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Bridgeline Digital

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Employees 51-200
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FY2017 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, 2017 

☐ 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 smaller reporting 
company, or emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and 
“emerging growth 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 ☒ 

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).      Yes   ☐     No   ☒ 
The  aggregate  market  value  of  the  voting  and  non-voting  common  equity  held  by  non-affiliates  of  the  registrant  was  approximately 
$12,321,517 based on the closing price of $4.17 of the issuer’s common stock, par value $.001 per share, as reported by the NASDAQ 
Stock Market on March 31, 2017. 
On December 12, 2017, there were 4,200,219 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding. 
DOCUMENTS  INCORPORATED  BY  REFERENCE:  Portions  of  the  definitive  proxy  statement  for  our  2017  annual  meeting  of 
stockholders, which is to be filed within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, 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 maintain our listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market, 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, dependence on third parties, the security of our software and response to cyber security risks, our ability to meet 
our financial obligations and commitments, our dependence on our management team and key personnel, our ability to hire 
and retain future key personnel, our ability to maintain an effective system of internal controls, or our ability to respond to 
government regulations. 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™, helps  customers  maximize  the  performance  of  their  full  digital 
experience from websites and intranets to online stores. Bridgeline’s Unbound (iAPPS®) platform deeply integrates Web 
Content Management, eCommerce, eMarketing, Social Media management, and Web Analytics to help marketers deliver 
digital  experiences  that  attract,  engage  and  convert  their  customers  across  all  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.  

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 hosted by Bridgeline via a cloud-based hosted services model. 

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 2017, our Marketing Automation platform was named a 2017 SIIA 
CODiE Award finalist in the Best Marketing Solution category. In 2016, CIO Review selected iAPPS as one of the 20 Most 
Promising Digital Marketing Solution Providers. This followed accolades from the SIIA (Software and Information Industry 
Association),  which  recognized  iAPPS  Content  Manager  with  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.”  Also,  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 
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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: Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; Denver, CO; 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 

iAPPS  is  available  as  either  a  SaaS  or  perpetual  license  and  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 Content Management, eCommerce, 
eMarketing,  and  Analytic  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 Experience Manager is a marketing automation engine and content management system in one –
delivering the digital experiences consumers demand. Centered on robust audience segmentation and list
management,  the  tool  allows  marketers  to  easily  create  personalized  customer  journeys. Each  iAPPS 
implementation incorporates a set of flexible templates and modules to get you started quickly in building
your full digital experience with iAPPS Pro. From there, you can opt to further customize these templates
and  incorporate  any  necessary  custom  application  integrations  with  iAPPS  Enterprise  to  meet  an 
organizations unique business needs.  

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  Insights,  iAPPS  Commerce,  and  iAPPS  Marketier;  providing  our 
customers with precise information, accurate results, expansion options, and stronger user adoption. 

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● 

● 

● 

● 

● 

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 Insights 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-added  services  and  cross 
selling  additional  products. iAPPS  Commerce  is  uniquely  integrated  and  unified  with  iAPPS  Insights, 
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 powerful online marketing management solution that helps marketers drive more 
qualified  traffic  to  their  sites  through  personalized  and  highly  targeted  marketing  automation  flows. 
Marketier's powerful feature set includes end-to-end campaign administration - from drag-and-drop landing 
pages with our flexible form builder to behavior-based drip email campaigns, add-on dynamic contact and 
distribution list management, event-based response marketing, wizard-driven email campaign creation, as 
well as built-in goal tracking tools to measure campaign effectiveness and ROI. 

iAPPS Insights 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 Insights provides deep insight into areas like visitor usage, content access, 
age  of  content,  actions  taken,  event  triggers,  and  reports  on  both  client  and  server-side  events.  iAPPS 
Insight’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 Insight. iAPPS Insight 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. 

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 and leverage the power of publishing content to department, dealer, franchise or other social media 
accounts. 

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.  

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 Insights 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 partnership with Amazon Web Services, we provide 24/7 application monitoring, emergency response, 
version control of application control, load balancing, managed firewall security and virus protection services, and secure 
UDS environments. 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 engagements to franchises and multi-unit organizations. Each 
sale in the iAPPSds vertical market takes on average approximately one year 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 4,500 
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. 

Acquisitions 

There were no acquisitions during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. 

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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 2017 and 2016, research and development expenses 
were $1.6 million, or 10% of revenues for both periods.  

Employees 

We have 67 employees worldwide as of September 30, 2017. All of these 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 year ended September 30, 2017, two customers each generated approximately 12% of our revenue. For the year ended 
September 30, 2016, one customer generated approximately 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 provides 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 
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, and our 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 
Heritage Bank 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.  

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; 

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size and timing of significant orders; 

   ● 
   ●  budgeting cycles of customers; 
   ●  mix of products and services sold; 
   ● 
   ● 
   ●  general economic conditions in regions in which we conduct business. 

changes in the level of operating expenses; 
completion or announcement of acquisitions; and 

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. 

A reduction in our license renewal rate could reduce our revenue. 

Our customers have no obligation to renew their 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, 
Insights, 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 Big Commerce, Salesforce (Commerce Cloud), Episerver, Hubspot, Sitecore 
and  Adobe  (Experience  Manager). 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. 

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 2017 was approximately 26,000 shares per day compared to approximately 38,000 
for fiscal 2016 and 3,000 for fiscal 2015. Our average trading volume of our common stock can be very sporadic and 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.  A  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. 

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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 2017, the closing price of our common stock 
as reported by NASDAQ fluctuated between $2.12 and $4.55. We are required to meet certain financial criteria in order to 
maintain our listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market. One such requirement is that we maintain a minimum closing bid price 
of at least $1.00 per share for our common stock. If we fail this requirement then NASDAQ will issue a notice that we are 
not in compliance and we will need to take corrective actions in order to not be delisted. Such corrective actions could be a 
reverse stock split.  

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; 
   ● 
   ●  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 

contractual disputes; 

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. 

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 

9 

 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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: 

result in negative publicity; 
force us to stop licensing our products that incorporate the challenged intellectual property;  
require us to redesign our products;  

   ●  be expensive and time consuming to defend; 
   ● 
   ● 
   ● 
   ●  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. 

We depend on a third-party cloud platform provider to host our iAPPS SaaS environment and managed services business 
and if we were to experience a disruption in service, our business and reputation could suffer. 

We host our SaaS and managed hosting customers via a third-party, Amazon Web Services. If upon renewal date our third-
party provider does not provide commercially reasonable terms, we may be required to transfer our services to a new provider, 
such as data center facility, and we may incur significant equipment costs and possible service interruption in connection 
with  doing  so.  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. 

If our security measures or those of our third-party cloud computing platform provider are breached and unauthorized 
access is obtained to a customer’s data, our services may be perceived as not being secure, and we may incur significant 
legal and financial exposure and liabilities. 

Security breaches could expose us to a risk of loss of our customers information, litigation and possible liability. While we 
have security measures in place, they may be breached as a result of third-party action, including intentional misconduct by 
computer hackers, employee error, malfeasance or otherwise and result in someone obtaining unauthorized access to our IT 
systems, our customers’ data or our data, including our intellectual property and other confidential business information. 
Because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, or to sabotage systems, change frequently and generally are not 
recognized until launched against a target, we may be unable to implement adequate preventative measures. In addition, our 
customers may authorize third-party technology providers to access their customer data, and some of our customers may not 
have adequate security measures in place to protect their data that is stored on our services. Because we do not control our 
10 

 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
customers or third-party technology providers, or the processing of such data by third-party technology providers, we cannot 
ensure the integrity or security of such transmissions or processing. Malicious third parties may also conduct attacks designed 
to temporarily deny customers access to our services. Any security breach could result in a loss of confidence in the security 
of our services, damage our reputation, negatively impact our future sales, disrupt our business and lead to legal liability. 

We  rely  on  encryption  and  authentication  technology  from  third  parties  to  provide  the  security  and  authentication  to 
effectively secure  transmission of  confidential  information,  including  consumer payment  card numbers.  Such  technology 
may not be sufficient to protect the transmission of such confidential information or these technologies may have material 
defects that may compromise the confidentiality or integrity of the transmitted data. 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. 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. 

Our debt obligations and operating lease commitments may adversely affect our financial condition and cash flows from 
operations. 

We maintain a $2.5 million line of credit with our bank, Heritage Bank of Commerce. Additionally, we have contractual 
commitments in operating lease arrangements, which are not reflected on our consolidated balance sheets. Our ability to meet 
our  expenses  and  debt  obligations  will  depend  on  our  future  performance,  which  will  be  affected  by  financial,  business, 
economic, regulatory and other factors. We will not be able to control many of these factors, such as economic conditions 
and governmental regulations. Further, our operations may not generate sufficient cash to enable us to service our debt or 
contractual obligations resulting from our leases. If we fail to make a payment on our debt, we could be in default on such 
debt. If we are at any time unable to generate sufficient cash flows from operations to service our indebtedness when payment 
is due, we may be required to attempt to renegotiate the terms of the instruments relating to the indebtedness, seek to refinance 
all  or  a  portion  of  the  indebtedness  or  obtain  additional  financing.  There  can  be  no  assurance  that  we  would  be  able  to 
successfully renegotiate such terms, that any such refinancing would be possible or that any additional financing could be 
obtained on terms that are favorable or acceptable to us. 

A failure to comply with the covenants and other provisions of our outstanding debt could result in events of default under 
such instruments, which could permit acceleration of all of our notes and borrowings under our revolving credit facility. Any 
required repayment of our notes or revolving credit facility as a result of a fundamental change or other acceleration would 
lower our current cash on hand such that we would not have those funds available for use in our business. 

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 maintain a key man insurance policy covering our Chief 
Executive Officer.  

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. 

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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. 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 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. In addition, an inability to satisfy the standards of certain voluntary third-party certification bodies 
that our customers may expect, such as an attestation of compliance with the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security 
Standards, may have an adverse impact on our business and results. Further, there are various statutes, regulations, and rulings 
relevant  to  the  direct  email  marketing  and  text-messaging  industries,  including  the  Telephone  Consumer  Protection  Act 
(TCPA)  and  related  Federal  Communication  Commission  (FCC)  orders.  The  interpretation  of  many  of  these  statutes, 
regulations, and rulings is evolving in the courts and administrative agencies and an inability to comply may have an adverse 
impact on our business and results. If in the future we are unable to achieve or maintain industry-specific certifications or 
other requirements or standards relevant to our customers, it may harm our business and adversely affect our results. We may 
also expand our business in countries that have more stringent data protection laws than those in the United States, and such 
laws may be inconsistent across jurisdictions and are subject to evolving and differing interpretations. Additionally, both 
laws  regulating  privacy  and  third-party  products  purporting  to  address  privacy  concerns  could  negatively  affect  the 
functionality of, and demand for, our products and services, thereby reducing our revenue. 

Federal, state, 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: 

   ●  user privacy; 
   ● 
   ● 
   ● 
   ● 

   ● 
   ● 

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

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Item 2.   Properties. 

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

Geographic Location 
  Bangalore, India 

  Boston, Massachusetts 

  Chicago, Illinois 

  Denver, Colorado 

  Tampa, Florida 

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings. 

Address 
Bagmane Tech Park 
Bangalore 560 093 
80 Blanchard Road 
Burlington, Massachusetts 01803 
30 N. LaSalle Street, 20th Floor 
Chicago, IL  60602 
1600 Broadway, Suite 1600 
Denver, CO  80202 
5321 Primrose Lake Circle 
Tampa, FL 33647 

Size 
2,617 square feet 
professional office space 
21,136 square feet, 
professional office space 
4,880 square feet, 
professional office space 
702 square feet, 
professional office space 
2,380 square feet 
professional office space 

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. 

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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, 2017 

High 

Low 

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

3.12    $ 
4.15    $ 
4.55    $ 
3.95    $ 

Year Ended September 30, 2016 

High 

Low 

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

5.45    $ 
7.75    $ 
5.30    $ 
6.65    $ 

2.12  
2.65  
3.11  
2.26  

3.80  
3.65  
3.10  
5.30  

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 2017 and 2016, we did issue stock dividends to holders of our Series A preferred 
stock. As of December 12, 2017, our common stock was held of record by approximately 2,100 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, 2017 for which more 
information  is  disclosed  on  our  Form  8-Ks.  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  year  ended  September  30,  2017,  the  Company  granted  28,400  stock  options  at  a  weighted  average

exercise price of $3.16 per share under its 2016 Stock Option Plan. 

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 ability to maintain our 
listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market, 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 and response to cyber security risks, our ability to meet 
our financial obligations and commitments, our dependence on our management team and key personnel, our ability to hire 
and retain future key personnel, our ability to maintain an effective system of internal controls, or our ability to respond to 
government regulations. 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  Unbound  (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.  

