UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2018

or

For the transition period from                     to                    

Commission file number 001-38407

 

RED VIOLET, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

 

2650 North Military Trail, Suite 300,

Boca Raton, Florida 33431

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

(561) 757-4000

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

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

 

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 and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post 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 emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

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 August 6, 2018, the registrant had 10,266,613 shares of common stock outstanding.

 

 

 

 

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RED VIOLET, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR FORM 10-Q

 

 

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PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Unless otherwise indicated or required by the context, all references in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to “we,” “us,” “our,” “red violet,” or the “Company,” refer to Red Violet, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Item 1. Financial Statements.

 

RED VIOLET, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Amounts in thousands, except share data)

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

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RED VIOLET, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Amounts in thousands, except share data)

(unaudited)

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

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RED VIOLET, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Amounts in thousands, except share data)

(unaudited)

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

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RED VIOLET, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Amounts in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

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RED VIOLET, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Amounts in thousands, except share data)

(unaudited)

1. Organization

 

On March 26, 2018, Fluent, Inc. (“Fluent”), formerly known as Cogint, Inc., a Delaware corporation, completed the previously announced spin-off (the “Spin-off”) of its risk management business from its digital marketing business by way of a distribution of all the shares of common stock of Fluent’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Red Violet, Inc. (“red violet” or the “Company”), a Delaware corporation, to Fluent’s stockholders of record as of March 19, 2018 (the “Record Date”) and certain warrant holders. The distribution occurred by way of a pro rata stock distribution to such common stock and warrant holders, each of whom received one share of red violet’s common stock for every 7.5 shares of Fluent’s common stock held on the Record Date or to which they were entitled to under their warrant, which resulted in a distribution of a total of 10,266,613 shares of red violet common stock. Upon the Spin-off, red violet owns Fluent subsidiaries that previously operated Fluent’s risk management business.

As a result of the Spin-off, red violet is an independent public company and red violet’s common stock began regular-way trading on The NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “RDVT” on March 27, 2018.

red violet has only one operating segment, as defined by ASC 280, “Segment Reporting.”

2. Summary of significant accounting policies

(a) Basis of preparation and liquidity

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by red violet in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“US GAAP”) and applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) regarding interim financial reporting. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations.

red violet accounted for the Spin-off in accordance with ASC 805-50-30-5 Initial Measurement- Transactions Between Entities Under Common Control – Transfer Date Measurement and therefore the net assets transferred from Fluent to red violet upon the Spin-off were reflected in red violet’s condensed consolidated financial statements at Fluent’s carrying values at the time of the Spin-off.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods, but are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be anticipated for any future interim periods or for the full year ending December 31, 2018.

The information included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the consolidated and combined financial statements and accompanying notes of red violet for the year ended December 31, 2017 (“2017 Financials”) included in Exhibit 99.1, Information Statement, to red violet’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 27, 2018.

The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017 included herein was derived from the audited financial statements as of that date included in the 2017 Financials, but does not include all disclosures required by US GAAP.

Principles of consolidation

Although the Spin-off was completed on March 26, 2018, the Company has reflected the Spin-off in these financial statements as if it occurred on March 31, 2018 as the Company determined that the impact is not material to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

The financial statements present the consolidated results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows of red violet and its subsidiaries. For periods prior to the Spin-off, these financial statements were prepared on a consolidated and combined basis because certain of the entities were under common control. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated between the consolidated and combined entities.

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The historical condensed consolidated and combined financial results presented prior to the Spin-off may not be indicative of the results that would have been achieved by the Company had it operated as a separate, standalone entity prior to the Spin-off. The condensed consolidated and combined financial statements presented prior to the Spin-off do not reflect any changes that may occur in the Company’s operations in connection with or as a result of the Spin-off.

(b) Recently issued accounting standards

 

As an emerging growth company, we have left open the opportunity to take advantage of the extended transition period provided to emerging growth companies in Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act, however, it is the Company’s present intention to adopt any applicable new accounting standards timely.

 

In May 2014, Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09 (“ASU 2014-09”), “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).” The standard’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers 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. In August 2015, FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date,” which delays the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year. FASB also agreed to allow entities to choose to adopt the standard as of the original effective date. In March 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net)” (“ASU 2016-08”), which clarifies the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. The guidance includes indicators to assist an entity in evaluating whether it controls the good or the service before it is transferred to the customer. The new revenue recognition standard is effective for public entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods therein, that is, the first quarter of 2018. The new standard also permits two methods of adoption: retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented (full retrospective method), or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance recognized at the date of initial application (the modified retrospective method). We adopted Topic 606 as of January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method, and the adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations, or cash flows. Refer to Note 1(c) below for further details.

In February 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02 (“ASU 2016-02”), “Leases (Topic 842),” which generally requires companies to recognize operating and financing lease liabilities and corresponding right-of-use assets on the balance sheet. This guidance will be effective for public entities and private entities in the first quarter of 2019 and the first quarter of 2020, respectively, on a modified retrospective basis and early adoption is permitted. It will be effective for us in the first quarter of 2020. We are still evaluating the effect that this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In June 2018, FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07 (“ASU 2018-07”), “Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting,” which generally expands the scope of ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from nonemployees and to supersede the guidance in ASC 505-50, Equity-Based Payments to Non-employees, which previously included the accounting for nonemployee awards. This guidance will be effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods, on a modified retrospective basis and early adoption is permitted. As of June 30, 2018, we early adopted ASU 2018-07 and there was no material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

(c) Revenue recognition

 

On January 1, 2018, we adopted Topic 606 using the modified retrospective method applied to all contracts that were not completed contracts at the date of initial application. There was no impact on the opening accumulated deficit as of January 1, 2018 due to the adoption of Topic 606.

Revenue is recognized when control of goods or services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. In other words, our performance obligation is to provide on demand solutions to our customers by leveraging our proprietary technology and applying machine learning and advanced analytics to our massive data repository. The pricing for the customer contracts is based on usage, a monthly fee, or a combination of both.

Available within Topic 606, we have applied the portfolio approach practical expedient in accounting for customer revenue as one collective group, rather than individual contracts. Based on our historical knowledge of the contracts contained in this portfolio and the similar nature and characteristics of the customers, we have concluded the financial statement effects are not materially different than if accounting for revenue on a contract by contract basis.

