FlexShopper (FPAY) 10-Q2022 Q1 Quarterly report

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2022

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

For the transition period from _______ to _______

Commission file number: 001-37945

FlexShopper, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒   No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒   No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “small reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐   No ☒

As of May 12, 2022, the issuer had a total of 21,605,234 shares of common stock outstanding.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain information set forth in this report may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to be covered by the “safe harbor” created by that section. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “seek,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “project,” “estimate,” “anticipate” “strategy,” “future,” “likely” or other comparable terms and references to future periods. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this report regarding our strategies, prospects, financial condition, operations, costs, plans and objectives are forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding the expansion of our lease-to-own program, expectations concerning our partnerships with retail partners, investments in, and the success of, our underwriting technology and risk analytics platform, our ability to collect payments due from customers, expected future operating results, and expectations concerning our business strategy.

Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following:

Any forward-looking statement made by us in this report is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required under federal securities law. We anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause our views to change. You should read this report completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. Our forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures or investments we may undertake. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

FLEXSHOPPER, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated statements.

FLEXSHOPPER, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated statements.

FLEXSHOPPER, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021

(unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated statements.

FLEXSHOPPER, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021

(unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated statements.

FLEXSHOPPER, INC.

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements

For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021

(Unaudited)

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 8 of Regulation S-X and in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) applicable to interim financial information. Accordingly, the information presented in the interim financial statements does not include all information and disclosures necessary for a fair presentation of FlexShopper, Inc.’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows in conformity with GAAP for annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, these financial statements reflect all adjustments consisting of normal recurring accruals, necessary for a fair statement of our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for such periods. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results for the full year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto contained in FlexShopper, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 filed with the SEC on March 30, 2022.

The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2021 contained herein has been derived from audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

2. BUSINESS

FlexShopper, Inc. (the “Company”) is a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware in 2006. The Company owns 100% of FlexShopper, LLC, a North Carolina limited liability company and owns 100% of FlexLending, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. The Company is a holding corporation with no operations except for those conducted by FlexShopper LLC and its subsidiary FlexLending, LLC.

In January 2015, in connection with the Credit Agreement entered in March 2015 (see Note 7), FlexShopper 1 LLC and FlexShopper 2 LLC were organized as wholly owned Delaware subsidiaries of FlexShopper LLC to conduct operations. FlexShopper Inc, together with its subsidiaries, are hereafter referred to as “FlexShopper.”

FlexShopper, LLC provides through e-commerce sites, certain types of durable goods to consumers on a lease-to-own basis (“LTO”) including consumers of third-party retailers and e-tailers. The Company effects these transactions by first approving consumers through its proprietary, risk analytics-powered underwriting model. After receiving a signed consumer lease, the Company then funds the leased item by purchasing the item from the Company’s merchant partner and leasing it to the consumer. The Company then collects payments from consumers under their consumer lease.

FlexLending, LLC participates in a consumer finance program offered by a third-party bank partner. The third-party originates unsecured consumer loans through strategic sales channels. Under this program, FlexLending, LLC purchases a participation interest in each of the loans originated by the third-party.

3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation - The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries after elimination of intercompany balances and transactions.

Estimates - The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition - Merchandise is leased to customers pursuant to lease purchase agreements which provide for weekly lease terms with non-refundable lease payments. Generally, the customer has the right to acquire title either through a 90-day same as cash option, an early purchase option, or through completion of all required lease payments, generally 52 weeks. On any current lease, customers have the option to cancel the agreement in accordance with lease terms and return the merchandise. Customer agreements are accounted for as operating leases with lease revenues recognized in the month they are due on the accrual basis of accounting. Merchandise sales revenue is recognized when the customer exercises the purchase option and pays the purchase price. Revenue for lease payments received prior to their due date is deferred and is recognized as revenue in the period to which the payments relate. Revenues from leases and sales are reported net of sales taxes.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts - FlexShopper seeks to collect amounts owed under its leases from each customer on a weekly or biweekly basis by charging their bank accounts or credit cards. Accounts receivable are principally comprised of lease payments currently owed to FlexShopper which are past due, as FlexShopper has been unable to successfully collect in the aforementioned manner and therefore the Company has an in-house and near-shore team to collect on the past due amounts. FlexShopper maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts, under which FlexShopper’s policy is to record an allowance for estimated uncollectible charges, primarily based on historical collection experience that considers both the aging of the lease and the origination channel. Other qualitative factors are considered in estimating the allowance, such as seasonality, underwriting changes and other business trends. We believe our allowance is adequate to absorb all expected losses. The accounts receivable balances consisted of the following as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021:

The allowance is a significant percentage of the balance because FlexShopper does not charge off any customer account until it has exhausted all collection efforts with respect to each account, including attempts to repossess items. In addition, while collections are pursued, the same delinquent customers continue to accrue weekly charges until they are charged off. As the lease ages, the greater the allowance attributable to that account to reflect the decreased likelihood of successful collection efforts. Accounts receivable balances charged off against the allowance were $17,083,567 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and $7,036,164 for the three months ended March 31, 2021.

Lease Merchandise - Until all payment obligations for ownership are satisfied under the lease agreement, the Company maintains ownership of the lease merchandise. Lease merchandise consists primarily of residential furniture, consumer electronics, computers, appliances and household accessories and is recorded at cost net of accumulated depreciation. The Company depreciates leased merchandise using the straight-line method over the applicable agreement period for a consumer to acquire ownership, generally twelve months with no salvage value. Upon transfer of ownership of merchandise to customers resulting from satisfaction of their lease obligations, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are eliminated from lease merchandise. For lease merchandise returned or anticipated to be returned either voluntarily or through repossession, the Company provides an impairment reserve for the undepreciated balance of the merchandise net of any estimated salvage value with a corresponding charge to cost of lease revenue. The cost, accumulated depreciation and impairment reserve related to such merchandise are written off upon determination that no salvage value is obtainable.

The net leased merchandise balances consisted of the following as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021:

Cost of lease merchandise sold represents the undepreciated cost of rental merchandise at the time of sale.

Loans receivable – The Company elected the fair value option on its entire loans receivable portfolio purchased from its bank partner. As such, loans receivable is carried at fair value in the condensed consolidated balance sheet with changes in fair value recorded in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. Accrued and unpaid interest and fees are included in loans receivable in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Management believes the fair value option for its loans portfolio is a better measure of the asset for the Company given the high growth, short duration, quality and funding structure of the loans portfolio. Also, management believes the reporting of these receivables at fair value more closely approximates the true economics of the loans receivables.

Interest and fees are discontinued when loans receivable become contractually 120 or more days past due. The Company charges-off loans at the earlier of when the loans are determined to be uncollectible or when the loans are 120 days contractually past due. Recoveries on loans receivables that were previously charge off are recognized when cash is received. Changes in the fair value of loans receivable include the impact of current period charge offs associated with these receivables. 

The Company estimates the fair value of the loans receivable using a discounted cash flow analysis at an individual loan level to more accurately predict future payments. The Company adjusts expected cash flows for estimated losses and servicing costs over the estimated duration of the underlying assets. These adjustments are determined using historical data and include appropriate consideration of recent trends and anticipated future performance. Future cash flows are discounted using a rate of return that the Company believes a market participant would require. Model results may be adjusted by management if the Company does not believe the output reflects the fair value of the instrument, as defined under U.S. GAAP. The models are updated at each measurement date to capture any changes in internal factors such as nature, term, volume, payment trends, remaining time to maturity, and portfolio mix, as well as changes in underwriting or observed trends expected to impact future performance.