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 by Bridgeline via cloud-based hosted services model. 

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 2017, our Marketing Automation platform was named a 2017 SIIA 
CODiE Award finalist in the Best Marketing Solution category. In 2016, CIO Review selected iAPPS as one of the 20 Most 
Promising Digital Marketing Solution Providers. This followed accolades from the SIIA (Software and Information Industry 
Association)  which  recognized  iAPPS  Content  Manager  with  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. 

15 

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
Locations 

The  Company’s  corporate  office  is  located  in  Burlington,  Massachusetts.  The  Company  maintains  regional  field  offices 
serving the following geographical locations: Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; Denver, CO; and Tampa, FL.  The Company has 
one wholly-owned subsidiary, Bridgeline Digital Pvt. Ltd. located in Bangalore, India. 

Reverse Stock Split 

On June 29, 2017, 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 July 24, 
2017 and the Company’s stock began trading on a split-adjusted basis on July 25, 2017.  

The  reverse  stock  split  reduced  the  number  of  shares  of  the  Company’s  common  stock  currently  outstanding  from 
approximately  21  million  shares  to  approximately  4.2  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, 
and stock options, and to the number of shares issued and issuable under the Company’s Stock Incentive Plans. 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  $.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. Our consolidated financial statements have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the effects of the 1-for-5 
reverse stock split. 

Sales and Marketing 

Bridgeline employs a direct sales force and each sale takes on average 2-6 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 five sales 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.  

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. 

16 

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
Customer Information 

We currently have over 3,000 active customers. For the year ended September 30, 2017, two customers each represented 
approximately  12%  of  the  Company’s  total  revenue.  For  the  year  ended  September  30,  2016,  one  customer  represented 
approximately 10% of the Company’s total revenue. 

Summary of Results of Operations 

Total revenue for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017 (“fiscal 2017”) increased to $16.3 million from $15.9 million for 
the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 (“fiscal 2016”). Loss from operations for fiscal 2017 was ($1.4) million compared 
with loss from operations of ($3.5) million for fiscal 2016. We had a net loss for fiscal 2017 of ($1.6) million compared with 
a net loss of ($7.8) million for fiscal 2016. In fiscal 2016, we converted $3.0 million of secured subordinated debt to equity, 
which resulted in a non-cash inducement charge of $3.4 million. Loss per share attributable to common shareholders for 
fiscal 2017 was ($0.45) compared with loss per share attributable to common shareholders of ($4.20) for fiscal 2016. 

Highlights of Fiscal 2017 

●  Our net loss improved from ($7.8) million in fiscal 2016 to ($1.6) million in fiscal 2017. 

●  Total revenue increased 3% in fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016. 

●  Subscription and perpetual license revenue increased 12% to $6.8 million for fiscal 2017. 

●  Licenses and Managed Hosting comprised 48% of revenue in fiscal 2017 compared to 46% in fiscal 2016. 

●  Cost of revenue decreased $122 thousand reflecting our commitment to align costs to revenue expectations. 

●  Gross Margin improved to 56% in fiscal 2017 compared to 54% in fiscal 2016. 

●  Operating expenses decreased $1.6 million also reflecting our cost control initiatives. 

17 

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

(dollars in thousands)  

Revenue 

Digital engagement services  

Years Ended September 30, 

$ 

     % 

2017 

2016 

      Change       Change    

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

8,498     $
52%     
6,788       
42%     
1,007       
6%     
16,293       

8,520     $ 
54%     
6,084       
38%     
1,291       
8%     
15,895       

(22 )     

(0%) 

704       

12% 

(284 )     

(22%) 

398       

3% 

Cost of revenue 

Digital engagement services  

iAPPS digital engagement cost ...........................................      
% of iAPPS digital engagement 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 ............................................................      
Restructuring expenses ...........................................................      
% of total revenue ............................................................      
Total operating expenses .........................................................      
% of total revenue ............................................................      

Loss from operations ..................................................................      
Interest and other expense, net ...................................................      
Loss on inducement of debt (convertible notes) .........................      
Loss before income taxes ...........................................................      
Provision (benefit) for income taxes ..........................................      
Net loss .......................................................................................    $

4,911       
58%     
1,969       
29%     
280       
28%     
7,160       
9,133       
56%    

4,807       
30%     
3,256       
20%     
1,587       
10%     
582       
4%     
286       
2%     
10,518       
65%     

(1,385)      
(201)      
-       
(1,586)      
16       
(1,602)    $

5,143       
60%     
1,835       
30%     
304       
24%     
7,282       
8,613       
54%    

4,934       
31%     
3,456       
22%     
1,578       
10%     
1,309       
8%     
879       
6%     
12,156       
76%     

(3,543)      
(914)      
(3,414)      
(7,871)      
(47)      
(7,824)    $ 

(232 )     

(5%) 

134       

(24 )     

(122 )     
520       

(127 )     

(200 )     

9       

7% 

(8%) 

(2%) 
6% 

(3%) 

(6%) 

1% 

(727 )     

(56%) 

(593 )     

(67%) 

(1,638 )     

(13%) 

2,158       
713       
3,414       
6,285       
63       
6,222       

(61%) 
(78%) 
100% 
(80%) 
(134%) 
(80%) 

Non-GAAP Measure ..................................................................        
Adjusted EBITDA ..................................................................    $

122     $

(785)    $ 

907       

(116%) 

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Revenue 

Total revenue for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017 increased $398 thousand, or 3%, to $16.3 million from $15.9 
million  in  fiscal  2016.  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 remained constant 
at $8.5 million for both fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016.  

Digital engagement services revenue as a percentage of total revenue decreased to 52% in fiscal 2017 from 54% in fiscal 
2016. The decreases as a percentage of revenue is due to the increases in license revenues. 

Subscription and Perpetual Licenses 

Revenue from subscription (SaaS) and perpetual licenses increased $704 thousand, or 12%, to $6.8 million in fiscal 2017 
from $6.1 million in fiscal 2016. Subscription and perpetual license revenue as a percentage of total revenue increased to 
42%  in  fiscal  2017  from  38%  in  fiscal  2016.  The  increases  are  attributable  to  the  increase  in  demand  from  both  iAPPS 
perpetual licenses and iAPPS SaaS license revenues. 

Managed Service Hosting 

Revenue from managed service hosting decreased $284 thousand, or 22%, to $1.0 million in fiscal 2017 from $1.3 million 
in fiscal 2016. The decreases are due to a concentrated effort to discontinue hosting services to non-iAPPS customers, the 
majority of whom were obtained through previous acquisitions, as well as some attrition from existing iAPPS customers.  

Managed  services  revenue  as  a  percentage  of  total  revenue  decreased  to  6%  in  fiscal  2017  from  8%  in  fiscal  2016.  The 
decreases are due to most of our new engagements being subscription based licenses (SaaS) rather than perpetual licenses, 
for which customers typically purchase hosting. 

Cost of Revenue 

Total cost of revenue for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017 decreased $122 thousand, or 2%, to $7.2 million from 
$7.3 million in fiscal 2016. The gross profit margin improved to 56% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017 compared 
to 54% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016. The improvement in the gross profit margin for fiscal 2017 compared 
to fiscal 2016 is attributable primarily to reductions in facilities and overhead costs.  

Cost of Digital Engagement Services 

Cost of digital engagement services decreased $232 thousand, or 5%, to $4.9 million in fiscal 2017 from $5.1 million in fiscal 
2016. The cost of total digital engagement services as a percentage of total digital engagement services revenue decreased to 
58% in fiscal 2017 from 60% in fiscal 2016. The decreases are attributable to aligning labor costs with expected revenues 
and the focus on reducing our facility and overhead costs. 

Cost of Subscription and Perpetual License 

Cost of subscription and perpetual licenses increased $134 thousand, or 7%, to $2.0 million in fiscal 2017 compared to $1.8 
million in fiscal 2016. The increase is due to the costs incurred to transition our network operations center from a co-managed 
facility at Internap to a cloud-based model with Amazon Web Services. 

The cost of subscription and perpetual licenses as a percentage of subscription and perpetual license revenue decreased to 
29% in fiscal 2017 from 30% in fiscal 2016. The decrease is due to cessation of amortization costs related to the capitalization 
of internally developed software, partially offset by costs to transition our network operations center from a co-managed 
facility at Internap to a cloud-based model with Amazon Web Services.  

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Cost of Managed Service Hosting 

Cost of managed service hosting decreased $24 thousand, or 8%, in fiscal 2017 to $280 thousand compared to $304 thousand 
in fiscal 2016. The cost of managed services as a percentage of managed services revenue increased to 28% in fiscal 2017 
from 24% in fiscal 2016. The decreases are attributable to a decrease in non-iAPPS hosting customers and the corresponding 
costs to support them.  

Gross Profit 

Gross profit increased $520 thousand, or 6%, in fiscal 2017 to $9.1 million compared to $8.6 million in fiscal 2016. The 
increase  is  primarily  attributable  to  the  increase  in  iAPPS  SaaS  licenses  revenue,  as  well  as,  the  result  of  a  number  of 
improvements we have made with our facilities and services organization.  

Operating Expenses 

Sales and Marketing Expenses 

Sales and marketing expenses decreased $127 thousand, or 3%, to $4.8 million in fiscal 2017 from $4.9 million in fiscal 
2016.  The  decrease  is  primarily  attributable  to  decreases  in  headcount  and  facility  costs  and  travel  related  expenditures, 
partially offset by increases in marketing expenses.  Sales and marketing expense as a percentage of total revenue decreased 
slightly to 30% in fiscal 2017 compared to 31% in fiscal 2016.  

General and Administrative Expenses 

General and administrative expenses decreased $200 thousand, or 6%, to $3.3 million in fiscal 2017 from $3.5 million in 
fiscal 2016. General and administrative expense as a percentage of revenue decreased to 20% in fiscal 2017 compared to 
22% in fiscal 2016. The decreases are attributable to decreases in headcount and overall administration expenses. 

Research and Development 

Research and development expense remained constant at $1.6 million for both fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016. Research and 
development expense as a percentage of total revenue was 10% for both periods.  

Depreciation and Amortization 

Depreciation  and  amortization  expense decreased  by $727  thousand,  or  56%,  to $582  thousand  in fiscal  2017 from  $1.3 
million in fiscal 2016. This decrease is primarily attributable to retirement of fixed assets in relation to a reduction of office 
space during fiscal 2016 and continuing into 2017, as well as, a reduction in capital expenditure purchases in fiscal 2017. 
Depreciation and amortization as a percentage of total revenue decreased to 4% in fiscal 2017 from 8% in fiscal 2016. 

Goodwill Impairment 

We  performed  our  annual  assessment  of  goodwill  for  both  fiscal  2017  and  fiscal  2016  and  concluded  that  there  was  no 
impairment loss for either period.  

Restructuring Expenses 

Commencing in fiscal 2015 and through fiscal 2017, the Company’s management approved, committed to and initiated plans 
to restructure and further improve efficiencies by implementing cost reductions in line with expected decreases in revenue. 
The Company renegotiated several office 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. 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. In the second 
quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company initiated a plan to shut down its operations in India.  

In total, charges of $286 thousand and $879 thousand were recorded to restructuring expenses for fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016 
in the consolidated statement of operations. The charges consist of 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.  

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Loss from Operations 

The loss from operations was ($1.4) million for fiscal 2017 compared to a loss from operations of ($3.5) million for fiscal 
2016, an improvement of $2.2 million or 61%.  

Provision for Income Taxes 

We recorded income tax expense of $16 thousand for fiscal 2017 compared to a net benefit for income tax expense of $47 
thousand for fiscal 2016. Income tax expense represents the estimated liability for Federal, state and foreign income taxes 
owed by the Company, including the alternative minimum tax. 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, 2017 and 2016. 

The Federal net operating loss (NOL) carryforward of approximately $27 million as of September 30, 2017 expires on various 
dates through 2037. 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  inducement  of  debt  charges,  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,  loss  on  inducement  of  debt,  amortization  of  intangibles,  depreciation,  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. 

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

   Years Ended September 30, 

2017 

2016 

Net loss .............................................................................................................................   $
Benefit for income taxes ..................................................................................................     
Interest expense, net .........................................................................................................     
Amortization of intangible assets .....................................................................................     
Depreciation .....................................................................................................................     
EBITDA .......................................................................................................................     
Loss on inducement of debt (convertible notes) ...............................................................     
Restructuring expenses .....................................................................................................     
Loss on disposal of fixed assets .......................................................................................     
Other amortization ...........................................................................................................     
Stock-based compensation ...............................................................................................     
Adjusted EBITDA ........................................................................................................   $

(1,602 )   $
16       
128       
285       
256       
(917 )     
-       
286       
94       
100       
559       
122     $

(7,824) 
(47) 
914  
480  
707  
(5,770) 
3,414  
879  
-  
372  
320  
(785) 

Adjusted EBITDA was $122 thousand for fiscal 2017 compared with ($785) thousand for fiscal 2016. This was primarily 
due to the improvement in revenue growth and gross margin improvement along with our focus on reducing expenses.  

