SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
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o
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REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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OR
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x
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ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011
OR
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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For the transition period from __________ to __________
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SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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Date of event requiring this shell company report.................
Commission file number: 0-28950
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
(Exact Name of Registrant as specified in its charter
and translation of Registrant’s name into English)
Israel
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
14 Hatidhar Street, Ra’anana 43665, Israel
(Address of principal executive offices)
Alon Mualem (Chief Financial Officer), +972-9-7777-555 (phone), +972-9-7777-566 (fax)
14 Hatidhar Street, Ra’anana 43665, Israel
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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Title of each class
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Name of each exchange on which registered
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Ordinary Shares, NIS 0.1 Par Value
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NASDAQ Capital Market
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Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:
None
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report:
Ordinary Shares, par value NIS 0.01 per share……………4,459,057
(as of December 31, 2011)
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes
o
No
x
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes
o
No
x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes
x
No
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes
o
No
o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated filer in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
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Large accelerated filer
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Accelerated filer
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Non-accelerated filer
x
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Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
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U.S. GAAP
x
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International Financial Reporting
Standards as issued by the
International Accounting
Standards Board
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Other
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If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow:
Item 17
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Item 18
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If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes
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No
x
This Report on Form 20-F is incorporated by reference into our Form S-8 Registration Statement File No. 333-123321.
INTRODUCTION
Mer Telemanagement Solutions Ltd. is a worldwide provider of solutions for telecommunications expense management, or TEM, used by enterprises, and billing solutions used by information and telecommunication service providers. Our TEM solutions assist enterprises and organizations to make smarter choices with their telecommunications spending at each stage of the service lifecycle, including allocation of cost, proactive budget control, fraud detection, processing of payments and spending forecasting. Our converged billing solutions have been successfully implemented worldwide by wireless providers, Voice over Internet Protocol, Internet Protocol Television, and content service providers. Our converged billing solutions include applications for charging and invoicing customers, interconnect billing and partner revenue management using pre-pay and post-pay schemes, as well as a managed service for a mobile virtual network operator in the United States.
Since our public offering in May 1997, our ordinary shares have been listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market (symbol: MTSL) and are presently listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market. As used in this annual report, the terms “we,” “us” and “our” mean Mer Telemanagement Solutions Ltd. and its subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated. As used in this annual report, “MTS IntegraTRAK” means MTS IntegraTRAK Inc., our wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary.
We have obtained a U.S. trademark registration for TABS by MER® and have common law rights in the trademarks TABS.IT, FACILITRAK, and PMSI, based on use of the marks in the United States. We have also acquired rights in the TOTAL-e™ trademark in connection with the products we acquired from Teleknowledge Group Ltd. in December 2004. In addition, in connection with the assets we acquired from TelSoft Solutions, Inc. in July 2006, we acquired the rights in the CALLTRAC® registered trademark and the common law trademarks and service marks TELSOFT SOLUTIONS, TELSOFT, MEGACALL, CALLTRAC LITE, MEGAPOLL, MEGABILL, MEGABILL-BACK and MEGASYNC. We also acquired the rights in the ANCHORPOINT®, TMXPRESS® and MAP-TO-WIN® registered trademarks in connection with the assets we acquired from AnchorPoint, Inc. in December 2008. All other trademarks and trade names appearing in this annual report are owned by their respective holders.
Our consolidated financial statements appearing in this annual report are prepared in U.S. dollars and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or U.S. GAAP. All references in this annual report to “dollars” or “$” are to U.S. dollars and all references in this annual report to “NIS” are to New Israeli Shekels.
Statements made in this annual report concerning the contents of any contract, agreement or other document are summaries of such contracts, agreements or documents and are not complete descriptions of all of their terms. If we filed any of these documents as an exhibit to this annual report or to any registration statement or annual report that we previously filed, you may read the document itself for a complete description of its terms.
Except for the historical information contained in this annual report, the statements contained in this annual report are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, with respect to our business, financial condition and results of operations. Such forward-looking statements reflect our current view with respect to future events and financial results. We urge you to consider that statements which use the terms “anticipate,” “believe,” “do not believe,” “expect,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We remind readers that forward-looking statements are merely predictions and therefore inherently subject to uncertainties and other factors and involve known and unknown risks that could cause the actual results, performance, levels of activity, or our achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance, levels of activity, or our achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are also included in Item 4 – “Information on the Company” and Item 5 – “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.”
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States, we undertake no obligation to publicly release any update or revision to any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or circumstances, or otherwise after the date hereof. We have attempted to identify significant uncertainties and other factors affecting forward-looking statements in the Risk Factors section that appears in Item 3D. “Key Information - Risk Factors.”
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Page
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4
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4
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4
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4
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A. Selected Financial Data
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4
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B. Capitalization and Indebtedness
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5
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C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
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5
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D. Risk Factors
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5
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A. History and Development of the Company
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B. Business Overview
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C. Organizational Structure
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D. Property, Plants and Equipment
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21
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A. Operating Results
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B. Liquidity and Capital Resources
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C. Research and Development
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D.Trend Information
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33
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E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
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33
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F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations
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33
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33
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A. Directors and Senior Management
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33
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B. Compensation
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36
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C. Board Practices
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36
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D. Employees
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43
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E. Share Ownership
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44
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47
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A. Major Shareholders
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B. Related Party Transactions
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49
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C. Interests of Experts and Counsel
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49
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A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
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50
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B. Significant Changes
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A. Offer and Listing Details
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B. Plan of Distribution
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52
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C. Markets
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52
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D. Selling Shareholders
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52
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E. Dilution
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52
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F. Expense of the Issue
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52
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52
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A. Share Capital
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52
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B. Memorandum and Articles of Association
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52
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C. Material Contracts
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56
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D. Exchange Controls
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56
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E. Taxation
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56
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F. Dividend and Paying Agents
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67
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G. Statement by Experts
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67
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H. Documents on Display
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67
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I. Subsidiary Information
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68
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68
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68
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ii
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iii
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IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
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Not applicable.
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OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
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Not applicable.
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KEY INFORMATION
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A.
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Selected Financial Data
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The following selected consolidated financial data for and as of the five years ended December 31, 2011 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Our audited consolidated financial statements for the three years ended December 31, 2011 and as of December 31, 2010 and 2011 appear elsewhere in this Annual Report. Our selected consolidated financial data as of December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009 and for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2008 have been derived from audited consolidated financial statements not included in this Annual Report. The selected consolidated financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with and are qualified entirely by reference to Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects,” and our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this annual report.
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Statement of Operations Data:
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Year Ended December 31,
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2007*
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2008*
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2009*
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2010
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2011
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(in thousands, except share and per share data)
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Revenues
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$ | 8,979 | $ | 8,435 | $ | 11, 360 | $ | 11,639 | $ | 12,003 | ||||||||||
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Cost of revenues
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2,711 | 2,267 | 3,777 | 4,201 | 3,941 | |||||||||||||||
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Gross profit
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6,268 | 6,168 | 7,583 | 7,438 | 8,062 | |||||||||||||||
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Selling and marketing
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2,994 | 1,651 | 2,863 | 2,584 | 1,905 | |||||||||||||||
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Research and development, net
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2,640 | 2,688 | 1,888 | 1,547 | 1,909 | |||||||||||||||
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General and administrative
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3,695 | 3,065 | 3,618 | 3,016 | 3,847 | |||||||||||||||
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Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets
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2,312 | -- | -- | -- | ||||||||||||||||
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Operating income (loss)
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(5,373 | ) | (1,236 | ) | (786 | ) | 291 | 401 | ||||||||||||
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Financial (expenses) income, net
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(97 | ) | 24 | (31 | ) | -- | 2 | |||||||||||||
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Capital gain (loss) on sale of long-term investment
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(63 | ) | 398 | -- | -- | 78 | ||||||||||||||
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Income (loss) before taxes on income
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(5,533 | ) | (814 | ) | (817 | ) | 291 | 481 | ||||||||||||
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Taxes on income (benefit), net
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(68 | ) | 108 | 20 | (47 | ) | 10 | |||||||||||||
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Net income (loss) before equity in earnings (losses) of affiliate
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(5,465 | ) | (922 | ) | (837 | ) | 244 | 471 | ||||||||||||
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Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliate
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(197 | ) | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||
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Net income (loss) from continuing operations
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$ | (5,662 | ) | $ | (922 | ) | $ | (837 | ) | $ | 244 | $ | 471 | |||||||
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Net loss from discontinued operations
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(161 | ) | (38 | ) | (40 | ) | (68 | ) | (84 | ) | ||||||||||
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Net income (loss)
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$ | (5,823 | ) | $ | (960 | ) | $ | (877 | ) | $ | 176 | $ | 387 | |||||||
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Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share from continuing operations
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$ | (1.96 | ) | $ | (0.28 | ) | $ | (0.19 | ) | $ | 0.05 | 0.11 | ||||||||
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Basic and diluted net loss per share from discontinued operations
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$ | (0.06 | ) | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.02 | ) | |||||
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Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share
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$ | (2.02 | ) | $ | (0.30 | ) | $ | (0.20 | ) | $ | 0.04 | 0.09 | ||||||||
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Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in computing basic and diluted net income (loss) per share
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2,886,923 | 3,264,918 | 4,458,976 | 4,459,057 | 4,459,057 | |||||||||||||||
______________
* In March 2009, we discontinued the operations of TABS Brazil Ltda. Accordingly, TABS Brazil Ltda.’s results of operations were classified as discontinued operations and the results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009 have been reclassified accordingly.
4
Balance Sheet Data:
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As of December 31,
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2007
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2008
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2009
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2010
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2011
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(in thousands)
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Working capital (deficiency) of continuing operations*
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$ | (1,789 | ) | $ | (1,459 | ) | $ | (1,825 | ) | $ | (1,129 | ) | $ | (317 | ) | |||||
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Total assets of continuing operations*
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8,402 | 10,542 | 9,890 | 9,607 | 9,734 | |||||||||||||||
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Long-term loans
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-- | -- | -- | -- | -- | |||||||||||||||
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Shareholders’ equity
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1,569 | 3,799 | 3,115 | 3,363 | 3,832 | |||||||||||||||
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* In March 2009, we discontinued the operations of TABS Brazil Ltda. Accordingly, the balance sheet data of the assets and liabilities attributable to such discontinued operations have been excluded from the working capital (deficiency) and the total assets.
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B.
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Capitalization and Indebtedness
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Not applicable.
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C.
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Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
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Not applicable.
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D.
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Risk Factors
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Investing in our ordinary shares involves a high degree of risk and uncertainty. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below before investing in our ordinary shares. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations could be harmed. In that case, the value of our ordinary shares could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment.
Risks Relating to Our Business and Market
We derive the majority of our revenues from TEM call accounting solutions, the market for which has declined in recent years.
The majority of our revenues are derived from our TEM call accounting solutions, whose revenues declined each year from 2006 until 2011 and revenues for these products may not grow in the future. If the market for our TEM solutions fails to grow or stabilize in the future, our business, operating results and financial condition would be adversely affected. Our future financial performance will be dependent to a substantial degree on the successful introduction, marketing and customer acceptance of new invoice management products.
We depend on a mobile virtual network operator for an increasing percentage of our sales.
One of our primary customers is Simple Mobile LLC, or Simple Mobile, a U.S.-based mobile virtual network operator, or MVNO, for whom we provide hosted billing services. In August 2011, we renewed our agreement with Simple Mobile for a period ending December 31, 2012. In 2011, sales attributable to this MVNO accounted for approximately 16.4% of our revenues and are expected to account for a greater percentage of our revenues in 2012. If Simple Mobile were to curtail or terminate its relationship with us, our operating results and financial condition would be adversely affected in the future.
5
Our results may be adversely affected by competition.
The market for telemanagement products and invoice management solutions is fragmented and is intensely competitive. Competition in the industry is generally based on product performance, depth of product line, technical support and price. We compete both with international and local competitors (including providers of telecommunications services), many of whom have significantly greater financial, technical and marketing resources than us. We anticipate continuing competition in the telemanagement products and invoice management solution market and the entrance of new competitors into the market. Our existing and potential customers, including business telephone switching system manufacturers and vendors, may be able to develop telemanagement products and services that are as effective as, or more effective or easier to use than, those offered by us. Such existing and potential competitors may also enjoy substantial advantages over us in terms of research and development expertise, manufacturing efficiency, name recognition, sales and marketing expertise and distribution channels. We may not be able to compete successfully against current or future competitors and that competition may adversely affect our future revenues and, consequently, on our business, operating results and financial condition.
We have had a recent history of operating losses and may not sustain profitability in the future; to the extent that we incur operating losses, we may not have sufficient working capital to fund our operations in the future.
We incurred operating losses in the past and, even though we had operating profits in 2010 and 2011, we may not be able to sustain profitable operations in the future or generate positive cash flows from operations. To the extent that we incur operating losses in the future or are unable to generate free cash flows from our business, we may not have sufficient working capital to fund our operations in the future. If we do not generate sufficient cash from operations, we will be required to obtain additional financing or reduce level of expenditure. Such financing may not be available in the future, or, if available, may not be on terms satisfactory to us. If adequate funds are not available to us, our business, and results of operations and financial condition will be adversely affected.
We are subject to risks relating to proprietary rights and risks of infringement.
We are dependent upon our proprietary software technology, and we rely primarily on a combination of copyright and trademark laws, trade secrets, confidentiality procedures and contractual provisions to protect our proprietary rights. We try to protect our software, documentation and other written materials under trade secret and copyright laws, which afford only limited protection. It is possible that others will develop technologies that are similar or superior to our technology. Unauthorized parties may attempt to copy aspects of our products or to obtain and use information that we regard as proprietary. It is difficult to police the unauthorized use of our products, and we expect software piracy to be a persistent problem, although we are unable to determine the extent to which piracy of our software products exists. In addition, the laws of some foreign countries do not protect our proprietary rights as fully as do the laws of the United States. Our means of protecting our proprietary rights in the United States or abroad may not be adequate or our competition may independently develop similar technology.
It is possible that third parties will claim infringement by us of their intellectual property rights. We believe that software product developers will increasingly be subject to infringement claims as the number of products and competitors in our industry segment grows and the functionality of products in different industry segments overlaps. Any such claims, with or without merits, could: (i) result in costly litigation; (ii) divert management’s attention and resources; (iii) cause product shipment delays; or (iv) require us to enter into royalty or licensing agreements. Such royalty or licensing agreements, if required, may not be available on terms acceptable to us, if at all. If there is a successful claim of product infringement against us and we are not able to license the infringed or similar technology, our business, operating results and financial condition would be adversely affected. We are not aware that we are infringing upon any proprietary rights of third parties. We recently settled a patent infringement lawsuit that was filed against us and other companies by Asentinel LLC.
6
We are subject to risks associated with rapid technological change and risks associated with new versions and new products.
The information and telecommunication service providers market in which we compete is characterized by rapid technological change, introductions of new products, changes in customer demands and evolving industry standards. Our future success will depend upon our ability to keep pace with the technological developments and to timely address the increasingly sophisticated needs of our customers by supporting existing and new telecommunication technologies and services and by developing and introducing enhancements to our current and new products. We may not be successful in developing and marketing enhancements to our products that will respond to technological change, evolving industry standards or customer requirements, we may experience difficulties that could delay or prevent the successful development, introduction and sale of such enhancements or such enhancements may not adequately meet the requirements of the marketplace and achieve any significant degrees of market acceptance. If release dates of any new products or enhancements are delayed or, if when released, they fail to achieve market acceptance, our business, operating results and financial condition would be materially and adversely affected. In addition, the introduction or announcement of new product offerings or enhancements by us or our competitors may cause customers to defer or forgo purchases of current versions of our products, which could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.
Unfavorable national and global economic conditions could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.
The crisis in the financial and credit markets in the United States, Europe and Asia during 2008 and 2009 led to a global economic slowdown, with the economies of the United States and Europe showing significant signs of weakness. Although global economic conditions have stabilized or improved, many of the markets in which we operate have not fully recovered. If the economies in the countries in which we operate continue to be uncertain or weaken further, the demand for our products and technology may decrease as a result of constraints on capital spending by our customers. In addition, this could result in longer sales cycles and increased price competition for our products. Any of these events would likely harm our business, operating results and financial condition. If global economic and market conditions, or economic conditions in the United States, Europe or Asia or other key markets, remain uncertain or weaken further, our business, operating results and financial condition may be adversely affected.
Our operating results fluctuate significantly.
Our quarterly and annual results have fluctuated significantly in the past and are likely to fluctuate significantly in the future. Our future operating results will depend on many factors, including, but not limited to the following:
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demand for our products;
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ability to retain existing customers;
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changes in our pricing policies or those of our competitors;
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new product announcements by us and our competitors;
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the number, timing and significance of product enhancements;
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product life cycles;
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our ability to develop, introduce and market new and enhanced products on a timely basis;
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changes in the level of our operating expenses;
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budgeting cycles of our customers;
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7
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customer order deferrals in anticipation of enhancements or new products that we or our competitors offer;
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changes in our strategy;
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seasonal trends and general domestic and international economic and political conditions, among others; and
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currency exchange rate fluctuations and economic conditions in the geographic areas where we operate.
