 3,109,247 2,444,593
Total $ 26,292,873 $ 15,713,008
Selling, general and administrative costs (S, G & A) increased by $10,579,865 (67.3%). The changes are discussed below:
● Contractors and consultants expense increased by $1,587,975 or 58.5% from $2,715,605 in 2023 to $4,303,580 in 2024. The Company previously engaged several contractors to overhaul the financial platform to allow for the conversion to a tablet-based transaction at the store level from the outdated VeriFone terminal and consultants to provide advisory services specifically in the area of investment relations to identify opportunities to increase our shareholder value, which costs continued in 2024. Additionally, the company also engaged contractors to continue platform enhancements on the Clearline asset acquisition early in 2024 which accounted for an increase of over $1,000,000 from the previous year.
● Professional services increased $161,103 or 8.3% in 2024 primarily due to an increase in accounting and tax professional fees of $337,374.
● Compensation increased from $6,342,955 in 2023 to $14,605,283 in 2024 primarily as a result of stock compensation for the CEO and CFO of $6,752,705 per their respective employment agreements as further described in Item 11. Executive Compensation, incorporated herein. There was a non-cash component for $1,602,997 related to the implementation of a stock option plan for all employees.
● Computer and internet costs increased to $959,222 in 2024 from $858,041 in 2023. A significant portion of the increase was related to the continued maintenance and enhancements of the Clearline software platform of $155,000 compared with $0 spend in 2023.
● Advertising and marketing costs decreased to $109,004 in 2024 from $152,851 in 2023 primarily as a result of the Company slowing expenditures related to Affordable Connectivity Program (“ACP”).
● Insurance expense decreased to $1,096,027 in 2024 from $1,249,556 in 2023 primarily as a result of improved premium rates for the renewal of coverage in 2024.
● Other costs increased to $3,109,247 in 2024 from $2,444,593 in 2023 primarily due to the resolution of various taxes associated with the ACP.
Other (expense) income during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 consisted of the following:
Interest, net $ (554,200 ) $ (595,975 )
Gain (loss) on equity investment in Centercom 33,864 110,203
Realized gains - investments 13,613 -
Dividends, interest, and other income - investments 355,549 -
Impairment loss - internal use software development costs (316,594 ) -
Impairment loss - goodwill (866,782 ) -
Loss on lease termination - net (194,863 ) -
Impairment loss - CenterCom (498,273 ) -
Interest income 105,395 -
Other income 636,868 -
Total other (expense) income $ (1,285,423 ) $ (485,772 )
Interest expense decreased to $554,200 in 2024 from $595,975 in 2023 primarily due to the payoff of various debt instruments in 2024.
The equity investment in Centercom, an unconsolidated subsidiary of the Company in which we are a minority owner, increased by $33,864 in 2024 compared to an increase of $110,203 in 2023.
The Company invested excess cash in various instruments during 2024, resulting in interest, dividends, and gains resulting in an aggregate increase of $355,549, compared to $0 in 2023.
As a result of shuttering the operations of LogicsIQ, the Company took an aggregate impairment loss of $1,183,376 relating to goodwill and software development assets.
Other income increased by $636,868, mostly related to one-time reduction in accounts payable to CenterCom for invoices deemed not to be payable.
As of December 31, 2024, The Company determined that it would no longer utilize the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) services of CenterCom. The Company has commenced similar operations internally, eliminating the need for its investment in Centercom. Consequently, an assessment of the investment was performed to determine whether it should be written off in accordance with U.S. GAAP. As a result, the Company took an aggregate impairment loss of $498,273.
Equity Transactions for the Years Ended December 31, 2024
Stock Issued for Cash - Capital Raise
In January 2024, the Company issued 3,080,356 shares of common stock for gross proceeds of $17,249,994 ($5.60/share).
In connection with the capital raise, the Company paid cash as direct offering costs totaling $1,395,000, resulting in net proceeds of $15,854,994.
This offering was made pursuant to the Company’s registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-273110) previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on July 3, 2023, as amended, and declared effective by the SEC on November 3, 2023.
A preliminary and final prospectus supplement were filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) on January 17, 2024 and January 19, 2024, respectively. The Offering closed on January 22, 2024.
Exercise of Warrants - Cash
During 2024, the Company issued 1,860,308 shares of common stock in connection with the exercise of 1,860,308 warrants for $8,799,257 ($4.73/share). See warrant table below.
