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Bridgeline Digital

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Employees 51-200
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FY2015 Annual Report · Bridgeline Digital
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UNITED STATES 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 
Washington, D.C. 20549 
Form 10-K 

(Mark One) 

☒ ANNUAL REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 

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

For the transition period from ______________ to ______________ 

Commission File Number 333-139298 
Bridgeline Digital, Inc. 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 

Delaware 
State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation 

80 Blanchard Road 
Burlington, Massachusetts 
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) 

52-2263942 
IRS Employer Identification No. 

 01803 
(Zip Code) 

(781) 376-5555 
(Registrant’s telephone number) 

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

Title of each class 
Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share 

Name of exchange on which registered 
The NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes ☐   No ☒ 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant in not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes ☐   No ☒ 

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 web site, 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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be 
contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this 
Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ☒ 

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

Large accelerated filer   ☐ 

Accelerated filer   ☐ 

Non-accelerated filer   ☐ 
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) 

Smaller reporting company  ☒ 

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

The  aggregate  market  value  of  the  voting  and  non-voting  common  equity  held  by  non-affiliates  of  the  registrant  was  approximately 
$9,566,515 based on the closing price of $2.45 of the issuer’s common stock, par value $.001 per share, as reported by the NASDAQ Stock 
Market on March 31, 2015. 

On December 8, 2015, there were 5,326,615 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding. 

DOCUMENTS  INCORPORATED  BY  REFERENCE:  Portions  of  the  definitive  proxy  statement  for  our  2015  annual  meeting  of 
stockholders, which is to be filed within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015, are incorporated by reference 
into Part III of this Form 10-K, to the extent described in Part III.  

 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
Forward Looking Statement 
Statements  contained  in  this  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  that  are  not  based  on  historical  facts  are  “forward-looking 
statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be 
identified  by  the  use  of  forward-looking  terminology  such  as  “should,”  “could,”  “may,”  “will,”  “expect,”  “believe,” 
“estimate,” “anticipate,” “intends,” “continue,” or similar terms or variations of those terms or the negative of those terms. 
These statements appear in a number of places in this Form 10-K and include statements regarding the intent, belief or 
current  expectations of  Bridgeline Digital,  Inc.  Forward-looking  statements are  merely  our  current predictions  of future 
events. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, are not guaranties of 
future performance and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from our predictions. Important 
factors  that  could  cause  actual  results  to differ  from  our predictions  include  the  impact  of  the  weakness  in  the  U.S.  and 
international economies on our business, our inability to manage our future growth effectively or profitably, fluctuations in 
our revenue and quarterly results, our license renewal rate, the impact of competition and our ability to maintain margins 
or market share, the limited market for our common stock, the volatility of the market price of our common stock, the ability 
to  raise  capital,  the  performance  of  our  products,  our  ability  to  respond  to  rapidly  evolving  technology  and  customer 
requirements,  our  ability  to  protect  our  proprietary  technology,  the  security  of  our  software,  our  dependence  on  our 
management team and key personnel, our ability to hire and retain future key personnel, or our ability to maintain an effective 
system of internal controls. Although we have sought to identify the most significant risks to our business, we cannot predict 
whether, or to what extent, any of such risks may be realized, nor is there any assurance that we have identified all possible 
issues which we might face. We assume no obligation to update our forward-looking statements to reflect new information 
or developments. We urge readers to review carefully the risk factors described herein and in the other documents that we 
file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You can read these documents at www.sec.gov. 

Where we say “we,” “us,” “our,” “Company” or “Bridgeline” or “Bridgeline Digital” we mean Bridgeline Digital, Inc.  

PART I 

Item 1. Business. 

Overview 

Bridgeline Digital, The Digital Engagement Company™, enables its customers to maximize the performance of their mission 
critical websites, intranets, and online stores. Bridgeline’s iAPPS® platform deeply integrates Web Content Management, 
eCommerce, eMarketing, Social Media management, and Web Analytics to help marketers deliver online experiences that 
attract, engage and convert their customers across all digital channels. Bridgeline’s iAPPS platform combined with its digital 
services  assists  customers  in  maximizing  on-line  revenue,  improving  customer  service  and  loyalty,  enhancing  employee 
knowledge,  and  reducing  operational  costs.  Our  iAPPSds  (“distributed  subscription”),  is  a  platform  that  empowers  large 
franchise and multi-unit organizations with state-of-the-art web engagement management while providing superior oversight 
of corporate branding. iAPPSds deeply integrates content management, eCommerce, eMarketing and web analytics and is a 
self-service web platform that is offered to each authorized franchise or dealer for a monthly subscription fee. Our iAPPSdsr 
platform, released in 2015, targets the growing multi-unit organizations with 10-500 locations providing them with powerful 
web engagement tools while maintaining corporate brand control and consistency.  

The iAPPS platform is delivered through a cloud-based SaaS (“Software as a Service”) multi-tenant business model, whose 
flexible architecture provides customers with state of the art deployment providing maintenance, daily technical operation 
and support; or via a traditional perpetual licensing business model, in which the iAPPS software resides on a dedicated 
server in either the customer’s facility or Bridgeline’s Tier 1 co-managed hosting facility. 

The iAPPS Platform is an award-winning application recognized around the globe. Our teams of Microsoft Gold© certified 
developers have won over 100 industry related awards. In 2015, the SIIA (Software and Information Industry Association) 
awarded iAPPS Content Manager, the 2015 SIIA CODiE Award for Best Web Content Management Platform. Also in 2015, 
EContent magazine named iAPPS Digital Engagement Platform to its Trendsetting Products list. The list of 75 products and 
platforms  was  compiled  by  EContent’s  editorial  staff,  and  selections  were  based  on  each  offering’s  uniqueness  and 
importance to digital publishing, media, and marketing. We were also recognized in 2015 as a strong performer by Forrester 
Research, Inc in its independence report, “The Forrester Wave ™: Through-Channel Marketing Automation Platforms, Q3 
2015.” In recent years, our iAPPS Content Manager and iAPPS Commerce products were selected as finalists for the 2014, 
2013, and 2012 CODiE Awards for Best Content Management Solution and Best Electronic Commerce Solution, globally. 
In  2014  and  2013,  Bridgeline  Digital  won  twenty-five  Horizon  Interactive  Awards  for  outstanding  development  of  web 
applications  and  websites.  Also  in  2013,  the  Web  Marketing  Association  sponsored  Internet  Advertising  Competition 
honored Bridgeline Digital with three awards for iAPPS customer websites and B2B Magazine selected Bridgeline Digital 
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as one of the Top Interactive Technology companies in the United States. KMWorld Magazine Editors selected Bridgeline 
Digital as one of the 100 Companies That Matter in Knowledge Management and also selected iAPPS as a Trend Setting 
Product in 2013. 

Bridgeline Digital was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware on August 28, 2000. 

Locations 

The Company’s corporate office is in Burlington, Massachusetts. The Company maintains regional field offices serving the 
following geographical locations: Atlanta, GA; Baltimore, MD; Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Denver, CO; New 
York, NY; San Luis Obispo, CA; and Tampa, FL. The Company has one wholly-owned subsidiary, Bridgeline Digital Pvt. 
Ltd. located in Bangalore, India.  

Products and Services 

Products 

iAPPS Platform 

Subscription and Perpetual Licenses 

Revenue  from  sales  of  both  on-demand  SaaS  web  tools  and  perpetual  licenses  is  reported  as  subscription  and  perpetual 
licenses in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. 

The iAPPS platform provides a unified common set of shared software modules that are critical to today’s mission critical 
websites, on-line stores, intranets, extranets, and portals. The iAPPS platform empowers companies and developers to create 
websites,  web  applications  and  online  stores  with  advanced  business  logic,  state-of-the-art  graphical  user  interfaces,  and 
improved quality. 

The  iAPPS  platform  is  a  Web  Engagement  Management  (WEM)  platform  that  unifies  web  content  management,  web 
Analytics, eCommerce, social media management and eMarketing capabilities deep within the websites, intranets or online 
stores in which they reside, enabling customers to enhance and optimize the value of their web properties and better engage 
their  website  users.  The  iAPPS  platform  significantly  enhances  WEM  and  Customer  Experience  Management  (CXM) 
capabilities. 

The iAPPSds platform was built specifically to support the needs of multi-unit organizations and franchises, Bridgeline's 
cloud-based  platform  allows  companies  to  execute  local  marketing  plans,  follow  SEO  best  practices,  drive  eCommerce 
initiatives, and measure results with actionable analytics.  

The iAPPS suite of products includes: 

● 

● 

iAPPS Content Manager allows non-technical users to create, edit, and publish content via a browser-based interface. 
The advanced, easy-to-use interface allows businesses to keep content and promotions fresh - whether for a public 
commercial  site  or  a  company  intranet.  iAPPS  Content  Manager  handles  the  presentation  of  content  based  on  a 
sophisticated indexing and security scheme that includes management of front-end access to online applications. The 
system provides a robust library functionality to manage permissions, versions and organization of different content 
types,  including  multimedia  files  and  images.  Administrators  are  able  to  easily  configure  a  simple  or  advanced 
workflow. The system can accommodate the complexity of larger companies with strict regulatory policies. iAPPS 
Content Manager is uniquely integrated and unified with iAPPS Analyzer, iAPPS Commerce, and iAPPS Marketier; 
providing our customers with precise information, accurate results, expansion options, and stronger user adoption. 

iAPPS  Commerce  is  an online  B2B  and  B2C  eCommerce  solution  that  allows users  to  maximize  and  manage  all 
aspects of their domestic and international Commerce initiatives. The customizable dashboard provides customers with 
a real-time overview of the performance of their online stores, including sales trends, demographics, profit margins, 
inventory levels, inventory alerts, fulfillment deficiencies, average check out times, potential production issues, and 
delivery  times.  iAPPS  Commerce  also  provides  backend  access  to  payment  and  shipping  gateways.  In  combining 
iAPPS Commerce with iAPPS Analyzer and iAPPS Marketier, our customers can take their Commerce initiatives to 
an advanced level by personalizing their product offerings, improving their marketing effectiveness, providing value- 

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● 

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added services and cross selling additional products. iAPPS Commerce is uniquely integrated and unified with iAPPS 
Analyzer, iAPPS Content Manager, and iAPPS Marketier; providing our customers with precise information, more 
accurate results, expansion options, and stronger user adoption. 

iAPPS Marketier is a marketing lifecycle management solution that includes customer transaction analysis, email 
management, surveys and polls, event registration and issue tracking to measure campaign return on investment and 
client satisfaction. Website content and user profiling is leveraged to deliver targeted campaigns and stronger customer 
relationships. The email management features provide comprehensive reporting capabilities including success rate, and 
recipient  activity  such  as  click-thrus  and  opt-outs.  iAPPS Marketier  integrates  with  leading  Customer  Relationship 
Management  (CRM’s)  systems  such  as  Salesforce.com  and  leading  ad  banner  engines  such  as  Google.  iAPPS 
Marketier is uniquely integrated and unified with iAPPS Analyzer, iAPPS Content Manager, and iAPPS Commerce; 
providing customers with precise information, accurate results, expansion options, and stronger user adoption. 

iAPPS Analyzer provides the ability to manage, measure and optimize web properties by recording detailed events 
and subsequently mine data within a web application for statistical analysis. Our customers have access to information 
regarding where their visitors are coming from, what content and products their viewers are most interested in, and 
how they navigate through a particular web application. Through user-definable web reports, iAPPS Analytics provides 
deep insight into areas like visitor usage, content access, age of content, actions taken, and event triggers, and reports 
on both client and server-side events. iAPPS Analyzer’s smart recommendation engine uses this data and identifies 
actionable solutions enabling our customers to optimize site content and reach their digital campaign goals. There are 
over 20 standard web reports that come with iAPPS Analyzer. iAPPS Analyzer is uniquely integrated and unified with 
iAPPS Content Manager, iAPPS Commerce, and iAPPS Marketier; providing our customers with precise information, 
accurate results, expansion options, and stronger user adoption. 

iAPPSds is a web content management and eCommerce platform built specifically to support the needs of multi-unit 
organizations  and  franchises.  iAPPSds  deeply  integrates  content  management,  eCommerce,  eMarketing,  and  web
analytics and is a self-service web platform that is offered to each authorized franchise or multi-unit organization for a 
monthly subscription fee. iAPPSds acts as a control center for a large organization’s distributed websites enabling local
content publishing that is managed through a workflow approval process that gives corporate marketing control of the
brand  and  message.  iAPPSds  also  supports  responsive  design  that  adapts  to  specific  device  screen  sizes  access  a
website, driving more positive user experiences and engagement. iAPPSds is a cloud based SaaS solution. iAPPSdsr
is a web content management and eCommerce platform, released in 2015, and is targeted towards growing multi-unit 
organizations with 10-500 locations providing them with powerful web engagement tools while maintaining corporate 
brand control and consistency. iAPPSdsr provides a quick to market solution while leveraging all iAPPSdsr powerful
offerings referenced above. iAPPSdsr is a cloud based SaaS solution. 

iAPPS Social is a social media management solution that empowers customers to easily set up customized watch lists 
tailored  by  social  network,  topic,  or  author  to  monitor  relevant  conversations  happening  on  social  media,  popular 
websites and blogs. Customers can also prioritize and engage in conversations across the web without ever exiting the 
iAPPS dashboard and leverage the power of publishing content to department, dealer, franchise or other social media 
accounts. 

Services 

Revenue from Digital Engagement Services 

Revenue from all digital engagement services is reported as digital engagement services in the accompanying consolidated 
financial statements. 

Digital Engagement Services 

Digital  engagement  services address  specific  customer  needs  such  as  digital  strategy, web design  and  web development, 
usability engineering, information architecture, and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for their mission critical web site, 
intranet or online store. Application development engagements are often sold as part of a multiple element arrangement that 
includes  our  software  products,  hosting  arrangements  (i.e.  Managed  Service  Hosting)  that  provide  for  the  use  of  certain 
hardware and infrastructure at one of our co-managed network operating centers, or retained professional services subsequent 
to completion of the application development. 

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Digital Strategy Services 

Bridgeline  helps  customers  maximize  the  effectiveness  of  their  online  marketing  activities  to  ensure  that  their  web 
applications can be exposed to the potential customers that use search engines to locate products and services. Bridgeline’s 
SEO  services  include  competitive  analysis,  website  review,  keyword  generation,  proprietary  leading  page  technology, 
ongoing registration, monthly reports, and monitoring. Bridgeline’s web analytics experts offer consulting and assistance in 
implementing iAPPS Analyzer or any other type of web analytics package. 

Usability Design 

By integrating usability into traditional development life cycles, we believe our usability experts can significantly enhance a 
user’s  experience.  Our  usability  professionals  provide  the  following  services:  usability  audits,  information  architecture, 
process  analysis  and  optimization,  interface  design  and  user  testing.  Our  systematic  and  user-centered  approach  to 
application development focuses on developing applications that are intuitive, accessible, engaging, and effective. Our goal 
is to produce a net effect of increased traffic, improved visitor retention, increased user productivity, reduced user error, lower 
support cost, and reduced long-term development cost. 

Information Architecture 

Information  Architecture  is  a  design  methodology  focused  on  structuring  information  to  ensure  that  users  can  find  the 
appropriate data and can complete their desired transactions within a website or application. Understanding users and the 
context in which users will be initiating with a web application is central to information architecture. Information architects 
try to put themselves in the position of a typical user of an application to better understand a user’s characteristics, behaviors, 
intentions and motivations. At the same time, the information architect develops an understanding of a web application’s 
functionality  and  data  structures.  The  understanding  of  these  components  enables  the  architect  to  make  customer  centric 
decisions about the end user and then translate those decisions into site maps, wire frames and clickable prototypes. 

Information architecture forms the foundation of a web application’s usability. The extent to which a web application is user-
friendly  and  is  widely  adopted  by  a  user  base  is  primarily  dependent  on  the  success  of  the  information  architecture. 
Information architecture defines how well users can navigate through a website or application and how easily they can find 
the  desired  information  or  function.  As  digital  engagement  becomes  more  standard  and  commoditized,  information 
architecture will increase as a differentiator for application developers. 

Managed Service Hosting 

Revenue from Managed Service Hosting 

Revenue from managed service hosting is reported as managed service hosting in the accompanying consolidated financial 
statements. 

A large number of our customers engage Bridgeline to host and manage the mission critical web sites and web stores we 
develop. Through our partnerships with Internap and Saavis, Tier 1 secured data centers, we offer co-location services in 
state-of-the-art  facilities.  We  provide  24/7  application  monitoring,  emergency  response,  version  control,  load  balancing, 
managed firewall security, and virus protection services. We provide shared hosting, dedicated hosting, and SaaS hosting for 
our customers. 

Sales and Marketing 

Overview 

Bridgeline employs a direct sales force to sell enterprise iAPPS engagements and each sale takes on average 3-6 months to 
complete. Our direct sales force focuses its efforts selling to mid-sized and large companies. These companies are generally 
categorized  in  the  following  vertical  markets:  financial  services,  retail  brand  names,  health  services  and  life  sciences, 
technology (software and hardware), credit unions and regional banks, as well as associations and foundations. 

Bridgeline  also  employs  a  direct  sales  force  to  sell  iAPPSds  and  iAPPSdsr  engagements  to  franchises  and  multi-unit 
organizations. Each sale in the iAPPSds vertical market takes on average approximately one year to complete and in the 
iAPPSdsr vertical market approximately 3-6 months to complete.  

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Strategic Alliances 

We  have  dedicated  business  development  professionals  whose  mission  is  to  identify  and  establish  strategic  alliances  for 
iAPPS  and  iAPPSds.  We  maintain  a  strategic  alliance  with  UPS  Logistics,  which  began  in  2012.  Bridgeline  and  UPS 
Logistics  signed  a  multi-year  agreement  to  offer  B2B  and  B2C  eCommerce  web  stores  with  an  end-to-end  eCommerce 
offering  comprised  of  Bridgeline’s  eCommerce  Fulfilled™  solution  and  UPS  Logistics  and  fulfillment  services.  The 
combined Bridgeline and UPS Logistics offering provides customers with the ability to manage the eCommerce and supply 
chain fulfillment needs and was designed to benefit mid-market and larger online web stores who seek end to end solutions.  

Also in 2012, Bridgeline signed a multi-year agreement with The UPS Stores, a national franchise network of over 4,300 
locations who license the iAPPSds platform.  

We continue to pursue other significant strategic alliances that will enhance the sales and distribution opportunities of iAPPS 
related intellectual property.  

Engagement Methodology 

We use an accountable, strategic engagement process developed specifically for target companies that require a technology 
based professional approach. We believe it is critical to qualify each opportunity and to assure our skill set and tools match 
up  well  with  customer’s  needs.  As  an  essential  part  of  every  engagement,  we  believe  our  engagement  methodology 
streamlines our customer qualification process, strengthens our customer relationships, ensures our skill set and tools match 
the customer’s needs, and results in the submission of targeted proposals. 

Organic Growth from Existing Customer Base 

We have specific proactive programs that consistently market our iAPPS platform and interactive development capabilities. 
Our business development professionals seek ongoing business opportunities within our existing customer base and within 
other operating divisions or subsidiaries of our existing customer base. 

New Customer Acquisition 

We identify customers within our vertical expertise (financial services, franchise/dealer networks, retail brand names, health 
services and life sciences, high technology, credit unions and regional banks, as well as associations and foundations). Our 
business  development  professionals  create  an  annual  territory  plan  identifying  various  strategies  to  engage  our  target 
customers.  

Customer Retention Programs 

We use digital marketing capabilities when marketing to our customer base. We make available via email and on our website 
Bridgeline  authored  Whitepapers,  featured  case  studies,  and/or  Company  related  announcements  to  our  customers  on  a 
bimonthly basis. We also host educational on-line webinars, face to face seminars and training. 

New Lead Generation Programs 

We generate targeted leads and new business opportunities by leveraging on-line marketing strategies. We receive leads by 
maximizing the SEO capabilities of our own website. Through our website, we provide various educational Whitepapers and 
promote upcoming on-line seminars. In addition, we utilize banner advertisements on various independent newsletters and 
paid search advertisements that are linked to our website. We also participate and exhibit at targeted events. 

Social Media Programs 

We market Bridgeline’s upcoming events, Whitepapers, blogs, case studies, digital product tutorials, announcements, and 
related articles frequently on leading social media platforms such as Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Facebook. 

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Acquisitions 

There were no acquisitions during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. 

Research and Development 

We have a strong commitment to research and development activities focusing on creating new products and innovations, 
product enhancements, and funding future market opportunities. In fiscal 2015 and 2014, research and development expenses 
were $1.9 million, or 10% of revenues, and $2.4 million, or 10% of revenues, respectively.  

Employees 

We have 91 employees worldwide as of September 30, 2015. Substantially all of those employees are full time employees. 

Customers 

We  primarily  serve  the  following  vertical  markets  that  we  believe  have  a  history of  investing  in  information  technology 
enhancements and initiatives as follows: 

●  Financial Services 
●  Franchises/Multi-unit Organizations 
●  Retail Brand Names 
●  Health Services and Life Sciences 
●  Technology (software and hardware) 

    ●  Credit Unions and Regional Banks 
●  Associations and Foundations 

For the years ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, no customer generated more than 10% of our revenue.  

Competition 

The markets for our products and services, including software for web content management, eCommerce platform software, 
eMarketing software, web analytics software and digital engagement services are highly competitive, fragmented, and rapidly 
changing. Barriers to entry in such markets remain relatively low. The markets are significantly affected by new product 
introductions  and  other  market  activities  of  industry  participants.  With  the  introduction  of  new  technologies  and  market 
entrants, we expect competition to persist and intensify in the future. 

We believe we compete adequately with others and we distinguish ourselves from our competitors in a number of ways:  

   ●  We believe our competitors generally offer their web application software typically as a single point of entry type 
product (such as content management only, or commerce only) as compared to the deeply integrated approach as 
provided by the iAPPS platform.  

   ●  We believe our competitors can generally only deploy their solutions in either a Cloud/SaaS environment or in a 
dedicated  server  environment.  The  iAPPS platform’s  architecture  is flexible  and  is  capable  of  being  deployed  in 
either a Cloud/SaaS or dedicated server environment. 

   ●  We  believe  the  majority  of  our  competitors  do  not  provide  interactive  technology  development  services  that 
complement their software products. Our ability to develop mission critical web sites and online stores on our own 
deeply integrated iAPPS platform providing a quality end-to-end solution that distinguishes us from our competitors. 

   ●  We believe the interface of the iAPPS platform has been designed for ease of use without substantial technical skills. 

   ●  Finally,  we  believe  the  iAPPS  platform  offers  a  competitive  price-to-functionality  ratio  when  compared  to  our 

competitors. 

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Available Information 

This Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, along 
with any amendments to those reports, are made available upon request, on our website www.bridgeline.com as soon as 
reasonably  practicable  after  such  material  is  electronically  filed  with  or  furnished  to  the  Securities  and  Exchange 
Commission. Copies of the following are also available through our website on the “About Us - Investor Information” page 
under the caption “Governance” and are available in print to any shareholder who requests it: 

   ● Code of Business Ethics  

● Committee Charters for the following Board Committees: 
o Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee 
o Audit Committee 
o Compensation Committee 

The public may read and copy any materials that we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth 
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Information regarding the SEC’s Public Reference Room can be obtained by calling 
the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, 
and other information and can be found at http://www.sec.gov. 

Item 1A. Risk Factors 

This report contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, such as statements of our objectives, 
expectations and intentions. The cautionary statements made in this report are applicable to all forward-looking statements 
wherever they appear in this report. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed herein. In addition to the 
risks discussed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” our business 
is subject to the risks set forth below. 

We operate in a rapidly changing environment that involves certain risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond our 
control. The risks described below are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to 
us or that we currently deem to be immaterial may also materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or 
operating results. 

If we are unable to manage our future growth efficiently, our business, liquidity, revenues and profitability may suffer. 

We anticipate that continued expansion of our core business will require us to address potential market opportunities. For 
example, we may need to expand the size of our research and development, sales, corporate finance or operations staff. There 
can be no assurance that our infrastructure will be sufficiently flexible and adaptable to manage our projected growth or that 
we will have sufficient resources, human or otherwise, to sustain such growth. If we are unable to adequately address these 
additional demands on our resources, our profitability and growth might suffer. Also, if we continue to expand our operations, 
management might not be effective in expanding our physical facilities and our systems, procedures or controls might not be 
adequate to support such expansion. Our inability to manage our growth could harm our business and decrease our revenues. 

We  may  also  require  additional  funding  to  further  expand  our  operations.  We  currently  have  a  borrowing  facility  with 
BridgeBank from which we can borrow, and this line is subject to financial covenants that must be met. It is not certain that 
all or part of this line will be available to us in the future. We also depend on other sources of financing and this may not be 
available to us in a timely basis if at all, or on terms acceptable to us. If we fail to obtain acceptable funding when needed, 
we may not have sufficient resources to fund our normal operations, and this would have a material adverse effect on our 
business.  

7 

 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
Our revenue and quarterly results may fluctuate, which could adversely affect our stock price. 

We have experienced, and may in the future experience, significant fluctuations in our quarterly operating results that may 
be caused by many factors. These factors include: 

   ●  changes in demand for our products; 
   ●  introduction, enhancement or announcement of products by us or our competitors; 
   ●  market acceptance of our new products; 
   ●  the growth rates of certain market segments in which we compete; 
   ●  size and timing of significant orders; 
   ●  budgeting cycles of customers; 
   ●  mix of products and services sold; 
   ●  changes in the level of operating expenses; 
   ●  completion or announcement of acquisitions; and 
   ●  general economic conditions in regions in which we conduct business. 

The length of our sales cycle can fluctuate significantly which could result in significant fluctuations in license revenues 
being recognized from quarter to quarter.  

The decision  by  a  customer  to purchase our  products often  involves  the  development  of  a  complex  implementation  plan 
across  a  customer’s  business.  This  process  often  requires  a  significant  commitment  of  resources  both  by  prospective 
customers and us. Given the significant investment and commitment of resources required in order to implement our software, 
it may take several months, or even several quarters, for marketing opportunities to materialize. If a customer's decision to 
purchase our products is delayed or if the installation of our products takes longer than originally anticipated, the date on 
which we may recognize revenues from these sales would be delayed. Such delays and fluctuations could cause our revenues 
to be lower than expected in a particular period and we may not be able to adjust our costs quickly enough to offset such 
lower revenue, potentially negatively impacting our results of operations. 

Because most of our licenses are renewable on an annual basis, a reduction in our license renewal rate could reduce our 
revenue. 

