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DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
(None)
ANNUAL REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1934
TABLE OF CONTENTS AND CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
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NOTE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 relating to the development of the Company’s products and services and future operation results, including statements regarding the Company that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” variations of such words, and similar expressions, identify forward looking statements, but their absence does not mean that the statement is not forward looking. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Factors that could affect the Company’s actual results include the progress and costs of the development of products and services and the timing of the market acceptance. Forward looking statements may appear throughout this report, including without limitation, the following sections: Item 1 “Business,” and Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” We undertake no obligation to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Given these risk and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.
As used herein, “NETSOL,” “the Company”, “we”, “our,” and similar terms include NetSol Technologies, Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.
PART 1
ITEM 1 - BUSINESS
GENERAL
NETSOL is a global leader in delivering state-of-the-art solutions for the asset finance and leasing industry, serving automotive and equipment OEMs and financial institutions across over 30 countries. Since its inception in 1996, NETSOL has been at the cutting edge of technology, pioneering innovations with its asset finance solutions and leveraging advanced AI and cloud services to meet the complex needs of the global market. Renowned for its deep industry expertise, customer-centric approach and commitment to excellence, NETSOL fosters strong partnerships with its clients, ensuring their success in an ever-evolving landscape. With a rich history of innovation, ethical business practices and a focus on sustainability, NETSOL is dedicated to empowering businesses worldwide, securing its position as the trusted partner for leading firms around the globe.
NETSOL’s primary sources of revenues have been licensing, subscriptions, modification, enhancement and support of its suite of financial applications to leading businesses in the global finance and leasing space.
NETSOL’s clients include blue chip organizations, Dow-Jones 30 Industrials, Fortune 500 companies, financial institutions, global vehicle manufacturers through their captive finance companies (“auto captives”), unrelated automotive finance companies (“non captives”), equipment finance and leasing companies and banks - All of which are serviced by NETSOL’s strategically placed support and delivery locations around the globe.
Founded in 1997, NETSOL is headquartered in Encino, California. NETSOL follows a global strategy for sales and delivery of its portfolio of solutions and services through its offices in the following locations:
■ | North America | Encino, California and Austin, Texas | |
■ | Europe | London and Horsham | |
■ | Asia Pacific | Sydney, Bangkok, Beijing, Tianjin, Jakarta, Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi | |
■ | Middle East | Dubai |
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OUR BUSINESS
Company Business Model
NETSOL specializes in providing scalable and customizable technology solutions primarily to the global asset finance and leasing industry. Our value proposition lies in delivering innovative technologies that enhance operational efficiency and productivity. The Company also provides a range of services that are not limited to the financial services industry. We reach our customers through a combination of direct sales efforts, strategic partnerships with associations as well as via a robust online presence.
The Company generates its core revenue from the following primary sources: (1) software licenses, (2) services, which include implementation and consulting services, and (3) subscription and support, which includes post contract support, of its enterprise software solutions for the finance and leasing industry. The Company offers its solutions using the same underlying technology via two models: a traditional on-premises licensing model and a subscription model.
The on-premises model involves the sale or license of software on a perpetual basis to customers who take possession of the software and install and maintain the software on their own hardware. Under the subscription delivery model, the Company provides access to its software on a hosted basis as a service and customers generally do not have the contractual right to take possession of the software or solution(s).
Expertise
Our expertise in enterprise technology and financial application development has helped us emerge as a global player in the finance and leasing industry and enabled us to secure a broad footprint across the major markets of North America, Asia Pacific and Europe. The Asia Pacific region has particularly benefitted from the organic growth in the fast-developing leasing automation industry, which is still nascent as per Western standards.
Domain Experience
With our rich history of innovation, NETSOL is a dynamic leader and has been able to accumulate a wealth of experience in the global asset finance and leasing industry. We have built a large knowledge base which is regularly refined and updated to ensure the most up-to-date best practices and business solutions for the benefit of our clients and partners. We have a strong presence in the captive asset-finance domain. We have had continual operations for over two decades in Asia Pacific and Europe and over four decades in North America.
Proximity with Global and Regional Customers
We have offices across the world, located strategically to maintain close contact and proximity with our customers in various key markets. This has not only helped us strengthen our customer relationships, but also build a deeper understanding of local market dynamics. Simultaneously, we are able to extend services and support development through a combination of onsite and offsite resources. This approach has allowed us to offer blended rates to our customers by employing a unique and cost-effective global development model.
While our business model is built around the development, implementation and maintenance of our suite of financial applications, we employ the same facilities and competencies to extend our services to related segments, including but not limited to:
■ | IT Consulting and Services | |
■ | Solutions Development and Implementation | |
■ | Business Intelligence | |
■ | Cloud Solutions | |
■ | Outsourcing Services and Software Process Improvement Consulting | |
■ | Maintenance and Support of Existing Systems | |
■ | Project Management | |
■ | Information Security | |
■ | AI/ML | |
■ | Data Engineering |
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Our global operations are broken down into three primary regions: North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. All of the subsidiaries are seamlessly integrated to function effectively with global delivery capabilities, cross selling to multinational asset finance companies, leveraging the centralized marketing and pre-sales organization, and a network of employees connected across the globe to support local and global customers and partners.
OUR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
PRODUCTS:
Covering the complete finance and leasing lifecycle starting from quotation origination through contract settlements, our products are designed and developed for highly flexible settings and are capable of dealing with multinational, multi-company, multi-asset, multi-lingual, multi-distributor and multi-manufacturer environments. Our solutions empower financial institutions to effectively manage their complex lending portfolios, enabling them to thrive in hyper-competitive global markets.
Built on cutting-edge, modern technology, our products enable auto, equipment and big-ticket finance companies, alongside banks and other financial institutions, to run their retail and wholesale finance business with ease.
Alongside our solutions for end-to-end asset finance and leasing, we also offer a digital retail and mobility platform as well as out-of-the-box, API-first products designed specifically for the global financial services industry.
ORIGINATIONS
Ascent® Omni Point of Sale (Omni POS)
A highly agile, easy-to-use, web-based application - also accessible through mobile devices - Ascent’s Omni POS system delivers an intuitive user experience, with features that enable rapid data capture. Information captured at the point of sale can be made available to anyone in an organization at any point in the lifecycle of each transaction.
Self Point of Sale (Self POS)
Our Self POS portal allows customers to go through the complete buying and financing process online and on their mobile devices including car configuration, generating quotations, and filling out applications. It is the ultimate origination application that enables users to compare, select and configure an asset using a mobile device anywhere, at any time and submit an accompanying financial product application.
Mobile Point of Sale (mPOS)
The mPOS application is a web and mobile-enabled platform featuring a customizable dashboard along with menu selling, application submission, loan calculator, work queues and detailed reporting. mPOS empowers the dealer to make the origination process quick and seamless, increasing overall productivity and system-wide efficiency.
SERVICING
Ascent® Contract Management System (CMS)
Ascent’s Contract Management System (CMS) is a powerful, highly agile, functionally rich application for managing and maintaining detailed credit contracts throughout their lifecycle – from pre-activation and activation through customer management, asset financial management, billing and collections, finance and accounting, restructuring and maturity.
Mobile Account (mAccount)
mAccount is a powerful, self-service mobile solution. It empowers the dealer with a powerful backend system and allows the customer to setup a secure account and view information 24/7 to keep track of contract status, resolve queries and make payments, reducing inbound calls for customer queries and improving turnaround time for repayments.
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Mobile Collector (mCollector)
mCollector empowers collections teams to do more, with an easy-to-use interface and intelligent architecture. The tool exponentially increases the productivity of field teams by enabling them to carry out all collection related tasks on the go.
Mobile Field Investigator (mFI)
By using Mobile Field Investigator, the applicant has access to powerful features that permit detailed applicant field verifications on the go. The application features a reporting dashboard that displays progress stats, action items and the latest notifications, enabling the client to achieve daily goals while tracking performance.
WHOLESALE FINANCE
Ascent® Wholesale Finance System (WFS)
The Ascent Wholesale Finance System (WFS) provides a powerful, seamless and efficient system for automating and managing the entire lifecycle of wholesale finance. With floor planning, dealer and inventory financing, it is ideal for a culture of collaboration. Dealers, distributors, partners and anyone in the supply chain are empowered to realize the benefits of financing – and leverage the advantages of real-time business intelligence. The system also supports asset and non-asset-based financing.
Mobile Dealer (mDealer)
mDealer provides more visibility and control over inventories – with minimal effort. Dealers can view their use of floor plan facility, stock status and financial conditions, while entering settlement requests or relocating assets.
Mobile Auditor (mAuditor)
mAuditor schedules visits, records audit exceptions and tracks assets for higher levels of transparency. It also enables the auditor to conduct audits and submit results in real-time through quick audit processing tools, providing visibility and saving significant time.
DIGITAL RETAIL AND MOBILITY
OtozTM Platform
OtozTM provides white-label and turn-key SaaS solutions to OEMs, finance companies, dealers, and start-ups. The platform enables digital retail, as well as short and long-term on-demand mobility models (subscriptions, rental and car-sharing).
OtozTM Ecosystem
OtozTM is built on state-of-the-art technology, offering open Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and ecosystem partner integrations that are crucial to digital retail and mobility operations including finance and insurance providers, trade-in tools, KYC and fraud detection tools, CRM systems, website providers (Tier 1 – Tier 3), marketing toolkits, inventory feeds, pricing engines, tax engine, payment processors, an insurance marketplace and delivery logistics providers.
In addition, OtozTM is equipped with intelligent lead generation and product analytics capabilities, empowering dealerships with the tools to track customer journeys, personalize customer engagements, and convert qualified leads.
OtozTM Digital Retail
Our platform helps OEMs and dealers move into the digital era, addressing a range of customer segments with evolving needs by offering them a seamless, omni-channel, end-to-end buying and usage experience. Digital retail is not a one-size-fits-all. OtozTM offers a flexible, configurable, and scalable platform along with a proven launch strategy framework for companies that intend to launch and grow digital retail businesses quickly and seamlessly. The platform’s seamless handling of complex tax rules and contract management processes are compliant with local and state standards for jurisdictions it operates in across the U.S.
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OtozTM Mobility Orchestration
OtozTM expands into a comprehensive in-life subscription and rental platform that empowers in-life and end-of-life management of such contracts. It enables both direct-to-consumer transactions with the option to add peer-to-peer marketplace functionalities for the future of electric vehicle pay-per-use and mobility orchestration.
The OtozTM platform is built on Appex Now™’s API-first, headless, architecture allowing for modularity, flexibility, and scalability. Features are offered in modules or bundles depending on the use case.
API-FIRST FINANCE SOLUTIONS
Appex Now™
NETSOL’s Appex Now™ marketplace of API-first products was built for the global credit, finance and leasing industry. These out-of-the-box solutions allow financial institutions to connect, configure and innovate without disrupting the existing architecture of their originations and servicing solution.
Appex Now™: Flex™
Flex is an API-first, ready-to-use calculation and quotation engine. It is a one-stop solution that guarantees precise calculations at all stages of the contract lifecycle through various calculation types. All the calculations are parameter-driven, which helps perform simple, multi-dimensional or complex calculations based on the needs of a business. Flex™ has a lightning-fast onboarding process, which can take place in mere minutes.
Appex Now™: Hubex™
Hubex™ is an API library that enables companies to standardize all their API integration procedures across multiple API services through a single integration. In addition to traditional lending companies, Hubex™ can also streamline the operations of dealerships, vendors and consultants. With a ready-to-use service, Hubex™ makes it easy for businesses to seamlessly connect with multiple APIs and achieve their desired outcomes. Pre-integrated services in the Hubex™ library include, but are not limited to, payment processing, bank account authentication, finance and insurance products, fraud check, know your customer (KYC) service, driver license verification, address validation, vehicle valuation and notification service.
Appex Now™: Index™
Index™ is a cloud-based parameter storage that smoothly runs all of a company’s core lending operations. It is an accumulation of all the master setups, including asset catalog and inventory, programs, rates, and profiles for lenders, dealers and multiple partners, in one centralized location for all business types. Index can enhance delivery efficiency and program management for easy integration into all systems.
Appex Now™: Dock™
Dock™ is an advanced document generation tool that lets a company create accurate and professional-looking documents in just seconds. With Dock’s template-based configuration, a company can set up placeholders for data, essentially simplifying the document creation process and reducing the chance of human error. Its API-first architecture ensures scalability, making it capable of handling any document generation task, from single documents to millions, with ease.
Appex Now™: Lane™
Lane™ offers a feature-rich, end-to-end order management system for asset leasing & loans and credit companies. Our platform covers all aspects, from conducting end-to-end sales to performing dealer and partner-related tasks and marketing-related activities. The system offers a variety of dashboards that provide vital information for dealers and partners while enabling quick order management and providing a way for users to record and submit a complete credit application for their clients.
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Appex Now™: T-Rate™
Through a single, unified API for real-time VAT, GST, sales and use tax rates, and other taxes globally, our tax engine provides accurate tax calculations. T-Rate™’s tax engine maintains up-to-date tax rules and rates for each region while supporting the data and reporting required for tax compliance. It drastically reduces the risk of audit penalties and tax operation inefficiencies.
SERVICES:
Information Security
We weave a robust strategy where small and medium sized businesses and enterprises can fortify their defenses through comprehensive monitoring, analysis, and reporting.
Digital Solutions and Talent Partnership
As digital technology partners, we foster innovation and agility, equipping businesses across industries with unparalleled talent, unlocking their organization’s potential and propelling their projects forward at an unmatched speed.
AI, ML and Data Analytics
NETSOL leverages the power of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (MI) and data analytics, transforming data into actionable insights, assisting organizations in making smarter decisions, predicting future trends, automating tedious tasks and customizing the user experience.
Generative AI
At NETSOL, we specialize in harnessing the transformative power of Generative AI to drive innovative solutions and powerful outcomes for businesses. Whether it’s creating personalized customer experiences or optimizing complex processes, we deliver solutions that align with an organization’s goals.
Policy and Strategy
By infusing AI into policies and strategies, we enable businesses to gain deeper insights, automate tedious tasks and make data-driven decisions, propelling their infrastructure forward. With our robust policy and strategy consulting services, we enable businesses to achieve long-term success.
Emerging Technologies
NETSOL develops modern applications that leverage emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, IoT, digital twin, and Web 3.0.
Cloud Services
We proudly partner with both AWS (Amazon Web Services) and Microsoft Azure to deliver cutting-edge cloud solutions tailored to the needs of our customers. We leverage our expertise and the power of Azure and AWS to provide a range of cloud solutions and services.
Data Engineering
NETSOL offers services for data engineering, extracting data from various platforms while leveraging intelligent cataloging through trust testing and deployment and accelerating data efforts with the AL and ML partnership.
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS
The implementation process of our finance and leasing software can span up to fifteen months depending upon the methodology, complexity and scope. The implementation process may also include related software services such as configuration, data migration, training, gaps development and any other additional third-party interfaces. Even after implementation, customers constantly seek enhancements and additions to improve their business processes and have changing requirements addressed at mutually agreed rates.
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Post implementation, our consultants may remain at the client site to assist the customer for smooth operations. After this phase, the regular maintenance and support services phase for the implemented software begins in exchange for agreed subscriptions or support fees. In addition to the daily rate paid by the customer for each consultant engaged, the customer also pays for all visa and transportation-related expenses, boarding of the consultants and a living allowance. Our involvement in all the above steps is suitably priced to bring value to our customers and increase our profitability.
Cloud-enabled solutions are offered via seamless and rapid deployments. The swift speed of implementations for our cloud-ready products enables businesses to be more responsive and attain a competitive advantage. For example, our API-first, SaaS products can be integrated into a customer’s ecosystem within mere minutes.
PRICING AND REVENUE STREAMS
Our revenue streams are the outcome of the following four main areas:
■ | Product licensing | |
■ | Subscription-based pricing | |
■ | Implementation and customization-related services | |
■ | Post implementation, support-related services |
License fees can range up to a multi-million-dollar fee for single or multiple module implementations. License revenue is realized with traditional, non-SaaS-based agreements, whereas SaaS-based agreements do not contain license fees and are offered via flexible, value-driven, subscription-based pricing. There are various attributes which determine the level of pricing complexity, a few of which are: number of contracts, size of the portfolio, IT budgets, business strategy of the customer, internal business processes followed by the customer, number of business users, amount of customization required, the complexity of data migration and branch network of the customer.
We recognize revenue from license contracts when the software has been delivered to the customer. Implementation-related services, including customization, configuration, data migration, training and third-party interfaces are recognized as the services are performed. Post-implementation support services are then provided on a continued basis. The annual support fee, typically an agreed upon percentage of overall monetary value of the license, then becomes an ongoing revenue stream realized yearly. Revenue from software services includes fixed price and time and materials-based contracts and is recognized as the services are performed.