Exercise of Warrants - Cashless
During 2024, the Company issued 40,238 shares of common stock in connection with the cashless exercise of warrants ($0.001/share). The transaction had a net effect of $0 on stockholders’ equity.
Stock Issued for Services
The Company issued 47,386 shares of common stock for services rendered, having a fair value of $411,740 ($3.85 - $7.34/share), based upon the quoted closing trading price.
Treasury Stock
Effective July 2024, the Company implemented a share repurchase program. Under the terms of this program, the Company undertook the following:
● Maximum dollar amount authorized for repurchase is $5,000,000,
● The Company will not repurchase more than 20,000 shares per day,
● The Company will not repurchase any shares greater than $5/share,
● Share repurchases will only be made to the extent it does not prevent the Company from paying its debts; and
● The shares may either be returned to the treasury and authorized for reissuance or cancelled and retired.
The Company reacquired 362,620 shares of treasury stock for $631,967, at an average price of $1.74/share.
Effective October 2024, the Company ceased its share repurchase program.
Equity Transactions for the Year Ended December 31, 2023
Stock Issued for Services
The Company issued 242,615 shares of common stock for services rendered, having a fair value of $1,290,024 ($4.19 - $9.40/share), based upon the quoted closing trading price. All of these shares are for arrangements with consultants as called for per their respective agreements.
Exercise of Warrants
The Company issued 43,814 shares of common stock in June 2023 upon an exercise of warrants with an exercise price of $4.73 for $207,240.
Non-Vested Shares - Related Parties
Chief Financial Officer
In 2023, the Company granted common stock to its Chief Financial Officer having a fair value of $3,114,000 ($5.19/share), based upon the quoted closing trading price.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recognized stock compensation expense of $486,242 related to vesting.
In 2024, the Company issued shares based on the following vesting schedule:
July 1, 2024
66,667 shares
August 1, 2024
66,667 shares
September 1, 2024
66,667 shares
October 1, 2024
66,667 shares
November 1, 2024
66,667 shares
December 1, 2024
66,665 shares
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recognized stock compensation expense of $486,242 related to vesting.
Board Directors
In 2023, the Company granted an aggregate 95,000 shares of common stock to various members of the Board of Directors, having a fair value of $519,500 ($5.14 - $5.53/share), based upon the quoted closing trading price.
The shares will vest at the earlier to occur:
- Board Member no longer serves in that capacity for any reason, except for reasons related to cause,
- Occurrence of a change in control; and
- Fifth anniversary of the effective date (2028)
The Company records stock compensation expense over the five (5) year vesting period. All shares are expected to vest in accordance with the terms of the service agreement.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recognized stock compensation expense of $43,292 related to vesting.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, total related stock compensation expense due to vesting was $529,534.
In 2024, the Company granted an aggregate 44,640 shares of common stock to various members of the Board of Directors, having a fair value of $149,990 ($3.36/share), based upon the quoted closing trading price.
The shares will vest at the earlier to occur:
- Board Member no longer serves in that capacity for any reason, except for reasons related to cause,
- Occurrence of a change in control; and
- 4th anniversary of the effective date (2028)
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, our current assets were $17,870,323 and $33,366,661, respectively, and our current liabilities were 6,059,476 and $12,705,044, respectively, which resulted in a working capital surplus of $11,810,847 and $20,661,617, respectively. The decrease in current assets is a result of the suspension of the Affordable Connectivity Program, whereby accounts receivable decreased by $6,535,865 and the write-down of the inventory of $6,382,471.
Total assets at December 31, 2024 and 2023 amounted to $23,976,005 and $41,925,307, respectively, a decrease of $17,949,302 from 2023 to 2024. The decrease in total assets is a result of the suspension of the Affordable Connectivity Program and shuttering of the LogicsIQ business segment, whereby accounts receivable decreased by $6,535,865, the write-down of the inventory of $6,382,471, and the impairment loss of $1,681,649. At December 31, 2024, assets consisted of current assets of $17,870,323, net property and equipment of $591,088, net intangible assets of $1,472,962, goodwill of $3,300,000, note receivable of $176,851, and operating lease right of use asset of $564,781 and at December 31, 2023, assets consisted of current assets of $33,366,661, net property and equipment of $361,841, net intangible assets of $2,126,470, goodwill of $1,666,782, equity investment in Centercom of $464,409, note receivable of $176,851, internal use software of $539,424, operating lease right of use asset of $387,869, and deferred income taxes of $2,835,000.