Further details concerning loans receivable are presented within “Fair Value Measurement” section in this Note.

A third-party bank partner originates our credit product and initially provides all of the funding for the loans. The third-party retains 5% of the balance of all loans originated and sells a 95% loan participation to the Company. The Company services the loans and remits the corresponding portion to the third party. Loan revenues and fees is representative of the Company’s portion of participation in the loans.

Lease accounting

The Company accounts for leases in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 842 Leases (Topic 842). Under Topic 842, lessees are required to recognize for all leases at the commencement date as lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease measured on a discounted basis, and a right-to-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use or control the use of a specified asset for the lease term. Under the same Topic, lessors are also required to classify leases. All customer agreements are considered operating leases, and the Company currently does not have any sales-type or direct financing leases as a lessor. An operating lease results in the recognition of lease income on a straight-line basis, while the underlying leased asset remains on the lessor’s balance sheet and continues to depreciate.

The breakout of lease revenues and fees, net of lessor bad debt expense, that ties the condensed consolidated statements of operations is shown below: 

Deferred Debt Issuance Costs - Debt issuance costs incurred in conjunction with the Credit Agreement entered into on March 6, 2015 and subsequent amendments are offset against the outstanding balance of the loan payable and are amortized using the straight-line method over the remaining term of the related debt, which approximates the effective interest method. Amortization, which is included in interest expense, was $49,329 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and $88,521 for the three months ended March 31, 2021.

Debt issuance costs incurred in conjunction with the subordinated Promissory Notes are offset against the outstanding balance of the loan payable and are amortized using the straight-line method over the remaining term of the related debt, which approximates the effective interest method. Amortization, which is included in interest expense, was $1,274 for three months ended March 31, 2022 and $3,183 for the three months ended March 31, 2021, respectively.

Intangible Assets - Intangible assets consist of a patent on the Company’s LTO payment method at check-out for third party e-commerce sites. Patents are stated at cost less accumulated amortization. Patent costs are amortized by using the straight-line method over the legal life, or if shorter, the useful life of the patent, which has been estimated to be 10 years. Intangible assets amortization expense was $769 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021.

Software Costs - Costs related to developing or obtaining internal-use software incurred during the preliminary project and post-implementation stages of an internal use software project are expensed as incurred and certain costs incurred in the project’s application development stage are capitalized as property and equipment. The Company expenses costs related to the planning and operating stages of a website. Costs associated with minor enhancements and maintenance for the website are included in expenses as incurred. Direct costs incurred in the website’s development stage are capitalized as property and equipment. Capitalized software costs amounted to $984,994 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and $588,992 for the three months ended March 31, 2021. Capitalized software amortization expense was $621,694 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and $570,567 for the three months ended March 31, 2021.

Data Costs - The Company buys data from different vendors upon receipt of an application. The data costs directly used to make underwriting decisions are expensed as incurred. Certain data costs that are probable to provide future economic benefit to the Company are capitalized as property and equipment and amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimate useful lives. The probability to provide future economic benefit of the data cost assets is estimated based upon future usage of the information in different areas and products of the Company. At the beginning of the third quarter of 2021, the Company made several changes including the implementation of a more disciplined process around data procurement and storage. Those improvements triggered a change in the estimate of the probability to provide future economic benefit of some data cost.

Capitalized data costs amounted to $293,054 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2021. Capitalized data costs amortization expense was $88,721 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2021.

Operating Expenses - Operating expenses include corporate overhead expenses such as salaries, stock-based compensation, insurance, occupancy, and other administrative expenses.

Marketing Costs - Marketing costs, primarily consisting of advertising, are charged to expense as incurred. Direct acquisition costs, primarily consisting of commissions earned based on lease originations, are capitalized and amortized over the life of the lease.

Per Share Data - Per share data is computed by use of the two-class method as a result of outstanding Series 1 Convertible Preferred Stock, which participates in dividends with the common stock and accordingly has participation rights in undistributed earnings as if all such earnings had been distributed during the period (see Note 8). Under such method income available to common shareholders is computed by deducting both dividends declared or, if not declared, accumulated on Series 2 Convertible Preferred Stock from income from continuing operations and from net income. Loss attributable to common shareholders is computed by increasing loss from continuing operations and net loss by such dividends. Where the Company has undistributed net income available to common shareholders, basic earnings per common share is computed based on the total of any dividends paid or declared per common share plus undistributed income per common share determined by dividing net income available to common shareholders reduced by any dividends paid or declared on common and participating Series 1 Convertible Preferred Stock by the total of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the weighted average number of common shares issuable upon conversion of outstanding participating Series 1 Convertible Preferred Stock during the period. Where the Company has a net loss, basic per share data (including income from continuing operations) is computed based solely on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. As the participating Series 1 Convertible Preferred Stock has no contractual obligation to share in the losses of the Company, common shares issuable upon conversion of such preferred stock are not included in such computations.

Diluted earnings per share is based on the more dilutive of the if-converted method (which assumes conversion of the participating Series 1 Convertible Preferred Stock as of the beginning of the period) or the two-class method (which assumes that the participating Series 1 Convertible Preferred Stock is not converted) plus the potential impact of dilutive non-participating Series 2 Convertible Preferred Stock, options, performance share units and warrants. The dilutive effect of options, performance share units and warrants are computed using the treasury stock method, which assumes the repurchase of common shares at the average market price during the period. Under the treasury stock method, options, performance share units and warrants will have a dilutive effect when the average price of common stock during the period exceeds the exercise price of options, performance share units or warrants. When there is a loss from continuing operations, potential common shares are not included in the computation of diluted loss per share since they have an anti-dilutive effect.

In computing diluted loss per share for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and the three months ended March 31, 2021, no effect has been given to the issuance of common stock upon conversion or exercise of the Series 2 Convertible Preferred stock as their effect is anti-dilutive.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021:

Stock-Based Compensation - The fair value of transactions in which the Company exchanges its equity instruments for employee and non-employee services (share-based payment transactions) is recognized as a compensation expense in the financial statements as services are performed.

Compensation expense for stock options is determined by reference to the fair value of an award on the date of grant and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The Company has elected to use the Black-Scholes-Merton (BSM) pricing model to determine the fair value of all stock option awards.

Compensation expense for performance share units is recognized on an accelerated basis over the vesting period based on the Company’s projected assessment of the level of performance that will be achieved and earned. The fair value of performance share units is based on the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant (see Note 9).

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - The carrying value of certain financial instruments such as cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate their fair value due to their short-term nature. The carrying value of loans payable under the Credit Agreement increased by unamortized issuance costs and the carrying value of promissory notes to related parties approximates fair value based upon their interest rates, which approximate current market interest rates.

The Company utilizes the fair value option on its entire loans receivable portfolio purchased from its bank partner.

Fair Value Measurements- The Company uses a hierarchical framework that prioritizes and ranks the market observability of inputs used in its fair value measurements. Market price observability is affected by a number of factors, including the type of asset or liability and the characteristics specific to the asset or liability being measured. Assets and liabilities with readily available, active, quoted market prices or for which fair value can be measured from actively quoted prices generally are deemed to have a higher degree of market price observability and a lesser degree of judgment used in measuring fair value. The Company classifies the inputs used to measure fair value into one of three levels as follows:

Observable inputs are based on market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs are based on the Company’s market assumptions. Unobservable inputs require significant management judgment or estimation.