Additionally, in order to avoid lumpiness in our revenues and to ensure a predictable revenue base over coming years, the business has shifted to a pricing strategy whereby the business is now offering its cloud-ready products at SaaS/subscription-based pricing models. Rapid deployments coupled with affordable prices/payment schedules is expected to lead the business towards volume-based selling. Moreover, this value-driven pricing plan is intended to decrease the initial buy-in cost for new customers by eliminating heavy license fees, reducing the sales cycles and providing an alternative to current customers seeking lower software usage and maintenance costs.
ALLIANCES
Daimler South East Asia Pte. Ltd. (“DSEA”), (through the regional office Daimler Financial Services (“DFS”) Africa Asia Pacific), has established a “Centre of Competence” (“CoC”) in Singapore to facilitate the regional companies in product related matters. The DSEA CoC is powered by highly qualified technical and business personnel. In conjunction with our Asia Pacific region, the CoC supports DFS companies in twelve different countries in Asia and Africa and this list can increase as more DFS companies from other countries opt for NFS Ascent®. In July 2004, the company entered into a Frame Agreement with DFS for the Asia Pacific and Africa region. This agreement was renewed in 2008, 2010, 2013 and most recently in January 2016. The agreement serves as a guideline for managing the business relationship with DFS and the use of licensed products of the company by DFS and its affiliated companies.
NETSOL utilizes Microsoft Azure™ to host our cloud versions of Ascent® and LeasePak Cloud - SaaS, benefiting from Azure’s high performance and cost-effectiveness. A quick start implementation program combined with hassle-free Microsoft Azure™ cloud connectivity ensures new clients see a time-to-value faster than ever before.
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TECHNICAL AFFILIATIONS
We are a Microsoft Certified Silver Partner and an Oracle Certified Partner. NETSOL is an AWS Advanced Tier Services Partner, a Business Accredited Partner, a Technical Accredited Partner, a Cloud Economics Accredited Partner, an AWS Lambda Delivery Partner, an AWS CloudFormation Delivery Partner, an AWS Amazon API Gateway Delivery Partner, an AWS Well-Architected Partner, an AWS Solution Provider Partner and an AWS Amazon EC2 for Windows Server Delivery Partner.
MARKETING AND SELLING
We remain optimistic about the growing opportunities ahead for our products and services throughout fiscal year 2024 and beyond. Our global marketing activities aim to establish and maintain a strong preference and loyalty for NETSOL and its offerings for the financial services industry and beyond. Marketing activities are conducted both at the corporate and business unit levels. The global marketing department oversees all communication, advertising, public relations and manages all digital platforms, including the Company’s website, social media channels and partnerships within the industry.
As part of our lead-generation activities, our regional representatives represent NETSOL as the company sponsors, exhibits at and attends annual industry-leading conferences, seminars, summits and other events. The company maintains its presence at these events to demonstrate our product and service offerings and for important networking purposes. NETSOL also takes part in webinars, podcasts and holds private briefings with associations and individual companies.
At the end of the previous calendar year, NETSOL appointed Erik Wagner as its Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). This strategic move underscores NETSOL’s commitment to bolstering its global marketing initiatives and driving further growth in its specialized sectors. Mr. Wagner brings a wealth of experience, with over 17 years in the marketing field at growth-oriented companies.
GROWTH PROSPECTS
We are eyeing key international markets for growth in sales for NETSOL’s products and services. Our sales strategy not only focuses on expansion into new geographic markets, including the Americas, Europe, and further penetration of our leading position in Asia Pacific, but also within existing markets into new verticals with targeting of Tier 2 and Tier 3 prospects as well.
Growth in North America and Europe is expected to come from the potential market for replacement of legacy systems as well as acquisition of new customers. Our finance and leasing platform NFS Ascent® is aimed at providing a highly flexible and robust solution based on the latest technology and advanced architecture for North American and European customers looking to replace their legacy systems. We believe that NFS Ascent® can provide substantial competitive disruption to the market’s lagging technology provided by incumbent vendors. The existing customer base may also represent latent demand for increased service and support revenues by offering business process optimization, customization and upgrade services. With a market-ready product with successful implementations, the prospects for NFS Ascent® in the region are positive.
Further traction in Europe will come from NFS Ascent® deployed on the cloud, which will continue to allow the European division to support not only larger organizations, but also small and medium sized organizations. Currently, in the United Kingdom, a number of banks and other financial institutions have opted for our API-first, SaaS-based products that are offered via subscription-based pricing and swift deployments. We foresee growth opportunities for our Appex Now products in other regions as well.
Growth in our traditionally strong base in Asia Pacific is expected through diversification across market segments to include new customers in related banking and commercial lending areas. At the same time, the existing customer base is tapped for increased service and support revenues by offering enhanced features and new solutions to emerging customer needs. In addition, there is a potential for NFS Ascent® in Asia Pacific in the form of existing customers who are looking for replacement of their current system. In China, we are a leader in the auto finance enterprise solution domain. We will continue strengthening our position within existing multinational auto manufacturers, as well as local Chinese captive finance and leasing companies. It is pertinent to mention that these Chinese automakers are growing rapidly outside of the country, and that our solutions assist them in this growth. Our sales strategy focuses on supporting Chinese manufacturers in expanding their presence in the EU and other regions of APAC.
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We believe our digital retail platform presents significant growth opportunities in the evolving digital marketplace. While the company’s digital retail platform, Otoz, is currently used by major customers in the United States, it will continue to grow in other markets as well.
Beyond our products, we also foresee demand for our professional and cloud services that empower our clients to excel in the competitive global economy.
THE MARKETS
We deliver our comprehensive suite of technology solutions and services across all major markets worldwide, positioning ourselves as a leading provider in the financial services, and particularly, the global asset finance and leasing sector. Leveraging our extensive global footprint, we offer scalable and innovative solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of clients in diverse geographic regions. Our strategic presence in key markets enables us to effectively address local regulations and market dynamics, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction and fostering long-term partnerships.
The Asian continent, including Australia and New Zealand, from the perspective of marketing, are targeted by the Asia Pacific region from our Bangkok, Beijing, Tianjin, Jakarta, Sydney and Lahore facilities. The marketing for our core offerings in the Americas and Europe is carried out from our Austin, Texas, Encino, California and our London Metropolitan Area and Horsham offices, respectively.
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
We believe that our growth and success are attributable in large part to the high caliber of our global team and our commitment to maintain the values on which our success has been based. We support gender diversity on a global basis. We are an equal opportunity employer with a large workforce, promoting a culture of diversity and inclusion.
NETSOL stands as a beacon of innovation, excellence and dedication to customer success. We value transparency and integrity, ensuring that honesty guides our interactions. We are renowned for innovation, expertise and a customer-centric approach.
We believe we should give back to the community and employees as much as possible. Certain subsidiaries are located in regions where basic services are not readily available. Where possible, we act to not only improve the quality of life of our employees, but also the standard of living in these regions. Examples of such programs are as follows:
■ Literacy Program: Launched to educate children of our unskilled staff, the main objective of this program is to enable them to acquire basic reading, writing and arithmetic skills.
■ Higher Education and Science and Research Institutions: In order to support higher education in Pakistan, we have contributed endowments to NUST, Forman Christian College, and a few other universities who are focused on science and engineering.
■ Noble Cause Fund: A noble cause fund has been established to meet medical and education expenses of the children of our lower paid employees. Our employees voluntarily contribute a fixed amount every month to the fund and NETSOL matches the employee subscriptions with an equivalent contribution amount. A portion of this fund is also utilized to support social needs of certain institutions and individuals, outside of NETSOL.
■ Day Care Facility: Our human resources are our key assets and thus we take numerous steps to ensure the provision of basic comforts to our employees. In Pakistan, the provision of outside pre-school childcare is a rarity. With this in mind, a children’s day care facility has been created near NETSOL’s office in Lahore, Pakistan providing employees with peace of mind knowing their children are nearby and being taken care of by qualified staff in a child-friendly facility. The day care facility was temporarily closed due to COVID-19, but is now in the process of reopening.
■ Preventative Health Care Program: In addition to the comprehensive out-patient and in-patient medical benefits, preventive health care has also been introduced. This phased program focuses on vaccination of our employees against such diseases as Hepatitis – A/B, Tetanus, Typhoid, Flu and COVID-19 on a routine basis.
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There is significant competition for employees with the skills required to perform the services we offer. We run an elaborate training program for different cadres of employees to cover technical skills and business domain knowledge, and communication, management and leadership skills. We believe we have been successful in our efforts to attract and retain the highest level of talent available, partly because of the emphasis on core values, training and professional growth. We intend to continue to recruit, hire and promote employees who share our vision.
COMPETITION
A substantial number of companies offer products and services that overlap and are competitive with those offered by NETSOL. Some of NETSOL’s main competitors for its finance and leasing software include Alfa, Constellation Financial Software, FIS Global, Leasepath, LTI Technology Solutions, Odessa, Solifi, Soft4 and Sopra Banking Software. The company’s competitors for digital retail include Tekion and CDK Global.
CUSTOMERS
NETSOL’s solutions and services cater to a broad spectrum of finance and leasing businesses, from automotive captive finance companies to equipment finance and leasing companies to large regional banks.
NETSOL’s customers include world renowned auto manufacturers through their finance arms. NETSOL is a strategic business partner for Daimler and BMW (which consists of a group of many companies in different countries), which accounts for approximately 25.5% and 7.1%, respectively, of our revenue for our fiscal year ended June 30, 2024. Other globally renowned auto captives that are customers of the Company include Toyota, Nissan, Ford, and FIAT.
Other customers include equipment finance and leasing companies and banks worldwide. Some of these clients include AutoNation, Bank of Hawaii, MINI Financial Services, BMO Harris, First Hawaiian Leasing, Genpact, SCI Leasecorp, Aldermore, Allica Bank, Investec, Close Brothers, Haydock Finance, Charles and Dean, Maple Commercial Finance, among many others.
GLOBAL OPERATIONS AND GEOGRAPHIC DATA
NETSOL divides its operations into three primary regions: the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific. The regions consist of individual subsidiaries which operate as autonomous companies and are strategically managed on a regional basis.
The Americas
Mr. Peter Minshall, Executive Vice President at NetSol Technologies Americas, Inc. (NTA) is responsible for NTA’s business operations. He brings three decades of international experience in the financial services industry holding various senior leadership roles with Daimler Financial Services.
The North American region accounted for approximately 9.7% of our revenue in 2024.
Europe
Headed by Darryll Lewis who has served as Managing Director of NetSol Technologies Europe Ltd., (NTE) since May 2023. With over twenty years in the receivables and asset finance software industry, Mr. Lewis is a highly experienced and accomplished leader with a track record of driving business growth and creating innovative solutions for clients.
The European region accounted for approximately 19.5% of our revenue in 2024.
Asia Pacific Region
NetSol Technologies Ltd. (NETSOL PK), a majority owned subsidiary of the parent company, is located in Lahore, Pakistan and is headed by Mr. Salim Ghauri as its CEO. Mr. Ghauri is a Co-founder of NETSOL PK and has been with the Company since 1996. NETSOL PK is seen as the ‘Center of Excellence’ and a state-of-the-art facility for programming, R&D, global implementations and 24-hour support to our customers worldwide.
NetSol Technologies (Beijing) Co. Ltd. (“NETSOL Beijing”) is headed by Amanda Li as President. Ms. Li previously worked as a Managing Director for Sopra Banking Software where she was instrumental in developing business and driving sales.
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Farooq Ghauri serves as Head of Sales for all Asian Markets (excluding China). He has played a vital role in NETSOL’s global success through his hands-on leadership and unrelenting drive to meet the needs of NETSOL’s growing client base since 2004.
The Global Sales Division is headed by Mr. Asad Ghauri as President of Sales from the NETSOL PK office. Mr. Ghauri has been with NETSOL since 2000 and has over 23 years of experience in business and IT.
Our APAC region accounted for approximately 70.8% of our revenue in 2024. Information regarding financial data by geographic areas is set forth in Item 7 and Item 8 of this Annual Report on form 10-K. See note 20 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
NETSOL relies upon a combination of non-disclosure and other contractual arrangements, as well as common law trade secret, copyright and trademark laws to protect its proprietary rights. NETSOL enters into confidentiality agreements with its employees, generally requires its consultants and clients to enter into these agreements, and limits access to and distribution of its proprietary information. The NETSOL “N” logo and name, as well as the NFS logo and product name have been copyrighted and trademark registered in Pakistan. The NETSOL “N” logo has been registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. NFS Ascent® has been registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. We filed an application for the OTOZ name with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The Company intends to trademark and copyright its intellectual property as necessary and in the appropriate jurisdictions.
GOVERNMENTAL APPROVAL AND REGULATION
Current Company operations do not require specific governmental approvals. Like all companies, including those with multinational subsidiaries, we are subject to the laws of the countries in which we maintain subsidiaries and conduct operations. While foreign based companies may invest in Pakistan, repatriation of their investment, in the form of dividends or other methods, requires approval of the State Bank of Pakistan.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
Our website is located at www.netsoltech.com, and our investor relations website is located at https://ir.netsoltech.com. The following filings are available through our investor relations website after we file with the SEC: Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and our Proxy Statements for our annual meetings of stockholders. These filings are also available for download free of charge on our investor relations website. We also provide a link to the section of the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov that has all of our public filings, including Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, all amendments to those reports, our Proxy Statements and other ownership related filings. Further, a copy of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is located at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington D.C. 20549. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room can be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.
We webcast our earnings calls and certain events we participate in or host with members of the investment community on our investor relations website. Additionally, we provide notifications of news or announcements regarding our financial performance, including SEC filings, investor events, press and earnings releases, and blogs as part of our investor relations website. Investors and others can receive notifications of new information posted on our investor relations website by signing up for e-mail alerts. Further corporate governance information, including our committee charters and code of conduct, is also available on our investor relations website at https://ir.netsoltech.com/governance-docs. The content of our websites is not intended to be incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K or in any other report or document we file with the SEC, and any references to our websites are intended to be inactive textual references only.
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ITEM 1A - RISK FACTORS
Pakistan
The political and economic environment in Pakistan may negatively affect the business.
The political unsteadiness delays governmental functions. If such unsteadiness continues in the long term, it could result in difficulty in necessary interactions with the government as it relates to government contracts and personnel access to necessary government functions. We anticipate that the political and governmental environment will stabilize following the recent elections.
While the devaluation of the Pakistan Rupee in comparison to the US Dollar has stabilized, the higher-than-average inflation rate in Pakistan may continue to negatively impact our largest subsidiary and accordingly the Company’s financials as a whole.
General Economic Conditions
General economic conditions in our geographic markets: inflation, geopolitical tensions, including trade wars, tariffs and/or sanctions in geographic areas; and global conflicts or disasters that impact the global economy or one or more sectors of the global economy have negative impacts on our ability to acquire new business to and deliver on new business when contracted.
Failure by the U.S. Federal Reserve Board to further reduce interest rates may restrict buying power for consumers and companies which may negatively affect our customers profits and ability to acquire new or additional services.
Inflation and higher interest rates globally have greatly increased the cost of doing business, including salaries and benefits worldwide, affecting our profitability. If inflation does not stabilize, our profitability can be impacted.
ITEM 1B – UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None
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ITEM 1C – CYBERSECURITY
Cybersecurity Risk Management and Strategy
We face various cyber risks, including, but not limited to, risks related to unauthorized access, misuse, data theft, computer viruses, system disruptions, ransomware, malicious software and other intrusions. We utilize a multilayered, proactive approach to identify, evaluate, mitigate and prevent potential cyber and information security threats through our cybersecurity risk management program. Our cybersecurity risk management program is designed to identify, assess, prioritize and mitigate risks across the organization to enhance our resilience and support the achievement of our strategic objectives. This integrated approach helps ensure that cyber risks are not viewed in isolation, but are assessed, prioritized and managed in alignment with the Company’s operational, financial and strategic risks, assisting the Company in more effectively managing interdependencies among risks and enhancing risk mitigation strategies.
We devote resources to protecting the security of our computer systems, software, networks and other technology assets. Our efforts are designed to adapt with the evolution of information security risks and appropriate best practices and include physical, administrative and technical safeguards. Our cybersecurity risk management program is designed to help coordinate the Company’s identification of response to and recovery from cybersecurity incidents across all consolidated entities. This includes rapid identification, assessment, investigation and remediation of incidents, as well as complying with applicable legal obligations, communicated promptly and effectively.