Our customers have no obligation to renew their annual subscription licenses, and some customers have elected not to do so. 
Our license renewal rates may decline or fluctuate as a result of a number of factors, including customer dissatisfaction with 
our products and services, our failure to update our products to maintain their attractiveness in the market, or constraints or 
changes in budget priorities faced by our customers. A decline in license renewal rates could cause our revenue to decline 
which would have a material adverse effect on our operations. 

We face intense and growing competition, which could result in price reductions, reduced operating margins and loss of 
market share. 

We operate in a highly competitive marketplace and generally encounter intense competition to create and maintain demand 
for  our  services  and  to  obtain  service  contracts.  If  we  are  unable  to  successfully  compete  for  new  business  and  license 
renewals, our revenue growth and operating margins may decline. The market for our iAPPS platform (Content Manager, 
Analyzer, eCommerce, Marketier, Social) and web development services are competitive and rapidly changing. Barriers to 
entry  in  such  markets  are  relatively  low.  With  the  introduction  of  new  technologies  and  market  entrants,  we  expect 
competition to intensify in the future. Some of our principal competitors offer their products at a lower price, which may 
result in pricing pressures. Such pricing pressures and increased competition generally could result in reduced sales, reduced 
margins or the failure of our product and service offerings to achieve or maintain more widespread market acceptance. 

The web development/services market is highly fragmented with a large number of competitors and potential competitors. 
Our prominent public company competitors are Open Text, Demandware, Sitecore, Episerver, and Big Commerce. We face 
competition from customers and potential customers who develop their own applications internally. We also face competition 
from potential competitors that are substantially larger than we are and who have significantly greater financial, technical 
and marketing resources, and established direct and indirect channels of distribution. As a result, they are able to devote 
greater resources to the development, promotion and sale of their products than we can. 

8 

 
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
There may be a limited market for our common stock which may make it more difficult for you to sell your stock and 
which may reduce the market price of our common stock. 

The average shares traded per day in fiscal 2015 was approximately 15,000 shares per day compared to approximately 20,000 
for fiscal 2014. If our average trading volume of our common stock continues to decrease it may impair the ability of holders 
of our common stock to sell their shares at the time they wish to sell them or at a price that they consider reasonable. The low 
trading volume  may  also  reduce  the fair  market value of the  shares of our  common  stock.  Accordingly,  there  can be  no 
assurance that the price of our common stock will reflect our actual value. There can be no assurance that the daily trading 
volume of our common stock will increase or improve either now or in the future. 

The market price of our common stock is volatile which could adversely affect your investment in our common stock. 

The  market price  of our  common  stock  is volatile  and  could  fluctuate significantly  for  many  reasons,  including, without 
limitation: as a result of the risk factors listed in this annual report on Form 10-K; actual or anticipated fluctuations in our 
operating results; and general economic and industry conditions. During fiscal 2015, the closing price of our common stock 
as reported by NASDAQ fluctuated between $1.15 and $3.80. 

If our products fail to perform properly due to undetected errors or similar problems, our business could suffer, and we 
could face product liability exposure. 

We develop and sell complex web engagement software which may contain undetected errors, or bugs. Such errors can be 
detected at any point in a product’s life cycle, but are frequently found after introduction of new software or enhancements 
to existing software. We continually introduce new products and new versions of our products. Despite internal testing and 
testing by current and potential customers, our current and future products may contain serious defects. If we detect any errors 
before we ship a product, we might have to delay product shipment for an extended period of time while we address the 
problem. We might not discover software errors that affect our new or current products or enhancements until after they are 
deployed, and we may need to provide enhancements to correct such errors. Therefore, it is possible that, despite our testing, 
errors may occur in our software. These errors could result in the following: 

lost sales; 

   ●  harm to our reputation; 
   ● 
   ●  delays in commercial release; 
   ●  product liability claims; 
   ●  contractual disputes; 
   ●  negative publicity; 
   ●  delays in or loss of market acceptance of our products; 
   ● 
   ●  unexpected expenses and diversion of resources to remedy errors. 

license terminations or renegotiations; or 

Furthermore, our customers may use our software together with products from other companies. As a result, when problems 
occur, it might be difficult to identify the source of the problem. Even when our software does not cause these problems, the 
existence of these errors might cause us to incur significant costs, divert the attention of our technical personnel from our 
product development efforts, impact our reputation, or cause significant customer relations problems. 

Technology and customer requirements evolve rapidly in our industry, and if we do not continue to develop new products 
and enhance our existing products in response to these changes, our business could suffer. 

We will need to continue to enhance our products in order to maintain our competitive position. We may not be successful 
in developing and marketing enhancements to our products on a timely basis, and any enhancements we develop may not 
adequately address the changing needs of the marketplace. Overlaying the risks associated with our existing products and 
enhancements are ongoing technological developments and rapid changes in customer requirements. Our future success will 
depend upon  our  ability  to  develop  and  introduce  in  a  timely  manner new products  that  take  advantage  of  technological 
advances  and  respond  to  new  customer  requirements.  The  development  of  new  products  is  increasingly  complex  and 
uncertain, which increases the risk of delays. We may not be successful in developing new products and incorporating new 
technology on a timely basis, and any new products may  not adequately address the changing needs of the marketplace. 
Failure to develop new products and product enhancements that meet market needs in a timely manner could have a material 
adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. 

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If we are unable to protect our proprietary technology and other intellectual property rights, our ability to compete in the 
marketplace may be substantially reduced. 

If we are unable to protect our intellectual property, our competitors could use our intellectual property to market products 
similar  to  our  products,  which  could  decrease  demand  for  such  products,  thus  decreasing  our  revenue.  We  rely  on  a 
combination  of  copyright,  trademark  and  trade  secret  laws,  as  well  as  licensing  agreements,  third-party  non-disclosure 
agreements and other contractual measures, to protect our intellectual property rights. These protections may not be adequate 
to prevent our competitors from copying or reverse-engineering our products. Our competitors may independently develop 
technologies that are substantially similar or superior to our technology. To protect our trade secrets and other proprietary 
information, we require employees, consultants, advisors and collaborators to enter into confidentiality agreements. These 
agreements may not provide meaningful protection for our trade secrets, know-how or other proprietary information in the 
event  of  any  unauthorized  use,  misappropriation  or  disclosure  of  such  trade  secrets,  know-how  or  other  proprietary 
information. The protective mechanisms we include in our products may not be sufficient to prevent unauthorized copying. 
Existing copyright laws afford only limited protection for our intellectual property rights and may not protect such rights in 
the event competitors independently develop similar products. In addition, the laws of some countries in which our products 
are or may be licensed do not protect our products and intellectual property rights to the same extent as do the laws of the 
United States. 

Policing unauthorized use of our products is difficult, and litigation could become necessary in the future to enforce our 
intellectual property rights. Any litigation could be time consuming and expensive to prosecute or resolve, result in substantial 
diversion of management attention and resources, and materially harm our business or financial condition. 

If a third party asserts that we infringe upon its proprietary rights, we could be required to redesign our products, pay 
significant royalties or enter into license agreements. 

Claims of infringement are becoming increasingly common as the software industry develops and as related legal protections, 
including but not limited to patents, are applied to software products. Although we do not believe that our products infringe 
on the rights of third parties, a third party may assert that our technology or technologies of entities we acquire violates its 
intellectual  property  rights.  As  the  number  of  software  products  in  our  markets  increases  and  the  functionality  of  these 
products further overlap, we believe that infringement claims will become more common. Any claims against us, regardless 
of their merit, could: 

   ●  be expensive and time consuming to defend; 
   ●  result in negative publicity; 
   ●  force us to stop licensing our products that incorporate the challenged intellectual property;  
   ●  require us to redesign our products;  
   ●  divert management’s attention and our other resources; and or  
   ●  require us to enter into royalty or licensing agreements in order to obtain the right to use necessary technologies, which 

may not be available on terms acceptable to us, if at all. 

We believe that any successful challenge to our use of a trademark or domain name could substantially diminish our ability 
to conduct business in a particular market or jurisdiction and thus decrease our revenue and result in possible losses to our 
business. 

If the security of our software, in particular the hosted Internet solutions products we have developed, is breached, our 
business and reputation could suffer. 

Fundamental to the use of our products is the secure collection, storage and transmission of confidential information. Third 
parties may attempt to breach our security or that of our customers and their databases. We might be liable to our customers 
for any breach in such security, and any breach could harm our customers, our business and reputation. Any imposition of 
liability, particularly liability that is not covered by insurance or is in excess of insurance coverage, could harm our reputation, 
business  and  operating  results.  Computers,  including  those  that  utilize  our  software,  are  vulnerable  to  computer  viruses, 
physical or electronic break-ins and similar disruptions, which could lead to interruptions, delays or loss of data. We might 
be required to expend significant capital and other resources to protect further against security breaches or to rectify problems 
caused  by  any  security  breach,  which,  in  turn  could  divert  funds  available  for  corporate  growth  and  expansion  or  future 
acquisitions. 

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If our co-managed network operations center that houses our iAPPS SaaS environment and managed service hosting 
were to experience a disruption in service, our business and reputation could suffer. 

We  host  our  SaaS  and  managed  hosting  customers  from  our  co-managed  Network  Operation  Center  (“NOC”),  which  is 
operated by a third-party. While we have ownership control and have access to our servers and all of the components of our 
network operation center, we do not control the operation of the Tier 1 data facility. Our data facility lease automatically 
renews each year. If upon renewal date our third-party provider does not provide commercially reasonable terms, we may be 
required  to  transfer  our  servers  to  a  new  data  center  facility,  and  we  may  incur  significant  costs  and  possible  service 
interruption in connection with doing so.  

Problems faced by our third-party data center location, with the telecommunications network providers with whom we or 
they  contract,  or  with  the  systems  by  which  our  telecommunications  providers  allocate  capacity  among  their  customers, 
including us, could adversely affect the experience of our customers. Our third-party data center operator could decide to 
close their facilities without adequate notice. In addition, any financial difficulties, such as bankruptcy, faced by our third-
party data center operators or any of the service providers with whom we or they contract may have negative effects on our 
business, the nature and extent of which are difficult to predict. Additionally, if our data center is unable to keep up with our 
growing needs for capacity, this could have an adverse effect on our business. Any changes in third-party service levels at 
our  data  centers  or  any  errors,  defects,  disruptions,  or  other  performance  problems  with  our  services  could  harm  our 
reputation. Interruptions in our services might reduce our revenue, cause us to issue credits or refunds to customers, subject 
us to potential liability, or harm our renewal rates. 

We are dependent upon our management team, and the loss of any of these individuals could harm our business. 

We are dependent on the efforts of our key management personnel. The loss of any of our key management personnel, or our 
inability  to  recruit  and  train  additional  key  management  and  other  personnel  in  a  timely  manner,  could  materially  and 
adversely affect our business, operations and future prospects. We do not maintain a key man insurance policy covering any 
of our employees.  

Because competition for highly qualified personnel is intense, we might not be able to attract and retain the employees we 
need to support our planned growth. 

We will need to increase the size and maintain the quality of our sales force, software development staff and professional 
services  organization  to  execute  our  growth  plans.  To  meet  our  objectives,  we  must  attract  and  retain  highly  qualified 
personnel with specialized skill sets. Competition for qualified personnel can be intense, and we might not be successful in 
attracting and retaining them. Our ability to maintain and expand our sales, product development and professional services 
teams will depend on our ability to recruit, train and retain top quality people with advanced skills who understand sales to, 
and the specific needs of, our target customers. For these reasons, we have experienced, and we expect to again experience 
in the future, challenges in hiring and retaining highly skilled employees with appropriate qualifications for our business. In 
addition to hiring services personnel to meet our needs, we may also engage additional third-party consultants as contractors, 
which could have a negative impact on our financial results. If we are unable to hire or retain qualified personnel, or if newly 
hired personnel fail to develop the necessary skills or reach productivity slower than anticipated, it would be more difficult 
for us to sell our products and services, and we could experience a shortfall in revenue and not achieve our planned growth. 

Future acquisitions may be difficult to integrate into our existing operations, may disrupt our business, dilute stockholder 
value, divert management’s attention, or negatively affect our operating results. 

We have acquired multiple businesses since our inception in 2000. A key element of our growth and market share expansion 
strategy has been the pursuit of additional acquisitions in the fragmented digital engagement industry in the future. These 
future acquisitions may create risks such as: (i) the need to integrate and manage the businesses and products acquired with 
our own business and products; (ii) additional demands on our resources, systems, procedures and controls; (iii) disruption 
of our ongoing business; (iv) unknown liabilities associated with the acquired businesses; and (v) diversion of management's 
attention  from  other  business  concerns.  In  addition,  future  acquisitions  could  involve  substantial  investment  of  funds  or 
financings by issuance of debt or equity securities and could result in one-time charges and expenses and have the potential 
to either dilute the interests of existing shareholders or result in the issuance of or assumption of debt. Any such acquisition 
may not be successful in generating revenues, income or other returns to us, and the resources committed to such activities 
will not be available to us for other purposes. Moreover, if we are unable to access capital markets on acceptable terms or at 
all, we may not be able to consummate acquisitions, or may have to do so based upon less than optimal capital structure. Our 
inability  to  take  advantage  of  growth  opportunities  for  our  business  or  to  address  risks  associated  with  acquisitions  or 
investments in businesses may negatively affect our operating results. Additionally, any impairment of goodwill or other 
11 

 
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
intangible assets acquired in an acquisition or in an investment, or charges to earnings associated with any acquisition or 
investment activity, may materially reduce our earnings which, in turn, may have an adverse material effect on the price of 
our common stock. 

Increasing government regulation could affect our business and may adversely affect our financial condition. 

We are subject not only to regulations applicable to businesses generally, but also to laws and regulations directly applicable 
to electronic commerce. Although there are currently few such laws and regulations, state, federal and foreign governments 
may adopt laws and regulations applicable to our business. Any such legislation or regulation could dampen the growth of 
the Internet and decrease its acceptance. If such a decline occurs, companies may choose in the future not to use our products 
and services. Any new laws or regulations in the following areas could affect our business: 

the pricing and taxation of goods and services offered over the Internet; 
the content of websites; 

   ●  user privacy; 
   ● 
   ● 
   ●  copyrights; 
   ●  consumer  protection,  including  the  potential  application  of  “do  not  call”  registry  requirements  on  customers  and 

consumer backlash in general to direct marketing efforts of customers; 
the online distribution of specific material or content over the Internet; or 
the characteristics and quality of products and services offered over the Internet. 

   ● 
   ● 

We have never paid dividends and we do not anticipate paying dividends in the future. 

We have never paid cash dividends and do not believe that we will pay any cash dividends on our common stock in the future. 
Since we have no plan to pay cash dividends, an investor would only realize income from his investment in our shares if 
there is a rise in the market price of our common stock, which is uncertain and unpredictable. 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments 

Not required.  

Item 2. Properties. 

The following table lists our offices, all of which are leased:  

Geographic Location 

  Atlanta, Georgia 

  Baltimore, Maryland 

  Bangalore, India 

  Boston, Massachusetts 

  Chicago, Illinois 

  Dallas, Texas 

  Denver, Colorado 

  New York, New York 

  San Luis Obispo, California 

  Tampa, Florida 

Address 
5555 Triangle Parkway 
Norcross, Georgia 30092 
6700 Alexander Bell Dr. 
Baltimore, Maryland 21046 
Bagmane Tech Park 
Bangalore 560 093 
80 Blanchard Road 
Burlington, Massachusetts 01803 
30 N. LaSalle Street, 20th Floor 
Chicago, IL  60602 
6860 North Dallas Parkway 
Plano, TX 75024 
410 17th Street, Suite 600 
Denver, CO  80202 
54 W. 40th Street 
New York, NY 10018 
3450 Broad Street 
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 
5325 Primrose Lake Circle 
Tampa, FL 33647 

12 

Size 
8,547 square feet, 
professional office space 
4,925 square feet, 
professional office space 
2,617 square feet, 
professional office space 
21,136 square feet, 
professional office space 
4,880 square feet, 
professional office space 
500 square feet, 
professional office space 
5,993 square feet, 
professional office space 
500 square feet, 
professional office space 
3,937 square feet, 
professional office space 
4,264 square feet, 
professional office space 

 
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
 
 
Item 3.  Legal Proceedings. 

From time to time we are subject to ordinary routine litigation and claims incidental to our business. We are not currently 
involved in any legal proceedings that we believe are material. 

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures 

Not applicable. 

13 

 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
PART II 

Item 5.  Market for Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchase of Equity Securities. 

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the range of high and low sale prices for our common stock. Our 
common stock trades on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol BLIN. 

Year Ended September 30, 2015 

High 

Low 

Fourth Quarter ......................................................................................................   $ 
Third Quarter .......................................................................................................   $ 
Second Quarter .....................................................................................................   $ 
First Quarter .........................................................................................................   $ 

1.81     $ 
2.35     $ 
2.65     $ 
3.80     $ 

Year Ended September 30, 2014 

High 

Low 

Fourth Quarter ......................................................................................................   $ 
Third Quarter .......................................................................................................   $ 
Second Quarter .....................................................................................................   $ 
First Quarter .........................................................................................................   $ 

4.65     $ 
5.10     $ 
6.80     $ 
5.80     $ 

1.15   
1.61   
2.25   
2.23   

3.25   
3.80   
4.40   
3.95   

We have not declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock and do not plan to pay cash dividends to our common 
shareholders in the near future. During fiscal 2015, we did issue stock dividends to holders of our Series A preferred stock. 
As of December 5, 2015, our common stock was held of record by approximately 1,210 shareholders. Most of the Company’s 
stock is held in street name through one or more nominees. 

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities; Use of Proceeds from Registered Securities 

The following summarizes all sales of our unregistered securities during the year ended September 30, 2015, other than sales 
of unregistered securities during the quarter ended December 31, 2014 that were previously disclosed on Form 8-K. The 
securities in the below-referenced transactions were (i) issued without registration and (ii) were subject to restrictions under 
the Securities Act and the securities laws of certain states, in reliance on the private offering exemptions contained in Sections 
4(2),  4(6)  and/or  3(b)  of  the  Securities  Act  and  on  Regulation  D  promulgated  there  under,  and  in  reliance  on  similar 
exemptions under applicable state laws as transactions not involving a public offering. Unless stated otherwise, no placement 
or underwriting fees were paid in connection with these transactions. 

(1)  During the quarter ended September 30, 2015, the Company sold 185,185 shares of common stock at a price of
$1.35 for gross proceeds of $250,000 to Mr. Roger Kahn. Mr. Kahn was hired as the Chief Operating Officer of
Bridgeline Digital, Inc. on August 24, 2015. 

(2)  During the year ended September 30, 2015, the Company granted 339,300 stock options under its Amended and

Restated Stock Incentive Plan at a weighted average exercise price of $1.81 per share. 

The stock option securities were issued exclusively to our directors, executive officers and employees. The issuance 
of options and the shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of such options as described above were issued 
pursuant to written compensatory plans or arrangements with our employees, directors and consultants, in reliance 
on the exemptions from the registration provisions of the Securities Act set forth in Section 4(2) thereof relative to 
sales by an issuer not involving any public offering, to the extent an exemption from such registration was required.  

Item 6.  Selected Financial Data. 

Not required. 

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. 

This  section  contains  forward-looking  statements  that  involve  risks  and  uncertainties.  Our  actual  results  could  differ 
materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors and risks including the 
impact of the weakness in the U.S. and international economies on our business, our inability to manage our future growth 
effectively or profitably, fluctuations in our revenue and quarterly results, our license renewal rate, the impact of competition 
and our ability to maintain margins or market share, the limited market for our common stock, the volatility of the market 
price of our common stock, the ability to raise capital, the performance of our products, our ability to respond to rapidly 
evolving  technology  and  customer  requirements,  our  ability  to  protect  our  proprietary  technology,  the  security  of  our 
software, our dependence on our management team and key personnel, our ability to hire and retain future key personnel, 
or our ability to maintain an effective system of internal controls. These and other risks are more fully described herein and 
in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 

This section should be read in combination with the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements and related 
notes prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles. 

Overview 

Bridgeline Digital, The Digital Engagement Company™, enables its customers to maximize the performance of their mission 
critical websites, intranets, and online stores. Bridgeline’s iAPPS® platform deeply integrates Web Content Management, 
eCommerce, eMarketing, Social Media management, and Web Analytics to help marketers deliver online experiences that 
attract, engage and convert their customers across all digital channels. Bridgeline’s iAPPS platform combined with its digital 
services  assists  customers  in  maximizing  on-line  revenue,  improving  customer  service  and  loyalty,  enhancing  employee 
knowledge, and reducing operational costs. The iAPPSds (“distributed subscription”) product is a platform that empowers 
franchise and large dealer networks with state-of-the-art web engagement management while providing superior oversight of 
corporate branding. iAPPSds deeply integrates content management, eCommerce, eMarketing and web analytics and is a 
self-service web platform that is offered to each authorized franchise or dealer for a monthly subscription fee. Our iAPPSdsr 
platform, released in 2015, targets the growing multi-unit organizations with 10-500 locations providing them with powerful 
web engagement tools while maintaining corporate brand control and consistency.  

The iAPPS platform is delivered through a cloud-based SaaS (“Software as a Service”) multi-tenant business model, whose 
flexible architecture provides customers with state of the art deployment providing maintenance, daily technical operation 
and support; or via a traditional perpetual licensing business model, in which the iAPPS software resides on a dedicated 
server in either the customer’s facility or Bridgeline’s co-managed hosting facility. 

The iAPPS Platform is an award-winning application recognized around the globe. Our teams of Microsoft Gold© certified 
developers have won over 100 industry related awards. In 2015, the SIIA (Software and Information Industry Association) 
awarded iAPPS Content Manager, the 2015 SIIA CODiE Award for Best Web Content Management Platform. Also in 2015, 
EContent magazine named iAPPS Digital Engagement Platform to its Trendsetting Products list. The list of 75 products and 
platforms  was  compiled  by  EContent’s  editorial  staff,  and  selections  were  based  on  each  offering’s  uniqueness  and 
importance to digital publishing, media, and marketing. We were also recognized in 2015 as a strong performer by Forrester 
Research, Inc in its independence report, “The Forrester Wave ™: Through-Channel Marketing Automation Platforms, Q3 
2015.” In recent years, our iAPPS Content Manager and iAPPS Commerce products were selected as finalists for the 2014, 
2013, and 2012 CODiE Awards for Best Content Management Solution and Best Electronic Commerce Solution, globally. 
In  2014  and  2013,  Bridgeline  Digital  won  twenty-five  Horizon  Interactive  Awards  for  outstanding  development  of  web 
applications  and  websites.  Also  in  2013,  the  Web  Marketing  Association  sponsored  Internet  Advertising  Competition 
honored Bridgeline Digital with three awards for iAPPS customer websites and B2B Magazine selected Bridgeline Digital 
as one of the Top Interactive Technology companies in the United States. KMWorld Magazine Editors selected Bridgeline 
Digital as one of the 100 Companies That Matter in Knowledge Management and also selected iAPPS as a Trend Setting 
Product in 2013. 

Bridgeline Digital was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware on August 28, 2000. 

Locations 

The  Company’s  corporate  office  is  located  in  Burlington,  Massachusetts.  The  Company  maintains  regional  field  offices 
serving  the following geographical  locations:  Atlanta,  Baltimore,  Boston,  Chicago,  Dallas,  Denver,  New York,  San Luis 
Obispo and Tampa. The Company has one wholly-owned subsidiary, Bridgeline Digital Pvt. Ltd. located in Bangalore, India. 

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Sales and Marketing 

Bridgeline employs a direct sales force and each sale takes on average 3-6 months to complete. Each franchise/multi-unit 
organization sale takes on average one year to complete. Our direct sales force focuses its efforts selling to medium-sized 
and large companies. These companies are generally categorized in the following vertical markets: (i) financial services; (ii) 
franchises/multi-unit organizations; (iii) retail brand names; (iv) health services and life sciences; (v) technology (software 
and  hardware);  (vi)  credit  unions  and  regional  banks  and  (vii)  associations  and  foundations.  We  have  nine  geographic 
locations in the United States.  

We  have  business  development  professionals  dedicated  to  identifying  and  establishing  strategic  alliances  for  iAPPS  and 
iAPPSds. We have maintained a strategic alliance with UPS Logistics since 2012. Bridgeline and UPS Logistics signed a 
multi-year agreement to offer B2B and B2C eCommerce web stores with an end-to-end eCommerce offering comprised of 
Bridgeline’s eCommerce Fulfilled™ solution and UPS Logistics and fulfillment services. The combined Bridgeline and UPS 
Logistics offering provides customers with the ability to manage the eCommerce and supply chain fulfillment needs and was 
designed to benefit mid-market and larger online web stores who seek end to end solutions. Also, in 2012, we signed a multi-
year agreement with The UPS Stores, a national franchise network of over 4,300 locations who license the iAPPS ds platform. 
Since 2013, we have signed more national multi-unit organizations expanding the iAPPSds footprint to potentially thousands 
more customers.  

We  continue  to  pursue  significant  strategic  alliances  that  will  enhance  the  sales  and  distribution  opportunities  of  iAPPS 
related intellectual property.  

Acquisitions 

Bridgeline will continue to evaluate expanding its distribution of iAPPS and its interactive development capabilities through 
acquisitions. We may make additional acquisitions in the foreseeable future. These potential acquisitions will be consistent 
with our iAPPS platform distribution strategy and growth strategy by providing Bridgeline with new geographical distribution 
opportunities, an expanded customer base, an expanded sales force and an expanded developer force. In addition, integrating 
acquired companies into our existing operations allows us to consolidate the finance, human resources, legal, marketing, 
research and development of the acquired businesses with our own internal resources, hence reducing the aggregate of these 
expenses for the combined businesses and resulting in improved operating results. 

Customer Information 

We currently have approximately 2,500 active customers. For the years ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, no one customer 
represented 10% or more of the Company’s total revenue.  

Summary of Results of Operations 

Total revenue for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 (“fiscal 2015”) decreased to $19.2 million from $23.7 million for 
the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 (“fiscal 2014”).  Loss from operations for fiscal 2015 was ($16.1) million compared 
with loss from operations of ($5.2) million for fiscal 2014. We had a net loss for fiscal 2015 of ($16.8) million compared 
with a net loss of ($6.2) million for fiscal 2014. In fiscal 2015, we recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $10.5 million, 
which comprised the majority of the loss in fiscal 2015. Loss per share attributable to common shareholders for fiscal 2015 
was ($3.88) compared with loss per share attributable to common shareholders of ($1.58) for fiscal 2014. 