At December 31, 2024, our total liabilities were $8,714,392 compared to total liabilities of $13,521,843 at December 31, 2023. This $4,807,451 decrease was related to the accounts payable and debt repayment during 2024.
At December 31, 2024, our total stockholders’ surplus was $15,261,613 as compared to $28,403,464 at December 31, 2023. The $12,643,578 decrease was primarily due to the net loss for the year.
The following table sets forth the major sources and uses of cash for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Net cash provided by or (used in) operating activities $ (21,310,603 ) $ 10,287,345
Net cash used in investing activities (3,004,576 ) (281,304 )
Net cash provided by financing activities 22,483,508 (2,419,635 )
Net change in cash and cash equivalents $ (1,831,671 ) $ 7,586,406
Net cash provided used in 2024, was primarily due to the net loss for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to the net gain for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Net cash used in investing activities in 2024 was primarily due to the purchase and sale of investments, and the purchase of ClearLine assets in 2024
Net cash provided for financing activities is primarily due to the equity offering in January 2024 and the exercise of warrants during the year ended December 31, 2024.
As a result of net negative cash provided by operating activities and investing activities in 2024, our overall cash decreased in 2024 by $1,831,671, compared to an increase of cash in 2023 primarily driven by net cash provided for by operations of $10,287,345.
At December 31, 2024, the Company had the following material commitments and contingencies.
Cash requirements and capital expenditures - Due to the end of the ACP program in 2024 and the reduction in total revenues and margins, we may not have sufficient resources to continue to fund operations for the next twelve months without additional funding. We are currently exploring various strategic opportunities; however, we have no commitments at this time and no known timing as to when any transaction may occur. We will only pursue options that we believe are in the best interest of, and on the best terms for, the Company.
Known trends and uncertainties - The Company continues to explore potential strategic opportunities to acquire other businesses with similar business operations, or businesses we believe could be potentially symbiotic. While we are currently exploring various strategic opportunities, we have no commitments at this time and no known timing as to when any opportunities may arise. We will only pursue opportunities that we believe are in the best interest of, and on the best terms for, the Company.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements, which were prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions for the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses. Our estimates are based on our historical experience and on various other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions, and any such differences may be material.
While our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 2-Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we believe the following discussion addresses our most critical accounting policies, which are those that are most important to our financial condition and results of operations and which require our most difficult, subjective and complex judgments.
Use of Estimates
Preparing financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and those estimates may be material.
Significant estimates during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, include, allowance for doubtful accounts and other receivables, inventory reserves and classifications, valuation of loss contingencies, valuation of stock-based compensation, estimated useful lives related to intangible assets, capitalized internal-use software development costs, and property and equipment, implicit interest rate in right-of-use operating leases, uncertain tax positions, and the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company accounts for financial instruments under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements. ASC 820 provides a framework for measuring fair value and requires disclosures regarding fair value measurements. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, based on the Company’s principal or, in absence of a principal, most advantageous market for the specific asset or liability.
The Company uses a three-tier fair value hierarchy to classify and disclose all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, as well as assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, in periods subsequent to their initial measurement. The hierarchy requires the Company to use observable inputs when available, and to minimize the use of unobservable inputs, when determining fair value.
The three tiers are defined as follows:
● Level 1 - Observable inputs that reflect quoted market prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;
● Level 2 - Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly in the marketplace for identical or similar assets and liabilities; and
● Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market data, which require the Company to develop its own assumptions.
The determination of fair value and the assessment of a measurement’s placement within the hierarchy requires judgment. Level 3 valuations often involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity. Level 3 valuations may require the use of various cost, market, or income valuation methodologies applied to unobservable management estimates and assumptions. Management’s assumptions could vary depending on the asset or liability valued and the valuation method used. Such assumptions could include estimates of prices, earnings, costs, actions of market participants, market factors, or the weighting of various valuation methods. The Company may also engage external advisors to assist us in determining fair value, as appropriate.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets including Internal Use Capitalized Software Costs
Management evaluates the recoverability of the Company’s identifiable intangible assets and other long-lived assets when events or circumstances indicate a potential impairment exists, in accordance with the provisions of ASC 360-10-35-15 “Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” Events and circumstances considered by the Company in determining whether the carrying value of identifiable intangible assets and other long-lived assets may not be recoverable include but are not limited to significant changes in performance relative to expected operating results; significant changes in the use of the assets; significant negative industry or economic trends; and changes in the Company’s business strategy. In determining if impairment exists, the Company estimates the undiscounted cash flows to be generated from the use and ultimate disposition of these assets.