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We have often recognized a substantial portion of our revenues in the last quarter of the year and in the last month, or even weeks or days, of a quarter. Our expense levels are substantially based on our expectations for future revenues and are therefore relatively fixed in the short term. If revenue levels fall below expectations, our quarterly results are likely to be disproportionately adversely affected because a proportionately smaller amount of our expenses varies with our revenues. Our operating results are generally not characterized by a seasonal pattern, except that our sales in Europe are generally lower in the summer months.
We typically ship orders for our TABS product line shortly after receipt of a purchase order and, consequently, order backlog at the beginning of any quarter has in the past represented only a small portion of that quarter’s revenues. As a result, license revenues from our TABS product line in any quarter depend substantially on orders for TABS products that have been booked and shipped in that quarter. Also, we cannot predict whether revenues from our TEM Suite will be recognized in any quarter because the delivery and, in some cases, the implementation of all the components of the TEM Suite (including among, other things, customer training) are dependent on the customers individual timing requirements, which can delay the completion of these orders. In addition, a portion of our revenues from billing solutions are generated by using contract accounting on a percentage of completion method and because the completion pace varies from quarter to quarter and is dependent on different variables that are out of our control, a portion of our billing solutions revenues in any quarter depend on our customers’ operational plans, which can delay our ability to progress and complete the projects.
Due to the foregoing, our quarterly financial performance has varied significantly in the past and may vary significantly in the future. Our revenues and operating results in any quarter may not be indicative of our future performance, and it may be difficult for investors to evaluate our prospects. Accordingly, quarterly revenues and operating results are difficult to forecast, and it is likely that our future operating results will be adversely affected by these or other factors. In some future quarter, our operating results may be below the expectations of public market analysts and investors. In such event, it is likely that the price of our ordinary shares would be adversely affected. Accordingly, we believe that period-to-period comparisons of our operating results are not necessarily meaningful and you should not rely upon them as indications of future performance.
We depend on business telephone system manufacturers, vendors and distributors for our sales.
One of the primary distribution channels for our call accounting management products are private branch exchange, or PBX, original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs, and vendors who market our products to end-users in conjunction with their own products. We are highly dependent upon the active marketing and distribution efforts of our PBX OEMs. In 2009, 2010 and 2011, sales attributable to our largest OEM customer, Siemens Gmbh, represented approximately 11.9%, 13.3% and 8.5% of our total revenues, respectively.
Sales of call accounting solutions by PBX manufacturers and vendors have declined markedly in the recent past, and sales through this channel may continue to decline. Our future success will be dependent to a substantial degree on the marketing and sales efforts of such third parties in marketing and integrating our products. These third parties may not give priority to the sale of our products as an enhancement to their products. Although most of the major business telephone switching systems manufacturers and vendors currently rely on third party suppliers to provide call accounting and other telemanagement products, these manufacturers and vendors, including our current customers, may develop their own competing products or purchase competing products from others.
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Because we sell our products through local master distributors in countries where we do not have a marketing subsidiary, we are highly dependent upon the active marketing and distribution efforts of our distributors. We also depend in large part upon our distributors for product maintenance and support. Our distributors may not continue to provide adequate maintenance and support to end-users or provide maintenance and support for new products, which might cause us to seek new or additional distributors or incur additional service and support costs. The distributors to whom we sell our products are generally not contractually required to make future purchases of our products and could, therefore, discontinue carrying our products at any time. None of our distributors or resellers is subject to any minimum purchase requirements under their agreements with us. We may not be able to continue our relationships with our OEM customers or, if such relationships are not maintained, we may not be able to attract and retain comparable PBX OEMs. The loss of any of our major reseller or OEM relationships, either to competitive products offered by other companies or products developed by such resellers, would adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our future performance will depend, in part, on our ability to attract additional PBX manufacturers and vendors that will be able to market and support our products effectively, especially in markets in which we have not previously distributed our products.
Because we collect and recognize revenue from services over the term of our customer agreements, the lack of customer renewals or new customer agreements may not be immediately reflected in our operating results.
We collect and recognize revenue from our customers in service agreements over the term of their agreements with us. As a result, the aggregate effect of a decline in new or renewed customer agreements in any one quarter would not be fully recognized in our revenue for that quarter, but would negatively affect our revenue in future quarters. Consequently, the aggregate effect of significant upturns or downturns in sales of our solution would not be fully reflected in our results of operations until future periods.
We face risks associated with expanding and maintaining our distribution network.
We sell our products through distributors, business telephone switching systems manufacturers and vendors, post, telephone and telegraph authorities, or PTTs and our direct sales force. Our ability to achieve revenue growth in the future will depend in large part on our success in establishing and maintaining relationships with business telephone switching systems manufacturers and vendors and PTTs, and establishing and maintaining relationships with distributors. Historically, we have at times experienced difficulty in establishing effective distribution relationships. We may not be able to successfully expand our distribution channels or any such expansion may not result in an increase in revenues. The failure to expand or maintain our distribution channels could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.
We are subject to risks associated with international operations.
We are based in Israel and generate a large percentage of our sales outside the United States. Our sales in the United States accounted for 73.4%, 75.2% and 74.2% of our total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively. We may not be able to maintain or increase international market demand for our products. To the extent that we cannot do so in a timely manner, our business, operating results and financial condition will be adversely affected.
International operations are subject to inherent risks, including the following:
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the impact of recessionary environments in multiple foreign markets;
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costs of localizing products for foreign markets;
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longer receivables collection periods and greater difficulty in accounts receivable collection;
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unexpected changes in regulatory requirements;
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difficulties and costs of staffing and managing foreign operations;
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reduced protection for intellectual property rights in some countries;
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potentially adverse tax consequences; and
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political and economic instability.
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Our distributors or resellers may not be able to sustain or increase revenues from international operations or the foregoing factors may adversely affect our future revenues and, as a result, on our business, operating results and financial condition.
We may be adversely affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates. While our revenues are generally denominated in U.S. dollars and Euros, a portion of our expenses, primarily salaries, are incurred in NIS. From time to time, we may enter into hedging transactions in order to mitigate such fluctuations. Any hedging transactions that we enter into may not materially reduce the effect of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates on our results of operations. In addition, if, for any reason, exchange or price controls or other restrictions on the conversion of foreign currencies into NIS were imposed, our business could be adversely affected. Currency fluctuations in the future may adversely affect our revenues from international sales and, consequently, on our business, operating results and financial condition.
Natural disasters, terrorist attacks or breaches of network or information technology security could have an adverse effect on our business.
Natural disasters, terrorist acts, acts of war, cyber-attacks or other breaches of network or
information technology (IT) security may cause equipment failures or disrupt our systems and operations. While we maintain insurance coverage for some of these events, the potential liabilities associated with these events could exceed the insurance coverage we maintain. Our inability to operate our facilities as a result of such events, even for a limited period of time, may result in significant expenses and/or loss of market share to other competitors in the market for telemanagement products and invoice management solutions. In addition, a failure to protect the privacy of customer and employee confidential data against breaches of network or IT security could result in damage to our reputation. Any of these occurrences could result in a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
A few of our shareholders are in a position to control matters requiring a shareholder vote.
Mr. Chaim Mer, the Chairman of our Board of Directors, and his wife, Mrs. Dora Mer, currently beneficially own approximately 24.5% of our outstanding ordinary shares, the Info Group, Inc. (formerly AnchorPoint, Inc.) currently beneficially owns 24.4% of our outstanding shares, and Messrs. Lior Salansky and Isaac Ben-Bassat, two of our directors, beneficially own 12.4% and 7.7% of our outstanding ordinary shares, respectively. As a result, such shareholders control and will continue to control the election of our entire Board of Directors other than our two outside directors and generally have the ability to direct our business and affairs.
We are subject to risks arising from product defects and potential product liability.
We may provide a warranty for up to three months for end-users and, in limited instances, up to 12 months for our OEM distributors. Our sales agreements typically contain provisions designed to limit our exposure to potential product liability or related claims. The limitation of liability provisions contained in our agreements may not be effective. Our products are used by businesses to reduce communication costs, recover charges payable by third parties, prevent abuse and misuse of telephone networks and converged billing solutions for information and telecommunication service providers, and as a result, the sale of products by us may entail the risk of product liability and related claims. A product liability claim brought against us could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition. Products such as those offered by us may contain undetected errors or failures when first introduced or when new versions are released. Despite our testing and testing by current and potential customers, errors may be found in new products or releases after commencement of commercial shipments. The occurrence of these errors could result in adverse publicity, loss of or delay in market acceptance or claims by customers against us, any of which could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.
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We may not be able to retain or attract the key managerial, technical and research and development personnel we need to succeed.
Our success has largely depended and will depend in the future on our skilled professional and technical employees. The competition for these employees is intense. We may not be able to retain our present employees, or recruit additional qualified employees as we require them. The loss of any key member of our management team might significantly delay or prevent the achievement of our business or development objectives. Our ability to replace key members of our management team and hire additional skilled personnel in the future might be negatively impacted by the use of restrictive covenants in our industry and market. Any failure to attract and retain key managerial, technical and research and development personnel could adversely affect our ability to generate sales, deploy our products or successfully develop new products and enhancements.
We may fail to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which could have an adverse effect on our financial results and the market price of our ordinary shares.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 imposes certain duties on us and our executives and directors. Our efforts to comply with the requirements of Section 404(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 governing internal control and procedures for financial reporting have resulted in increased general and administrative expense and a diversion of management time and attention, and we expect these efforts to require the continued commitment of significant resources. We may identify material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in our assessments of our internal control over financial reporting. Failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could result in investigation or sanctions by regulatory authorities and could adversely affect our operating results, investor confidence in our reported financial information and the market price of our ordinary shares.
Risk Factors Related to Our Ordinary Shares
If we fail to maintain compliance with NASDAQ’s continued listing requirements, our shares may be delisted from The NASDAQ Capital Market.
Our ordinary shares are listed on The NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “MTSL.” To continue to be listed on The NASDAQ Capital Market, we need to satisfy a number of conditions, including minimum shareholders’ equity of at least $2.5 million and a minimum closing bid price per share of $1.00 for 30 consecutive business days. In the past we fell below the minimum $2.5 million shareholders’ equity and we may not be able to maintain such minimum shareholders’ equity in the future. In the past, we received notices from The NASDAQ Stock Market stating that we were not in compliance with NASDAQ continued listing requirements. Although we regained compliance, we cannot be sure that our shareholders’ equity, share price or minimum market value of publicly held shares will continue to be in compliance with the requirements for continued listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market, or that any appeal of a decision to delist our ordinary shares will be successful. If we are delisted from NASDAQ, trading in our ordinary shares would be conducted on a market where an investor would likely find it significantly more difficult to dispose of, or to obtain accurate quotations as to the value of, our ordinary shares.
We may in the future be classified as a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, which will subject our U.S. investors to adverse tax rules.
Holders of our ordinary shares who are United States residents face income tax risks. There is a substantial risk that we may become a passive foreign investment company, commonly referred to as PFIC. Our treatment as a PFIC could result in a reduction in the after-tax return to the holders of our ordinary shares and would likely cause a reduction in the value of such shares. For U.S. Federal income tax purposes, we will be classified as a PFIC for any taxable year in which either (i) 75% or more of our gross income is passive income, or (ii) at least 50% of the average value of all of our assets for the taxable year produce or are held for the production of passive income. For this purpose, cash is considered to be an asset which produces passive income. As a result of our relatively substantial cash position at the time, we believe that we were a PFIC in certain periods over the last few years under a literal application of the asset test described above, which looks solely to the market value of our assets. We do not believe that we were a PFIC in 2011. If we are classified in the future as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, highly complex rules would apply to U.S. Holders owning ordinary shares. Accordingly, you are urged to consult your tax advisors regarding the application of such rules.
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Our share price has been volatile in the past and may decline in the future.
Our ordinary shares have experienced significant market price and volume fluctuations in the past and may experience significant market price and volume fluctuations in the future in response to factors such as the following, some of which are beyond our control:
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quarterly variations in our operating results;
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operating results that vary from the expectations of securities analysts and investors;
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changes in expectations as to our future financial performance, including financial estimates by investors;
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announcements of technological innovations or new products by us or our competitors;
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announcements by us or our competitors of significant contracts, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments;
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announcements by third parties of significant claims or proceedings against us;
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changes in the status of our intellectual property rights;
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additions or departures of key personnel;
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future sales of our ordinary shares; and
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general stock market prices and volume fluctuations.
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Domestic and international stock markets often experience extreme price and volume fluctuations. Market fluctuations, as well as general political and economic conditions, such as a recession or interest rate or currency rate fluctuations or political events or hostilities in or surrounding Israel, could adversely affect the market price of our ordinary shares.
In the past, securities class action litigation has often been brought against a company following periods of volatility in the market price of its securities. We may in the future be the target of similar litigation. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and divert management’s attention and resources.
We do not expect to distribute cash dividends.
We do not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. According to the Israeli Companies Law, a company may distribute dividends out of its profits (within the meaning of the Israeli Companies Law), so long as the company reasonably believes that such dividend distribution will not prevent the company from paying all its current and future debts. The declaration of dividends is subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on various factors, including our operating results, financial condition, future prospects and any other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors. You should not rely on an investment in our company if you require dividend income from your investment in our company. The success of your investment will likely depend entirely upon any future appreciation of the market price of our ordinary shares, which is uncertain and unpredictable. There is no guarantee that our ordinary shares will appreciate in value or even maintain the price at which you purchased your ordinary shares.
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Risks Relating to Operations in Israel
Political, economic and military instability in Israel may disrupt our operations and negatively affect our business condition, harm our results of operations and adversely affect our share price.
We are incorporated under the laws of, and our principal executive offices and manufacturing and research and development facilities are located in, the State of Israel. As a result, political, economic and military conditions affecting Israel directly influence us. Any major hostilities involving Israel, a full or partial mobilization of the reserve forces of the Israeli army, the interruption or curtailment of trade between Israel and its present trading partners, or a significant downturn in the economic or financial condition of Israel could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Since the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, Israel and its Arab neighbors have engaged in a number of armed conflicts. A state of hostility, varying from time to time in intensity and degree, has led to security and economic problems for Israel. In recent years, there was an escalation in violence among Israel, Hamas, the Palestinian Authority and other groups. Also, during 2011, riots and uprisings in several countries in the Middle East and neighboring regions have led to severe political instability in several neighboring states and to a decline in the regional security situation. Such instability may affect the local and global economy, could negatively affect business conditions and, therefore, could adversely affect our operations. To date, these matters have not had any material effect on our business and results of operations; however, the regional security situation and worldwide perceptions of it are outside our control, and there can be no assurance that these matters will not negatively affect us in the future. Ongoing violence between Israel and the Palestinians as well as tension between Israel and other countries in the Middle East may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Furthermore, there are a number of countries, primarily in the Middle East, as well as Malaysia and Indonesia, that restrict business with Israel or Israeli companies, and we are precluded from marketing our products to these countries. Restrictive laws or policies directed towards Israel or Israeli businesses may have an adverse impact on our operations, our financial results or the expansion of our business.
Our results of operations may be negatively affected by the obligation of our personnel to perform military service.
Some of our directors, officers and employees in Israel are obligated to perform annual reserve duty in the Israeli Defense Forces and may be called for active duty under emergency circumstances at any time. If a military conflict or war arises, these individuals could be required to serve in the military for extended periods of time. Our operations could be disrupted by the absence for a significant period of one or more of our executive officers or key employees or a significant number of other employees due to military service. Any disruption in our operations could adversely affect our business.
Our financial results may be adversely affected by inflation and currency fluctuations.
We report our financial results in dollars, while a portion of our expenses, primarily salaries, are paid in NIS. Therefore, our NIS related costs, as expressed in U.S. dollars, are influenced by the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the NIS. The appreciation of the NIS against the U.S. dollar will result in an increase in the U.S. dollar cost of our NIS expenses. We are also influenced by the timing of, and the extent to which, any increase in the rate of inflation in Israel over the rate of inflation in the United States is not offset by the devaluation of the NIS in relation to the dollar. Our dollar costs in Israel will increase if inflation in Israel exceeds the devaluation of the NIS against the dollar or if the timing of such devaluation lags behind inflation in Israel. In the past, the NIS exchange rate with the dollar and other foreign currencies had fluctuated, generally reflecting inflation rate differentials. We cannot predict any future trends in the rate of inflation in Israel or the rate of devaluation or appreciation of the NIS against the dollar. If the dollar cost of our operations in Israel increases, our dollar measured results of operations will be adversely affected. From time to time, we engage in currency-hedging transactions intended to reduce the effect of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates on our financial position and results of operations. However, any such hedging transaction may not materially reduce the effect of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates on such results.
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The government programs and tax benefits we currently participate in or receive require us to meet several conditions. Such programs may be terminated or reduced in the future and restrict our ability to transfer technology outside of Israel.
We have benefited from certain Israeli Government grants, programs and tax benefits. In each of the last five fiscal years we applied to the Office of the Chief Scientist of the Israeli Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor for grants for our research and development projects and we subsequently received approval for such applications other than our 2011 application. Future grant applications may not be approved by the Office of the Chief Scientist and we may not be able to obtain any such grants in the future. To remain eligible for these grants, programs and tax benefits, we must comply with certain conditions, including making specified investments in fixed assets from our own equity and paying royalties with respect to grants received. In addition, some of these programs restrict our ability to manufacture particular products and to transfer particular technology outside of Israel. If we do not meet these conditions in the future, the benefits we received could be canceled and we may have to refund payments previously received under these programs or pay increased taxes. The Government of Israel has reduced the benefits available under these programs in recent years and these programs and tax benefits may be discontinued or curtailed in the future.