Liquidity and Capital Resources 

Cash Flows 

Operating Activities 

Cash used in operating activities was $940 thousand for fiscal 2017 compared to cash used in operating activities of $2.7 
million  for fiscal 2016.  This  improvement  was  driven  by  higher  accounts  receivables  collections  and  the  increase  in 
operating income.  

Investing Activities 

Cash used in investing activities was $93 thousand for fiscal 2017 compared with $165 thousand for fiscal 2016. The decrease 
was primarily due to a significant reduction in purchases of capital equipment and software in fiscal 2017 than in fiscal 2016 
due to the transition from our Network Operations Center to a cloud-based Amazon Web Services model.  

Financing Activities 

Cash provided by financing activities was $1.1 million for fiscal 2017 compared with $3.2 million for fiscal 2016. In fiscal 
2017, we raised a net of $852 thousand from sales of common stock and had net borrowings on our bank line of credit of 
$385 thousand. At September 30, 2017, we had an outstanding balance under our credit line with Heritage Bank of $2.5 
million.  

Capital Resources and Liquidity Outlook 

On October 10, 2017, the Company entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with Montage 
Capital II, L.P. (“Montage”). The Loan Agreement has a thirty-six (36) month term which expires on October 10, 2020. The 
Loan Agreement provides for up to $1.5 million of borrowing in the form of a non-revolving term loan which may be used 
by the Company for working capital purposes (the “Loan”). $1.0 million of borrowing was advanced on the date of closing 
(the “First Tranche”). An additional $500 thousand of borrowing will be available at the Company’s option in the event that 
the  Company  achieves  certain  financial  milestones  and  is  otherwise  in  compliance  with  its  loan  covenants  (the  “Second 
Tranche”). Borrowings bear interest at the rate of 12.75% per annum. The Company paid a fee of $33 thousand to Montage 
at closing. Interest only payments are due and payable during the first nine months of the Loan. Commencing on July 1, 2018, 
the Company shall be obligated to make principal payments of $26 thousand per month if only the First Tranche has been 
received  and  $39  thousand  if  the  Company  has  received  both  the  First  Tranche  and  the  Second  Tranche.  All  remaining 
principal  and  interest  shall  be  due  and  payable  at  maturity.  Borrowings  are  secured  by  a  second  position  lien  on  all  the 
Company’s assets including intellectual property and general intangibles. Pursuant to the Loan Agreement, the Company is 

22 

 
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
also required to comply with certain financial covenants.  The Loan is subordinate to the Company’s senior debt facility with 
Heritage Bank of Commerce (“Heritage Bank”).  

We believe that our existing cash, the proceeds from the Montage loan, cash generated from operations, and our borrowing 
capacity from the Heritage Bank line of credit will be sufficient and it is probable that we will meet our working capital, 
capital expenditure and debt repayment needs over the next twelve months from the issuance date of this filing. Our borrowing 
facility with Heritage Bank 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. 

Contractual Obligations 

We lease our facilities in the United States and India.  We have no future commitments that extend past fiscal 2020.  

The following summarizes our contractual obligations: 

(in thousands) 

For the Years Ended September 30, 

Payment obligations by year 
Line of credit ...............................................................................    $ 
Operating Leases (a) ...................................................................      
   $ 

FY18 

FY19 

FY20 

-    $
452      
452    $

2,500    $ 
116      
2,616    $ 

     Total 
-    $
24      
24    $

2,500  
592  
3,092  

(a) Net of sublease income 

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. 

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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. 

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) managed service hosting; and (iii) 
subscriptions and perpetual licenses. 

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. 

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 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 
number 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. 

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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 is 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 
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 it gains 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 life of the hosting period.   

Multiple Element Arrangements  

In  accounting  for  multiple  element  arrangements, the  Company  follows  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. 
The Company determines selling price using VSOE, if it exists; otherwise, it uses Third-party Evidence (“TPE”). If neither 
VSOE nor TPE of selling price exists for a unit of accounting, the Company uses Estimated Selling Price (“ESP”).  

VSOE is generally limited to the price at which the Company sells 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 the Company cannot 
establish selling price based on VSOE or TPE then it will use ESP. ESP is derived by considering the selling price for similar 
services and our ongoing pricing strategies. The selling prices used in allocations of arrangement consideration are analyzed 
at  minimum  on  an  annual  basis  and  more  frequently  if  business  necessitates  a  more  timely  review.  The  Company  has 
determined that it has VSOE on its SaaS offerings, certain application development services, managed hosting services, and 
PCS because it has 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 
25 

 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
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.   

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. The Company continues to evaluate the length of the amortization period of the set 
up fees as it gains 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. 

26 

 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
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 
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. We assess goodwill 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, 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 2017 and 2016, the Company performed the annual assessment of goodwill during the fourth quarter of each year 
and concluded that it was not more likely than not that the fair values of the reporting units were less than their carrying 
amounts. In fiscal 2016, we performed a quantitative step 1 analysis since a significant impairment was recorded in the prior 
fiscal year 2015. In estimating fair value, we performed a discounted cash flow analysis on the reporting unit to determine 
fair value. While there are inherent limitations in any valuation, management 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 impairment test performed by the Company indicated that the estimated fair value of the 
reporting  unit was  more  than  its  corresponding  carrying  amount. As  a result of  the  analysis  performed,  we  assessed  that 
goodwill was not impaired. 

For fiscal 2017, we used 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 concluded that it was not 
more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting unit was less than the corresponding carrying amount, and therefore 
it was not necessary to perform the two-step impairment test. The key qualitative factors that led to our conclusion included 
the following: (i) access to capital (ii) market acceptance of our products (iii) improvements in financial metrics and (iv) 
market value of the Company. 

Factors that could lead to a future impairment include material uncertainties such as operational, economic and competitive 
factors  specific  to  the  key  assumptions  underlying  the  fair  value  estimate  we  use  in  our  impairment  testing  that  have 
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reasonable  possibility  of  changing.  This  could  include  a  significant  reduction  in  projected  revenues,  a  deterioration  of 
projected  financial  performance,  future  acquisitions  and/or  mergers,  and  a  decline  in  our  market  value  as  a  result  of  a 
significant decline in our stock price. 

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation 

At  September 30, 2017, we maintained  two stock-based compensation plans, one  of which  has  expired  but  still  contains 
vested  and  unvested  stock  options.  The  two  plans  are  more  fully  described  in  Note  11  of  these  consolidated  financial 
statements. 

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 
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 Audit Committee of the  
Board of Directors and Shareholders of 
Bridgeline Digital, Inc. 
Burlington, MA 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Bridgeline Digital, Inc., and subsidiary (the “Company”) 
as of September 30, 2017 and 2016, 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 consolidated 
financial position of Bridgeline Digital, Inc. as of September 30, 2017 and 2016, and the consolidated results of its operations 
and its 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 21, 2017 
Boston, Massachusetts 

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

As of September 30, 
2016 
2017 

ASSETS 

Current assets: 

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

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

Current liabilities: 

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

Debt ..................................................................................................................................     
Other long term liabilities ................................................................................................     
Total liabilities ..........................................................................................................     

748     $
3,026       
352       
4,126       
209       
263       
12,641       
334       
17,573     $

1,241     $
920       
-       
-       
1,466       
3,627       

2,500       
172       
6,299       

661  
2,549  
381  
3,591  
512  
548  
12,641  
436  
17,728  

1,285  
946  
75  
45  
1,360  
3,711  

2,115  
400  
6,226  

Commitments and contingencies 

Stockholders’ equity: 

Preferred stock - $0.001 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; 243,536 at 

September 30, 2017 and 221,092 at September 30, 2016, issued and outstanding 
(liquidation preference $2,509 at September 30, 2017) ............................................     

Common stock - $0.001 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 4,200,219 at 

September 30, 2017 and 3,725,863 at September 30, 2016, issued and outstanding     
Additional paid-in capital  ............................................................................................     
Accumulated deficit ......................................................................................................     
Accumulated other comprehensive loss .......................................................................     
Total stockholders’ equity .........................................................................................     
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity ..................................................................   $

-       

-  

4       
65,869       
(54,249 )     
(350 )     
11,274       
17,573     $

4  
64,217  
(52,366) 
(353) 
11,502  
17,728  

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

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

   Years Ended September 30, 

2017 

2016 

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 ......................................................................................     
Restructuring expenses .................................................................................................     
Total operating expenses ...........................................................................................     
Loss from operations ........................................................................................................     
Interest and other expense, net ......................................................................................     
Loss on inducement of debt (convertible notes) ...........................................................     
Loss before income taxes .................................................................................................     
Provision(benefit) for income taxes .................................................................................     
Net loss .............................................................................................................................     
Dividends on convertible preferred stock.........................................................................     
Net loss applicable to common shareholders ...................................................................   $

8,498     $
6,788       
1,007       
16,293       

4,911       
1,969       
280       
7,160       
9,133       

4,807       
3,256       
1,587       
582       
286       
10,518       
(1,385 )     
(201 )     
-       
(1,586 )     
16       
(1,602 )     
(281 )     
(1,883 )   $

8,520  
6,084  
1,291  
15,895  

5,143  
1,835  
304  
7,282  
8,613  

4,934  
3,456  
1,578  
1,309  
879  
12,156  
(3,543) 
(914) 
(3,414) 
(7,871) 
(47) 
(7,824) 
(131) 
(7,955) 

Net loss per share attributable to common shareholders: 

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

(0.45 )   $

(4.20) 

Number of weighted average shares outstanding:  

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

4,147,140       

1,893,003  

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

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

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

(1,602 )   $ 

(7,824) 

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

3       
(1,599 )   $ 

3  
(7,821) 

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

  Years Ended September 30,   

2017 

2016 

32 

 
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
      
        
  
  
 
 
Balance at September 30, 

2015 ....................................      
Issuance of common 

stock ...........................      

Conversion of term 

notes from 
shareholders, 
including accrued 
interest of $204 ..........      

Conversion of 10% 

secured subordinated 
notes ...........................      

Inducement of debt 

(convertible notes) .....      

Stock-based 

compensation 
expense ......................      

Issuance of common 
stock - contingent 
shares .........................      

Issuance of common 
stock - restricted 
shares .........................      

Stock dividends – 

Stock dividends – 

declared .....................      
Net loss .........................      
Foreign currency 

translation ..................      

Balance at September 30, 

2016 ....................................      
Issuance of common 

stock ...........................      

Stock-based 

compensation 
expense ......................      

Issuance of common 
stock - contingent 
shares .........................      

Issuance of common 
stock - restricted 
shares .........................      

Stock dividends – 

issued .........................      

13      

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

     Accumulated  

   Preferred Stock 

     Additional        
     Paid in  
   Shares       Amount       Shares       Amount       Capital  

     Common Stock 

Other  
     Accumulated        Comprehensive       Stockholders’     
Loss 

Equity  

Deficit  

Total  

208    $ 

-      

920    $ 

1     $ 

50,438    $ 

(44,411)   $ 

(356)   $ 

1,109      

1       

3,714      

868      

1       

3,203      

800      

1       

2,999      

3,414      

214      

-      

106      

129      

5      

24      

(98)     

(33)     
(7,824)     

5,672  

3,715  

3,204  

3,000  

3,414  

214  

-  

106  

31  

(33) 
(7,824) 

221    $ 

-      

3,727    $ 

4     $ 

64,217    $ 

(52,366)   $ 

(353)   $ 

11,502  

3      

3  

429      

-       

860      

1      

43      

418      

-      

133      

241      

860  

418  

-  

133  

34  

(74) 

-  
(1,602) 

3      

3  

(207)     

(74)     

(1,602)     

issued .........................      

24      

Stock dividends – 

declared .....................      

Preferred stock 
conversion to 
common .....................      
Net loss .........................      
Foreign currency 

translation ..................      

Balance at September 30, 

(1)     

1      

2017 ....................................      

244    $ 

-      

4,201    $ 

4     $ 

65,869    $ 

(54,249)   $ 

(350)   $ 

11,274  

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

33 

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

   Years Ended September 30, 

2017 

2016 

Cash flows used in operating activities: 

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

Loss on disposal of property and equipment .............................................................     
Amortization of intangible assets ..............................................................................     
Depreciation ..............................................................................................................     
Other amortization ....................................................................................................     
Capitalized interest expense ......................................................................................     
Loss on inducement of convertible notes ..................................................................     
Stock-based compensation ........................................................................................     