The Company’s financial instruments that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 is as follows:

The Company primarily estimates the fair value of its loans receivables portfolio using discounted cash flow models that have been internally developed. The models use inputs, such as estimated losses, servicing costs and discount rates, that are unobservable but reflect the Company’s best estimates of the assumptions a market participant would use to calculate fair value. Certain unobservable inputs may, in isolation, have either a directionally consistent or opposite impact on the fair value of the financial instrument for a given change in that input. An increase to the net loss rate, servicing cost, or discount rate would decrease the fair value of the Company’s loans receivables. When multiple inputs are used within the valuation techniques for loans receivables, a change in one input in a certain direction may be offset by an opposite change from another input.

The following describes the primary inputs to the discounted cash flow models that require significant judgement:

For Level 3 assets carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs, the following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for the years ended March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021:

For Level 3 assets carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs, the following table presents quantitative information about the inputs used in the fair value measurement as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021:

Other relevant data as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 concerning loans receivables at fair value are as follows:

Income Taxes - Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the estimated future tax effects of net operating loss carryforwards and temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their respective financial reporting amounts measured at the current enacted tax rates. The Company records a valuation allowance for its deferred tax assets when management concludes that it is not more likely than not that such assets will be recognized.

The Company recognizes a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the consolidated financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. As of March 31, 2022, and 2021, the Company had not recorded any unrecognized tax benefits. Interest and penalties related to liabilities for uncertain tax positions will be charged to interest and operating expenses, respectively.

4. LEASES

Refer to Note 3 to these consolidated financial statements for further information about the Company’s revenue generating activities as a lessor. All the Company’s customer agreements are considered operating leases, and the Company currently does not have any sales-type or direct financing leases.

Lease Commitments

FlexShopper had a lease for retail store space in West Palm Beach, Florida. The term of the lease was to December 30, 2021. In March 2021, FlexShopper and the lessor agreed on the early termination of the lease for this property. The monthly rent for this space was approximately $2,300 per month.

In January 2019, FlexShopper entered into a 108-month lease with an option for one additional five-year term for 21,622 square feet of office space in Boca Raton, FL to accommodate FlexShopper’s business and its employees (the “January 2019 Lease”). The monthly rent for this space is approximately $31,500 with annual 3 percent increases throughout the initial 108-month lease term beginning on the anniversary of the commencement date.

In September 2021, FlexShopper entered into a 12-month lease for an office space for approximately 18 people at the Battery at SunTrust Park at Georgia, Atlanta mainly to expand the sales team. The monthly rent for this space is approximately $6,900 per month. This lease is accounted for under the practical expedient for leases with initial terms for 12 months or less, and as such no related right of use asset or liability was recorded.

The rental expense for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 was approximately $179,000 and $167,000 respectively. At March 31, 2022, the future minimum annual lease payments are approximately as follows:

The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating lease assets and liabilities are included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets beginning January 1, 2019.

Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases is as follows:

Operating lease assets and liabilities are recognized at the present value of the future lease payments at the lease commencement date. The Company uses its incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate for its leases, as the implicit rate in the lease is not readily determinable. The incremental borrowing rate is estimated to approximate the interest rate on a collateralized basis with similar terms and payments, and in economic environments where the leased asset is located. Operating lease assets also include any prepaid lease payments and lease incentives. The lease terms include periods under options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise the option. The Company generally uses the base, non-cancelable, lease term when determining the lease assets and liabilities. Under the short-term lease exception provided within ASC 842, the Company does not record a lease liability or right-of-use asset for any leases that have a lease term of 12 months or less at commencement.

Below is a summary of the weighted-average discount rate and weighted-average remaining lease term for the Company’s leases:

Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term within operating expenses in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations. Finance lease expense is recognized over the lease term within interest expense and amortization in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations. The Company’s total operating and finance lease expense all relate to lease costs and amounted to $97,592 and $104,031 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, respectively.

Supplemental cash flow information related to operating leases is as follows:

Below is a summary of undiscounted operating lease liabilities as of March 31, 2022. The table also includes a reconciliation of the future undiscounted cash flows to the present value of the operating lease liabilities included in the consolidated balance sheet.

Below is a summary of undiscounted finance lease liabilities as of March 31, 2022. The table also includes a reconciliation of the future undiscounted cash flows to the present value of the finance lease liabilities included in the consolidated balance sheet.

5. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment consist of the following:

Depreciation and amortization expense were $936,293 and $650,627 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

6. PROMISSORY NOTES-RELATED PARTIES

122 Partners Note- On January 25, 2019, FlexShopper, LLC (the “Borrower”) entered into a subordinated debt financing letter agreement with 122 Partners, LLC, as lender, pursuant to which FlexShopper, LLC issued a subordinated promissory note to 122 Partners, LLC (the “122 Partners Note”) in the principal amount of $1,000,000. H. Russell Heiser, Jr., FlexShopper’s Chief Financial Officer, is a member of 122 Partners, LLC. Payment of the principal amount and accrued interest under the 122 Partners Note was due and payable by the borrower on April 30, 2020 and the borrower can prepay principal and interest at any time without penalty. Amounts outstanding under the 122 Partners Note bear interest at a rate equal to 5.00% per annum in excess of the non-default rate of interest from time to time in effect under the Credit Agreement. Obligations under the 122 Partners Note are subordinated to obligations under the Credit Agreement. The 122 Partners Note is subject to customary representations and warranties and events of default. If an event of default occurs and is continuing, the Borrower may be required to repay all amounts outstanding under the 122 Partners Note. Obligations under the 122 Partners Note are secured by substantially all of the Borrower’s assets, subject to the senior rights of the lenders under the Credit Agreement. On April 30, 2020, pursuant to an amendment to the subordinated debt financing letter agreement, the Borrower and 122 Partners, LLC agreed to extend the maturity date of the 122 Partners Note to April 30, 2021. On March 22, 2021, FlexShopper, LLC executed a second amendment to the 122 Partners Note such that the maturity date of the 122 Partners Note was extended to April 1, 2022. On March 31, 2022, FlexShopper, LLC executed a third amendment to the 122 Partners Note such that the maturity date of the 122 Partners Note was extended to April 1, 2023. No other changes were made to such Note. Principal and accrued and unpaid interest outstanding on the 122 Partners Note was $1,041,252 as of March 31, 2022 and $1,012,533 as of March 31, 2021.

Interests paid for the 122 Partner Note were $32,716 and $39,966 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Interests expensed for the 122 Partner Note were $62,529 and $36,989 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

NRNS Note- FlexShopper LLC (the “Borrower”) previously entered into letter agreements with NRNS Capital Holdings LLC (“NRNS”), the manager of which is the Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors, pursuant to which the Borrower issued subordinated promissory notes to NRNS (the “NRNS Note”) in the total principal amount of $3,750,000. Payment of principal and accrued interest under the NRNS Note was due and payable by the Borrower on June 30, 2021 and FlexShopper, LLC can prepay principal and interest at any time without penalty. Amounts outstanding under the NRNS Note bear interest at a rate equal to 5.00% per annum in excess of the non-default rate of interest from time to time in effect under the Credit Agreement. Obligations under the NRNS Note are subordinated to obligations under the Credit Agreement. The NRNS Note is subject to customary representations and warranties and events of default. If an event of default occurs and is continuing, the Borrower may be required to repay all amounts outstanding under the NRNS Note. Obligations under the NRNS Note is secured by substantially all of the Borrower’s assets, subject to rights of the lenders under the Credit Agreement. On March 22, 2021, FlexShopper, LLC executed an amendment to the NRNS Note such that the maturity date was extended to April 1, 2022. On February 2, 2022, FlexShopper LLC executed another amendment to the NRNS Note. This last amendment extended the maturity date from April 1, 2022 to July 1, 2024 and increased the credit commitment from $3,750,000 to $11,000,000. No other changes were made to such NRNS Note. Principal and accrued and unpaid interest outstanding on the NRNS Note was $6,933,875 as of March 31, 2022 and $3,797,278 as of March 31, 2021.