Our internal audit team assesses the effectiveness of our internal controls relating to cybersecurity. Our management team also engages, at times when needed, certain outside advisors and consultants to assist in the identification, oversight, evaluation and management of cybersecurity risks, as well as to advise on specific topics. As part of our overall risk mitigation strategy, the Company also maintains cyber insurance coverage; however, such insurance may not be sufficient in type or amount to cover us against claims related to security breaches, cyberattacks and other related breaches.
We have various processes and procedures in place to evaluate cybersecurity threats associated with third parties. We have not identified any cybersecurity threats that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our business strategy, performance, results of our operations, or financial condition.
Cybersecurity Governance and Oversight
The Company’s cybersecurity risk management program is supervised by our Senior Manager of Information Security (SMIS), who reports directly to the Company’s Chief Operating Officer (“COO”) in Pakistan. The SMIS and his team are responsible for leading enterprise-wide cybersecurity strategy, policy, standards, architecture and processes. Our current SMIS received his Bachelors in Computer Sciences and has over 20 years of cybersecurity experience, including relevant prior senior leadership experience at our companies. Furthermore, he has also achieved globally recognized information security certifications, including CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor), CISM (Certified Information Security Manager), CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control), CompTIA Security+, ISO 27001 Lead Auditor, CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), CHFI (Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator), among others.
The SMIS attends and is invited to all Company Cybersecurity Committee meetings, a cross-functional management committee that drives awareness, ownership and alignment across broad governance for effective cybersecurity risk management. The Cybersecurity Committee is composed of senior leaders from our legal, information technology, cybersecurity, and audit sections. Subject matter experts are also invited, as appropriate. The Cybersecurity Committee meets at least quarterly and has responsibility for oversight and validation of the Company’s cybersecurity strategic direction, risks and threats, priorities, and resource allocation. The SMIS and his team, as well as the Cybersecurity Committee, are informed about and monitor the prevention, detection, mitigation and remediation of cybersecurity incidents in accordance with the Company’s cyber incident response plan.
The Board of Directors receives regular reports from the SMIS and Cybersecurity Committee on, among other things, the Company’s cyber risks and threats, the status of projects to strengths of the Company’s information security systems, assessments of the Company’s security program, insurance, and the emerging threat landscape. In accordance with our cyber incident response plan, the Cybersecurity committee s promptly informed by SMIS’s team of cybersecurity incidents that could adversely affect the Company or its information systems and is also regularly updated about incidents with lesser impact potential. The Board of Directors and Audit committee are informed of any incidents that could adversely affect the Company by the Cybersecurity committee and SMIS’s team.
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In an effort to detect and defend against cyber threats, the Company annually provides its employees with various cybersecurity and data protection training programs. These programs cover timely and relevant topics, including social engineering, phishing, password protection, confidential data protection, asset use and mobile security, and educate employees on the importance of reporting all incidents promptly to the Company’s centrally managed cyber defense and security operations.
ITEM 2 - PROPERTIES
Our corporate headquarters are located in Encino, California where we lease approximately 2,400 square feet of office space. We own our Lahore Technology Campus which consists of approximately 140,000 square feet of computer and general office space. This includes two adjacent five story buildings having a covered area of approximately 90,000 square feet with the capacity to house approximately 1,000 resources. In addition, we maintain leased office spaces in the UK, China, Australia, Thailand and a shared office in Indonesia. Our NTA office is located in Austin, Texas. We believe our existing facilities, both owned and leased, are in good condition and suitable for the conduct of our business.
ITEM 3 - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
None
ITEM 4 – MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
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PART II
ITEM 5 - MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITY
(a) MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
MARKET INFORMATION - Common stock of NetSol Technologies, Inc. is listed and traded on NASDAQ Capital Market under the ticker symbol “NTWK”.
The table shows the high and low intra-day prices of the Company’s common stock as reported on the composite tape of the NASDAQ for each quarter during the last two fiscal years.
Fiscal Year 2024 | High | Low | ||||||
First Quarter | $ | 2.50 | $ | 1.72 | ||||
Second Quarter | $ | 2.35 | $ | 1.75 | ||||
Third Quarter | $ | 3.05 | $ | 1.99 | ||||
Fourth Quarter | $ | 3.01 | $ | 2.28 |
Fiscal Year 2023 | High | Low | ||||||
First Quarter | $ | 3.80 | $ | 2.75 | ||||
Second Quarter | $ | 3.23 | $ | 2.82 | ||||
Third Quarter | $ | 3.25 | $ | 2.53 | ||||
Fourth Quarter | $ | 3.30 | $ | 2.11 |
RECORD HOLDERS - As of September 20, 2024, the number of holders of record of the Company’s common stock was 123.
DIVIDENDS - The Company has not paid dividends on its Common Stock in the past two fiscal years.
SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN
The table shows information related to our equity compensation plans as of June 30, 2024:
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights |
Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights |
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a) | ||||
Equity Compensation Plans approved by Security holders |
None | None | 38,652(1) | |||
Equity Compensation Plans not approved by Security holders |
None | None | None | |||
Total | None | None | 38,652 |
(1) | Represents 141 available for issuance under the 2005 Incentive and Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan, 2,524 under the 2013 Incentive and Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan and 35,987 under the 2015 Incentive and Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan. |
(b) RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
None.
(c) ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
None
ITEM 6 – [Reserved]
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ITEM 7- MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion is intended to assist in understanding our financial position and results of operations for the year ended June 30, 2024. It should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included under Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
A few of our highlights for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024 were:
● | We secured a five-year contract valued at $16 million with a tier one US based leading German automaker. This agreement focuses on the implementation of NETSOL’s Otoz™ digital retail platform across the automaker’s US dealerships. The implementation aims to enhance car sales processes and support customer growth within the automotive sector. This partnership is anticipated to significantly improve the digital retail experience for both dealerships and customers, reflecting NETSOL’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the automotive industry. |
● | We completed the rollout of our flagship NFS Ascent® platform across twelve countries for the leasing and asset finance companies for DFS as part of a contract valued at over $110 million. This milestone marks the successful delivery under a 10-year contract with the customer, which was initially signed in 2015. |
● | We generated $600,000 in revenues by selling a license of our digital applications to one of our existing customers in Indonesia for the additional five-year term. |
● | We achieved the Go Live milestone for a leading US based global professional services provider focused on delivering various digital and business services. |
● | We generated nearly $6 million in revenues by successfully implementing modifications and enhancements requests from multiple customers across various regions. |
● | We successfully took AutoNation, one of the largest auto retailers in the US, live on our Otoz™ platform to power the back-end of their newly launched “AutoNation Mobility Micro-lease marketplace”. | |
● | Our focus on new growth verticals has led to multiple successful onboardings of our FLEX™ product, reinforcing confidence in its SaaS offerings. FLEX™ serves as an instant, cloud-based calculation engine designed for seamless integration into clients’ products, services, and ecosystems. | |
● | We are focusing on new growth verticals and have successfully onboarded a new client for DOCK™, a centralized document generation tool designed for rapid and efficient document creation. This achievement underscores the confidence in our SaaS product offerings and highlights the potential for enhanced operational efficiency for clients. By leveraging DOCK™, we aim to streamline document processes, further solidifying ours position in the market. | |
● | We successfully renegotiated an existing contract in the UK to accommodate an enhanced scope implementation which will generate approximately $3.5 Million in additional revenues. | |
● | We secured a contract to implement our NFS Ascent® wholesale platform at an independent leasing company based in the Netherlands. This contract is expected to generate approximately $1 Million in revenues over forthcoming quarters. | |
● | We contracted with an auto captive finance company of a renowned US auto manufacturer based in China which is expected to generate approximately $12 million over the next five years. | |
● | We renegotiated to extend the NFS Ascent® license term for an existing client in Thailand for another three years. The extension generated approximately $1.1 million in revenues. | |
● | We reduced headcount by approximately 345 employees in our effort to become a leaner and efficient organization. |
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Marketing and Business Development Activities
We have pursued a series of strategic marketing and business development initiatives to capitalize on favorable market conditions and drive growth across our business lines. These efforts reflect our commitment to building a stronger market presence, expanding our customer base, and maintaining a careful focus on profitability.
1. | Increased Investment in Marketing: Given the current favorable market environment, we have increased our marketing investments to support the Company’s long-term growth goals. While expanding these efforts, we remain vigilant in monitoring profitability and ensuring that our marketing expenditures yield strong returns. | |
2. | Focus on New Product and Service Offerings: We are growing our focus on our new product and service lines that present significant growth opportunities for the business. | |
3. | Targeting New Market Segments: Our new product offerings allow us to sell to small and mid-sized organizations more effectively. This market segment benefits from shorter sales cycles and faster implementations. This strategy expands our total addressable market and increasing sales velocity. | |
4. | Repositioning Our Brand and Messaging: As part of our strategic initiatives, we are refining and simplifying our brand and product messaging to better align with the core needs of our customers. | |
5. | More Focus on Digital Marketing: We have made significant investments in digital marketing channels and recently launched a new website to bolster our digital presence. These efforts are aimed at boosting our online presence and more effectively engaging with our target audience. | |
6. | Innovation and AI Integration: We continue to prioritize innovation, particularly in the development of new product features powered by AI. This includes expanding our in-house AI talent to deliver cutting-edge solutions for our customers while leveraging AI across our operations to manage costs and support business growth. | |
7. | Expansion Through Strategic Partnerships: To further fuel our growth prospects, we are actively building partnerships and alliances with industry associations and companies in related fields. These collaborations broaden our reach and reinforce our market position. | |
8. | Strengthening Leadership and Talent Acquisition: We remain committed to appointing and retaining top talent across both technical and non-technical roles. | |
9. | Building Consulting and Professional Service Expertise: We continue to expand our consulting and professional service offerings, particularly in cloud platforms such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, and others. This allows us to provide comprehensive solutions tailored to the diverse needs of our clients across all the industries we support. |
MATERIAL TRENDS AFFECTING NETSOL
Management has identified the following material trends affecting NETSOL.
Positive trends:
● | According to PR Newswire, December 14, 2023, and the S&P Global Mobility, new vehicles sales globally are expected to reach 86 million units in 2023 for an 8.9% increase over 2022 and forecasts 2024 auto sales at 88.3 million units for a 2.8% increase over 2023. |
● | U.S. automotive sales volumes are expected to reach approximately 15.5 million units, an estimated increase of 9% from the projected 2022 levels, and 2024 sales are expected to reach 15.9 million for an estimated increase of 2% compared to 2023. (S&P Global Mobility) |
● | The U.S. inflation rate decreased and ended at 2.9% as of August 2024. (YCharts August 30, 2024) |
● | The U.S. market remains strong and resilient for NETSOL to continue investing in building local teams for its core offerings. |
● | In China, domestic electric vehicles sales are up 73% compared to August 2023. (Clean Technica-September 1, 2024) |
● | The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) investment, initiated by China, has exceeded $65 billion from the originally planned $46 billion, in Pakistan energy and infrastructure sectors. Last June, China authorized a new $2.3 billion loan at a discounted rate to Pakistan as a short-term loan. |
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● | The overall size of the mobility market in Europe and the United States is projected to increase over $425 billion combined, by 2035 or a compound CAGR of 5% from 2022. (Deloitte Global Automotive Mobility Market Simulation Tool) |
● | The global automotive finance market accounted for $245 billion in 2022 and is expected to more than double by 2035 at a CAGR of 7.4% according to Precedence Research. |
● | The U.S. economy grew at an annual rate of 3% for the second quarter of 2024. This report reflects the U.S. economy to be resilient despite other pressures including inflation and higher interest rates. (Associated Press August 29, 2024) |
● | The Russell index has returned an average of 14.4% during 2024. |
Negative trends:
● | The conflict in Gaza has disrupted the entire Middle East region since October 7, 2023. This has created uncertainty and has affected the economies of the neighboring nations. |
● | General economic conditions in our geographic markets; inflation, pending U.S. elections, geopolitical tensions, including trade wars, tariffs and/or sanctions in geographic areas; and global conflicts or disasters that impact the global economy or one or more sectors of the global economy. |
● | High interest rates set by the U.S. Federal Reserve Board is restricting buying power for some consumers. |
● | Political, monetary, and economic challenges and a higher inflation rate than other regional countries impacting Pakistan exports. |
● | Inflation and higher interest rates globally have greatly increased the cost of doing business, including salaries and benefits worldwide, affecting profitability. |
● | War and hostility between Russia and Ukraine continue to foster global economic uncertainty. |
● | The geo-political environment in South Asia will continue to influence Pakistan’s economic prospects. Pakistan’s political uncertainty has caused higher inflation with constant pressure on its currency being devalued against the US Dollar. According to a report issued by the World Bank, while marginal economic growth is expected in Pakistan, implementing an ambitious and credibly communicated economic reform plan is critical for a robust economic recovery. There is no guarantee that such reforms will be implemented. See Press Release, dated April 2, 2024, World Bank. |
● | While the US-China bilateral summit in January 2024 exceeded expectations, the tensions between the two countries continue. . The US and EU have placed tariffs on a range of high-tech products from China including the US placing 100% tariffs on EV vehicles and 25% tariffs on EV batteries imported from China. (Center for Strategic and International Studies June 28, 2024). |
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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Our financial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). Preparing financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses. These estimates and assumptions are affected by management’s application of accounting policies. Critical accounting policies for us include revenue recognition and multiple element arrangements, intangible assets, software development costs, and goodwill.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
The Company determines revenue recognition through the following steps:
● | Identification of the contract, or contracts, with a customer; |
● | Identification of the performance obligations in the contract; |
● | Determination of the transaction price; |
● | Allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and |
● | Recognition of revenue when, or as, the Company satisfies a performance obligation. |
The Company records the amount of revenue and related costs by considering whether the entity is a principal (gross presentation) or an agent (net presentation) by evaluating the nature of its promise to the customer. Revenue is presented net of sales, value-added and other taxes collected from customers and remitted to government authorities.
The Company has two primary revenue streams: core revenue and non-core revenue.
Core Revenue
The Company generates its core revenue from the following sources: (1) software licenses; (2) services, which include implementation and consulting services; and (3) subscription and support, which includes post contract support, of its enterprise software solutions for the lease and finance industry. The Company offers its software using the same underlying technology via: a traditional on-premises licensing model and a subscription model. The on-premises model involves the sale or license of software on a perpetual basis to customers who take possession of the software and install and maintain the software on their own hardware. Under the subscription delivery model, the Company provides access to its software on a hosted basis as a service and customers generally do not have the contractual right to take possession of the software.
Non-Core Revenue
The Company generates its non-core revenue by providing business process outsourcing (“BPO”), other IT services and internet services.
Performance Obligations
A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer and is the unit of account under Topic 606. The transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied by transferring the promised good or service to the customer. The Company identifies and tracks the performance obligations at contract inception so that the Company can monitor and account for the performance obligations over the life of the contract.
The Company’s contracts which contain multiple performance obligations generally consist of the initial purchase of subscription or licenses and a professional services engagement. License purchases generally have multiple performance obligations as customers purchase post contract support and services in addition to the licenses. The Company’s single performance obligation arrangements are typically post contract support renewals, subscription renewals and services engagements.
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For contracts with multiple performance obligations where the contracted price differs from the standalone selling price (“SSP”) for any distinct good or service, the Company may be required to allocate the contract’s transaction price to each performance obligation using its best estimate for the SSP.
Subscription
Subscription revenue is recognized ratably over the initial subscription period committed to by the customer commencing when the product is made available to the customer. The initial subscription period is typically 12 to 60 months. The Company generally invoices its customers in advance in quarterly or annual installments and typical payment terms provide that customers make payment within 30 days of invoice.
Software Licenses
Transfer of control for software is considered to have occurred upon delivery of the product to the customer. The Company’s typical payment terms tend to vary by region, but its standard payment terms are within 30 days of invoice.
Post Contract Support
Revenue from support services and product updates, referred to as subscription and support revenue, is recognized ratably over the term of the maintenance period, which in most instances is one year. Software license updates provide customers with rights to unspecified software product updates, maintenance releases and patches released during the term of the support period on a when-and-if available basis. The Company’s customers purchase both product support and license updates when they acquire new software licenses. In addition, a majority of customers renew their support services contracts annually and typical payment terms provide that customers make payment within 30 days of invoice.