16 

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
 
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

(dollars in thousands) 

Revenue 

Digital engagement services  

Year Ended September 30, 

2015 

2014 

$ 
Change 

% 
Change 

iAPPS digital engagement services  ................................................   $ 
% of total revenue .......................................................................     
Other digital engagement services  .................................................     
% of total revenue .......................................................................     
Subtotal digital engagement services ..............................................     
% of total revenue .......................................................................     
Subscription and perpetual licenses ....................................................     
% of total revenue .......................................................................     
Managed service hosting .....................................................................     
% of total revenue .......................................................................     
Total revenue .................................................................................     

10,164   

  $ 
53%     

1,739   

9%     

11,903   

62%     

5,792   

30%     

1,529   

8%     

14,308   

  $ 
60%     

2,061   

9%     

16,369   

69%     

5,749   

24%     

1,619   

7%     

(4,144)     

(29% ) 

(322)     

(16% ) 

(4,466)     

(27% ) 

43      

1 % 

(90)     

(6% ) 

19,224   

23,737   

(4,513)     

(19% ) 

Cost of revenue 

Digital engagement services  

iAPPS digital engagement cost  ......................................................     
% of iAPPS digital engagement revenue .....................................     
Other digital engagement cost .........................................................     
% of other digital engagement revenue .......................................     
Subtotal digital engagement services  .............................................     
% of digital engagement services revenue ..................................     
Subscription and perpetual licenses ....................................................     
% of subscription and perpetual licenses revenue .......................     
Managed service hosting .....................................................................     
% of managed service hosting .....................................................     
Total cost of revenue .......................................................................     
Gross profit ............................................................................................     
Gross profit margin ..............................................................................     

Operating expenses  

Sales and marketing  ...........................................................................     
% of total revenue .......................................................................     
General and administrative .................................................................     
% of total revenue .......................................................................     
Research and development ..................................................................     
% of total revenue .......................................................................     
Depreciation and amortization ............................................................     
% of total revenue .......................................................................     
Goodwill impairment ..........................................................................     
% of total revenue .......................................................................     
Restructuring expenses .......................................................................     
% of total revenue .......................................................................     
Total operating expenses ......................................................................     
% of total revenue .......................................................................     

8,246   

81%     
492   
28%     

8,738   

73%     

1,994   

34%     
307   

20%     

11,039   
8,185   

9,071   

63%     

1,160   

56%     

(825)     

(9% ) 

(668)     

(58% ) 

10,231   

(1,493)     

(15% ) 

63%     

1,694   

29%     

280   

17%     

12,205   
11,532   

300      

27      

18 % 

10 % 

(1,166)     
(3,347)     

(10% ) 
(29% ) 

49%     

49%     

5,760   

30%     

3,935   

20%     

1,901   

10%     

1,695   

9%     

10,500   

55%     
496   

3%     

24,287   

126%     

7,988   

34%     

4,392   

19%     

2,386   

10%     

1,999   

8%     
-  
-  
-  
-  
16,765   

71%     

(2,228)     

(28% ) 

(457)     

(10% ) 

(485)     

(20% ) 

(304)     

(15% ) 

10,500      

496      

-   

-   

7,522      

45 % 

Loss from operations ...............................................................................     
Interest expense, net ................................................................................     
Loss before income taxes ........................................................................     
(Benefit)/provision for income taxes .......................................................     
Net loss ...................................................................................................   $ 

(16,102) 
(892) 
(16,994) 
(226) 
(16,768) 

  $ 

(5,233) 
(739) 
(5,972) 
243   
(6,215) 

  $ 

(10,869)     
(153)     
(11,022)     
(469)     
(10,553)     

208 % 
21 % 
185 % 
(193% ) 

170 % 

Non-GAAP Measure 

Adjusted EBITDA ..............................................................................   $ 

(2,624) 

  $ 

(2,241) 

  $ 

(383)     

17 % 

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Highlights of Fiscal 2015 

●  Subscription and perpetual license revenue remained constant at $5.8 million for both fiscal 2015 and fiscal 

2014. 

●  Recurring revenue remained constant in fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014 at $6.9 million. 

●  Recurring revenue for fiscal 2015 as a percentage of total revenue was 35%, an increase from 29% in fiscal

2014. 

●  Revenue  from  our  non-iAPPS,  or  legacy  business,  decreased  by  approximately  48%  in  fiscal  2015,  when

compared to fiscal 2014. 

● 

iAPPS Content Manager was awarded the 2015 CODiE Award for Best Content Management Platform globally
and iAPPS Commerce was named a 2015 CODiE Award finalist for Best eCommerce System globally. 

Revenue 

Total revenue for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 decreased $4.5 million, or 19%, to $19.2 million from $23.7 
million  in  fiscal  2014.  Our  revenue  is  derived  from  three  sources:  (i)  digital  engagement  services;  (ii)  subscription  and 
perpetual licenses; and (iii) managed service hosting. 

Digital Engagement Services 

Digital  engagement  services  revenue  is  comprised  of  iAPPS  digital  engagement  services  and  other  digital  engagement 
services generated from non-iAPPS related engagements. Total revenue from digital engagement services decreased $4.5 
million, or 27% to $11.9 million in fiscal 2015 from $16.4 million in fiscal 2014. The decrease in digital engagement services 
revenue for fiscal 2015 compared to the prior period is due primarily to a decrease in new iAPPS engagements combined 
with  project  delays,  as  well  as  an  expected  decrease  in  non-iAPPS  digital  engagement  services  revenues.  Revenue  from 
iAPPS related digital engagement services decreased $4.1 million, or 29% to $10.2 million compared to fiscal 2014. The 
decrease is attributable to a decrease in new iAPPS engagements combined with project delays.  

Digital engagement services revenue as a percentage of total revenue decreased to 62% in fiscal 2015 from 69% in fiscal 
2014. The decrease is attributable to the decrease in the number of iAPPS license related engagements and lower margin 
iAPPSds engagements. 

Subscription and Perpetual Licenses 

Revenue from subscription and perpetual licenses increased $43 thousand to $5.8 million in fiscal 2015 from $5.7 million in 
fiscal 2014. Subscription and perpetual license revenue as a percentage of total revenue increased to 30% in fiscal 2015 from 
24% in fiscal 2014.  

The increases are due primarily to a higher amount of subscription license revenues, particularly from our iAPPSds product 
for multi-unit organizations and the franchise industry.  

Managed Service Hosting 

Revenue from managed service hosting decreased $90 thousand, or 6%, to $1.5 million in fiscal 2015 from $1.6 million in 
fiscal 2014. The decreases are due to the ending of engagements with smaller hosting customers obtained through previous 
acquisitions combined with a majority of our new engagements are SaaS engagements and do not have a separate managed 
hosting component. Managed services revenue as a percentage of total revenue was 8% in fiscal 2014 compared to 7% in 
fiscal 2014.  

The decreases are due to our efforts to engage with customers that are aligned with our core competencies and proactively 
end engagements with a number of smaller hosting customers obtained through previous acquisitions.  

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Cost of Revenue 

Total cost of revenue for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 decreased $1.2 million, or 10%, to $11.0 million from 
$12.2 million in fiscal 2014. 

Cost of Digital Engagement Services 

Cost of digital engagement services decreased $1.5 million, or 15%, compared to fiscal 2014. The decrease is attributable to 
decreases in headcount and compensation in conjunction with the decrease in digital engagements services revenues. The 
cost of total digital engagement services as a percentage of total digital engagement services revenue increased to 73% in 
fiscal  2015  from  63%  in  fiscal  2014.  The  increase  as  a  percentage  of  revenue  is  attributable  to  the  decrease  in  services 
engagement revenues at a faster pace than employee workforce reductions, and some iAPPSds projects sold at a lower service 
margin in order to secure higher margin license revenue.  

Cost of iAPPS digital engagement services decreased $825 thousand, or 9%, to $8.2 million in fiscal 2015 from $9.1 million 
in fiscal 2014. The decrease is attributable to decreases in headcount and compensation in conjunction with the decrease in 
iAPPS digital engagements services revenues. Cost of iAPPS digital engagement services as a percentage of iAPPS digital 
engagement revenue increased to 81% from 63%. The increase as a percentage of revenue is attributable to the decrease in 
services engagement revenues at a faster pace than employee workforce reductions in fiscal 2015, and some iAPPSds projects 
sold at a lower margin.  

Cost of other digital engagement services for fiscal 2015 decreased $668 thousand to $492 thousand in fiscal 2015, a decrease 
of 58% when compared to fiscal 2014. The decrease is due to reducing costs in line with the non-iAPPS revenue decrease. 
The cost of other digital engagement services as a percentage of other digital engagement service revenue decreased to 28% 
in fiscal 2015 from 56% in fiscal 2014.  

Cost of Subscription and Perpetual License 

Cost of subscription and perpetual licenses increased $300 thousand or 18% to $2.0 million in fiscal 2015 compared to $1.7 
million in fiscal 2014. The cost of subscription and perpetual licenses as a percentage of subscription and perpetual license 
revenue increased to 34% in fiscal 2015 from 29% in fiscal 2014. The increases are primarily due to fixed costs to support 
our network operations center. 

Cost of Managed Service Hosting 

Cost of managed service hosting increased $27 thousand or 10% in fiscal 2015 to $307 thousand compared to $280 thousand 
in fiscal 2014. The increase in the amount of managed service hosting costs is due to the continued investments in our co-
managed network operation center to support our iAPPS perpetual based customers who host their licenses on our network. 
The cost of managed services as a percentage of managed services revenue increased to 20% in fiscal 2015 from 17% in 
fiscal 2014. The increase is attributable to fixed costs to support our network operations center.  

Gross Profit 

Gross profit decreased $3.3 million, or 29% in fiscal 2015 to $8.2 million compared to $11.5 million in fiscal 2014. The 
decrease is primarily attributable to the decrease in iAPPS related digital engagement service revenue.  

Operating Expenses 

Sales and Marketing Expenses 

Sales  and  marketing  expenses  decreased  $2.2  million,  or  28%  to  $5.8  million  in  fiscal  2015  from  $8.0  million  in  fiscal 
2014. Sales and marketing expense as a percentage of total revenue decreased to 30% in fiscal 2015 compared to 34% in 
fiscal 2014. The decreases are primarily attributable to decreases in compensation related expenses, sales commissions and 
marketing expenses. We made a concerted effort to streamline expenses to better align with our revenues.  

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General and Administrative Expenses 

General and administrative expenses decreased $457 thousand, or 10% to $3.9 million in fiscal 2015 from $4.4 million in 
fiscal 2014. The decrease is attributable to decreases in compensation related and legal expenses. General and administrative 
expense as a percentage of revenue increased to 20% in fiscal 2015 compared to 19% in fiscal 2014. The increase is due to a 
decrease in revenue and fixed administrative costs required to support the revenue base.  

Research and Development 

Research and development expense decreased by $485 thousand, or 20% to $1.9 million in fiscal 2015 from $2.4 million in 
fiscal 2014. The decrease in fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014 is attributable to a decrease in compensation related costs. 
The  decrease  in  headcount  was  due  to  attrition  and  not  part  of  restructuring  initiatives.  In  order  to  compensate  for  the 
headcount reduction in services, employees from our development group assisted the delivery team on certain projects to 
maintain  production  schedules  and  their  costs  were  cross  charged  to  cost  of  digital  engagement  services.  Research  and 
development expense as a percentage of total revenue was 10% for both periods.  

Depreciation and Amortization 

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased by $304 thousand, or 15% to $1.7 million in fiscal 2015 from $2.0 million 
in fiscal 2014. This decrease is primarily attributable to retirement of fixed assets in relation to a reduction of office space 
during  fiscal  2015  and  a  reduction  in  capital  expenditure  purchases  in  fiscal  2015.  Depreciation  and  amortization  as  a 
percentage of total revenue increased to 9% in fiscal 2015 from 8% in fiscal 2014. 

Goodwill Impairment 

For fiscal 2015, we performed the annual assessment of our goodwill and concluded that it was more likely than not that the 
fair values of our reporting unit were less than their carrying amounts. The Company determined that the most appropriate 
approach to use to determine the fair value of the reporting unit was the discounted cash flow method. A comparison to the 
implied fair value of goodwill to its carrying value resulted in an impairment charge of $10.5 million. We did not recognize 
an impairment loss in fiscal 2014.  

Restructuring Expenses 

During the second half of fiscal 2015, the Company’s management approved, committed to and initiated plans to restructure 
and further improve efficiencies by implementing cost reductions in line with the recent decrease in revenue. The Company 
renegotiated three offices leases and relocated to smaller space, while also negotiating sub-leases for the original space. In 
addition, the Company executed a general work-force reduction and recognized costs for severance and termination benefits. 
During  the  fourth  quarter,  the  Company  recorded  a  restructuring  liability  of  $307  for  the  future  contractual  rental 
commitments for vacated office space and related costs, offset by estimated sub-lease income. These restructuring charges 
and accruals require estimates and assumptions, including contractual rental commitments or lease buy-outs for vacated office 
space  and  related  costs,  and  estimated  sub-lease  income.  The  Company’s  sub-lease  assumptions  include  the  rates  to  be 
charged to a sub-tenant and the timing of the sub-lease arrangement. All of the vacated lease space is currently contractually 
occupied by a new sub-tenant for the remaining life of the lease. These estimates and assumptions will be monitored on a 
quarterly basis for changes in circumstances with the corresponding adjustments reflected in the consolidated statement of 
operations. In total, a charge of $496 was recorded to restructuring expenses in the consolidated statement of operations for 
the total lease expenses less sub-lease rental income, other miscellaneous lease termination costs, loss on disposal of fixed 
assets, and costs for severance and termination benefits.  

Loss from Operations 

The loss from operations was ($16.1) million for fiscal 2015 compared to a loss from operations of ($5.2) million for fiscal 
2014. The increase in loss from operations is a result of the goodwill impairment, restructuring charges, and the decrease in 
iAPPS related digital engagement services revenue.  

Provision for Income Taxes 

We recorded a net benefit for income tax expense of $226 thousand for fiscal 2015 compared to a provision for income tax 
of $243 thousand for fiscal 2014. The benefit was primarily attributable to the elimination of a naked tax credit related to 
deductible goodwill from previous acquisitions that was eliminated upon recording a $10.5 million goodwill impairment 
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charge.  Income  tax  expense  represents  the  estimated  liability  for  Federal,  state  and  foreign  income  taxes  owed  by  the 
Company, including the alternative minimum tax. This increase is due to deferred tax liabilities related to indefinite lived, 
tax deductible assets from two previous acquisitions. The Company has net operating loss carryforwards and other deferred 
tax benefits that are available to offset future taxable income. A valuation allowance is established if it is more likely than 
not that all or a portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Accordingly, the Company has established a full valuation 
allowance against its net deferred tax assets at September 30, 2015 and 2014. 

The Federal net operating loss (NOL) carryforward of approximately $19.0 million as of September 30, 2015 expires on 
various dates through 2035. Internal Revenue Code Section 382 places a limitation on the amount of taxable income which 
can be offset by NOL carryforwards after a change in control of a loss corporation. Generally, after a change in control, a 
loss  corporation  cannot  deduct  NOL  carryforwards  in  excess  of  the  Section  382  Limitation.  Due  to  these  “change  of 
ownership” provisions, utilization of NOL carryforwards may be subject to an annual limitation regarding their utilization 
against taxable income in future periods. The Company has not performed a Section 382 analysis. However, if performed, 
Section 382 may be found to limit potential future utilization of our NOL carryforwards. 

Adjusted EBITDA 

We also measure our performance based on a non-GAAP (“Generally Accepted Accounting Principles”) measurement of 
earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization and before stock-based compensation expense, impairment of 
goodwill and intangible assets, and restructuring charges (“Adjusted EBITDA”). 

We believe this non-GAAP financial measure of Adjusted EBITDA is useful to management and investors in evaluating our 
operating  performance  for  the  periods  presented  and  provides  a  tool  for  evaluating  our  ongoing  operations.  Adjusted 
EBITDA, however, is not a measure of operating performance under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative 
or substitute for GAAP profitability measures such as (i) income from operations and net income, or (ii) cash flows from 
operating,  investing  and  financing  activities,  both  as  determined  in  accordance  with  GAAP.  Adjusted  EBITDA  as  an 
operating performance measure has material limitations since it excludes the financial statement impact of income taxes, net 
interest expense, amortization of intangibles, depreciation, goodwill impairment, restructuring charges, other amortization 
and stock-based compensation, and therefore does not represent an accurate measure of profitability. As a result, Adjusted 
EBITDA  should  be  evaluated  in  conjunction with net  income  for  a  complete  analysis  of our profitability,  as  net  income 
includes the financial statement impact of these items and is the most directly comparable GAAP operating performance 
measure  to  Adjusted  EBITDA.  Our  definition  of  Adjusted  EBITDA  may  also  differ  from  and  therefore  may  not  be 
comparable with similarly titled measures used by other companies, thereby limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure. 
Because of the limitations that Adjusted EBITDA has as an analytical tool, investors should not consider it in isolation, or as 
a substitute for analysis of our operating results as reported under GAAP. 

The following table reconciles net loss (which is the most directly comparable GAAP operating performance measure) to 
EBITDA, and EBITDA to Adjusted EBITDA: 

Year Ended September 30, 

2015 

2014 

Net loss .............................................................................................................................   $
(Benefit)provision for income taxes .................................................................................     
Interest expense, net .........................................................................................................     
Amortization of intangible assets .....................................................................................     
Depreciation .....................................................................................................................     
EBITDA .......................................................................................................................     
Goodwill impairment .......................................................................................................     
Restructuring expenses .....................................................................................................     
Other amortization ...........................................................................................................     
Stock-based compensation ...............................................................................................     
Adjusted EBITDA ........................................................................................................   $

(16,768 )   $
(226 )     
892       
554       
1,065       
(14,483 )     
10,500       
496       
549       
314       
(2,624 )   $

(6,215) 
243   
739   
655   
1,282   
(3,296) 
-  
-  
549   
506   
(2,241) 

Adjusted EBITDA was ($2.6) million for fiscal 2015 compared with ($2.2) million for fiscal 2014. This was primarily due 
to the decrease in iAPPS related digital engagement revenue compared to fiscal 2014. 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources 

Cash Flows 

Operating Activities 

Cash  used  in  operating  activities  was  $2.8  million  for  fiscal  2015,  compared  to  cash  used  in  operating  activities  of  $3.8 
million for fiscal 2014.  This decrease in cash used from operating activities is primarily attributable to increases in accounts 
payables and accrued liabilities.  

Investing Activities 

Cash used in investing activities was $187 thousand for fiscal 2015 compared with $468 million for fiscal 2014. The decrease 
was primarily due to less purchases of capital equipment and software in fiscal 2015 than fiscal 2014.  

Financing Activities 

Cash  provided  by  financing  activities  was  $2.1  million  for  fiscal  2015  compared  with  $2.9  million  for  fiscal  2014.  The 
decrease was due to the net payments made on bank term loans and our BridgeBank line of credit and contingent acquisition 
payments, offset by sales of common and preferred stock and proceeds of $2 million in term notes from a shareholder. At 
September 30, 2015, we had an outstanding balance under our credit line with BridgeBank of $2.7 million and a short term 
loan of $250 thousand paid in full in October 2015.  

Capital Resources and Liquidity Outlook 

In  December 2013,  the  Company  entered  into  a  Loan  and Security  Agreement  with  BridgeBank (the  “BridgeBank Loan 
Agreement”). The Loan Agreement has a current maturity date of September 30, 2016. The maturity date was extended in 
December 2015 to a maturity date of December 31, 2016. 

The  BridgeBank  Loan  Agreement  provides  for  up  to  $5  million  of  revolving  credit  advances  which  may  be  used  for 
acquisitions and working capital purposes. Borrowings are limited to the lesser of (i) $5 million and (ii) 80% of eligible 
receivables as defined. The Company can borrow up to $1.0 million in out of formula borrowings for specified periods of 
time.   Borrowings accrue interest at BridgeBank’s prime plus 5.00% (8.25%).  The Company pays an annual commitment 
fee of 0.25%. Borrowings are secured by all of the Company’s assets and all of the Company’s intellectual property. Mr. 
Michael Taglich, a member of the Board of Directors, signed an unconditional guaranty (the “Guaranty”) and promise to pay 
the Company’s lender, BridgeBank, N.A all indebtedness in an amount not to exceed $2 million in connection with the out 
of formula borrowings. 

As of September 30, 2015, the Company had an outstanding balance under the BridgeBank Loan Agreement of $2.7 million 
and an outstanding short term loan with BridgeBank of $250 thousand which was repaid in October 2015. 

During fiscal 2015, we issued four term notes (“the Notes”) to Mr. Michael Taglich totaling $2 million. The terms of the 
Notes provide that Bridgeline will pay interest at ranges between 7 and 8% per annum. The maturity dates of the notes range 
from due dates of June 30, 2016 to September 30, 2016. Subsequent to the end of the year, Bridgeline issued Term Notes 
(the “Notes”) to Mr. Michael Taglich and Mr. Robert Taglich to document a loan from each of them for $250 thousand. The 
terms of the Notes provide that Bridgeline will pay interest at a rate of 8% per annum and the Notes will mature on February 
23, 2016. Subsequent  to  the close of  fiscal 2015,  each of the  Notes were  amended  in December  2015. The  amendments 
consisted of an increase of 1.5% interest per annum effective January 1, 2016, an extension of the maturity date to March 1, 
2017, and a prepayment penalty of 2%. 

On  September  30,  2013,  Bridgeline  Digital  entered  into  a  Note  Purchase  Agreement  (the  "Purchase  Agreement")  with 
accredited investors pursuant to which Bridgeline Digital sold an aggregate of $2.0 million of 10% secured subordinated 
convertible notes (the "Notes"). The gross proceeds to Bridgeline Digital at the closing of this private placement were $2.0 
million. The Notes accrue interest at a rate of ten percent (10%) per annum and mature on September 30, 2016. Interest on 
the  Notes  is  payable  quarterly  in  cash.  On  November  6,  2013,  Bridgeline  Digital  entered  into  an  amendment  (the 
"Amendment") to the Purchase Agreement by and among Bridgeline Digital and the accredited investors’ party thereto. The 
Amendment increased the aggregate amount of 10% secured subordinated convertible notes (the "New Notes") able to be 
sold by Bridgeline Digital to $3.0 million. On November 6, 2013, Bridgeline Digital sold an additional $1.0 million of New  

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Notes (the "Second Closing"). The gross proceeds to Bridgeline Digital at the Second Closing of this private placement were 
$1.0 million. The Notes accrue interest at a rate of ten percent (10%) per annum and mature on November 6, 2016. Interest 
on the Notes is payable quarterly in cash. The Notes are convertible at the election of the holder into shares of common stock 
of Bridgeline Digital at a conversion price equal to $6.50 per share at any time prior to the maturity date, provided that no 
holder may convert the Notes if such conversion would result in the holder beneficially owning more than 4.99% of the 
number of shares of Bridgeline Digital common stock outstanding at the time of conversion. Subsequent to the close of fiscal 
2015, each of the Notes were amended in December 2015. The amendments consisted of an increase of 1.5% interest per 
annum effective January 1, 2016, an extension of the maturity date to March 1, 2017, and a prepayment penalty of 2%. 

The  Notes  are  secured  by  all  of  Bridgeline  Digital's  assets.  The  security  interest  granted  to  the  holders  of  the  Notes  is 
subordinate to the security interest held by Bridgeline Digital's senior lender, BridgeBank. Bridgeline Digital may prepay 
any portion of the principal amount of the outstanding Notes at any time. Under certain circumstances Bridgeline Digital has 
the right to force conversion of the Notes into shares of Bridgeline Digital common stock in the event the Bridgeline Digital 
common stock trades in excess of $13.00 per share for 20 trading days out of any 30 trading day period.  

We  believe  that  cash  generated  from  operations  and  proceeds  from  the  bank  line  of  credit  will  be  sufficient  to  fund  our 
working capital and capital expenditure needs in the foreseeable future. However, we currently have a borrowing facility 
with BridgeBank from which we can borrow, and this line is subject to financial covenants that must be met. It is not certain 
that all or part of this line will be available to us in the future; and other sources of financing may not be available to us in a 
timely basis if at all, or on terms acceptable to us. If we fail to obtain acceptable funding when needed, we may not have 
sufficient resources to fund our normal operations, and this would have a material adverse effect on our business.  

Inflation 

Inflationary  increases  can  cause  pressure  on  wages  and  the  cost  of  benefits  offered  to  employees.    We  believe  that  the 
relatively moderate rates of inflation in recent years have not had a significant impact on our operations.   

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements 

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, financings or other relationships with unconsolidated entities or other 
persons, other than our operating leases and contingent acquisition payments. 

We currently do not have any variable interest entities. We do not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or 
financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have 
been  established  for  the  purpose  of  facilitating  off-balance  sheet  arrangements  or  other  contractually  narrow  or  limited 
purposes. Therefore, we are not materially exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if we had 
engaged in such relationships. 

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Contractual Obligations 

We lease our facilities in the United States and India.  Other contractual obligations include: (i) certain equipment acquired 
under capitalized lease agreements; (ii) term notes payable to a shareholder (iii) contingent earnouts in the amount of $868 
thousand payable in cash on the achievement of revenue and earnings targets; (iv) a short term bank loan of $250 thousand 
due in October 2015; and (v) subordinated convertible debt of $3.0 million due in 2016.  

The following summarizes our contractual obligations: 

(in thousands) 

For the Year Ended September 30, 

   FY16 

     FY18 

Payment obligations by year 
Line of credit .........................................   $ 
Term Loan (a) .......................................     
Subordinated Convertible Debt .............     
Term Notes from Shareholder ...............     
Capital Leases .......................................     
Operating Leases (b) .............................     
Contingent acquisition payments (c) .....     
  $ 

     FY17 
-    $ 
250       
-      
-      
320      
839       
468       
1,877     $ 

2,695    $ 
-      
3,000      
2,000      

653      
-      
8,348    $ 

     FY19 
-    $ 
-      
-      
-      

-    $ 
-      
-      
-      

548      
-      
548    $ 

269      
-      
269    $ 

FY20 + 

thereafter      Total 

-    $ 
-      
-      
-      

65      
-      
65    $ 

2,695  
250  
3,000  
2,000  
320  
2,374  
468  
11,107  

(a) Paid in full in October 2015 
(b) Net of sublease income 
(c) The contingent acquisition payments are maximum potential earn-out consideration payable to former owners of acquired 
companies. Amounts actually paid may be less. Contingent acquistion payments do not include 32,000 shares of potential
common stock issuable upon achievement of certain revenue and earnings targets. 

Critical Accounting Policies 

These critical accounting policies and estimates by our management should be read in conjunction with Note 2 Summary of 
Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements that were prepared in accordance with accounting 
principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”).  