Service and enforcement of legal process on us and our directors and officers may be difficult to obtain.
Service of process upon our directors and officers, most of whom reside outside the United States, may be difficult to obtain within the United States. Furthermore, since substantially all of our assets, and the assets of most of our directors and officers, are located outside the United States, any judgment obtained in the United States against us or these individuals or entities may not be collectible within the United States.
There is doubt as to the enforceability of civil liabilities under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act in original actions instituted in Israel. However, subject to certain time limitations and other conditions, Israeli courts may enforce final judgments of United States courts for liquidated amounts in civil matters, including judgments based upon the civil liability provisions of those Acts.
Provisions of Israeli law may delay, prevent or make difficult our acquisition by a third-party, which could prevent a change of control and therefore depress the price of our shares.
Provisions of Israeli corporate and tax law may have the effect of delaying, preventing or making more difficult a merger with us or other acquisition of our shares or assets. This could cause our ordinary shares to trade at prices below the price for which third parties might be willing to pay to gain control of us. Third parties who are otherwise willing to pay a premium over prevailing market prices to gain control of us may be unable or unwilling to do so because of these provisions of Israeli law.
The rights and responsibilities of our shareholders are governed by Israeli law and differ in some respects from the rights and responsibilities of shareholders under U.S. law.
We are incorporated under Israeli law. The rights and responsibilities of holders of our ordinary shares are governed by our memorandum of association, articles of association and Israeli law. These rights and responsibilities differ in some respects from the rights and responsibilities of shareholders in typical U.S. corporations. In particular, each shareholder of an Israeli company has a duty to act in good faith in exercising his or her rights and fulfilling his or her obligations toward the company and other shareholders and to refrain from abusing his power in the company, including, among other things, in voting at the general meeting of shareholders on certain matters. Israeli law provides that these duties are applicable in shareholder votes on, among other things, amendments to a company’s articles of association, increases in a company’s authorized share capital, mergers and interested party transactions requiring shareholder approval. In addition, a controlling shareholder of an Israeli company or a shareholder who knows that it possesses the power to determine the outcome of a shareholder vote or who has the power to appoint or prevent the appointment of a director or officer in the company has a duty of fairness toward the company. However, Israeli law does not define the substance of this duty of fairness. Because Israeli corporate law has undergone extensive revision in recent years, there is little case law available to assist in understanding the implications of these provisions that govern shareholder behavior.
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As a foreign private issuer, whose shares are listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market, we may follow certain home country corporate governance practices instead of certain NASDAQ requirements. We follow Israeli law and practice instead of NASDAQ Stock Market Rules regarding the requirement to maintain a majority of independents directors, the director nomination process and the requirement to obtain shareholder approval for certain dilutive events.
As a foreign private issuer whose shares are listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market, we are permitted to follow certain home country corporate governance practices instead of certain requirements of The NASDAQ Stock Market Rules. We follow Israeli law and practice instead of The NASDAQ Stock Market Rules regarding the requirement to maintain a majority of independents directors, the director nomination process and the requirement to obtain shareholder approval for certain dilutive events (such as for the establishment or amendment of certain equity based compensation plans, an issuance that will result in a change of control of the company, certain transactions other than a public offering involving issuances of a 20% or more interest in the company and certain acquisitions of the stock or assets of another company). As a foreign private issuer listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market, we may also follow home country practice with regard to, among other things, compensation of officers and quorum at shareholders’ meetings. A foreign private issuer that elects to follow a home country practice instead of NASDAQ requirements must submit to NASDAQ in advance a written statement from an independent counsel in such issuer’s home country certifying that the issuer’s practices are not prohibited by the home country’s laws. In addition, a foreign private issuer must disclose in its annual reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission each such requirement that it does not follow and describe the home country practice followed by the issuer instead of any such requirement. Accordingly, our shareholders may not be afforded the same protection as provided under NASDAQ’s corporate governance rules.
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INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
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A.
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History and Development of the Company
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Our company was incorporated under the laws of the State of Israel in December 1995. We are a public limited liability company under the Israeli Companies Law 5739-1999 and operate under such law and associated legislation. Our registered offices and principal place of business are located at 14 Hatidhar
Street, Ra΄anana 43665, Israel, and our telephone number is +972-9-7777-555. Our
website address is
www.mtsint.com.
The information on our website is not incorporated by reference into this annual report.
We are a worldwide provider of solutions for telecommunications expense management, or TEM, and billing solutions. Our TEM solutions assist enterprises and organizations to make smarter choices with their telecommunications spending at each stage of the service lifecycle, including allocation of cost, proactive budget control, fraud detection, processing of payments and spending forecasting. Our converged billing solutions have been successfully implemented worldwide by wireless providers, Voice over Internet Protocol, Internet Protocol Television, MVNO and content service providers. Our converged billing solutions include applications for charging and invoicing customers, interconnect billing and partner revenue management using pre-pay and post-pay schemes.
In February 2008, we completed the sale of our ownership interest in cVidya Networks Inc. and received total proceeds of approximately $603,000 for the sale. We recorded a capital gain of approximately $382,000 as a result of the transaction.
On December 30, 2008, we completed the acquisition of certain assets and liabilities of AnchorPoint, a Massachusetts-based provider of TEM solutions. This acquisition has enabled us to expand our product offerings and reduce our customers’ telecom costs and improve their information technology and telecom activities. The aggregate consideration paid for the acquisition was the issuance of 24.4% of our outstanding shares on a post-transaction basis.
In March 2011, we completed the sale of our ownership interest in Silverbyte Networks Ltd., accounted for under cost method investment, and received total proceeds of approximately $90,000 from the sale, that we recorded as other income in 2011.
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Our capital expenditures for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011 were approximately $2.1 million, $1.6 million and $2.0 million, respectively. These expenditures were principally for research and development equipment, office furniture and equipment and leasehold improvements.
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Business Overview
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Industry Background
We are a global provider of business support systems for comprehensive telecommunication management and TEM solutions, including call accounting. Our TEM suite helps organizations reduce operational expenses, improve productivity and optimize networks and services associated with communications networks and information technology.
The advances in communications technologies and the proliferation of mobile devices have greatly increased the financial and personnel resources required by an enterprise to operate and manage its communications environment. The communications industry has also undergone significant regulatory changes that have resulted in the expansion of the number of service providers and available products. Enterprises need to manage an increasing number of service options and a growing volume and complexity of communications contracts and billing arrangements. Inefficient management of these expenses, including overpayments as a result of billing errors, often results in enterprises incurring significant unnecessary expenses.
Enterprises are increasingly seeking solutions to effectively and efficiently manage, control and optimize their expanding communications assets, services, usage and associated expenses. The TEM market provides solutions to help meet this demand. A number of trends have increased the demand for TEM solutions, such as the growing complexity of communications service plans, large volume and complexity of communications bills and the globalization of business that require corporations to manage their communications assets and services in a centralized fashion across carriers, countries of origin and languages.
Call accounting products, which are fundamental management tools, record, retrieve and process data received from a PBX or other telephone switching system. This information provides a telecommunications manager with information on telephone usage and enables the management of internal billing, fraud detection and optimizes an enterprise’s telecommunications resources.
In addition to our TEM solutions, we are a global provider of customer care and billing solutions, and we sell real-time and off-line billing and customer care software for various types of communication providers, mainly for developed markets and small service providers and carriers. Our billing and customer care solution supports multiple services, including voice, data, and content services, as well as prepaid and postpaid payment models in a single platform. It primarily serves traditional wireline and wireless, voice over Internet protocol, content, broadband IP network operators and MVNOs. Prepaid subscribers can enjoy the full range of services offered by the provider, with their special bundles, rating plans and limits. The prepaid solution authorizes each service and controls each session in real time, taking care that the balance is not exceeded. All services used by a postpaid subscriber appear in a single bill, which includes all charges, including one-time, recurring and usage-related charges.
Our billing solution includes our own integrated real-time mediation product that provides interfaces with IP, Intelligent Networks, or IN integration, and traditional telecommunication equipment. We offer our billing solutions as a software license or as software as a service, or SaaS. Our billing managed services solution is an outsourcing solution geared to domestic and multi-national carriers that are looking to reduce their initial investment in equipment and IT expenses and look for a professional service provider to manage their customer care and billing activity.
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Products and Services
Call Accounting and Telecommunications Expense Management Solutions for Enterprises
TEM Suite
Our TEM Suite is a solution that assists organizations to reduce their telecom spending, manage their telecom assets, bill internal and external customers, and monitor the quality of service of their telecom networks. Our TEM Suite includes several modules that can be delivered as a software license or as software as a service, or SaaS. The TEM Suite software platform encompasses the business processes conducted by IT and finance departments in acquiring, provisioning and supporting corporate telecommunications assets. Solutions include software suites and the outsourcing of specific tasks to third-party service providers. At the heart of any TEM offering is an automated software platform used by the business or by an external service provider managing a company’s telecom invoices and assets. In July 2011, Technology Marketing Corporation named the TEM Suite as a recipient of a 2010 Communications Solutions Product of the Year Award, and in December 2011 TEM Suite won a 2011 Internet Telephony Product of the Year Award for the second year in a row.
On June 7, 2011, we released version 2.0 of our TEM Suite platform. Building upon our AnchorPoint and Application Suite TEM platforms, version 2.0 adds to that platform’s success with its expanded capabilities and ease of use. Our TEM Suite enables IT managers and finance teams to monitor, control and save IT and communication expenses by utilizing the following features and functions:
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Invoice Management
- Provides enterprises with a simplified and automated tool for monitoring, managing, verifying and routing invoices for payment or correction. Invoice items originate from various sources, which include the telecommunication service provider, the devices used such as calling cards, mobile lines, landlines, circuits as well as services and equipment provided. Our solution provides an analysis of all invoice data against the agreement between the enterprise and the service provider, real device usage, online inventory, as well as additional equipment or services. This reduces overhead costs caused by invoice and contract discrepancies, disputes and errors.
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Call Accounting
- Collection of call data records directly from PBXs, including rates and pricing of calls,
and generation of detailed and summary reports.
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Asset Management
- Managing and organizing any type of telecom assets (voice, data, and wireless) in the organization, by providing a flexible utility that allows a user to manage new device types
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Allocates charges for use of telecom assets and assigns assets to personnel in order to track usage and costs. Generates billing reports.
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Cable Management
- Managing and organizing cable connections between devices in the system by connecting segments of devices and cables. Presents a graphical image of the cable map and generates reports.
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Private Calls Management
– Management of private calls by personnel allowing the IT manager to obtain a clear picture of the private and business calls made, while maintaining the privacy of the employee, and allocates the costs to the respective business unit and personnel.
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My Portal
-A consolidated interface which presents users with required and vital information, such as alerts regarding the behavior of the system, and it performs common tasks in the system, such as defining users and extensions and running reports.
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VOIP Quality of Service
–Enables the organization to generate reports concerning the quality of phone calls. This module assists the organization to pinpoint problematic points and bottlenecks in its network and work towards solving them.
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Proactive Alerts
– Sophisticated alert mechanism that enables the organization to monitor the system by issuing alerts for exceptional events regarding system health, Quality of Service, misuse of the system by excessive use, budget control and emergency calls, and distributes those alerts to authorized users of the application.
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Tenant Resale
– Handles tenant accounts according to different customer billing profiles, supplying them with various kinds of telecom services, including phone usage, instrument/handset installation and maintenance, invoice generation based on usage and tracking of payments.
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Work Order Management
- A powerful work flow system for flexible definition of processes, which facilitates the management of work orders and trouble tickets, tracking them from initiation to completion, allowing a close follow up on their assignments and status.
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TEM Services
Map-to-Win
SM
.
Customer engagements begin with Map-to-Win
SM
, which is a strategic consulting approach for our TEM solution. Map-to-Win
SM
enables organizations to effectively align their business goals with their people, processes and technology investments to assure that their expense management initiatives will be successful. Our proprietary Map-to-Win
SM
approach ensures that proven business processes are used to define both the customer’s and our responsibilities during setup and implementation. This enables our customers to maximize any process improvement opportunities and ensures that nothing is overlooked during this process.
Consulting Services.
Consulting services for our TEM solution are designed to assist companies to develop a strategic telecom plan that is right for their needs and to address their tactical requirements as they arise. Our consulting services work closely with internal IT/telecom and finance teams to ensure a successful TEM solution from start to finish. Our TEM consultants support every stage of the TEM lifecycle, using best-practices-based analysis and processes to help leverage the customers’ internal processes and technology. The end result is a long-term, measurable TEM strategy. Our consulting services include:
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invoice and inventory audit and recovery;
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contract negotiations and strategic sourcing;
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discovery and road mapping services;
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process diagnosis and solution design;
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wireless optimization; and
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creation and implementation of IT governance, risk and compliance policies.
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Billing Solutions
Our billing solutions are used worldwide by wireless and wireline service providers for interconnect billing, partner revenue management and for charging and invoicing their customers. Our billing solutions for service providers are based on our Total-e product with the following modules:
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MVNO Management – manages the activities of MVNOs and provides network operators with integration for billing and provisioning management, resellers’ point of sale applications, customer web self-care, customer billing, reseller management and subscriber identity module management.
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Retail Billing – customer care and billing (business and residential). The billing and rating is for both postpaid and prepaid scenarios.
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Partner Management – management of all value added services, or VAS, provided (such as content SMS/MMS, pay-by-mobile services and location-based advertising services). The module supports advance business models, such as revenue sharing between the operator/service provider and VAS provider based on the end customer’s consumption.
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Interconnect/Wholesale Management – manages the activity between the operator/service provider and other local or international carriers for the traffic that is transferred between them. The basic goal of an interconnect solution is to produce an invoice for the calls you have delivered for another operator and to validate the invoices received from other operators for the calls they have delivered for you.
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MFS – enables service providers and carriers with millions of customers and broad distribution channels to participate in the high margins associated with financial services, an opportunity previously enjoyed only by banks and associated financial services companies.
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We believe that the MVNO market is a growing business that has the potential to be a growth engine for our company. Our first MVNO customer, Simple Mobile, is a U.S.-based MVNO for whom we provide hosted billing services. In 2011, sales attributable to Simple Mobile accounted for approximately 16.4% of our revenues, and are expected to account for a greater percentage of our revenues in 2012. If Simple Mobile were to curtail, terminate or not renew its relationship with us, our sales would be adversely impacted in the future. In January 2012, we entered into a strategic partnership with Quantum Telecom Inc. to include our MVNO solution as part of the Forum Mobile MVNE solution for MNOs (Mobile Network Operators) and MVNOs.
Customer Service and Installation
We provide customer support to end-users and channels (distributors and business partners) in the United States, Israel and Hong Kong on both a service contract and a per-incident basis. Our technical support engineers answer support calls directly and generally seek to provide same-day responses. We provide updated telephone rate tables to customers on a periodic basis under annual service contracts. The rate tables are obtained from third-party vendors who provide this data for all major long-distance service providers. Our distributors provide a full range of service and technical support functions for our products, including rate tables, to their respective end-user customers.
Sales and Marketing
We rely on business partners, our existing customer base and new direct customers for our sales. We believe that partnering with business partners is the most advantageous means to generate new sales of our solutions. In addition, our broad base of previously installed solutions, primarily in the United States, provides us with opportunities to offer and sell any new products, solutions and services.
We sell our solutions worldwide through original equipment manufacturer, or OEMs, distribution channels and our own direct sales force in the United States, Israel and Hong Kong, and through a network of local distributors in these and various other countries. We employed ten persons in sales and marketing and 33 persons in support as of December 31, 2011, as compared to nine persons in sales and marketing and 37 persons in support as of December 31, 2010 and eight persons in sales and marketing and 44 persons in support as of December 31, 2009.
We conduct a wide range of marketing activities aimed at generating awareness and leads. We maintain our websites (
www.mtsint.com
and
www.mtsbill.com)
, allowing for correspondence and queries from new potential customers as well as promoting support for our existing customer base. The information on our website is not incorporated by reference into this annual report.
Managed Services.
Our managed services solution is an outsourcing solution geared to domestic and multi-national companies that centrally manage their telecommunications usage and is offered as an added value service. Our managed services for call accounting are offered in the United States where our New Jersey office acts as a service bureau. Our managed services for our TEM Suite solution are offered by our office in Georgia, utilizing a hosting facility operated by SunGard in Massachusetts. Managed services for our TEM Suite solution include the outsourcing of activities of database management, invoice loading (electronic or paper), invoice auditing and payment services, service order and procurement, chargeback and usage management, dispute management, report generation and enterprise application interfaces. Managed services are attractive to enterprises that have made the strategic decision to outsource non-core, back-office functions and focus on a core set of competencies. Our managed service for our billing solutions are offered in the United States and in Israel and designed for domestic and multi-national carriers that are looking to reduce their initial investment in equipment and IT expenses and look for a professional service provider to manage their customer care and billing activity.
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Switching Systems Manufacturers and Vendors.
We believe that the most efficient means of selling our telemanagement products is to enter into relationships with major business telephone system manufacturers and vendors who market our products on either an OEM basis or supplemental sales basis at the time they sell their switching systems. We also utilize our distributors to market our products to local business telephone switching systems manufacturers and distributors. We intend to establish additional strategic relationships with business telephone switching systems manufacturers and vendors. Among the companies that sell our telemanagement products are
Damovo, ECI/Tadiran, NEC, Panasonic and Siemens. Sales attributable to Siemens, our largest OEM customer, represented approximately 11.9%, 13.3% and 8.5% of our total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively.