Professional Services
Revenue from professional services is typically comprised of implementation, development, data migration, training or other consulting services. Consulting services are generally sold on a time-and-materials or fixed fee basis and can include services ranging from software installation to data conversion and building non-complex interfaces to allow the software to operate in integrated environments. The Company recognizes revenue for time-and-materials arrangements as the services are performed. In fixed fee arrangements, revenue is recognized as services are performed as measured by costs incurred to date, compared to total estimated costs to complete the services project. Management applies judgment when estimating project status and the costs necessary to complete the services projects. A number of internal and external factors can affect these estimates, including labor rates, utilization and efficiency variances and specification and testing requirement changes. Services are generally invoiced upon milestones in the contract or upon consumption of the hourly resources and payments are typically due 30 days after invoice.
BPO and Internet Services
Revenue from BPO services is recognized based on the stage of completion which is measured by reference to labor hours incurred to date as a percentage of total estimated labor hours for each contract. Internet services are invoiced either monthly, quarterly or half yearly in advance to the customers and revenue is recognized ratably overtime on a monthly basis.
Significant Judgments
More judgments and estimates are required under Topic 606 than were required under Topic 605. Due to the complexity of certain contracts, the actual revenue recognition treatment required under Topic 606 for the Company’s arrangements may be dependent on contract-specific terms and may vary in some instances.
Judgment is required to determine the SSP for each distinct performance obligation. The Company rarely licenses or sells products on a stand-alone basis, so the Company is required to estimate the range of SSPs for each performance obligation. In instances where SSP is not directly observable because the Company does not sell the license, product or service separately, the Company determines the SSP using information that may include market conditions and other observable inputs. In making these judgments, the Company analyzes various factors, including its pricing methodology and consistency, size of the arrangement, length of term, customer demographics and overall market and economic conditions. Based on these results, the estimated SSP is set for each distinct product or service delivered to customers.
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The most significant inputs involved in the Company’s revenue recognition policies are: The (1) stand-alone selling prices of the Company’s software license, and (2) the method of recognizing revenue for installation/customization, and other services.
The stand-alone selling price of the licenses was measured primarily through an analysis of pricing that management evaluated when quoting prices to customers. Although the Company has no history of selling its software separately from post contract support and other services, the Company does have historical experience with amending contracts with customers to provide additional modules of its software or providing those modules at an optional price. This information guides the Company in assessing the stand-alone selling price of the Company’s software, since the Company can observe instances where a customer had a particular component of the Company’s software that was essentially priced separate from other goods and services that the Company delivered to that customer.
The Company recognizes revenue from implementation and customization services using the percentage of estimated “man-days” that the work requires. The Company believes the level of effort to complete the services is best measured by the amount of time (measured as an employee working for one day on implementation/customization work) that is required to complete the implementation or customization work. The Company reviews its estimate of man-days required to complete implementation and customization services each reporting period.
Revenue is recognized over time for the Company’s subscription, post contract support and fixed fee professional services that are separate performance obligations. For the Company’s professional services, revenue is recognized over time, generally using costs incurred or hours expended to measure progress. Judgment is required in estimating project status and the costs necessary to complete projects. A number of internal and external factors can affect these estimates, including labor rates, utilization, specification variances and testing requirement changes.
If a group of agreements are entered at or near the same time and so closely related that they are, in effect, part of a single arrangement, such agreements are deemed to be combined as one arrangement for revenue recognition purposes. The Company exercises significant judgment to evaluate the relevant facts and circumstances in determining whether agreements should be accounted for separately or as a single arrangement. The Company’s judgments about whether a group of contracts comprise a single arrangement can affect the allocation of consideration to the distinct performance obligations, which could have an effect on results of operations for the periods involved.
If a contract includes variable consideration, the Company exercises judgment in estimating the amount of consideration to which the entity will be entitled in exchange for transferring the promised goods or services to a customer. When estimating variable consideration, the Company will consider all relevant facts and circumstances. Variable consideration will be estimated and included in the contract price only when it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of revenue recognized will not occur.
Contract Balances
The timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of invoicing to customers and these timing differences result in receivables, contract assets (revenues in excess of billings), or contract liabilities (unearned revenue) on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company records revenues in excess of billings when the Company has transferred goods or services but does not yet have the right to consideration. The Company records unearned revenue when the Company has received or has the right to receive consideration but has not yet transferred goods or services to the customer.
Unearned Revenue
The Company typically invoices its customers for subscription and support fees in advance on a quarterly or annual basis, with payment due at the start of the subscription or support term. Unpaid invoice amounts for non-cancellable license and services starting in future periods are included in accounts receivable and unearned revenue.
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Practical Expedients and Exemptions
There are several practical expedients and exemptions allowed under Topic 606 that impact timing of revenue recognition and the Company’s disclosures. The Company has applied the following practical expedients:
● The Company does not evaluate a contract for a significant financing component if payment is expected within one year or less from the transfer of the promised items to the customer.
● The Company generally expenses sales commissions and sales agent fees when incurred when the amortization period would have been one year or less or the commissions are based on cashed received. These costs are recorded within sales and marketing expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
● The Company does not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts for which the Company recognizes revenue at the amount to which it has the right to invoice for services performed (applies to time-and-material engagements).
Costs to Obtain a Contract
The Company does not have a material amount of costs to obtain a contract capitalized at any balance sheet date. In general, we incur few direct incremental costs of obtaining new customer contracts. We rarely incur incremental costs to review or otherwise enter into contractual arrangements with customers. In addition, our sales personnel receive fees that we refer to as commissions, but that are based on more than simply signing up new customers. Our sales personnel are required to perform additional duties beyond new customer contract inception dates, including fulfillment duties and collections efforts.
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible assets consist of product licenses, renewals, enhancements, copyrights, trademarks, trade names, and customer lists. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over the estimated useful life and are evaluated for impairment at least on an annual basis and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. We assess recoverability by determining whether the carrying value of such assets will be recovered through the undiscounted expected future cash flows. If the future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of these assets, we recognize an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the assets.
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT COSTS
Costs incurred to internally develop computer software products or to enhance an existing product are recorded as research and development costs and expensed when incurred until technological feasibility for the respective product is established. Thereafter, all software development costs are capitalized and reported at the lower of unamortized cost or net realizable value. Capitalization ceases when the product or enhancement is available for general release to customers.
The Company makes on-going evaluations of the recoverability of its capitalized software projects by comparing the amount capitalized for each product to the estimated net realizable value of the product. If such evaluations indicate that the unamortized software development costs exceed the net realizable value, the Company writes off the amount which the unamortized software development costs exceed net realizable value. Capitalized and purchased computer software development costs are being amortized ratably based on the projected revenue associated with the related software or on a straight-line basis.
22 |
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
Our stock-based compensation expense is estimated at the grant date based on the award’s fair value as calculated by the Black-Scholes-Merton (BSM) option pricing model and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period. The BSM model requires various highly judgmental assumptions including expected volatility and expected term. If any of the assumptions used in the BSM model changes significantly, stock-based compensation expense may differ materially in the future from that recorded in the current period. In addition, we are required to estimate the expected forfeiture rate and only recognize expense for those shares expected to vest. We estimate the forfeiture rate based on historical experience and our expectations regarding future pre-vesting termination behavior of employees. To the extent our actual forfeiture rate is different from our estimate; stock-based compensation expense is adjusted accordingly.
GOODWILL
Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired in a purchase business combination. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of goodwill may be impaired. In conducting its annual impairment test, the Company first reviews qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If factors indicate that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the Company performs a quantitative assessment and the fair value of the reporting unit is determined by analyzing the expected present value of future cash flows. If the carrying value of the reporting unit continues to exceed its fair value, the fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is calculated and an impairment loss equal to the excess is recorded.
Recent Accounting Pronouncement
See Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for a full description of recent accounting pronouncements, including the expected dates of adoption.
23 |
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2024 COMPARED TO THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2023
The following table sets forth the items in our consolidated statement of operations for the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 as a percentage of revenues.
For the Years | ||||||||||||||||
Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2024 | % | 2023 | % | |||||||||||||
Net Revenues: | ||||||||||||||||
License fees | $ | 5,449,991 | 8.9 | % | $ | 2,269,564 | 4.3 | % | ||||||||
Subscription and support | 27,952,768 | 45.5 | % | 25,980,661 | 49.6 | % | ||||||||||
Services | 27,990,332 | 45.6 | % | 24,142,990 | 46.1 | % | ||||||||||
Total net revenues | 61,393,091 | 100.0 | % | 52,393,215 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||
Cost of revenues | 32,108,221 | 52.3 | % | 35,477,652 | 67.7 | % | ||||||||||
Gross profit | 29,284,870 | 47.7 | % | 16,915,563 | 32.3 | % | ||||||||||
Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative | 24,388,714 | 39.7 | % | 24,093,908 | 46.0 | % | ||||||||||
Research and development cost | 1,402,601 | 2.3 | % | 1,601,613 | 3.1 | % | ||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 25,791,315 | 42.0 | % | 25,695,521 | 49.0 | % | ||||||||||
Income (loss) from operations | 3,493,555 | 5.7 | % | (8,779,958 | ) | -16.8 | % | |||||||||
Other income and (expenses) | ||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | (1,142,166 | ) | -1.9 | % | (765,030 | ) | -1.5 | % | ||||||||
Interest income | 1,911,258 | 3.1 | % | 1,217,850 | 2.3 | % | ||||||||||
Gain (loss) on foreign currency exchange transactions | (1,187,320 | ) | -1.9 | % | 6,748,038 | 12.9 | % | |||||||||
Share of net loss from equity investment | - | 0.0 | % | (1,033,243 | ) | -2.0 | % | |||||||||
Other income (expense) | 148,120 | 0.2 | % | (605,570 | ) | -1.2 | % | |||||||||
Total other income (expenses) | (270,108 | ) | -0.4 | % | 5,562,045 | 10.6 | % | |||||||||
Net income (loss) before income taxes | 3,223,447 | 5.3 | % | (3,217,913 | ) | -6.1 | % | |||||||||
Income tax provision | (1,145,518 | ) | -1.9 | % | (926,560 | ) | -1.8 | % | ||||||||
Net income (loss) | 2,077,929 | 3.4 | % | (4,144,473 | ) | -7.9 | % | |||||||||
Non-controlling interest | (1,394,056 | ) | -2.3 | % | (1,099,275 | ) | -2.1 | % | ||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to NetSol | $ | 683,873 | 1.1 | % | $ | (5,243,748 | ) | -10.0 | % | |||||||
Net income (loss) per share: | ||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) per common share | ||||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 0.06 | $ | (0.46 | ) | |||||||||||
Diluted | $ | 0.06 | $ | (0.46 | ) | |||||||||||
Weighted average number of shares outstanding | ||||||||||||||||
Basic | 11,378,595 | 11,279,966 | ||||||||||||||
Diluted | 11,421,940 | 11,279,966 |
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A significant portion of our business is conducted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. We operate in several geographical regions as described in Note 20 “Segment Information and Geographic Areas” within the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Weakening of the value of the U.S. dollar compared to foreign currency exchange rates generally has the effect of increasing our revenues but also increasing our expenses denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Similarly, strengthening of the U.S. dollar compared to foreign currency exchange rates generally has the effect of reducing our revenues but also reducing our expenses denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. We plan our business accordingly by deploying additional resources to areas of expansion, while continuing to monitor our overall expenditures given the economic uncertainties of our target markets. In order to provide a framework for assessing how our underlying businesses performed excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, we compare the changes in results from one period to another period using constant currency. In order to calculate our constant currency results, we apply the current period results to the prior period foreign currency exchange rates. In the table below, we present the change based on actual results in reported currency and in constant currency.
Favorable | Favorable | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Unfavorable) | (Unfavorable) | Favorable | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
For the Years | Change in | Change due to | (Unfavorable) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ended June 30, | Constant | Currency | Change as | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2024 | % | 2023 | % | Currency | Fluctuation | Reported | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Revenues: | $ | 61,393,091 | 100.0 | % | $ | 52,393,215 | 100.0 | % | $ | 9,305,284 | $ | (305,408 | ) | $ | 8,999,876 | |||||||||||||
Cost of revenues: | 32,108,221 | 52.3 | % | 35,477,652 | 67.7 | % | 255,946 | 3,113,485 | 3,369,431 | |||||||||||||||||||
Gross profit | 29,284,870 | 47.7 | % | 16,915,563 | 32.3 | % | 9,561,230 | 2,808,077 | 12,369,307 | |||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses: | 25,791,315 | 42.0 | % | 25,695,521 | 49.0 | % | (2,120,127 | ) | 2,024,333 | (95,794 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) from operations | $ | 3,493,555 | 5.7 | % | $ | (8,779,958 | ) | -16.8 | % | $ | 7,441,103 | $ | 4,832,410 | $ | 12,273,513 |
Net revenues for the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 by segment are as follows:
2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||
Revenue | % | Revenue | % | |||||||||||||
North America | $ | 5,933,797 | 9.7 | % | $ | 6,117,282 | 11.7 | % | ||||||||
Europe | 11,967,802 | 19.5 | % | 10,758,444 | 20.5 | % | ||||||||||
Asia-Pacific | 43,491,492 | 70.8 | % | 35,517,489 | 67.8 | % | ||||||||||
Total | $ | 61,393,091 | 100.0 | % | $ | 52,393,215 | 100.0 | % |
Revenues
License Fees
License fees for the year ended June 30, 2024 were $5,449,991 compared to $2,269,564 for the year ended June 30, 2023 reflecting an increase of $3,180,427 with a change in constant currency of $3,215,311. In the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, we recognized approximately $2,800,000 related to the sale of our NFS Ascent® CMS software to a renowned US auto manufacturer based in China, and we recognized approximately $1,142,000 related to the license renewal with an existing customer, and we recognized approximately $465,000 related to the additional sale of our NFS Ascent® CMS software to a renowned German auto manufacturer based in China, and we recognized approximately $610,000 related to selling licenses of our digital applications to a current Indonesian customer. In the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023, we recognized approximately $1,918,000 related to a new NFS Ascent® agreement with Kubota in Australia and approximately $188,000 related to a new agreement with the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for the sale of our Ascent® product.
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Subscription and Support
Subscription and support fees for the year ended June 30, 2024, were $27,952,768 compared to $25,980,661 for the year ended June 30, 2023 reflecting an increase of $1,972,107 with an increase in constant currency of $2,048,348. Subscription and support fees are recurring in nature, and we anticipate these fees to gradually increase as we increase our SaaS customer base and implement NFS Ascent®.
Services
Services income for the year ended June 30, 2024, was $27,990,332 compared to $24,142,990 for the year ended June 30, 2023, reflecting an increase of $3,847,342 with an increase in constant currency of $3,976,019. The increase in services revenue on a constant currency basis is due to the increase in implementation revenue associated with the signing of new contracts, change requests, enhancements and reimbursable costs. Services revenue is derived from services provided to both current customers as well as services provided to new customers as part of the implementation process.
Gross Profit
The gross profit was $29,284,870 for the year ended June 30, 2024 compared with $16,915,563 for the year ended June 30, 2023. This is an increase of $12,369,307 with an increase in constant currency of $9,561,230. The gross profit percentage for the year ended June 30, 2024 increased to 47.7% from 32.3% for the year ended June 30, 2023. The cost of sales was $32,108,221 for the year ended June 30, 2024 compared to $35,477,652 for the year ended June 30, 2023 for a decrease of $3,369,431 and on a constant currency basis a decrease of $255,946. As a percentage of sales, cost of sales decreased from 67.7% for the year ended June 30, 2023 to 52.3% for the year ended June 30, 2024.
Salaries and consultant fees decreased by $2,406,609 from $26,029,516 for the year ended June 30, 2023 to $23,622,907 for the year ended June 30, 2024 and on a constant currency basis decreased by $201,846. For fiscal years 2024 and 2023, we had an average of 1,569 and 1,505 employees, respectively. As of June 30, 2024, our total number of technical employees decreased to 1,066 from a maximum of 1,415. As a percentage of sales, salaries and consultant expense decreased from 49.7% for the year ended June 30, 2023 to 38.5% for the year ended June 30, 2024.
Travel increased by $533,401 from $2,410,041 for the year ended June 30, 2023 to $2,943,442 for the year ended June 30, 2024 and on a constant currency basis increased by $807,100. The increase in travel expense is due to the increase in travel for the current implementations. As a percentage of sales, travel expense increased from 4.6% for year ended June 30, 2023 to 4.8% for the year ended June 30, 2024.
Depreciation and amortization expense decreased to $1,144,809 compared to $2,504,046 for the year ended June 30, 2023 or a decrease of $1,359,237 and on a constant currency basis a decrease of $1,158,666. The decrease is primarily attributed to the full amortization of our capitalized software.