The preparation of financial statements in accordance US GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect 
the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and 
expenses in the reporting period. We regularly make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and 
liabilities. The most significant estimates included in our financial statements are the valuation of accounts receivable and 
long-term assets, including intangibles, goodwill and deferred tax assets, stock-based compensation, amounts of revenue to 
be  recognized  on  service  contracts  in  progress,  unbilled  receivables,  and  deferred  revenue.  We  base  our  estimates  and 
assumptions  on  current  facts,  historical  experience  and  various  other  factors  that  we  believe  to  be  reasonable  under  the 
circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities 
and the accrual of costs and expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources. The actual results experienced by us 
may differ materially and adversely from our estimates. To the extent there are material differences between our estimates 
and the actual results, our future results of operations will be affected. 

We consider the following accounting policies to be both those most important to the portrayal of our financial condition 
and those that require the most subjective judgment: 

    ●  Revenue recognition; 

   ●  Allowance for doubtful accounts; 

   ●  Accounting for cost of computer software to be sold, leased or otherwise marketed; 

   ●  Accounting for goodwill and other intangible assets; and 

   ●  Accounting for stock-based compensation. 

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Revenue Recognition 

Overview 

We enter into arrangements to sell digital engagement services (professional services), software licenses or combinations 
thereof.  Revenue is categorized into (i) digital engagement services; (ii) managed service hosting; and (iii) subscriptions and 
perpetual licenses. 

We recognize revenue as required by the Revenue Recognition Topic of the Codification.  Revenue is generally recognized 
when all of the following conditions are satisfied: (1) there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement; (2) delivery has occurred 
or the services have been provided to the customer; (3) the amount of fees to be paid by the customer is fixed or determinable; 
and (4) the collection of the fees is reasonably assured. Billings made or payments received in advance of providing services 
are deferred until the period these services are provided. 

We maintain a reseller channel to supplement our direct sales force for our iAPPS platform.  Resellers are generally located 
in  territories  where  we  do  not  have  a  direct  sales  force.   Customers  generally  sign  a  license  agreement  directly  with  us. 
Revenue from perpetual licenses sold through resellers is recognized upon delivery to the end user as long as evidence of an 
arrangement exists, collectability is probable, and the fee is  fixed and determinable. Revenue for subscription licenses is 
recognized monthly as the services are delivered. 

Digital Engagement Services 

Digital engagement services include professional services primarily related to the Company’s web development solutions 
that  address  specific  customer  needs  such  as  digital  strategy,  information  architecture  and  usability  engineering,  .Net 
development,  rich  media  development,  back  end  integration,  search  engine  optimization,  quality  assurance  and  project 
management. 

Digital  engagement  services  are  contracted  for  on  either  a  fixed  price  or  time  and  materials  basis.    For  its  fixed  price 
engagements,  after  assigning  the  relative  selling  price  to  the  elements  of  the  arrangement,  the  Company  applies  the 
proportional performance model (if not subject to contract accounting) to recognize revenue based on cost incurred in relation 
to total estimated cost at completion. The Company has determined that labor costs are the most appropriate measure to 
allocate revenue among reporting periods, as they are the primary input when providing application development services. 
Customers are invoiced monthly or upon the completion of milestones. For milestone based projects, since milestone pricing 
is based on expected hourly costs and the duration of such engagements is relatively short, this input approach principally 
mirrors  an  output  approach  under  the  proportional  performance  model  for  revenue  recognition  on  such  fixed  priced 
engagements.  For time and materials contracts, revenues are recognized as the services are provided.   

Digital engagement services also include retained professional services contracted for on an “on call” basis or for a certain 
amount of hours each month. Such arrangements generally provide for a guaranteed availability of a number of professional 
services hours each month on a “use it or lose it” basis.   For retained professional services sold on a stand-alone basis we 
recognize revenue as the services are delivered or over the term of the contractual retainer period. These arrangements do not 
require formal customer acceptance and do not grant any future right to labor hours contracted for but not used. 

Subscriptions and Perpetual Licenses 

The  Company  licenses  its  software  on  either  a perpetual or  subscription  basis.  Customers who  license  the  software  on  a 
perpetual  basis  receive  rights  to  use  the  software  for  an  indefinite  time  period  and  an  option  to  purchase  Post-Customer 
Support  (“PCS”).    For  arrangements  that  consist  of  a  perpetual  license  and  PCS,  as  long  as  Vendor  Specific  Objective 
Evidence (“VSOE”) exists for the PCS, then PCS revenue is recognized ratably on a straight-line basis over the period of 
performance and the perpetual license is recognized on a residual basis.  Under the residual method, the fair value of the 
undelivered elements are deferred and the remaining portion of the arrangement fee is allocated to the delivered elements and 
recognized as revenue, assuming all other revenue recognition criteria have been met.    

Customers  may  also  license  the  software  on  a  subscription  basis,  which  can  be  described  as  “Software  as  a  Service”  or 
“SaaS”.  SaaS is a model of software deployment where an application is hosted as a service provided to customers across 
the Internet.  Subscription agreements include access to the Company’s software application via an internet connection, the 
related hosting of the application, and PCS.  Customers receive automatic updates and upgrades, and new releases of the 
products as soon as they become available. Customers cannot take possession of the software.  Subscription agreements are  

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either annual or month-to-month arrangements that provide for termination for convenience by either party upon 90 days’ 
notice.  Revenue is recognized monthly as the services are delivered.  Set up fees paid by customers in connection with 
subscription services are deferred and recognized ratably over the longer of the life of subscription period or the expected 
lives of customer relationships. We continue to evaluate the length of the amortization period of the set up fees as we gain 
more experience with customer contract renewals.   

Managed Service Hosting 

Managed service hosting includes hosting arrangements that provide for the use of certain hardware and infrastructure for 
those customers who do not wish to host our applications independently.  Hosting agreements are either annual or month-to-
month arrangements that provide for termination for convenience by either party generally upon 30-days’ notice.  Revenue 
is recognized monthly as the hosting services are delivered.   Set up fees paid by customers in connection with managed 
hosting services are deferred and recognized ratably over the longer of the life of the hosting period or the expected lives of 
customer relationships. We continue to evaluate the length of the amortization period of the set up fees as we gain more 
experience with customer contract renewals.  

Multiple Element Arrangements  

 In accounting for multiple element arrangements, we follow either ASC Topic 605-985 Revenue Recognition Software or 
ASC Topic 605-25 Revenue Recognition Multiple Element Arrangements, as applicable.  

In October 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2009-13, Revenue Recognition: Multiple-Deliverable 
Revenue Arrangements (“ASU 2009-13”). ASU 2009-13 provides amendments to certain paragraphs of previously issued 
ASC Subtopic 605-25 – Revenue Recognition: Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements. In accordance with ASU 2009-
13, each deliverable within a multiple-deliverable revenue arrangement is accounted for as a separate unit of accounting if 
both of the following criteria are met (1) the delivered item has value to the customer on a standalone basis and (2) for an 
arrangement that includes a right of return relative to the delivered item, delivery or performance of the delivered item is 
considered probable and within our control. If the deliverables do not meet the criteria for being a separate unit of accounting 
then  they  are  combined  with  a  deliverable  that  does  meet  that  criterion.  The  accounting  guidance  also  requires  that 
arrangement consideration be allocated at the inception of an arrangement to all deliverables using the relative selling price 
method. The accounting guidance also establishes a selling price hierarchy for determining the selling price of a deliverable. 
We determine selling price using VSOE, if it exists; otherwise, we use Third-party Evidence (“TPE”). If neither VSOE nor 
TPE of selling price exists for a unit of accounting, we use Estimated Selling Price (“ESP”).  

VSOE is generally limited to the price at which we sell the element in a separate stand-alone transaction. TPE is determined 
based on the prices charged by our competitors for a similar deliverable when sold separately. It is difficult for us to obtain 
sufficient information on competitor pricing, so we may not be able to substantiate TPE. If we cannot establish selling price 
based on VSOE or TPE then we will use ESP. ESP is derived by considering the selling price for similar services and our 
ongoing pricing strategies. The selling prices used in our allocations of arrangement consideration are analyzed at minimum 
on an annual basis and more frequently if our business necessitates a more timely review. We have determined that we have 
VSOE on our SaaS offerings, certain application development services, managed hosting services, and PCS because we have 
evidence of these elements sold on a stand-alone basis.  

When the Company licenses its software on a perpetual basis in a multiple element arrangement that arrangement typically 
includes  PCS  and  application  development  services,  we  follow  the  guidance  of  ASC  Topic  605-985.    In  assessing  the 
hierarchy of relative selling price for PCS, we have determined that VSOE is established for PCS. VSOE for PCS is based 
on the price of PCS when sold separately, which has been established via annual renewal rates. Similarly, when the Company 
licenses  its  software  on  a  perpetual  basis  in  a  multiple  element  arrangement  that  also  includes  managed  service  hosting 
(“hosting”), we have determined that VSOE is established for hosting based on the price of the hosting when sold separately, 
which has been established based on renewal rates of the hosting contract.  Revenue recognition for perpetual licenses sold 
with application development services are considered on a case by case basis.  The Company has not established VSOE for 
perpetual licenses or fixed price development services and therefore in accordance with ASC Topic 605-985, when perpetual 
licenses are sold in multiple element arrangements including application development services where VSOE for the services 
has  not  been  established,  the  license  revenue  is  deferred  and  recognized  using  contract  accounting.  The  Company  has 
determined that services are not essential to the functionality of the software and it has the ability to make estimates necessary 
to apply proportional performance model. In those cases where perpetual licenses are sold in a multiple element arrangement 
that includes application development services where VSOE for the services has been established, the license revenue is 
recognized under the residual method and the application services are recognized upon delivery.   

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In determining VSOE for the digital engagement services element, the separability of the services from the software license 
and the value of the services when sold on a standalone basis are considered.  The Company also considers the categorization 
of the services, the timing of when the services contract was signed in relation to the signing of the perpetual license contract 
and delivery of the software, and whether the services can be performed by others.  The Company has concluded that its 
application development services are not required for the customer to use the product but, rather enhance the benefits that the 
software  can  bring  to  the  customer.    In  addition,  the  services  provided  do  not  result  in  significant  customization  or 
modification of the software and are not essential to its functionality, and can also be performed by the customer or a third 
party.  If an application development services arrangement does qualify for separate accounting, the Company recognizes the 
perpetual  license  on  a  residual  basis.    If  an  application  development  services  arrangement  does  not  qualify  for  separate 
accounting, the Company recognizes the perpetual license under the proportional performance model as described above. 

When  subscription  arrangements  are  sold  with  application  development  services,  the  Company  uses  its  judgment  as  to 
whether  the  application  development  services  qualify  as  a  separate  unit  of  accounting.  When  subscription  service 
arrangements involve multiple  elements that qualify  as separate units of accounting, the  Company allocates  arrangement 
consideration in multiple-deliverable arrangements at the inception of an arrangement to all deliverables based on the relative 
selling price model in accordance with the selling price hierarchy, which includes: (i) VSOE when available; (ii) TPE if 
VSOE is not available; and (iii) ESP if neither VSOE or TPE is available. For those subscription arrangements sold with 
multiple  elements  whereby  the  application  development  services  do  not  qualify  as  a  separate  unit  of  accounting,  the 
application services revenue is recognized ratably over the subscription period. Subscriptions also include a PCS component, 
and the Company has determined that the two elements cannot be separated and must be recognized as one unit over the 
applicable  service  period.  Set  up  fees  paid  by  customers  in  connection  with  subscription  arrangements  are  deferred  and 
recognized ratably over the longer of the life of the hosting period or the expected lives of customer relationships, which 
generally range from two to three years. We continue to evaluate the length of the amortization period of the set up fees as 
we gain more experience with customer contract renewals and our newer product offerings.  

Customer Payment Terms 

Payment terms with customers typically require payment 30 days from invoice date. Payment terms may vary by customer 
but generally do not exceed 45 days from invoice date.  Invoicing for digital engagement services are either monthly or upon 
achievement of milestones and payment terms for such billings are within the standard terms described above. Invoicing for 
subscriptions  and  hosting  are  typically  issued  monthly  and  are  generally  due  in  the  month  of  service.  The  Company’s 
subscription and hosting agreements provide for refunds when service is interrupted for an extended period of time and are 
reserved for in the month in which they occur if necessary.  

Our  digital  engagement  services  agreements  with  customers  do not provide for  any  refunds  for  services  or  products  and 
therefore  no  specific  reserve  for  such  is  maintained.  In  the  infrequent  instances  where  customers  raise  a  concern  over 
delivered products or services, we have endeavored to remedy the concern and all costs related to such matters have been 
insignificant in all periods presented. 

Warranty 

Certain  arrangements  include  a  warranty  period,  which  is  generally  30  days  from  the  completion  of  work.  In 
hosting arrangements, we provide warranties of up-time reliability. We continue to monitor the conditions that are subject to 
the warranties to identify if a warranty claim may arise. If we determine that a warranty claim is probable, then any related 
cost to satisfy the warranty obligation is estimated and accrued. Warranty claims to date have been immaterial. 

Reimbursable Expenses 

In  connection  with  certain  arrangements,  reimbursable  expenses  are  incurred  and  billed  to  customers  and  such  amounts 
are recognized as both revenue and cost of revenue. 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts 

We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts which represents estimated losses resulting from the inability, failure or 
refusal of our clients to make required payments. 

We analyze historical percentages of uncollectible accounts and changes in payment history when evaluating the adequacy 
of the allowance for doubtful accounts. We use an internal collection effort, which may include our sales and services groups  

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as  we  deem  appropriate.  Although  we  believe  that  our  allowances  are  adequate,  if  the  financial  condition  of  our  clients 
deteriorates, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, or if we underestimate the allowances required, 
additional allowances may be necessary, resulting in increased expense in the period in which such determination is made. 

Accounting for Cost of Computer Software to be Sold, Leased or Otherwise Marketed    

We  charge  research  and  development  expenditures  for  technology  development  to  operations  as  incurred.    However,  in 
accordance  with  Codification  985-20  Costs  of  Software  to  be  Sold  Leased  or  Otherwise  Marketed,  we  capitalize  certain 
software development costs subsequent to the establishment of technological feasibility.  Based on our product development 
process,  technological  feasibility  is  established  upon  completion  of  a  working  model.  Certain  costs  incurred  between 
completion of a working model and the point at which the product is ready for general release is capitalized if significant. 
Once the product is available for general release, the capitalized costs are amortized in cost of sales. 

Accounting for Goodwill and Intangible Assets 

Goodwill  is  tested  for  impairment  annually  during  the  fourth  quarter  of  every  year  and  more  frequently  if  events  and 
circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.  In assessing goodwill for impairment, an entity has the option to 
assess qualitative factors to determine whether events or circumstances indicate that it is not more likely than not that the fair 
value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. We assess goodwill at the consolidated level as one reporting unit. 
If this is the case, then performing the quantitative two-step goodwill impairment test is unnecessary. An entity can choose 
not to perform a qualitative assessment for any or all of its reporting units, and proceed directly to the use of the two-step 
impairment test. In assessing qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting 
unit is less than its carrying amount, we assess relevant events and circumstances that may impact the fair value and the 
carrying amount of a reporting unit. The identification of relevant events and circumstances and how these may impact a 
reporting unit’s fair value or carrying amount involve significant judgments by management. These judgments include the 
consideration of macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance, 
events  which  are  specific  to  Bridgeline,  and  trends  in  the  market  price  of  our  common  stock.  Each  factor  is  assessed  to 
determine whether it impacts the impairment test positively or negatively, and the magnitude of any such impact. 

For fiscal 2015, we performed the annual assessment of our goodwill during the fourth quarter of 2015, using the qualitative 
approach described above. Based on our qualitative assessment, we concluded that it was more likely than not that the fair 
values of our reporting units were less than their carrying amounts, and therefore we believed it was necessary to perform the 
quantitative two-step impairment test. There were numerous positive qualitative factors discovered during our analysis, but 
the instability of the market price of our common stock and the decline in revenues were a material adverse factor that led us 
to believe that we should progress to the second step of the impairment testing. In estimating fair value, we performed a 
discounted cash flow analysis on the reporting unit to determine fair value. The inputs to the discounted cash flow model are 
considered level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The impairment test indicated that the estimated fair value of the reporting unit 
was less than its corresponding carrying amount. As a result of the analyses performed, we recorded goodwill impairment 
charges of $10.5 million in 2015. There were no impairment charges in 2014. 

For fiscal 2014, we performed the annual assessment of our goodwill during the fourth quarter of 2014, using the qualitative 
approach described above. Based on our qualitative assessment, we concluded that it was not more likely than not that the 
fair values of any of our reporting units were less than their carrying amounts, and therefore it was not necessary to perform 
the quantitative two-step impairment test. The key qualitative factors that led to our conclusion included the following: (i) 
Positive access to capital with two recent stock offerings totaling $5 million in capital; (ii) Positive market acceptance of our 
multi-unit products; and (iii) Fair market value of Company is in excess of book value. 

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation 

At September 30, 2015, we maintained one stock-based compensation plan more fully described in Note 12. 

The  Company  accounts  for  stock-based  compensation  awards  in  accordance  with  the  Compensation-Stock  Topic  of  the 
Codification.  Share-based payments (to the extent they are compensatory) are recognized in our consolidated statements of 
operations based on their fair values.  

We recognize stock-based compensation expense for share-based payments issued or assumed after October 1, 2006 that are 
expected to vest on a straight-line basis over the service period of the award, which is generally three years.  We recognize 
the fair value of the unvested portion of share-based payments granted prior to October 1, 2006 over the remaining service  

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period, net of estimated forfeitures.  In determining whether an award is expected to vest, we use an estimated, forward-
looking forfeiture rate based upon our historical forfeiture rate and reduce the expense over the recognition period. Estimated 
forfeiture rates are updated for actual forfeitures quarterly.  We also consider, each quarter, whether there have been any 
significant changes in facts and circumstances that would affect our forfeiture rate.  Although we estimate forfeitures based 
on historical experience, actual forfeitures in the future may differ.  In addition, to the extent our actual forfeitures are different 
than our estimates, we record a true-up for the difference in the period that the awards vest, and such true-ups could materially 
affect our operating results. 

We estimate the fair value of employee stock options using the Black-Scholes-Merton option valuation model.  The fair value 
of an award is affected by our stock price on the date of grant as well as other assumptions including the estimated volatility 
of our stock price over the term of the awards and the estimated period of time that we expect employees to hold their stock 
options.  The risk-free interest rate assumption we use is based upon United States treasury interest rates appropriate for the 
expected life of the awards.  We use the historical volatility of our publicly traded options in order to estimate future stock 
price trends.  In order to determine the estimated period of time that we expect employees to hold their stock options, we use 
historical trends of employee turnovers.  Our expected dividend rate is zero since we do not currently pay cash dividends on 
our common stock and do not anticipate doing so in the foreseeable future. The aforementioned inputs entered into the option 
valuation model we use to fair value our stock awards are subjective estimates and changes to these estimates will cause the 
fair value of our stock awards and related stock-based compensation expense we record to vary. 

We record deferred tax assets for stock-based awards that result in deductions on our income tax returns, based on the amount 
of  stock-based  compensation  recognized  and  the  statutory  tax  rate  in  the  jurisdiction  in  which  we  will  receive  a  tax 
deduction.    

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. 

Not required.  

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Item 8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

To the Board of Directors of 
Bridgeline Digital, Inc.: 
Burlington, MA 

We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Bridgeline Digital, Inc., and subsidiary (the “Company”) as of September 
30, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, stockholders’ equity, and cash 
flows for the years then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. 
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. 

We  conducted  our  audits  in  accordance  with  the  standards  of  the  Public  Company  Accounting  Oversight  Board  (United 
States).  Those  standards  require  that  we  plan  and  perform  the  audit  to  obtain  reasonable  assurance  about  whether  the 
consolidated  financial  statements  are  free  of  material  misstatement.  The  Company  is  not  required  to  have,  nor  were  we 
engaged  to perform,  an  audit  of  its  internal  control over financial  reporting.  Our  audit  included  consideration of  internal 
control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not 
for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. 
Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts 
and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates 
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide 
a reasonable basis for our opinion. 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial 
position of Bridgeline Digital, Inc. as of September 30, 2015 and 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows 
for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. 

/s/ Marcum LLP 
Marcum LLP 

December 23, 2015 
Boston, Massachusetts 

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BRIDGELINE DIGITAL, INC. 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)  

As of September 30,  
2014 
2015 

ASSETS 

Current assets: 

Cash and cash equivalents ............................................................................................   $
Accounts receivable and unbilled receivables, net .......................................................     
Prepaid expenses and other current assets ....................................................................     
Total current assets ....................................................................................................     
Equipment and improvements, net ...................................................................................     
Intangible assets, net ........................................................................................................     
Goodwill ...........................................................................................................................     
Other assets ......................................................................................................................     
Total assets ................................................................................................................   $

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

Current liabilities: 

Accounts payable ..........................................................................................................   $
Accrued liabilities .........................................................................................................     
Accrued earnouts, current .............................................................................................     
Debt, current .................................................................................................................     
Capital lease obligations, current ..................................................................................     
Deferred revenue ..........................................................................................................     
Total current liabilities ..............................................................................................     

Accrued earnouts, net of current portion ..........................................................................     
Debt, net of current portion ..............................................................................................     
Capital lease obligations, net of current portion ...............................................................     
Other long term liabilities ................................................................................................     
Total liabilities ..........................................................................................................     

337     $
2,463       
680       
3,480       
1,315       
1,028       
12,641       
723       
19,187     $

1,626     $
1,046       
468       
92       
320       
1,542       
5,094       

-       
7,695       
-       
726       
13,515       

1,256   
3,342   
747   
5,345   
2,175   
1,582   
23,141   
1,317   
33,560   

1,126   
957   
487   
985   
364   
1,990   
5,909   

381   
5,935   
247   
1,155   
13,627   

Commitments and contingencies (See Note 11) 

Stockholders’ equity: 

Preferred stock - $0.001 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; 208,222 at 
September 30, 2015 and 0 at September 30, 2014, issued and outstanding 
(liquidation preference $2,114) ....................................................................................     
Common stock - $0.001 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 4,637,684 at 
September 30, 2015 and 4,388,583 at September 30, 2014, issued and outstanding ....     
Additional paid-in capital  ............................................................................................     
Accumulated deficit ......................................................................................................     
Accumulated other comprehensive loss .......................................................................     
Total stockholders’ equity .........................................................................................     
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity ..................................................................   $

-       

-  

5       
50,434       
(44,411 )     
(356 )     
5,672       
19,187     $

5   
47,790   
(27,529) 
(333) 
19,933   
33,560   

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

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BRIDGELINE DIGITAL, INC. 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 

   Year Ended September 30, 

2015 

2014 

Net revenue: 

Digital engagement services .........................................................................................   $
Subscription and perpetual licenses ..............................................................................     
Managed service hosting ..............................................................................................     
Total net revenue .......................................................................................................     

Cost of revenue: 

Digital engagement services .........................................................................................     
Subscription and perpetual licenses ..............................................................................     
Managed service hosting ..............................................................................................     
Total cost of revenue .................................................................................................     
Gross profit ...............................................................................................................     

Operating expenses: 

Sales and marketing ......................................................................................................     
General and administrative ...........................................................................................     
Research and development ...........................................................................................     
Depreciation and amortization ......................................................................................     
Goodwill impairment charge ........................................................................................     
Restructuring charge .....................................................................................................     
Total operating expenses ...........................................................................................     
Loss from operations ........................................................................................................     
Interest and other expense, net ......................................................................................     
Loss before income taxes .................................................................................................     
(Benefit)provision for income taxes .............................................................................     
Net loss .............................................................................................................................     
Dividends on convertible preferred stock.........................................................................     
Net loss applicable to common shareholders ...................................................................   $

11,903     $
5,792       
1,529       
19,224       

8,738       
1,994       
307       
11,039       
8,185       

5,760       
3,935       
1,901       
1,695       
10,500       
496       
24,287       
(16,102 )     
(892 )     
(16,994 )     
(226 )     
(16,768 )     
(114 )     
(16,882 )   $

16,369   
5,749   
1,619   
23,737   

10,231   
1,694   
280   
12,205   
11,532   

7,988   
4,392   
2,386   
1,999   
-  
-  
16,765   
(5,233) 
(739) 
(5,972) 
243   
(6,215) 
-  
(6,215) 

Net loss per share attributable to common shareholders: 

Basic and diluted ..........................................................................................................   $

(3.88 )   $

(1.58) 

Number of weighted average shares outstanding:  

Basic and diluted ..........................................................................................................     

4,350,627       

3,937,986  

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

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BRIDGELINE DIGITAL, INC. 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS 
(Dollars in thousands)  

Net Loss ...........................................................................................................................   $

(16,768 )   $

(6,215) 

Other Comprehensive Loss: Net change in foreign currency translation adjustment ...     
Comprehensive loss .........................................................................................................   $

(23 )     
(16,791 )   $

(171) 
(6,386) 

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

   Year Ended September 30,  

2015 

2014 

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BRIDGELINE DIGITAL, INC. 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 
(In thousands) 

   Preferred Stock       Common Stock 
     Par  
   Shares       Value        Shares       Value        Capital        Deficit  

    Additional       
     Paid in       Accumulated     Comprehensive     Stockholders’   

Loss 

Equity  

     Par  

Total  

     Accumulated         
Other  

Balance at September 30, 
2013 .................................      
Issuance of common 
stock  ............................     
Stock-based 
compensation expense ..     
Issuance of common 
stock - ESPP .................     
Issuance of common 
stock - Contingent 
shares ...........................     
Issuance of common 
stock - Restricted 
shares ...........................     
Exercise of stock 
options ..........................     
Valuation of debt 
warrants ........................     
Net loss ........................     
Foreign currency 
translation.....................     

Balance at September 30, 
2014 .................................      
Issuance of common 
stock  ............................     
Stock-based 
compensation expense ..     
Issuance of common 
stock - ESPP  ................     
Issuance of common 
stock - Contingent 
shares ...........................     
Issuance of common 
stock - Restricted 
shares  ..........................     
Issuance of preferred 
stock - less issuance 
costs .............................     
Stock dividends - 
Issued ...........................     
Stock dividends - 
Declared .......................     
Valuation of debt 
warrants ........................     
Net loss ........................     
Foreign currency 
translation.....................     

Balance at September 30, 
2015 .................................      