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 ...............................................................     
Net cash used in investing activities ......................................................................     

Cash flows provided by financing activities: 

Proceeds from issuance of common stock, 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 ................................................................................     
Contingent acquisition payments ..............................................................................     
Principal payments on capital leases .........................................................................     
Net cash provided by financing activities ........................................................................     
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents ........................................     
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents .............................................................     
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year ...............................................................     
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year .........................................................................   $
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: 

Cash paid for:  

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

Non cash investing and financing activities: 

Conversion of 10% secured subordinated convertible notes (principal) .......................   $
Conversion of term notes to shareholders (principal) ...................................................   $
Stock dividends on convertible preferred stock ............................................................   $

(1,602 )   $

(7,824) 

94       
285       
256       
100       
-       
-       
559       

(477 )     
77       
(163 )     
106       
(175 )     
662       
(940 )     

(47 )     
(46 )     
(93 )     

852       
-       
-       
2,177       
-       
(1,792 )     
(75 )     
(45 )     
1,117       
3       
87       
661       
748     $

128     $
18     $

-     $
-     $
281     $

67  
480  
707  
530  
204  
3,414  
320  

(86) 
356  
(425) 
(182) 
(243) 
5,142  
(2,682) 

(23) 
(142) 
(165) 

3,715  
500  
1,000  
383  
(750) 
(963) 
(393) 
(324) 
3,168  
3  
324  
337  
661  

469  
17  

3,000  
3,000  
131  

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

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

1.   Description of Business 

Overview 

Bridgeline Digital, The Digital Engagement Company™, helps customers with their digital experience from websites and 
intranets to online stores. Bridgeline’s iAPPS® platform integrates Web Content Management, eCommerce, eMarketing, 
Social Media management, and Web Analytics to deliver digital experiences to its customers. iAPPSds is a platform for large 
franchise and multi-unit organizations and also integrates Web Content Management, eCommerce, eMarketing, Social Media 
management, and Web Analytics. 

The  iAPPS platform  is  delivered  through  a  cloud-based  SaaS  (“Software  as  a  Service”)  multi-tenant  business  model, 
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 hosted by Bridgeline via a cloud-
based hosted services model. 

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: Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; Denver, CO; and Tampa, FL.  The Company has 
one wholly-owned subsidiary, Bridgeline Digital Pvt. Ltd. located in Bangalore, India. 

Reverse Stock Split 

On June 29, 2017, 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 July 24, 
2017 and the Company’s stock began trading on a split-adjusted basis on July 25, 2017.  

The  reverse  stock  split  reduced  the  number  of  shares  of  the  Company’s  common  stock  currently  outstanding  from 
approximately  21  million  shares  to  approximately  4.2  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, 
and stock options, and to the number of shares issued and issuable under the Company’s Stock Incentive Plans. 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  $.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 operations, develop new products, and build infrastructure. However, during the past two fiscal years and continuing 
into the current fiscal year, the Company has executed on a restructuring plan that included a reduction of workforce and 
office space, which significantly reduced operating expenses and improved gross margins.  

The Company has a Loan and Security Agreement with Heritage Bank of Commerce (“Heritage Bank”). The Heritage Bank 
Loan and Security Agreement (“Heritage Agreement”) was set to expire on June 9, 2018, however, on June 10, 2017, the 
Company was able to extend the maturity date to June 15, 2019. The Heritage Agreement currently provides for $2.5 million 
of revolving credit advances and may be used for acquisitions and working capital purposes. The credit advances may not 

35 

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

exceed  the  monthly  borrowing  base  capacity,  which  will  fluctuate  based  on  monthly  accounts  receivable  balances.  The 
Company may request credit advances if the borrowing capacity is more than the current outstanding loan advance, and must 
pay down the outstanding loan advance if it exceeds the borrowing capacity. As of September 30, 2017, the Company had 
an outstanding balance under the Heritage Agreement of $2.5 million.  

On October 10, 2017, the Company entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with Montage 
Capital II, L.P. (“Montage”). The Loan Agreement has a thirty-six (36) month term which expires on October 10, 2020. The 
Loan Agreement provides for up to $1.5 million of borrowing in the form of a non-revolving term loan which may be used 
by the Company for working capital purposes (the “Loan”). $1 million of borrowing was advanced on the date of closing 
(the “First Tranche”). An additional $500 thousand of borrowing will be available at the Company’s option in the event that 
the  Company  achieves  certain  financial  milestones  and  is  otherwise  in  compliance  with  its  loan  covenants  (the  “Second 
Tranche”).  

On May 19, 2017, the Company filed a Registration Statement on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission 
in relation to the registration of securities of the Company having an aggregate public offering price of up to $10 million. 
The  determinate  number  of  shares  of  common  stock,  preferred  stock,  warrants,  and  units  of  any  combination  thereof 
(collectively, the “Securities”) may be offered and sold from time to time, but shall not exceed $10 million in total. There 
have been no securities sold as of September 30, 2017.     

The Company has made significant cost reductions over the past two years and the current fiscal year revenues have increased 
in comparison to the previous fiscal years. While there can be no assurances that the anticipated sales will be achieved for 
future periods, the Company’s management believes it will have an appropriate cost structure to support the revenues that 
will be achieved. As such, management believes that it is probable that we will meet our working capital, capital expenditure 
and debt repayment needs for the next twelve months from the financial statement date of issuance. In addition, the ability to 
raise funds through its credit line with Heritage Bank, the funds received from Montage, and through the sales of securities 
may be helpful to the Company if the anticipated sales levels are not achieved or it cannot reduce operating expenses to 
account for any shortfalls. 

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 
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. 

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

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 had two customers that contributed approximately 12% of revenue for fiscal 2017 and 
one customer that contributed approximately 10% of revenue in fiscal 2016. The Company had two customers that had an 
accounts receivable balance of greater than 10% of total accounts receivable at September 30, 2017 and 2016.  

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.  

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. 

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 

37 

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

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 life of the hosting period.  

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 
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 

38 

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

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 
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.   

39 

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

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. 

Property and Equipment 

The components of property and 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. 

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 software 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 software 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 $46 and $142 of costs in fiscal 
2017 and fiscal 2016, respectively. 

40 

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

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 
(in 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 2017 and 2016, the Company performed the annual assessment of goodwill during the fourth quarter of each year 
and concluded that it was not more likely than not that the fair values of the reporting units were less than their carrying 
amounts. In fiscal 2016, the Company performed a quantitative step 1 analysis since a significant impairment was recorded 
in the prior fiscal year 2015. In estimating fair value, the Company performed a discounted cash flow analysis on the reporting 
unit  to  determine  fair  value.  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 its 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 
impairment test performed by the Company indicated that the estimated fair value of the reporting unit was more than its 
corresponding carrying amount. As a result of the analysis performed, the Company assessed that goodwill was not impaired.  

For fiscal 2017, the Company used 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. The Company 
concluded that it was not more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting unit was less than the corresponding carrying 
amount, and therefore it was not necessary to perform the two-step impairment test. The key qualitative factors that led to 
the conclusion included the following: (i) access to capital (ii) market acceptance of products (iii) improvements in financial 
metrics and (iv) market value of the Company. 

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. 

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

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 2017 or 2016.  

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, 2017 
and September 30, 2016 because of their nature and durations. The carrying value of debt instruments also approximates fair 
value as of September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016 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. 

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. Equity accounts are translated 
at historical rates, except for the change in retained earnings during the results of the income statement translation process. 
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 for fiscal 2017 and 2016 were $3 for both periods.  Translation 

42 

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

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 has sales offices in the United States that operate internally as one reportable operating segment because all 
of these 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 $528 and $621 for fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively. 

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 2017 or fiscal 2016. 

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. 

43 

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

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 and convertible preferred stock using the as-if-converted method.  The computation of diluted earnings per 
share does not include the effect of outstanding stock options, warrants and convertible preferred stock that are considered 
anti-dilutive. 

For fiscal 2017 and 2016, all outstanding options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock totaling 450,646 and 
448,586 respectively, were considered as anti-dilutive, as the options were all valued more than the current market price. 
Common stock warrants of 539,593 and 328,752 for fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016 were also excluded due to their anti-dilutive 
nature. Also, excluded were contingent shares issuable related to an acquisition earnout in fiscal 2016. 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements 

Revenue Recognition 
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-
09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Topic 606 (ASU 2014-09), to supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition 
guidance under U.S. GAAP. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services 
are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that is expected to be received for those goods or 
services. ASU 2014-09 defines a five step process to achieve this core principle and, in doing so, it is possible more judgment 
and estimates may be required within the revenue recognition process than required under existing U.S. GAAP including 
identifying  performance  obligations  in  the  contract,  estimating  the  amount  of  variable  consideration  to  include  in  the 
transaction  price  and  allocating  the  transaction  price  to  each  separate  performance  obligation.  In  July  2015,  the  FASB 
approved  a  one-year  delay  in  the  effective  date.  ASU  2014-09  is  effective  for  annual  reporting  periods  beginning  after 
December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. Management is currently evaluating the 
impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements.  

Income Taxes 
In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, (the “Update”), which 
eliminates the current requirement to present deferred tax liabilities and assets as current and noncurrent in a classified balance 
sheet. Instead, entities will be required to classify all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent. The Update is effective 
for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those annual 
periods. Management does not expect the adoption of this Update to have a material impact on its consolidated financial 
position, results of operations or cash flows.  

Leases 
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, which is guidance on accounting for leases. ASU No, 2016-02 requires 
lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheets for the rights and obligations created by those leases. The guidance 
requires enhanced disclosures regarding the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases and will be 
effective  for  interim  and  annual  periods  beginning  after  December  15,  2018.  Early  adoption  is  permitted.  The  guidance 
requires  the  use  of  a  modified  retrospective  approach.  The  Company  is  evaluating  the  impact  of  the  guidance  on  its 
consolidated financial position, results of operations and related disclosures. 

Stock Compensation 
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, which amended guidance related to employee share-based payment 
accounting. The new guidance simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including 
the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of 
cash flows. For public companies, the amendments in this standard are effective for annual periods beginning after December 
15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted. Management does not expect the 
adoption of this Standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. 

44 

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

Cash Flows 
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, which is intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain transactions 
are classified in the statement of cash flows, specifically certain cash receipts and cash payments. The standard is effective 
for public business entities financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods 
within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, provided that all of the amendments are adopted in the same period. 
The guidance requires application using a retrospective method. Management does not expect the adoption of this Standard 
to have a material impact on our consolidated cash flows. 

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18 which requires entities to include in their cash and cash-equivalent 
balances in the statement of cash flows those amounts that are deemed to be restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents. 
As a result, companies will no longer present transfers between cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash and restricted 
cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after 
December 15, 2017. Early adoption of ASU 2016-18 is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. Management is 
currently evaluating the adoption of ASU 2016-18 on its consolidated financial statements.  

Goodwill 
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04 to simplify the accounting for goodwill impairment. The guidance 
removes  Step  2  of  the  goodwill  impairment  test,  which  requires  a  hypothetical  purchase  price  allocation.  A  goodwill 
impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit's carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying 
amount  of  goodwill.  The  guidance  will  be  applied  prospectively  and  is  effective  for  annual  reporting  periods  ending 
December 31, 2020 and thereafter with early adoption permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of the new 
guidance on its consolidated financial statements. 

Business Combinations 
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, which amended the existing FASB Accounting Standards Codification 
Topic  805  Business  Combinations.  The  standard  provides  additional  guidance  to  assist  entities  with  evaluating  whether 
transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The definition of a business affects 
many areas of accounting, including acquisitions, disposals, goodwill, and consolidation. ASU 2017-01 is effective for annual 
periods  beginning  after  December  15,  2017,  including  interim  periods  within  those  annual  periods,  with  early  adoption 
permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on its consolidated financial statements. 

All  other  Accounting  Standards  Updates  issued  but  not  yet  effective  are  not  expected  to  have  a  material  effect  on  the 
Company’s future financial statements.  

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 ...........................................................   $

3,174     $
41       
3,215       
(189 )     
3,026     $

2,627  
60  
2,687  
(138) 
2,549  

As of September 30, 
2016 
2017 

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

4.   Property and equipment 

Property and equipment consists of the following: 

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

As of September 30, 
2016 
2017 

212     $
14       
46       
872       
1,144       
(935 )     
209     $

713  
1,043  
4,080  
1,223  
7,059  
(6,547) 
512  

Depreciation and amortization on the above assets was $256 and $707 in fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively. During fiscal 
2017, the Company disposed of property and equipment totaling $5.9 million related to the downsizing of offices, the majority 
of which was fully depreciated. During fiscal 2016, the Company disposed of property and equipment totaling $1.1 million 
in fiscal 2016, also mostly fully depreciated and of which $67 was included in Restructuring Expenses in the 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, 2017 and 2016 because of their short-term nature and durations. The carrying value of debt instruments also 
approximates fair value as of September 30, 2017 and 2016 based on acceptable valuation methodologies which use market 
data of similar size and situated debt issues. The Company no longer has any other assets or liabilities to be measured at fair 
value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2017.  