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Revenue is recognized over a period of time since the performance obligation is delivered in a series. Our customers simultaneously receive and consume the benefits provided by the Company’s performance as and when provided. Furthermore, we have elected the “right to invoice” practical expedient, available within ASC 606-10-55-18, as our measure of progress, since we have a right to payment from a customer in an amount that corresponds directly with the value of our performance completed-to-date. The Company's revenue arrangements do not contain significant financing components.

If a customer pays consideration before we transfer services to the customer, those amounts are classified as deferred revenue. As of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the balance of deferred revenue was $56 and $33, respectively, all of which are expected to be realized in the next 12 months. In relation to the deferred revenue balance as of December 31, 2017, $10 and $27 was recognized into revenue during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively.

As of June 30, 2018, approximately $1,056 of revenue is expected to be recognized in the future for the outstanding performance obligation, primarily related to revenue for subscription contracts that have a term of more than 12 months. Approximately $271 will be recognized during the remaining six months of 2018, $576 in 2019 and the remainder in 2020. The actual timing of recognition may vary due to factors outside of the Company’s control. The Company has elected to exclude variable consideration related entirely to wholly unsatisfied performance obligations and contracts where revenue is recognized based upon the right to invoice the customer.

Sales commissions are recorded at the time revenue is recognized. These costs are recorded in sales and marketing expenses.

 

In addition, we elected the practical expedient to not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less and (ii) contracts for which we recognize revenue at the amount to which we have the right to invoice for services performed.

3. Loss per share

 

Basic loss per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the periods. Diluted loss per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock and is calculated using the treasury stock method for stock options and unvested shares. Common equivalent shares are excluded from the calculation in the loss periods as their effects would be anti-dilutive.

 

Prior to the Spin-off, the financial information of red violet represented the consolidated and combined figures of red violet and its subsidiaries. red violet only had 1,000 shares of common stock outstanding, all of which Fluent owned. On March 26, 2018, upon the Spin-off of red violet, an aggregate of 10,266,613 shares of red violet common stock were distributed to Fluent stockholders and certain warrant holders. This number of shares remained outstanding at June 30, 2018, and is utilized to calculate loss per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, as shown in the table below.

 

 

A total of 56,000 shares of unvested restricted stock units (“RSUs”) granted during the first quarter of 2018 have been excluded from the diluted loss per share calculation as the impact is anti-dilutive for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018.

4. Intangible assets, net

Intangible assets other than goodwill consist of the following:

 

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The gross amount associated with software developed for internal use mainly represents capitalized costs of internally-developed software, including eligible salaries and staff benefits, share-based compensation, traveling expenses incurred by relevant employees, and other relevant costs.

Amortization expenses of $417 and $155 for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $790 and $311 for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, were included in depreciation and amortization expenses. As of June 30, 2018, intangible assets of $2,809, included in the gross amounts of software developed for internal use, have not started amortization, as they are not ready for their intended use.

As of June 30, 2018, estimated amortization expenses related to the Company’s intangible assets for the remainder of 2018 through 2023 and thereafter are as follows:

 

 

5. Goodwill

 

Goodwill represents the cost in excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired in a business combination. As of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the balance of goodwill of $5,227 was as a result of the acquisition of Interactive Data, LLC (“Interactive Data”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of red violet, effective on October 2, 2014.

In accordance with ASC 350, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other,” goodwill is tested at least annually for impairment, or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable, by assessing qualitative factors or performing a quantitative analysis in determining whether it is more likely than not that its fair value exceeds the carrying value. The measurement date of our annual goodwill impairment test is October 1.

As of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, there are no events or changes in circumstances to indicate that goodwill is impaired.

6. Income taxes

 

red violet is a “C” corporation, while its subsidiaries are all limited liability companies. Before the Spin-off, red violet and its subsidiaries, were consolidated with Fluent for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, for purposes of these financial statements, the income tax provisions were prepared assuming the entities filed separate tax returns.

The Company is subject to federal and state income taxes in the United States. Our tax provision for interim periods is determined using an estimate of our annual effective tax rate, adjusted for discrete items arising in that quarter. In each quarter, we update our estimate of the annual effective tax rate, and if our estimated annual tax rate changes, we make a cumulative adjustment in that quarter. 

On December 22, 2017, the tax reform legislation commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) was enacted, with the statutory federal income tax rate lowered to 21% among other changes, effective on January 1, 2018. As a full valuation allowance was provided as of June 30, 2018, the Act does not have a material net impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements, however, certain income tax disclosures are affected.

The Company’s effective income tax rate differed from the statutory federal income tax rate of 21% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 34% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, the effective income tax rate was 0%, and the difference is primarily the result of the full valuation allowance applied against the Company’s deferred tax assets.

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The Company assesses its income tax positions and records tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon its evaluation of the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date. For those tax positions where it is more-likely-than-not that a tax benefit will be sustained, the Company has recorded the largest amount of tax benefit with a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those income tax positions where it is not more-likely-than-not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the Company’s financial statements.

red violet continually evaluates expiring statutes of limitations, audits, proposed settlements, changes in tax law and new authoritative rulings. red violet has no federal income tax filings that remain open for tax examination as 2018 will be the first filing year for the Company for U.S. federal income tax purposes; however, Interactive Data’s stand-alone state income tax returns since 2014 remain open for tax examination.

red violet does not have any unrecognized tax benefits as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

7. Common stock and preferred stock

Common stock

As of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the number of authorized shares of common stock was 200,000,000 and 5,000, with a par value of $0.001 per share, respectively, of which, 10,266,613 and 1,000 shares of common stock were issued and outstanding, respectively.

On March 26, 2018, Fluent completed the Spin-off of its risk management business from its digital marketing business by way of a distribution of all the shares of common stock of red violet to Fluent’s stockholders of record as of March 19, 2018, the Record Date, and certain warrant holders, which resulted in a distribution of a total of 10,266,613 shares of red violet common stock.

Preferred stock

 

As of June 30, 2018, we had 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock with par value of $0.001 per share authorized, and there were no shares of preferred stock issued or outstanding. There was no preferred stock authorized as of December 31, 2017.

8. Share-based compensation

On March 22, 2018, the board of directors of red violet and Fluent, in its capacity as sole stockholder of red violet prior to the Spin-off, approved the Red Violet, Inc. 2018 Stock Incentive Plan, (the “2018 Plan”), which became effective immediately prior to the Spin-off. A total of 3,000,000 shares of common stock were authorized to be issued under the 2018 Plan. The primary purpose of the 2018 Plan is to attract, retain, reward and motivate certain individuals by providing them with an opportunity to acquire or increase a proprietary interest in the Company and to incentivize them to expend maximum effort for the growth and success of the Company, so as to strengthen the mutuality of the interests between such individuals and the stockholders of the Company.