If impairment is indicated based on a comparison of the assets’ carrying values and the undiscounted cash flows, the impairment to be recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.
Inventory Valuation
Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value (first-in, first-out method). For items manufactured by third parties, cost is determined using the weighted average cost method (WAC). We write down inventory when it has been determined that conditions exist that may not allow the inventory to be sold for at the intended price or the inventory is determined to be obsolete based on assumption about future demand and market conditions. The charge related to inventory write-downs is recorded as cost of goods sold. We evaluate inventory at least annually and at other times during the year. We have incurred and may in the future incur charges to write down inventory.
Internal Use Software Development Costs
We capitalize certain internal use software development costs associated with creating and enhancing internally developed software related to our technology infrastructure. These costs include personnel and related employee benefits expenses for employees who are directly associated with and who devote time to software projects, and external direct costs of materials and services consumed in developing or obtaining the software. Software development costs that do not meet the qualification for capitalization, as further discussed below, are expensed as incurred and recorded in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated results of operations.
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
We account for revenue earned from contracts with customers under ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”), and ASC 842, Leases (“ASC 842”). The core principle of ASC 606 is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The following five steps are applied to achieve that core principle:
● Step 1: Identify the contract with the customer.
● Step 2: Identify the performance obligations in the contract.
● Step 3: Determine the transaction price.
● Step 4: Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract.
● Step 5: Recognize revenue when, or as, the company satisfies a performance obligation.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company accounts for our stock-based compensation under ASC 718 “Compensation - Stock Compensation” using the fair value-based method. Under this method, compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the value of the award and is recognized over the service period, which is usually the vesting period. This guidance establishes standards for the accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services. It also addresses transactions in which an entity incurs liabilities in exchange for goods or services that are based on the fair value of the entity’s equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of those equity instruments.
The Company uses the fair value method for equity instruments granted to non-employees and use the Black-Scholes model for measuring the fair value of options.
The fair value of stock-based compensation is determined as of the date of the grant or the date at which the performance of the services is completed (measurement date) and is recognized over the vesting periods.
Stock Warrants
In connection with certain financing (debt or equity), consulting and collaboration arrangements, the Company may issue warrants to purchase shares of its common stock. The outstanding warrants are standalone instruments that are not puttable or mandatorily redeemable by the holder and are classified as equity awards. The Company measures the fair value of warrants issued for compensation using the Black-Scholes option pricing model as of the measurement date. However, for warrants issued that meet the definition of a derivative liability, fair value is determined based upon the use of a binomial pricing model.
Warrants issued in conjunction with the issuance of common stock are initially recorded at fair value as a reduction in additional paid-in capital of the common stock issued. All other warrants (for services) are recorded at fair value and expensed over the requisite service period or at the date of issuance if there is not a service period.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In the normal course of business, we evaluate all new accounting pronouncements issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, SEC, or other authoritative accounting bodies to determine the potential impact they may have on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Refer to Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Not applicable.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on page of this Annual Report.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of December 31, 2024, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Management identified no material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report. Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure 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 SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
b) Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by our board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and disposition of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorization of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our control over financial reporting based on the 2013 framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2024. During the year ended December 31, 2024, management identified no weaknesses.
Pursuant to Regulation S-K Item 308(b), as the Company is not an accelerated filer nor a large accelerated filer, this Annual Report does not include an attestation report of our company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated can provide only reasonable, but not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. 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 cost.
c) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
During the year ended December 31, 2024, there were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting, which were identified in connection with our management’s evaluation required by paragraph (d) of rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Exchange Act, that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to have a materially affect, on our internal control over financial reporting.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
During the year ended December 31, 2024, certain of our officers and directors adopted or terminated Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangements as follows:
On March 14, 2024, Kevin Brian Cox, our President and Chief Executive Officer, adopted a trading plan that is intended to satisfy the conditions under Rule 10b5-1(c) of the Exchange Act. Mr. Cox’s trading plan is equal to the number of shares of the Company’s common stock as reasonably estimated by the designated broker such that the net proceeds from their sale are sufficient to cover the withholding taxes resulting from the vesting of RSA grants previously issued to Mr. Cox, in amounts and prices determined in accordance with a formula set forth in the plan. The plan was terminated on December 3, 2024.