Assets and liabilities of the Company measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2016 are as follows: 

Liabilities: 

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

-    $ 
-    $ 

-    $ 
-    $ 

75    $ 
75    $ 

75  
75  

As of September 30, 2016 

   Level 1 

     Level 2 

     Level 3 

Total 

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 roll forward 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, 2017 and 
2016. 

Balance at beginning of period .........................................................................................   $ 
Payments ..........................................................................................................................     
Balance at end of period ...................................................................................................   $ 

75     $
(75 )     
-     $

468  
(393) 
75  

   Years Ended September 30, 

2017 

2016 

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

6.   Intangible Assets 

Intangible assets are comprised as follows: 

As of September 30, 

2017 

2016 

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

10     $ 
179       
74       
263     $ 

10  
392  
146  
548  

Total amortization expense of $285 and $480 related to intangible assets for the years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, 
respectively,  is  reflected  in  the  consolidated  statements  of  operations  in  depreciation  and  amortization.  The  estimated 
amortization expense for fiscal years 2018, 2019, and 2020 is: $242, $11, and $10, respectively.  

7.   Accrued Liabilities 

Accrued liabilities consist of the following: 

As of September 30, 
2016 
2017 

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

41       
244       
154       
161       
119       
201       
920     $

44  
194  
141  
133  
331  
103  
946  

(1) The deferred rent liability is being amortized as a reduction of rent expense over the lives of the leases. As of September 
30, 2017, $154 is reflected in Accrued Liabilities and $43 is reflected in Other Long Term Liabilities on the Consolidated 
Balance Sheet as deferred rent liabilities. As of September 30, 2016, $141 is reflected in Accrued Liabilities and $197 is 
reflected in Other Long Term Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as deferred rent liabilities.  

8.   Debt 

The Company’s debt as of September 30, 2017 and 2016 consisted of the Line of Credit from Heritage Bank of Commerce. 
All other debt instruments and bank lines of credit were satisfied in full.  

Heritage Line of Credit 

In June 2016, the Company replaced its Loan and Security Agreement with BridgeBank (the “Bridgebank Agreement”) with 
a  new  Loan  and  Security  Agreement  (“Heritage  Agreement”  or  “Loan  Agreement”)  with  Heritage  Bank  of  Commerce 
(“Heritage”). The Heritage Agreement had and original a term of 24 months but was amended in 2017 to a maturity date of 
June 9, 2019. The Company paid an annual commitment fee of 0.4% of the commitment amount in the first year and 0.2% 
in the second year.  The facility fee will be $6 on each anniversary thereafter. Borrowings are secured by all of the Company’s 
assets and all of the Company’s intellectual property. The Company is required to comply with certain financial and reporting 
covenants  including  an  Asset  Coverage  Ratio  and  an  Adjusted  EBITDA  metric.  The  Company  was  in  compliance  with 
all financial covenants as of September 30, 2017. 

The Heritage Agreement provides for up to $2.5 million of revolving credit advances which may be used for acquisitions and 
working  capital  purposes. Borrowings  are  limited  to  the  lesser  of  (i)  $2.5  million  and  (ii)  75%  of  eligible  receivables  as 
defined.  The  Company  can  borrow  up  to  $1.0  million  in  out  of  formula  borrowings  for  specified  periods  of  time. The 
borrowings or credit advances may not exceed the monthly borrowing base capacity, which will fluctuate based on monthly 
accounts receivable balances. The Company may request credit advances if the borrowing capacity is more than the current 

47 

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

outstanding loan advance, and must pay down the outstanding loan advance if it exceeds the borrowing capacity.  Borrowings 
accrue  interest  at  Wall  Street  Journal  Prime  Rate  plus  1.75%,  (currently  6%).  As  of  September  30,  2017  and  2016,  the 
Company had an outstanding balance under the Loan Agreement of $2.5 million and $2.1 million, respectively.  

A  Director  and  Shareholder  of  the  Company,  Michael  Taglich,  signed  an  unconditional  guaranty  (the  “Guaranty”)  and 
promise to pay Heritage Bank all indebtedness in an amount not to exceed $1.5 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. 

Amendments – Heritage Bank 

An amendment to the Heritage Agreement (“First Amendment”) was executed on August 15, 2016 and included a waiver for 
the Adjusted EBITDA metric for the quarter ended June 30, 2016. The First Amendment also included a decrease in the 
revolving line of credit from $3.0 million to $2.5 million, the Adjusted EBITDA metric for the quarter ended September 30, 
2016, and also included a minimum cash requirement of $500 in the Company’s accounts at Heritage, which was waived for 
the period ended September 30, 2016.  

On December 14, 2016, a second amendment to the Heritage Agreement (“Second Amendment”) was executed. The Second 
Amendment included a minimum cash requirement of $250 in its accounts at Heritage and the Adjusted EBITDA metrics for 
the first half of fiscal 2017.  

On  August  10,  2017,  the  third  Amendment  was  executed  (“Third  Amendment”).  The  Third  Amendment  extended  the 
maturity date of the loan to June 9, 2019. 

On  October  6,  2017,  a  fourth  amendment  to  the  Heritage  Agreement  (“Fourth  Amendment”)  was  executed.  The  Fourth 
Amendment included a consent to the Company’s incurrence of additional indebtedness from Montage Capital (“Montage”) 
and the grant of a second position lien to Montage (See Subsequent Events). In addition, Heritage and Montage entered into 
an Intercreditor Agreement dated October 10, 2017, and acknowledged by the Company. 

On  November  27,  2017,  a  fifth  amendment  to  the  Heritage  Agreement  (“Fifth  Amendment”)  was  executed.  The  Fifth 
Amendment included the Adjusted EBITDA metrics for the second half of fiscal 2017 and the first six months of fiscal 2018. 
Thereafter, the Company and Heritage shall mutually agree upon minimum quarterly Adjusted EBITDA amounts for each 
fiscal year within thirty days following the beginning of each fiscal year.  

Western Alliance (formerly Bridgebank, N.A) 

Prior  to  entering  into  the  Heritage  Agreement  in  June  2016,  the  Company  had  a  loan  agreement  with  Bridgebank,  N.A 
(“Bridgebank Agreement”). The Bridgebank Agreement provided for up to $5 million of revolving credit advances which 
could be used for acquisitions and working capital purposes. Borrowings were limited to the lesser of (i) $5 million and (ii) 
80% of eligible receivables as defined. The Company could 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% plus 5.00% (8.25%). The Company 
paid an annual commitment fee of 0.25%. Borrowings were secured by all of the Company’s assets and all of the Company’s 
intellectual property. The Company was also required to comply with certain financial and reporting covenants including an 
Asset Coverage Ratio. The Bridgebank Agreement also included an unconditional guarantee from one of the Company’s 

48 

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

Directors, Michael Taglich (the “Guaranty”) and promise to pay the BridgeBank all indebtedness in an amount not to exceed 
$2 million in connection with the out of formula borrowings.  

Term Notes from Shareholders 

The Company issued term notes to certain officers and directors of the Company. Term notes totaling $2.45 million were 
issued to Michael Taglich from the period of January 7, 2015 through February 2016. Term notes totaling $450 were issued 
to  Robert  Taglich  on  December  3,  2015  and  February  2016.  Michael  Taglich  is  both  a  shareholders  and  director  of  the 
Company. Robert Taglich is a shareholder and was a director of the Company from May 2016 to June 29, 2017. In February 
2016, Bridgeline issued a term note to Roger Kahn in the amount of $100. Roger Kahn is the Company’s President and Chief 
Executive Officer.  

In  April  2016,  the  shareholders  of  the  Company  approved  the  proposal  for  the  issuance  of  up  to  940,000  shares  of  the 
Company’s common stock upon conversion of the above outstanding term notes totaling $3 million. In May 2016, each of 
the holders of the outstanding term notes converted all outstanding principal and accrued but unpaid interest due under such 
outstanding term notes into shares of common stock of the Company at a conversion price of $3.75 per share. In connection 
with the conversion, a total of 867,765 shares of common stock was issued. Michael Taglich received 715,209 shares of 
common stock, Robert Taglich received 125,320 shares of common stock and Roger Kahn received 27,236 shares of common 
stock. The Taglich Brothers, Inc acted as the Placement Agent for the conversion of these notes and were granted warrants 
to purchase 86,778 shares of common stock at a price of $3.75 per share.  

Subordinated Convertible Debt 

In April 2016, the shareholders of the Company approved a proposal for issuance of up to 800,000 shares of the Company’s 
Common Stock upon conversion of the outstanding $3.0 million of secured subordinated convertible notes (the "Convertible 
Notes"). The conversion price to $3.75 per share was provided as an incentive to the holders of such Convertible Notes to 
convert the outstanding principal into shares of Common Stock. As of September 30, 2016, all of the shares converted and a 
total of 800,000 shares of common stock was issued. Due to the reduction in the conversion price from $32.50 per share to 
$3.75 per share, the Company recorded an inducement charge of $3.4 million in fiscal 2016. The charge was recorded as a 
non-operating expense in the Consolidated Income Statement with a corresponding credit to additional paid in capital.  

Minimum Debt Obligations 

As of September 30, 2017, the Company had minimum debt obligations of $2.5 million related to the Heritage Bank line of 
credit, which has a maturity date of June 9, 2019. 

9.   Restructuring Charges 

Commencing in fiscal 2015 and through fiscal 2017, the Company’s management approved, committed to and initiated plans 
to restructure and further improve efficiencies by implementing cost reductions in line with expected decreases in revenue. 
The Company renegotiated several office 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. 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. In the second 
quarter  of  fiscal  2017,  the  Company  initiated  a  plan  to  shut  down  its  operations  in  India.  All  of  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 $286 and $879 was recorded to restructuring expenses for fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016 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.  

49 

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

The following table summarizes the restructuring charges reserve activity: 

Employee 
Severence and 
Benefits 

Facility 
Related 
and Other 
Costs 

Total 

Balance at end of period, September 30, 2015 ...................................   $ 
Charges to operations .....................................................................     
Cash disbursements ........................................................................     
Changes in estimates ......................................................................     
Balance at end of period, September 30, 2016 ...................................   $ 
Charges to operations .....................................................................     
Cash disbursements ........................................................................     
Changes in estimates ......................................................................     
Accretion Expense ..........................................................................     
Balance at end of period, September 30, 2017 ...................................   $ 

-    $ 
505      
(311)     
(1)     
193    $ 
-      
(203)     
-      
10      
-    $ 

307     $
158       
(223 )     
5       
247     $
241       
(347 )     
33       
2       
176     $

307   
663   
(534 ) 
4   
440   
241   
(550 ) 
33   
12   
176   

As of September 30, 2017, $119 is reflected in Accrued Liabilities and $57 is reflected in Other long term liabilities. As of 
September 30, 2016, $331 is reflected in Accrued Liabilities and $109 is reflected in Other long term liabilities.  

Accrued restructuring liabilities is comprised of the following: 

As of September 30, 

2017 

2016 

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

133     $ 
-       
43       
176     $ 

195  
193  
52  
440  

10.   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, 2017 were as follows: 

Years Ending September 30, 
2018 ....................................................................................................   $ 
2019 ....................................................................................................     
2020 ....................................................................................................     
Total  ...............................................................................................   $ 

611    $ 
242      
97      
950    $ 

(159 )   $
(126 )     
(73 )     
(358 )   $

Net 

452   
116   
24   
592   

   Gross Amount     

Sublease 
Income  
Amount 

The Company has no lease commitments that extend past fiscal 2020. Rent expense for fiscal 2017 and 2016 was $686 and 
$976, respectively, inclusive of sublease income $45 for fiscal 2017.   

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

Capital Lease Obligations 

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

-    $ 
-      
-    $ 

45  
(45) 
-  

As of September 30, 

2017 

2016 

As of September 30, 2017, the Company has no further lease payments due under capitalized leases. 

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, 2017. 

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,  2017  and  2016,  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,  2017, 
Bridgeline was not engaged in any material legal proceedings. 

11.   Stockholders’ Equity 

Preferred Stock 

In  October  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. 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 current conversion price is $16.25, 
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 $32.50 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. As of September 30, 2017, a total of 1,636 preferred shares have been converted to 1,007 shares of 
common stock. 

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

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. 