Other cost decreased to $4,397,063 for the year ended June 30, 2024 compared to $4,534,049 for the year ended June 30, 2023 or a decrease of $136,986 and on a constant currency basis an increase of $297,466. The increase in constant currency is mainly due to increase in third party hardware cost of approximately $558,000, off set by decrease in computer cost of approximately $226,000.
26 |
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses were $25,791,315 for the year ended June 30, 2024 compared to $25,695,521, for the year ended June 30, 2023 for an increase of $95,794 and on a constant currency basis an increase of $2,120,127. As a percentage of sales, it decreased from 49.0% to 42.0%. The increase in operating expenses was primarily due to increases in selling expenses, general and administrative expenses and research and development costs.
Selling and marketing expenses increased by $443,895 and on a constant currency basis increased by $884,209. The increase in constant currency is mainly due to increases in salaries of approximately $85,000, travel of approximately $382,000 and other selling expenses of approximately $421,000.
General and administrative expenses were $16,259,348 for the year ended June 30, 2024, compared to $16,244,936 at June 30, 2023 or a slight increase of $14,412, and on a constant currency basis an increase of $1,358,218. During the year ended June 30, 2024, salaries increased by approximately $872,822 or increased by approximately $1,307,610 on a constant currency basis, due to increases in salaries including bonuses, medical costs and subsidiary options granted to staff in NetSol PK. The provision for doubtful accounts decreased by approximately $1,700,000 and on a constant currency basis decreased by approximately $1,700,000.
Research and development costs were $1,402,601 for the year ended June 30, 2024 compared to $1,601,613 for the year ended June 30, 2023 or a decrease of $199,012 and on constant currency basis an increase of $910.
Income/Loss from Operations
Income from operations was $3,493,555 for the year ended June 30, 2024 compared to a loss of $8,779,958 for the year ended June 30, 2023. This represents an increase in income of $12,273,513 with an increase of $7,441,103 on a constant currency basis for the year ended June 30, 2024 compared with the year ended June 30, 2023. As a percentage of sales, income from operations was 5.7% for the year ended June 30, 2024 compared to loss of 16.8% for the year ended June 30, 2023.
Other Income and Expense
Other expense was $270,108 for the year ended June 30, 2024 compared to income of $5,562,045 for the year ended June 30, 2023. This represents a decrease of $5,832,153 with a decrease of $5,864,720 on a constant currency basis. The decrease is primarily due to the foreign currency exchange transactions off set by recording other comprehensive loss and an impairment in our Drivemate investment and an increase in interest expense.
Interest income was $1,911,258 for the year ended June 30, 2024 compared to $1,217,850 for the period ended June 30, 2023. This represents an increase of $693,408 or a change of $946,301 on a constant currency basis. Interest income is earned on cash maintained in interest bearing accounts.
During the year ended June 30, 2024, we recognized a loss of $1,187,320 in foreign currency exchange transactions compared to a gain of $6,748,038 for the year ended June 30, 2023. The majority of the contracts with NetSol PK are either in U.S. dollars or Euros; therefore, the currency fluctuations will lead to foreign currency exchange gains or losses depending on the value of the PKR compared to the U.S. Dollar and the Euro. During the year ended June 30, 2024, the value of the U.S. dollar and the Euro decreased 3.1% and 4.6%, respectively, compared to the PKR. During the year ended June 30, 2023, the value of the U.S. dollar and the Euro increased 39.8% and 45.6%, respectively, compared to the PKR.
There was no share of net income (loss) from equity investment for the year ended June 30, 2024 compared to a net loss from equity investment of $1,033,243 for the period ended June 30, 2023. This represents a decrease of $1,033,243 or a change of $1,033,243 on a constant currency basis. During the year ended June 30, 2023, we recorded an impairment of approximately $1,041,000 on our investment in Drivemate.
Included in other expenses for the year ended June 30, 2023, is $324,000 and $650,000 related to other comprehensive loss on liquidation of NTPK Thailand and WRLD3D, respectively. These amounts were reclassified from other comprehensive income to the statement of operations for the year ended June 30, 2023.
27 |
Non-controlling Interest
For the year ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, the net income attributable to non-controlling interest was $1,394,056 and $1,099,275, respectively. The increase in non-controlling interest is primarily due to the increase in net income of NetSol PK.
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to NetSol
Net income was $683,873 for the year ended June 30, 2024 compared to a net loss of $5,243,748 for the year ended June 30, 2023. This is an increase in income of $5,927,621 with an increase of $2,298,324 on a constant currency basis, compared to the prior year. For the year ended June 30, 2024, net income per share was $0.06 for basic and diluted shares. For the year ended June 30, 2023, net loss per share was $0.46 for basic and diluted shares.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Regulation S-K Item 10(e), “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures in Commission Filings,” defines and prescribes the conditions for use of non-GAAP financial information. Our measures of adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA per basic and diluted share meet the definition of a non-GAAP financial measure.
We define the non-GAAP measures as follows:
● | EBITDA is GAAP net income before net interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization. | |
● | Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA is EBITDA plus stock-based compensation expense. | |
● | Adjusted EBITDA per basic and diluted share – Adjusted EBITDA allocated to common stock divided by the weighted average shares outstanding and diluted shares outstanding. |
We use non-GAAP measures internally to evaluate the business and believe that presenting non-GAAP measures provides useful information to investors regarding the underlying business trends and performance of our ongoing operations as well as useful metrics for monitoring our performance and evaluating it against industry peers. The non-GAAP financial measures presented should be used in addition to, and in conjunction with, results presented in accordance with GAAP, and should not be relied upon to the exclusion of GAAP financial measures. Management strongly encourages investors to review our consolidated financial statements in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure in evaluating the Company.
The non-GAAP measures reflect adjustments based on the following items:
EBITDA: We report EBITDA as a non-GAAP metric by excluding the effect of net interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization from net income because doing so makes internal comparisons to our historical operating results more consistent. In addition, we believe providing an EBITDA calculation is a more useful comparison of our operating results to the operating results of our peers.
Stock-based compensation expense: We have excluded the effect of stock-based compensation expense from the non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA and non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA per basic and diluted share calculations. Although stock-based compensation expense is calculated in accordance with current GAAP and constitutes an ongoing and recurring expense, such expense is excluded from non-GAAP results because it is not an expense which generally requires cash settlement by NetSol, and therefore is not used by us to assess the profitability of our operations. We also believe the exclusion of stock-based compensation expense provides a more useful comparison of our operating results to the operating results of our peers.
Non-controlling interest: We add back the non-controlling interest in calculating gross adjusted EBITDA and then subtract out the income taxes, depreciation and amortization and net interest expense attributable to the non-controlling interest to arrive at a net adjusted EBITDA.
28 |
Our reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures of adjusted EBITDA and non-GAAP earnings per basic and diluted share to the most comparable GAAP measures for the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
For the Years | ||||||||
Ended June 30, | ||||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
Net Income (loss) attributable to NetSol | $ | 683,873 | $ | (5,243,748 | ) | |||
Non-controlling interest | 1,394,056 | 1,099,275 | ||||||
Income taxes | 1,145,518 | 926,560 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 1,721,800 | 3,244,538 | ||||||
Interest expense | 1,142,166 | 765,030 | ||||||
Interest (income) | (1,911,258 | ) | (1,217,850 | ) | ||||
EBITDA | $ | 4,176,155 | $ | (426,195 | ) | |||
Add back: | ||||||||
Non-cash stock-based compensation | 308,569 | 317,451 | ||||||
Adjusted EBITDA, gross | $ | 4,484,724 | $ | (108,744 | ) | |||
Less non-controlling interest (a) | (1,810,394 | ) | (2,154,850 | ) | ||||
Adjusted EBITDA, net | $ | 2,674,330 | $ | (2,263,594 | ) | |||
Weighted Average number of shares outstanding | ||||||||
Basic | 11,378,595 | 11,279,966 | ||||||
Diluted | 11,421,940 | 11,279,966 | ||||||
Basic adjusted EBITDA | $ | 0.24 | $ | (0.20 | ) | |||
Diluted adjusted EBITDA | $ | 0.23 | $ | (0.20 | ) | |||
(a)The reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA of non-controlling interest to net income attributable to non-controlling interest is as follows: | ||||||||
Net Income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest | $ | 1,394,056 | $ | 1,099,275 | ||||
Income Taxes | 198,923 | 253,158 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 440,302 | 905,002 | ||||||
Interest expense | 354,624 | 237,162 | ||||||
Interest (income) | (590,170 | ) | (369,197 | ) | ||||
EBITDA | $ | 1,797,735 | $ | 2,125,400 | ||||
Add back: | ||||||||
Non-cash stock-based compensation | 12,659 | 29,450 | ||||||
Adjusted EBITDA of non-controlling interest | $ | 1,810,394 | $ | 2,154,850 |
29 |
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our cash position was $19,127,165 at June 30, 2024, compared to $15,533,254 at June 30, 2023.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $2,909,388 for the year ended June 30, 2024 compared to $2,009,571 for the year ended June 30, 2023. At June 30, 2024, we had current assets of $47,462,083 and current liabilities of $23,868,822. We had accounts receivable of $13,049,614 at June 30, 2024 compared to $11,714,422 at June 30, 2023. We had revenues in excess of billings of $13,638,547 at June 30, 2024 compared to $12,377,677 at June 30, 2023 of which $954,029 and $ nil are shown as long term as of June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The long-term portion was discounted by $152,446 and $ nil at June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, using the discounted cash flow method with interest rates ranging from 7.3% to 17.5%, for the year ended June 30, 2024. During the year ended June 30, 2024, our revenues in excess of billings were reclassified to accounts receivable pursuant to billing requirements detailed in each contract. The combined totals for accounts receivable and revenues in excess of billings increased by $2,596,062 from $24,092,099 at June 30, 2023 to $26,688,161 at June 30, 2024. Accounts payable and accrued expenses, and current portions of loans and lease obligations amounted to $8,232,342 and $6,276,125, respectively, at June 30, 2024. Accounts payable and accrued expenses, and current portions of loans and lease obligations amounted to $6,552,181 and $5,779,510, respectively, at June 30, 2023. The average days sales outstanding for the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 were 151 and 168 days respectively. The days sales outstanding have been calculated by taking into consideration the average combined balances of accounts receivable and revenue in excess of billings.
Net cash used by investing activities amounted to $291,538 for the year ended June 30, 2024, compared to $1,399,231 for the year ended June 30, 2023. We had net purchases of property and equipment of $291,538 compared to $1,399,231 for the comparable period last fiscal year.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $239,551 compared to net cash used in financing activities of $718,992, for the years ended June 30, 2024, and 2023, respectively. During the year ended June 30, 2023, our subsidiaries used cash of $61,124, for the purchase of treasury shares. The year ended June 30, 2024, included cash inflow of $756,936 from bank proceeds compared to $270,292 for the same period last year. During the year ended June 30, 2024, we had net payments for bank loans and capital leases of $517,385 compared to $928,160 for the year ended June 30, 2023. We are operating in various geographical regions of the world through our various subsidiaries. Those subsidiaries have financial arrangements from various financial institutions to meet both their short and long-term funding requirements. These loans will become due at different maturity dates as described in Note 15 of the financial statements. We are in compliance with the covenants of the financial arrangements and there is no default which may lead to early payment of these obligations. We anticipate paying back all these obligations on their respective due dates.
We typically fund the cash requirements for our operations in the U.S. through our license, services, and maintenance agreements, intercompany charges for corporate services, and through the exercise of options. As of June 30, 2024, we had approximately $19.1 million of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of which approximately $18.2 million is held by our foreign subsidiaries. As of June 30, 2023, we had approximately $15.5 million of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of which approximately $13.5 million was held by our foreign subsidiaries.
We remain open to strategic relationships that would provide value added benefits. The focus will remain on continuously improving cash reserves internally.
As a growing company, we have on-going capital expenditure needs based on our short term and long-term business plans. Although our requirements for capital expenses vary from time to time, for the next 12 months, we anticipate needing working capital of $2 to $3 million for APAC, U.S. and European new business development activities and infrastructure enhancements.
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Financial Covenants
Our UK based subsidiary, NTE, has an approved overdraft facility of £300,000 ($379,747) which requires that the aggregate amount of invoiced trade debtors (net of provisions for bad and doubtful debts and excluding intra-group debtors) of NTE, not exceeding 90 days old, will not be less than an amount equal to 200% of the facility. The Pakistani subsidiary, NetSol PK has an approved facility for export refinance from Askari Bank Limited amounting to Rupees 500 million ($1,796,558) and a running finance facility of Rupees 53.6 million ($192,591). NetSol PK has an approved facility for export refinance from another Habib Metro Bank Limited amounting to Rupees 900 million ($3,233,804). These facilities require NetSol PK to maintain a long-term debt equity ratio of 60:40 and the current ratio of 1:1. NetSol PK also has an approved export refinance facility of Rs. 380 million ($1,365,384) from Samba Bank Limited. During the tenure of loan, these two facilities require NetSol PK to maintain at a minimum a current ratio of 1:1, an interest coverage ratio of 4 times, a leverage ratio of 2 times, and a debt service coverage ratio of 4 times.
As of the date of this report, we are in compliance with the financial covenants associated with our borrowings. The maturity dates of the borrowings of respective subsidiaries may accelerate if they do not comply with these covenants. In case of any change in control in subsidiaries, they may have to repay their respective credit facilities.
Dividends and Redemption
It has been our policy to invest earnings in growth rather than distribute earnings as common stock dividends. This policy, under which common stock dividends have not been paid since our inception is expected to continue but is subject to regular review by the Board of Directors.
Contractual Obligations
Our contractual obligations are as follows:
Payment due by period | ||||||||||||||||||||
Contractual Obligation | Total | 0 - 1 year | 1-3 Years | 3-5 Years | More than 5 years | |||||||||||||||
Debt Obligations | ||||||||||||||||||||
D&O Insurance | $ | 124,314 | $ | 124,314 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||||
Loan Payable Bank - Export Refinance | 1,796,558 | 1,796,558 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||
Loan Payable Bank - Export Refinance II | 1,365,384 | 1,365,384 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||
Loan Payable Bank - Export Refinance III | 2,515,181 | 2,515,181 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||
Sale and Leaseback Financing | 56,842 | 47,158 | 9,684 | - | - | |||||||||||||||
Short Term Loan | 412,655 | 412,655 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||
Subsidiary Finance Leases | 100,962 | 14,875 | 86,087 | - | - | |||||||||||||||
- | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Lease Obligations | 1,296,951 | 608,202 | 586,864 | 101,885 | - | |||||||||||||||
- | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 7,668,847 | $ | 6,884,327 | $ | 682,635 | $ | 101,885 | $ | - |
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not maintain any off-balance sheet arrangements, transactions, obligations or other relationships with unconsolidated entities that would be expected to have a material current or future effect upon our financial condition or results of operations.
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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are exposed to financial market risks, including changes in currency exchange rates and interest rates.
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
Economic Exposure
We transact business in various foreign currencies and have significant international revenues, as well as costs denominated in foreign currencies. This exposes us to the risk of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Since the majority of the Company’s operations are based in the Asia Pacific region where the Pakistan Rupee is continuously losing its value against the US Dollar and we don’t have any imports; therefore, we believe it is counter-productive to hedge this exposure. The devaluation of the Pakistan Rupee results in a foreign exchange gain to the Company.
Transaction Exposure
Our exposure to foreign currency transaction gains and losses is the result of certain net receivables due from our foreign subsidiaries and customers being denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the subsidiary, primarily the Euro, Yuan, Baht and the Pakistan Rupee. Our foreign subsidiaries conduct their businesses in local currency. Since the majority of the Company’s operations are based in the Asia Pacific region where the Pakistan Rupee is continuously losing its value against the US Dollar and we don’t have any imports; therefore, we believe it is counter-productive to hedge this exposure.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The Consolidated Financial Statements that constitute Item 8 are included at the end of this report on page F-1.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
NETSOL’s financial statements for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and June 30, 2023, did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.
In connection with the audit of NETSOL’s financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, there were no disagreements, disputes, or differences of opinion with Fortune CPA. (“Fortune”) on any matters of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope and procedures, which, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Fortune would have caused Fortune to make reference to the matter in their report.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act, as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Executive Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management has the responsibility to establish and maintain adequate internal controls over our financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. Our internal controls are designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of our external financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
Due to inherent limitations of any internal control system, management acknowledges that there are limitations as to the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting and therefore recognize that only reasonable assurance can be gained from any internal control system. Accordingly, our internal control system may not detect or prevent material misstatements in our financial statements and 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.