In the quarter ended December 31, 2024, 250,000 shares were received and vested from RSA grants as provided for in Mr. Cox’s employment agreement and 97,380 shares were sold.
On March 14, 2024, Anthony Evers, our Chief Financial Officer, adopted a trading plan that is intended to satisfy the conditions under Rule 10b5-1(c) of the Exchange Act. Mr. Evers’ trading plan is equal to the number of shares of the Company’s common stock as reasonably estimated by the designated broker such that the net proceeds from their sale are sufficient to cover the withholding taxes resulting from the vesting of RSA grants previously issued to Mr. Evers, in amounts and prices determined in accordance with a formula set forth in the plan. The plan was terminated on December 31, 2024.
For the quarter ended December 31, 2024, 199,998 shares were received and vested from RSA grants as provided for in Mr. Evers’ employment agreement and 110,000 shares were sold.
Except as disclosed above, none of our directors or executive officers adopted, modified or terminated any contract, instruction or written plan for the purchase or sale of our securities that was intended to satisfy the affirmative defence conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c) or any “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” (as defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K).
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
On August 13, 2024, the Company entered into a share repurchase program with ThinkEquity LLC for up to $5,000,000 shares of its common stock. No shares were repurchased during the three months ending December 31, 2024.
On October 1, 2024, the Company decided to terminate the share repurchase program and will no longer be making any reacquisitions.

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The information required by this item will be included in the Proxy Statement.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information required by this item will be included in the Proxy Statement.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owner and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
The information required by this item will be included in the Proxy Statement.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required by this item will be included in the Proxy Statement.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
The information required by this item will be included in the Proxy Statement.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Exhibit
Incorporated by Reference
Filed or
Furnished
Number
Exhibit Description
Form
Exhibit
Filing Date
Herewith
3.1
Articles of Incorporation filed August 22, 2006
SB-2
3.1
03/14/2007
3.2
Articles of Merger filed July 25, 2008
S-1/A
3.2
10/21/2021
3.3
Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation filed April 27, 2009
10-K/A
3.1
05/14/2013
3.4
Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation filed May 13, 2015
8-K/A
3.1
12/11/2015
3.5
Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation filed June 30, 2015
S-1/A
3.5
10/21/2021
3.6
Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation filed October 10, 2017
S-1/A
3.6
10/21/2021
3.7
Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation filed December 21, 2017
S-1/A
3.7
10/21/2021
3.8
Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation filed October 29, 2020
8-K
3.1
11/5/2020
3.9
Certificate of Amendment, filed November 1, 2021
8-K
3.1
11/5/2021
3.10
Bylaws
SB-2
3.2
03/14/2007
3.11
Amended Bylaws
10-K/A
3.2
05/14/2013
3.12
Amended Bylaws
8-K/A
3.2
12/11/2015
4.1
Warrant, dated March 8, 2021, issued to Evergreen Capital Management LLC
8-K
4.2
03/16/2021
4.2
Form of Underwriter’s Warrants
8-K
4.1
11/5/2021
4.3
Warrant Agency Agreement between SurgePays, Inc. and VStock Transfer, LLC, dated November 4, 2021
8-K
4.2
11/5/2021
4.4
Description of Securities
10-K
4.4
03/30/2023
4.5
Form of Promissory Note Issued to Inventory Lenders in March 2022 to May 2022
10-Q
4.1
08/11/2022
4.6
Form of Warrant with $4.73 Exercise Price Issued to Inventory Lenders in March 2022 to May 2022
10-Q
4.2
08/11/2022
4.7
Revolving Secured Promissory Note with Lender, dated April 8, 2022, as amended June 2, 2022
10-Q
4.3
08/11/2022
10.1+
Consulting Agreement, dated September 25, 2017, by and between KSIX MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC. and David C. Ansani
S-1
10.2
09/12/2019
10.2+
Director Agreement, dated July 17, 2019, by and between Surge Holdings, Inc. and David N. Keys
8-K
10.1
07/24/2019
10.3+
Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement, dated July 17, 2019, by and between Surge Holdings, Inc. and David N. Keys
8-K
10.2
07/24/2019
10.4
Promissory Note, issued by Surge Holdings, Inc. to AN Holdings, LLC on April 24, 2020
10-K
10.22
05/12/2020
10.5
Paycheck Protection Program Note, dated April 18, 2020, issued to Bank 3
10-Q
10.4
08/14/2020
10.6
Office Lease, dated May 5, 2020, by and between Woodfield Financial Center LLC and Surge Holdings Inc.