On March 29, 2018, an aggregate of 56,000 shares of RSUs were granted to certain nonemployee directors, at a grant date fair value of $6.10 per share, under the 2018 Plan, with vesting periods ranging from one to three years. The fair value of the RSUs was estimated using the market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant, which was equivalent to the closing price of the common stock on the grant date.

In July 2018, an aggregate of 602,000 shares of RSUs were granted to certain employees of the Company, at a grant date fair value ranging from $7.53 to $8.60 per share, under the 2018 Plan, with vesting periods ranging from three to four years.

As of June 30, 2018, unrecognized share-based compensation expense associated with the granted RSUs amounted to $291, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.2 years.

 

Share-based compensation of $49 and $1,427 for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $395 and $2,076 for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, was recognized. The amount recorded includes an allocation of share-based compensation related to the share-based awards granted by Fluent to company employees or non-employees prior to the Spin-off.

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Share-based compensation was allocated to the following accounts in the condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017:

 

 

9. Related party transactions

 

Contribution by Fluent, Inc., recorded in the condensed consolidated statement of changes in shareholders’ equity, represents cash funding provided or the portion of certain expenses allocated by Fluent to red violet, on or prior to the Spin-off.

 

These allocated expenses are primarily corporate employee salaries and benefits of the functional groups (inclusive of executive management, accounting, administrative and information technology) and corporate administrative expenses (inclusive of legal services, accounting and finance services and other corporate and infrastructure services). Corporate employee salaries and benefits were allocated on the basis of time spent, and corporate administrative expenses were allocated on the basis of relative percentage of services utilized or benefit received. red violet recorded expenses of $0 and $1,048 for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $325 and $1,888 for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, as a result of the allocation of expenses from Fluent. Upon the Spin-off, Fluent no longer allocates any expenses to red violet.

In addition, share-based compensation of $0 and $1,427 for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $344 and $2,076 for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, relating to the share-based awards granted by Fluent prior to the Spin-off, were recorded.

Management believes the assumptions and allocations underlying the condensed consolidated financial statements are reasonable and appropriate under the circumstances. The expense allocations have been determined on a basis considered to be a reasonable reflection of the utilization of services provided to or the benefit received by red violet during the periods presented relative to the total costs and expenses incurred by Fluent. However, these expenses may not be reflective of the expenses that would have been recorded had red violet been an entity that operated independently of Fluent, and not been a subsidiary of Fluent. Consequently, future results of operations of red violet after the Spin-off will include costs and expenses that may be materially different than red violet’s historical results of operations, financial position, and cash flows. Accordingly, the financial statements for these periods are not indicative of red violet’s future results of operations, financial position, and cash flow.

MDB Agreement and Executive Chairman Agreement

On April 26, 2018, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with MDB Management, Inc. (“MDB”), a company owned by Michael Brauser, the then chairman of the Company’s board of directors, and one of his sons, for MDB to provide consulting services to the Company related to business development, future acquisitions, and strategic transactions (“MDB Agreement”), for a term of six months, automatically renewing for additional six month periods unless either party provides written notice to the other of its intent not to renew not fewer than 30 days prior to the expiration of the then current term. Under the MDB Agreement, the consulting service fee is $30 per month. The Company recognized consulting service fees relating to the MDB Agreement of a total of $60 during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018.

On August 7, 2018, the MDB Agreement was terminated by mutual agreement of the parties with no further liability under the MDB Agreement by either party. On the same day, the board of directors of the Company appointed Michael Brauser Executive Chairman of the Company and the Company entered into the executive chairman services agreement with Mr. Brauser, pursuant to which Mr. Brauser will be providing recommendations on organizational and capital structure, future acquisitions and strategic transactions (“Executive Chairman Agreement”), for a term of one year, automatically renewing for additional one-year periods unless either party provides written notice to the other of its intent not to renew not fewer than 30 days prior to the expiration of the then current term. Under the Executive Chairman Agreement, Mr. Brauser receives cash compensation of $30 per month and is entitled to participate in the Company’s incentive compensation plan.

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10. Commitments

The Company incurred data costs of $1,361 and $1,148 for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $2,653 and $2,179 for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, under certain data licensing agreements. As of June 30, 2018, material capital commitments under certain data licensing agreements were $21,295, shown as follows:

 

 

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

Executive Overview

You should read the following discussion in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (“Form 10-Q”). This Form 10-Q contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“PSLRA”), Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”), about our expectations, beliefs, or intentions regarding our business, financial condition, results of operations, strategies, or prospects. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that these statements do not relate strictly to historical or current matters. Rather, forward-looking statements relate to anticipated or expected events, activities, trends, or results as of the date they are made. Because forward-looking statements relate to matters that have not yet occurred, these statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from any future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Many factors could cause our actual activities or results to differ materially from the activities and results anticipated in forward-looking statements. These factors include those contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as the disclosures made in the Company’s Information Statement included in our current report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 27, 2018 (“Information Statement”), and other filings we make with the SEC. We do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements, except as required by law. We intend that all forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbor provisions of PSLRA. These forward-looking statements are only predictions and reflect our views as of the date they are made with respect to future events and financial performance.

The historical financial statements we have included in this Form 10-Q may not reflect what our business, financial position or results of operations would have been had we been a publicly traded company during the periods presented or what our results of operations, financial position and cash flows will be in the future as a stand-alone company.

 

Overview

On March 26, 2018, Fluent, Inc. (“Fluent”), formerly known as Cogint, Inc., a Delaware corporation, completed the previously announced spin-off (the “Spin-off”) of its risk management business from its digital marketing business by way of a distribution of all the shares of common stock of Fluent’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Red Violet, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“red violet,” “we,” “us,” “our,” and similar terms), to Fluent’s stockholders of record as of March 19, 2018 (the “Record Date”) and certain warrant holders. The distribution occurred by way of a pro rata stock distribution to such common stock and warrant holders, each of whom received one share of red violet’s common stock for every 7.5 shares of Fluent’s common stock held on the Record Date or to which they were entitled to under their warrant, which resulted in a distribution of a total of 10,266,613 shares of red violet common stock. Upon the Spin-off, red violet owns Fluent subsidiaries which previously operated Fluent’s risk management business.

As a result of the Spin-off, red violet is an independent public company and red violet’s common stock began regular-way trading on The NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “RDVT” on March 27, 2018.