Interests paid for the NRNS Note were $151,286 and $150,087 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Interests expensed for the NRNS Note were $292,238 and $139,053 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Amounts payable under the promissory notes are as follows:

7. LOAN PAYABLE UNDER CREDIT AGREEMENT

On March 6, 2015, FlexShopper, through a wholly-owned subsidiary (“Borrower”), entered into a credit agreement (as amended from time-to-time, the “Credit Agreement”) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as paying agent, various lenders from time to time party thereto and WE 2014-1, LLC, an affiliate of Waterfall Asset Management, LLC, as administrative agent and lender (“Lender”). The Borrower is permitted to borrow funds under the Credit Agreement based on FlexShopper’s cash on hand and the Amortized Order Value of its Eligible Leases (as such terms are defined in the Credit Agreement) less certain deductions described in the Credit Agreement. Under the terms of the Credit Agreement, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, the Borrower may borrow up to $57,500,000 from the Lender until the Commitment Termination Date and must repay all borrowed amounts one year thereafter, on the date that is 12 months following the Commitment Termination Date (unless such amounts become due or payable on an earlier date pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement). The Lender was granted a security interest in certain leases as collateral under this Agreement.

On January 29, 2021, the Company and the Lender signed an Omnibus Amendment to the Credit Agreement. This Amendment extended the Commitment Termination Date to April 1, 2024, amended other covenant requirements, partially removed indebtedness covenants and amended eligibility rules. The interest rate charged on amounts borrowed is LIBOR plus 11% per annum. The Company paid the lender a fee of $237,000 in consideration of the execution of this Omnibus Amendment. At March 31, 2022, amounts borrowed bear interest at 11.40%.

On March 8, 2022, pursuant to Amendment No. 15 to Credit Agreement, the Commitment Amount was increased to be up to $82,500,000. The incremental increase in the Commitment Amount was provided by WE 2022-1, LLC, as an additional lender under the Credit Agreement. WE 2022-1, LLC is an affiliate of Waterfall Asset Management, LLC. No other changes were made to the credit agreement.

The Credit Agreement provides that FlexShopper may not incur additional indebtedness (other than expressly permitted indebtedness) without the permission of the Lender and also prohibits payments of cash dividends on common stock. Additionally, the Credit Agreement includes covenants requiring FlexShopper to maintain a minimum amount of Equity Book Value, maintain a minimum amount of liquidity and cash and maintain a certain ratio of Consolidated Total Debt to Equity Book Value (each capitalized term, as defined in the Credit Agreement). Upon a Permitted Change of Control (as defined in the Credit Agreement), FlexShopper must refinance the debt under the Credit Agreement, subject to the payment of an early termination fee. A summary of the covenant requirements, and FlexShopper’s actual results at March 31, 2022, follows:

The Credit Agreement includes customary events of default, including, among others, failures to make payment of principal and interest, breaches or defaults under the terms of the Credit Agreement and related agreements entered into with the Lender, breaches of representations, warranties or certifications made by or on behalf of FlexShopper in the Credit Agreement and related documents (including certain financial and expense covenants), deficiencies in the borrowing base, certain judgments against FlexShopper and bankruptcy events.

As of March 31, 2022, the Company had $1,735,977 available under the Credit Agreement. Credit availability is subject to a borrowing base which is redetermined from time to time and based on specific advance rates on eligible current assets. As the Company continues to originate lease agreements, new leases will be eligible for the borrowing base and this will open more availability under the Credit Agreement.

Interest expense incurred under the Credit Agreement amounted to $1,551,844 for the three months ended March 31, 2022, and $1,125,239 for the three months ended March 31, 2021. The outstanding balance under the Credit Agreement was $56,150,000 as of March 31, 2022 and was $36,790,000 as of March 31, 2021. Such amount is presented in the consolidated balance sheet net of unamortized issuance costs of $450,679 and $499,661 as of March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Interest is payable monthly on the outstanding balance of the amounts borrowed. No principal is expected to be repaid in the next twelve months due to the Commitment Termination Date having been extended to April 1, 2024, or from reductions in the borrowing base. Accordingly, all principal is shown as a non-current liability at March 31, 2022.

On March 5, 2021, the applicable regulators announced that LIBOR will cease to be provided and will no longer be representative (i) immediately after December 31, 2021 for all sterling, euro, Swiss franc and Japanese yen settings, and the one-week and two-month U.S. dollar settings and (ii) immediately after June 30,2023 for the remaining U.S. dollar settings. The Company’s debt bears interest based on the one-month LIBOR rate. If there is a LIBOR Disruption Event as defined in the Credit Agreement, LIBOR will be replaced with the Prime Rate.

8. CAPITAL STRUCTURE

The Company’s capital structure consists of preferred and common stock as described below:

Preferred Stock

The Company is authorized to issue 500,000 shares of $0.001 par value preferred stock. Of this amount, 250,000 shares have been designated as Series 1 Convertible Preferred Stock and 25,000 shares have been designated as Series 2 Convertible Preferred Stock. The Company’s Board of Directors determines the rights and preferences of the Company’s preferred stock.

As of March 31, 2022, each share of Series 1 Convertible Preferred Stock was convertible into 1.32230 shares of the Company’s common stock, subject to certain anti-dilution rights. The holders of the Series 1 Convertible Preferred Stock have the option to convert the shares to common stock at any time. Upon conversion, all accumulated and unpaid dividends, if any, will be paid as additional shares of common stock. The holders of Series 1 Convertible Preferred Stock have the same dividend rights as holders of common stock, as if the Series 1 Convertible Preferred Stock had been converted to common stock.

As of March 31, 2022, there were 170,332 shares of Series 1 Convertible Preferred Stock outstanding, which were convertible into 225,231 shares of common stock.

The Series 2 Preferred Shares were sold for $1,000 per share (the “Stated Value”) and accrue dividends on the Stated Value at an annual rate of 10% compounded annually. Cumulative accrued dividends as of March 31, 2022 totaled approximately $13,880,950. As of March 31, 2022, each Series 2 Preferred Share was convertible into approximately 266 shares of common stock; however, the conversion rate is subject to further increase pursuant to a weighted average anti-dilution provision. The holders of the Series 2 Preferred Stock have the option to convert such shares into shares of common stock and have the right to vote with holders of common stock on an as-converted basis. If the average closing price during any 45-day consecutive trading day period or change of control transaction values the common stock at a price equal to or greater than $23.00 per share, then conversion shall be automatic. Upon a Liquidation Event or Deemed Liquidation Event (each as defined), holders of Series 2 Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive out of the assets of the Company prior to and in preference to the common stock and Series 1 Convertible Preferred Stock an amount equal to the greater of (1) the Stated Value, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends thereon, and (2) the amount per share as would have been payable had all shares of Series 2 Preferred Stock been converted to common stock immediately before the Liquidation Event or Deemed Liquidation Event.