Distributors.
In general, in those countries where we do not have a marketing subsidiary, we distribute our products through a local distributor. Marketing, sales, training, product and client support are provided by our local distributors. A local distributor is typically a telecommunication products marketing organization with the capability to add value with installation, training and support. Distributors are generally responsible for the localization of our products into their native language. The distributor also translates our standardized product marketing literature and technical documentation. Prior to becoming an authorized distributor, the distributor’s employees must undergo sales and technical training. We are available for second-tier support for the distributor and for end-users. In coordination with the distributors, we also provide technical support for large and multinational accounts. We have distributors worldwide and intend to expand our network of distributors and resellers in selected markets.
Strategic Relationships
. As part of our marketing strategy, we attempt to develop and establish new strategic relationships with manufacturers of voice and data communication systems and IP-based equipment as means of entering new markets and channels. In addition we develop and establish value added partnerships with telecom and IT consultants who seek to offer TEM and/or telemanagement solutions to their existing customers and prospects.
Competition
The market for telemanagement and TEM products and billing solutions is fragmented and intensely competitive. Competition in the industry is generally based on product performance, depth of product line and services, technical support and price. We compete both with international and local competitors (including providers of telecommunications and billing services), many of whom have significantly greater financial, technical and marketing resources than we do. Our existing and potential customers, including business telephone switching system manufacturers and vendors, may be able to develop telemanagement, TEM and billing products and services that are as effective as, or more effective or easier to use than, those offered by us. Such existing and potential competitors may also enjoy substantial advantages over us in terms of research and development expertise, manufacturing efficiency, name recognition, sales and marketing expertise and distribution channels. Although we believe that the quality of our products and services are equal to or better than that of our competitors with regard to performance and reliability, we have no quantitative data other than the evaluations of our present customers from which to assess our current ability to compete. There can be no assurance that we will be able to compete successfully against current or future competitors or that competition will not adversely affect our future revenues and, consequently, on our business, operating results and financial condition.
Intellectual Property Rights
We believe that, because of the rapid pace of technological change in the communication industry, the most significant factors in our intellectual property rights are the knowledge, ability and experience of our employees, the frequency of product enhancements and the timeliness and quality of support services provided by us. In addition, we rely upon a combination of security devices, copyrights, trademarks, patents, trade secret laws, confidentiality procedures and contractual restrictions to protect our rights in our products. In 2005, we filed an international patent application (PCT application), which is currently pending, relating to a mobile verification technique that verifies mobile phone usage against the bill received from the service provider. Our policy has been to pursue copyright protection for our software and related documentation and trademark registration of our product names. Some of our products have the added protection afforded by a hardware component which has embedded software that it is difficult to misappropriate. In addition, our key employees and independent contractors are required to sign non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements. All of the intellectual property rights with respect to our current products are held by us or our wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary, MTS IntegraTRAK.
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Our trademark rights include rights associated with the use of our trademarks and rights obtained by registration of our trademarks in Israel and the United States. We have also acquired rights in certain registered trademarks and common law trademarks and service marks in connection with the products we acquired from Teleknowledge in December 2004 and the assets we acquired from TelSoft in July 2006 and AnchorPoint in December 2008.
The use and registration rights of our trademarks does not ensure that we have superior rights over other third parties that may have registered or used identical related marks on related goods or services. Trademark rights are territorial in nature; therefore we do not have rights in all jurisdictions.
On December 2, 2011 we settled a patent infringement suit filed by Asentinel LLC, or Asentinel, a competitor of our company, against AnchorPoint, Inc., us and our U.S. subsidiary, MTS IntegraTRAK. We made a lump sum payment for past damages to Asentinel and Asentinel granted us a license to use certain of its patents in return for ongoing annual royalty payments for periods subsequent to January 1, 2012.
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C.
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Organizational Structure
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Our wholly-owned subsidiaries in the United States, Hong Kong and the Netherlands, MTS IntegraTRAK Inc., MTS Asia Ltd. and Bohera B.V., respectively, act as marketing and customer service organizations in those countries.
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D.
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Property, Plants and Equipment
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Our executive offices and research and development f
acilities are located at 14 Hatidhar Street, Ra΄anana, Israel. In February 2011, we renewed the lease for 6,243 square feet under a lease that expires in February 2013, at an annual rental charge of approximately $
144,000.
Our U.S. subsidiary MTS IntegraTRAK occupies approximately 3,772 square feet of space in River Edge, New Jersey. The lease, which expires in February 2014, has an annual rental charge of approximately $85,000. We have an office in Glendale, California, where we occupy approximately 2,340 square feet of space, for a monthly rental fee of approximately $4,300 which expires in June 2012. In addition, we have an office in Powder Springs, Georgia, where we occupy approximately 4,800 square feet of space under a month-to-month lease for a monthly rental fee of approximately $4,700. We also have an office in Hong Kong where we occupy approximately 875 square feet of space, under a lease that expires in September 2012, with a monthly rental fee of approximately $1,100.
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UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
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Not applicable.
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OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
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A.
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Operating Results
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The following discussion of our results of operations should be read together with our audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes, which appear elsewhere in this annual report. The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our current plans, estimates and beliefs and involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include those discussed below and elsewhere in this annual report.
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Background
We were incorporated under the laws of the State of Israel in December 1995, as a subsidiary of C. Mer Industries Ltd., an Israeli public company (TASE: MER). Since our initial public offering in May 1997, our ordinary shares have been listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market.
We have wholly-owned subsidiaries in the United States, Hong Kong and the Netherlands, MTS IntegraTRAK Inc., MTS Asia Ltd. and Bohera B.V., respectively, which act as marketing and customer service organizations in those countries.
Overview
We are a worldwide provider of solutions for TEM and billing solutions. Our TEM solutions assist enterprises and organizations to make smarter choices with their telecommunications spending at each stage of the service lifecycle, including allocation of cost, proactive budget control, fraud detection, processing of payments and spending forecasting. Our converged billing solutions have been successfully implemented worldwide by wireless providers, Voice over Internet Protocol, Internet Protocol Television, MVNO and content service providers. Our converged billing solutions include applications for charging and invoicing customers, interconnect billing and partner revenue management using pre-pay and post-pay schemes.
General
Our consolidated financial statements appearing in this annual report are prepared in U.S. dollars and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or U.S. GAAP. Transactions and balances originally denominated in dollars are presented at their original amounts. Transactions and balances in other currencies are re-measured into dollars in accordance with the principles set forth in Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, Topic 830, “
Foreign Currency Translation
.” The majority of our sales are made outside Israel in dollars. In addition, substantial portions of our costs are incurred in dollars. Since the dollar is the primary currency of the economic environment in which we and certain of our subsidiaries operate, the dollar is our functional and reporting currency and, accordingly, monetary accounts maintained in currencies other than the dollar are re-measured using the foreign exchange rate at the balance sheet date. Operational accounts and non-monetary balance sheet accounts are measured and recorded at the exchange rate in effect at the date of the transaction. The financial statements of certain subsidiaries, whose functional currency is not the dollar, have been translated into dollars. All balance sheet accounts have been translated using the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Statement of operations amounts have been translated using the average exchange rate for the period. The resulting translation adjustments are reported as a component of shareholders’ equity in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
Discussion of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimations
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and the use of different assumptions would likely result in materially different results of operations.
Critical accounting policies are those that are both most important to the portrayal of a company’s financial position and results of operations, and require management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments. Although not all of our significant accounting policies require management to make difficult, subjective or complex judgments or estimates, the following policies and estimates are those that we deem most critical:
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Revenue Recognition
. We account for our revenue in accordance with the provisions ASC 985-605, “
Revenue recognition – Software,
” or ASC 985-605. When an arrangement does not require significant production, modification or customization of software or does not contain services considered to be essential to the functionality of the software, revenue is recognized when the following four criteria are met:
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Persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists. We require evidence of an agreement with a customer specifying the terms and conditions of the products or services to be delivered typically in the form of a purchase order or the customer’s signature on our proposal;
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Delivery has occurred. For software licenses, delivery takes place when the software is installed on site or remotely or is shipped via mail on a compact disc or server. For services, delivery takes place as the services are provided;
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The fee is fixed or determinable. Fees are fixed or determinable if they are not subject to a refund or cancellation and do not have payment terms that exceed our customary payment terms; and
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Collection is probable. We perform a credit review of all customers with significant transactions to determine whether a customer is credit worthy and collection is probable.
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In general, revenue for transactions that do not involve software customization or services considered essential to the functionality of the software is recognized as follows: (i) software license fees for sales through OEMs are recognized upon receipt of license activity reports; (ii) all other software license fees are recognized upon delivery of the software; (iii) software maintenance and technical support are recognized ratably over the contract term; and (iv) consulting, training and other similar services are recognized as the services are performed.
We exercise judgment and use estimates in connection with the determination of the amount of product software license and services revenues to be recognized in each accounting period. If the fee due from the customer is not fixed or determinable, revenue is recognized as payments become due from the customer. If collection is not considered probable, revenue is recognized when the fee is collected. We record a provision to operating expenses for bad debts resulting from customers’ inability to pay for the products or services they have received. These estimates are based on historical bad debt expense, analysis of credit memo data, and other known factors, such as bankruptcy. If the historical data we use to calculate these estimates do not accurately reflect future returns or bad debts, adjustments to these reserves may be required that would increase or decrease revenue or net income.
Part of our software arrangements involves multiple elements. Such elements typically include any or all of the following: software licenses, warranty, technical support and training services. For multiple-element arrangements that do not involve significant modification or customization of the software and do not involve services that are considered essential to the functionality of the software, we allocate value to each undelivered element based on vendor specific objective evidence, or VSOE, of the fair value of each undelivered element in the arrangement, in accordance with the “residual method.” The VSOE used by us to allocate the sales price to support services and maintenance is based on the renewal rate charged when these elements are sold separately. License revenues are recorded based on the residual method. Under the residual method, the fair value of the undelivered elements is deferred and the remaining portion of the arrangement fee is allocated to the delivered element and is recognized as revenue when all revenue recognition criteria of ASC 985-605, as amended, are satisfied. Under the residual method any discount in the arrangement is allocated to the delivered element.
If sufficient VSOE does not exist for all undelivered elements, revenue is deferred for the entire arrangement over the period during which the services are expected to be performed.
Revenues from maintenance and support services are recognized over the term of the maintenance and support agreement on a straight line basis.
Revenues for hosting and managed services are recognized based on Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104 and ASC 605-25, when delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the fee is fixed and determinable, collectability is probable and persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists. These revenues are recognized as one unit of accounting, on a straight line basis over the term of the last undelivered element.
Deferred revenues include unearned amounts received under maintenance and support contracts, not yet recognized as revenues.
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Revenues from billing products which involve significant customization of our software to customer specific specifications are recognized in accordance with ASC 605-35, using contract accounting on a percentage of completion method, over the period from signing of the license through to customer acceptance in accordance with the “input method.” The amount of revenue recognized is based on the total license fees under the license agreement and the percentage to completion achieved. The percentage to completion is measured by monitoring progress using records of actual costs incurred to date in the project compared with the total estimated project requirements. Estimates of total project requirements are based on prior experience of customization, delivery and acceptance of the same or similar technology and are reviewed and updated regularly by management.
After delivery, if uncertainty exists about customer acceptance of the software, license revenue is not recognized until acceptance. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period in which such losses are first determined, in the amount of the estimated loss on the entire contract.
Estimated gross profit or loss from long-term contracts may change due to changes in estimates resulting from differences between actual performance and original forecasts. Such changes in estimated gross profit are recorded in results of operations when they are reasonably determinable by management, on a cumulative catch-up basis. During 2011 we had no such changes in estimated gross profit or loss from long-term contracts.
We believe that the use of the percentage of completion method is appropriate as we have the ability to make reasonably dependable estimates of the extent of progress towards completion, contract revenues and contract costs. In addition, contracts executed include provisions that clearly specify the enforceable rights regarding services to be provided and received by the parties to the contracts, the consideration to be exchanged and the manner and terms of settlement. In all cases we expect to perform our contractual obligations and our licensees are expected to satisfy their obligations under the contract.
Allowances for Doubtful Accounts
. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition and we require collateral as deemed necessary. We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make payments. In judging the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts, we consider multiple factors including the aging of our receivables, historical bad debt experience and the general economic environment. Management applies considerable judgment in assessing the realization of receivables, including assessing the probability of collection and the current credit worthiness of each customer. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.
Valuation of Investments
. We account for investments in debt and equity securities (other than those accounted for under the equity method of accounting) in accordance with FASB ASC 320, “
Investments - Debt and Equity Securities,
” or ASC 320. Our management determines the classification of investments in marketable debt and equity securities at the time of purchase and reevaluates such determinations at each balance sheet date. We classify all of our securities as available for sale carried at fair market value. Fair value is determined based on observable market value quotes. Available for sale securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity. Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are included in earnings and are derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost of securities. Interest and dividends on securities are included in financial income, net.
In accordance with our policy and ASC 320, we recognize an impairment charge when a decline in the fair value of our investments below the cost basis is judged to be other than temporary. We consider various factors in determining whether to recognize an impairment charge, including our intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value, the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than the cost basis, the credit ratings of the securities and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuers. During 2009, 2010 and 2011, no other than temporary net impairment on marketable securities was recorded.
The marketable securities held by us are pledged to the future rent payments for the facilities in Israel.
Income Taxes
. Estimates and judgments are required in the calculation of certain tax liabilities and in the determination of the recoverability of certain of the deferred tax assets, which arise from net operating losses tax carryforwards and temporary differences between the tax and financial statement recognition of revenue and expense. FASB ASC Topic 740, “
Income Taxes
” also requires that the deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance, if based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the recorded deferred tax assets will not be realized in future periods.
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In evaluating our ability to recover our deferred tax assets, in full or in part, we consider all available positive and negative evidence including our past operating results, the existence of cumulative losses in the most recent fiscal years and our forecast of future taxable income on a jurisdiction by jurisdiction basis. In determining future taxable income, we are responsible for assumptions utilized, including the amount of Israeli and international pre-tax operating income, the reversal of temporary differences and the implementation of feasible and prudent tax planning strategies. These assumptions require significant judgment about the forecasts of future taxable income and are consistent with the plans and estimates we use to manage the underlying businesses.
Based on estimates of future taxable profits and losses in the tax jurisdictions that we operate, we determined that a tax asset of $31,000 is expected to be utilized in the foreseeable future.
Based on estimates of future taxable profits and losses in the tax jurisdictions that we operate, we determined that a valuation allowance of $5.55 million was required for tax loss carryforwards and other temporary differences as of December 31, 2011. If these estimates prove inaccurate, a change in the valuation allowance could be required in the future.
Contingencies.
We are involved in legal proceedings and other claims from time to time. We are required to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes to these matters, as well as potential ranges of probable losses. A determination of the amount of reserves required, if any, for any contingencies are made after careful analysis of each individual claim. The required reserves may change due to future developments in each matter or changes in approach, such as a change in the settlement strategy in dealing with any contingencies, which may result in higher net loss. If actual results are not consistent with our assumptions and judgments, we may be exposed to gains or losses that could be material. See “Item 8A. Financial Information – Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information – Legal Proceedings.”
Goodwill and other intangible assets and long-lived assets
. FASB ASC Topic 350, “
Intangibles – Goodwill and Other
,” or ASC 350, requires goodwill to be tested for impairment at least annually and between annual tests if certain circumstances or indicators of impairment occur, and written down when impaired. Goodwill is tested for impairment by comparing the fair value of our reportable units with their carrying value. Fair value is determined using discounted cash flows. Significant estimates used in the methodologies include estimates of future cash flows, future short-term and long-term growth rates, weighted average cost of capital and estimates of market multiples for the reportable units. We have elected to perform our analysis of goodwill at the end of the third quarter of the year. We assessed the recoverable amount of such goodwill, based on our projections and using expected future discounted cash flows. During 2009, 2010 and 2011, no impairment losses relating to goodwill were identified. Our long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles are reviewed for impairment in accordance with FASB ASC 360, “
Property, Plant and equipment,
” whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of the carrying amount of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the assets to the future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. If assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. During 2009, 2010 and 2011, no impairment losses relating to intangible assets were identified.
Stock based compensation.
We apply ASC 718 "Compensation - Stock compensation," and ASC 505-50 "Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees," or ASC 718, with respect to options and warrants issued to non-employees. ASC 718 requires the use of an option valuation model to measure the fair value of the options and warrants at the measurement date as defined in ASC 505-50. ASC 718 requires companies to estimate the fair value of stock-based awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model, where applicable. Stock-based compensation expense recognized in our consolidated statements of operations for 2009, 2010 and 2011 include compensation expense for stock-based awards granted based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718.
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We recognize these compensation costs net of a forfeiture rate and recognize the compensation costs for only those shares expected to vest on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award, which is the option vesting term of four years. ASC 718 requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. We estimate the fair value of stock options granted using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model. Stock-based compensation expense recognized under ASC 718 and ASC 505-50 were approximately $159,000, $99,000 and $67,000 for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively.