Under the supervision and participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have performed an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting as of June 30, 2024. This assessment was based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013), issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on the results of our assessment, the Company has determined that as of June 30, 2024, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting are effective.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024, that have materially affected, or are reasonable likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a – 15(f) and 15d – 15(f)).
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
NONE
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PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires that the Company’s directors and executive officers and persons owning more than 10% of the outstanding Common Stock, file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Executive officers, directors and beneficial owners of more than 10% of the Company’s Common Stock are required by SEC regulation to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely on copies of such forms furnished as provided above, or written representations that no such forms were required, the Company believes that during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to its executive officers, directors and beneficial owners of more than 10% of its Common Stock were complied with.
CHANGE IN MANAGEMENT AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Board of Directors
At the 2023 Annual Shareholders Meeting held in June 2024, a five-member board stood for election. The members were elected and, according to the bylaws of the Company shall retain their position as directors until the next meeting. The board of directors is made up of Mr. Najeeb U. Ghauri (Chairman of the Board), Mr. Mark Caton, Ms. Malea Farsai, Mr. Kausar Kazmi and Mr. Michael Francis.
Committees
During the fiscal year 2024, the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Government Committee were structured as follows: The Audit Committee consisted of Mr. Kazmi, as Chair, with Mr. Caton and Mr. Francis as members. The Compensation Committee consisted of Mr. Caton, as Chair, with Mr. Kazmi and Mr. Francis as its members. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee consisted of Mr. Francis, as Chair, with Mr. Caton and Mr. Kazmi as its members.
The table below provides the membership for each of the committees during Fiscal Year 2024.
Nominating and | ||||||
Corporate | ||||||
Audit | Compensation | Governance | ||||
Director | Committee | Committee | Committee | |||
Najeeb Ghauri | ||||||
Malea Farsai | ||||||
Mark Caton (I) | X | X (C) | X | |||
Kausar Kazmi (I) | X (C) | X | X | |||
Michael Francis (I) | X | X | X (C) |
(I) | Denotes an Independent Director. |
(C) | Denotes the Chairperson of the Committee. |
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table sets forth the names and ages of the current directors and executive officers of the Company, the principal offices and positions with the Company held by each person and the date such person became a director or executive officer of the Company. The Board of Directors elects the executive officers of the Company annually. Each year the stockholders elect the Board of Directors. The executive officers serve varying terms until their death, resignation or removal by the Board of Directors. In addition, there was no arrangement or understanding between any executive officer and any other person pursuant to which any person was selected as an executive officer.
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The directors and executive officers of the Company are as follows:
Name | Year First Elected as an Officer or Director | Age | Position Held with the Registrant | Family Relationship | ||||
Najeeb Ghauri | 1997 | 70 | Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and Director | Brother of Naeem Ghauri | ||||
Naeem Ghauri | 1999 | 67 | President | Brother of Najeeb Ghauri | ||||
Roger Almond | 2013 | 59 | Chief Financial Officer | None | ||||
Patti L. W. McGlasson | 2004 | 59 | Sr. V.P., Legal and Corporate Affairs; Secretary, General Counsel | None | ||||
Mark Caton | 2002 | 75 | Director | None | ||||
Malea Farsai | 2018 | 55 | Director; Corporate Counsel | None | ||||
Syed Kausar Kazmi | 2019 | 71 | Director | None | ||||
Michael Francis | 2023 | 58 | Director | None |
Business Experience of Officers and Directors:
NAJEEB U. GHAURI is the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of NETSOL. He has been the Co-founder and director of the Company since 1997, Chairman since 2003 and Chief Executive Officer from January 1998 to September 2002 and from October 2006 to present. Mr. Ghauri was responsible for NETSOL listing on NASDAQ in 1999 and NETSOL Pakistan subsidiary listing on the Karachi Stock Exchange in 2005. Mr. Ghauri served as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer from 1999 to 2001 and as the Chief Financial Officer from 2001 to 2005. As CEO, Mr. Ghauri is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Company, as well as the Company’s overall growth and expansion plan. In 2017, Mr. Najeeb Ghauri as the CEO, implemented a Company-wide initiative cutting costs which saved the Company in excess of $7,000,000. Mr. Ghauri was also instrumental in the substantial increase in revenue for fiscal year end 2015. In addition, Mr. Ghauri traveled overseas multiple times to execute the largest contract for the Company, worth over $100 million, in December 2015. Under his watch, NETSOL has become a leading player in China with innovation and a cutting-edge technology.
In September 2020, Mr. Ghauri was presented with the highest civilian award in Pakistan, “Sitar e Imtiaz”, a medal of pride, in recognition for his work in IT and charitable causes in Pakistan. This medal was conferred by the President of Pakistan at the President House in Islamabad, Pakistan. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Ghauri was part of the marketing team of Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) (now acquired by BP), a Fortune 500 company, from 1987-1997. Prior to ARCO, he spent nearly five years with Unilever as brand and sales managers. Mr. Ghauri attended Eastern Illinois University in 1977-78 for Bachelor of Science degree in Management/Economics. He earned an M.B.A. in Marketing Management from Peter F. Drucker School of Management, Claremont, California in 1981. Mr. Ghauri was elected Vice Chairman of US Pakistan Business Council in 2006, a Washington D.C. based council of US Chamber of Commerce. He is also very active in several philanthropic activities in emerging markets and is a founding director of Pakistan Human Development Fund, a non-profit organization, a partnership with UNDP to promote literacy, health services and poverty alleviation in Pakistan. Mr. Ghauri has participated in NASDAQ opening and/or closing bell ceremonies in 2006, 2008,2009, 2015 and 2020.
Skills and Qualifications: Mr. Ghauri has an extensive executive, operational and strategic leadership experience in a global setting and substantial experience in establishing management performance objective and establishing goals. Mr. Ghauri not only serves the Board with his experience as a Chief Executive Officer, but also his skills and insight into global operational logistics, which he developed over the course of his 25-year career in technology industry.
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NAEEM GHAURI was a Director of the Company from 1999 through 2020 and was the Company’s Chief Executive Officer from August 2001 to October 2006. Mr. Ghauri is also a co-founder of the Company. Currently, Mr. Ghauri serves as the President and Director of Global Sales of NETSOL, director of NETSOL (UK) Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company located in London, and Chairman of NetSol Technologies Limited in Pakistan. While instrumental in numerous transactions, his most significant contribution to the revenue of the Company was his role in overseeing and leading the closing of the largest contract to date for the Company worth $100 million signed in December 2015. More recently, Mr. Ghauri headed the sales team that signed a contract valued in excess of $35 million. Mr. Ghauri spearheaded the Innovation practice of the Company while he was located in Thailand with an eye towards working with rideshare platforms as sustainable business models for the Company as the CEO of OTOZ™, Inc. He is currently based out of NetSol’s Pakistan office, Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Ghauri was Program Director for Mercedes-Benz Finance Ltd., from 1994-1999. Mr. Ghauri supervised over 200 project managers, developers, analysts and users in nine European Countries. Mr. Ghauri is a board member of Drivemate Co., Ltd., the Company’s partner in Thailand, as a representative of NetSol. Mr. Ghauri earned his degree in computer science from Brighton University in England.
Skills and Qualifications: Mr. Naeem Ghauri has served in many leadership capacities within the Company throughout the past 23 years. Through his various senior leadership positions and extensive executive experience, Mr. Ghauri brings to NetSol his unique insight related to technology, innovation, marketing, and growth, including digital and mobility strategy.
ROGER ALMOND was appointed Chief Financial Officer on September 9, 2013. Since 2007, Roger Almond held the position of Senior Manager at Pickard & Green Certified Public Accountants where he and his team were responsible for assisting national and international companies with their financial reporting requirements to the SEC. Roger Almond’s duties also included overseeing multiple entity consolidations, converting financial data to US GAAP, preparing financials statements, footnotes and MD&A. Prior to his current position, Roger Almond held the position of Assurance Manager at Grant Thornton LLP, in Los Angeles, California from 2003-2006. From November 1999 to August 2003, he was the Chief Financial Officer of Keysor Century Corporation located in Saugus, California.
Roger Almond received his BS in Accounting from Brigham Young University in 1991 and he is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in California. He has also completed executive management courses at UCLA in 2001.
Skills and Qualifications: Through his senior leadership as Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Almond possesses extensive knowledge in several important business areas, including public company accounting, leadership, risk assessment, and international, cross-border accounting.
PATTI L. W. MCGLASSON joined NETSOL as General Counsel in January 2004 and was elected to the position of Secretary in March 2004. She was appointed Senior Vice President, Corporate and Legal Affairs in 2013.
In the role of General Counsel, Ms. McGlasson is responsible for leading NETSOL’s legal department company-wide. She is also responsible for the implementation of the Company’s internal corporate governance and policy plans, ethics and business conduct. She oversees all board meetings in her executive position as corporate secretary.
Ms. McGlasson has over 30 years of experience in corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, business and cross-border transactions and securities law. Immediately prior to joining NETSOL, Patti practiced at Vogt & Resnick, law corporation. She was admitted to practice in California in 1991.
She received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1987 from the University of California, San Diego and, her Juris Doctor and Masters in Law in Transnational Business from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, in 1991 and 1993, respectively. As part of her Masters in Law in Transnational Business, she interned at the law firm of Loeff Claeys Verbeke in Rotterdam, the Netherlands in 1991.
Skills and Qualifications: As General Counsel, Ms. McGlasson offers extensive knowledge in several important strategic areas, including innovative problem-solving related to global risks and opportunities. Her legal expertise also helps NetSol navigate cross-cultural and cross-border opportunities.
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MARK CATON joined the Board of Directors in 2007. Mr. Caton is currently President of Centela Capital, Inc. a diversified financial services company, a position he has held since 2006. Prior to joining Centela Capital, Mr. Caton was President of NETSOL Technologies USA, responsible for US sales, from June 2002 to December 2003. Mr. Caton was previously employed by ePlus from 1994 to 2002 as Senior Vice President-Business Development. He was a member of the UCLA Alumni Association Board of Directors and served on the Board of Directors of NETSOL from 2002-2005. Mr. Caton is the Chair of the Compensation Committee and a member of the Audit and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees. Mr. Caton received his BA from UCLA in psychology in 1971.
Skills and Qualifications: Mr. Caton serves the Board with his 46 years of experience in sales, marketing and management in the financial leasing and software industries.
MALEA FARSAI joined the Board of Directors for the first time in 2018 and is currently the Company’s Corporate Counsel. Before joining NETSOL in March 2000, Ms. Farsai was an associate at the law firm of Horwitz and Beam where she represented both domestic and international private and public clients from technology to apparel in various transactions from 1996-2000. She has also worked on the formation of business startups and IPOs. Ms. Farsai was on the team that took NETSOL public and is the one who listed NETSOL on NASDAQ in 1999 and has maintained its listing since then to current. After two decades with the Company, Ms. Farsai continues to work part-time as Corporate Counsel overseeing the Company’s insurance as well as day to day corporate legal needs. She has also obtained many of NETSOL’s various trademarks. Ms. Farsai has been actively updating and overseeing the Company’s Corporate and Social Responsibilities (CSR) globally and has effectively established a 501(c)(3) foundation for NETSOL to continue its charitable work internationally. Ms. Farsai received her B.A. degree from University of California, Irvine and her J.D. in 1996, and has been a member of the California State Bar since 1996. She sits on the board of various charitable organizations in Los Angeles.
Skills and Qualifications: Ms. Farsai has served the Company and its legal department since its inception and has a breadth of knowledge and understanding about NETSOL’s business through her role as Corporate Counsel. She also has an understanding of Public Company corporate governance as well as the management and retention of a diverse group of employees.
SYED KAUSAR KAZMI joined the Board of Directors in 2019. Mr. Kazmi brings over 40 years of expertise in the banking industry and is currently the Head of Commercial Banking and Business Development at Habib Bank Zurich PLC, located in London where he has served in this capacity since 2016. Prior to this position, Mr. Kazmi served as the Head of Business Development for UK and Europe at Habib Bank AG Zurich in London from 2012-2016, before which Mr. Kazmi was the CEO of the UK operations of Habib Bank AG Zurich from 2009-2012. In 2018, Mr. Kazmi was awarded by Power 100, Parliamentary Review in association with The British Publishing Company a “Lifetime Achievement Award” for his significant and lasting impact on the banking sector. In addition, Mr. Kazmi has been awarded by the Asian Media Group the “GG2 Power List” celebrating Britain’s 101 most influential Asians from 2016-2018.
Mr. Kazmi received his BSc in Chemical Engineering with II Class Honors from Habib Institute of Technology in 1974. He sits on the board of many charitable organizations, with a focus on helping raise funds. Mr. Kazmi is the Chair of the Audit Committee and is a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance and Compensation Committees.
Skills and Qualifications: Mr. Kazmi has strong financial services and management expertise. He directs the operations of a financial services business, expending its focus on business development.
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MICHAEL FRANCIS served his first year on the Board of Directors in 2023.Mr. Francis brings over 30 years of expertise in the banking and finance industry. He is currently Joint Managing Partner of Alderson Francis Associates Ltd, which provides business consulting to UK finance, software, and private equity businesses. Prior to this, he was Co-Head of Investment Banking at Investec Bank UK PLC, until October 2020. He was at Investec for 18 years, in various roles, most significantly as the founder and CEO of Investec Asset Finance PLC, which is a significant client of NETSOL. From November 2022 to May 2023, Mr. Francis served as an interim executive director for VLS, a subsidiary of NTE to utilize his Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) authorization to assist VLS in strategic management of its business and to meet VLS’s FCA requirements. Mr. Francis also held senior management positions at Barclays Bank PLC and ANZ Investment Bank. Mr. Francis received his BSc in Biochemistry with II Class Honors from The University College of Wales, Aberystwyth in 1987. He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, qualifying with Ernst & Young in 1992. Mr. Francis is currently a trustee of the School of Hard Knocks located in the United Kingdom. He also served as the Chair of the Finance Committee of The Beacon School, located in the UK, for nine years. In September 2023, Mr. Francis was appointed as the Chair of the Nomination and Corporate Governance Committee and a member of the Audit and Compensation Committees.
Skills and Qualifications: Mr. Francis brings to the Board a seasoned expertise in financial services strategy, especially in the field of Lease and Finance as well as management proficiency.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Code of Ethics & Insider Trading Policy
The Company adopted its Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, as amended and restated on September 9, 2013, applicable to every officer, director and employee of the Company, including, but not limited to the Company’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. Our Code of Business Conduct & Ethics has been posted on our website and may be viewed at https://ir.netsoltech.com/governance-docs. Our Company has an Insider Trading Policy which explains the insider trading rules to all employees and proscribes employee conduct as it relates to trading in shares of stock of the Company. Our insider trading policy is set forth in full in the Company’s Code of Ethics and Business Conduct.
Audit Committee
The Company has an Audit Committee whose members are the independent directors of the Company, specifically, Mr. Kazmi, Mr. Caton, and Mr. Tolentino with Mr. Francis replacing Mr. Tolentino after being elected to the Board in June 2023 and being appointed as a member of the Audit Committee in September 2023. Mr. Kazmi is the current Chair of the Audit Committee.
Audit Committee Financial Expert
The Company has identified its audit chairperson, Mr. Kausar Kazmi as its Audit Committee financial expert. Mr. Kazmi is an independent board member as the term is defined in the Nasdaq Listing Rules. Mr. Kazmi’s over 40 years of experience in the banking industry including his current tenure as Head of Commercial Banking and Business Development for UK and Europe for Habib Bank AG Zurich as well as his service as a board member on various charities as the board member responsible for fundraising, provides him with an understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and financial reporting. Additionally, this experience provides an ability to assess the general application of accounting principles in connection with the accounting for estimates, accruals and reserves; experience analyzing financial statements that were comparable in the breadth and complexity of issues that can be reasonably expected to be raised by the Company’s financial statements; an understanding of internal control over financial reporting; and an understanding of audit committee functions.
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ITEM 11-EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Introduction
Our Compensation Committee is responsible for establishing and overseeing compensation programs that comply with NetSol’s executive compensation philosophy. As described in this Compensation Discussion and Analysis (“CD&A”), the Compensation Committee follows a disciplined process for setting executive compensation. This process involves analyzing factors such as company performance, individual performance, strategic goals and competitive market data to arrive at each element of compensation. The Compensation Committee approves compensation decisions for all executive officers. An independent compensation consultant helps the Compensation Committee by providing advice, information, and an objective opinion. This CD&A will focus on the compensation awarded to NetSol’s “named executive officers”—the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and General Counsel, Corporate Secretary. You can find more complete information about all elements of compensation for the named executive officers in the following discussion and in the Summary Compensation table that appears on page 46.