-    $ 

-      

3,664     $ 

4    $ 

44,220     $ 

(21,314)   $ 

(162)   $ 

22,748   

-      

-      

-      

-      

640       

1      

2,746       

-  

-      

5       

-      

-      

449       

22       

-      

-      

17       

-      

-      

-      

-      

-      
-      

-      

-      

-      

-      
-      

-      

11       

52       

-      
-      

-      

-      

-      

-      
-      

-      

66       

215       

72       
-      

-      

-      

-      

-      

-      

-      

-      

-      
(6,215)     

-      

-      

-      

-      

-      

-      

-      
-      

2,747   

449   

22   

-  

66   

215   

72   
(6,215) 

-      

(171)     

(171) 

-    $ 

-      

4,389     $ 

5    $ 

47,790     $ 

(27,529)   $ 

(333)   $ 

19,933   

-      

-      

-      

-      

185       

-  

-      

3       

-      

-      

-      

-      

-      

19       

-      

197       

216       

6       

-      

-      

-      

41       

-      

97       

200       

8       

-      

-      
-      

-      

-      

-      

-      

-      
-      

-      

-      

-      

-      

-      
-      

-      

-      

-      

-      

-      
-      

-      

1,776       

82       

-      

270      
-      

-      

-      

-      

-      

-      

-      

-      

(82)     

(32)     

-      
(16,768)     

-      

-      

-      

-      

-      

-      

-      

-      

-      
-      

197   

216   

6   

-  

97   

1,776   

-  

(32) 

270   
(16,768) 

-      

(23)     

(23) 

208     $ 

-      

4,637     $ 

5    $ 

50,434     $ 

(44,411)   $ 

(356)   $ 

5,672   

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

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BRIDGELINE DIGITAL, INC. 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
(Dollars in thousands)  

Cash flows from operating activities: 

Net loss ......................................................................................................................................   $ 
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: 

(Benefit from)/provision for deferred taxes ...........................................................................     
Amortization of intangible assets ...........................................................................................     
Depreciation ...........................................................................................................................     
Other amortization .................................................................................................................     
Goodwill impairment .............................................................................................................     
Stock-based compensation/restricted shares ..........................................................................     
Adjustment to accrued earnouts .............................................................................................     
Net loss on disposal of fixed assets/restructuring ...................................................................     

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: 

Accounts receivable and unbilled receivables ........................................................................     
Prepaid expenses and other assets ..........................................................................................     
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities ...............................................................................     
Deferred revenue ....................................................................................................................     
Other liabilities .......................................................................................................................     
Total adjustments ...............................................................................................................     
Net cash used in operating activities ..................................................................................     

Cash flows used in investing activities: 

Purchase of equipment and improvements .............................................................................     
Software development capitalization costs/other intangibles .................................................     
Net cash used in investing activities ...................................................................................     

Cash flows provided by financing activities: 

Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs ...........................................     
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock, net of issuance costs ...........................................     
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options ................................................................     
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan ........................................................................     
Contingent acquisition payments ...........................................................................................     
Proceeds from issuance of convertible debt, net of issuance costs .........................................     
Proceeeds from bank term loan ..............................................................................................     
Proceeds from term notes from stockholder ...........................................................................     
Borrowings on bank line of credit ..........................................................................................     
Payments on bank term loan ..................................................................................................     
Payments on bank line of credit .............................................................................................     
Payments on acquired debt .....................................................................................................     
Payments on subordinated promissory notes .........................................................................     
Principal payments on capital leases ......................................................................................     
Net cash provided by financing activities ......................................................................................     
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents ......................................................     
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents .........................................................................     
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period ..........................................................................     
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period ....................................................................................   $ 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: 

Cash paid for:  

Interest ...................................................................................................................................   $ 
Income taxes ..........................................................................................................................   $ 

Non cash investing and financing activities: 

Equipment purchased under capital leases .................................................................................   $ 
Accrued dividends on convertible preferred stock .....................................................................   $ 

Year Ended September 30, 

2015 

2014 

(16,768)   $ 

(6,215) 

(321)     
554       
1,065       
700       
10,500       
314       
109       
161       

879       
622       
195       
(448)     
(325)     
14,005       
(2,763)     

(124)     
(63)     
(187)     

197       
1,776       
-      
6       
(447)     
-      
1,710       
2,000       
795       
(2,460)     
(1,038)     
-      
(21)     
(463)     
2,055       
(24)     
(919)     
1,256       
337     $ 

243     $ 
52     $ 

172     $ 
114       

219   
655   
1,282   
549   
-  
506   
(9) 
-  

(162) 
899   
(1,414) 
(6) 
(152) 
2,367   
(3,848) 

(304) 
(164) 
(468) 

2,756   
-  
215   
22   
(644) 
913   
-  
-  
2,046   
-  
(1,884) 
(42) 
(51) 
(418) 
2,913   
(171) 
(1,574) 
2,830   
1,256   

245   
57   

88   
-  

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

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BRIDGELINE DIGITAL, INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 

1.   Description of Business 

Overview 

Bridgeline Digital, The Digital Engagement Company™, enables its customers to maximize the performance of their mission 
critical websites, intranets, and online stores. Bridgeline’s iAPPS® platform deeply integrates Web Content Management, 
eCommerce, eMarketing, Social Media management, and Web Analytics to help marketers deliver online experiences that 
attract, engage and convert their customers across all digital channels. Bridgeline’s iAPPS platform combined with its digital 
services  assists  customers  in  maximizing  on-line  revenue,  improving  customer  service  and  loyalty,  enhancing  employee 
knowledge, and reducing operational costs. The iAPPSds (“distributed subscription”) product is a platform that empowers 
franchise and large dealer networks with state-of-the-art web engagement management while providing superior oversight of 
corporate branding. iAPPSds deeply integrates content management, eCommerce, eMarketing and web analytics and is a 
self-service web platform that is offered to each authorized franchise or dealer for a monthly subscription fee. Our iAPPSdsr 
platform, released in 2015, targets the growing multi-unit organizations with 10-500 locations providing them with powerful 
web engagement tools while maintaining corporate brand control and consistency.  

The iAPPS platform is delivered through a cloud-based SaaS (“Software as a Service”) multi-tenant business model, whose 
flexible architecture provides customers with state of the art deployment providing maintenance, daily technical operation 
and support; or via a traditional perpetual licensing business model, in which the iAPPS software resides on a dedicated 
server in either the customer’s facility or Bridgeline’s co-managed hosting facility. 

The iAPPS Platform is an award-winning application. Our teams of Microsoft Gold© certified developers have won over 
100 industry related awards. In 2015, the SIIA (Software and Information Industry Association) awarded iAPPS Content 
Manager, the 2015 SIIA CODiE Award for Best Web Content Management Platform. Also in 2015, EContent magazine 
named  iAPPS  Digital  Engagement  Platform  to  its  Trendsetting  Products  list.  The  list  of  75  products  and  platforms  was 
compiled by EContent’s editorial staff, and selections were based on each offering’s uniqueness and importance to digital 
publishing, media, and marketing. Bridgeline was also recognized in 2015 as a strong performer by Forrester Research, Inc 
in its independence report, “The Forrester Wave ™: Through-Channel Marketing Automation Platforms, Q3 2015.” In recent 
years, iAPPS Content Manager and iAPPS Commerce products were selected as finalists for the 2014, 2013, and 2012 CODiE 
Awards  for  Best  Content  Management  Solution  and  Best  Electronic  Commerce  Solution,  globally.  In  2015,  the  SIIA 
(Software and Information Industry Association) awarded iAPPS Content Manager the 2015 SIIA CODiE Award for Best 
Web Content Management Platform. In 2014 and 2013, Bridgeline Digital won twenty-five Horizon Interactive Awards for 
outstanding development of web applications and websites. Also in 2013, the Web Marketing Association sponsored Internet 
Advertising Competition honored Bridgeline Digital with three awards for iAPPS customer websites and B2B Magazine 
selected Bridgeline Digital as one of the Top Interactive Technology companies in the United States. KMWorld Magazine 
Editors selected Bridgeline Digital as one of the 100 Companies That Matter in Knowledge Management and also selected 
iAPPS as a Trend Setting Product in 2013. 

Bridgeline Digital was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware on August 28, 2000. 

Locations 

The Company’s corporate office is located north of Boston, Massachusetts.  The Company maintains regional field offices 
serving the following geographical locations: Atlanta, GA; Baltimore, MD; Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; Denver, CO; New 
York, NY; Dallas, TX; San Luis Obispo, CA; and Tampa, FL.  The Company has one wholly-owned subsidiary, Bridgeline 
Digital Pvt. Ltd. located in Bangalore, India. 

Reverse Stock Split 

On May 4, 2015, the Company’s Shareholders and the Board of Directors approved a reverse stock split pursuant to which 
all classes of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock at the close of business on such date were combined and 
reconstituted into a smaller number of shares of common stock in a ratio of 1 share of common stock for every 5 shares of 
common stock (“1-for-5 reverse stock split”). The 1-for-5 reverse stock split was effective as of close of business on May 7, 
2015 and the Company’s stock began trading on a split-adjusted basis on May 8, 2015.  

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BRIDGELINE DIGITAL, INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 

The  reverse  stock  split  reduced  the  number  of  shares  of  the  Company’s  common  stock  currently  outstanding  from 
approximately  22  million  shares  to  approximately  4.4  million  shares.  Proportional  adjustments  have  been  made  to  the 
conversion and exercise prices of the Company’s outstanding convertible preferred stock, warrants, restricted stock awards, 
convertible notes and stock options, and to the number of shares issued and issuable under the Company’s Amended and 
Restated Stock Incentive Plan. Upon the effectiveness of the 1-for-5 reverse stock split, each five shares of the Company’s 
issued and outstanding common stock were automatically combined and converted into one issued and outstanding share of 
common stock, par value $0.001. The Company did not issue any fractional shares in connection with the reverse stock split. 
Instead, fractional share interests were rounded up to the next largest whole share. The reverse stock split does not modify 
the rights or preferences of the common stock. The number of authorized shares of the Company’s common stock remains at 
50 million shares and the par value remains $0.001. 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements and footnotes have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the effects of 
the 1-for-5 reverse stock split. 

Liquidity 

The Company has incurred operating losses and used cash in its operating activities for the past several years. Cash was used 
to fund acquisitions to broaden our geographic footprint, develop new products, and build infrastructure. In fiscal 2015, the 
Company initiated a restructuring plan that included a reduction of workforce and reducing office space, which significantly 
reduced operating expenses. The Company’s management believes it will have an appropriate cost structure for its anticipated 
sales in the first half of fiscal 2016. Management believes that operating expenses will be reduced to the point where the 
Company can drive positive Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based 
compensation charges and other onetime charges). As such, management believes that the Company will provide sufficient 
cash flows to fund its operations in the ordinary course of business through at least the next twelve months. However, there 
can be no assurance that the anticipated sales level will be achieved.  

The  Company  maintains  a  bank  financing  agreement  which  provides  for  up  to  $5  million  of  revolving  credit  advances. 
Borrowing is limited to the lesser of the $5 million or 80% of eligible receivables. Additionally, the Company can borrow up 
to $1 million in out of formula borrowings and a director/shareholder of the Company guarantees up to $2 million of the 
outstanding line of credit. As of September 30, 2015, the Company had an outstanding balance under the BridgeBank Loan 
Agreement of $2.7 million. During fiscal 2015, Bridgebank extended the term to a maturity date of September 30, 2016 and 
extended it again in December 2015 to a maturity date of December 31, 2016. Also, in December 2015, the four Term Notes 
from Shareholder in the amount of $2 million were amended to reflect a change in the maturity dates from September 30, 
2016  and  November  30,  2016  to  March  1,  2017.  In  consideration  for  the  extension  in  the  maturity  date,  the  Company 
increased the interest by 1.5% and included a prepayment penalty of 2%. The Term Notes of $500 issued in November 2015 
were also amended with the same terms and conditions as the first four notes. In addition, the Company amended the maturity 
dates of its 10% Secured Convertible Notes in the amount of $3 million to March 1, 2017 in exchange for an increase in the 
interest to 11.5% as of January 1, 2016 and a prepayment penalty of 2%. 

2.   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation 

The Company’s fiscal year end is September 30. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company 
and  its  wholly-owned  subsidiary.  All  significant  inter-company  accounts  and  transactions  have  been  eliminated  in 
consolidation.  

Use of Estimates 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and 
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the 
date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reported periods. The most 
significant estimates included in these financial statements are the valuation of accounts receivable and long-term assets, 
including intangibles, goodwill and deferred tax assets, stock-based compensation, amounts of revenue to be recognized on 

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BRIDGELINE DIGITAL, INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 

service contracts in progress, unbilled receivables, and deferred revenue. Actual results could differ from these estimates 
under different assumptions or conditions. 

The complexity of the estimation process and factors relating to assumptions, risks and uncertainties inherent with the use of 
the proportional performance model affect the amount of revenue and related expenses reported in the Company’s financial 
statements. Internal and external factors can affect the Company’s estimates. 

Cash and Cash Equivalents 

The Company considers all highly liquid instruments with original maturity of three months or less from the date of purchase 
to be cash equivalents. 

Concentration of Credit Risk, Significant Customers, and Off-Balance Sheet Risk 

Financial instruments, which potentially expose the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash 
equivalents, and accounts receivable. The Company’s cash is maintained with what management believes to be a high-credit 
quality  financial  institution.    At  times,  deposits  held  at  this  bank  may  exceed  the  federally  insured  limits.    Management 
believes that the financial institutions that hold the Company’s deposits are financially sound and have minimal credit risk. 
Risks  associated  with  cash  and  cash  equivalents  are  mitigated  by  the  Company’s  investment  policy,  which  limits  the 
Company’s investing of excess cash into only money market mutual funds. 

The Company extends credit to customers on an unsecured basis in the normal course of business.  Management performs 
ongoing  credit  evaluations  of  its  customers’  financial  condition  and  limits  the  amount  of  credit  when  deemed 
necessary.  Accounts receivable are carried at original invoice less an estimate for doubtful accounts based on a review of all 
outstanding amounts. The Company did not have any customers that contributed greater than 10% of revenue for fiscal 2015 
and fiscal 2014, respectively. 

The  Company  has  no  significant  off-balance  sheets  risks  such  as  foreign  exchange  contracts,  interest  rate  swaps,  option 
contracts or other foreign hedging agreements. 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts 

The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers 
to make required payments. For all customers, the Company recognizes allowances for doubtful accounts based on the length 
of time that the receivables are past due, current business environment and its historical experience. If the financial condition 
of  the  Company’s  customers  were  to  deteriorate,  resulting  in  impairment  of  their  ability  to  make  payments,  additional 
allowances may be required. The Company did not have any customers that had an accounts receivable balance of greater 
than 10% of total accounts receivable at September 30, 2015 and 2014. 

Revenue Recognition 

Overview 

The  Company  enters  into  arrangements  to  sell  digital  engagement  services  (professional  services),  software  licenses  or 
combinations  thereof.    Revenue  is  categorized  into:  (i)  Digital  Engagement  Services;  (ii)  Subscriptions  and  Perpetual 
Licenses; and (iii) Managed Service Hosting. 

The Company recognizes revenue as required by the Revenue Recognition Topic of the Codification.  Revenue is generally 
recognized when all of the following conditions are satisfied: (1) there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement; (2) delivery 
has occurred or the services have been provided to the customer; (3) the amount of fees to be paid by the customer is fixed 
or determinable; and (4) the collection of the fees is reasonably assured. Billings made or payments received in advance of 
providing services are deferred until the period these services are provided. 

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BRIDGELINE DIGITAL, INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 

The  Company  maintains  a  reseller  channel  to  supplement  our  direct  sales  force  for  our  iAPPS  platform.  Resellers  are 
generally located in territories where the Company does not have a direct sales force.  Customers generally sign a license 
agreement directly with the Company. Revenue from perpetual licenses sold through resellers is recognized upon delivery to 
the end user as long as evidence of an arrangement exists, collectability is probable, and the fee is fixed and determinable. 
Revenue for subscription licenses is recognized monthly as the services are delivered.   

Digital Engagement Services 

Digital engagement services include professional services primarily related to the Company’s web development solutions 
that  address  specific  customer  needs  such  as  digital  strategy,  information  architecture  and  usability  engineering,  .Net 
development,  rich  media  development,  back  end  integration,  search  engine  optimization,  quality  assurance  and  project 
management. 

Digital  engagement  services  are  contracted  for  on  either  a  fixed  price  or  time  and  materials  basis.    For  its  fixed  price 
engagements,  after  assigning  the  relative  selling  price  to  the  elements  of  the  arrangement,  the  Company  applies  the 
proportional performance model (if not subject to contract accounting) to recognize revenue based on cost incurred in relation 
to total estimated cost at completion. The Company has determined that labor costs are the most appropriate measure to 
allocate revenue among reporting periods, as they are the primary input when providing application development services. 
Customers are invoiced monthly or upon the completion of milestones. For milestone based projects, since milestone pricing 
is based on expected hourly costs and the duration of such engagements is relatively short, this input approach principally 
mirrors  an  output  approach  under  the  proportional  performance  model  for  revenue  recognition  on  such  fixed  priced 
engagements.  For time and materials contracts, revenues are recognized as the services are provided.   

Digital engagement services also include retained professional services contracted for on an “on call” basis or for a certain 
amount of hours each month. Such arrangements generally provide for a guaranteed availability of a number of professional 
services hours each month on a “use it or lose it” basis.   For retained professional services sold on a stand-alone basis the 
Company  recognizes  revenue  as  the  services  are  delivered  or  over  the  term  of  the  contractual  retainer  period.  These 
arrangements do not require formal customer acceptance and do not grant any future right to labor hours contracted for but 
not used. 

Managed Service Hosting 

Managed service hosting includes hosting arrangements that provide for the use of certain hardware and infrastructure for 
those customers who do not wish to host the Company’s applications independently.  Hosting agreements are either annual 
or  month-to-month  arrangements  that  provide  for  termination  for  convenience  by  either  party  generally  upon  30-days’ 
notice.  Revenue is recognized monthly as the hosting services are delivered.   Set up fees paid by customers in connection 
with managed hosting services are deferred and recognized ratably over the longer of the life of the hosting period or the 
expected lives of customer relationships. The Company will continue to evaluate the length of the amortization period of the 
set up fees as the Company gains more experience with customer contract renewals.  

Subscriptions and Perpetual Licenses 

The  Company  licenses  its  software  on  either  a perpetual or  subscription  basis.  Customers who  license  the  software  on  a 
perpetual basis receive rights to use the software for an indefinite time period and an option to purchase post-customer support 
(“PCS”).    For  arrangements  that  consist  of  a  perpetual  license  and  PCS,  as  long  as  Vendor  Specific  Objective  Evidence 
(“VSOE”) exists for the PCS, then PCS revenue is recognized ratably on a straight-line basis over the period of performance 
and the perpetual license is recognized on a residual basis.  Under the residual method, the fair value of the undelivered 
elements are deferred and the remaining portion of the arrangement fee is allocated to the delivered elements and recognized 
as revenue, assuming all other revenue recognition criteria have been met.    

Customers  may  also  license  the  software  on  a  subscription  basis,  which  can  be  described  as  “Software  as  a  Service”  or 
“SaaS”.  SaaS is a model of software deployment where an application is hosted as a service provided to customers across 
the Internet.  Subscription agreements include access to the Company’s software application via an internet connection, the 
related hosting of the application, and PCS.  Customers receive automatic updates and upgrades, and new releases of the  

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BRIDGELINE DIGITAL, INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 

products as soon as they become available. Customers cannot take possession of the software.  Subscription agreements are 
either annual or month-to-month arrangements that provide for termination for convenience by either party upon 90 days’ 
notice.  Revenue is recognized monthly as the services are delivered.  Set up fees paid by customers in connection with 
subscription services are deferred and recognized ratably over the longer of the life of subscription period or the expected 
lives of customer relationships. The Company continues to evaluate the length of the amortization period of the set up fees 
as the Company gains more experience with customer contract renewals.   

Multiple Element Arrangements  

 In accounting for multiple element arrangements, we follow either ASC Topic 605-985 Revenue Recognition Software or 
ASC Topic 605-25 Revenue Recognition Multiple Element Arrangements, as applicable.    

In accordance with Revenue Recognition: Multiple Deliverable Revenue Arrangement., each deliverable within a multiple-
deliverable revenue arrangement is accounted for as a separate unit of accounting if both of the following criteria are met (1) 
the delivered item has value to the customer on a standalone basis and (2) for an arrangement that includes a right of return 
relative to the delivered item, delivery or performance of the delivered item is considered probable and within our control. If 
the deliverables do not meet the criteria for being a separate unit of accounting then they are combined with a deliverable 
that  does  meet  that  criterion.  The  accounting  guidance  also  requires  that  arrangement  consideration  be  allocated  at  the 
inception  of  an  arrangement  to  all  deliverables  using  the  relative  selling  price  method.  The  accounting  guidance  also 
establishes a selling price hierarchy for determining the selling price of a deliverable. We determine selling price using VSOE, 
if it exists; otherwise, we use Third-party Evidence (“TPE”). If neither VSOE nor TPE of selling price exists for a unit of 
accounting, we use Estimated Selling Price (“ESP”).  

VSOE is generally limited to the price at which we sell the element in a separate stand-alone transaction. TPE is determined 
based on the prices charged by the Company’s competitors for a similar deliverable when sold separately. It is difficult for 
us to obtain sufficient information on competitor pricing, so we may not be able to substantiate TPE. If we cannot establish 
selling price based on VSOE or TPE then we will use ESP. ESP is derived by considering the selling price for similar services 
and our ongoing pricing strategies. The selling prices used in the Company’s allocations of arrangement consideration are 
analyzed at minimum on an annual basis and more frequently if our business necessitates a more timely review. The Company 
has  determined  that  the  Company  has  VSOE  on  our  SaaS  offerings,  certain  application  development  services,  managed 
hosting services, and PCS because we have evidence of these elements sold on a stand-alone basis.  

When the Company licenses its software on a perpetual basis in a multiple element arrangement that arrangement typically 
includes PCS and application development services..  In assessing the hierarchy of relative selling price for PCS, we have 
determined that VSOE is established for PCS. VSOE for PCS is based on the price of PCS when sold separately, which has 
been established via annual renewal rates. Similarly, when the Company licenses its software on a perpetual basis in a multiple 
element arrangement that also includes managed service hosting (“hosting”), we have determined that VSOE is established 
for hosting based on the price of the hosting when sold separately, which has been established based on renewal rates of the 
hosting contract.  Revenue recognition for perpetual licenses sold with application development services are considered on a 
case by case basis.  The Company has not established VSOE for perpetual licenses or fixed price development services and 
therefore  in  accordance  with  ASC  Topic  605-985,  when  perpetual  licenses  are  sold  in  multiple  element  arrangements 
including application development services where VSOE for the services has not been established, the license revenue is 
deferred  and  recognized  using  contract  accounting.  The  Company  has  determined  that  services  are  not  essential  to  the 
functionality of the software and it has the ability to make estimates necessary to apply proportional performance method. In 
those  cases  where  perpetual  licenses  are  sold  in  a  multiple  element  arrangement  that  includes  application  development 
services where VSOE for the services has been established, the license revenue is recognized under the residual method and 
the application services are recognized upon delivery.   

In determining VSOE for the digital engagement services element, the separability of the services from the software license 
and the value of the services when sold on a standalone basis are considered.   The Company also considers the categorization 
of the services, the timing of when the services contract was signed in relation to the signing of the perpetual license contract 
and delivery of the software, and whether the services can be performed by others.  The Company has concluded that its 
application development services are not required for the customer to use the product but, rather enhance the benefits that the 
software  can  bring  to  the  customer.    In  addition,  the  services  provided  do  not  result  in  significant  customization  or  

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BRIDGELINE DIGITAL, INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 

modification of the software and are not essential to its functionality, and can also be performed by the customer or a third 
party.  If an application development services arrangement does qualify for separate accounting, the Company recognizes the 
perpetual  license  on  a  residual  basis.    If  an  application  development  services  arrangement  does  not  qualify  for  separate 
accounting, the Company recognizes the perpetual license under the proportional performance model as described above. 

When  subscription  arrangements  are  sold  with  application  development  services,  the  Company  uses  its  judgment  as  to 
whether  the  application  development  services  qualify  as  a  separate  unit  of  accounting.  When  subscription  service 
arrangements involve multiple  elements that qualify  as separate units of accounting, the  Company allocates  arrangement 
consideration in multiple-deliverable arrangements at the inception of an arrangement to all deliverables based on the relative 
selling price model in accordance with the selling price hierarchy, which includes: (i) VSOE when available; (ii) TPE if 
VSOE is not available; and (iii) ESP if neither VSOE or TPE is available. For those subscription arrangements sold with 
multiple  elements  whereby  the  application  development  services  do  not  qualify  as  a  separate  unit  of  accounting,  the 
application services revenue is recognized ratably over the subscription period. Subscriptions also include a PCS component, 
and the Company has determined that the two elements cannot be separated and must be recognized as one unit over the 
applicable  service  period.  Set  up  fees  paid  by  customers  in  connection  with  subscription  arrangements  are  deferred  and 
recognized ratably over the longer of the life of the hosting period or the expected lives of customer relationships, which 
generally range from two to three years. The Company continues to evaluate the length of the amortization period of the set 
up fees as we gain more experience with customer contract renewals and our newer product offerings.   

Customer Payment Terms 

Payment terms with customers typically require payment 30 days from invoice date. Payment terms may vary by customer 
but generally do not exceed 45 days from invoice date.  Invoicing for digital engagement services are either monthly or upon 
achievement of milestones and payment terms for such billings are within the standard terms described above. Invoicing for 
subscriptions and hosting are typically issued monthly and are generally due in the month of service. 

The  Company's  digital  engagement  services  agreements  with  customers  do  not  provide  for  any  refunds  for  services  or 
products and therefore no specific reserve for such is maintained. In the infrequent instances where customers raise concerns 
over delivered services, the Company has endeavored to remedy the concern and all costs related to such matters have been 
insignificant in all periods presented. The Company’s subscription and hosting agreements provide for refunds when service 
is interrupted for an extended period of time and are reserved for in the month in which they occur if necessary. 

Warranty 

Certain  arrangements  include  a  warranty  period,  which  is  generally  30  days  from  the  completion  of  work.  In 
hosting  arrangements,  the  Company  provides  warranties  of  up-time  reliability.  The  Company  continues  to  monitor  the 
conditions that are subject to the warranties to identify if a warranty claim may arise. If it is determined that a warranty claim 
is probable, then any related cost to satisfy the warranty obligation is estimated and accrued. Warranty claims to date have 
been immaterial. 