Although the Spin-off was completed on March 26, 2018, we have reflected the Spin-off in the financial statements included in this Form 10-Q as if it occurred on March 31, 2018 as we have determined that the impact is not material to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

The financial statements present the consolidated results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows of red violet and its subsidiaries. For periods prior to the Spin-off, these financial statements were prepared on a consolidated and combined basis because the operations were under common control. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated between the consolidated and combined entities.

red violet is a software and services company specializing in big data analysis, providing cloud-based, mission-critical solutions to enterprises in a variety of industries. red violet’s mission is to transform data into intelligence utilizing our proprietary technology platform to solve complex problems for our clients. Harnessing the power of data fusion and powerful analytics, we transform data into intelligence, in a fast and efficient manner, so our clients can spend their time on what matters most, running their organizations with confidence. Through our intelligent platform, CORE^TM, we uncover the relevance of disparate data points utilizing our analytical capabilities to provide real-time and insightful views of people, businesses, assets and their interrelationships. We empower clients across markets and industries to better execute all aspects of their business, from managing risk, identifying fraud and abuse, and ensuring legislative compliance, to debt recovery.

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We provide unique and compelling solutions essential to the daily workflow of organizations within both the public and private sectors. Our cloud-based data fusion platform, combined with our massive database consisting of public-record, proprietary and publicly-available data, as well as a unique repository of self-reported information on millions of consumers, enables the delivery of differentiated products and solutions used for a variety of essential functions. These essential functions include identification and authentication, and investigation and validation.

Leveraging leading-edge technology, proprietary algorithms, and massive datasets, and through intuitive and powerful analytical applications, we provide solutions to organizations within the risk management industry. CORE is our next generation data fusion platform, providing mission-critical information about individuals, businesses and assets to a variety of markets and industries. Through machine learning and advanced analytics, we use the power of data fusion to ingest and analyze data at a massive scale. The derived information from the data fusion process ultimately serves to generate unique solutions for banking and financial services companies, insurance companies, healthcare companies, law enforcement and government, the collection industry, law firms, retail, telecommunications companies, corporate security and investigative firms.

Built in a secure payment card industry (PCI) compliant environment, our cloud-based next generation technology delivers greater than four 9s of service uptime. By leveraging our proprietary infrastructure design within the cloud, we currently operate in six datacenters spread geographically across the U.S. and are able to dynamically and seamlessly scale as needed. Using our intelligent framework, and leveraging a microservices architecture where appropriate, we reduce operational cost and complexity, thus delivering superior performance at greatly reduced costs compared to traditional datacenter architectures. Since the release of our CORE platform in May 2016, we have added billions of data records and continue to add over a billion records per month on average. Our average query response time for a comprehensive profile is less than 250 milliseconds versus competitive platforms that measure comprehensive profile response times in seconds.

From inception of our risk management business in September 2014 through December 2016, the majority of our operations were dedicated to the early-stage development of our business model, including the development of our proprietary, cloud-based technology platform, CORE, and the buildout of our initial-phase suite of products, powered by CORE, to serve a variety of industries within risk management. Beginning January 2017, with our technology platform production ready and hardened, our initial suite of products released into the marketplace, and a multi-year product roadmap defined, we transformed from a development organization to a sales-driven organization with sales increasing from a $5.8 million annual run-rate for the month ended January 31, 2017 to a $17.2 million annual run-rate for the month ended June 30, 2018.

In order for us to continue to develop new products, grow our existing business and expand into additional markets, we must generate and sustain sufficient operating profits and cash flow in future periods. This will require us to generate additional sales from current products and new products currently under development. We are building out our sales organization to drive current products and to introduce new products into the market place. We will incur increased compensation expenses for our sales and marketing, executive and administrative, and infrastructure-related persons as we increase headcount in the next 12 months.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“US GAAP”). The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to the allowance for doubtful receivables, useful lives of property and equipment and intangible assets, income tax provision, and recoverability of the carrying amounts of goodwill and intangible assets. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

For additional information, please refer to the consolidated and combined financial statements and accompanying notes of red violet for the year ended December 31, 2017 (“2017 Financials”) included in the Information Statement. There have been no material changes to Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates disclosed in our 2017 Financials.

Recently issued accounting standards

See Note 2(b), “Recently issued accounting standards,” in “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.”

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Second Quarter Financial Results

For the three months ended June 30, 2018, as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2017:

Second Quarter and Recent Business Highlights

Use and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

Management evaluates the financial performance of our business on a variety of key indicators, including non-GAAP metrics of adjusted EBITDA, adjusted gross profit and adjusted gross margin. Adjusted EBITDA is a financial measure equal to net loss, the most directly comparable financial measure based on US GAAP, excluding income tax, depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation expense, litigation costs, transition service income, write-off of long-lived assets and others, as noted in the tables below. We define adjusted gross profit as revenue less cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization), and adjusted gross margin as adjusted gross profit as a percentage of revenue.

 

 

 

We present adjusted EBITDA, adjusted gross profit and adjusted gross margin as supplemental measures of our operating performance because we believe they provide useful information to our investors as they eliminate the impact of certain items that we do not consider indicative of our cash operations and ongoing operating performance. In addition, we use them as an integral part of our internal reporting to measure the performance of our business, evaluate the performance of our senior management and measure the operating strength of our business.

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Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted gross profit and adjusted gross margin are measures frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in their evaluation of the operating performance of companies similar to ours and are indicators of the operational strength of our business. Adjusted EBITDA eliminates the uneven effect of considerable amounts of non-cash depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation expense and the impact of other items. Adjusted gross profit and adjusted gross margin are calculated by using cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization).

Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted gross profit and adjusted gross margin are not intended to be performance measures that should be regarded as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, either loss before income taxes or net loss as indicators of operating performance or to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. The way we measure adjusted EBITDA, adjusted gross profit and adjusted gross margin may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies, and may not be identical to corresponding measures used in our various agreements.

Results of Operations

Three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to three months ended June 30, 2017

 

Revenue. Revenue increased $1.9 million or 96% to $3.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, from $2.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017. This increase was driven by strong growth in volume resulting from the continued staged release of our product suite, following our transformation from a development organization to a sales-driven organization beginning January 2017. During this time frame, our monthly sales increased from an $8.0 million annual run-rate for the month ended June 30, 2017 to a $17.2 million annual run-rate for the month ended June 30, 2018.

Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization). Cost of revenue increased $0.3 million or 13% to $2.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, from $1.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017. Our cost of revenue primarily includes data acquisition costs. Data acquisition costs consist primarily of the costs to acquire data either on a transactional basis or through flat-fee data licensing agreements, including unlimited usage agreements. We continue to expand our relationships with our key data suppliers, including our largest data supplier which accounted for approximately 49% of our total data acquisition costs for the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to approximately 45% for the three months ended June 30, 2017. Other cost of revenue items include expenses related to third-party infrastructure fees.

We continued to develop our baseline data repository in anticipation of completing the development of our full suite of risk management products during the development periods. As the construct of our data costs is a flat-fee, unlimited usage model, the cost of revenue as a percentage of revenue decreased to 53% for the three months ended June 30, 2018, from 92% for the three months ended June 30, 2017, as a result of the scaling. We expect that cost of revenue as a percentage of revenue will continue to decrease over the coming years as our revenue increases. Historically, at scale, the industry business model’s cost of revenue will trend between 15% and 30% as a percentage of revenue.

Sales and marketing expenses. Sales and marketing expenses increased $0.1 million or 5% to $1.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, from $1.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017. The increase resulted from increased headcount as we continue to invest in the expansion of our sales organization. Sales and marketing expenses consist of salaries and benefits, advertising and marketing, traveling expenses, and share-based compensation expense, incurred by our sales team.

General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses decreased $9.2 million or 84% to $1.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, from $10.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017. The decrease resulted from decreases in litigation costs and share-based compensation expense, which were partially offset by increases in employee salaries and benefits and other professional fees. For the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, our general and administrative expenses consisted primarily of litigation costs of $0 and $8.3 million in relation to the settled litigation previously disclosed in our 2017 Financials, share-based compensation expense of $0.1 million and $1.1 million, employee salaries and benefits of $0.7 million and $0.6 million, and other professional fees of $0.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expenses increased $0.3 million or 117% to $0.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, from $0.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017. The increase in depreciation and amortization for the three months ended June 30, 2018 resulted from the amortization of software developed for internal use that became ready for its intended use after the second quarter of 2017.

Loss before income taxes. We had a loss before income taxes of $1.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, as compared to $12.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017. The decrease in loss before income taxes resulted from the increase in revenue, decrease in our cost of revenue as a percentage of revenue, and decreases in litigation costs and share-based compensation expense, which were partially offset by increases in salaries and benefits, other professional fees and depreciation and amortization.

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Income taxes. Income tax expense of $0 was recognized for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017. A full valuation allowance on the deferred tax assets was recognized as of June 30, 2018 and 2017. On December 22, 2017, the tax reform legislation commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) was enacted, with the statutory federal income tax rate lowered to 21% among other changes, effective on January 1, 2018. As a full valuation allowance was provided as of June 30, 2018, the Act does not have a material net impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements. See Note 6, “Income Taxes,” included in “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements,” for details.

Net loss. A net loss of $1.5 million was recognized for the three months ended June 30, 2018, as compared to $12.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, as a result of the foregoing.

Six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to six months ended June 30, 2017

 

Revenue. Revenue increased $3.6 million or 103% to $7.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, from $3.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017. This increase was driven by strong growth in volume resulting from the continued staged release of our product suite, following our transformation from a development organization to a sales-driven organization beginning January 2017. During this time frame, our monthly sales increased from an $8.0 million annual run-rate for the month ended June 30, 2017 to a $17.2 million annual run-rate for the month ended June 30, 2018.

Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization). Cost of revenue increased $0.9 million or 26% to $4.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, from $3.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017. Our cost of revenue primarily includes data acquisition costs. Data acquisition costs consist primarily of the costs to acquire data either on a transactional basis or through flat-fee data licensing agreements, including unlimited usage agreements. We continue to expand our relationships with our key data suppliers, including our largest data supplier which accounted for approximately 49% of our total data acquisition costs for the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to approximately 40% for the six months ended June 30, 2017. Other cost of revenue items include expenses related to third-party infrastructure fees. 

We continued to develop our baseline data repository in anticipation of completing the development of our full suite of risk management products during the development periods. As the construct of our data costs is a flat-fee, unlimited usage model, the cost of revenue as a percentage of revenue decreased to 57% for the six months ended June 30, 2018, from 91% for the six months ended June 30, 2017, as a result of the scaling. We expect that cost of revenue as a percentage of revenue will continue to decrease over the coming years as our revenue increases. Historically, at scale, the industry business model’s cost of revenue will trend between 15% and 30% as a percentage of revenue.

Sales and marketing expenses. Sales and marketing expenses increased $0.3 million or 17% to $2.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, from $2.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017. The increase resulted from increased headcount as we continue to invest in the expansion of our sales organization. Sales and marketing expenses consist of salaries and benefits, advertising and marketing, traveling expenses, and share-based compensation expense, incurred by our sales team.

General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses decreased $9.3 million or 72% to $3.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, from $12.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017. The decrease resulted from decreases in litigation costs and share-based compensation expense, which were partially offset by increases in employee salaries and benefits and other professional fees. For the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, our general and administrative expenses consisted primarily of litigation costs of $0 and $8.8 million in relation to the settled litigation previously disclosed in our 2017 Financials, share-based compensation expense of $0.2 million and $1.5 million, employee salaries and benefits of $1.5 million and $1.2 million, and other professional fees of $0.8 million and $0.5 million, respectively.

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expenses increased $0.5 million or 113% to $0.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, from $0.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017. The increase in depreciation and amortization for the six months ended June 30, 2018 resulted from the amortization of software developed for internal use that became ready for its intended use after the first quarter of 2017.

Loss before income taxes. We had a loss before income taxes of $3.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, as compared to $15.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017. The decrease in loss before income taxes resulted from the increase in revenue, decrease in our cost of revenue as a percentage of revenue, decreases in litigation costs and share-based compensation expense, which were partially offset by increases in salaries and benefits, other professional fees and depreciation and amortization.

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Income taxes. Income tax expense of $0 was recognized for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017. A full valuation allowance on the deferred tax assets was recognized as of June 30, 2018 and 2017. On December 22, 2017, the Act was enacted, with the statutory federal income tax rate lowered to 21% among other changes, effective on January 1, 2018. As a full valuation allowance was provided as of June 30, 2018, the Act does not have a material net impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements. See Note 6, “Income Taxes,” included in “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements,” for details

Net loss. A net loss of $3.6 million was recognized for the six months ended June 30, 2018, as compared to $15.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, as a result of the foregoing.