Fiscal 2024 Executive Compensation Highlights and Governance
This section identifies the most significant decisions and changes made regarding NETSOL’s executive compensation in fiscal year 2024.
Shareholder Approval of Compensation
At the last annual general meeting held on June 13, 2024, shareholders expressed support for our executive compensation programs, with 91% of votes cast at the meeting voting to ratify the compensation of our named executive officers. Although the advisory shareholder vote on executive compensation is non-binding, the Compensation Committee has considered, and will continue to consider, the outcome of the vote and the sentiments of our shareholders when making future compensation decisions for the named executive officers. Based on the results from our last annual general meeting, the Compensation Committee believes shareholders support the Company’s executive compensation philosophy and the compensation paid to the named executive officers.
Taking into account the support of this plan at the June13, 2024 Annual Shareholders Meeting, the Compensation Committee believes the compensation program meaningfully explains the Compensation Committee’s compensation decisions and its determination to tie long term incentives of the Chief Executive Officer to performance criteria. The Compensation Committee continues to reach out to its shareholders regarding their positions on the Company’s compensation program. In connection with the proxy solicitations, the executive compensation was discussed with certain of our top shareholders and their general acceptance of the compensation structure is reflected in the proxy vote results. Accordingly, the Compensation Committee will continue to provide the CEO with a bonus criterion that is based on total revenues and income from operations on a graduated basis. Bonuses would be paid 60% in cash and 40% in stock valued at the share price on June 30th of the fiscal year in which it was earned.
Governance and Evolving Compensation Practices
The Compensation Committee and the Board are aware of evolving practices in executive compensation and corporate governance. In response, we have adopted and/or maintained certain policies and practices that are in keeping with “best practices” in many areas. For example:
● The Compensation Committee periodically engages an independent compensation consultant to evaluate our chief executive officer’s executive compensation practices in comparison to a peer group.
● We do not provide excessive executive perquisites to our named executive officers.
● Our incentive plans expressly prohibit repricing of options (directly or indirectly) without prior shareholder approval.
● Our policy on the prevention of insider trading prohibits various types of transactions involving Company stock or securities, including short sales, options trading, hedging, margin purchases and pledges.
● Our stock ownership guidelines require our executive officers to align their long-term interests with those of our stockholders.
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● Our policy prohibits the named executive officers from selling any newly issued shares for a period of three months, in an open market transaction.
● Beginning with our fiscal year 2019 to current, we modified our compensation practices for our CEO to tie a significant portion to financial results both on a top line and bottom-line basis.
General Compensation Overview
For 2024, compensation designed for our executive officers consisted of:
● | Base Salary | |
● | Cash awards at the discretion of the Compensation Committee | |
● | Stock purchase options; and | |
● | Ability to participate generally in all group health and welfare benefit programs and tax-qualified retirement plans on the same basis as applicable to all of our employees. |
In response to discussions we have had with certain shareholders and given the percentage voting in favor of our executive compensation, beginning with the 2019 fiscal year, Chief Executive Officer compensation shall consist of:
● | Base Salary | |
● | Short-term cash awards conditioned upon achieving objective performance targets | |
● | Long-term equity in the form of time and objective performance targets; and | |
● | Ability to participate generally in all group health and welfare benefit programs and tax-qualified retirement plans on the same basis as applicable to all of our employees. |
The Compensation Committee administers the cash and non-cash compensation programs applicable to our executive officers. The Compensation Committee makes all decisions about executive officer compensation for the Chief Executive Officer and the remaining named executives after discussion with our Chief Executive Officer about his direct reports. The Compensation Committee has often refined the direct reports’ compensation recommendations made by the Chief Executive Officer. Our Chief Executive Officer’s compensation is determined solely by the Compensation Committee, which, consistent with NASDAQ requirements, is comprised exclusively of independent directors, and the Chief Executive Officer does not participate in Committee decisions surrounding his compensation.
Independent Compensation Consultant
The Compensation Committee has retained Compensation Resources, Inc. as its independent compensation consultant. Compensation Resources provided chief executive officer and director compensation consulting services to the Compensation Committee, including a competitive market analysis of peers and the base salary, total cash compensation and total direct compensation. Interactions with Compensation Resources was limited to the Compensation Committee Chair and interaction with executives was generally limited to discussions as required to compile information at the Compensation Committee’s direction. During fiscal year 2024, Compensation Resources did not provide services to the Company. Based on these factors and its own evaluation of Compensation Resources independence pursuant to the requirements approved and adopted by the SEC, the Compensation Committee has determined that the work performed by Compensation Resources does not raise any conflicts of interest.
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Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
Our executive compensation philosophy calls for competitive total compensation that will reward executives for achieving individual and corporate performance objectives and will attract, motivate and retain leaders who will drive the creation of shareholder value. It incorporates elements that create shareholder value by driving financial performance, retaining a high-performing and talented executive team, and aligning the interests of the executive team with the interests of shareholders. The Compensation Committee reviews the compensation and benefit programs for executive officers, including the named executive officers, and performs an annual assessment of the Company’s executive compensation policy. In determining total compensation, the Compensation Committee considers the objectives and attributes described below.
Executive Compensation Principles | |||
Shareholder Alignment | ● | Our executive compensation programs are designed to create shareholder value. | |
● | Long-term incentive awards, delivered in the form of equity, make up a portion of our executives’ total compensation and closely align the interests of executives with the long-term interests of our shareholders. Our policy prohibits the named executive officers from selling any newly issued shares for a period of three months, on an open market transaction. | ||
Performance based | ● | Long-term incentive awards are designed to reward our executive officers for creating long-term shareholder value. Long-term incentive awards are granted primarily in the form of stock options and/or shares. | |
Appropriate Risk | ● | Our executive compensation programs are designed to encourage executive officers to take appropriate risks in managing their businesses to achieve optimal performance. | |
Competitive with external talent markets | ● | Our executive compensation programs are designed to be competitive within the relevant markets. | |
Simple and transparent | ● | Our executive compensation programs are designed to be readily understood by our executives, and transparent to our investors. |
Compensation Analysis Peer Group
After consideration of business models, company revenue and market capitalization of other companies in the Company’s technology industry segment, and with the input from Compensation Resources, Inc., the compensation consultant used by the Company at the time the study was last conducted, the Compensation Committee established the following list of peer companies to provide a comparative framework for use in setting executive compensation:
American Software, Inc.
BSquare Corp.
Cass Information Systems
Digital Turbine, Inc.
Everbridge, Inc.
Mitek Systems, Inc.
SPS Commerce Inc.
Executive Officer Base Salaries and Compensation Comparisons
Compensation plans are developed by utilizing publicly available compensation data in the information technology and software services industries. We believe that the practices of these groups of companies provide us with appropriate compensation benchmarks, because these groups of companies are in similar businesses and tend to compete with us for executives and other employees. For benchmarking executive compensation, we typically review the compensation data we have collected from these groups of companies, as well as a subset of the data from those companies that have a similar number of employees as the Company. The Compensation Committee has determined to utilize the services of a consultant for purposes of comparing our compensation program with similarly situated companies in like industries. The recommendations of these consultants will be utilized by the Compensation Committee in determining the appropriate compensation packages in addition to taking into account the unique global scale of the Company’s business. While these consultants may make general recommendations about the size and components of compensation, we anticipate our philosophy to continue on the basis of a pay-for-performance philosophy.
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In establishing the compensation of our named Chief Executive Officer and President, we based the amounts primarily on the market data and advice provided by Compensation Resources, Inc. with respect to the compensation paid to individuals who perform substantially similar functions within the peer group companies. In connection with the other named executive officers, we also relied on the recommendations of the Chief Executive Officer’s analysis relative to those individuals’ performance and compensation. We also examined the outstanding stock options and equity grants held by the executive officers for the purpose of considering the retention value of any additional equity awards.
As a general guideline, for our named executive officers, we aim to set base salary, cash compensation and total compensation at approximately the mean market range. Our analysis determined that the base salary of our Chief Executive officer was slightly above the mean, cash compensation was generally within the mean, but the total direct compensation was below the mean. As such, it was determined to develop a long-term, performance-based element of the compensation that brought the total direct compensation within the mean.
2024 Executive Compensation Components
Base Salary
An executive’s base salary is a fixed element of the executive’s compensation intended to attract and retain executives. It is evaluated together with components of the executive’s other compensation to ensure that the executive’s total compensation is consistent with our overall compensation philosophy. Base salaries are adjusted annually by the Compensation Committee.
The base salaries were established in arms-length negotiations between the executive and the Company, considering their extensive experience, knowledge of the industry, track record, and achievements on behalf of the Company. The Company expects each named executive officer to contribute to the Company’s overall success as a member of the executive team rather than focus solely on specific objectives within the officer’s area of responsibility.
Mr. Ghauri’s base salary for fiscal year 2024 was $693,000 and in addition he received $200,000 in allowances. Mr. Ghauri’s base salary will be $840,000 and allowances will remain the same for fiscal year 2025. Mr. Almond’s base salary for fiscal year 2024 was $226,000 and in addition he received $24,000 in allowances. For fiscal year 2025, Mr. Almonds salary will be $275,000. Ms. McGlasson salary for fiscal year 2024 was $233,622 and her base salary for fiscal year 2025 will be $252,312. The Compensation Committee determined that salary alone was an adequate basis for short term compensation, and that equity incentives would be used for the long-term elements of incentive programs for Ms. McGlasson and Mr. Almond.
Annual Bonus
Our compensation program includes eligibility for bonuses as rewarded by the Compensation Committee. All executives are eligible for annual performance-based cash bonuses in accordance with Company policies. The Compensation Committee takes into consideration the executive’s performance during the previous year to determine eligibility for discretionary bonuses. Further, the compensation committee will review, if applicable, the performance criteria set forth in an executive’s previous year’s agreement and will determine if the executive has met such criteria in order to achieve the bonus. The Company’s bonus criteria at the executive management level, is typically based on a gross revenue and income from operations targets. Cash bonuses, if any for 2024 are reflected in the summary of compensation table on page 46. For 2024, based on structured key performance indices (KPI)’) by the Compensation Committee, Mr. Ghauri earned a bonus of $472,890. See bonus structure as discussed below on page 44. The Compensation Committee determined that Gross Revenue and Income from Operations structure used in fiscal 2024 continues to be a proper measure for measuring Mr. Ghauri’s performance in that it encourages his participation in revenue generating activities and continues to incentivize him to monitor and maximize cost efficiency.
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Long-Term Equity Incentive Compensation
We believe that long-term performance is achieved through an ownership culture that encourages long-term participation by our executives in equity-based awards. Because base salary and equity awards are such basic elements of compensation within our industry, as well as the high technology and software industries in general, and are generally expected by employees, we believe that these components must be included in our compensation mix in order for us to compete effectively for talented executives. We award time based vested stock from our Equity Incentive Plans for several reasons. First, such awards facilitate retention of our executives. Restricted stock generally vests only if the executive remains employed by the Company. Second, time-based stock awards align executive compensation with the interests of our shareholders and thereby focuses executives on increasing value for the shareholders. Time vested stock generally only provides a superior return if the stock price appreciates, and results in materially less dilution to the shareholders than options while frequently providing equivalent value to the employee at less cost to the Company than options. In determining the number of shares to be granted to executives, we take into account the individual’s position, scope of responsibility, ability to affect profits and shareholder value, past and recent performance, and the estimated value of shares at the time of grant. Assuming individual performance at a level satisfactory to the Compensation Committee, the size of total equity compensation is generally targeted at the 50th percentile for the peer group. As indicated above, market data, including compensation percentiles, were among several factors the committee reviewed in determining compensation.
Equity incentives provided to executives are determined by the Fair Market Value of our common stock on the grant date. Each executive’s stock award was based on an analysis of the Compensation Committee of an appropriate overall cash compensation for each individual taking into account their position and compensation at similarly situated companies. Each executive’s stock award was based on a desired overall compensation cash value less the base salary as approved by the Compensation Committee.
Mr. Najeeb Ghauri is eligible to receive grants of shares based on the performance criteria connected to gross revenues and net income from operations as discussed below. The total compensation including equity grants is designed to bring the Chief Executive Officer to the mean market average.
Mr. Najeeb Ghauri’s bonus for fiscal year 2024 is based on the total revenues and income from operations on a graduated basis. The following table demonstrates the graduated percentage of bonus that Mr. Ghauri will be eligible to earn based on the percentage of the goal achieved. Bonuses will be paid 60% in cash and 40% in shares of common stock valued on June 30, 2024. Total net revenues and income from operations are based on those values reported for the year ending June 30, 2024 excluding any adjustments relating to changes in revenue recognition policy.
Mr. Ghauri’s bonus for fiscal year 2025 shall be based on total revenues and income from operations on a graduated basis. The following table demonstrates the graduated percentage of bonus that Mr. Ghauri will be eligible to earn based on the percentage of the goal achieved. Bonuses will be paid 60% in cash and 40% in shares of common stock valued on June 30 of the fiscal year in question The bonus shall be calculated based on the increase in annual revenues compared to the baseline revenue. The baseline revenue for the purpose of this bonus calculation shall be defined as the highest annual revenue achieved in any previous year beginning with Fiscal Year End June 30, 2024. Under no circumstances shall the baseline revenue be adjusted downward, even if annual revenues in subsequent years fall below this highest annual revenue mark.
Allocated Bonus % | % of Bonus | 25 | % | 50 | % | 100 | % | 125 | % | 150 | % | 175 | % | 200 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
Net revenues | 55 | % | Increase in revenues | 5 | % | 10 | % | 15 | % | 20 | % | 25 | % | 30 | % | 35 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Bonus Earned | $ | 82,500 | $ | 165,000 | $ | 330,000 | $ | 412,500 | $ | 495,000 | $ | 577,500 | $ | 660,000 |
% of Bonus |
25 | % | 50 | % | 100 | % | 125 | % | 150 | % | 175 | % | 200 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Income from Operations | 45 | % | Income from Operations % | 5.0 | % | 7.5 | % | 10.0 | % | 12.5 | % | 15.0 | % | 17.5 | % | 20.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Bonus Earned | $ | 67,500 | $ | 135,000 | $ | 270,000 | $ | 337,500 | $ | 405,000 | $ | 472,500 | $ | 540,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total Bonus | $ | 150,000 | $ | 300,000 | $ | 600,000 | $ | 750,000 | $ | 900,000 | $ | 1,050,000 | $ | 1,200,000 |
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Perquisites and Other Personal Benefits
We provide named executive officers with perquisites and other personal benefits that we believe are reasonable and consistent with our overall compensation program to better enable the Company to attract and retain superior employees for key positions. The Compensation Committee periodically reviews the level of perquisites and other personal benefits provided to NETSOL’s executive officers.
We maintain benefits and perquisites that are offered to all employees, including health and dental insurance. Benefits and perquisites may vary in different country locations and are consistent with local practices and regulations.
Termination Based Compensation
Upon termination of employment, all executive officers with a written employment agreement are entitled to receive severance payments under their employment agreements. In determining whether to approve, and as part of the process of setting the terms of, such severance arrangements, the Compensation Committee recognizes that executives and officers often face challenges securing new employment following termination. Further, the Committee recognizes that many of the named executives and officers have participated in the Company since its founding and that this participation has not resulted in a return on their investments. Termination and Change in Control Payments considered both the risk and the dedication of these executives’ service to the Company.
Our Chief Executive Officer has an employment agreement that provides, if his employment is terminated without cause or if the executive terminates the agreement with Good Reason, he is entitled to (a) all remaining salary to the end of the date of termination, plus salary from the end of the employment term through the end of the fourth anniversary of the date of termination, and (b) the continuation by the Company of medical and dental insurance coverage for him and his family until the end of the employment term and through the end of the fourth anniversary of the date of termination. Provided, however, if such benefits cannot be continued for this extended period, the Executive shall receive cash (including a tax-equivalency payment for Federal, state and local income and payroll taxes assuming Executive is in the maximum tax bracket for all such purposes) where such benefits may not be continued. These agreements further provide for vesting of all options and restrictive stock grants, if any.
Our Chief Financial Officer has an employment agreement that provides, if his employment is terminated without cause or if the executive terminates the agreement with Good Reason, he is entitled to (a) all remaining salary to the end of the date of termination, plus salary from the end of the employment term through the end of the first anniversary of the date of termination, and (b) the continuation by the Company of medical and dental insurance coverage for him and his family until the end of the employment term and through the end of the first anniversary from the date of termination. Provided, however, if such benefits cannot be continued for this extended period, the Executive shall receive cash (including a tax-equivalency payment for Federal, state and local income and payroll taxes assuming Executive is in the maximum tax bracket for all such purposes) where such benefits may not be continued. These agreements further provide for vesting of all options and restrictive stock grants, if any.