Reimbursable Expenses 

In  connection  with  certain  arrangements,  reimbursable  expenses  are  incurred  and  billed  to  customers  and  such  amounts 
are recognized as both revenue and cost of revenue. 

Equipment and Improvements 

The components of equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-
line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets (three to five years). Leasehold improvements are amortized 
using  the  straight-line  method  over  the  lesser  of  the  estimated  useful  life  of  the  asset  or  the  lease  term.    Repairs  and 
maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. 

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BRIDGELINE DIGITAL, INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 

Internal Use Software 

Costs  incurred  in  the  preliminary  stages  of  development  are  expensed  as  incurred.    Once  an  application  has  reached  the 
development stage, internal and external costs, if direct and incremental, are capitalized until the software is substantially 
complete and ready for its intended use. Capitalization ceases upon completion of all substantial testing.  The Company also 
capitalizes  costs  related  to  specific  upgrades  and  enhancements  when  it  is  probable  that  the  expenditures  will  result  in 
additional functionality.  Capitalized costs are recorded as part of equipment and improvements. Training costs are expensed 
as incurred.  Internal use software is amortized on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life, generally three years. 

Research and Development and Software Development Costs 

Costs for research and development of a product to sell, lease or otherwise market are charged to operations as incurred until 
technological  feasibility  has  been  established.    Once  technological  feasibility  has  been  established,  certain  software 
development costs incurred during the application development stage are eligible for capitalization. Based on the Company’s 
product development process, technological feasibility is established upon completion of a working model. 

Software development costs that are capitalized are amortized to cost of sales over the estimated useful life of the software, 
typically three years. Capitalization ceases when a product is available for general release to customers. Capitalization costs 
are included in other assets in the consolidated financial statements.  The Company capitalized $63 and $164 of costs in fiscal 
2015 and fiscal 2014, respectively. 

Intangible Assets 

All intangible assets have finite lives and are stated at cost, net of amortization. Amortization is computed over the estimated 
useful life of the related assets on a straight-line method as follows: 

Description 

Developed and core technology ...............................................................................................  
Non-compete agreements .........................................................................................................  
Customer relationships .............................................................................................................  
Trademarks and trade names ....................................................................................................  

Estimated Useful Life (years) 
3 
3 - 6 
5 - 6 
1 - 10 

Goodwill 

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets of the business acquired. 
Goodwill  is  tested  for  impairment  annually  during  the  fourth  quarter  of  every  year  and  more  frequently  if  events  and 
circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.  Goodwill is assessed at the consolidated level as one reporting unit. 
In assessing goodwill for impairment, an entity has the option to assess qualitative factors to determine whether events or 
circumstances indicate that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. 
If this is the case, then performing the quantitative two-step goodwill impairment test is unnecessary. An entity can choose 
not to perform a qualitative assessment for any or all of its reporting units, and proceed directly to the use of the two-step 
impairment test. In assessing qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting 
unit is less than its carrying amount, the relevant events and circumstances that may impact the fair value and the carrying 
amount of a reporting unit are assessed. The identification of relevant events and circumstances and how these may impact a 
reporting unit’s fair value or carrying amount involve significant judgments by management. These judgments include the 
consideration of macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance, 
events which are specific to the company, and trends in the market price of our common stock. Each factor is assessed to 
determine whether it impacts the impairment test positively or negatively, and the magnitude of any such impact. 

For fiscal 2015, the Company performed the annual assessment of goodwill during the fourth quarter of 2015, using the 
qualitative approach described above. Based on the qualitative assessment, the Company concluded that it was more likely 
than not that the fair values of the reporting units were less than their carrying amounts. While there were numerous positive 
qualitative factors discovered during the qualitative analysis, the instability of the market price of the Company’s common 
stock and the decline in revenues were significant adverse factors that directed a full assessment. (See Note 7) In estimating  

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BRIDGELINE DIGITAL, INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 

fair value, the Company performed a discounted cash flow analysis on the reporting unit to determine fair value. The inputs 
to the discounted cash flow model are considered level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The impairment test performed by the 
Company indicated that the estimated fair value of the reporting unit was less than its corresponding carrying amount. As a 
result of the analyses performed, the Company recorded goodwill impairment charges of $10.5 million in 2015. There were 
no impairment charges in 2014. 

While there are inherent limitations in any valuation, the Company believes that using a Discounted Cash Flow Method is 
the most indicative of the fair value, or the price, that the Company would be sold at in an orderly transaction between market 
participants. The Company believes the most significant change in circumstances that could affect the key assumptions in 
our valuation are a significant reduction in the observed revenue multiples implied by future mergers and acquisitions and/or 
a significant deterioration of the Company’s projected financial performance. 

The Company records contingent consideration payments as additional purchase price and goodwill at the acquisition date. 
Any adjustments made within one year from the acquisition date are charged to goodwill. Any adjustment made after the one 
year refinement period will be charged to the consolidated statement of operations. 

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets 

The Company periodically reviews its long-lived assets, which consist primarily of property and equipment and intangible 
assets with finite lives, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of such 
assets may exceed their fair value. Recoverability of these assets is assessed using a number of factors including operating 
results, business plans, budgets, economic projections and undiscounted cash flows. 

In addition, the Company’s evaluation considers non-financial data such as market trends, product development cycles and 
changes in management’s market emphasis. For the definite-lived intangible asset impairment review, the carrying value of 
the intangible assets is compared against the estimated undiscounted cash flows to be generated over the remaining life of 
the intangible assets. To the extent that the undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying value, the fair value of 
the asset is determined and impairment is recognized. If such fair value is less than the current carrying value, the asset is 
written down to the estimated fair value. There were no impairments in fiscal 2015 or 2014.  

Deferred Revenue 

Deferred revenue includes PCS and services billed in advance.  PCS revenue, whether sold separately or as part of a multiple 
element  arrangement,  is  deferred  and  recognized  ratably  over  the  term  of  the  maintenance  contract,  generally  12 
months.  Payments made for PCS fees are generally made in advance and are nonrefundable.  Revenue from consulting and 
training services is recognized as the related services are performed, using a proportional performance model. 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments 

The Company’s financial instruments consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, 
and debt. Estimated fair values of amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements have been determined using 
available market information and valuation methodologies, as applicable. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that 
would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for 
the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The Company believes 
the recorded values for accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate current fair values as of September 30, 2015 
and September 30, 2014 because of their nature and durations. The carrying value of debt instruments also approximates fair 
value as of September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 based on acceptable valuation methodologies which use market data 
of similar size and situated debt issues.  

Fair Value Measurements 

For fair value measurements, the Company defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to 
transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The use of market-based 
information  over  entity  specific  information  is  also  prioritized  and  establishes  a  three-level  hierarchy  for  fair  value 
measurements based on the nature of inputs used in the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. 

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BRIDGELINE DIGITAL, INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 

The hierarchy established under the Codification gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for 
identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). 

Level 1 –Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; 

Level 2 – Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in 
markets  that  are  not  active;  or  other  inputs  that  are  observable  or  can  be  corroborated  by  observable  market  data  for 
substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities; and 

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the 
assets or liabilities. 

Foreign Currency 

The Company determines the appropriate method of measuring assets and liabilities as to whether the method should be 
based on the functional currency of the entity in the environment it operates or the reporting currency of the Company, the 
U.S. dollar.  The Company has determined that the functional currency of its Indian subsidiary is the Rupee.  Assets and 
liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Revenue and expense items are 
translated into U.S. dollars at average exchange rates for the period. The adjustments are recorded as a separate component 
of stockholders’ equity and are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The Company’s foreign currency 
translation net gains (losses) for fiscal 2015 and 2014 were  $(23) and $(171), respectively.  Translation gains and losses 
related to monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a currency different from a subsidiary’s functional currency are 
included in the consolidated statements of operations. 

Segment Information 

The Company operates internally as one reportable operating segment because all of the Company’s locations have similar 
economic characteristics. 

Stock-Based Compensation 

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in the consolidated statements of operations based on their fair values 
of the awards on the date of grant on a straight-line basis over their vesting term. Compensation expense is recognized only 
for share-based payments expected to vest. The Company estimates forfeitures at the date of grant based on the Company’s 
historical experience and future expectations. 

Valuation of Stock Options and Warrants Issued to Non-Employees 

The  Company  measures  expense  for  non-employee  stock-based  compensation  and  the  estimated  fair  value  of  options 
exchanged in business combinations and warrants issued for services using the fair value method for services received or the 
equity  instruments  issued, whichever  is  more  readily  measured.    The  Company  estimated  the  fair value  of  stock options 
issued to non-employees using the Black-Scholes Merton option valuation model. 

The Company estimated the fair value of common stock warrants issued to non-employees using the binomial options pricing 
model. The Company evaluates common stock warrants as they are issued to determine whether they should be classified as 
an equity instrument or a liability. Those warrants that are classified as a liability are carried at fair value at each reporting 
date, with changes in their fair value recorded in other income (expense) in the consolidated statements of operation.  

Advertising Costs 

Advertising costs are expensed when incurred. Such costs were $461 and $768 for fiscal 2015 and 2014, respectively. 

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BRIDGELINE DIGITAL, INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 

Employee Benefits 

The  Company  sponsors  a  contributory  401(k)  plan  allowing  all  full-time  employees  who  meet  prescribed  service 
requirements to participate. The Company is not required to make matching contributions, although the plan provides for 
discretionary contributions by the Company. The Company made no contributions in either fiscal 2015 or fiscal 2014. 

Income Taxes 

The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been 
included in the Company’s financial statements and tax returns. Deferred income taxes are recognized based on temporary 
differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year 
in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are provided if based upon the weight of 
available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. 

The  Company  provides  for  reserves  for  potential  payments  of  taxes  to  various  tax  authorities  related  to  uncertain  tax 
positions.  Reserves are based on a determination of whether and how much of a tax benefit taken by the Company in its tax 
filings or positions is “more likely than not” to be realized following resolution of any uncertainty related to the tax benefit, 
assuming that the matter in question will be raised by the tax authorities.  Interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax 
positions are included in the provision for income taxes. 

The  Company  does  not  provide  for  U.S.  income  taxes  on  the  undistributed  earnings  of  its  Indian  subsidiary,  which  the 
Company considers to be permanent investments. 

Net Loss Per Share 

Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss available to common shareholders by the weighted average number 
of common shares outstanding.  Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted average number of common 
shares outstanding during the period plus the dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and warrants using the “treasury 
stock” method.  The computation of diluted earnings per share does not include the effect of outstanding stock options and 
warrants that are anti-dilutive. 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements 

In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance to customers about whether a cloud 
computing arrangement includes software. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, the customer should 
account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a 
cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for  the arrangement as a 
service contract. The new guidance does not change the accounting for a customer’s accounting for service contracts. This 
new guidance is effective for annual periods, including interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 
2015 with early adoption permitted using either of two methods: (i) prospective to all arrangements entered into or materially 
modified after the effective date and represent a change in accounting principle; or (ii) retrospectively. Management does not 
expect it to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. 

In February 2015, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on simplifying the presentation of debt issuance costs. Debt 
issuance costs related to a recognized liability should be presented on the balance sheet as a direct reduction from the carrying 
amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance 
costs are not affected. This new guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Management 
does not expect it to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.  

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BRIDGELINE DIGITAL, INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 

3. Accounts Receivable and Unbilled Receivables 

Accounts receivable and unbilled receivables consists of the following: 

Accounts receivable .........................................................................................................   $
Unbilled receivables .........................................................................................................     
Subtotal ............................................................................................................................     
Allowance for doubtful accounts .....................................................................................     
Accounts receivable and unbilled receivables, net ...........................................................   $

4.   Equipment and Improvements 

Equipment and improvements consists of the following: 

As of September 30, 
2014 
2015 

2,228     $
306       
2,534       
(71 )     
2,463     $

3,303   
229   
3,532   
(190) 
3,342   

As of September 30, 
2014 
2015 

Furniture and fixtures .......................................................................................................   $
Purchased software  ..........................................................................................................     
Computers and equipment ................................................................................................     
Leasehold improvements  .................................................................................................     
Total cost ......................................................................................................................     
Less accumulated depreciation .....................................................................................     
Equipment and improvements, net ...................................................................................   $

1,208     $
1,119       
4,254       
1,555       
8,136       
(6,821 )     
1,315     $

1,480   
1,037   
4,307   
1,756   
8,580   
(6,405) 
2,175   

Depreciation and amortization on the above assets was $1.1 million and $1.3 million in fiscal 2015 and 2014, respectively. 
During fiscal 2015, the Company disposed of $598 of fixed assets related to the downsizing of offices, of which $161 was 
recorded as restructuring expense in the consolidated statement of operations.  

5.   Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value of Financial Instruments 

The  Company’s  other  financial  instruments  consist  principally  of  accounts  receivable,  accounts  payable,  and  debt.  The 
Company believes the recorded values for accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate current fair values as of 
September 30, 2015 and 2014 because of their short-term nature and durations. The carrying value of debt instruments also 
approximates fair value as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 based on acceptable valuation methodologies which use market 
data of similar size and situated debt issues.  

Assets and liabilities of the Company measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 

are as follows: 

Liabilities: 

As of September 30, 2015 

   Level 1 

     Level 2 

     Level 3 

Total 

Contingent acquisition consideration ........................................    $ 
Total Liabilities .................................................................    $ 

-    $ 
-    $ 

-    $ 
-    $ 

468     $ 
468     $ 

468   
468   

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BRIDGELINE DIGITAL, INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 

As of September 30, 2014 

   Level 1 

     Level 2 

     Level 3 

     Total 

Liabilities: 

Contingent acquisition consideration ........................................    $ 
Total Liabilities .................................................................    $ 

-    $ 
-    $ 

-    $ 
-    $ 

868     $ 
868     $ 

868   
868   

The Company determines the fair value of acquisition-related contingent consideration based on assessment of the probability 
that the Company would be required to make such future payments. Changes to the fair value of contingent consideration are 
recorded in general and administrative expenses. The following table provides a rollforward of the fair value, as determined 
by Level 3 inputs, of the contingent consideration.  

The following table summarizes the changes in contingent consideration for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 and 
2014. 

Balance at beginning of period .........................................................................................   $
Additions ..........................................................................................................................     
Payments ..........................................................................................................................     
Other adjustments .............................................................................................................     
Balance at end of period ...................................................................................................   $

868     $
136       
(509 )     
(27 )     
468     $

1,511   
-  
(643) 
-  
868   

   Year Ended September 30, 

2015 

2014 

6.   Intangible Assets 

Changes in the carrying amount of intangible assets are as follows: 

Domain and trade names ..................................................................................................   $
Customer related ..............................................................................................................     
Non-compete agreements .................................................................................................     
Balance at end of period ...................................................................................................   $

10     $
802       
216       
1,028     $

10   
1,284   
288   
1,582   

Total amortization expense related to intangible assets for the years ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 is reflected in the 
consolidated statements of operations in depreciation and amortization. The estimated amortization expense for fiscal years 
2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 is: $430, $335, $242, $21, respectively.  

As of September 30, 
2014 
2015 

7.   Goodwill 

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows: 

Balance at beginning of period .........................................................................................   $
Impairment .......................................................................................................................     
Purchase price allocation adjustments ..............................................................................     
Balance at end of period ...................................................................................................   $

23,141     $
(10,500 )     
-       
12,641     $

23,777   
-  
(636) 
23,141   

As of September 30, 
2014 
2015 

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BRIDGELINE DIGITAL, INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 

During fiscal 2015, the Company recorded a $10.5 million goodwill impairment loss. The Company determined that the most 
appropriate approach to use to determine the fair value of the reporting unit was the discounted cash flow method. The fair 
value of our reporting unit pursuant to the discounted cash flow approach was impacted by lower than forecasted revenues, 
volatility of the Company’s common stock, longer sales cycles, and higher operating losses. A comparison to the implied fair 
value of goodwill to its carrying value resulted in the impairment charge. The Company did not recognize an impairment loss 
in fiscal 2014.  

8.   Accrued Liabilities 

Accrued liabilities consist of the following: 

As of September 30,  
2014 
2015 

Deferred rent (1) ...............................................................................................................   $
Compensation and benefits ..............................................................................................     
Professional fees ...............................................................................................................     
Accrued interest ...............................................................................................................     
Restructuring expenses .....................................................................................................     
Accrued taxes ...................................................................................................................     
Other ................................................................................................................................     
Total ..........................................................................................................................   $

174     $
167       
145       
144       
114       
67       
235       
1,046     $

140   
312   
164   
75   
-  
41   
225   
957   

(1) The deferred rent liability is being amortized as a reduction of rent expense over the lives of the leases. As of September 
30, 2015, $174 was reflected in Accrued Liabilities and $440 is reflected in Other Long Term Liabilities on the Consolidated 
Balance Sheet as deferred rent liabilities.  

9.   Debt 

Debt consists of the following: 

As of September 30, 
2014 
2015 

Line of credit borrowings .................................................................................................   $
Bank term loan .................................................................................................................     
Subordinated convertible debt ..........................................................................................     
Term notes from shareholder ...........................................................................................     
Subordinated promissory notes ........................................................................................     
Subtotal debt .................................................................................................................   $
Other (debt discount warrants) .........................................................................................   $
Total debt ......................................................................................................................   $
Less current portion ..........................................................................................................   $
Long term debt, net of current portion ......................................................................   $

2,695     $
250       
3,000       
2,000       
-       
7,945     $
(158 )   $
7,787     $
92     $
7,695     $

2,938   
1,000   
3,000   
-  
21   
6,959   
(39) 
6,920   
985   
5,935   

Line of Credit and Bank Term Loan 

In  December 2013,  the  Company  entered  into  a  Loan  and Security  Agreement  with  BridgeBank (the  “BridgeBank Loan 
Agreement”).  The  BridgeBank  Loan  Agreement  replaced  the  Company’s  prior  credit  facility  with  Silicon  Valley  Bank 
(“SVB”), which expired on December 31, 2013. The Loan Agreement had an original term of 27 months set to expire on 
March 31, 2016. During fiscal 2015, BridgeBank extended the term to a maturity date of September 30, 2016 and extended 
it again in December 2015 to a maturity date of December 31, 2016. The Loan Agreement provides for up to $5 million of 
revolving credit advances which may be used for acquisitions and working capital purposes. Borrowings are limited to the 
lesser of (i) $5 million and (ii) 80% of eligible receivables as defined. The Company can borrow up to $1.0 million in out of 
formula borrowings for specified periods of time.   Borrowings accrued interest at BridgeBank’s prime plus 1.00% (4.25%)  

48 

 
 
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
 
BRIDGELINE DIGITAL, INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 

through June 1, 2015 and then increased to prime plus 5.00% (8.25%) in accordance with an amendment to the Loan and 
Security Agreement (see below).  The Company pays an annual commitment fee of 0.25%. Borrowings are secured by all of 
the Company’s assets and all of the Company’s intellectual property. The Company is also required to comply with certain 
financial  and  reporting  covenants  including  an  Asset  Coverage  Ratio.  As  of  September  30,  2015,  the  Company  had  an 
outstanding  balance  under  the  BridgeBank  Loan  Agreement  of  $2.7  million.  The  Company  was  in  compliance  with  all 
financial reporting covenants for the period ended September 30, 2015. 

In  December  2014,  the  Company  signed  an  Amendment  to  its  Loan  and  Security  Agreement  with  BridgeBank  (the 
“Amendment”). As part of the Amendment Mr. Michael Taglich, a member of the Board of Directors, signed an unconditional 
guaranty (the “Guaranty”) and promise to pay the Company’s lender, BridgeBank, N.A all indebtedness in an amount not to 
exceed $1 million in connection with the out of formula borrowings. The Amendment also modified certain monthly financial 
reporting requirements and financial covenants on a prospective basis commencing as of the effective date of the Amendment. 
In July 2015, the Company further amended its Loan and Security Agreement with BridgeBank which further extended the 
Guaranty from Mr. Taglich to an amount not to exceed $2 million in connection with the out of formula borrowings.  

Under the terms of the Guaranty, the Guarantor authorizes Lender, without notice or demand and without affecting its liability 
hereunder, from time to time to: (a) renew, compromise, extend, accelerate, or otherwise change the time for payment, or 
otherwise change the terms, of the Indebtedness or any part thereof, including increase or decrease of the rate of interest 
thereon, or otherwise change the terms of the Indebtedness; (b) receive and hold security for the payment of this Guaranty or 
any Indebtedness and exchange, enforce, waive, release, fail to perfect, sell, or otherwise dispose of any such security; (c) 
apply such security and direct the order or manner of sale thereof as Lender in its discretion may determine; and (d) release 
or substitute any Guarantor or any one or more of any endorsers or other guarantors of any of the Indebtedness. 

To secure all of Guarantor's obligations hereunder, Guarantor assigns and grants to Lender a security interest in all moneys, 
securities, and other property of Guarantor now or hereafter in the possession of Lender, all deposit accounts of Guarantor 
maintained with Lender, and all proceeds thereof. Upon default or breach of any of Guarantor's obligations to Lender, Lender 
may apply any deposit account to reduce the Indebtedness, and may foreclose any collateral as provided in the Uniform 
Commercial Code and in any security agreements between Lender and Guarantor. 

At September 30, 2015, the Company had an outstanding short term loan with BridgeBank of $250 which was repaid in 
October 2015. At September 30, 2014, the Company had an outstanding short term loan with BridgeBank of $1.0 million 
which was repaid in October 2014.  

Term Notes from Shareholder 

On January 7, 2015, Bridgeline issued a Term Note to Michael Taglich to document a loan by Michael Taglich to Bridgeline 
of $500. The terms of the Note provide that Bridgeline will pay interest at a rate of 7% per annum and the note will mature 
on June 30, 2016. On February 9, 2015, the Company entered into a second Term Note (“Second Note”) for $500 with Mr. 
Taglich. The terms of the Second Note provide that Bridgeline will pay interest at a rate of 7% per annum and the note will 
mature on September 1, 2016. On May 12, 2015, the Company entered into a third Term Note (“Third Note”) for $500 with 
Mr. Taglich. The terms of the Third Note provide that Bridgeline will pay interest at a rate of 7% per annum and the note 
will mature on September 1, 2016. On July 12, 2015, the Company entered into a fourth Term Note (“Fourth Note”) for $500 
with Mr. Taglich. The terms of the Fourth Note provide that Bridgeline will pay interest at a rate of 8% per annum and the 
note will mature on July 21, 2016. Subsequent to the end of the year, the Company issued Term Notes (the “Fifth Notes”) to 
Mr. Michael Taglich and Mr. Robert Taglich to document a loan from each of them for $250. The terms of the Fifth Notes 
provide that Bridgeline will pay interest at a rate of 8% per annum and the notes will mature on February 23, 2016. 

In consideration of the loan by Michael Taglich and a personal guaranty delivered by Michael Taglich to BridgeBank, N.A. 
for  the  benefit  of  Bridgeline  on  December  19,  2014  (the  “Guaranty”),  on  January  7,  2015  the  Company  issued  Michael 
Taglich a warrant to purchase 60,000 shares of Common Stock of the Company at a price equal to $4.00 per share. Mr. 
Taglich  was  also  issued  additional  warrants  in  the  amount  of  60,000  in  conjunction  with  the  Second  Note  of  $500.  The 
warrants have a term of five years and are exercisable six months after the date of issuance. Bridgeline agreed to provide 
piggyback  registration  rights  with  respect  to  the  shares  of  common  stock  underlying  the  warrants.  On  January  7,  2015, 
Bridgeline also entered into a side letter with Michael Taglich pursuant to which Bridgeline agreed in the event the Guaranty  

49 

 
 
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
 
BRIDGELINE DIGITAL, INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 

remains outstanding for a period of more than 12 months, on each anniversary of the date of issuance of the Guaranty while 
the Guaranty remains outstanding Bridgeline will issue Michael Taglich a warrant to purchase 30,000 shares of common 
stock, which warrant shall contain the same terms as the warrant issued to Michael Taglich on January 7, 2015. In May 2015, 
Mr. Taglich was issued additional warrants in the amount of 60,000 at an exercise price of $4.00 in conjunction with the 
Third Note of $500. In July 2015, Mr. Taglich was issued warrants in the amount of 160,000 at an exercise price of $1.75 in 
conjunction with the Fourth Note of $500.  

Subsequent to the close of fiscal 2015, each of the Notes were amended in December 2015. The amendments consisted of an 
increase of 1.5% interest per annum effective January 1, 2016, an extension of the maturity date to March 1, 2017, and a 
prepayment penalty of 2%. 

The fair value of the warrants issued to Mr. Taglich in connection with the Term Notes is $270 which is reflected as a debt 
discount in current liabilities with the offsetting amount recorded to additional paid in capital in the Consolidated Balance 
Sheet. The fair market value of the warrants will be amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated life of one year. 
Amortization of the debt discount is $115 through September 30, 2015.  

Subordinated Convertible Debt 

On  September  30,  2013,  Bridgeline  Digital  entered  into  a  Note  Purchase  Agreement  (the  "Purchase  Agreement")  with 
accredited investors pursuant to which Bridgeline Digital sold an aggregate of $2.0 million of 10% secured subordinated 
convertible notes (the "Notes"). The gross proceeds to Bridgeline Digital at the closing of this private placement were $2.0 
million. The Notes accrue interest at a rate of ten percent (10%) per annum and mature on September 30, 2016. Interest on 
the  Notes  is  payable  quarterly  in  cash.  On  November  6,  2013,  Bridgeline  Digital  entered  into  an  amendment  (the 
"Amendment") to the Purchase Agreement by and among Bridgeline Digital and the accredited investors’ party thereto. The 
Amendment increased the aggregate amount of 10% secured subordinated convertible notes (the "New Notes") able to be 
sold by Bridgeline Digital to $3.0 million. On November 6, 2013, Bridgeline Digital sold an additional $1.0 million of New 
Notes (the "Second Closing"). The gross proceeds to Bridgeline Digital at the Second Closing of this private placement were 
$1.0 million. The Notes accrue interest at a rate of ten percent (10%) per annum and mature on November 6, 2016. Interest 
on the Notes is payable quarterly in cash. The Notes are convertible at the election of the holder into shares of common stock 
of Bridgeline Digital at a conversion price equal to $6.50 per share at any time prior to the maturity date, provided that no 
holder may convert the Notes if such conversion would result in the holder beneficially owning more than 4.99% of the 
number of shares of Bridgeline Digital common stock outstanding at the time of conversion.  

Subsequent to the close of fiscal 2015, each of the Notes were amended in December 2015. The amendments consisted of an 
increase of 1.5% interest per annum effective January 1, 2016, an extension of the maturity date to March 1, 2017, and a 
prepayment penalty of 2%. 