Results of Operations
The following table presents certain financial data expressed as a percentage of total revenues for the periods indicated:
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Year Ended December 31,
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2009
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2010
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2011
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Revenues:
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Product sales
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48.0 | % | 37.9 | % | 31.9 | % | ||||||
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Services
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52.0 | 62.1 | 68.1 | |||||||||
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Total revenues
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100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | ||||||
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Cost of revenues:
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Product sales
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16.2 | 13.0 | 9.2 | |||||||||
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Services
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17.1 | 23.1 | 23.6 | |||||||||
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Total cost of revenues
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33.3 | 36.1 | 32.8 | |||||||||
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Gross profit
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66.7 | 63.9 | 67.2 | |||||||||
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Selling and marketing
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25.2 | 22.2 | 15.9 | |||||||||
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Research and development, net
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16.6 | 13.3 | 15.9 | |||||||||
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General and administrative
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31.8 | 25.9 | 32.1 | |||||||||
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Operating income (loss)
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(6.9 | ) | 2.5 | 3.3 | ||||||||
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Financial income (expenses), net
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(0.3 | ) | - | - | ||||||||
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Capital gain on sale of long-term investment
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- | - | 0.7 | |||||||||
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Income (loss) before taxes on income
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(7.2 | ) | 2.5 | 4.0 | ||||||||
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Taxes on income, net
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(0.2 | ) | (0.4 | ) | (0.1 | ) | ||||||
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Net income (loss) from continuing operations
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(7.4 | ) | 2.1 | 3.9 | ||||||||
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Net loss from discontinued operations
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(0.4 | ) | (0.6 | ) | (0.7 | ) | ||||||
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Net income (loss)
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(7.8 | ) | 1.5 | 3.2 | ||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2010
Revenues from Products and Services.
Revenues from products and services consist primarily of software license fees sales, hardware sales and revenues from services, including managed services, hosting, consulting, maintenance, training, professional services and support. Revenues from products and services increased by 3.4% to $12.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $11.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. Revenues from products and services from our wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary, MTS IntegraTRAK, increased by 1.1% to $8.9 million, or 74.2% of our total revenues, for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $8.8 million, or 75.9% of our total revenues, for the year ended December 31, 2010. The increase in revenues from products and services in 2011 is primarily attributable to the revenues from our agreement with Simple Mobile. We expect that our revenues
will remain at the same level in 2012 compared to 2011.
Cost of Revenues from Products and Services.
Cost of revenues from products and services consists primarily of (i) production costs (including hardware, media, packaging, freight and documentation); (ii) certain royalties and licenses payable to third parties (including the Office of the Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor of the State of Israel, or the OCS), (iii) professional services costs; and (iv) support costs. Cost of revenues from products and services decreased by 7.1% to $3.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $4.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The decrease in cost of revenues from products and services is primarily attributable to our on-going monitoring and reduction of expenses in order to achieve sustainable growth and to a change in the mix of products sold. We expect a minor increase in our cost of revenues in 2012 compared to 2011.
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Selling and Marketing.
Selling and marketing expenses consist primarily of costs relating to sales representatives and their travel expenses, trade shows and marketing exhibitions, advertising and presales support. Selling and marketing expenses decreased by 26.9% to $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $2.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The decrease in selling and marketing expenses is primarily attributable to the consolidation of two of our sales offices in the United States. We expect that our selling and marketing expenses will not change significantly in 2012.
Research and Development, net.
Research and development expenses consist primarily of salaries of employees engaged in on-going research and development activities, outsourcing subcontractor development and other related costs, net of grants that were approved by the OCS. Research and development expenses increased by 26.7% to $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 (net of a $10,000 grant from the OCS) from $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 (net of a $216,000 grant from the OCS). The increase in research and development expenses is primarily attributable to the decrease in grants received from the OCS during 2011. We expect that our research and development, net expenses will decrease in 2012 compared to 2011.
General and Administrative.
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of compensation costs for administration, finance and general management personnel, professional fees and office maintenance and administrative costs. General and administrative expenses increased by 26.7% to $3.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $3.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The increase in general and administrative expenses is primarily attributable to the legal costs and settlement payment which in the aggregate were approximately $640,000 relating to the Asentinel suit. We expect that our general and administrative expenses will decrease in 2012 compared to 2011.
Financial income (expenses), net.
Financial income (expenses), net consists primarily of interest income on bank deposits, foreign currency translation adjustments, other interest charges and the financial income (expenses) from option contracts or other foreign hedging arrangements. We recorded $2,000 of financial income, net for the year ended December 31, 2011, primarily attributable to foreign currency translation adjustments. Our net financial income (expenses) was zero for the year ended December 31, 2010.
Taxes on Income.
We recorded taxes on income of $10,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to taxes on income of $47,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010. Our taxes on income for the year ended December 31, 2011 are primarily attributable to the utilization of deferred tax assets by our subsidiary in Hong Kong and our U.S. state income taxes. Our taxes on income for the year ended December 31, 2010 are primarily attributable to a tax provision in relation to an uncertain tax position, taxes paid for previous years as well as our U.S. state income taxes.
Net loss from discontinued operations.
We recorded a net loss from discontinued operations of $84,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to a net loss from discontinued operations of $68,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010. The losses from discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011 are attributable to certain contingent liabilities of our Brazilian subsidiary, TABS Brazil Ltda., whose operations were discontinued in March 2009.
Year Ended December 31, 2010 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2009
Revenues from Products and Services.
Revenues from products and services increased by 1.8% to $11.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 from $11.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. Revenues from products and services from our wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary, MTS IntegraTRAK, increased by 4.8% to $8.8 million, or 75.9% of our total revenues, for the year ended December 31, 2010 from $8.4 million, or 73.7% of our total revenues, for the year ended December 31, 2009. The increase in revenues from products and services in 2010 is primarily attributable to the increase in revenue from services.
27
Cost of Revenues from Products and Services.
Cost of revenues from products and services increased by 10.5% to $4.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 from $3.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. The increase in cost of revenues from products and services is primarily a result of the increase in revenues from services, which have higher manpower costs.
Selling and Marketing.
Selling and marketing expenses decreased by 10.3% to $2.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 from $2.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. The decrease in selling and marketing expenses is primarily attributable to a cost reduction plan that we implemented during 2009, which included a reduction in the salaries of our selling and marketing personnel that were not fully reflected in our 2009 results.
Research and Development, net.
Research and development expenses decreased by 21% to $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 (net of a $216,000 grant from the OCS) from $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 (net of a $234,000 grant from the OCS). The decrease in research and development expenses is primarily attributable to a cost reduction plan that we implemented during 2009, which included a reduction in the number of research and development personnel that was not fully reflected in 2009 results.
General and Administrative.
General and administrative expenses decreased by 16.7% to $3.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 from $3.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. The decrease in general and administrative expenses is primarily attributable to a cost reduction plan that we implemented during 2009, which included a reduction in the salaries of our general and administrative personnel that were not fully reflected in 2009 results.
Financial income (expenses), net.
We did not record any financial income or expenses for year ended December 31, 2010. We recorded $31,000 of financial expenses, net for the year ended December 31, 2009, primarily attributable to interest payable to the Israeli tax authorities following tax assessments for prior years.
Taxes on Income.
We recorded taxes on income of $47,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to taxes on income of $20,000 for the year ended December 31, 2009. Our taxes on income for the year ended December 31, 2010 are primarily attributable to a tax provision in relation to an uncertain tax position, taxes paid for previous years as well as our U.S. state income taxes. Our taxes on income for the year ended December 31, 2009 are primarily attributable to the utilization of deferred tax assets by our subsidiary in Hong Kong and our U.S. state income taxes.
Net loss from discontinued operations.
We recorded a net loss from discontinued operations of $68,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to a net loss from discontinued operations of $40,000 for the year ended December 31, 2009, relating to the operations of our Brazilian subsidiary TABS Brazil Ltda., whose operations were discontinued in March 2009. Our net loss from discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2010 is primarily due to an increase in certain liabilities of our Brazilian subsidiary. Our net loss from discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2009 is primarily due to the write-off of certain assets of our Brazilian subsidiary.
Seasonality
Our operating results are generally not characterized by a seasonal pattern except that our volume of sales in Europe is generally lower in the summer months.
Impact of Currency Fluctuation and of Inflation
We report our financial results in dollars and receive payments in dollars for most of our sales, while a portion of our expenses, primarily salaries, are paid in NIS. Therefore, the dollar cost of our operations in Israel is influenced by the extent to which any increase in the rate of inflation in Israel is not offset, or is offset on a lagging basis, by a devaluation of the NIS in relation to the dollar. When the rate of inflation in Israel exceeds the rate of devaluation of the NIS against the dollar, the dollar cost of our operations in Israel increase. If the dollar cost of our operations in Israel increases, our dollar-measured results of operations will be adversely affected. We cannot assure you that we will not be materially and adversely affected in the future if inflation in Israel exceeds the devaluation of the NIS against the dollar or if the timing of the devaluation lags behind inflation in Israel.
28
The following table presents information about the rate of inflation in Israel, the rate of devaluation or appreciation of the NIS against the dollar, and the rate of inflation in Israel adjusted for the devaluation:
|
Year ended
December 31,
|
Israeli inflation
rate %
|
NIS devaluation (appreciation)
rate %
|
Israeli inflation adjusted for devaluation (appreciation) %
|
|||||||||
|
2007
|
3.4 | (9.0 | ) | 12.4 | ||||||||
|
2008
|
3.8 | (1.1 | ) | 4.9 | ||||||||
|
2009
|
3.9 | (0.7 | ) | 4.6 | ||||||||
|
2010
|
2.7 | (6.0 | ) | 8.7 | ||||||||
|
2011
|
2.2 | 7.7 | (5.5 | ) | ||||||||
A depreciation of the NIS in relation to the dollar has the effect of reducing the dollar amount of any of our expenses or liabilities which are payable in NIS, unless those expenses or payables are linked to the dollar. This depreciation of the NIS in relation to the dollar has the effect of reducing the dollar amount of any of our expenses or liabilities and also has the effect of decreasing the dollar value of any asset which consists of NIS or receivables payable in NIS, unless the receivables are linked to the dollar. Conversely, any increase in the value of the NIS in relation to the dollar has the effect of increasing the dollar value of any unlinked NIS assets and the dollar amounts of any unlinked NIS liabilities and expenses. During 2009 and 2010 the NIS appreciated against the U.S. dollar, which resulted in an increase in the U.S. dollar cost of our NIS expenses. During 2011 the NIS devaluated against the U.S. dollar, which resulted in a decrease in the U.S. dollar cost of our NIS expenses.
Because exchange rates between the NIS and the dollar fluctuate continuously, exchange rate fluctuations, particularly larger periodic devaluations, may have an impact on our profitability and period-to-period comparisons of our results. We cannot assure you that in the future our results of operations may not be materially adversely affected by currency fluctuations.
In 2011, we entered into forward, call and put option contracts in the amount of $5.3 million that converted a portion of our floating currency liabilities to a fixed rate basis, which reduced the impact of the currency changes on our cash flow. In 2011, we recorded expenses of $10,000 with respect to such transactions, presented in the statements of operations as financial expense, net.
Conditions in Israel
We are incorporated under the laws of, and our principal executive offices and manufacturing and research and development facilities are located in, the State of Israel. See Item 3D “Key Information – Risk Factors – Risks Relating to Our Location in Israel” for a description of governmental, economic, fiscal, monetary or political polices or factors that have materially affected or could materially affect our operations.
Trade Relations
Israel is a member of the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the International Finance Corporation. Israel is a member of the World Trade Organization and is a signatory to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, which provides for reciprocal lowering of trade barriers among its members. In addition, Israel has been granted preferences under the Generalized System of Preferences from the United States, Australia, Canada and Japan. These preferences allow Israel to export products covered by such programs either duty-free or at reduced tariffs. In June 2010, Israel joined the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, or the OECD, an international organization whose members are governments of mostly developed economies. The OECD’s main goal is to promote policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world.
29
Israel and the European Union Community concluded a Free Trade Agreement in July 1975, which confers certain advantages with respect to Israeli exports to most European countries and obligates Israel to lower its tariffs with respect to imports from these countries over a number of years. In 1985, Israel and the United States entered into an agreement to establish a Free Trade Area. The Free Trade Area has eliminated all tariff and specified non-tariff barriers on most trade between the two countries. On January 1, 1993, an agreement between Israel and the European Free Trade Association, known as EFTA, established a free-trade zone between Israel and the EFTA nations. In November 1995, Israel entered into a new agreement with the European Union, which includes redefinement of rules of origin and other improvements, including providing for Israel to become a member of the research and technology programs of the European Union. In recent years, Israel has established commercial and trade relations with a number of other nations, including China, India, Russia, Turkey and other nations in Eastern Europe and Asia.
Effective Corporate Tax Rate
The Israeli corporate tax rate was 26% in 2009, 25% in 2010 and 24% in 2011. On December 5, 2011, the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, passed the Law for Tax Burden Reform (Legislative Amendments), 2011, which among others, cancels effective from January 1, 2012, the scheduled progressive reduction in the corporate tax rate, and increases the corporate tax rate to 25% in 2012 and thereafter. In view of this increase in the corporate tax rate to 25% in 2012, the real capital gains tax rate and the real betterment tax rate were also increased accordingly.
However, certain of our manufacturing facilities have been granted “Approved Enterprise” status under the Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments, 1959, as amended, commonly referred to as the Investment Law, and, consequently, are eligible, subject to compliance with specified requirements, for tax benefits beginning when such facilities first generate taxable income. Subject to certain restrictions, we are entitled to a tax exemption in respect of income derived from our approved facilities for a period of two years, commencing in the first year in which such income is earned, and will be entitled to a reduced tax rate of 10%-25% for an additional five to eight years if we qualify as a foreign investors’ company. If we do not qualify as a foreign investors’ company, we will instead be entitled to a reduced rate of 25% for an additional five, rather than eight, years.
In December 2010, the Knesset passed the Law for Economic Policy for 2011 and 2012 (Amended Legislation), 2011, which prescribes, among others, amendments to the Investment Law. The amendment became effective as of January 1, 2011. According to the amendment, the benefit tracks in the Investment Law were modified and a flat tax rate applies to our company's entire preferred income. We will be able to opt to apply (the waiver is non-recourse) the amendment and from then on we will be subject to the amended tax rates that are: 2011 and 2012 - 15% (in development area A - 10%), 2013 and 2014 - 12.5% (in development area A - 7%) and in 2015 and thereafter - 12% (in development area A - 6%).
Our taxes outside Israel are dependent on our operations in each jurisdiction as well as relevant laws and treaties. Under Israeli tax law, the results of our foreign consolidated subsidiaries cannot be consolidated for tax purposes with the results of operations of the parent company.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP. This pronouncement is an authoritative guidance to amend certain measurement and disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements to improve consistency with international reporting standards. This guidance is effective prospectively for public entities for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption prohibited. We are currently evaluating the effect of ASU No. 2011-04, but do not expect its adoption will have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income, which specifies that the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are to be presented in either a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. This update eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. No change has been made in the items to be reported in comprehensive income. ASU No. 2011-05 is effective for the interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011, and should be applied retrospectively. We are currently evaluating the effect of ASU No. 2011-05, but do not expect its adoption will have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
30
In November 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards 2011-08 "Intangibles—Goodwill and Other" (Topic 350), ASU 2011-08, which introduced an optional qualitative assessment for testing goodwill for impairment that may allow companies to skip the annual two-step test. ASU 2011-08 allows companies to qualitatively assess whether it is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood of greater than 50%) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If that is the case, the company would have to perform the annual two-step impairment test. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the effect of ASU No. 2011-08, but do not expect its adoption will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.
In September 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2011-12, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220)”. The amendments in this Update supersede certain pending paragraphs in Accounting Standards Update 2011-05, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income” to effectively defer only those changes in Update 2011-5 that relate to the presentation of reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income. For public entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. We are currently evaluating the impact of this update on our consolidated financial statements.
|
B.
|
Liquidity and Capital Resources
|
On December 31, 2011, we had $3.3 million in cash and cash equivalents, $127,000 in restricted marketable securities, $45,000 in restricted cash and a working capital deficit of $0.8 million, compared to $2.1 million in cash and cash equivalents, $147,000 in restricted marketable securities and a working capital deficit of $1.5 million on December 31, 2010. The marketable securities are restricted in order to secure our obligations under one of our leasing agreements. The increase in our working capital at December 31, 2011 was primarily attributable to our improved operations. We intend to continue our efforts to improve our overall operational results, which should improve our working capital.
In March 2011, we completed the sale of our ownership interest in Silverbyte Networks Ltd., which we had previously written off, and received total proceeds of approximately $90,000 from the sale that was recorded as other income in the first quarter of 2011.
Cash Flows
The following table summarizes our cash flows for the periods presented:
|
Year ended December 31,
|
||||||||||||
|
2009
|
2010
|
2011
|
||||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
||||||||||||
|
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities from continuing operations
|
$ | 514 | $ | (71 | ) | $ | 1,118 | |||||
|
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities from discontinued operations
|
44 | - | - | |||||||||
|
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
|
(344 | ) | 22 | 27 | ||||||||
|
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities from continuing operations
|
(5 | ) | - | - | ||||||||
|
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities from discontinued operations
|
(45 | ) | - | - | ||||||||
|
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
|
164 | (49 | ) | 1,145 | ||||||||
|
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
|
2,009 | 2,173 | 2,124 | |||||||||
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
|
2,173 | 2,124 | 3,269 | |||||||||
31
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations was approximately $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The increase in cash generated from operating activities from continuing operations in 2011 compared to 2010 is primarily attributable to an increase in our operating income in 2011 and our continuing improvement in collection of trade receivables. Net cash used in operating activities from continuing operations was approximately $71,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010. The decrease in cash generated from operating activities from continuing operations in the 2010 period compared to the 2009 period is primarily attributable to the increase in trade receivables due to an increase in revenues in the last quarter of 2010. Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations was approximately $514,000 for the year ended December 31, 2009.