S-1/A
10.31
02/16/2021
10.7
Master Services Agreement by and between Surge Pays, Inc. and Glass Mountain BPO, dated January 1, 2021
S-1/A
10.32
02/16/2021
10.8
Commercial Lease Agreement, dated July 10, 2019, by and between CardDawg Investments, LLC and Surge Holdings, Inc.
S-1/A
10.35
02/16/2021
10.9
Form of On Demand Promissory Note issued by the Company in favor of SMDMM Funding, LLC
S-1/A
10.36
09/22/2021
10.10
Stock Purchase Agreement, by and among, SurgePays, Inc., Torch Wireless, and the Parties Listed Therein, dated April 6, 2022
8-K
10.1
04/12/2022
10.11
Installment Sale Agreement, by and among, SurgePays, Inc., SurgePhone Wireless LLC, Torch Wireless, and Affordable Connectivity Financing V Limited Liability Company, dated November 17, 2022
8-K
10.1
11/23/2022
10.12
Paying Agent Agreement, by and among, SurgePhone Wireless LLC, Torch Wireless, Affordable Connectivity Financing V Limited Liability Company, and Ivy Dallas Funding, LLC, dated November 17, 2022
8-K
10.2
11/23/2022
10.13
Consulting Agreement, by and between the Company and Jay Jones, dated December 19, 2022
8-K
10.1
12/23/2022
10.14+
Weisberg Director Agreement, by and between the Company and Ms. Weisberg, dated December 19, 2022
8-K
10.2
12/23/2022
10.15+
Form of Indemnification Agreement
8-K
10.3
12/23/2022
10.16+
Employment Agreement between SurgePays, Inc. and Kevin Brian Cox
10-Q
10.1
05/16/2022
10.17+
Employment Agreement between SurgePays, Inc. and Anthony Evers, dated August 8, 2022
10-Q
10.3
08/11/2022
10.18+
SurgePays, Inc. 2022 Omnibus Securities and Incentive Plan
10-K
10.18
03/30/2023
10.19
Loan Agreement between the Company and Lender, dated April 8, 2022, as amended June 2, 2022
10-Q
10.1
08/11/2022
10.20
Security Agreement between the Company and Lender, dated April 8, 2022
10-Q
10.2
08/11/2022
10.21
Form of Restricted Share Award Agreement
10-Q
10.1
08/10/2023
10.22
Form of Employment Agreement with Anthony Evers
10-Q
10.1
11/14/2023
10.23
Form of Employment Agreement with Kevin Brian Cox
8-K
10.1
01/03/2024
10.24
Underwriting Agreement, dated as of January 17, 2024, between SurgePays, Inc. and Titan Partners Group
8-K
1.1
01/22/2024
10.25
Form of Promissory Note with SMDMM Funding, LLC
10-K
10.25
03/12/2024
10.26
Master Services Agreement, dated as of October 3, 2024, between SurgePays, Inc. and TerraCom, Inc.
8-K
10.1
10/16/2024
14.1
SurgePays, Inc. Code of Ethics and Business Conduct
10-K
14.1
03/24/2022
19.1
SurgePays, Inc. Insider Trading Policy
10-K
19.1
03/12/2024
21.1
List of Subsidiaries
X
23.1
Consent of Rodefer Moss & Co., PLLC
X
31.1
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a), as adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
X
31.2
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
X
32.1*
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act 2002
X
32.2*
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act 2002
X
97.1
SurgePays, Inc. Executive Compensation Clawback Policy
10-K
97.1
03/12/2024
101.INS
Inline XBRL Instance Document
X
101.SCH
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
X
101.CAL
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
X
101.DEF
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
X
101.LAB
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
X
101.PRE
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
X
+ Management contracts or compensation plans or arrangements in which directors or executive officers are eligible to participate.
* Furnished herewith