Common Stock

The Company is authorized to issue 40,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share. Each share of common stock entitles the holder to one vote at all stockholder meetings. The common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “FPAY.”

Warrants

In September 2018, the Company issued warrants exercisable for 5,750,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.25 per share (the “Public Warrants”). The warrants were immediately exercisable and expire five years from the date of issuance. The warrants were listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “FPAYW”.

The Company also issued additional warrants exercisable for an aggregate 1,055,184 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.25 per warrant to Mr. Heiser and NRNS in connection with partial conversions of their promissory notes. The warrants are exercisable at $1.25 per share of common stock and expire on September 28, 2023.

In connection with the issuance of Series 2 Convertible Preferred Stock in June 2016, the Company issued to the placement agent in such offering warrants exercisable for 439 shares of Series 2 Convertible Preferred Stock at an initial exercise price of $1,250 per share, which expire seven years after the date of issuance.

As part of a consulting agreement with XLR8 Capital Partners LLC (the “Consulting Agreement”), an entity of which the Company’s Chairman is manager, the Company agreed to issue 40,000 warrants to XLR8 Capital Partners LLC monthly for 12 months beginning on March 1, 2019 at an exercise price of $1.25 per share or, if the closing share price on the last day of the month exceeds $1.25, then such exercise price will be 110% of the closing share price. The warrants are immediately exercisable and expire following the close of business on June 30, 2023. In February 2020, this agreement was extended for an additional six months through August 31, 2020. On August 30, 2020, the parties entered into an amendment to the Consulting Agreement to further extend the term for another six-month period through February 28, 2021. The Consulting Agreement automatically renewed for one successive six-month period, therefore the new termination date is August 31, 2021. There are no additional automatic renewals. The Consulting Agreement and amendments were approved by the Company’s Compensation Committee.

The August 2020 amendment also modified the alternative minimum exercise price of the monthly warrant consideration issuable to the Consultant to $1.60 per share going forward, and the expiration date of the warrants to the date that is four years following the last trading day of the calendar month relating to the applicable monthly warrant issuance.

During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company recorded an expense of $212,923 based on a weighted average grant date fair value of $1.77 per warrant.

The following table summarizes information about outstanding stock warrants as of March 31, 2022, all of which are exercisable:

9. EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS

In April 2018, the Company adopted the FlexShopper, Inc. 2018 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan (the “2018 Plan”). The 2018 Plan replaced the Prior Plans. No new awards will be granted under the Prior Plans; however, awards outstanding under the Prior Plans upon approval of the 2018 Plan remain subject to and will be settled with shares under the applicable Prior Plan.

Grants under the 2018 Plan and the Prior Plans consist of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted stock units, dividend equivalents and other stock-based awards. Employees, directors and consultants and other service providers are eligible to participate in the 2018 Plan and the Prior Plans. 

As of March 31, 2022, the Company granted under its equity compensation plans, stock options and performance share units (the “PSU”) and, approximately 720,000 shares remained available for issuance under the 2018 Plan.

Stock-based compensation expense include the following components:

The fair value of stock-based compensation is recognized as compensation expense over the vesting period. Compensation expense recorded for stock-based compensation in the consolidated statement of operations was $305,229 and $380,263 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, respectively. Unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested options and PSU at March 31, 2022 amounted to approximately $802,271, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.07 years

Stock options:

The fair value of stock-based compensation is recognized as compensation expense by the straight-line method over the vesting period. The Company measured the fair value of each stock option award on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton (BSM) pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

The expected dividend yield is based on the Company’s historical dividend yield. The expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s common stock. The expected life is based on the simplified expected term calculation permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which defines the expected life as the average of the contractual term of the options and the weighted-average vesting period for all option tranches. The risk-free interest rate is based on the annual yield on the grant date of a zero-coupon U.S. Treasury bond the maturity of which equals the option’s expected life.

Activity in stock options for the three months period ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021 was as follows:

The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the three month period ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021 was $0.92 and $1.76 per share respectively.

Performance Share Units:

On February 10, 2022, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved awards of performance share units to certain senior executives of the Company.

For performance share units, which are settled in stock, the number of shares earned is subject to both performance and time-based vesting. For the performance component, the number of shares earned is determined at the end of the periods based upon achievement of specified performance conditions as adjusted EBITDA of the Company. When the performance criteria are met, the award is earned and vests assuming continued employment through the specified service period(s). Shares are issued from the Company’s 2018 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan upon vesting. The number of performance-based shares which could potentially be issued ranges from 0 up to a maximum of 790,327 of the target awards depending on the specified terms and conditions of the target award.

The fair value of performance share units is based on the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The compensation expense associated with these awards is amortized on an accelerated basis over the vesting period based on the Company’s projected assessment of the level of performance that will be achieved and earned. In the event the Company determines it is no longer probable that the minimum performance criteria specified in the plan will be achieved, all previously recognized compensation expense is reversed in the period such a determination is made.

Activity in performance share units for the three months ended March 31, 2022 was as follows:

10. INCOME TAXES

Effective income tax rates for interim periods are based on our estimate of the applicable annual income tax rate. The Company’s effective income tax rate varies based upon the estimate of our annual taxable earnings and the allocation of those taxable earnings across the various states in which we operate. Changes in the annual allocation of the Company’s activity among these jurisdictions results in changes to the effective tax rate utilized to measure the Company’s income tax provision and deferred tax assets and liabilities

The Company’s effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2022 was approximately 27%. This was different than the expected federal income tax rate of 21% primarily due to the impact of the valuation allowance provided against our deferred tax assets. Non-taxable income from non-deductible equity compensation and state income taxes also impacted the effective tax rate.

Management believes that certain federal and state deferred tax assets as of March 31, 2022 do not satisfy the realization criteria and has recorded a valuation allowance to reduce the carrying value of the Company’s deferred tax assets to the extent that realization is not more likely than not. Deferred tax liabilities are recorded to the extent that reversing taxable temporary differences cannot be offset with existing deferred tax assets. 

11. CONTINGENCIES AND OTHER UNCERTAINTIES

Regulatory inquiries

In the first quarter of 2021, FlexShopper, along with a number of other lease-to-own companies, received a subpoena from the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (the “DFPI”) requesting the production of documents and information regarding the Company’s compliance with state consumer protection laws. The Company is cooperatively engaging with the DFPI in response to its inquiry. Although the Company believes it is in compliance with all applicable consumer protection laws and regulations in California, this inquiry ultimately could lead to an enforcement action and/or a consent order, and substantial costs, including legal fees, fines, penalties, and remediation expenses.

COVID-19

The extent of the impact and effects of the recent outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the operation and financial performance of our business will depend on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak, the recovery time of the disrupted supply chains, or the uncertainty with respect to the accessibility of additional liquidity or capital markets, all of which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted. If the demand for the Company’s leases is impacted by this outbreak for an extended period, our results of operations may be materially adversely affected.

12. COMMITMENTS

The Company does not have any commitments other than real property leases (Note 4).

13. PROMISSORY NOTE- PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM

FlexShopper, LLC (the “Borrower”) applied for and received a loan (the “Loan”) on May 4, 2020, from Customers Bank (the “Lender”) in the principal amount of $1,914,100, pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), which was enacted March 27, 2020, and administered through the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The Loan was evidenced by a promissory note (the “Note”), dated April 30, 2020, issued by the Borrower to the Lender. The Note matured on April 30, 2022 and bore interest at the rate of 1.00% per annum, payable monthly commencing on November 30, 2020, following an initial deferral period as specified under the PPP. The Note might be prepaid by the Borrower at any time prior to maturity with no prepayment penalty. Proceeds from the Loan were available to the Borrower to fund designated expenses, including certain payroll costs, group health care benefits and other permitted expenses, in accordance with the PPP. Under the terms of the PPP, up to the entire sum of the principal amount and accrued interest might be forgiven to the extent the Loan proceeds were used for qualifying expenses as described in the CARES Act and applicable implementing guidance issued by the U.S. Small Business Administration under the PPP.