Effect of Inflation

The rates of inflation experienced in recent years have had no material impact on our financial statements. We attempt to recover increased costs by increasing prices for our services, to the extent permitted by contracts and competition.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash flows used in operating activities. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, net cash used in operating activities was $5.2 million, primarily the result of the net loss of $3.6 million, adjusted for certain non-cash items totaling $1.7 million, consisting of share-based compensation expense, depreciation and amortization, write-off of long-lived assets and allocation of expenses from Fluent, Inc. In addition, the net working capital increased $3.5 million, primarily the result of the decrease in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and the increase in accounts receivable following the increase in revenue. For the six months ended June 30, 2017, net cash used in operating activities was $3.8 million, primarily the result of the net loss of $15.0 million, adjusted for certain non-cash items of an aggregate of $4.1 million, and the cash provided by net working capital of $6.6 million.

Cash flows used in investing activities. Net cash used in investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 was $2.9 million and $3.6 million, respectively, as a result of capitalized costs included in intangible assets of $2.9 million and $3.3 million for the corresponding periods.

Cash flows provided by financing activities. Net cash provided by financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 was $23.9 million (inclusive of $20.0 cash contribution by Fluent to red violet upon the Spin-off) and $7.4 million, respectively, as a result of capital contributed by Fluent during the corresponding periods.

As of June 30, 2018, we had material commitments under certain data licensing agreements of $21.0 million. We anticipate funding our operations using available cash, and cash flow generated from operations within the next twelve months.

We reported net loss of $1.5 million and $3.6 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, as compared to $12.1 million and $15.0 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively. As of June 30, 2018, we had a total shareholders’ equity balance of $38.8 million.

As of June 30, 2018, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $15.8 million. Historically, we have funded our operations via intercompany transfers from Fluent on an as needed basis. Based on projections of growth in revenue and operating results in the coming year, and the available cash and cash equivalents held by us after the Spin-off, we believe that we will have sufficient cash resources to finance our operations and expected capital expenditures for the next twelve months. Subject to revenue growth, we may have to raise capital through the issuance of additional equity and/or debt, which, if we are able to obtain, could have the effect of diluting stockholders. Any equity or debt financings, if available at all, may be on terms which are not favorable to us. If our operations do not generate positive cash flow in the upcoming year, or if we are not able to obtain additional equity or debt financing on terms and conditions acceptable to us, if at all, we may be unable to implement our business plan, or even continue our operations.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of June 30, 2018, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

As a smaller reporting company as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act, we are not required to include information required by this item.

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of June 30, 2018. We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Based on the evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2018.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls and Procedures

 

In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and that management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs.

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

The Company is not currently a party to any legal proceeding, investigation or claim which, in the opinion of the management, is likely to have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. We review legal proceedings and claims on an ongoing basis and follow appropriate accounting guidance, including ASC 450, when making accrual and disclosure decisions. We establish accruals for those contingencies where the incurrence of a loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated, and we disclose the amount accrued and the amount of a reasonably possible loss in excess of the amount accrued, if such disclosure is necessary for our financial statements to not be misleading. To estimate whether a loss contingency should be accrued by a charge to income, we evaluate, among other factors, the degree of probability of an unfavorable outcome and the ability to make a reasonable estimate of the amount of the loss. We do not record liabilities when the likelihood that the liability has been incurred is probable, but the amount cannot be reasonably estimated.

In addition, we may be involved in litigation from time to time in the ordinary course of business. We do not believe that the ultimate resolution of any such matters will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. However, the results of such matters cannot be predicted with certainty and we cannot assure you that the ultimate resolution of any legal or administrative proceeding or dispute will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in the Company’s Information Statement filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 27, 2018.

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

None.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not Applicable.

Item 5. Other Information.

On August 7, 2018, the consulting agreement entered into on April 26, 2018 between the Company and MDB Management, Inc. (“MDB Agreement”) was terminated by mutual agreement of the parties with no further liability under the MDB Agreement by either party. On the same day, the board of directors of the Company appointed Michael Brauser Executive Chairman of the Company and the Company entered into the executive chairman services agreement with Mr. Brauser, pursuant to which Mr. Brauser will be providing recommendations on organizational and capital structure, future acquisitions and strategic transactions (“Executive Chairman Agreement”), for a term of one year, automatically renewing for additional one-year periods unless either party provides written notice to the other of its intent not to renew not fewer than 30 days prior to the expiration of the then current term. Under the Executive Chairman Agreement, Mr. Brauser receives cash compensation of $30,000 per month and is entitled to participate in the Company’s incentive compensation plan.

The Executive Chairman Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1 and incorporated herein by reference.

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Item 6. Exhibits.

 

The following exhibits are filed as part of, or incorporated by reference into, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

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Exhibit 10.1

 

EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN SERVICES AGREEMENT

This Executive Chairman Services Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into effective as of August 7, 2018 (the "Effective Date") by and between Red Violet, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company") and Michael Brauser, (the "Executive Chairman"). Each of the Company and the Executive Chairman are hereinafter a "Party" and collectively the "Parties."

WHEREAS, the Company desires to retain the services of the Executive Chairman and the Executive Chairman is desirous and willing to accept such service arrangement and render such services, all upon and subject to the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and the mutual covenants set forth in this Agreement, and intending to be legally bound, the Company and the Executive Chairman agree as follows:

1.Engagement. The Company hereby engages and retains the Executive Chairman and the Executive Chairman hereby agrees to render services upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

2.Term. This Agreement shall be for a term commencing on the Effective Date and continue for one (1) year (“Initial Term”), unless sooner terminated in accordance with the provisions of Section 6.  This Agreement shall automatically renew for additional one (1) year periods (each a “Renewal Term”) unless either party provides written notice to the other of its intent not to renew not fewer than thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the then current term (where such non-renewal shall not be considered a termination).  The Initial Term and the Renewal Term(s), if applicable, are referred to collectively in this Agreement as the “Term.”  

3.Services. During the Term, the Executive Chairman shall act as a strategic advisor to the Company providing recommendations on organizational and capital structure, future financing needs and future acquisitions or strategic transactions (the “Services”). Executive Chairman shall provide the Services and shall use his best efforts to perform the Services competently, carefully, and faithfully. The Executive Chairman’s Services shall be performed on a non-exclusive basis.

4.Compensation/Expenses.

(a)Cash Compensation.As compensation for the Services as described above, the Company shall pay Executive Chairman thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) per month during the Term.  