Net cash provided by investing activities was approximately $27,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011, primarily attributable to
the sale of our ownership interest in Silverbyte Networks Ltd. Net cash provided by investing activities was approximately $22,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010, primarily attributable to the sale of marketable securities. Net cash used in investing activities was approximately $344,000 for the year ended December 31, 2009, primarily due to amounts paid in 2009 in connection with the AnchorPoint acquisition, property improvements and the purchase of equipment.
We did not use any cash in financing activities from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, compared to approximately $5,000 used in financing activities from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2009. Net cash provided by financing activities from discontinued operations was approximately $45,000 for the year ended December 31, 2009.
We currently do not have significant capital spending or purchase commitments, but we expect to engage in capital spending consistent with the level of our operations. We anticipate that our cash on hand and cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet our working capital and capital expenditure requirements for at least 12 months.
|
C.
|
Research and Development
|
Our product development plans are market-driven and address the major, fast-moving trends that are influencing the telecommunications industry. We intend to expand upon our existing family of TEM solutions by adding new features and functions to address evolving market needs.
Our research and development staff is evaluating approaches to solutions which will permit an information technology manager to effectively measure the quality of the services received from their service providers and to ensure that the users within the organization received such services according to their needs and the overall policy and priorities of the organization.
We work closely with our customers and prospective customers to determine their requirements and design enhancements and new releases to meet their needs. Research and development activities take place in our facilities in Israel. We employed 15 persons in research and development as of December 31, 2011, as compared to 16 persons in research and development as of December 31, 2010 and 18 persons in research and development as of December 31, 2009.
We have committed substantial financial resources to research and development for our TEM and billing solution activities. Among our various development plans, our roadmap includes the integration of our TEM products with our other complementary TEM products within the next few years. During 2009, 2010 and 2011, our net research and development expenditures were $1.9 million, $1.5 million and $1.9 million, respectively. In the past, we received funding from the OCS for selected research and development projects. In each of the last five fiscal years, we applied to the OCS for new grants for our research and development projects and we have subsequently received approval for such applications other than the 2011 application.
Under the terms of research and development grants that we have received from the OCS, we are required to pay royalties on the revenues derived from products incorporating know-how developed with such grants and ancillary services in connection therewith, up to 100% to 150% of the dollar-linked value of the total grants, plus interest. We are required to pay royalties at a rate of 3%-5%. The obligation to pay these royalties is contingent on actual sales of the products and in the absence of such sales, no payment is required. Since June 1997, we have paid the OCS royalties on all call accounting product sales at the applicable rates at the time of payment. See Item 10E. “Additional Information - Taxation - Grants under the Law for the Encouragement of Industrial Research and Development, 1984.” As of December 31, 2011, we had a contingent obligation to pay royalties to the OCS in the amount of approximately $9.0 million. The $4.9 million of grants we received after January 1999 is subject to interest at a rate equal to the 12 month LIBOR rate.
32
Our quality management system has been ISO 9001:2000 certified since the beginning of 2006, and prior thereto was ISO 9001:1994 certified.
|
D.
|
Trend Information
|
As a result of a less predictable business environment and the decline in worldwide sales of PBX systems, we are unable to provide any guidance as to current sales and profitability trends. We expect that our results will continue to be impacted by a shift to a new line of products and increased cost of services and selling and marketing expenditures.
|
E.
|
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
|
We are not a party to any material off-balance sheet arrangements. In addition, we have no unconsolidated special purpose financing or partnership entities that are likely to create material contingent obligations.
|
F.
|
Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations
|
The following table summarizes our minimum contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of December 31, 2011 and the effect we expect them to have on our liquidity and cash flow in future periods.
|
Contractual Obligations
|
Payments due by period
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
Total
|
Less than 1 year
|
1-3 years
|
3-5 years
|
More than 5 years
|
||||||||||||||||
|
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Operating lease obligations
|
384 | 266 | 118 | -- | -- | |||||||||||||||
|
Accrued severance pay*
|
762 | -- | -- | -- | 762 | |||||||||||||||
|
Total
|
1,146 | 266 | 118 | -- | 762 | |||||||||||||||
__________
* See Item 6D. “Directors, Senior Management and Employees - Employees.”
As discussed in Note 10.h of our consolidated financial statements contained elsewhere in this annual report, effective January 1, 2007, we adopted the provisions of FASB ASC 740, “
Income Taxes
.” As of December 31, 2011, we had a total liability of $632 for gross unrecognized tax benefits. Due to the uncertainties related to those tax matters, we are currently unable to make a reasonably reliable estimate of when cash settlement with a relevant tax authority will occur.
|
DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
|
|
A.
|
Directors and Senior Management
|
Set forth below are the name, age, principal position and a biographical description of each of our directors and executive officers:
|
Name
|
Age
|
Position with the Company
|
||
|
Chaim Mer
|
64
|
Chairman of the Board of Directors
|
||
|
Eytan Bar
|
46
|
Chief Executive Officer
|
||
|
Alon Mualem
|
44
|
Corporate Chief Financial Officer
|
||
|
Josef Brikman
|
54
|
North America President
|
||
|
Isaac Ben-Bassat
|
58
|
Director
|
||
|
Eytan Barak (1)
|
67
|
Outside Director
|
||
|
Roger Challen
|
66
|
Director
|
||
|
Steven J. Glusband
|
65
|
Director
|
||
|
Yaacov Goldman (1)
|
57
|
Director
|
||
|
Lior Salansky
|
47
|
Director
|
||
|
Varda Trivaks (1)
|
55
|
Outside Director
|
___________________
(1) Member of our Audit Committee
33
Messrs. Mer, Ben-Bassat, Challen, Glusband, Goldman and Salansky will serve as directors until our 2012 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. All of such persons were elected to serve as directors by our shareholders at our 2011 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. Ms. Trivaks will serve as an outside director pursuant to the provisions of the Israeli Companies Law for a second three-year term until August 2014, following which the service of Ms. Trivaks as an outside director may be renewed for one additional three-year term
.
Mr. Barak was elected to serve as an outside director pursuant to the provisions of the Israeli Companies Law for a second three-year term until December 2013, following which the service of Mr. Barak as an outside director may be renewed for one additional three-year term
.
Chaim Mer
has served as the Chairman of our Board of Directors and a director since our inception in December 1995. Mr. Mer has served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of C. Mer Industries Ltd., a publicly traded company, since 1988 and served as its President and Chief Executive Officer from 1988 until January 2005. Mr. Mer holds a B.Sc. degree in Computer Sciences and Mathematics from the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology.
Eytan Bar
has served as our Chief Executive Officer since December 2003 and served as our President from December 2003 to February 2008. Prior to joining our company and from 2001, Mr. Bar served as General Manager of the customer experience management division of NICE Systems Ltd. From 2000 through 2001, Mr. Bar served as Vice President of Professional Services at NICE Systems Inc. From 1993 through 1999, Mr. Bar served as General Manager of STS Software Systems Ltd., a company that developed a unique VoIP technology for recording solutions.
Alon Mualem
has served as our Chief Financial Officer since September 2007. Prior to joining our company and from June 2005, Mr. Mualem held the responsibilities of chief financial officer at Xfone, Inc. (AMEX and TASE: XFN), an international communications services company and its subsidiary, Xfone 018 Ltd. Prior to that, Mr. Mualem served as chief financial officer of CheckM8, Ltd., a high-tech Internet advertising firm located in Israel. From 1998 to 2004, Mr. Mualem served as the corporate controller of RADVISION Ltd. (NASDAQ: RVSN) and from 1996 to 1998, Mr. Mualem served as a deputy controller of RAD Data Communication Ltd. From 1992 to 1996, Mr. Mualem served as a certified public accountant at Somekh Chaikin, a member firm of KPMG International. Mr. Mualem holds a B.A. degree in Economics and Accounting from Tel Aviv University and is Certified Public Accountant (Israel).
Josef Brikman
has served as our President of North America operations since May 2011. Mr. Brikman also serves as President of MER Security Inc., which he joined in 2008. From 2006 to 2008, Mr. Brikman was a co-founder of a financial consulting company. Mr. Brikman had previously served our company as Chief Financial Officer from 1998 to 2004. Previously, Mr. Brikman was co-founder and co-manager of STS Software Systems Ltd. Mr. Brikman holds a B.Sc. degree from Fairleigh Dickenson University and an M.B.A. degree from Haifa University.
34
Isaac Ben-Bassat
has served as a director since our inception in December 1995. Mr. Ben-Bassat has been Executive Vice President and a director of C. Mer since 1988. Mr. Ben-Bassat holds a B.Sc. degree in Civil Engineering from the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology.
Eytan Barak
has served as an outside director of our company from August 2007 and is a member of our audit committee. Mr. Barak is joint owner and chief executive officer of Dovrat - Barak, Investments in Advanced Technologies Ltd., which provides financial resources and management assistance to start-up companies. Mr. Barak also serves as a member of the board of directors, audit committee and investment committee of various Israeli companies, including Eltek Ltd., Meshulam Levinstein Construction and Engineering Ltd., Spectronix Ltd. and Menorah-Mivtachim Mutual Funds Ltd. From 1973 to 1997, Mr. Barak was with Israel Corporation, initially serving as its corporate controller and thereafter as its chief financial officer, and also served as chairman or member of the board of directors of some of its subsidiaries. From 1967 until 1973, Mr. Barak was associated with Kesselman & Kesselman, the Israeli member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited. Mr. Barak holds a B.A. degree in accounting from Tel Aviv University and has been a certified public accountant (Israel) since 1971.
Roger Challen
has served as a director since April 1, 2009. Mr. Challen co-founded The Info Group, Inc. (formerly AnchorPoint, Inc.), a company that developed and provided licensed software and managed services of telecommunications expense management solutions. Mr. Challen is an accomplished entrepreneur with a proven track record of founding, managing and developing companies in the software, telecommunications and information services fields. Mr. Challen has founded or co-founded and been an active executive of several privately held companies in the software and IT services market. Mr. Challen is currently a director of The Info Group, Inc., Image Data, Inc and Data Distributors, Inc., all of which are private companies. Mr. Challen began his career with IBM Corporation, in Waltham, Massachusetts, where he served as a systems engineer and then as a marketing representative. During his tenure with IBM, Mr. Challen won several awards for outstanding technical and sales achievements. Mr. Challen holds a B.A. in Economics and Mathematics from Yale University.
Steven J. Glusband
has served as a director since August 1, 1996. Mr. Glusband has been a partner with Carter Ledyard & Milburn LLP, our U.S. counsel, since March 1987. Mr. Glusband holds a B.B.A. degree from the City College of the City University of New York, a J.D. degree from Fordham University School of Law and an L.L.M. degree from the New York University School of Law.
Yaacov Goldman
has served as a director since May 2004 and is a member of our audit committee. Mr. Goldman provides consulting services to companies in strategic-financial areas, through his wholly owned company, Maanit-Goldman Management & Investments (2002) Ltd. Mr. Goldman also serves as a director of Golden House Ltd., Tagor Capital Ltd., Isrotel Ltd., Negev Ceramics Ltd., Medi Power (Overseas) Public Co. Limited, IceCure Medical Ltd. and Renewable Resources Ltd. and its affiliated companies. Until March 2012, Mr. Goldman served as a director of Elron Electronic Industries Ltd. and DS Apex Holdings Ltd. Until July 2010, Mr. Goldman served as a director of Bank Leumi Le'Israel Ltd. and until June 2009 as Chairman of ITGI Medical Ltd. Mr. Goldman served as the Professional Secretary of the Peer Review Institute of the Certified Public Accountants Institute in Israel from October 2004 until September 2008. Commencing in 1981, Mr. Goldman worked for Kesselman & Kesselman (Israeli member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers) for 19 years, and from 1991 until 2000, as a partner and then senior partner of such firm. From September 2000 until November 2001, Mr. Goldman served as managing director of Argoquest Holdings, LLC. From March 2002 until October 2002, Mr. Goldman acted as a consultant to a private equity initiative with Poalim Capital Markets & Investments Ltd. Mr. Goldman holds a B.A. degree in Economics and Accounting from Tel Aviv University and is a Certified Public Accountant (Israel).
Lior Salansky
has served as a director since April 2, 2008. Mr. Salansky served as our President from February 2008 until June 2010. In 1991, Mr. Salansky founded MIND C.T.I. Ltd., a global provider of real-time, product-based mediation, billing and customer care solutions for voice, data, video and content services, where he served until February 2000 in a number of positions, including Co-Chief Executive Officer, Vice President of Business Development and Research and Development Manager and also served as a director from its inception until 2004. Mr. Salansky holds a B.Sc. degree in Computer Science from the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology and an MBA degree from Tel Aviv University.
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Varda Trivaks
has served as an outside director since August 2008 and is a member of our audit committee. Ms. Trivaks serves as the Managing Director and is one of the two founding partners of Mimtar Business Consulting, established in 2001. In that position, Ms. Trivaks acts as an advisor to companies on investments, mergers, spin-offs, valuation, control, budgeting, with a special focus on advising global companies and management of companies during times of restructuring and recovery. Ms. Trivaks serves as a member of the audit committee, board of directors and/or financial committee of Ginegar Plastic Products Ltd. and E. Schnapp & Co. Works Ltd. From 1998 to 2004, Ms. Trivaks was a member of the Israel Accounting Institute’s communications committee for Capital Markets and Insurance. From 1998 to 2001, Ms. Trivaks was a partner with the accounting and consulting firm, Shlomo Ziv and Co. - BDO, and served as the managing director of one of its subsidiaries. Ms. Trivaks is a Certified Public Accountant (Israel) since 1987 and holds a B.A. degree in Economics and Accounting from Tel Aviv University and a Master of Science in Management from Boston University.
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B.
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Compensation
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The following table sets forth all compensation we paid with respect to all of our directors and executive officers as a group for the year ended December 31, 2011.
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Salaries, fees, commissions and bonuses
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Pension, retirement and similar benefits
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(U.S. dollars in thousands)
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All directors and executive officers
as a group (11 persons)
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913 | (1) | 19 | |||||
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(1) In addition to this amount, we provide automobiles to certain of our executive officers at our expense.
Mr. Chaim Mer, the Chairman of our Board of Directors, devotes approximately 20% of his time to the management of our company in consideration of which we pay him a monthly salary of $7,000 per month. Mr. Chaim Mer voluntarily and temporarily reduced his monthly salary by 15% to $5,950 per month, from December 1, 2008 and until February 28, 2011.
During the year ended December 31, 2011, we paid to our directors an annual fee of approximately $8,400 and a per meeting attendance fee of $300 (other than our outside directors under Israeli law, Mr. Chaim Mer, the Chairman of our Board of Directors, whose compensation is described above and Mr. Yaacov Goldman, an independent director and our audit committee financial expert). We currently pay our outside directors an annual fee, payable quarterly, of NIS 30,500 (currently equivalent to approximately $8,000) and a per meeting attendance fee of NIS 1,700 (currently equivalent to approximately $450). During the year ended December 31, 2011, we paid Mr. Goldman an annual fee of approximately $16,800 and a per meeting attendance fee of $400.
As of December 31, 2011, no options were held by our directors. As of December 31, 2011, our three executive officers held options to purchase an aggregate amount of 377,500 post-reverse split ordinary shares with exercise prices ranging from $1.44 to $2.46 and a vesting period of four years. Of such options, options to purchase 15,000 post-reverse split ordinary shares will expire in September 2012, options to purchase 7,500 post-reverse split ordinary shares will expire in February 2013, options to purchase 105,000 post-reverse split ordinary shares will expire in May 2014, options to purchase 150,000 post-reverse split ordinary shares will expire in August 2016 and options to purchase 100,000 post-reverse split ordinary shares will expire in November 2016. Such options were granted under our 2003 Israeli Share Option Plan and 2006 Stock Option Plan. See Item 6.E., “Directors, Senior Management and Employees - Share Ownership – Stock Option Plans.”
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C.
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Board Practices
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Election of Directors
Our Articles of Association provide for a Board of Directors consisting of up to ten members or such other number as may be determined from time to time at a general meeting of shareholders. Our Board of Directors is currently composed of eight directors.
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Pursuant to our articles of association, all of our directors (except the outside directors) are elected at our annual general meeting of shareholders by a vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power represented and voting at such meeting and hold office until the next annual general meeting of shareholders and until their successors have been elected. The Board of Directors, may, at any time from time to time, appoint any other person as a director, whether to fill a casual vacancy or to add to their number. All the members of our Board of Directors (except the outside directors) may be reelected upon completion of their term of office. All of our current directors (except our outside directors) were elected by our shareholders at our annual general meeting of shareholders held in August 2011.
We do not follow the requirements of the NASDAQ Stock Market Rules with regard to the nomination process of directors, and instead, we follow Israeli law and practice, in accordance with which our directors are recommended by our board of directors for election by our shareholders. See below in this Item 16G. “Corporate Governance.”