On June 21, 2021 we were notified that effective April 7, 2021, the U.S. Small Business Administration confirmed the waiver of FlexShopper’s repayment of a $1,914,000 Paycheck Protection Program promissory note issued to the Company on May 4, 2020.

As a result of the PPP promissory note forgiveness, the Company recognized in the year ended December 31, 2021 a gain from the extinguishment of the loan, including accrued interest, of $1,931,825.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes appearing at the end of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis or set forth elsewhere in this Form 10-Q, including information with respect to our plans and strategy for our business and related financing, includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The “Risk Factors” section of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 should be read for a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion and analysis.

At FlexShopper, our highest priority remains the safety, health and well-being of our employees, their families and our communities and we remain committed to serving the needs of our customers. The COVID-19 pandemic is a highly fluid situation and it is not currently possible for us to reasonably estimate the full impact it may have on our financial and operating results. We will continue to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business as we learn more and the residual impact of COVID-19 on our industry becomes clearer.

Executive Overview

The results of operations reflect the operations of FlexShopper, LLC (together with the Company and its direct and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries, “FlexShopper”), which provides certain types of durable goods to consumers on a lease-to-own (“LTO”) basis and also provides LTO terms to consumers of third-party retailers and e-retailers. FlexShopper began generating revenues from this line of business in December 2013. Management believes that the introduction of FlexShopper’s LTO programs support broad untapped expansion opportunities within the U.S. consumer e-commerce and retail marketplaces. FlexShopper and its online LTO platforms provide consumers the ability to acquire durable goods, including electronics, computers and furniture, on an affordable payment, lease basis. Concurrently, e-retailers and retailers that work with FlexShopper may increase their sales by utilizing FlexShopper’s online channels to connect with consumers that want to acquire products on an LTO basis. FlexShopper’s sales channels include (1) selling directly to consumers via the online FlexShopper.com, an LTO Marketplace featuring thousands of durable goods, (2) utilizing FlexShopper’s patent pending LTO payment method at check out on e-commerce sites and through in-store terminals and (3) facilitating LTO transactions with retailers that have not yet become part of the FlexShopper.com LTO marketplace.

In 2021, we began a test to market an unsecured, consumer loan product for our bank partner that would augment our LTO solution. In 2022, based upon the success of this testing, the marketing of our bank partner’s loans has become a strategic solution that we offer to many of our current customers and through our retailer partners.

Summary of Critical Accounting Policies

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations discusses our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The preparation of these financial statements 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 the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period.  On an on-going basis, management evaluates its estimates and judgments, including those related to credit provisions, intangible assets, contingencies, litigation, fair value of loans receivable and income taxes.  Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience as well as various other factors that are believed to be 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. Management believes the following critical accounting policies, among others, reflect the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts - FlexShopper seeks to collect amounts owed under its leases from each customer on a weekly or biweekly basis by charging their bank accounts or credit cards. Accounts receivable are principally comprised of lease payments currently owed to FlexShopper which are past due as FlexShopper has been unable to successfully collect in the manner described above. An allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based upon revenues and historical experience of balances charged off as a percentage of revenues. The accounts receivable balances consisted of the following as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021:

The allowance is a significant percentage of the balance because FlexShopper does not charge off any customer account until it has exhausted all collection efforts with respect to each account, including attempts to repossess items. In addition, while collections are pursued, the same delinquent customers continue to accrue weekly charges until they are charged off. As the customer account ages, the greater the allowance attributable to that account to reflect the decreased likelihood of successful collection efforts. Accounts receivable balances charged off against the allowance were $17,083,567 for three months ended March 31, 2022 respectively and $7,036,164 for three months ended March 31, 2021, respectively.

Loans receivable – The Company elected the fair value option on its entire loans receivable portfolio purchased from its bank partner. As such, loans receivable is carried at fair value in the condensed consolidated balance sheet with changes in fair value recorded in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. Accrued and unpaid interest and fees are included in loans receivable in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Management believes the fair value option for its loans portfolio is a better measure of the asset for the Company given the high growth, short duration, quality and funding structure of the loans portfolio. Also, management believes the reporting of these receivables at fair value more closely approximates the true economics of the loans receivables.

Interest and fees are discontinued when loans receivable become contractually 120 or more days past due. The Company charges-off loans at the earlier of when the loans are determined to be uncollectible or when the loans are 120 days contractually past due. Recoveries on loans receivables that were previously charge off are recognized when cash is received. Changes in the fair value of loans receivable include the impact of current period charge offs associated with these receivables. 

The Company estimates the fair value of the loans receivable using a discounted cash flow analysis at an individual loan level to more accurately predict future payments. The Company adjusts expected cash flows for estimated losses and servicing costs over the estimated duration of the underlying assets. These adjustments are determined using historical data and include appropriate consideration of recent trends and anticipated future performance. Future cash flows are discounted using a rate of return that the Company believes a market participant would require. Model results may be adjusted by management if the Company does not believe the output reflects the fair value of the instrument, as defined under U.S. GAAP. The models are updated at each measurement date to capture any changes in internal factors such as nature, term, volume, payment trends, remaining time to maturity, and portfolio mix, as well as changes in underwriting or observed trends expected to impact future performance.

A third-party bank partner originates our credit product and initially provides all of the funding for the loans. The third-party retains 5% of the balance of all loans originated and sells a 95% loan participation to the Company. The Company services the loans and remits the corresponding portion to the third party. Loan revenues and fees is representative of the Company’s portion of participation in the loans.

Lease Merchandise - Until all payment obligations required for ownership are satisfied under the lease agreement, the Company maintains ownership of the lease merchandise. Lease merchandise consists primarily of residential furniture, consumer electronics, computers, appliances and household accessories and is recorded at cost net of accumulated depreciation. The Company depreciates leased merchandise using the straight-line method over the applicable agreement period for a consumer to acquire ownership, generally twelve months with no salvage value. Upon transfer of ownership of merchandise to customers resulting from satisfaction of their lease obligations, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are eliminated from lease merchandise. For lease merchandise returned or anticipated to be returned either voluntarily or through repossession, the Company provides an impairment reserve for the undepreciated balance of the merchandise net of any estimated salvage value with a corresponding charge to cost of lease revenue. The cost, accumulated depreciation and impairment reserve related to such merchandise are written off upon determination that no salvage value is obtainable.

Stock-Based Compensation - The fair value of transactions in which the Company exchanges its equity instruments for employee and non-employee services (share-based payment transactions) is recognized as a compensation expense in the financial statements as services are performed.

Compensation expense for stock options is determined by reference to the fair value of an award on the date of grant and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The Company has elected to use the Black-Scholes-Merton (BSM) pricing model to determine the fair value of all stock option awards.

Compensation expense for performance share units is recognized on an accelerated basis over the vesting period based on the Company’s projected assessment of the level of performance that will be achieved and earned. The fair value of performance share units is based on the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.