The Company may pay dividends in cash or Preferred Stock. Effective January 1, 2017, cumulative dividends are payable at 
a rate of 12% per year, as after two years, any Preferred Stock dividends increase from 6% to 12% 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”) up to 64,000 shares cumulatively. 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) the then effective Conversion Price or (y) the average 
VWAP for the five (5) consecutive Trading Days prior to such dividend payment date. 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 $32.50 per share. The Preferred Shares shall vote with the Common on an as converted basis.  

As  of  September  30,  2017,  the  Company  has  issued  45,172  preferred  convertible  shares  (PIK  shares)  to  the  preferred 
shareholders of which 24,080 shares were issued in fiscal 2017. The Company elected to declare a PIK dividend for the next 
quarterly payment due October 1, 2017. The total PIK dividend declared for October 1, 2017 is 7,391 preferred stock shares 
at a dividend rate of 12%.  

Common Stock 

In October 2015, the Company sold 136,000 shares of common stock at $5.00 per share for gross proceeds of $680 in a 
private placement. Net proceeds to the Company after offering expenses were approximately $669.  

In February 2016, the Company issued 21,539 shares of restricted common stock at $4.55 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, 2016. The aggregate fair value of the shares of $98 was expensed 
over the service period. In May 2016, additional restricted common shares were issued to a new board member totaling 2,192 
shares with a fair market value of $8, and fully expensed in fiscal 2016.  

In May 2016, the Company issued 361,336 shares of common stock for net proceeds of $1.2 million for the first closing in 
connection with the conversion of term notes issued to accredited investors, as approved by the shareholders on April 29, 
2016. In June 2016, the Company issued an additional 172,001 shares of common stock for net proceeds of $400 for the 
second closing in connection with the conversion of these term notes.  

In May 2016, each of Michael Taglich, Robert Taglich, and Roger Kahn, holders of outstanding term notes, converted all 
outstanding principal and accrued but unpaid interest due under such outstanding term notes into shares of Common Stock 
of the Company at a conversion price of $3.75 per share. In connection with the conversion, a total of 867,765 shares of 
common stock were issued. (See Term Notes from Shareholders.)  

On  April  29,  2016,  the  shareholders  of  the  Company  approved  a  proposal  for  issuance  of  up  to  800,000  shares  of  the 
Company’s Common Stock upon conversion of outstanding Convertible Notes. From June 2016 through August 2016, all of 
the notes were converted to shares of common stock.  

In July 2016, the Company sold 440,000 shares of common stock at $3.75 per share for gross proceeds of $1.7 million in a 
private placement. Net proceeds to the Company after offering expenses were approximately $1.5 million.  

In October 2016, the Company issued 2,000 shares of common stock to one if its vendors for payment for services. The fair 
market value of the shares was $8.  

In November 2016, the Company entered into Securities Purchase Agreements (“November 2016 Private Placement”) with 
certain institutional and accredited investors (the “Purchasers”) to sell an aggregate total of 427,073 shares of common stock 
for $2.40 per share (the “Purchaser Shares”) for gross proceeds of $1.0 million. The Company’s President and CEO (Roger 
Kahn) and two of the Company’s directors (Michael Taglich and Robert Taglich) purchased shares of common stock in this 
private  offering.  Roger  Kahn  purchased  17,200  common  shares  and  Michael  and  Robert  Taglich  each  purchased  30,770 

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

common shares. Also, as additional consideration, the Company issued to the Purchasers, warrants to purchase an aggregate 
total of 213,538 shares common stock (the “Purchaser Warrant Shares”). 

In February 2017, the Company issued 36,826 shares of restricted common stock at $3.15 to five members of its Board of 
Directors in lieu of cash payments for their annual services as board members. The shares vested in equal installments on a 
monthly basis through the end of the service period of September 30, 2017. The aggregate fair value of the shares is $113 
and was being expensed over the service period. 

In June 2017, the Company’s CEO and President (Roger Kahn) elected to receive common stock in lieu of a $20,000 cash 
payment for a bonus earned for the first half of the fiscal year. He received 7,273 fully vested restricted shares with a fair 
value price per share of $2.75. 

Contingent Consideration 

In connection with the acquisition of ElementsLocal on August 1, 2013, the Company issued 21,058 common shares to the 
sellers of ElementsLocal. In addition, contingent consideration not to exceed 13,539 shares of Bridgeline Digital common 
stock was contingently issuable to the sellers of ElementsLocal. The contingent consideration was payable quarterly over the 
12 consecutive calendar quarters following the acquisition, contingent upon the acquired business achieving certain revenue 
targets. As of September 30, 2016, the stockholders of ElementsLocal earned the full earnout of 13,539 shares of common 
stock, of which the final earnout shares totaling 1,129 were issued in November 2016. 

Registration Rights and Piggyback Registration 

The Company and the Purchasers also entered into a Registration Rights Agreement, wherein the Company agreed to file a 
registration statement (“Registration” or “Form S-3”) to register the Purchaser Shares and Purchaser Warrant Shares under 
the  Securities  Act  of  1933,  as  amended.  The  Registration  was  filed  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  on 
November 14, 2016 and further amended on December 23, 2016. A total of 348,334 Purchaser Shares and 174,167 Purchaser 
Warrant Shares were registered with the Form S-3 filing. Roger Kahn, Michael Taglich, and Robert Taglich did not participate 
in the Registration. 
Also  included  in  the  Registration  were  other  securities  that  had  been  purchased  prior  to  the  November  2016  Private 
Placement, namely private placements of our common stock and warrants to purchase common stock. As a part of these 
private placement transactions, the Company had offered certain investors piggyback registration rights such that, in the event 
the Company filed a registration statement to register its securities under the Securities Act, the shares of common stock 
issued or issuable to those investors would be eligible to also be included in the registration statement to be registered under 
the Securities Act. Accordingly, in addition to the Purchaser Shares and Purchaser Warrants from the November 2016 Private 
Placement, 616,533 common shares and warrants were included in the registration statement pursuant to these previously 
granted piggyback registration rights. In total, the Registration included 1,139,033 shares of common stock and warrants to 
purchase common stock for net proceeds of $852.  

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. The Company’s Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan (the 
“Plan”)  provided  for  the  issuance  of  up  250,000 shares  of  common  stock.  This  Plan  expired  in  August  2016.  A  total  of 
227,280 shares of common stock are outstanding under the Plan as of September 2017. On April 29, 2016, the stockholders 
approved a new plan, The 2016 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2016 Plan”). The 2016 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. Initially, a total of 500,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock are reserved for issuance under this new plan. 
There were  223,366  options outstanding under  this  plan  as  of  September 30, 2017. As  of September  30, 2017,  there  are 
276,634 shares available for future issuance. 

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

Stock Option and Warrant Activity and Outstanding Shares 

A summary of combined option and warrant activity follows: 

Stock Options 

Stock Warrants 

     Weighted        
     Average 
     Exercise 

     Weighted    
     Average 
     Exercise 

   Options 

Price 

     Warrants      

Price 

Outstanding, September 30, 2015 ........................................     
Granted .............................................................................     
Forfeited or expired ..........................................................     
Outstanding, September 30, 2016 ........................................     
Granted .............................................................................     
Forfeited or expired ..........................................................     
Outstanding, September 30, 2017 ........................................     

175,200    $ 
337,758    $ 
(64,372)   $ 
448,586    $ 
28,400    $ 
(26,340)   $ 
450,646    $ 

18.40      
4.22      
19.77      
7.53      
3.16      
11.52      
7.02      

140,656    $ 
190,110    $ 
(2,014)   $ 
328,752    $ 
219,538    $ 
(8,697)   $ 
539,593    $ 

21.89  
4.46  
37.10  
11.71  
3.95  
35.00  
8.18  

There were no options exercised during fiscal 2017 and 2016. There were 194,977 and 69,041 options vested and exercisable 
as of September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, respectively. The shares outstanding at September 30, 2017 and 2016 had 
an intrinsic value of $4 and $1, respectively. 

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

     Weighted 
Average 

     Grant-Date 
     Fair Value 

Shares 

Unvested at September 30, 2016 ..................................................................................     
Granted .....................................................................................................................     
Vested .......................................................................................................................     
Forfeited ...................................................................................................................     
Unvested at September 30, 2017 ..................................................................................     

379,545    $ 
28,400      
(134,622)     
(17,654)     
255,669    $ 

4.94  
3.16  
5.77  
5.16  
4.29  

Price ranges of outstanding and exercisable options as of September 30, 2017 are summarized below: 

Exercise 
Price 
$2.22 to  $3.80 
$3.81 to  $6.05 
$6.06 to  $18.75 
$18.76 to  $41.00 

Outstanding Options 

Exercisable Options 

     Weighted 
Average 
Remaining 
     Contractual 
Life (Years) 

Number 
of 
Options 

     Weighted 
     Average 
     Exercise 

Number 
of 
Options 

     Weighted 
     Average 
     Exercise 

Price 

     Exercisable 

Price 

29,400      
360,158      
22,280      
38,808      
450,646      

9.53    $ 
8.73      
5.83      
4.45      
8.27    $ 

3.17      
4.40      
14.53      
29.93      
7.02      

334    $ 
137,407      
18,428      
38,808      
194,977    $ 

3.65  
4.58  
14.82  
29.93  
10.59  

54 

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

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: 

Years Ended September 30, 

Expected option life in years ..................................................................................   
Expected volatility .................................................................................................   
Expected dividend rate ...........................................................................................   
Risk free interest rate .............................................................................................   
Option exercise prices ............................................................................................    $2.22 to $41.00 
Weighted average fair value of options granted during the year ............................ 

$2.27 

2017 
6.0 
85.03% 
0.00% 
1.95% 

2016 
6.0 
84.12% 
0.00% 
1.33% 
$3.65 to $6.05 
$2.99 

Compensation expense is generally recognized on a graded accelerated basis over the vesting period of grants. During the 
years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company recognized $418 and $214, respectively, as compensation expense 
related  to  share  based  payments.  Compensation  expense  is  recorded  in  the  Consolidated  Statement  of  Operations  with  a 
portion charged to Cost of Goods Sold and a portion to Operating Expenses depending on the employee’s department. In 
fiscal 2017, $18 was charged to Cost of Goods Sold and $400 was charged to Operating Expenses. In fiscal 2016, $1 was 
charged to Cost of Goods Sold and $213 was charged to Operating Expenses. As of September 30, 2017, the Company had 
approximately $555 of unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested options which the Company expects to recognize 
through fiscal 2020.  

Common Stock Warrants 

The Company typically issues warrants to individual investors and placement agents to purchase shares of the Company’s 
common stock in connection with private placement fund raising activities. Warrants may also be issued to individuals or 
companies in exchange for services provided for the company. The warrants are typically exercisable six months after the 
issue date, expire in five years, and contain a cashless exercise provision and piggyback registration rights.  

Stock warrants outstanding at September 30, 2017 are as follows: 

Type 

Investors   
Placement Agent  
Placement Agent  
Placement Agent  
Placement Agent  
Placement Agent  
Director/Shareholder   
Director/Shareholder   
Director/Shareholder  
Director/Shareholder  
Director/Shareholder  
Placement Agent  
Placement Agent  
Placement Agent  
Investors   
Director/Shareholder   
Total  

Issue 
Date 

6/19/2013 
6/19/2013 
9/30/2013 
11/6/2013 
3/28/2014 
10/28/2014 
12/31/2014 
2/12/2015 
5/12/2015 
7/21/2015 
12/31/2015 
5/17/2016 
5/11/2016 
7/15/2016 
11/9/2016 
12/31/2016 

Shares 

Price 

Expiration 

18,400   
     9,200   
      6,157   
     3,078   
     12,800   
      12,308   
     12,000   
       12,000   
      12,000   
       32,000   
        6,000   
       86,778   
        53,334   
       44,000   
       213,538   
      6,000   
     539,593      

 $             31.25  
 $             31.25  
 $             32.50  
 $             32.50  
 $             26.25  
 $             16.25  
 $             20.00  
 $             20.00  
 $             20.00  
 $               8.75  
 $             20.00  
 $               3.65  
 $               3.75  
 $               4.60  
 $               3.50  
 $             20.00  

6/19/2018 
6/19/2018 
9/30/2018 
11/6/2018 
3/28/2019 
10/28/2019 
12/31/2019 
2/12/2020 
5/12/2020 
7/21/2018 
12/31/2020 
5/17/2021 
5/11/2021 
7/15/2021 
5/22/2022 
12/31/2021 

In  fiscal  2017  and  2016,  the  Company  issued  219,538  and  190,112  warrants  to  a  director/shareholder,  investors  and 
placements agents, respectively. In fiscal 2017, the 219,538 warrants were issued as follows: 213,538 warrants were issued 

55 

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

to  investors  in  connection  with  private  placements  and  6,000  warrants  were  issued  to  a  director/shareholder  for  a  bank 
guarantee. In fiscal 2016, the 190,112 warrants were issued as follows: 184,112 warrants to the placement agent in connection 
with the private placement of common stock and 6,000 to a director/shareholder in connection with a bank guarantee. All of 
the warrants were priced above the closing stock price at September 30, 2017 and therefore have an immaterial fair value.  