The Secretary of the Company has an employment agreement that provides, if she is terminated without cause or if the executive terminates the agreement with Good Reason, she is entitled to (a) all remaining salary to the end of the date of termination, plus salary from the end of the employment term through the end of the second anniversary of the date of termination, and (b) the continuation by the Company of medical and dental insurance coverage for her and her family until the end of the employment term and through the end of the second anniversary of the date of termination. Provided, however, if such benefits cannot be continued for this extended period, the Executive shall receive cash (including a tax-equivalency payment for Federal, state and local income and payroll taxes assuming Executive is in the maximum tax bracket for all such purposes) where such benefits may not be continued. These agreements further provide for vesting of all options and restrictive stock grants, if any.
These agreements were designed to assist in the retention of the services of our named executives and to determine in advance the rights and remedies of the parties in connection with any termination. The types and amounts of compensation and the triggering events set forth in these agreements were based on a review of the terms and conditions of normal and customary agreements in our competitive marketplace.
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Tax and Accounting Implications
Deductibility of Executive Compensation
As part of its role, the Compensation Committee reviews and considers the deductibility of executive compensation under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, which provides that we may not deduct compensation of more than $1,000,000 that is paid to certain individuals. The Compensation Committee is aware of the limitations imposed by Section 162(m) and considers the issue of deductibility when and if circumstances warrant. The committee reviews proposed compensation plans in light of applicable tax deductions, and generally seeks to maximize the deductibility for tax purposes of all elements of compensation. However, the committee may approve compensation that does not qualify for deductibility, including stock option and time-based restricted stock awards, if and when the committee deems it to be in the best interests of the Company and our shareholders.
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation
Commencing on July 1, 2006, we began accounting for stock-based payments, including awards under our Employee Stock Option Plans, in accordance with the of Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation.
Summary Compensation
The following table shows the compensation for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, earned by our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, our Chief Financial Officer who is our Principal Financial and Accounting Officer, and others considered to be executive officers of the Company.
Name and Principle Position | Fiscal Year Ended | Salary ($) | Bonus ($) | Stock Awards ($) (1) | Option Awards ($) | All Other Compensation ($) | Total ($) | |||||||||||||||||||
Najeeb Ghauri | 2024 | $ | 693,000 | $ | 472,890 | (2) | $ | - | $ | 20,285 | $ | 200,000 | (3) | $ | 1,386,175 | |||||||||||
CEO & Chairman | 2023 | $ | 700,000 | $ | - | (2) | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 200,000 | (3) | $ | 900,000 | |||||||||||
Naeem Ghauri | 2024 | $ | 920,000 | (4) | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 20,285 | $ | - | (5) | $ | 940,285 | |||||||||||
President | 2023 | $ | 802,883 | (4) | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 47,220 | (5) | $ | 850,103 | |||||||||||
Roger K Almond | 2024 | $ | 226,000 | $ | 20,000 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 37,713 | (6) | $ | 283,713 | ||||||||||||
Chief Financial Officer | 2023 | $ | 226,000 | $ | 10,000 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 36,871 | (6) | $ | 272,871 | ||||||||||||
Patti L. W. McGlasson | 2024 | $ | 233,622 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 13,073 | (7) | $ | 246,695 | ||||||||||||
Secretary, General Counsel | 2023 | $ | 233,622 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 11,719 | (7) | $ | 245,341 |
(1) There were no stock awards during the two years presented.
(2) Bonus was awarded based on Mr. Ghauri’s bonus structure as detailed on page 42.
(3) Per Mr. Najeeb Ghauri’s compensation agreement, he received $200,000 in allowances, perquisites and benefits such as car allowance, insurance premiums, and home office allowance for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023.
(4) Consists of $780,000 and $610,068 base salary and $140,000 and $192,815 commission for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
(5) Per Mr. Naeem Ghauri’s compensation agreement, he received $nil and $47,220 in allowances, perquisites and benefits for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
(6) Consists of $13,713 and $12,871 paid for medical and dental insurance premiums for participation in the health insurance program for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $24,000 paid as car allowance for the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023.
(7) Consists of $13,073 and $11,719 paid for medical and dental insurance premiums for participation in the health insurance program for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
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Grants of Plan-Based Awards
There were no stock grants during the two years presented.
Discussion of Summary Compensation Table
The terms of our executive officers’ compensation are derived from our employment agreements with them and the annual performance review by our Compensation Committee. The terms of Mr. Najeeb Ghauri’s employment agreement with the Company were the result of negotiations between the Company and the executive and were approved by our Compensation Committee and Board of Directors. The terms of Ms. McGlasson’s and Mr. Almond’s employment agreement with the Company were the result of negotiations between our Chief Executive Officer and the employees and were approved by our Compensation Committee.
Employment Agreement with Najeeb Ghauri
Effective July 1, 2024, the Company entered into an amended and restated employment agreement with our Chief Executive Officer, Najeeb Ghauri (the “CEO Agreement”). The CEO Agreement was amended solely to place the base salary and bonus structure for Mr. Ghauri into the Appendix to the CEO Agreement. All other material terms remain unchanged. From the agreement entered into with Mr. Ghauri in January 1, 2007 and amended thereafter. Pursuant to the CEO Agreement between Mr. Ghauri and the Company the Company agreed to employ Mr. Ghauri as its Chief Executive Officer for a five-year term. The term of employment automatically renews for 12 additional months unless notice of intent to terminate is received by either party at least 6 months prior to the end of the term. For the fiscal year 2024, Mr. Ghauri is entitled to an annualized compensation of $900,000 consisting of salary, allowances, perquisites and benefits, and is eligible for annual bonuses based on the bonus structure adopted by the Compensation Committee as described in Item 11 under Executive Compensation beginning on page 40. For fiscal year 2025, Mr. Ghauri’s annualized compensation consisting of salary, allowance, perquisites and benefits will be $1,040,000. Mr. Ghauri is entitled to six weeks of paid vacation per calendar year.
The CEO Agreement also includes provisions respecting severance, non-solicitation, non-competition, and confidentiality obligations. Pursuant to the CEO Agreement, if he terminates his employment for Good Reason (as described below), or, is terminated prior to the end of the employment term by the Company other than for Cause (as described below) or death, he shall be entitled to all remaining salary from the termination date until 48 months thereafter, at the rate of salary in effect on the date of termination, immediate vesting of all options and continuation of all health related plan benefits for a period of 48 months. He shall have no obligation to seek other employment and any income so earned shall not reduce the foregoing amounts. If he is terminated by the Company for Cause (as described below), or at the end of the employment term, he shall not be entitled to further compensation. Under the CEO Agreement, Good Reason includes the assignment of duties inconsistent with his title, a material reduction in salary and perquisites, the relocation of the Company’s principal office by 30 miles, if the Company asks him to perform any act which is illegal, including the commission of a crime or act of moral turpitude, or a material breach of the CEO Agreement by the Company. Under the CEO Agreement, Cause includes conviction of crime involving moral turpitude, failure to perform his duties to the Company, engaging in activities which are directly competitive to or intentionally injurious to the Company, or any material breach of the CEO Agreement by Mr. Ghauri.
The above summary of the CEO Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the CEO Agreement, a copy of which was filed as an exhibit to the Company’s 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024.
Employment Agreement with Roger K. Almond
Effective July 1, 2024, the Company entered into an amended and restated employment agreement with our Chief Executive Officer, Roger Almond (the “CFO Agreement”). The CFO Agreement was amended solely to place the base salary for Mr. Almond into the Appendix to the CFO Agreement. All other material terms remain unchanged from the agreement entered into with Mr. Almond on March 1, 2015 and amended thereafter. According to the terms of the CFO Agreement, the term of the agreement automatically extends for an additional one-year period unless notice of intent to terminate is received by either party at least 6 months prior to the end of the term. For the fiscal year 2024, Mr. Almond was entitled to an annualized base salary of $226,000 per annum and a $2,000 per month car allowance, and eligible for annual bonuses at the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Almond’s salary for the fiscal year 2025 will be $275,000, and is eligible for annual bonuses at the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer. In addition, Mr. Almond is entitled to participate in the Company’s equity incentive plans and is entitled to six weeks of paid vacation per calendar year.
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The CFO Agreement also includes provisions respecting severance, non-solicitation, non-competition, and confidentiality obligations. Pursuant to the CFO Agreement, if he terminates his employment for Good Reason (as described below), or, is terminated prior to the end of the employment term by the Company other than for Cause (as described below) or death, he shall be entitled to all remaining salary from the termination date until 12 months thereafter, at the rate of salary in effect on the date of termination, immediate vesting of all options and continuation of all health related plan benefits for a period of 12 months. He shall have no obligation to seek other employment and any income so earned shall not reduce the foregoing amounts. If he is terminated by the Company for Cause (as described below), or at the end of the employment term, he shall not be entitled to further compensation. Under the CFO Agreement, Good Reason includes the assignment of duties inconsistent with his title, a material reduction in salary and perquisites, the relocation of the Company’s principal office by 60 miles, if the Company asks him to perform any act which is illegal, including the commission of a crime or act of moral turpitude, or a material breach of the CFO Agreement by the Company. Under the CFO Agreement, Cause includes conviction of crime involving moral turpitude, failure to perform his duties to the Company, engaging in activities which are directly competitive to or intentionally injurious to the Company, or any material breach of the CFO Agreement by Mr. Almond.
The above summary of the CFO Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the CFO Agreement, a copy of which was filed as an exhibit to this form 10-K.
Employment Agreement with Patti L. W. McGlasson
Effective July 1, 2024, the Company entered into an amended and restated employment agreement with our Secretary, General Counsel and Senior Vice President, Legal and Corporate Affairs, Patti L. W. McGlasson (the “GC Agreement”). The GC Agreement was amended solely to include Ms. McGlasson’s current title and to place the base salary for Ms. McGlasson into the Appendix to the GC Agreement. All other material terms remain unchanged from the agreement entered into with Ms. McGlasson in January 1, 2006 and amended thereafter. Pursuant to the General Counsel Agreement, the Company agreed to employ Ms. McGlasson as its Secretary, General Counsel and Sr. Vice President of Legal and Corporate Affairs for one year terms. According to the terms of the GC Agreement, the term of the agreement automatically extends for an additional one-year period unless notice of intent to terminate is received by either party at least 6 months prior to the end of the term. GC Agreement, Ms. McGlasson is entitled to an annualized base salary of $233,622 per annum for the fiscal year 2024, and is eligible for annual bonuses at the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer. Ms. McGlasson’s salary for fiscal year 2025 will be $252,312. In addition, Ms. McGlasson is entitled to participate in the Company’s equity incentive plans and is entitled to six weeks of paid vacation per calendar year.
The GC Agreement also includes provisions respecting severance, non-solicitation, non-competition, and confidentiality obligations. Pursuant to the General Counsel Agreement, if she terminates her employment for Good Reason (as described below), or, is terminated prior to the end of the employment term by the Company other than for Cause (as described below) or death, she shall be entitled to all remaining salary from the termination date until 24 months thereafter, at the rate of salary in effect on the date of termination, immediate vesting of all options and continuation of all health related plan benefits for a period of 24 months. She shall have no obligation to seek other employment and any income so earned shall not reduce the foregoing amounts. If she is terminated by the Company for Cause (as described below), or at the end of the employment term, she shall not be entitled to further compensation. Under the General Counsel Agreement, Good Reason includes the assignment of duties inconsistent with her title, a material reduction in salary and perquisites, the relocation of the Company’s principal office by 60 miles, if the Company asks her to perform any act which is illegal, including the commission of a crime or act of moral turpitude, or a material breach of the General Counsel Agreement by the Company. Under the General Counsel Agreement, Cause includes conviction of crime involving moral turpitude, failure to perform her duties to the Company, engaging in activities which are directly competitive to or intentionally injurious to the Company, or any material breach of the General Counsel Agreement by Ms. McGlasson.
The above summary of the General Counsel Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the GC Agreement filed with this 10-K.
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Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The following table shows grants of stock options and grants of unvested stock awards outstanding on June 30, 2024, the last day of our fiscal year, to each of the individuals named in the Summary Compensation Table.
OPTION AWARDS | STOCK AWARDS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NAME | NUMBER OF SECURITIES UNDERLYING OPTIONS (#) EXERCISABLE | NUMBER OF SECURITIES UNDERLYING OPTIONS (#) UNEXERCISABLE | OPTION EXERCISE PRICE ($) | OPTION EXPIRATION DATE | NUMBER OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK THAT HAVE NOT VESTED | MARKET VALUE OF SHARES THAT HAVE NOT VESTED ($) | EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN AWARDS: NUMBER OF UNEARNED SHARES THAT HAVE NOT VESTED | EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN AWARDS: MARKET OR PAYOUT VALUE OF SHARES THAT HAVE NOT VESTED ($) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Najeeb Ghauri | 50,000 | - | 2.15 | 1/1/25 | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Naeem Ghauri | 50,000 | - | 2.15 | 1/1/25 | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Roger K Almond | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Patti L. W. McGlasson | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Pension Benefits
We do not have any qualified or non-qualified defined benefit plans.
Potential Payments upon Termination or Change of Control
Generally, regardless of the manner in which a named executive officer’s employment terminates, the executive officer is entitled to receive amounts earned during the term of employment. Such amounts include the portion of the executive’s base salary that has accrued prior to any termination and not yet been paid, and unused vacation pay.
In addition, we are required to make the additional payments and/or provide additional benefits to the individuals named in the Summary Compensation Table in the event of a termination of employment or a change of control, as set forth below.
Change-in-Control Payments
Najeeb Ghauri, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
In the event that Mr. Ghauri is terminated as a result of a change in control, he is entitled to all payments due in the event of a termination for Cause or Good Reason and: (a) a onetime payment equal to the product of 2.99 and his salary during the preceding 12 months; (b) a one-time payment equal to the higher of (i) Executive’s bonus for the previous year and (ii) one percent of the Company’s consolidated gross revenues for the previous twelve (12) months; and at the election of the Executive, (c) a one-time cash payment equal to the cash value of all shares eligible for exercise upon the exercise of Executive’s Options then currently outstanding and exercisable as if they had been exercised in full (the “Change of Control Termination Payment”). In the event Executive elects to receive the cash value of the shares underlying Executive’s options, he shall so notify the Company of his intent.
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The following table summarizes the potential payments to Mr. Ghauri assuming his employment with us was terminated or a change of control occurred on June 30, 2024, the last day of our most recently completed fiscal year.
BENEFITS AND PAYMENTS | TERMINATION AFTER CHANGE OF CONTROL | TERMINATION UPON DEATH OR DISABILITY | TERMINATION BY US WITHOUT CAUSE OR BY EXECUTIVE FOR GOOD REASON | |||||||||
Base Salary Continuance | $ | 2,800,000 | $ | 116,667 | $ | 2,800,000 | ||||||
Health Related Benefits | 39,216 | - | 39,216 | |||||||||
Bonus | - | - | - | |||||||||
Salary Multiple Pay-out | 2,093,000 | - | - | |||||||||
Bonus or Revenue One-time Pay-Out | 613,931 | - | - | |||||||||
Net Cash Value of Options | 107,500 | - | - | |||||||||
Total | $ | 5,653,647 | $ | 116,667 | $ | 2,839,216 |
Roger Almond, Chief Financial Officer
In the event that Mr. Almond is terminated as a result of a change in control, he is entitled to all payments due in the event of a termination for Cause or Good Reason and: (a) a onetime payment equal to the product of 2.99 and his salary during the preceding 12 months; (b) a one-time payment equal to the higher of (i) Executive’s bonus for the previous year and (ii) one-half of one percent of the Company’s consolidated gross revenues for the previous twelve (12) months (the “Change of Control Termination Payment”).
The following table summarizes the potential payments to Mr. Almond assuming his employment with us was terminated or a change of control occurred on June 30, 2024, the last day of our most recently completed fiscal year.
BENEFITS AND PAYMENTS | TERMINATION AFTER CHANGE OF CONTROL | TERMINATION UPON DEATH OR DISABILITY | TERMINATION BY US WITHOUT CAUSE OR BY EXECUTIVE FOR GOOD REASON | |||||||||
Base Salary Continuance | $ | 226,000 | $ | 37,667 | $ | 226,000 | ||||||
Health related benefits | 15,252 | - | 15,252 | |||||||||
Bonus | - | - | - | |||||||||
Salary Multiple Pay-out | 675,740 | - | - | |||||||||
Bonus or Revenue One-time Pay-Out | 306,965 | - | - | |||||||||
Net Cash Value of Options | - |