Key Performance Metrics 

We regularly review several metrics, including the following key metrics, to evaluate our business, measure our performance, identify trends affecting our business, formulate financial projections and make strategic decisions.

Key performance metrics for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 are as follows:

Management believes that Gross Profit and Adjusted EBITDA provide relevant and useful information which is widely used by analysts, investors and competitors in our industry in assessing performance.

Adjusted EBITDA represents net income before interest, stock-based compensation, taxes, depreciation (other than depreciation of leased inventory), amortization, and one-time or non-recurring items. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA provides us with an understanding of one aspect of earnings before the impact of investing and financing charges and income taxes. Adjusted EBITDA may be useful to an investor in evaluating our operating performance and liquidity because this measure:

Adjusted EBITDA is a supplemental measure of FlexShopper’s performance that is neither required by, nor presented in accordance with, GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as a substitute for GAAP metrics such as operating income/(loss), net income or any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP.

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2021

The following table details operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021:

FlexShopper originated 30,611 gross leases less same day modifications and cancellations with an average origination value of $532 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 compared to 39,299 gross leases less same day modifications and cancellations with an average origination value of $532 for the comparable period last year. Net lease revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2022 were $27,766,312 compared to $32,751,331 for the three months ended March 31, 2021, representing a decrease of $4,985,019 or 15.2%. In 2022, the average origination value per lease was comparable to the same period last year but volume has decreased due to tightening of approval rates. The provision for doubtful accounts relative to gross lease billings and fees were 30% and 21% for the three months ending March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Net loan revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2022 were $1,188,924 compared to $32,339 for the three months ended March 31, 2021, representing an increase of $1,156,585 or 3,576.4%. In 2021, we began a test for an unsecured consumer loan product with our bank partner. Our bank partner originated 3,848 loans at an average loan value of $1,282 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 compared to 108 loans at an average loan value of $902 for the three months ended March 31, 2021. Our bank partner sold to the Company a 95% participation interest for each loan originated in those periods. In 2022, based upon the success of this testing, we expanded the program mainly in our direct-to-consumer channel.

Cost of lease revenue and merchandise sold for the three months ended March 31, 2022 was $19,160,611 compared to $22,463,556 for the three months ended March 31, 2021, representing an decrease of $3,302,945 or 14.7%. As the Company’s lease portfolio and revenues decrease, the depreciation and related costs associated with the larger portfolio also decrease. Asset level performance within the portfolio, as well as the mix of early paid off leases, will alter the average depreciable term of the leases within the portfolio and result in increases or decreases in cost of lease revenue and merchandise sold relative to lease revenue.

Marketing expenses in the three months ended March 31, 2022 were $2,014,115 compared to $1,832,740 in the three months ended March 31, 2021, an increase of $181,375 or 9.9%. Marketing expenses related to loans in the three months ended March 31, 2022 were $465,123 compared to $16,000 in the three months ended March 31, 2021, an increase of $449,123 or 2,807.0%. The increase is related to the marketing of direct-to-consumer loans which mainly involves direct mailing campaigns. Marketing expenses related to leases in the three months ended March 31, 2022 were $1,548,992 compared to $1,816,740 in the three months ended March 31, 2021, a decrease of $267,748 or 14.7%. The decrease is related to allocating marketing spend to loan originations.

Other operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 included the following:

Computer and internet expenses in the three months ended March 31, 2022 were $1,168,847 compared to $668,892 in the three months ended March 31, 2021, representing an increase of $499,955 or 74.7%. A significant portion of computer and internet expense is related to scaling both the consumer facing website and the Company’s back end billing and collection systems. Also, some of these expenses are related to the preparation for new products offered by the company.

Legal and professional fees expenses in the three months ended March 31, 2022 were $1,344,715 compared to $502,038 in the three months ended March 31, 2021, representing an increase of $842,677 or 167.9%. During the second quarter of 2021, the Company onboarded two off-shore servicing and collections options to improve flexibility around seasonal call center traffic and improve operational metrics.

Merchant bank fees expenses in the three months ended March 31, 2022 were $492,115 compared to $440,346 in the three months ended March 31, 2021, representing an increase of $51,769 or 11.8%. Merchant bank fee expense represents the ACH and card processing fees related to billing consumers. During the first quarter of 2022, the Company increased the amount of collection attempts for past due customers.

Travel expenses in the three months ended March 31, 2022 were $228,179 compared to $58,286 in the three months ended March 31, 2021, representing an increase of $169,893 or 291.5%. The increase in travel expense in the first quarter of 2022 is related to the expansion of retail partner rollouts.

Customer verification expenses in the three months ended March 31, 2022 were $142,757 compared to $857,825 in the three months ended March 31, 2021, representing an decrease of $715,068 or 83.4%. Customer verification expense is primarily the cost of data used for underwriting new lease and loan applicants. During the third quarter of 2021, several changes including the implementation of a more disciplined process around data procurement and storage were made by the Company. Those improvements triggered a change in the estimate of the probability of future economic benefit of a portion of the data cost. As a result of this change in the estimate regarding the portion of data costs incurred that are not directly used in underwriting decisions and that are probable that they will provide future economic benefit, the Company capitalized $293,054 of data costs in the quarter ended March 31, 2022. Also, the reduction in the marketing expense for leases for the quarter ended March 31, 2022 contributed to the decrease in customer verification expenses. The underwriting and data science team continues to optimize the costs related to underwriting lease and loan applications.

Operations

We promote our FlexShopper products and services across all sales channels through strategic partnerships, direct response marketing, and affiliate and internet marketing, all of which are designed to increase our lease transactions. Our advertisements emphasize such features as instant spending limits and affordable weekly payments. We believe that as the FlexShopper name gains familiarity and national recognition through our advertising efforts, we will continue to educate our customers and potential customers about the lease-to-own payment alternative as well as solidify our reputation as a leading provider of high-quality branded merchandise and services.

For each of our sales channels, FlexShopper has a marketing strategy that includes the following:

The Company believes it has a competitive advantage over competitors in the LTO industry by providing all three channels as a bundled package to retailers and e-retailers. Management is anticipating a rapid development of the FlexShopper business as we are able to penetrate each of our sales channels.

In 2021, we began a test to market an unsecured, consumer loan product for our bank partner that would augment our LTO solution. In 2022, based upon the success of this testing, the marketing of our bank partner’s loans has become a strategic solution that we offer to many of our current customers and through our retailer partners.

To support our anticipated growth, FlexShopper will need the availability of substantial capital resources. See the section captioned “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of March 31, 2022, the Company had cash of $4,319,701 compared to $6,315,815 at the same date in 2021. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had cash of $5,094,642. The decrease in cash from December 31, 2021, was primarily due to the increase in accounts receivable and lease merchandise acquired. 

As of March 31, 2022, the Company had accounts receivable of $51,988,768 offset by an allowance for doubtful accounts of $22,450,828, resulting in net accounts receivable of $29,537,940. Accounts receivable is principally comprised of past due lease payments owed to the Company. An allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based upon historical collection and delinquency percentages.

As of March 31, 2022, the Company had loans receivable of $7,137,503 which is measured at fair value. The company primarily estimates the fair value of its loans receivable using a discounted cash flow models that have been internally developed.