Outside and Independent Directors
Outside Directors
. Under the Israeli Companies Law, companies incorporated under the laws of the State of Israel whose shares have been offered to the public are required to appoint at least two outside directors. The Israeli Companies Law provides that a person may not be appointed as an outside director if the person, or the person’s relative, partner, employer or an entity under that person’s control, has or had during the two years preceding the date of appointment any affiliation with the company, or any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the company. The term “relative” means a spouse, sibling, parent, grandparent, child or child of spouse or spouse of any of the above. The term affiliation includes:
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an employment relationship;
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a business or professional relationship maintained on a regular basis;
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control; and
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service as an officer holder, excluding service as an outside director of a company that is offering its shares to the public for the first time.
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In addition, no person may serve as an outside director if the person’s position or other activities create, or may create, a conflict of interest with the person’s responsibilities as director or may otherwise interfere with the person’s ability to serve as director. If, at the time an outside director is appointed all members of the board of directors are of the same gender, then that outside director must be of the other gender. A director of one company may not be appointed as an outside director of another company if a director of the other company is acting as an outside director of the first company at such time.
At least one of the outside directors elected must have “accounting and financial expertise” and any other outside director must have “accounting and financial expertise” or “professional qualification,” as such terms are defined by regulations promulgated under the Israeli Companies Law.
Outside directors are elected by shareholders. The shareholders voting in favor of their election must include at least one-third of the shares of the non-controlling shareholders of the company who voted on the matter. This minority approval requirement need not be met if the total shareholdings of those non-controlling shareholders who vote against their election represent 1% or less of all of the voting rights in the company.
In general, outside directors serve for a three-year term, which may be renewed for only two additional three-year term. Outside directors can be removed from office only by the same special percentage of shareholders as can elect them, or by a court, and then only if the outside directors cease to meet the statutory qualifications with respect to their appointment or if they violate their duty of loyalty to the company.
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Any committee of the board of directors must include at least one outside director and the audit committee must include all of the outside directors. An outside director is entitled to compensation as provided in regulations adopted under the Israeli Companies Law and is otherwise prohibited from receiving any other compensation, directly or indirectly, in connection with such service.
Independent Directors.
In general,
NASDAQ Stock Market Rules require that the board of directors of a NASDAQ-listed company have a majority of independent directors, within the meaning of the NASDAQ Stock Market Rules, and our audit committee must have at least three members and be comprised only of independent directors, each of whom satisfies the respective “independence” requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission and NASDAQ.
However, foreign private issuers, such as our company, may follow certain home country corporate governance practices instead of certain requirements of the NASDAQ Stock Market Rules. A foreign private issuer that elects to follow a home country practice instead of such requirements must submit to NASDAQ in advance a written statement from an independent counsel in such issuer’s home country certifying that the issuer’s practices are not prohibited by the home country’s laws. On March, 31, 2009, we provided NASDAQ with a notice of non-compliance with respect to the requirement to maintain a majority of independent directors, within the meaning of the NASDAQ Stock Market Rules. Instead, under Israeli law and practice, we are required to appoint at least two outside directors, within the meaning of the Israeli Companies Law, to our Board of Directors. In addition, in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and NASDAQ, we have the mandated three independent directors, as defined by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and NASDAQ, on our audit committee.
An Israeli company, whose shares are publicly traded, may elect to adopt a provision in its articles of association pursuant to which a majority of its board of directors will constitute individuals complying with certain independence criteria prescribed by the Israeli Companies Law. We have not included such a provision in our articles of association.
Our Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Eytan Barak and Ms. Varda Trivaks both qualify as independent directors under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and NASDAQ and as outside directors under the requirements of the Israeli Companies Law. Our Board of Directors has further determined that each of Messrs. Steven Glusband and Yaacov Goldman qualifies as an independent director under the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission and NASDAQ.
Audit Committee
Our audit committee, which was established in accordance with Section 114 of the Israeli Companies Law and Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act, assists our board of directors in overseeing the accounting and financial reporting processes of our company and audits of our financial statements, including the integrity of our financial statements, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, our independent public accountants’ qualifications and independence, the performance of our internal audit function and independent public accountants, finding any defects in the business management of our company and proposing to the board of directors ways to correct such defects, and such other duties as may be directed by our board of directors. The responsibilities of the audit committee also include approving related-party transactions as required by law. Under Israeli law an audit committee may not approve an action or a transaction with a controlling shareholder, or with an office holder, unless at the time of approval two outside directors are serving as members of the audit committee and at least one of the outside directors was present at the meeting in which an approval was granted.
Our audit committee consists of three members of our Board of Directors who satisfy the respective “independence” requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, NASDAQ and Israeli law for audit committee members. Our audit committee is currently composed of Messrs. Eytan Barak and Yaacov Goldman and Ms. Varda Trivaks. Our Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Goldman qualifies as an audit committee financial expert. The audit committee meets at least once each quarter.
Internal Audit
Under the Israeli Companies Law, the board of directors of a public company must appoint an internal auditor nominated by the audit committee. A person who does not satisfy the Israeli Companies Law’s independence requirements may not be appointed as an internal auditor. The role of the internal auditor is to examine, among other things, the compliance of the company’s conduct with applicable law and orderly business practice. Mr. Doron Cohen of Fahn Kanne & Co., the Israeli member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd., serves as our internal auditor.
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Directors’ Service Contracts
There are no arrangements or understandings between us and any of our subsidiaries, on the one hand, and any of our directors, on the other hand, providing for benefits upon termination of their employment or service as directors of our company or any of our subsidiaries.
Approval of Related Party Transactions Under Israeli Law
Fiduciary Duties of Office Holders
The Israeli Companies Law codifies the fiduciary duties that “office holders,” including directors and executive officers, owe to a company. An “office holder” is defined in the Israeli Companies Law as a director, general manager, chief business manager, deputy general manager, vice general manager, other manager directly subordinate to the general manager or any other person assuming the responsibilities of any of the foregoing positions without regard to such person’s title. An office holder’s fiduciary duties consist of a duty of care and a duty of loyalty. The duty of care requires an office holder to act at a level of care that a reasonable office holder in the same position would employ under the same circumstances. This includes the duty to utilize reasonable means to obtain (i) information regarding the appropriateness of a given action brought for his approval or performed by him by virtue of his position and (ii) all other information of importance pertaining to the foregoing actions. The duty of loyalty includes (i) avoiding any conflict of interest between the office holder’s position in the company and any other position he holds or his personal affairs, (ii) avoiding any competition with the company’s business, (iii) avoiding exploiting any business opportunity of the company in order to receive personal gain for the office holder or others, and (iv) disclosing to the company any information or documents relating to the company’s affairs that the office holder has received due to his position as an office holder.
Disclosure of Personal Interests of an Office Holder
The Israeli Companies Law requires that an office holder promptly, and no later than the first board meeting at which such transaction is considered, disclose any personal interest that he or she may have and all related material information known to him or her and any documents in their position, in connection with any existing or proposed transaction by us. In addition, if the transaction is an extraordinary transaction, that is, a transaction other than in the ordinary course of business, other than on market terms, or likely to have a material impact on the company’s profitability, assets or liabilities, the office holder must also disclose any personal interest held by the office holder’s spouse, siblings, parents, grandparents, descendants, spouse’s descendants and the spouses of any of the foregoing, or by any corporation in which the office holder or a relative is a 5% or greater shareholder, director or general manager or in which he or she has the right to appoint at least one director or the general manager.
Approval of Transactions with Office Holders
Under the Israeli Companies Law, all arrangements as to compensation of office holders who are not directors require approval by the board of directors, and exculpation, insurance and indemnification of, or an undertaking to, indemnify an office holder who is not a director requires both board of directors and audit committee approval. The compensation of office holders who are directors must be approved by our audit committee, board of directors and shareholders.
Some transactions, actions and arrangements involving an office holder (or a third party in which an office holder has an interest) must be approved by the board of directors or as otherwise provided for in a company’s articles of association, however, a transaction that is adverse to the company’s interest may not be approved. In some cases, such a transaction must be approved by the audit committee and by the board of directors itself, and under certain circumstances shareholder approval may be required. A director who has a personal interest in a transaction that is considered at a meeting of the board of directors or the audit committee may not be present during the board of directors or audit committee discussions and may not vote on the transaction, unless the transaction is not an extraordinary transaction or the majority of the members of the board or the audit committee have a personal interest, as the case may be. In the event the majority of the members of the board of directors or the audit committee have a personal interest, then the approval of the general meeting of shareholders is also required.
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Disclosure of Personal Interests of a Controlling Shareholder; Approval of Transactions with Controlling Shareholders
The disclosure requirements that apply to an office holder also apply to a transaction in which a controlling shareholder of the company has a personal interest. The Israeli Companies Law provides that an extraordinary transaction with a controlling shareholder or an extraordinary transaction with another person in whom the controlling shareholder has a personal interest or a transaction with a controlling shareholder or his relative regarding terms of service and employment, must be approved by the audit committee, the board of directors and shareholders. The shareholder approval for such a transaction must include at least one-third of the shareholders who have no personal interest in the transaction who voted on the matter (not including abstentions). The transaction can be approved by shareholders without this one-third approval if the total shareholdings of those shareholders who have no personal interest and voted against the transaction do not represent more than one percent of the voting rights in the company.
Under the Companies Regulations (Relief from Related Party Transactions), 5760-2000, promulgated under the Israeli Companies Law, as amended, certain extraordinary transactions between a public company and its controlling shareholder(s) do not require shareholder approval. In addition, under such regulations, directors’ compensation and employment arrangements in a public company do not require the approval of the shareholders if both the audit committee and the board of directors agree that such arrangements are solely for the benefit of the company or if the directors’ compensation does not exceed the maximum amount of compensation for outside directors determined by applicable regulations. Also, employment and compensation arrangements for an office holder that is a controlling shareholder of a public company do not require shareholder approval if certain criteria are met. The foregoing exemptions from shareholder approval will not apply if one or more shareholders holding at least 1% of the issued and outstanding share capital of the company or of the company’s voting rights, objects to the use of these exemptions provided that such objection is submitted to the company in writing not later than fourteen days from the date of the filing of a report regarding the adoption of such resolution by the company pursuant to the requirements of the Israeli Securities Law. If such objection is duly and timely submitted, then the transaction or compensation arrangement of the directors will require shareholders’ approval as detailed above.
The Israeli Companies Law provides that an acquisition of shares in a public company must be made by means of a tender offer if as a result of the acquisition the purchaser would become a 25% or greater shareholder of the company. This rule does not apply if there is already another 25% or greater shareholder of the company. Similarly, the Israeli Companies Law provides that an acquisition of shares in a public company must be made by means of a tender offer if as a result of the acquisition the purchaser would hold greater than a 45% interest in the company, unless there is another shareholder holding more than a 45% interest in the company. These requirements do not apply if, in general, the acquisition was made in a private placement that received shareholder approval, (i) was from a 25% or greater shareholder of the company which resulted in the acquirer becoming a 25% or greater shareholder of the company, if there is not already a 25% or greater shareholder of the company, or (ii) was from a shareholder holding a 45% interest in the company which resulted in the acquirer becoming a holder of a 45% interest in the company if there is not already a 45% or greater shareholder of the company.
If, as a result of an acquisition of shares, the acquirer will hold more than 90% of a public company’s outstanding shares or a class of shares, the acquisition must be made by means of a tender offer for all of the outstanding shares or a class of shares. If less than 5% of the outstanding shares are not tendered in the tender offer, all the shares that the acquirer offered to purchase will be transferred to the acquirer. The Israeli Companies Law provides for appraisal rights if any shareholder files a request in court within three months following the consummation of a full tender offer. If more than 5% of the outstanding shares are not tendered in the tender offer, then the acquirer may not acquire shares in the tender offer that will cause his shareholding to exceed 90% of the outstanding shares.
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Exculpation, Indemnification and Insurance of Directors and Officers
Exculpation of Office Holders.
The Israeli Companies Law provides that an Israeli company cannot exculpate an office holder from liability with respect to a breach of his or her duty of loyalty. If permitted by its articles of association, a company may exculpate in advance an office holder from his or her liability to the company, in whole or in part, with respect to a breach of his or her duty of care. However, a company may not exculpate in advance a director from his or her liability to the company with respect to a breach of his duty of care in the event of distributions.
Insurance of Office Holders
. Israeli law provides that a company may, if permitted by its articles of association, enter into a contract to insure its office holders for liabilities incurred by the office holder with respect to an act or omission performed in his or her capacity as an office holder, as a result of: (i) a breach of the office holders duty of care to the company or another person; (ii) a breach of office holders duty of loyalty to the company, provided that the office holder acted in good faith and had reasonable cause to assume that the act would not prejudice the company’s interests; and (iii) a financial liability imposed upon the office holder in favor of another person.
Indemnification of Office Holders
. Under Israeli law a company may, if permitted by its articles of association, indemnify an office holder for acts or omissions performed by the office holder in such capacity for (a) monetary liability imposed upon the office holder in favor of another person pursuant to a court judgment, including a settlement or an arbitration award approved by a court; (b) reasonable litigation expenses, including attorney’s fees, actually incurred by the office holder as a result of an investigation or proceeding instituted against him or her by a competent authority, provided that such investigation or proceeding concluded without the filing of an indictment against the office holder or the imposition of any monetary liability in lieu of criminal proceedings, or concluded without the filing of an indictment against the office holder and a monetary liability was imposed on him or her in lieu of criminal proceedings with respect to a criminal offense that does not require proof of criminal intent; and (c) reasonable litigation expenses, including attorneys’ fees, actually incurred by the office holder or imposed upon the office holder by a court: (i) in an action, suit or proceeding brought against the office holder by or on behalf of the company or another person, (ii) in connection with a criminal action in which the office holder was acquitted, or (iii) in connection with a criminal action in which the office holder was convicted of a crime that does not require proof of criminal intent.
Israeli law provides that a company’s articles of association may permit the company to (a) indemnify an office holder retroactively, following a determination to this effect made by the company after the occurrence of the event in respect of which the office holder will be indemnified; and (b) undertake in advance to indemnify an office holder, except that with respect to a monetary liability imposed on the office holder by any judgment, settlement or court-approved arbitration award, the undertaking must be limited to types of occurrences, which, in the opinion of the company’s board of directors, are, at the time of the undertaking, foreseeable due to the company’s activities and to an amount or standard that the board of directors has determined is reasonable under the circumstances.
Limitations on Exculpation, Insurance and Indemnification
. These provisions are specifically limited in their scope by Israeli law, which provides that a company may not indemnify an office holder, nor exculpate an office holder, nor enter into an insurance contract which would provide coverage for any monetary liability, incurred as a result of certain improper actions.
The term “office holder” of a company includes a director, general manager, chief business manager, deputy general manager, vice general manager, or any person filling any of these positions in a company even if he or she holds a different title, and also includes any other manager directly subordinate to the general manager.
Pursuant to the Israeli Companies Law, exculpation of, procurement of insurance coverage for, and an undertaking to indemnify or indemnification of, our office holders must be approved by our audit committee and our board of directors and, if the office holder is a director, also by our shareholders.
Our Articles of Association allow us to insure, indemnify and exempt our office holders, to the fullest extent permitted by the provisions of the Israeli Companies Law. We maintain a directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy with a per claim and aggregate coverage limit of $5 million, including legal costs incurred in Israel. We have provided several of our directors and officers a letter of indemnification for liabilities or expenses incurred as a result of their acts in their capacity as directors and officers of our company, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $3 million.
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Administrative Sanctions.
A recent amendment to the Israeli Securities Law, 5728-1968, or the Israeli Securities Law, and a corresponding amendment to the Israeli Companies Law, authorizes the Israeli Securities Authority to impose administrative sanctions against companies like ours and their office holders for certain violations of the Israeli Securities Law or the Israeli Companies Law. These sanctions include monetary sanctions and certain restrictions on serving as a director or senior officer of a public company for certain periods of time. The maximum amount of the monetary sanctions that could be imposed upon individuals is a fine of NIS 1.0 million (currently equivalent to approximately $260,000), plus the greater of the following amounts payable to persons who suffered damages as a result of the violation: (i) the amount of profits earned or losses avoided by the violator as a result of the violation, up to NIS 1.0 million, or (ii) compensation for damages suffered by the injured persons, up to 20% of the fine imposed on the violator.
The amendments to the Israeli Securities Law and to the Israeli Companies Law provide that only certain types of such liabilities may be reimbursed by indemnification and insurance. Specifically, legal expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by an individual in the applicable administrative enforcement proceeding and any compensation payable to injured parties for damages suffered by them (as described in clause (ii) of the immediately preceding paragraph) are permitted to be reimbursed via indemnification or insurance, provided that such indemnification and insurance are authorized by the company's articles of association.
To enable us to continue to be able to indemnify and insure our office holders to the full extent permitted by law, our shareholders, at our 2011 annual general meeting, approved the amendment of our Articles of Association to authorize indemnification and insurance in connection with administrative proceedings, including without limitation, the specific amendments to the Israeli Securities Law and the Israeli Companies Law described above.