(b)Equity Incentive Compensation.Executive Chairman shall be entitled to participate, commensurate with his position, in the Company’s incentive compensation plan(s) (i.e., stock/restricted stock units/options/warrants, etc. (each individually or collectively, “Equity Awards”)), pursuant to the Red Violet, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan or such other equity plan or arrangement as may be in effect from time to time (such plan or arrangement hereinafter referred to as the “Plan”). Any Equity Awards shall be documented on an award agreement which shall at least conform to the terms and conditions set forth in this paragraph (the “Award Agreement”).

(c)Expenses. In addition to any compensation received under this Section 4, the Company shall reimburse the Executive Chairman for all reasonable travel, lodging, meals, and other prior approved out-of-pocket expenses incurred or paid by the Executive Chairman in connection with the performance of his Services under this Agreement; provided, however, any such expenses over $1,000 shall be approved by the Company in writing in advance. All other expenditures shall be the sole responsibility of the Executive Chairman.

5.Independent Contractor Relationship.

(a)The Executive Chairman acknowledges that he is an independent contractor and that Executive Chairman shall not be considered an employee of the Company. The Executive Chairman acknowledges that he is not the legal representative or agent of the Company, nor does he have the power to obligate the Company, for any purpose other than specifically provided in this Agreement.  Although Company may specify the results to be achieved by the Executive Chairman and may control and direct him in that regard, Company shall not control or direct the Executive Chairman as to the details or means by which such results are accomplished.

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(b)The Company will not withhold any monies for any national, state, local or federal taxing authorities from the Consulting Fees earned by the Executive Chairman pursuant to this Agreement. The Executive Chairman shall be solely responsible for the withholding and/or payment of such taxes.

(c)The Company shall carry no worker's compensation insurance or any health or accident insurance to cover the Executive Chairman or his employees (if any). The Company shall not pay contributions to social security, unemployment insurance, nor provide any other contributions or benefits, which might be expected in an employer-employee relationship. Neither the Executive Chairman nor his employees (if any) shall be entitled to medical coverage, life insurance or to participation in any current or future Company pension plan.

6.Termination.

(a)In the event of a material default under this Agreement by the Company, the Executive Chairman may terminate this Agreement if such default is not cured within 30 days following delivery of written notice specifying and detailing the default complained of and demanding its cure.

(b)The Company or any successor may terminate this Agreement immediately for Cause (subject to any applicable notice and cure periods set forth below, if applicable). As used herein, “Cause” means any of the following acts or omissions, taken or omitted by Executive Chairman or any member or employee thereof providing Services hereunder:  

For purposes herein, “incapacity” shall mean if, during the term of this Agreement, Executive Chairman contracts an illness, physical or mental, or an injury which, in the reasonable determination by an independent physician agreed upon by the Executive Chairman (or his guardian or personal representative, if applicable) and the Company, prevents him from performing the Services for 120 days or longer.  The date on which such incapacity begins shall be determined by such physician.  For purposes of determining the number of days of incapacity, intervening Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays shall be counted.  

(c)Upon termination of this Agreement, the Company shall reimburse the Executive Chairman for any reasonable expenses previously incurred for which the Executive Chairman had not been reimbursed prior to the effective date of termination, provided that the requirements of Section 4(c) have been satisfied. Any and all other rights granted to the Executive Chairman under this Agreement shall terminate as of the date of such termination.

(d)Upon termination of this Agreement by the Company without Cause, Company shall continue to pay Executive Chairman the Cash Compensation due under Section 4(a) of this Agreement through the expiration of the then-current Term.

7.Non-Disclosure of Confidential Information; Non-Competition.  

(a)Confidential Information. Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to, trade secrets as defined by the common law and statutes in Florida or any future Florida statute, processes, policies, procedures, techniques including recruiting techniques, designs, drawings, know-how, show-how, technical information, specifications, computer software and source code, information and data relating to the development, research, testing, costs, marketing and uses of the Company's products and

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services, the Company's budgets and strategic plans, databases, data, all technology relating to the Company's businesses, systems, methods of operation, information, solicitation leads, marketing and advertising materials, methods and manuals and forms, all of which pertain to the activities or operations of the Company, names, home addresses and all telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of the Company's employees, former employees, clients and former clients. For purposes of this Agreement, the following will not constitute Confidential Information (i) information which is or subsequently becomes generally available to the public through no act or omission of the Executive Chairman, (ii) information set forth in the written records of the Executive Chairman prior to disclosure to the Executive Chairman by or on behalf of the Company, which information is given to the Company in writing as of or prior to the date of this Agreement, and (iii) information which is lawfully obtained by the Executive Chairman in writing from a third party (excluding any affiliates of the Executive Chairman) who was legally entitled to disclose the information.

(b)Legitimate Business Interests. The Executive Chairman recognizes that the Company has legitimate business interests to protect and as a consequence, the Executive Chairman agrees to the restrictions contained in this Agreement because they further the Company's legitimate business interests. These legitimate business interests include, but are not limited to (i) trade secrets and valuable confidential business or professional information that otherwise does not qualify as trade secrets, including all Confidential Information; (ii) substantial relationships with specific prospective or existing customers; (iii) goodwill associated with the Company's business; and (iv) specialized training relating to the Company's business, technology, methods and procedures.

(c)Confidentiality. The Confidential Information shall be held by the Executive Chairman in the strictest confidence and shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company, be disclosed to any person other than in connection with the Executive Chairman's Services to the Company. The Executive Chairman further acknowledges that such Confidential Information as is acquired and used by the Company is a special, valuable and unique asset. The Executive Chairman shall exercise all due and diligence precautions to protect the integrity of the Company's Confidential Information and to keep it confidential whether it is in written form, on electronic media or oral. The Executive Chairman shall not copy any Confidential Information except to the extent necessary to perform his Services hereunder nor remove any Confidential Information or copies thereof from the Company's premises except to the extent necessary to provide his Services and then only with the authorization of an officer of the Company. All records, files, materials and other Confidential Information obtained by the Executive Chairman in the course of his Services to the Company are confidential and proprietary and shall remain the exclusive property of the Company. The Executive Chairman shall not, except in connection with and as required by his performance of the Services under this Agreement, for any reason use for his own benefit or the benefit of any person or entity with which he may be associated or disclose any such Confidential Information to any person, firm, corporation, association or other entity for any reason or purpose whatsoever without the prior written consent of an officer of the Company.

(d)Prior Approval. Neither Party shall issue any public statements or press release concerning this Agreement or the Parties' relationship without the other Party's prior approval unless otherwise required by law.