The  Notes  are  secured  by  all  of  Bridgeline  Digital's  assets.  The  security  interest  granted  to  the  holders  of  the  Notes  is 
subordinate to the security interest held by Bridgeline Digital's senior lender, BridgeBank. Bridgeline Digital may prepay 
any portion of the principal amount of the outstanding Notes at any time. Under certain circumstances Bridgeline Digital has 
the right to force conversion of the Notes into shares of Bridgeline Digital common stock in the event the Bridgeline Digital 
common stock trades in excess of $13.00 per share for 20 trading days out of any 30 trading day period.  

The Notes contain customary events of default. Upon the occurrence of any event of default the interest rate under the Notes 
will increase. In addition, upon the occurrence of a payment default under the Notes, Bridgeline Digital must pay a premium 
equal to 20% of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes. In the event of a change in control of Bridgeline Digital while 
the Notes are outstanding, Bridgeline Digital will provide the holders of the Notes with the opportunity to convert the Notes 
immediately prior to the change in control. In the event the holders of the Notes do not elect to convert the Notes, Bridgeline 
Digital may prepay all outstanding principal and accrued interest under the Notes.  

The placement agent for both transactions was Taglich Brothers, Inc. As compensation for the initial transaction on September 
30, 2013. Bridgeline Digital paid a fee of $160 and issued to Taglich Brothers, Inc., or its designees, five-year warrants to 
purchase an aggregate of 30,770 shares of common stock at an exercise price equal to $6.50 per share. The warrants are first 
exercisable on March 30, 2014, and provide the holders piggyback registration rights with respect to the shares of common  

50 

 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
 
BRIDGELINE DIGITAL, INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 

stock underlying the warrants and contain a cashless exercise provision. As compensation for the Second Closing, Bridgeline 
Digital paid Taglich Brothers, Inc. a fee of $80 and issued to Taglich Brothers, Inc., or its designees, five-year warrants to 
purchase an aggregate of 15,385 shares of common stock at an exercise price equal to $6.50 per share. The warrants are first 
exercisable on May 6, 2014, provide the holders piggyback registration rights with respect to the shares of common stock 
underlying the warrants and contain a cashless exercise provision. The Company determined a fair value of the warrants of 
$72.  The  fair  value  was  recorded  as  a  liability  with  the  offsetting  amount  recorded  to  additional  paid  in  capital  in  the 
Consolidated Balance Sheet. The fair value of the warrants was amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated life of 
two years and are fully amortized as of September 30, 2015. 

The shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Notes and upon exercise of the warrants are restricted securities 
and may be sold only pursuant to Rule 144 or in another transaction exempt from the registration requirements under the 
Securities Act of 1933. Pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement, Bridgeline Digital has agreed to provide piggyback 
registration rights with respect to the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Notes in the event Bridgeline 
Digital files a registration statement, with certain limited exceptions. 

Subordinated Promissory Notes 

In May 2012, the Company assumed two Promissory Notes in connection with the acquisition of MarketNet, Inc. The first 
Promissory Note in the amount of $63 was payable in eight equal installments of $8, including interest accrued at 5%. This 
note was paid in full as of September 30, 2014. The second Promissory Note in the amount of $80 was payable in twelve 
equal installments of $7, including interest accrued at 5%. This note was paid in full as of May 31, 2015.  

As of September 30, 2015, the Company had the following minimum debt obligation payments remaining: 

Year Ending September 30, 
2016  ..........................................................................................................................................................   $ 
2017 ...........................................................................................................................................................     
Total  ......................................................................................................................................................   $ 

Amount 

6,945   
1,000   
7,945   

10.   Restructuring Charges 

During the second half of fiscal 2015, the Company’s management approved, committed to and initiated plans to restructure 
and further improve efficiencies by implementing cost reductions in line with the recent decrease in revenue. The Company 
renegotiated three offices leases and relocated to smaller space, while also negotiating sub-leases for the original space. In 
addition, the Company executed a general work-force reduction and recognized costs for severance and termination benefits. 
During  the  fourth  quarter,  the  Company  recorded  a  restructuring  liability  of  $307  for  the  future  contractual  rental 
commitments for vacated office space and related costs, offset by estimated sub-lease income. These restructuring charges 
and accruals require estimates and assumptions, including contractual rental commitments or lease buy-outs for vacated office 
space  and  related  costs,  and  estimated  sub-lease  income.  The  Company’s  sub-lease  assumptions  include  the  rates  to  be 
charged to a sub-tenant and the timing of the sub-lease arrangement. All of the vacated lease space is currently contractually 
occupied by a new sub-tenant for the remaining life of the lease. These estimates and assumptions will be monitored on a 
quarterly basis for changes in circumstances with the corresponding adjustments reflected in the consolidated statement of 
operations.  

In total, a charge of $496 was recorded to restructuring expenses in the consolidated statement of operations for the total 
lease expenses less sub-lease rental income, other miscellaneous lease termination costs, loss on disposal of fixed assets, and 
costs for severance and termination benefits.  

There were no restructuring liabilities recorded during fiscal 2014.  

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BRIDGELINE DIGITAL, INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 

The following table summarizes the restructuring charges reserve activity for the year ended September 30, 2015: 

   Employee 
Severence 

Facility 
Closures and 
Other Costs 

Total 

Beginning balance, October 1, 2014 ..................................................   $ 
Charges to operations ..................................................................     
Cash disbursements .....................................................................     
Changes in estimates ...................................................................     
Ending balance, September 30, 2015 .................................................   $ 

-    $ 
45      
-      
-      
45     $ 

-    $ 
451      
-      
-      
451     $ 

-   
496   
-   
-   
496   

As of September 30, 2015, the Company had the following accrued restructuring liabilities. 

As of September 30, 
2014 
2015 

Facilities and related ........................................................................................................   $ 
Other.................................................................................................................................     
Total  .........................................................................................................................     

259     $
48       
307       

-  
-  
-  

11.   Commitments and Contingencies 

Operating Lease Commitments 

The Company leases facilities in the United States and India.  Future minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable 
operating leases with initial or remaining terms in excess of one year at September 30, 2015 were as follows: 

Gross Amount 

Sublease 
Income 
Amount 

Years Ending September 30, 
2016 ....................................................................................................   $ 
2017 ....................................................................................................     
2018 ....................................................................................................     
2019 ....................................................................................................     
2020 and thereafter .............................................................................     
Total  ...............................................................................................   $ 

1,062     $ 
756       
653       
377       
138       
2,986     $ 

(223 )   $
(103 )     
(105 )     
(108 )     
(73 )     
(612 )   $

Net 

839   
653   
548   
269   
65   
2,374   

Rent expense for fiscal 2015 and 2014 was $1,500 for both periods, inclusive of sublease income of $70 and $24 for fiscal 
2015 and 2014, respectively.   

Capital Lease Obligations 

Capital Lease Obligations ................................................................................................   $
Less: Current portion ........................................................................................................     
Capital Lease obligations ..............................................................................................   $

320     $
(320 )     
-     $

611   
(364) 
247   

As of September 30, 2015, the Company’s future minimum lease payments due under capitalized lease obligations due in 
fiscal 2016 consist of $320. 

As of September 30, 
2014 
2015 

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BRIDGELINE DIGITAL, INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 

Other Commitments, Guarantees, and Indemnification Obligations 

The Company frequently warrants that the technology solutions it develops for its clients will operate in accordance with the 
project specifications without defects for a specified warranty period, subject to certain limitations that the Company believes 
are standard in the industry. In the event that defects are discovered during the warranty period, and none of the limitations 
apply, the Company is obligated to remedy the defects until the solution that the Company provided operates within the 
project specifications. The Company is not typically obligated by contract to provide its clients with any refunds of the fees 
they have paid, although a small number of its contracts provide for the payment of liquidated damages upon default. The 
Company has purchased insurance policies covering professional errors and omissions, property damage and general liability 
that reduce its monetary exposure for warranty-related claims and enable it to recover a portion of any future amounts paid.  

The Company’s contracts typically provide for testing and client acceptance procedures that are designed to mitigate the 
likelihood of warranty-related claims, although there can be no assurance that such procedures will be effective for each 
project.  The Company has not paid any material amounts related to warranties for its solutions.  The Company sometimes 
commits unanticipated levels of effort to projects to remedy defects covered by its warranties.  The Company’s estimate of 
its exposure to warranties on contracts is immaterial as of September 30, 2015. 

The  Company’s  agreements  with  customers  generally  require  the  Company  to  indemnify  the  customer  against  claims  in 
which the Company’s products infringe third-party patents, copyrights, or trademarks and indemnify against product liability 
matters.  As  of  September  30,  2015  and  2014,  respectively,  the  Company  has  not  experienced  any  losses  related  to  the 
indemnification obligations and no significant claims with respect thereto were outstanding.  The Company does not expect 
significant  claims  related  to  the  indemnification  obligations  and,  consequently,  concluded  that  the  fair  value  of  these 
obligations is negligible, and no related reserves were established. 

Litigation 

The  Company  is  subject  to  ordinary  routine  litigation  and  claims  incidental  to  its  business.    As  of  September  30,  2015, 
Bridgeline was not engaged with any material legal proceedings. 

12.   Stockholders’ Equity 

Preferred Stock 

On October 27, 2014, the Company sold 200,000 shares of Series A convertible preferred stock (the “Preferred Stock”) at a 
purchase price of $10.00 per share for gross proceeds of $2.0 million in a private placement. Net proceeds to the Company 
after offering expenses were approximately $1.8 million. The shares of Preferred Stock may be converted, at the option of 
the holder at any time, into such number of shares of common stock (“Conversion Shares”) equal (i) to the number of shares 
of Preferred Stock to be converted, multiplied by the stated value of $10.00 (the “Stated Value”) and (ii) divided by the 
conversion price in effect at the time of conversion. The initial conversion price is $3.25, and is subject to adjustment in the 
event of stock splits or stock dividends. Any accrued but unpaid dividends on the shares of Preferred Stock to be converted 
shall also be converted in common stock at the conversion price. A mandatory provision also may provide that the Company 
will have the right to require the holders to convert shares of Preferred Stock into Conversion Shares if (i) the Company’s 
common stock has closed at or above $6.50 per share for ten consecutive trading days and (ii) the Conversion Shares are (A) 
registered for resale on an effective registration statement or (B) may be resold pursuant to Rule 144.  

In the event of any liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the Company, the holders of shares of Preferred Stock will be 
entitled to receive in preference to the holders of common stock, the amount equal to the stated value per share of Series A 
Preferred Stock plus declared and unpaid dividends, if any. After such payment has been made, the remaining assets of the 
Company will be distributed ratably to the holders of common stock. 

Cumulative dividends are payable at a rate of 6% per year. If the Company does not pay the dividends in cash, then the 
Company  may  pay  dividends  in  any  quarter  by  delivery  of  additional  shares  of  Preferred  Stock  (“PIK  Election”).  If  the 
Company shall make the PIK Election with respect to the dividend payable, it shall deliver a number of shares of Preferred 
Stock equal to (A) the aggregate dividend payable to such holder as of the end of the quarter divided by (B) the lesser of (x)  

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BRIDGELINE DIGITAL, INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 

the then effective Conversion Price or (y) the average VWAP for the five (5) consecutive Trading Days prior to such dividend 
payment date. If, after two years, any Preferred Stock are outstanding the cash dividend rate will increase to 12.0% per year. 
The Company shall have the right to force conversion of the Preferred Stock into shares of Common Stock at any time after 
the Common Stock trades in excess of $6.50 per share. The Preferred Shares shall vote with the Common on an as converted 
basis.  

Stock dividends were declared for each of the three payment dates in fiscal 2015 and a total of 8,222 shares of preferred 
convertible stock were issued to preferred shareholders. In September 2015, the Company elected to declare a stock dividend 
(PIK election) for the fourth dividend payment date of October 1, 2015. The stock dividend declared was in the amount of 
3,171 shares.  

Common Stock 

In June 2013, the Company sold 460,000 shares of common stock at $5.00 per share for gross proceeds of $2.3 million in a 
private placement. Net proceeds to the Company after offering expenses were approximately $2.1 million. In addition, the 
Company issued the investors and placement agent and its affiliates five year warrants to purchase an aggregate of 92,000 
and 46,000 shares, respectively, of Bridgeline’s common stock at a price equal to $6.25 per share. There are no plans to 
register the common stock issued in this offering, however in the event the Company does register other Common stock, the 
Company agreed to provide piggyback registration rights with respect to the shares of common stock sold in the offering and 
underlying the warrants.  

In January 2014, the Company issued 11,380 shares of common stock at $5.80 per share to four members of its Board of 
Directors in lieu of cash payments for their services as board members. The shares vested in equal installments on a monthly 
basis through the end of the service period of September 30, 2014. The aggregate fair value of the shares is $66 and was 
expensed over the service period.  

In March 2014, the Company sold 640,000 shares of common stock at $4.75 per share for gross proceeds of $3 million in a 
private placement. Net proceeds to the Company after offering expenses were approximately $2.7 million. In addition, the 
Company issued the placement agent five year warrants to purchase an aggregate of 64,000 shares of Bridgeline’s common 
stock at a price equal to $5.25 per share. There are no plans to register the common stock issued in this offering, however in 
the event the Company does register other common stock, the Company agreed to provide piggyback registration rights with 
respect to the shares of common stock sold in the offering and underlying the warrants.  

In March 2015, the Company issued 40,834 shares of common stock at $2.40 per share to four members of our Board of 
Directors in lieu of cash payments for their services as board members. The shares vested in equal installments on a monthly 
basis through the end of the service period of September 30, 2015. The aggregate fair value of the shares is $98 and was 
expensed over the service period.  

Contingent Consideration 

In connection with the acquisition of ElementsLocal on August 1, 2013, the Company issued 105,288 common shares to the 
sellers of ElementsLocal. In addition, contingent consideration not to exceed 67,693 shares of Bridgeline Digital common 
stock is contingently issuable to the sellers of ElementsLocal. The contingent consideration is payable quarterly over the 12 
consecutive calendar quarters following the acquisition, contingent upon the acquired business achieving certain revenue 
targets. Through September 30, 2015, the stockholders of ElementsLocal earned 45,128 shares of common stock. 

In connection with the acquisition of MarketNet on May 31, 2012, contingent consideration of 40,867 shares of Bridgeline 
Digital common stock is contingently issuable to the sole stockholder of MarketNet. The contingent consideration is payable 
quarterly  over  the  12  consecutive  calendar  quarters  following  the  acquisition,  contingent  upon  the  acquired  business 
achieving certain operating and revenue targets. The common stock has been issued and is being held in escrow pending 
satisfaction of the applicable earnout targets. Through September 30, 2015, the sole stockholder of MarketNet earned 40,867 
shares of common stock.  

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BRIDGELINE DIGITAL, INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 

In connection with the acquisition of Magnetic Corporation on October 3, 2011, contingent consideration of 33,334 shares 
of  Bridgeline  Digital  common  stock  was  contingently  issuable  to  the  sole  stockholder  of  Magnetic.  The  contingent 
consideration was payable quarterly over the 12 consecutive calendar quarters following the acquisition, contingent upon the 
acquired  business  achieving  certain  operating  and  revenue  targets.  As  of  September  30,  2015,  the  sole  stockholder  of 
Magnetic earned the full value or 33,334 shares of common stock.  

Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan 

The Company has granted common stock, common stock warrants, and common stock option awards (the “Equity Awards”) 
to  employees,  consultants,  advisors  and  debt  holders  of  the  Company  and  to  former  owners  and  employees  of  acquired 
companies that have become employees of the Company. At September 30, 2015, the Company maintained one stock option 
plan and one employee stock purchase plan.  

In order to increase employee retention and morale, in October 2011, the Company offered its employees the opportunity to 
have  certain  outstanding  options  modified  by  (i)  reducing  the  grant  exercise  price  to  $3.35,  the  fair  market  value  of  the 
common stock as of the modification date and (ii) starting a new three year vesting schedule. The aggregate fair value of the 
modified options of approximately $90 was calculated using the difference in value between the original terms and the new 
terms as of the modification date. The incremental cost of the modified option over the original option will be recognized as 
additional  compensation  expense  over  the  new  three  year  vesting  period  beginning  on  the  date  of  modification.  This 
opportunity was generally limited to options issued subsequent to the October 2008 repricing described in Note 11 to the 
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2011. Options to purchase a total of 139,533 shares of common stock 
were exchanged for new grants in the October 28, 2011 repricing. 

Effective August 2015, the Company’s Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) provides for the issuance 
of  up  1,250,000  shares  of  common  stock.  The  Plan  authorizes  the  award  of  incentive  stock  options,  non-statutory  stock 
options, restricted stock, unrestricted stock, performance shares, stock appreciation rights and any combination thereof to 
employees, officers, directors, consultants, independent contractors and advisors of the Company.   Options granted under 
the Plan may be granted with contractual lives of up to ten years. There were 875,977 options outstanding reserved under the 
Plan as of September 30, 2015 and 374,023 shares available for future issuance. 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan 

On April 12, 2012, the Company’s stockholders approved and adopted the Bridgeline Digital, Inc. 2012 Employee Stock 
Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”). Under the terms of the ESPP, the Company will grant eligible employees the right to purchase 
shares of Bridgeline common stock through payroll deductions at a price equal to 85% of the fair market value of Bridgeline 
common stock on the purchase termination date of defined offering or purchase periods. Each offering period is six months 
in duration. The ESPP permits the Company to offer up to 60,000 shares of common stock. The maximum number of shares 
of common stock that may be purchased by all participants in any purchase period may not exceed 30,000 shares. As of 
September 30, 2015, 19,977 shares were issued under the ESPP plan. 

Common Stock Warrants 

On October 21, 2010, the Company issued 10,000 common stock warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s common 
stock to a non-employee consultant as compensation for services rendered. The warrants vested over a one year period and 
expire on October 15, 2015. Of the warrants issued, 5,000 are exercisable at an exercise price of $5.00 per share and 5,000 
are exercisable at an exercise price of $10.00 per share.  The warrants expired in October 2015. 

On May 31, 2012, the Company issued five year warrants to the placement agent in the Company’s private placement. The 
warrants are exercisable to purchase 43,587 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price equal to $7.00 per share.    

On June 19, 2013, the Company issued five year warrants to the investors and placement agent in the Company’s private 
placement.  The  warrants  are  exercisable  to  purchase  92,000  and 46,000  shares,  respectively,  of  the Company’s  common 
stock at a price equal to $6.25 per share.    

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BRIDGELINE DIGITAL, INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 

On  September  30,  2013,  the  Company  issued  five  year  warrants  to  the  placement  agent  in  the  Company’s  placement  of 
subordinated convertible debt. The warrants are exercisable to purchase 30,770 of the Company’s common stock at a price 
equal to $6.50 per share.  The warrants are first exercisable on March 30, 2014, provide the holders piggyback registration 
rights with respect to the shares of common stock underlying the warrants and contain a cashless exercise provision.  

On  November  1,  2013,  the  Company  issued  five  year  warrants  to  the  placement  agent  in  the  Company’s  placement  of 
subordinated convertible debt. The warrants are exercisable to purchase 15,385 shares of the Company’s common stock at a 
price equal to $6.50 per share. The warrants are first exercisable on May 6, 2014, provide the holders piggyback registration 
rights with respect to the shares of common stock underlying the warrants and contain a cashless exercise provision. 

In  March  2014,  the  Company  issued  five  year  warrants  to  the  investors  and  placement  agent  in  the  Company’s  private 
placement. The warrants are exercisable to purchase 64,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price equal to $5.25 
per share.   

On October 28, 2014, the Company issued five year warrants to the placement agent in the Company’s private placement of 
series A convertible preferred stock. The warrants are exercisable to purchase 61,539 shares of the Company’s common stock 
at a price equal to $3.25 per share. 

In connection with a $2.0 million term notes issued in the twelve months ended September 30, 2015, the Company issued 
warrants to an investor shareholder. The warrants are exercisable to purchase 180,000 shares of the Company’s common 
stock at a price equal to $4.00 per share with a five year term and 160,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price 
equal to $1.75 per share with a three year term.  

As of September 30, 2015: (i) placement agent warrants to purchase 43,587, 138,000, 46,155, 64,000, and 61,539 shares at 
an exercise price of $7.00, $6.25, $6.50, $5.25 and $3.25, respectively are outstanding; (ii) investor shareholder warrants to 
purchase 180,000 and 160,000 shares at an exercise price of $4.00 and $1.75 respectively, and (iii) warrants issued to a non-
employee consultant to purchase 5,000 shares at an exercise price of $5.00 and 5,000 shares at an exercise price of $10.00 
are outstanding.  

Stock Option and Warrant Activity and Outstanding Shares 

A summary of combined option and warrant activity follows: 

Stock Options 

Stock Warrants 

     Weighted        
     Average        
     Exercise        
Price 

     Weighted    
     Average    
     Exercise    
Price 

   Options 

     Warrants      

Outstanding, September 30, 2013 ................................................      
Granted  ....................................................................................     
Exercised  .................................................................................     
Forfeited or expired ..................................................................     
Outstanding, September 30, 2014 ................................................      
Granted  ....................................................................................     
Exercised  .................................................................................     
Forfeited or expired ..................................................................     
Outstanding, September 30, 2015 ................................................      

574,569    $ 
239,500    $ 
(52,217)   $ 
(54,724)   $ 
707,128    $ 
339,300    $ 
-    $ 
(170,451)   $ 
875,977    $ 

4.30       
5.50       
2.15       
6.80       
4.90       
1.81       
-      
4.89       
0.98       

222,355     $ 
79,385     $ 
-    $ 
-    $ 
301,740     $ 
401,541     $ 
-      
-      
703,281     $ 

6.50   
5.50   
-  
-  
6.25   
2.99   
-  
-  
4.38   

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BRIDGELINE DIGITAL, INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 

There  were  no  options  exercised  during  the  year  ended  September  30,  2015.  There  were  441,502  options  vested  and 
exercisable as of September 30, 2015. There were 349,677 options vested and exercisable as of September 30, 2014 with an 
intrinsic value of $10. The intrinsic value was calculated based on the gross difference between the Company’s closing price 
on the last day of trading of fiscal 2014 and the exercise prices for all in-the-money options vested and exercisable, excluding 
tax effects.  

A summary of the status of nonvested shares is as follows: 

     Weighted 
Average 

     Grant-Date 
Fair Value 

Shares 

Nonvested at September 30, 2014 ............................................................................     
Granted  ................................................................................................................     
Vested  ..................................................................................................................     
Forfeited  ..............................................................................................................     
Nonvested at September 30, 2015 ............................................................................     

353,186     $ 
339,300       
(167,520)     
(90,491)     
434,475     $ 

3.34   
1.30   
2.68  
3.40   
1.99   

Price ranges of outstanding and exercisable options as of September 30, 2015 are summarized below: 

Outstanding Options 

Exercisable Options 

     Weighted 
Average 

     Remaining 
     Contractual 
     Life (Years) 

Number 
of 
Options 

     Weighted 
Average 
Exercise 
Price 

Number 
of 
Options 

     Exercisable 

     Weighted 
Average 
Exercise 
Price 

200,000       
139,367       
308,310       
228,300       
875,977       

9.90    $ 
8.27      
5.42      
7.38      
7.41    $ 

1.15       
2.73      
3.84      
6.26      
3.68       

-    $ 
48,667       
268,980       
123,855       
441,502    $ 

1.15   
2.97   
3.86  
6.40   
4.48   

Exercise 
Price 

   $0.01 to $1.15 
   $1.16 to $3.00 
   $3.01 to $5.00 
   $5.01 to $8.20 

Compensation Expense 

The  Company  estimates  the  fair  value  of  stock  options  using  the  Black-Scholes-Merton  option  valuation  model  (the 
“Model”).  The assumptions used to calculate compensation expense is as follows: 

  Year Ended September 30, 

2015 

2014 

6.0   
Expected option life in years ..............................................................................................    
 78.70%
Expected volatility .............................................................................................................    
  0.00%
Expected dividend rate  ......................................................................................................    
Risk free interest rate .........................................................................................................    
  1.55%
Option exercise prices ........................................................................................................  $1.15 to  $3.25    $4.60 to  $6.45  
 $3.70   
Weighted average fair value of options granted during the year ........................................  

  6.0       
 87.08%   
  0.00%   
  1.68%   

 $1.30    

Compensation expense is generally recognized on a graded accelerated basis over the vesting period of grants. During the 
years ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company recognized $216 and $449, respectively, as compensation expense 
related  to  share  based  payments.    As  of  September  30,  2015,  the  Company  had  approximately  $353  of  unrecognized 
compensation costs related to unvested options which the Company expects to recognize through fiscal 2018. 

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BRIDGELINE DIGITAL, INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 

13.   Income Taxes 

The components of the Company’s tax provision as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 is as follows: 

   Year Ended September 30,  

2015 

2014 

Currently payable: 

Federal ..........................................................................................................................   $
State ..............................................................................................................................     
Foreign ..........................................................................................................................     
Total current ..............................................................................................................     

Deferred: 

Federal ..........................................................................................................................     
State ..............................................................................................................................     
Total deferred ............................................................................................................     
Grand Total ...............................................................................................................   $

-     $
75       
20       
95       

(248 )     
(73 )     
(321 )     
(226 )   $

-  
24   
-  
24   

180   
39   
219   
243   

The Company’s income tax provision was computed using the federal statutory rate and average state statutory rates, net of 
related federal benefit. The provision differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to 
pretax income, as follows: 

   Year Ended September 30, 

2015 

2014 

Income tax benefit at the federal statutory rate of 34% ....................................................   $
Permanent differences, net ...............................................................................................     
State income tax expense (benefit), net of federal tax ......................................................     
Change in valuation allowance ........................................................................................     
Foreign Taxes ...................................................................................................................     
Other.................................................................................................................................     
Total ..............................................................................................................................   $

(5,700 )   $
2,733       
(822 )     
3,543       
20       
-       
(226)      $

(1,963) 
328   
(273) 
2,142  
-  
9   
243  

As of September 30, 2015, the Company has a federal net operating loss (NOL) carryforward of approximately $19 million 
that expires on various dates through 2035. Internal Revenue Code Section 382 places a limitation on the amount of taxable 
income which can be offset by NOL carryforwards after a change in control of a loss corporation. Due to these “change of 
ownership”  provisions,  utilization  of  NOL  carryforwards  may  be  subject  to  an  annual  limitation  in  future  periods.  The 
Company has not performed a Section 382 analysis. However, if performed, Section 382 may be found to limit potential 
future utilization of the Company’s NOL carryforwards. The Company also has approximately $14 million in state NOLs 
which expire on various dates through 2035. 