Credit Agreement

On March 6, 2015, FlexShopper, through a wholly-owned subsidiary (the “Borrower”), entered into a credit agreement (as amended from time to time and including the Fee Letter (as defined therein), the “Credit Agreement”) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as paying agent, various lenders from time to time party thereto and WE 2014-1, LLC, an affiliate of Waterfall Asset Management, LLC, as administrative agent and lender (the “Lender”). The Borrower is permitted to borrow funds under the Credit Agreement based on FlexShopper’s recently collected payments and the Amortized Order Value of its Eligible Leases (as such terms are defined in the Credit Agreement) less certain deductions described in the Credit Agreement. Under the terms of the Credit Agreement, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, the Borrower may currently borrow up to $82,500,000 from the Lender until the Commitment Termination Date and must repay all borrowed amounts one year thereafter, on the date that is 12 months following the Commitment Termination Date (unless such amounts become due or payable on an earlier date pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement). On January 29, 2021, pursuant to an amendment to the Credit Agreement, the Commitment Termination Date was extended to April 1, 2024, the Lender was granted a security interest in certain leases as collateral under the Credit Agreement and the interest rate charged on amounts borrowed was set at LIBOR plus 11% per annum.

The Credit Agreement provides that FlexShopper may not incur additional indebtedness (other than expressly permitted indebtedness) without the permission of the Lender and also prohibits dividends on common stock. Additionally, the Credit Agreement includes covenants requiring FlexShopper to maintain a minimum amount of Equity Book Value, maintain a minimum amount of cash and liquidity and maintain a certain ratio of Consolidated Total Debt to Equity Book Value (each capitalized term, as defined in the Credit Agreement). Upon a Permitted Change of Control (as defined in the Credit Agreement), FlexShopper may refinance the debt under the Credit Agreement, subject to the payment of an early termination fee.

In addition, the Lender and its affiliates have a right of first refusal on certain FlexShopper transactions involving leases or other financial products. The Credit Agreement includes customary events of default, including, among others, failures to make payment of principal and interest, breaches or defaults under the terms of the Credit Agreement and related agreements entered into with the Lender, breaches of representations, warranties or certifications made by or on behalf of the Borrower in the Credit Agreement and related documents (including certain financial and expense covenants), deficiencies in the borrowing base, certain judgments against the Borrower and bankruptcy events.

As of March 31, 2022, the Company had $1,735,977 available under the Credit Agreement.

On March 5, 2021, the applicable regulators announced that LIBOR will cease to be provided and will no longer be representative (i) immediately after December 31, 2021 for all sterling, euro, Swiss franc and Japanese yen settings, and the one-week and two-month U.S. dollar settings and (ii) immediately after June 30,2023 for the remaining U.S. dollar settings. The Company’s debt bears interest based on the one-month LIBOR rate. If there is a LIBOR Disruption Event as defined in the Credit Agreement, LIBOR will be replaced with the Prime Rate.

Financing Activity

On January 25, 2019, FlexShopper, LLC (the “Borrower”) entered into a subordinated debt financing letter agreement with 122 Partners, LLC, as lender, pursuant to which FlexShopper, LLC issued a subordinated promissory note to 122 Partners, LLC (the “122 Partners Note”) in the principal amount of $1,000,000. H. Russell Heiser, Jr., FlexShopper’s Chief Financial Officer, is a member of 122 Partners, LLC. Payment of the principal amount and accrued interest under the 122 Partners Note was due and payable by the borrower on April 30, 2020 and the borrower can prepay principal and interest at any time without penalty. Amounts outstanding under the 122 Partners Note bear interest at a rate equal to 5.00% per annum in excess of the non-default rate of interest from time to time in effect under the Credit Agreement. Obligations under the 122 Partners Note are subordinated to obligations under the Credit Agreement. The 122 Partners Note is subject to customary representations and warranties and events of default. If an event of default occurs and is continuing, the Borrower may be required to repay all amounts outstanding under the 122 Partners Note. Obligations under the 122 Partners Note are secured by substantially all of the Borrower’s assets, subject to the senior rights of the lenders under the Credit Agreement. On April 30, 2020, pursuant to an amendment to the subordinated debt financing letter agreement, the Borrower and 122 Partners, LLC agreed to extend the maturity date of the 122 Partners Note to April 30, 2021. On March 22, 2021, FlexShopper, LLC executed a second amendment to the 122 Partners Note such that the maturity date of the 122 Partners Note was extended to April 1, 2022. On March 31, 2022, FlexShopper, LLC executed a third amendment to the 122 Partners Note such that the maturity date of the 122 Partners Note was extended to April 1, 2023. No other changes were made to such Note. As of March 31, 2022, $1,041,252 of principal and accrued and unpaid interest was outstanding on the 122 Partners Note.

The Borrower previously entered into letter agreements with NRNS Capital Holdings LLC (“NRNS”), the manager of which is the Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors, pursuant to which the Borrower issued subordinated promissory notes to NRNS (the “NRNS Note”) in the total principal amount of $3,750,000. Payment of principal and accrued interest under the NRNS Note was due and payable by the Borrower on June 30, 2021 and FlexShopper, LLC can prepay principal and interest at any time without penalty. Amounts outstanding under the NRNS Note bear interest at a rate equal to 5.00% per annum in excess of the non-default rate of interest from time to time in effect under the Credit Agreement. Obligations under the NRNS Note are subordinated to obligations under the Credit Agreement. The NRNS Note is subject to customary representations and warranties and events of default. If an event of default occurs and is continuing, the Borrower may be required to repay all amounts outstanding under the NRNS Note. Obligations under the NRNS Note is secured by substantially all of the Borrower’s assets, subject to rights of the lenders under the Credit Agreement. On March 22, 2021, FlexShopper, LLC executed an amendment to the NRNS Note such that the maturity date was extended to April 1, 2022. On February 2, 2022, FlexShopper LLC executed another amendment to the NRNS Note. This last amendment extended the maturity date from April 1, 2022 to July 1, 2024 and increased the credit commitment from $3,750,000 to $11,000,000. No other changes were made to such Note. As of March 31, 2022, $6,933,875 of principal and accrued and unpaid interest was outstanding on the NRNS Note.

The Company applied for and received a loan (the “Loan”) on May 4, 2020, from Customers Bank (the “PPP Lender”) in the principal amount of $1,914,100, pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), which was enacted March 27, 2020, and administered through the U.S. Small Business Administration (the “SBA”).

The Loan was evidenced by a promissory note (the “Note”), dated April 30, 2020, issued by the Borrower to the PPP Lender. The Note matured on April 30, 2022 and bore interest at the rate of 1.00% per annum, payable monthly commencing the later of on November 30, 2020 or the SBA review of the forgiveness application. The Note might be prepaid by the Borrower at any time prior to maturity with no prepayment penalty. Proceeds from the Loan were available to the Borrower to fund designated expenses, including certain payroll costs, group health care benefits and other permitted expenses, in accordance with the PPP. Under the terms of the PPP, up to the entire sum of the principal amount and accrued interest might be forgiven to the extent the Loan proceeds were used for qualifying expenses as described in the CARES Act and applicable implementing guidance issued by the U.S. Small Business Administration under the PPP.

On June 21, 2021 we were notified that effective April 7, 2021, the U.S. Small Business Administration confirmed the waiver of FlexShopper’s repayment of a $1,914,000 Paycheck Protection Program promissory note issued to the Company on May 4, 2020. As a result of the PPP promissory note forgiveness, the Company recognized a gain from the extinguishment of the loan, including accrued interest, of $1,931,825.

Cash Flow Summary

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Net cash used in operating activities was $7,940,659 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 primarily due to the purchases of leased merchandise and the change in accounts receivable and accounts payable partially offset by the add back of depreciation and impairment on leased merchandise and provision for doubtful accounts.