12.   Income Taxes 

The components of the Company’s tax provision as of September 30, 2017 and 2016 is as follows: 

   Years Ended September 30, 

2017 

2016 

Current 

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

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

-     $
16       
-       
16       

-       
-       
-       
16     $

-  
(47) 
-  
(47) 

-  
-  
-  
(47) 

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: 

   Years Ended September 30, 

2017 

2016 

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

(556 )   $
365       
(86 )     
193       
-       
100       
16     $

(2,606) 
494  
(475) 
1,964  
-  
576  
(47) 

As of September 30, 2017, the Company has a federal net operating loss (NOL) carryforward of approximately $27 million 
that expires on various dates through 2037. 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 $23 million in state NOLs 
which expire on various dates through 2037. 

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, 2017 and 2016. For the years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, 
the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets increased $185 and $1,964, respectively, which was mainly due to the increases 
in the net operating losses.  

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

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

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 2014 
to 2017 generally remain open to examination by the IRS and state authorities. 

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

As of September 30, 
2016 
2017 

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 ............................................................................................     
Valuation allowance .........................................................................................................     
Net deferred tax assets ...........................................................................................   $

74     $
595       
83       

9       
9,981       
118       
774       
29       
11,663       
(11,663 )     
-     $

54  
489  
3  

9  
9,770  
152  
967  
28  
11,472  
(11,472) 
-  

Undistributed losses of the Company’s foreign subsidiary amounted to approximately $(381) and $(415) at September 30, 
2017  and 2016,  respectively.  These  losses are  considered  to  be  indefinitely reinvested;  accordingly, no provision  for  US 
federal  and state  income  taxes has  been  provided  thereon.  Upon repatriation  of  those  losses,  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, 2017, 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, 2017 and 2016. The Company does not expect any change to this determination in the next twelve months. 

 13.   Related Party Transactions 

In October 2013,  Mr.  Michael  Taglich  joined  the  Board  of Directors. Michael  Taglich  is  the  Chairman  and President of 
Taglich Brothers, Inc. a New York based securities firm. Taglich Brothers, Inc were the Placement Agents for many of the 
Company’s private offerings in 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2016. They were also the Placement Agent for the Company’s $3 
million subordinated debt offering in 2013 and the Series A Preferred stock sale in 2015. Michael Taglich beneficially owns 
approximately 22% of Bridgeline stock. Michael Taglich has also guaranteed $1.5 million in connection with the Company’s 
out of formula borrowings on its credit facility with Heritage Bank.  

In consideration of previous loans 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 12,000 shares of Common Stock of the Company at a price equal to $20.00 per share. On 
January 7, 2015, Bridgeline also entered into a side letter with Michael Taglich pursuant to which Bridgeline agreed in the 
event the Guaranty 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 6,000 
shares of common stock, which warrant shall contain the same terms as the warrant issued to Michael Taglich on January 7, 
2015. Since the Guaranty did remain outstanding for a period of more than 12 months, a warrant to purchase 6,000 shares of 
common stock was issued to Michael Taglich in February 2016 at a price of $20.00 and a warrant to purchase 6,000 shares 
of common stock was issued in January 2017 at a price of $20.00. 

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

Mr. Taglich was also issued warrants in fiscal 2015 in connection with shareholder term notes issued to him. The notes were 
subsequently converted to shares of common stock in May 2016. He was issued three warrants totaling 36,000 shares at an 
exercise price of $20.00 and one warrant for 32,000 shares at an exercise price of $8.75 in connection with these notes. The 
warrants have a term of five years and are exercisable six months after the date of issuance. A fair market value of $270 was 
assigned to the warrants and recorded 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 was amortized on a straight-line basis 
over their expected life. However, when the Company converted these term notes in May 2016, the remaining unamortized 
value was recorded as amortization expense. Total amortization expense of $158 was recorded in fiscal 2016 related to the 
warrants. 

Robert  Taglich  was  appointed  to  the  Company’s  Board  of  Directors  in  May  2016.  Robert  Taglich  beneficially  owns 
approximately 8% of Bridgeline stock. Mr. Taglich was a consultant to the Company prior to his appointment to the Board 
of  Directors.  As  compensation  for  his  consulting  services,  Robert  Taglich  was  granted  3,000  options  to  purchase  the 
Company’s common stock at a price of $6.05. As a director, Mr. Taglich was granted 2,200 options to purchase common 
stock, and 6,954 shares of restricted common stock. Mr. Taglich did not seek re-election to the Board of Directors and his 
tenure expired on June 29, 2017. 

In connection with the equity conversion of the $3 million in term notes from shareholders that was completed in May 2016, 
the Taglich Brothers, Inc were granted Placement Agent warrants to purchase 86,778 shares of common stock at a price of 
$3.65 per share. Included in the distribution were 35,120 warrants to Michael Taglich and 28,552 warrants to Robert Taglich. 
The warrants expire in five years. 

In connection with the private offering in July 2016, the Taglich Brothers, Inc were granted Placement Agent warrants to 
purchase 44,000 shares of common stock at a price of $4.60 per share. Included in the distribution were 8,864 warrants to 
Michael Taglich and 7,236 warrants to Robert Taglich. The warrants expire in five years.  

In connection with the November 2016 Private Placement, the Company issued to the Purchasers warrants to purchase an 
aggregate total of 213,538 shares common stock. Each Purchaser Warrant Share expires five and one-half years from the date 
of issuance and is exercisable for $3.50 per share beginning six-months from the date of issuance, or May 9, 2017.  The 
warrants expire May 9, 2022. Purchaser Warrant Shares were also issued to Roger Kahn 8,600 shares and Michael and Robert 
Taglich 15,385 shares each.  

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

14.   Subsequent Events 

Montage Capital II, L.P. Loan Agreement 

On October 10, 2017, the Company entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with Montage 
Capital II, L.P. (“Montage”). The Loan Agreement has a thirty-six (36) month term which expires on October 10, 2020. The 
Loan Agreement provides for up to $1.5 million of borrowing in the form of a non-revolving term loan which may be used 
by the Company for working capital purposes (the “Loan”). $1 million of borrowing was advanced on the date of closing 
(the “First Tranche”). An additional $500 thousand of borrowing will be available at the Company’s option in the event that 
the  Company  achieves  certain  financial  milestones  and  is  otherwise  in  compliance  with  its  loan  covenants  (the  “Second 
Tranche”). Borrowings bear interest at the rate of 12.75% per annum. The Company paid a fee of $33 to Montage at closing. 
Interest  only  payments  are  due  and  payable  during  the first  nine  months  of  the  Loan.  Commencing on  July 1, 2018,  the 
Company shall be obligated to make principal payments of $26 per month if only the First Tranche has been received and 
$39 if the Company has received both the First Tranche and the Second Tranche. All remaining principal and interest shall 
be due and payable at maturity. Borrowings are secured by a second position lien on all of the Company’s assets including 
intellectual property and general intangibles. Pursuant to the Loan Agreement, the Company is also required to comply with 
certain financial covenants.  The Loan is subordinate to the Company’s senior debt facility with Heritage Bank of Commerce 
(“Heritage”). As additional consideration for the Loan, the Company issued to Montage an eight-year warrant to purchase 
66,213 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price equal to $2.65 per share which may increase to an aggregate of 
100,082 shares of the Company’s common stock in the event that Montage advances the Second Tranche (the “Warrant”). 
Further, in the event of a change in control prior to the exercise of the Warrant, Montage shall have the right to receive an 
equity buy-out of either $250 if only the First Tranche has been advanced or $375 if both the First Tranche and the Second 
Tranche  have  been  advanced.  If  the  equity  buy-out  is  exercised,  the  Warrant  will  be  surrendered  to  the  Company  for 
cancellation.  

Heritage consented to the Company’s incurrence of additional indebtedness from Montage and the grant of a second position 
lien to Montage. In addition, Heritage and Montage entered into an Intercreditor Agreement dated October 10, 2017, and 
acknowledged by the Company. 

59 

 
 
  
  
 
 
 
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, 2017, 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,  2017.  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, 
2017, 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. 

60 

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
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,  2017  that  have  materially  or  are  reasonably  likely  to  materially  affect,  our  internal  controls  over 
financial reporting. 

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 ...............................    

62 

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

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

66 

   Director (1)(2)(4) 

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

47 

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

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

62 

   Director 

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

48 

   President and Chief Executive Officer  

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

44 

   Executive Vice 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, 2017 regarding the shares of our common stock available for grant or granted under our equity compensation plans.  

Equity Compensation Plan Information 

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

Number of 
securities 

      Weighted average        remaining available   

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

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

Plan category 

Equity compensation plans approved by 

security holders  ...........................................      

450,646      $ 

7.02        

276,634  

Equity compensation plans not approved by 

security holders (1).......................................      

539,593      $ 

8.18        

-  

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

990,239      $ 

-        

276,634  

(1)  At September 30, 2017, there were 539,593 total Warrants outstanding.  

In  fiscal  2017  and  2016,  the  Company  issued  219,538  and  190,112  warrants  to  a  director/shareholder,  investors  and 
placements agents, respectively. In fiscal 2017, the 219,538 warrants were issued as follows: 213,538 warrants were issued 
to  investors  in  connection  with  private  placements  and  6,000  warrants  were  issued  to  a  director/shareholder  for  a  bank 
guarantee. In fiscal 2016, the 190,112 warrants were issued as follows: 184,112 warrants to the placement agent in connection 
with the private placement of common stock and 6,000 to a director/shareholder in connection with a bank guarantee.  

62 

 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
        
  
     
  
  
  
  
     
     
  
  
        
           
           
  
  
        
           
           
  
  
        
           
           
  
 
  
  
 
 
Stock warrants outstanding at September 30, 2017 are as follows: 

Type 

Investors  
Placement Agent  
Placement Agent  
Placement Agent  
Placement Agent  
Placement Agent  
Director/Shareholder  
Director/Shareholder  
Director/Shareholder  
Director/Shareholder  
Director/Shareholder  
Placement Agent  
Placement Agent  
Placement Agent  
Investors  
Director/Shareholder  

Total    

Issue 
Date 

6/19/2013 
6/19/2013 
9/30/2013 
11/6/2013 
3/28/2014 
10/28/2014 
12/31/2014 
2/12/2015 
5/12/2015 
7/21/2015 
12/31/2015 
5/17/2016 
5/11/2016 
7/15/2016 
11/9/2016 
12/31/2016 

Shares 

Price 

Expiration 

18,400    $ 
9,200    $ 
6,157    $ 
3,078    $ 
12,800    $ 
12,308    $ 
12,000    $ 
12,000    $ 
12,000    $ 
32,000    $ 
6,000    $ 
86,778    $ 
53,334    $ 
44,000    $ 
213,538    $ 
6,000    $ 
539,593      

31.25  
31.25  
32.50  
32.50  
26.25  
16.25  
20.00  
20.00  
20.00  
8.75  
20.00  
3.65  
3.75  
4.60  
3.50  
20.00  

6/19/2018 
6/19/2018 
9/30/2018 
11/6/2018 
3/28/2019 
10/28/2019 
12/31/2019 
2/12/2020 
5/12/2020 
7/21/2018 
12/31/2020 
5/17/2021 
5/11/2021 
7/15/2021 
5/22/2022 
12/31/2021 

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. 

63 

 
 
  
  
    
  
      
  
    
  
  
    
  
  
    
      
        
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
     
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
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, 2017 and 2016 
  –  Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ending September 30, 2017 and 2016 
  –  Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the years ending September 30, 2017 and 2016 
  –  Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ending September 30, 2017 and 2016 
  –  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ending September 30, 2017 and 2016 
  –  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. 

Exhibit     
No. 