The Company has deferred tax assets that are available to offset future taxable income. A valuation allowance is established 
if it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Management believes that it is 
more likely than not that all deferred tax assets will not be realized. Accordingly, the Company has established a valuation 
allowance against its deferred tax assets at September 30, 2015 and 2014. For the year ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, 
the  valuation  allowance  for  deferred  tax  assets  increased  $2,917  and  $2,030,  respectively,  which  was  mainly  due  to  the 
increase in the net operating loss.  

The Company recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense. Penalties, if incurred, are 
recognized as a component of tax expense. 

The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of certain state jurisdictions. The Company has not 
been audited by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or any states in connection with income taxes. The tax periods from 2012 
to 2015 generally remain open to examination by the IRS and state authorities. 

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BRIDGELINE DIGITAL, INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 

Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows: 

As of September 30, 
2014 
2015 

Deferred tax assets: 
Current: 

Bad debt reserve ...........................................................................................................   $
Deferred revenue  .........................................................................................................     
Accrued vacation ..........................................................................................................     

Long-term  

AMT carryforward .......................................................................................................     
Net operating loss carryforwards  .................................................................................     
Depreciation .................................................................................................................     
Intangibles  ...................................................................................................................     
Contribution carryforward ............................................................................................     
Total deferred tax assets ............................................................................................     

28     $
563       
8       

9       
7,624       
65       
1,184       
27       
9,508       

74   
771  
18  

23  
5,242  
-  
-  
31  
6,159  

Deferred tax liabilities:  
Current:  

Contract loss reserve  ....................................................................................................     

-       

-  

Long-term:  

Intangibles  ...................................................................................................................     
Depreciation  ................................................................................................................     
Total deferred tax liabilities ......................................................................................     
Total deferred tax assets, net, before valuation allowance ........................................     
Valuation allowance  ........................................................................................................     
Net deferred tax (liabilities) assets .....................................................................   $

-       
-       
-       
9,508       
(9,508 )     
-     $

(321) 
(55) 
(376) 
5,783   
(6,104) 
(321) 

Net  deferred  tax  liability  is  reflected  in  other  long  term  liabilities  on  the  consolidated  balance  sheets.  Undistributed 
(losses)/earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiary amounted to approximately $(184) and $144 at September 30, 2015 
and 2014, respectively. These earnings are considered to be indefinitely reinvested; accordingly, no provision for US federal 
and state income taxes has been provided thereon. Upon repatriation of those earnings, in the form of dividends or otherwise, 
the Company would be subject to both US income taxes (subject to an adjustment for foreign tax credits) and withholding 
taxes payable to the applicable foreign tax authority. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred US income tax 
liability is not material and the detailed calculations have not been performed. As of September 30, 2015, there would be 
minimal withholding taxes upon remittance of all previously unremitted earnings.  

When accounting for uncertain income tax positions, the impact of uncertain tax positions are recognized in the financial 
statements if they are more likely than not of being sustained upon examination, based on the technical merits of the position. 
The Company’s management has determined that the Company has no uncertain tax positions requiring recognition as of 
September 30, 2015 and 2014. 

14.   Net Loss per Share 

For fiscal 2015, there were no options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock considered as dilutive, as the 
options were all valued at less than the current market price. For fiscal 2014, options to purchase shares of the Company’s 
common stock of 84,226 were excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share as the effect was anti-dilutive to 
the Company’s net loss.  Also, excluded were contingent shares issuable in connection with the Magnetic, MarketNet and 
ElementsLocal acquisitions.   

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BRIDGELINE DIGITAL, INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 

15.   Related Party Transactions 

In October 2013, Mr. Michael Taglich joined the Board of Directors. Mr. Taglich is the Chairman and President of Taglich 
Brothers, Inc. a New York based securities firm. Taglich Brothers, Inc. was the agent for the private placement of convertible 
preferred stock in October 2014. Fees paid to Taglich Brothers, Inc. in connection with the October 2014 convertible preferred 
stock were $160. Mr. Taglich personally owns more than 5% of Bridgeline stock. Other employees, affiliates and clients of 
Taglich  Brothers,  Inc.  own  approximately  600,000  shares  of  Bridgeline  common  stock  and  40,427  shares  of  convertible 
preferred stock. The Company has issued $2 million in interest bearing term notes to Mr. Taglich with maturity dates ranging 
from June 2016 to September 2016. Mr. Taglich has also guaranteed $2 million in connection with the Company’s out of 
formula borrowings on its credit facility with BridgeBank.  

The fees paid to Taglich Brothers, Inc. in connection with the 2012, 2013, and 2014 private placements of common stock 
were $651. Fees paid to Taglich Brothers, Inc. in connection with the 2013 convertible debt offerings was $240. The Company 
also has an annual service contract for $18 with Taglich Brothers, Inc to perform market research.  

16.   Subsequent Events 

Term Note 

On November 19, 2015, Bridgeline issued Term Notes (the “Fifth Notes”) to Mr. Michael Taglich and Mr. Robert Taglich 
to document a loan from each of them for $250. The terms of the Fifth Notes provide that Bridgeline will pay interest at a 
rate of 8% per annum and the Notes will mature on February 23, 2016. In addition, each of Mr. Michael Taglich and Mr. 
Robert Taglich were granted 15,000 non-qualified stock options to purchase that number of shares of Common Stock at an 
exercise price equal to $1.21. Each option shall vest in its entirety on the first anniversary of the grant. The Fifth Notes were 
amended in December 2015. The amendments consisted of an increase of 1.5% interest per annum effective January 1, 2016, 
an extension of the maturity date to March 1, 2017, and a prepayment penalty of 2%. 

Common Stock 

In October 2015, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with accredited investors pursuant to which the 
Company sold an aggregate of 680,884 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share at a price of $1.00 per share. 
Gross proceeds for the sale was $680. 

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Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.  

None 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures. 

Management’s Report on Disclosure Controls and Procedures 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our 
reports  filed under  the   Securities  Exchange  Act of 1934 ,  as  amended, is  recorded,  processed,  summarized  and  reported 
within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is 
accumulated  and  communicated  to  our  management,  including  our  President  and  Chief  Executive  Officer  (Principal 
Executive  Officer)  and  our  Executive  Vice  President  of  Finance  and  Chief  Financial  Officer  (Principal  Financial  and 
Accounting Officer), as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  In designing and evaluating the 
disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed 
and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, as ours are designed to do, 
and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls 
and procedures. 

As of September 30, 2015, the end of our fiscal year covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness 
of  the  design  and  operation  of  our  disclosure  controls  and  procedures.  Based  on  the  foregoing,  we  concluded  that  our 
disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this annual report. 

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting 

Our  management  is  responsible  for  establishing  and  maintaining  adequate  internal  control  over  financial  reporting. 
Responsibility, estimates and judgments by management are required to assess the expected benefits and related costs of 
control  procedures.  The  objectives  of  internal  control  include  providing  management  with  reasonable,  but  not  absolute, 
assurance that assets are safeguarded against loss from unauthorized use or disposition, and that transactions are executed in 
accordance  with  management’s  authorization  and  recorded  properly  to  permit  the  preparation  of  consolidated  financial 
statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Our management assessed the 
effectiveness  of  our  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of  September  30,  2015.    In  making  this  assessment,  our 
management  used  the  criteria  set  forth  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission 
(“COSO”) in the 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework . Our management has concluded that as of September 30, 
2015, our internal control over financial reporting is effective in providing reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of 
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with US generally accepted 
accounting principles. Our management reviewed the results of their assessment with our Board of Directors. 

This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal 
control  over  financial  reporting.  Management’s  report  was  not  subject  to  attestation  by  the  Company’s  registered  public 
accounting firm pursuant to a permanent exemption from the internal control audit requirements of Section 404(b) of the 
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 

Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls 

Internal control over financial reporting has inherent limitations which include but are not limited to the use of independent 
professionals  for  advice  and  guidance,  interpretation  of  existing  and/or  changing  rules  and  principles,  segregation  of 
management duties, scale of organization, and personnel factors. Internal control over financial reporting is a process which 
involves human diligence and compliance and is subject to lapses in judgment and breakdowns resulting from human failures. 
Internal control over financial reporting also can be circumvented by collusion or improper management override. Provided 
its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements on a timely basis, 
however these inherent limitations are known features of the  financial reporting process and it is possible to design into the 
process safeguards to reduce, though not eliminate, this risk. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can 
provide  only  reasonable  assurance  with  respect  to  financial  statement  preparation  and  presentation.  Projections  of  any 
evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes 
in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. 

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Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting 

There have been no significant changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter 
ended  September  30,  2015  that  have  materially  or  are  reasonably  likely  to  materially  affect,  our  internal  controls  over 
financial reporting. 

Item 9B:   Other Information. 

 In December 2015, the Company restructured the majority of its current debt to long term by extending the maturity dates 
of its outstanding debt instruments. The maturity date of the Loan and Security Agreement with BridgeBank was extended 
to December 2016; the maturity date of $2 million in Term Notes to Shareholder was extended to March 1, 2017; and the 
maturity date of $3 million of 10% Secured Convertible Notes was extended to March 1, 2017. In exchange for extending 
the maturity dates of the Term Notes to Shareholder and the 10% Secured Convertible Notes, the Company increased the 
interest rates due to the debt holders as well as increased the pre-payment penalty to 2%.  

PART III 

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance. 

The following table sets forth information regarding our directors and executive officers: 

Name 

   Age 

Position 

Joni Kahn ............................    

60 

   Chairperson (1)(2)(3)(4)  

Kenneth Galaznik ................    

64 

   Director (1)(2)(4) 

Scott Landers .......................    

45 

   Director(1)(2)(3)(4) 

Michael Taglich ..................    

60 

   Director 

Roger Kahn .........................     

46 

   Co-Chief Executive Officer and President, and Chief Operating Officer  

Michael Prinn  .....................    

42 

   Co-Chief Executive Officer and President, and Chief Financial Officer 

(1)   Member of the Audit Committee. 
(2)   Member of the Compensation Committee. 
(3)   Member of the Nominating and Governance Committee. 
(4)  

Independent director. 

The additional information required by this Item 10 of Form 10-K is hereby incorporated by reference to the information in 
our definitive proxy statement to be filed within 120 days after the close of our fiscal year. 

Item 11. Executive Compensation. 

The information required by this Item 11 of Form 10-K is hereby incorporated by reference to the information in our definitive 
proxy statement to be filed within 120 days after the close of our fiscal year. 

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Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters. 

We maintain a number of equity compensation plans for employees, officers, directors and other entities and individuals 
whose efforts contribute to our success. The table below sets forth certain information as of our fiscal year ended September 
30, 2015 regarding the shares of our common stock available for grant or granted under our equity compensation plans. 

Number of 
securities 
remaining 
available for 
future 
issuance under 
equity 
compensation 
plans 
(excluding 
securities 
reflected in 
column a) (c) 

Number of 
securities to be 
issued upon 
exercise of 
outstanding 
options, 
warrants and 
rights (a) 

     Weighted 
average 
exercise price 
of outstanding 
options, 
warrants and 
rights (b) 

Plan category  

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1) ............     

875,977    $ 

0.98       

414,046   

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders (2) ......     

703,281    $ 

4.38       

-   

Total ...................................................................................................     

1,579,258    $ 

2.49       

414,046   

(1)  On April 12, 2012, the Company’s stockholders approved and adopted the Bridgeline Digital, Inc. 2012 Employee 
Stock Purchase Plan for a total of 60,000 shares and 3,442 shares were issued in fiscal 2015. The remaining shares 
are included in column (c). 

(2)  At September 30, 2015, there were 703,281 total Warrants outstanding.  

On October 21, 2010, the Company issued 10,000 common stock warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s common 
stock to a non-employee consultant as compensation for services rendered. The warrants vested over a one year period and 
expire on October 15, 2015. Of the warrants issued, 5,000 are exercisable at an exercise price of $5.00 per share and 5,000 
are exercisable at an exercise price of $10.00 per share.  These warrants expired in October 2015. 

On May 31, 2012, the Company issued five year warrants to the placement agent in the Company’s private placement. The 
warrants are exercisable to purchase 43,587 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price equal to $7.00 per share.    

On June 19, 2013, the Company issued five year warrants to the investors and placement agent in the Company’s private 
placement.  The  warrants  are  exercisable  to  purchase  92,000  and 46,000  shares,  respectively,  of  the Company’s  common 
stock at a price equal to $6.25 per share.    

On  September  30,  2013,  the  Company  issued  five  year  warrants  to  the  placement  agent  in  the  Company’s  placement  of 
subordinated convertible debt. The warrants are exercisable to purchase 30,770 of the Company’s common stock at a price 
equal to $6.50 per share.   The warrants are first exercisable on March 30, 2014, provide the holders piggyback registration 
rights with respect to the shares of common stock underlying the warrants and contain a cashless exercise provision.  

On  November  1,  2013,  the  Company  issued  five  year  warrants  to  the  placement  agent  in  the  Company’s  placement  of 
subordinated convertible debt. The warrants are exercisable to purchase 15,385 shares of the Company’s common stock at a 
price equal to $6.50 per share. The warrants are first exercisable on May 6, 2014, provide the holders piggyback registration 
rights with respect to the shares of common stock underlying the warrants and contain a cashless exercise provision. 

In  March  2014,  the  Company  issued  five  year  warrants  to  the  investors  and  placement  agent  in  the  Company’s  private 
placement. The warrants are exercisable to purchase 64,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price equal to $5.25 
per share.   

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On October 28, 2014, the Company issued five year warrants to the placement agent in the Company’s private placement of 
series A convertible preferred stock. The warrants are exercisable to purchase 61,539 shares of the Company’s common stock 
at a price equal to $3.25 per share. 

In connection with a $2.0 million term notes issued in the twelve months ended September 30, 2015, the Company issued 
warrants to an investor shareholder. The warrants are exercisable to purchase 180,000 shares of the Company’s common 
stock at a price equal to $4.00 per share with a five year term and 160,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price 
equal to $1.75 per share with a three year term.  

As of September 30, 2015: (i) placement agent warrants to purchase 43,587, 138,000, 46,155, 64,000, and 61,539 shares at 
an exercise price of $7.00, $6.25, $6.50, $5.25 and $3.25, respectively are outstanding; (ii) investor shareholder warrants to 
purchase 180,000 and 160,000 shares at an exercise price of $4.00 and $1.75 respectively, and (iii) warrants issued to a non-
employee consultant to purchase 5,000 shares at an exercise price of $5.00 and 5,000 shares at an exercise price of $10.00 
are outstanding.  

The additional information required by this Item 12 of Form 10-K is hereby incorporated by reference to the information in 
our definitive proxy statement to be filed within 120 days after the close of our fiscal year. 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence. 

The information required by this Item 13 of Form 10-K is hereby incorporated by reference to the information in our definitive 
proxy statement to be filed within 120 days after the close of our fiscal year. 

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services. 

The information required by this Item 14 of Form 10-K is hereby incorporated by reference to the information in our definitive 
proxy statement to be filed within 120 days after the close of our fiscal year. 

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PART IV 

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules. 

(a) Documents Filed as Part of this Form 10-K 

1. Financial Statements (included in Item 8 of this report on Form 10-K): 

  –  Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 
  –  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 
  –  Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ending September 30, 2015 and 2014 
  –  Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the years ending September 30, 2015 and 2014 
  –  Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ending September 30, 2015 and 2014 
  –  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ending September 30, 2015 and 2014 
  –  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

2. Financial Statement Schedules 

 –  Not applicable 

(b) Exhibits 

Documents listed below, except for documents followed by a parenthetical, are being filed as exhibits. Documents followed 
by  a  parenthetical  are  not  being  filed  herewith  and,  pursuant  to  Rule  12b-32  of  the  General  Rules  and  Regulations 
promulgated  by  the  SEC  under  the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934  (the  Act),  reference  is  made  to  such  documents  as 
previously filed as exhibits with the SEC. 

Item 
2.1 

2.2 

2.3 

2.4 

2.5 

Title 
Asset  Purchase  Agreement,  dated  as  of  May  11,  2010,  by  and  between  Bridgeline  Digital,  Inc.  and  TMX 
Interactive, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter 
ended March 31, 2010, filed on May 17, 2010) 
Subordinated Promissory Note dated May 11, 2010, issued by Bridgeline Digital, Inc. (incorporated by reference 
to Exhibit 2.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, filed on May 17, 
2010) 
Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 9, 2010, by and between Bridgeline Digital, Inc. and e.magination 
network, LLC. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 15, 
2010) 
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 3, 2011, by and among Bridgeline Digital, Inc., Magnetic 
Corporation and Jennifer Bakunas (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K 
filed on October 6, 2011) 
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 31, 2012, by and among Bridgeline Digital, Inc., MarketNet, 
Inc. and Jill Bach (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 5, 
2012) 

3.1(i)  Certificate  of  Amendment  to  Amended  and  Restated  Certificate  of  Incorporation,  dated  March  19,  2010 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 24, 2010) 
3.1 (ii) Amended and Restated By-laws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K 

4.1 

filed on January 27, 2011) 
Specimen Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Registration Statement on 
Form S-B2, File No. 333-139298) 

10.1*  Employment Agreement with Roger “ Ari” Kahn, dated August 24, 2015 
10.2*  Employment Agreement with Michael D. Prinn, dated January 19, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 

10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 21, 2011) 

10.3  Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock of Bridgeline Digital, Inc., issued to the underwriters (incorporated 

by reference to Exhibit 10.65 to our Registration Statement on Form S-B2, File No. 333-139298) 

10.4  Amended  and  Restated  Stock  Incentive  Plan,  as  amended  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Appendix  C  to  our 

Definitive Proxy Statement filed on July 14, 2014)* 

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10.5  Lead Dog Digital, Inc. 2001 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to our Registration 

Statement on Form S-B2, File No. 333-139298)* 

10.6  Employee  Stock  Purchase  Plan  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Appendix  C  to  our  Revised  Definitive  Proxy 

Statement filed on February 28, 2011)* 

10.7  Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated March 31, 2010, between Bridgeline Digital, Inc. and Silicon 
Valley Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 5, 
2010) 

10.8  Amended  and  Restated  Intellectual  Property  Security  Agreement  dated  March  31,  2010,  between  Bridgeline 
Digital, Inc. and Silicon Valley Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 
8-K filed on April 5, 2010) 

10.9  Fourth Loan Modification Agreement dated May 6, 2011, between Bridgeline Digital, Inc., e.MAGINATION 
IG, LLC and Silicon Valley Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-
K filed on May 11, 2011) 

10.10  Sixth  Loan  Modification  Agreement  dated  May  11,  2012  between  Bridgeline  Digital,  Inc.,  Bridgeline 
Intelligence Group, Inc. and Silicon Valley Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 14, 2012) 

10.11  Securities Purchase Agreement between Bridgeline Digital, Inc. and the investors named therein, dated October 
29, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 4, 
2010) 

10.12  Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant issued to Placement Agent, Dated October 29, 2010 (incorporated by 

reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 4, 2010) 

10.13  Securities Purchase Agreement between Bridgeline Digital, Inc. and the investors named therein, dated May 31, 
2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 5, 2012) 
10.14  Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant issued to Placement Agent, dated May 31, 2012 (incorporated by 

reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 5, 2012) 

10.15  Amendment to Note Purchase Agreement between Bridgeline Digital, Inc. and the investors named therein, dated 
November  6,  2013  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.1  to  our  Current  Report  on  Form  8-K  filed  on 
November 6, 2013). 

10.16  Form of Promissory Note issued to Investors, dated November 6, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 

10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 6, 2013). 

10.17  Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant issued to Placement Agent, dated November 6, 2013 (incorporated 

by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 6, 2013). 

10.18  First Amendment to the Security Agreement made by Bridgeline Digital, Inc. in favor of Taglich Brothers, Inc. 
in  its  capacity  as  collateral  agent  for  the  lenders  named  therein,  dated  November  6,  2013  (incorporated  by 
reference to Exhibit 10.4 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 6, 2013). 

10.19  Placement Agent Agreement between Bridgeline Digital, Inc. and Taglich Brothers, Inc., dated October 30, 2013 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 6, 2013). 
10.20  Bridgeline Digital, Inc. and BridgeBank, National Association Loan and Security Agreement dated December 
20, 2013 (incorporated by reference to our Exhibit 10.6 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on February 
14, 2014). 

10.21  Form of Restricted Stock Agreement by and between Bridgeline Digital, Inc. and certain Board of Directors 
dated February 24, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed 
on May 15, 2014). 

10.22  Securities Purchase Agreement between Bridgeline Digital, Inc. and the Investors named therein dated March 
28, 2014 (incorporated by reference to our Exhibit 10.3 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 15, 
2014). 

10.23  Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant issued to Placement Agent, dated March 28, 2014 (incorporated by 

reference to our Exhibit 10.4 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 15, 2014). 

10.24  Loan and Security Modification Agreement (incorporated by reference to our Exhibit 10.25 to our Annual Report 

on Form 10-K filed on December 29, 2014). 

10.25  BridgeBank Guaranty (incorporated by reference to our Exhibit 10.26 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed 

on December 29, 2014). 

10.26  Securities Purchase Agreement between Bridgeline Digital, Inc and the investors therein, dated October 28, 2014 
(incorporated by reference to our Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 4, 2014). 

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   10.27 

   10.28 

   10.29 

   10.30 

   10.31 

   10.32 

   10.33 

   10.34 

   10.35 

   10.36 

   10.37 

   10.38 

   10.39 

   10.40 

   10.41 

Form  of  Common  Stock  Purchase  Warrant  Issued  to  Placement  Agent  (incorporated  by  reference  to  our
Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 4, 2014). 
Term Note in principal amount of $500,000 dated January 7, 2015 (incorporated by reference to our Exhibit
10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 7, 2015). 
Form  of  Common  Stock  Purchase Warrant  Issued by  Company  to  Michael  Taglich dated  January  7,  2015
(incorporated by reference to our Exhibit 10.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 9, 2015). 
Side Letter between the Company and Michael Taglich, dated January 7, 2015 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 9, 2015)  
Term Note in principal amount of $500,000 dated February 12, 2015 (incorporated by reference to our Exhibit
10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 17, 2015). 
Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant Issued by Company to Michael Taglich dated February 17, 2015
(incorporated by reference to our Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 17, 2015).
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (incorporated by reference to our Exhibit 10.6 to our Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q filed on May 15, 2015). 
Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement with BridgeBank (incorporated by reference to our Exhibit 10.7 
to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 15, 2015). 
Term Note in principal amount of $500,000 dated May 12, 2015 (incorporated by reference to our Exhibit 10.8
to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 15, 2015). 
Form  of  Common  Stock  Purchase  Warrant  Issued  by  Company  to  Michael  Taglich  dated  May  12,  2015
(incorporated by reference to our Exhibit 10.9 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 15, 2015).
Loan  and  Security  Modification  Agreement  between  Bridgeline  Digital,  Inc  and  Western  Alliance  Bank
(formerly  BridgeBank),  dated  July  21,  2015  (incorporated  by  reference  to  our  Exhibit  10.3  to  our  Current
Report on Form 8-K filed on July 24, 2015). 
Term Note in principal amount of $500,000 dated July 21, 2015 (incorporated by reference to our Exhibit 10.2 
to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 24, 2015). 
Form  of  Common  Stock  Purchase  Warrant  Issued  by  Company  to  Michael  Taglich  dated  July  21,  2015
(incorporated by reference to our Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 24, 2015). 
Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement with BridgeBank (incorporated by reference to our Exhibit 10.4
to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 14, 2015). 
Term Notes in principal amount of $250,000 each issued to Micheal Taglich and Robert Taglich (incorporated
by reference to our Exhibit 10.1 and 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 4, 2015). 
Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement with Western Alliance Bank (formerly BridgeBank) 
Amendment to Promissory Notes issued to Michael Taglich dated December 23, 2015 
Amendment to Promissory Notes issued to Robert Taglich dated December 23, 2015  
Amendment to 10% Secured Subordinated Convertible Notes dated December 23, 2015  
Subsidiaries of the Registrant  
Consent of Marcum LLP 
CEO Certification, Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 
CFO Certification, Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 
CEO Certification, Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 
CFO Certification, Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 

   10.42 
   10.43 
   10.44 
   10.45 
   21.1 
   23.1 
   31.1 
   31.2 
   32.1 
   32.2 
   101.INS**  XBRL Instance 
   101.SCH** XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema 
   101.CAL** XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation 
   101.DEF** XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition 
   101.LAB** XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels 
   101.PRE** XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation 

   * 

   ** 

Management compensatory plan 

XBRL information is furnished and not filed or a part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of
sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of 
the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these
sections. 

(c) Financial Statement Schedules 

Not applicable  

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Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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. 

SIGNATURES 

BRIDGELINE DIGITAL, INC. 
a Delaware corporation 

By:  /s/ Roger Kahn 

Name: Roger Kahn 

December 24, 2015 

Pursuant  to  the  requirements  of  the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934,  this  report  has  been  signed  below  by  the 

following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. 

Signature 

Title 

Date 

/s/ Roger Kahn 
 Roger Kahn 

/s/ Michael Prinn 
Michael Prinn 

/s/Kenneth Galaznik 
Kenneth Galaznik 

/s/ Joni Kahn 
Joni Kahn 

/s/ Scott Landers 
Scott Landers 

/s/ Michael Taglich 
Michael Taglich 

December 24, 2015 

December 24, 2015 

December 24, 2015 

December 24, 2015 

December 24, 2015 

December 24, 2015 

Co-Chief Executive Officer and  
President, Chief Operating Officer    
(Co-Principal Executive Officer) 

Co-Chief Executive Officer and  
President, Chief Financial Officer 
(Co-Principal Executive Officer and 
Principal Financial Officer) 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

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Index of Exhibits 

Exhibit No. 
10.1 
10.42 
10.43 
10.44 
10.45 
21.1 
23.1 
31.1 
31.2 
32.1 
32.2 
101.INS* 
101.SCH* 
101.CAL* 
101.DEF* 
101.LAB* 
101.PRE* 

Description of Document 
Employment Agreement with Roger “Ari” Kahn, dated August 24, 2015 
Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement with Western Alliance Bank (formerly BridgeBank)  
Amendment to Promissory Notes issued to Michael Taglich dated December 23, 2015  
Amendment to Promissory Notes issued to Robert Taglich dated December 23, 2015  
Amendment to 10% Secured Subordinated Convertible Notes dated December 23, 2015   
Subsidiaries of the Registrant 
Consent of Marcum LLP 
CEO Certification, Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 
CFO Certification, Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 
CEO Certification, Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 
CFO Certification, Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 
XBRL Instance 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation 

*XBRL information is furnished and not filed or a part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 
or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities and Exchange 
Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections. 

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