Financial Health - As of December 31, 2023, the company had 2,875,377, raising doubts about its ability to continue as a going concern[77]. - DLQ has negative cash flow from operating activities, with no assurance that sufficient revenues will be generated in the near future[109]. - The company has identified material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, which could impair the accuracy of financial information[83]. - DLQ's internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2023, due to material weaknesses identified[104]. - The company has identified material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting, primarily due to limited finance and accounting staffing levels[105]. - DLQ's cost structure is partially fixed, which may adversely affect profitability if revenues decline[119]. - DLQ's cost structure is partially fixed, meaning that a decline in revenues without a corresponding reduction in costs could adversely affect profitability[148]. - The company is subject to claims arising from ordinary business operations, which could result in substantial costs and divert management's attention[132]. - DLQ's insurance coverage may be insufficient to mitigate financial impacts from claims or liabilities, posing a risk to its financial position[181]. - The company may face significant costs and liabilities from security breaches, including loss of revenue and reputational damage[185]. Customer Concentration and Risks - DLQ has substantial customer concentration, with a limited number of customers accounting for a significant portion of revenues[71]. - Approximately 87% of revenues were generated from two customers for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to 55% for the year ended December 31, 2022[120]. - The company faces risks related to customer attrition and the inability to attract new customers, which could materially impact financial condition and results[122]. - DLQ's ability to maintain and acquire customers is critical; failure to do so may hinder gross margin reduction and negatively impact operating results due to competitive pressures[195]. Growth Strategy and Market Potential - DLQ's growth strategy includes expanding individual client accounts and establishing cross-selling opportunities across various products and services[55]. - The company anticipates continued growth through acquisitions but cannot predict the timing or success of these transactions[100]. - DLQ's future success is dependent on its ability to develop and successfully introduce new and enhanced products that meet customer needs[70]. - The company aims to derive more revenues from existing customers by expanding their use of DLQ products and services, which could increase usage from SMBs within the existing customer base[152]. - The medical services market was estimated at 755 billion[53]. Operational Challenges - The company is focused on providing operational efficiencies to speed up the onboarding process of new clients, which is expected to enhance business development[50]. - Future growth may strain DLQ's management and operational resources, requiring improvements in IT and financial infrastructure to avoid inefficiencies[179]. - DLQ faces intense competition for skilled employees in the digital marketing industry, which may increase operational costs and impact growth if unable to attract and retain talent[338]. - There is a risk of employee or service provider misconduct that could negatively affect DLQ's business, particularly due to the transition from digital marketing to compliance-heavy environments[340]. Compliance and Regulatory Risks - Compliance with new regulations may result in additional costs, potentially harming DLQ's reputation and operating results[131]. - Non-compliance with data protection regulations could lead to civil and criminal penalties, damaging DLQ's reputation and operational results[182]. - The company is in the process of implementing disclosure controls and procedures to ensure compliance with SEC reporting requirements, acknowledging that these controls can only provide reasonable assurance, not absolute assurance[345]. - The company has not yet developed its ESG program, which may be required by law, and failure to comply with ESG disclosure requirements could adversely impact its business and reputation[344]. - The growing integration of ESG factors in investment decisions is a new trend, and DLQ's lack of an established ESG program may lead to public perception issues[344]. Cybersecurity and Data Privacy - Cybersecurity and data privacy incidents could materially affect DLQ's results of operations and financial condition, leading to significant remediation costs and potential loss of revenue[163]. - The company is at risk of cyber-attacks, particularly from foreign entities, which could harm customer trust and lead to litigation[166]. - Compliance with evolving data privacy laws, such as the CCPA, may incur substantial costs and operational changes, potentially affecting service offerings[168]. - DLQ's operations are subject to stringent international data privacy laws, which may increase compliance costs and operational complexities[191]. - DLQ faces potential legal liabilities and reputational damage due to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data, which could negatively impact revenues and service performance[165]. Intellectual Property and Technology - The company has acquired the rights to 12 unregistered trademarks and trade names, including "DLQ, Inc." and "DataLogiq"[61]. - DLQ's success is significantly dependent on its intellectual property and proprietary rights, which are protected through various legal means, but enforcement may be challenging in foreign jurisdictions[192]. - The company relies on third-party intellectual property providers and internet bandwidth suppliers, increasing vulnerability to service disruptions that could materially harm operating results[193][194]. - The company’s proprietary technology platform, "Marble," processes lead data and is integral to its operations, highlighting the importance of technological infrastructure[207]. - Claims of intellectual property infringement could lead to significant expenses and liabilities, adversely affecting business operations[197][335]. Competitive Landscape - DLQ's customers face increasing competition, which may lead to a decline in demand for their products and pricing pressures, potentially reducing DLQ's revenues significantly[130]. - The company faces risks associated with changing technologies in the digital marketing industry, which could place DLQ at a competitive disadvantage[138]. - Changes in regulatory requirements or competitive technologies may render DLQ's products less attractive, impacting operational results[337]. - The use of open source technology poses risks, including potential litigation and restrictions on commercialization, which could adversely affect revenue[196][198]. Management and Governance - Christopher Hardt has joined the board of directors, bringing over 30 years of experience in audit, compliance, and corporate advisory, including significant expertise in SEC filings and public company governance[347]. - The company is monitoring its incentive and equity-based compensation plans through its compensation committee, which is responsible for executive compensation oversight[348]. - Unauthorized public statements by DLQ personnel could damage the company's brand and reputation, potentially impacting its financial condition and share price[341]. - There is a risk that confusion regarding compliance obligations may arise among employees and service providers, particularly in a growing company like DLQ[340].
lective Audience(CAUD) - 2023 Q4 - Annual Report