Exhibit 

   Form 
10-Q 

Incorporated by Reference 
Filing Date 

  Exhibit No.   Herewith

   Filed 

May 17, 2010  

2.1 

2.1 

2.2 

2.3 

2.4 

2.5 

3.1(i) 
3.1(ii) 

3.1(iii) 

3.1(iv) 
4.1 
10.1* 

10.2* 

10.3* 

10.4 
10.5 
10.6 

10.7 

Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 11, 2010, by and 
between Bridgeline Digital, Inc. and TMX Interactive, Inc. 
Subordinated Promissory Note dated May 11, 2010, issued by 
Bridgeline Digital, Inc.  
Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 9, 2010, by and 
between Bridgeline Digital, Inc. and e.magination network, LLC 
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 3, 2011, by 
and among Bridgeline Digital, Inc., Magnetic Corporation and 
Jennifer Bakunas  
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 31, 2012, by 
and among Bridgeline Digital, Inc., MarketNet, Inc. and Jill 
Bach  
  Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended    
Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate 
of Incorporation, dated May 4, 2015  
Certificate of Designations of the Series A Convertible Preferred 
Stock  
  Amended and Restated By-Laws  
  Specimen Common Stock Certificate  (File No. 333-139298) 
Employment Agreement with Roger “Ari” Kahn, dated August 
24, 2015  
Employment Agreement with Michael D. Prinn, dated January 
19, 2011  
First Amendment to Employment Agreement, Roger “Ari” Kahn, 
dated May 10, 2016  
  Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan, as amended  
  2012 Employee Stock Purchase Plan  
Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated March 31, 2010, 
between Bridgeline Digital, Inc. and Silicon Valley Bank  
Amended and Restated Intellectual Property Security Agreement 
dated March 31, 2010, between Bridgeline Digital, Inc. and 
Silicon Valley Bank  

10-Q 

May 17, 2010  

2.2 

8-K 

8-K 

8-K 

10-Q 
8-K 

July 15, 2010  

2.1 

October 6, 2011  

2.1 

June 5, 2012  

2.1 

May 15, 2013  
May 5, 2015  

3.1 
3.1 

8-K 

   November 4, 2014  

3.1 

8-K 

   SB-2/A 
10-K 

July 24, 2017  
June 20, 2007  
   December 24, 2015  

3.1 
4.1 
10.1 

8-K 

8-K 

  DEF 14 A   
  DEF 14 A   
8-K 

January 21, 2011  

10.1 

May 13, 2016  

10.1 

July 14, 2014  
January 28, 2011  
April 5, 2010  

C 
B 
10.1 

8-K 

April 5, 2010  

10.2 

64 

 
   
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
    
  
  
    
  
    
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
    
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
   Form 
8-K 

Incorporated by Reference 
Filing Date 

  Exhibit No.   Herewith

  Filed 

May 11, 2011  

10.1 

Exhibit 
No. 

10.8 

10.9 

10.10 

10.11 

10.12 

10.13 

10.14 

10.15 

10.16 

10.17 

10.18 

10.19 

10.20 

10.21 

10.22 
10.23 
10.24 

10.25 

10.26 

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 

Exhibit 

Fourth Loan Modification Agreement dated May 6, 2011, 
between Bridgeline Digital, Inc., e.MAGINATION IG, LLC and 
Silicon Valley Bank 
Sixth Loan Modification Agreement dated May 11, 2012 
between Bridgeline Digital, Inc., Bridgeline Intelligence Group, 
Inc. and Silicon Valley Bank  
Securities Purchase Agreement between Bridgeline Digital, Inc. 
and the investors named therein, dated October 29, 2010 
Securities Purchase Agreement between Bridgeline Digital, Inc. 
and the investors named therein, dated May 31, 2012 
Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant issued to Placement 
Agent, dated May 31, 2012  
Amendment to Note Purchase Agreement between Bridgeline 
Digital, Inc. and the investors named therein, dated November 6, 
2013 
Form of Promissory Note issued to Investors, dated November 6, 
2013  
Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant issued to Placement 
Agent, dated November 6, 2013 
First Amendment to the Security Agreement made by Bridgeline 
Digital, Inc. in favor of Taglich Brothers, Inc. (collateral agent 
for the lenders named therein, dated November 12, 2013 
Placement Agent Agreement between Bridgeline Digital, Inc. 
and Taglich Brothers, Inc., dated October 30, 2013 
Bridgeline Digital, Inc. and BridgeBank, National Association 
Loan and Security Agreement dated December 20, 2013 
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement by and between Bridgeline 
Digital, Inc. and certain Board of Directors, dated February 24, 
2014 
Securities Purchase Agreement between Bridgeline Digital, Inc. 
and the Investors named therein dated March 28, 2014 
Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant issued to Placement 
Agent, dated March 28, 2014  
  Loan and Security Modification Agreement  
  BridgeBank Guaranty  
Securities Purchase Agreement between Bridgeline Digital, Inc 
and the investors therein, dated October 28, 2014 
Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant Issued to Placement 
Agent  
Term Note in principal amount of $500,000 dated January 7, 
2015 
Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant Issued by Company 
to Michael Taglich dated January 7, 2015 
Side Letter between the Company and Michael Taglich, dated 
January 7, 2015  
Term Note in principal amount of $500,000 dated February 12, 
2015  
Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant Issued by Company 
to Michael Taglich dated February 17, 2015  
  Form of Restricted Stock Agreement  
  Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement with BridgeBank     
  Term Note in principal amount of $500,000 dated May 12, 2015    
Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant Issued by Company 
to Michael Taglich dated May 12, 2015  
Loan and Security Modification Agreement between Bridgeline 
Digital, Inc and Western Alliance Bank (formerly BridgeBank), 
dated July 21, 2015 
  Term Note in principal amount of $500,000 dated July 21, 2015     
Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant Issued by Company 
to Michael Taglich dated July 21, 2015  
  Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement with BridgeBank     
Term Notes in principal amount of $250,000 each issued to 
Michael Taglich   

65 

10-Q 

May 14, 2012  

10.1 

8-K 

   November 4, 2010  

10.1 

8-K 

8-K 

June 5, 2012  

10.1 

June 5, 2012  

10.2 

8-K 

   November 12, 2013  

10.1 

8-K 

   November 12, 2013  

10.2 

8-K 

   November 12, 2013  

10.3 

8-K 

   November 12, 2013  

10.4 

8-K 

   November 12, 2013  

10.5 

10-Q 

February 14, 2014  

10.6 

10-Q 

May 15, 2014  

10.2 

10-Q 

10-Q 

10-K 
10-K 
8-K 

May 15, 2014  

10.3 

May 15, 2014  

10.4 

   December 29, 2014  
   December 29, 2014  
   November 4, 2014  

10.25 
10.26 
10.1 

8-K 

   November 4, 2014  

10.2 

8-K 

8-K 

8-K 

January 7, 2015  

10.1 

January 9, 2015  

10.3 

January 9, 2015  

10.3 

10-Q 

February 17, 2015  

10.1 

10-Q 

February 17, 2015  

10.2 

May 15, 2015  
May 15, 2015  
May 15, 2015  
May 15, 2015  

10.6 
10.7 
10.8 
10.9 

July 24, 2015  

10.3 

July 24, 2015  
July 24, 2015  

10.1 
10.2 

10.4 
10.1 

10-Q 
8-K 

August 14, 2015  
   December 4, 2015  

10-Q 
10-Q 
10-Q 
10-Q 

8-K 

8-K 
8-K 

 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
    
  
  
    
  
  
    
  
  
    
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
  
    
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
  
    
  
  
  
    
  
    
  
  
    
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
Exhibit     
No. 

Exhibit 

10.40 

10.41 

10.42 

10.43 

10.44 

10.45 

10.46 

10.47 

10.48 

10.49 

10.50 
10.51 

10.52 
10.53 

10.54 

10.55 

10.56 

10.57 

10.58 

10.59 

10.60 

10.61 

10.62 

10.63 
10.64 

10.65 

10.66 
10.67 

10.68* 

10.69 

10.70 

21.1 
23.1 

Term Notes in principal amount of $250,000 each issued to 
Robert Taglich 
Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement with Western 
Alliance Bank (fornerly 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  
Form of Amendment to 10% Secured Subordinated Convertible 
Notes dated December 23, 2015 
Securities Purchase Agreement between Bridgeline Digital, Inc 
and the investors therein, dated October 13, 2015 
Term Notes in principal amount of $200,000 issued to Robert 
Taglich dated February 10, 2016 
Term Notes in principal amount of $200,000 issued to Michael 
Taglich dated February 10, 2016  
Term Notes in principal amount of $200,000 issued to Roger 
Kahn dated February 10, 2016  
Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement with Western 
Alliance Bank (fornerly Bridgebank) 
  Bridgeline Digital Inc. 2016 Stock Incentive Plan  
Note Purchase Agreement between Bridgeline Digital, Inc. and 
the investors named therein, dated May 11, 2016 
  Form of Promissory Note  
Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant issued to placement 
agent  
Amendment #2 to Promissory Notes between Bridgeline Digital, 
Inc and Michael Taglich, dated May 17, 2016 
Amendment #2 to Promissory Notes between Bridgeline Digital, 
Inc and Robert Taglich, dated May 17, 2016  
Amendment #2 to Promissory Notes between Bridgeline Digital, 
Inc and Roger Kahn, dated May 17, 2016  
Loan and Security Agreement between Bridgeline Digital Inc. 
and Heritage Bank of Commerce, dated June 9, 2016 
Unconditional Guarantee entered into by Michael N. Taglich in 
favor of Heritage Bank of Commerce, dated June 9, 2016 
Placement Agreement between Bridgeline Digital, Inc and 
Taglich Brothers, Inc dated March 31, 2016  
Amendment #2 to 10% Secured Subordinated Convertible Notes 
between Bridgeline Digital, Inc. and the holders of the 10% 
Secured Subordinated Convertible Notes dated June 17, 2016 
First Amendment to the Loan and Security Agreement between 
Bridgeline Digital Inc. and Heritage Bank of Commerce, dated 
August 15, 2016 
Form of Securities Purchase Agreement dated November 3, 
2016  
  Form of Purchaser Warrant  
Form of Registration Rights Agreement dated November 3, 
2016  
Form of Insider Securities Purchase Agreement dated November 
3, 2016  
  Form of Lock-Up Agreement  
Second Amendment to the Loan and Security Agreement 
between Bridgeline Digital Inc. and Heritage Bank of 
Commerce, dated December 14, 2016 
Employment Agreement with Michael D. Prinn dated November 
11, 2016 
Third Amendment to the Loan and Security Agreement between 
Bridgeline Digital, Inc and Heritage Bank of Commerce 
First Amendment to Affirmation of Guaranty between Michael 
N. Taglich and Heritage Bank of Commerce 
  Subsidiaries of the Registrant  
  Consent of Marcum LLP 

66 

   Form 
8-K 

Incorporated by Reference 
Filing Date 
   December 4, 2015  

10.2 

  Filed 

  Exhibit No.   Herewith

10-K 

   December 24, 2015  

10.42 

10-K 

   December 24, 2015  

10.43 

10-K 

   December 24, 2015  

10.44 

10-K 

   December 24, 2015  

10.45 

10-Q 

February 12, 2016  

10.3 

10-Q 

February 12, 2016  

10.4 

10-Q 

February 12, 2016  

10.5 

10-Q 

February 12, 2016  

10.6 

10-Q 

February 12, 2016  

10.7 

  DEF 14 A   
8-K 

March 22, 2016  Appendix  B     

May 17, 2016  

10.1 

8-K 
8-K 

8-K 

8-K 

8-K 

8-K 

8-K 

8-K 

8-K 

May 17, 2016  
May 17, 2016  

10.2 
10.3 

May 23, 2016  

10.1 

May 23, 2016  

10.2 

May 23, 2016  

10.3 

June 15, 2016  

10.1 

June 15, 2016  

10.2 

June 15, 2016  

10.3 

June 23, 2016  

10.1 

10-Q 

August 15, 2016  

10.12 

8-K 

   November 4, 2016  

10.1 

8-K 
8-K 

   November 4, 2016  
   November 4, 2016  

10.2 
10.3 

8-K 

   November 4, 2016  

10.4 

8-K 
10-K 

   November 4, 2016  
   December 14, 2016  

10.5 
10.66 

10-Q 

February 14, 2017  

10.7 

10-Q 

10-Q 

August 14, 2017  

10.1 

August 14, 2017  

10.2 

   X 
   X 

 
 
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
    
  
  
    
  
  
    
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
    
  
    
  
  
    
  
  
    
  
    
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
Incorporated by Reference 
Filing Date 

  Exhibit No.   Herewith

  Filed 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 

Exhibit     
No. 

Exhibit 

   Form 

31.1 

31.2 

32.1 

32.2 

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 

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 

(c) Financial Statement Schedules 

Not applicable  

67 

 
 
  
  
  
    
    
    
  
  
    
    
    
  
  
    
    
    
  
  
    
    
    
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
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 21, 2017 

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 

President and Chief Executive Officer   
(Principal Executive Officer) 

December 21, 2017 

December 21, 2017 

December 21, 2017 

December 21, 2017 

December 21, 2017 

December 21, 2017 

Executive Vice President and 
Chief Financial Officer 
(Principal Financial Officer)  

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

68 

 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
Exhibit No. 
21.1 
23.1 
31.1 
31.2 
32.1 
32.2 
101.INS* 
101.SCH* 
101.CAL* 
101.DEF* 
101.LAB* 
101.PRE* 

 Index of Exhibits 

Description of Document 
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. 

69