(e)Non-Competition.  Executive Chairman acknowledges that the Services provided by Executive Chairman will enable Executive Chairman to obtain, among other things, knowledge associated with Company’s and its affiliates' businesses and will also enable Executive Chairman to form certain relationships with individuals and entities with which Company or any of its affiliates furnish its products and/or services.  Executive Chairman further acknowledges that the substantial relationships with prospective and existing customers, goodwill and other valuable proprietary interests of Company or its affiliates will cause Company to suffer irreparable and continuing damage in the event Executive Chairman competes or assists others in competing with Company or its affiliates during the Term and within two (2) years subsequent to the termination of the Agreement (the “Restrictive Period”).  Therefore, Executive Chairman agrees that during the Term of this Agreement and for a period of two (2) years thereafter, Executive Chairman will not, without the prior written consent of Company, which consent may be withheld by Company in its sole and absolute discretion, be employed or engaged directly or indirectly by a competitor of Company or its affiliates, or otherwise engage directly or indirectly in any conduct, activity, or business that competes with the business of Company or its affiliates; provided, however, that Executive Chairman shall be permitted to invest in common stock of other publicly traded entities (including those that compete with the Company or its affiliates) so long as Executive Chairman’s beneficial ownership in any such entity does not exceed 5% of the total fully diluted value of any such entity.  The phrase “directly or indirectly” shall include either as an individual or as a partner, joint venture, employee, agent, Executive Chairman, independent contractor, consultant, officer, director, stockholder, investor or otherwise.  The geographic scope of the non-competition obligations of this paragraph includes anywhere in the world where Company and its affiliates engage in business or otherwise market or sell their products or services.

8.Equitable Relief. The Company and the Executive Chairman recognize that the Services to be rendered under this Agreement by the Executive Chairman are special, unique and of extraordinary character, and that in the event of a breach or threatened breach by the Executive Chairman of the terms and conditions of this Agreement including any action in violation of Section 7, the Company shall be entitled to institute and prosecute proceedings in any court of competent jurisdiction to enjoin the

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Executive Chairman from breaching the provisions of Section 7. In such action, the Company shall not be required to plead or prove irreparable harm or lack of an adequate remedy at law or post a bond or any security.

9.Survival. Sections 7 through 18 shall survive termination of this Agreement.

10.Assignability. The rights and obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and assigns of the Company. This Agreement may not be assigned by the Executive Chairman without the prior written consent of the Company and any attempt to do so shall be void.

11.Severability. If any provision of this Agreement otherwise is deemed to be invalid or unenforceable or is prohibited by the laws of the state or jurisdiction where it is to be performed, this Agreement shall be considered divisible as to such provision and such provision shall be inoperative in such state or jurisdiction and shall not be part of the consideration moving from either of the Parties to the other. The remaining provisions of this Agreement shall be valid and binding and of like effect as though such provisions were not included. If any restriction set forth in this Agreement is deemed unreasonable in scope, it is the Parties' intent that it shall be construed in such a manner as to impose only those restrictions that are reasonable in light of the circumstances and as are necessary to assure the Company the benefits of this Agreement.

(a)Section 409A.  If any reimbursements or in-kind benefits provided by the Company pursuant to this Agreement would constitute deferred compensation for purposes of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, such reimbursements or in-kind benefits shall be subject to the following rules: (a) the amounts to be reimbursed, or the in-kind benefits to be provided, shall be determined pursuant to the terms of the applicable plan, policy or agreement and shall be limited to Executive Chairman’s lifetime; (b) the amount eligible for reimbursement, or the in-kind benefits provided, during any calendar year may not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or the in-kind benefits provided, in any other calendar year; (c) any reimbursement of an eligible expense shall be made on or before the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred; and (d) Executive Chairman’s right to an in-kind benefit or reimbursement is not subject to liquidation or exchange for cash or another benefit.

12.Notices and Addresses. All notices, offers, acceptance and any other acts under this Agreement (except payment) shall be in writing, and shall be sufficiently given if delivered to the addressees in person, by FedEx or similar overnight delivery, or electronically delivered, as follows:

 

or to such other address as either of them, by notice to the other may designate from time to time. Time shall be counted to, or from, as the case maybe, the delivery in person or by mailing.

13.Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.  The execution of this Agreement may be by actual, facsimile or pdf signature.

14.Governing Law. All claims relating to or arising out of this Agreement, or the breach thereof, whether sounding in contract, tort, or otherwise, shall also be governed by the laws of the State of Florida without regard to choice of law considerations.

15.Exclusive Jurisdiction and Venue. Any action brought by either party against the other concerning the transactions contemplated by or arising under this Agreement shall be brought only in the state or federal courts of Florida and venue shall be in the state or federal courts located in Palm Beach County. The Parties to this Agreement hereby irrevocably waive any objection to

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jurisdiction and venue of any action instituted hereunder and shall not assert any defense based on lack of jurisdiction or venue or based upon forum non conveniens.

16.Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties and supersedes all prior oral and written agreements between the Parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. Neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof may be changed, waived, discharged or terminated orally, except by a statement in writing signed by the party or Parties against whom enforcement or the change, waiver discharge or termination is sought.

17.Additional Documents. The Parties hereto shall execute such additional instruments as may be reasonably required by their counsel in order to carry out the purpose and intent of this Agreement and to fulfill the obligations of the Parties hereunder.

18.Section and Paragraph Headings. The section and paragraph headings in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

19.No Third Party Beneficiaries.  This Agreement is made and entered into for the sole protection and benefit of the parties hereto, their successors, assigns and heirs, and no other Person shall have any right or action under or based upon this Agreement.

[Signature Page to Follow]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Executive Chairman have executed this Agreement as of the date written above.

COMPANY:

 

RED VIOLET, INC.

 

 

By:/s/ Derek Dubner
DEREK DUBNER, CEO

 

 

EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN:

 

MICHAEL BRAUSER

 

 

/s/ Michael Brauser

 

 

 

[Signature Page to Executive Chairman Agreement]

 

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Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Derek Dubner, certify that:

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Daniel MacLachlan, certify that:

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT

TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the accompanying Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Red Violet, Inc. for the quarter ended June 30, 2018 (the “Report”), the undersigned hereby certifies pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to my knowledge and belief, that:

 

The certification set forth above is being furnished as an Exhibit solely pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes—Oxley Act of 2002 and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document of Red Violet, Inc. or the certifying officers.

 

 

 

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT

TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the accompanying Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Red Violet, Inc. for the quarter ended June 30, 2018 (the “Report”), the undersigned hereby certifies pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to my knowledge and belief, that:

 

The certification set forth above is being furnished as an Exhibit solely pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes—Oxley Act of 2002 and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document of Red Violet, Inc. or the certifying officers.