Recent Amendment to the Israeli Companies Law
In March 2011, the Israeli Parliament adopted Amendment No. 16 to the Israeli Companies Law, or Amendment No. 16, which implements a comprehensive reform in corporate governance in Israel. A summary of the principal changes introduced by Amendment No. 16 is set forth below:
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A higher shareholder approval threshold was adopted to permit a chief executive officer to also serve as chairman of the board and vice versa, and a prohibition was adopted on the chairman’s ability to serve the company in any capacity other than as the chief executive officer;
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The majority of the members of the audit committee is now required to be “independent” (as such term is defined under the Israeli Companies Law); the chairman of the audit committee is required to be an outside director, and the following are disqualified from serving as members of the audit committee: the chairman, any director employed by the company or by its controlling shareholder or by an entity controlled by the controlling shareholder, a director who regularly provides services to the company or to its controlling shareholder or to an entity controlled by the controlling shareholder, and any director who derives most of his/her income from the controlling shareholder;
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The functions to be performed by the audit committee were expanded to include, among others the following: determination whether certain related party actions and transactions are “material” or “extraordinary” in connection with their approval procedures, to assess the scope of work and compensation of the company’s independent accountant, to assess the company’s internal audit system and the performance of its internal auditor and to set whistle blower procedures (including protections afforded to whistle blowers);
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The threshold to elect outside directors was increased, such that the election of outside directors now requires a majority vote at a shareholders’ meeting, provided that either: at least a majority (previously, one-third) of the shares of non-controlling shareholders voted at the meeting on the matter vote in favor of the election of the outsider director, or the total number of shares of non-controlling shareholders voted against the election of the outside director does not exceed 2% (previously, 1%) of the voting rights in the company;
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The independence requirements of outside directors were enhanced such that an individual may not be appointed as an outside director in a company that does not have a controlling shareholder, in the event that he has affiliation, at the time of his appointment, to the chairman, chief executive officer, a 5% shareholder or the chief financial officer; in addition, an individual may not be appointed as an outside director if his relative, partner, employer, supervisor, or an entity he controls, has other than negligible business or professional relations with any of the persons with which the outside director himself may not be affiliated in order to qualify as an outside director;
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Outside directors may be re-elected following the initial term for an additional term by means of one of the following mechanisms: (i) the board of directors proposed the nominee and his appointment was approved by the shareholders in the manner required to appoint outside directors for their initial term (which was the only available way to re-elect external directors prior to the adoption of Amendment No. 16), or (ii) a shareholder holding 1% or more of the voting rights proposed the nominee, and the nominee is approved by a majority of the votes cast by the shareholders of the company on the matter, excluding the votes of any controlling shareholder and those who have a personal interest in the matter as a result of their relationship with any controlling shareholder, provided that, the aggregate votes cast by shareholders who are not controlling shareholders and do not have a personal interest in the matter as a result of their relationship with the controlling shareholders in favor of the nominee constitute more than 2% of the voting rights in the company;
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The terms of employment of an officer now require the approval of the audit committee as well as the board of directors;
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The threshold to approve extraordinary transactions with a controlling shareholder or in which a controlling shareholder has a personal interest was increased, such that: (i) at least a majority (previously one-third) of the votes cast by shareholders who have no personal interest in the transaction and who vote on the matter are voted in favor of the transaction, or (ii) the votes cast by shareholders who have no personal interest in the transaction voted against the transaction do not represent more than 2% (previously 1%) of the voting rights in the company; in addition, any such extraordinary transaction whose term is more than three years, require approval as described above every three years, unless (with respect to transactions not involving management fees) the audit committee approves that a longer term is reasonable under the circumstances;
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With respect to full tender offers (tender offers for the acquisition of all outstanding shares in a company), the time-frame for a shareholder to a request appraisal rights with respect to the tender offer was extended from three to six months following the consummation of a tender, but it is now permitted for the acquirer to elect that any shareholder tendering his shares will not be entitled to appraisal rights.
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D.
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Employees
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On December 31, 2011, we and our consolidated subsidiaries employed 78 persons, of which 15 persons were employed in research and development, 33 in training and technical support, 10 in sales and marketing and 20 in operations and administration. As of December 31, 2011, 28 of our employees were located in Israel, 46 of our employees were located in the United States and 4 of our employees were located in Hong Kong.
On December 31, 2010, we and our consolidated subsidiaries employed 80 persons, of which 16 persons were employed in research and development, 37 in training and technical support, nine in sales and marketing and 18 in operations and administration. As of December 31, 2010, 29 of our employees were located in Israel, 47 of our employees were located in the United States and four of our employees were located in Hong Kong.
On December 31, 2009, we and our consolidated subsidiaries employed 88 persons, of which 18 persons were employed in research and development, 44 in training and technical support, eight in sales and marketing and 18 in operations and administration. As of December 31, 2009, 31 of our employees were located in Israel, 53 of our employees were located in the United States and four of our employees were located in Hong Kong.
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Certain provisions of the collective bargaining agreements between the Histadrut (General Federation of Labor in Israel) and the Coordination Bureau of Economic Organizations (including the Industrialists Association) are applicable to our employees by order of the Israeli Ministry of Labor. These provisions concern mainly the length of the workday, minimum daily wages for professional workers, contributions to a pension fund, insurance for work-related accidents, procedures for dismissing employees, determination of severance pay and other conditions of employment. We generally provide our employees with benefits and working conditions beyond the required minimums.
Cost of living adjustment of employees’ wages is determined on a nationwide basis and are legally binding, if and when applied. Israeli employers and employees are required to pay predetermined amounts to the National Insurance Institute, which is similar to the United States Social Security Administration. In 2011, payments to the National Insurance Institute amounted to approximately 15% of wages, of which approximately two-thirds was contributed by employees with the balance contributed by the employer.
Pursuant to Israeli law, we are legally required to pay severance benefits upon certain circumstances, including the retirement or death of an employee or the termination of employment of an employee without due cause. Pursuant to an order issued in December 2007 by the Israeli Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor, new provisions relating to pension arrangements in the collective bargaining agreements between the Histadrut (General Federation of Labor in Israel) and the Coordination Bureau of Economic Organizations (the Israeli federation of employers’ organizations) apply to all employees in Israel, including our Israeli employees. According to such provisions, all employees employed for at least six months are entitled to pension benefits to be funded by preset monthly contributions of the employee and the employer. We partly satisfy this obligation by contributing approximately 8.3% of between 80%-100% of the employee’s annual gross salary to a fund known as “Managers’ Insurance” or to pension fund. This fund provides a combination of savings plans, insurance and severance pay benefits to the employee, giving the employee a lump sum payment upon retirement and a severance payment, if legally entitled, upon termination of employment. The remaining part of this obligation is presented in our balance sheet as the difference between the “accrued severance pay” and “severance pay fund.”
|
E.
|
Share Ownership
|
The following table sets forth certain information as of March 22, 2012 regarding the beneficial ownership of our ordinary shares by each of our directors. The number of ordinary shares beneficially owned set forth in the table and the footnotes to the table have been adjusted to reflect the one-for-two reverse stock split that was effected on March 2, 2010.
|
Name
|
Number of Ordinary Shares Beneficially Owned(1)
|
Percentage of Outstanding Ordinary Shares(2)
|
||||||
|
Chaim Mer
|
1,092,497 | (3) | 24.5 | % | ||||
|
Isaac Ben-Bassat
|
344,607 | (4) | 7.7 | % | ||||
|
Eytan Barak
|
-- | -- | ||||||
|
Roger Challen
|
1,087,308 | (5) | 24.4 | % | ||||
|
Steven J. Glusband
|
500 | * | ||||||
|
Yaacov Goldman
|
-- | -- | ||||||
|
Lior Salansky
|
554,281 | (6) | 12.4 | % | ||||
|
Ms. Varda Trivaks
|
-- | -- | ||||||
__________
* Less than 1%.
44
|
(1)
|
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. Ordinary shares relating to options currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of the date of this table are deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of the person holding such securities but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of any other person. Except as indicated by footnote, and subject to community property laws where applicable, the persons named in the table above have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares shown as beneficially owned by them.
|
|
(2)
|
The percentages shown are based on 4,459,057 ordinary shares (excluding 5,400 ordinary shares held as treasury stock) issued and outstanding as of March 22, 2012.
|
|
(3)
|
Based upon a Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on May 26, 2009 and other information available to our company. Mr. Chaim Mer and his wife, Mrs. Dora Mer, are the record holders of 214,453 ordinary shares and the beneficial owners of 872,226 ordinary shares through their controlling interest in Mer Ofekim Ltd., 5,770 ordinary shares through their controlling interest in Mer Services Ltd. and 48 ordinary shares through their controlling interest in Mer & Co. (1982) Ltd.
|
|
(4)
|
Based upon a Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on October 30, 2008 and other information available to our company. Includes 29,584 ordinary shares owned of record by Mr. Ben-Bassat and 315,023 ordinary shares owned of record by Ron Dan Investments Ltd., a company controlled by Mr. Ben-Bassat.
|
|
(5)
|
The 1,087,308 ordinary shares are held of record by The Info Group, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation controlled by Mr. Roger Challen. Accordingly, Mr. Roger Challen may be deemed to have the sole voting and dispositive power as to the ordinary shares held of record by The Info Group, Inc.
|
|
(6)
|
Based upon a Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on October 7, 2008 and other information available to our company.
|
Stock Option Plans
2003 Israeli Share Option Plan
Under our 2003 Israeli Share Option Plan, or the 2003 Plan, options to purchase up to an aggregate 446,958 post- reverse split ordinary shares may be granted to directors, employees, consultants, advisors, service providers, controlling shareholders and other persons not employed by us or by our affiliates. Any options which are canceled or forfeited within the option period will become available for future grants. The 2003 Plan will terminate in 2013, unless earlier terminated by the Board of Directors.
Options to Israeli employees, directors and officers, other than controlling shareholders (as such term is defined in the Israeli Income Tax Ordinance), under the 2003 Plan may only be granted under Section 102 of the Israeli Income Tax Ordinance [New Version] - 1961, or Section 102, as amended as of January 1, 2003. Section 102 as amended affords certain tax advantages with respect to option grants to employees and directors. Under amended Section 102, options granted pursuant to Section 102 may be designated as “Approved 102 Options” or “Unapproved 102 Options.” An Approved 102 Option may either be classified as a capital gains option or an ordinary income option. We elected to initially grant our options pursuant to Section 102 as capitals gain options. Such election is effective as of the first date of grant of such capital gains options under the 2003 Plan and shall remain in effect at least until the lapse of one year following the end of the tax year during which we first granted capital gains options. All Approved 102 Options (or the ordinary shares issued upon exercise thereof) must be held in trust by a trustee for the requisite holding period under Section 102 in order to benefit from the certain tax advantages. We may also grant Unapproved 102 Options, which do not have any tax benefit and are not held by a trustee. Options granted under Section 102 are taxed on the date of sale of the exercised ordinary shares and/or the date of the release of the options or such exercised ordinary shares from the trust.
45
The 2003 Plan is administered by the Board of Directors or a committee of the Board of Directors, if appointed, which has the authority, subject to applicable law, to determine, the persons to whom options will be granted, the terms and conditions of the respective options, including the time and the extent to which the options may be exercised, may designate the type of options, make an election as to the type of Approved 102 Option. The exercise price of options granted under the 2003 Plan will be based on the fair market value of our ordinary shares and is determined by the Board of Directors or the committee at the time of the grant.
Options granted under the 2003 Plan are not assignable or transferable by an optionee, other than by will or by laws of descent and distribution, and during the lifetime of an optionee may be exercised only by the optionee or by the optionee’s legal representative. Such options may be exercised as long as the optionee is employed by, or providing services to us or any of our affiliates, to the extent the options have vested.
During 2011, options to purchase an aggregate of 107,250 post-reverse split ordinary shares were granted under the 2003 Plan at an average exercise price of $1.82 per share, and no options were exercised. At December 31, 2011, options to purchase 189,000 post-reverse split ordinary shares were outstanding under the 2003 Plan, exercisable at an average exercise price of $1.86 per share.
2006 Stock Option Plan
In June 2006, we adopted our 2006 Stock Option Plan, or the 2006 Plan, under which up to 200,000 post-reverse split ordinary shares may be issued (subject to standard adjustments) to employees, officers and non-employee directors of ours and our affiliates. Ordinary shares as to which an option granted under the 2006 Plan has not been exercised at the time of its expiration, cancellation or forfeiture may again be subject to new awards under the 2006 Plan. At our 2011 annual general meeting, our shareholders approved an amendment to our 2006 Stock Option Plan to provide for the issuance thereunder of an additional 200,000 post-reverse split ordinary shares and to increase the total number of ordinary shares with respect to which options may be granted thereunder to any eligible employee during any 12 month period to 150,000 (instead of 50,000 according to the original 2006 Plan) ordinary shares, subject to adjustment as provided in the 2006 Plan.
The 2006 Plan will be administered by our Board of Directors or to the extent permitted by Israeli law, a Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors, if established by our Board of Directors at its discretion. All references below to the “Committee” refer to the Board of Directors or compensation committee established by our Board of Directors, as applicable. The Committee will have the authority, in its discretion, to establish from time to time guidelines or regulations for the administration of the 2006 Plan, to interpret the 2006 Plan, and to make all determinations it considers necessary or advisable for the administration of the 2006 Plan, in addition to the other responsibilities and powers assigned to the Committee in the 2006 Plan. All decisions, actions or interpretations of the Committee under the 2006 Plan will be final, conclusive and binding upon all parties.
Each option granted under the 2006 Plan will be either an option intended to be treated as an “incentive stock option,” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, or an option that will be treated as a “non-qualified stock option.” No incentive stock may be granted to any individual who is not an eligible employee of our company or a “subsidiary” within the meaning of the Code. No incentive stock option may be granted to an employee if, as of the date of grant of such option, such employee owns stock possessing more than ten percent of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of our company or any affiliated company, a “10% Holder,” unless (a) the exercise price per share under such option is at least 110% of the fair market value of an ordinary share determined as of the date of grant of such option, and (b) such option is not exercisable after the expiration of five years from the date of grant of such option. No incentive stock option may be granted under the 2006 Plan after the ten year anniversary of its adoption.
In no event may the term of any option exceed ten years from the date of grant of the option. However, in no event may the term of any option granted to a 10% Holder exceed five years from the date of grant of the option. No option may be exercised after its expiration.
Each option granted under the 2006 Plan will become exercisable, in whole or in part, at such time or times during its term as the instrument evidencing the grant of such option may specify.
46
The price at which ordinary shares may be purchased upon any exercise of an option granted under the 2006 Plan will be the price per share determined by the Committee, and specified in the instrument evidencing the grant of such option, but in no event may the exercise price per share be less than (i) the fair market value of an ordinary share determined as of the date of grant of the option, or (ii), if greater, the par value of an ordinary share. However, with respect to an option granted to a 10% Holder, in no event may the exercise price per share be less than 110% of the fair market value of our ordinary shares determined as of the date of grant of such option.
Options granted under the 2006 Plan are nontransferable, other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and may be exercised during the grantee’s lifetime only by the grantee. However, if the instrument evidencing the grant of an option other than an incentive stock option so provides, the grantee may transfer his or her rights with respect to such option or any portion thereof, without consideration, to any “family member,” as such term is defined in the 2006 Plan.
The terms and conditions of an option grant may not be waived or amended without the consent of the grantee if it would adversely affect, to any material extent, any of the rights or obligations of the grantee with respect to such grant, or in the case of any option that was intended to constitute an incentive stock option, if such waiver or amendment would cause such option to fail to be treated as an incentive stock option.
Our Board of Directors may, with prospective or retroactive effect, amend, suspend or terminate the 2006 Plan or any portion of the 2006 Plan at any time. However, no amendment, suspension or termination of the 2006 Plan may adversely affect the rights of any grantee with respect to any options previously granted to the grantee without his or her written consent. Also, no amendment which constitutes a “material revision” of the 2006 Plan, within the meaning of such term under NASDAQ rules, may be effective unless approved by our shareholders in the manner required by such rules and by applicable law.
During 2011, options to purchase an aggregate of 150,000 ordinary shares were granted under the 2006 Plan and no options were exercised. At December 31, 2011, options to purchase 272,500 ordinary shares were outstanding under the 2006 Plan, exercisable at an average exercise price of $1.66 per share.
|
MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTION
S
|
|
A.
|
Major Shareholders
|
The following table sets forth certain information as of March 22, 2012 regarding the beneficial ownership by all shareholders known to us to own beneficially 5.0% or more of our ordinary shares: The number of ordinary shares beneficially owned set forth in the table and the footnotes to the table have been adjusted to reflect the one-for-two reverse stock split that was effected on March 2, 2010.
|
Name
|
Number of
Ordinary Shares Beneficially Owned(1)
|
Percentage of
Outstanding
Ordinary
Shares(2)
|
||||||
|
Chaim Mer and Dora Mer
|
1,092,497 | (3) | 24.5 | % | ||||
|
The Info Group, Inc.
|
1,087,308 | (4) | 24.4 | % | ||||
|
Lior Salansky
|
554,281 | (5) | 12.4 | % | ||||
|
Isaac Ben-Bassat
|
344,607 | (6) | 7.7 | % | ||||
__________
|
|
(1)
|
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. Ordinary shares relating to options currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of the date of this table are deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of the person holding such securities but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of any other person. Except as indicated by footnote, and subject to community property laws where applicable, the persons named in the table above have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares shown as beneficially owned by them.
|
47
|
|
(2)
|
The percentages shown are based on 4,459,057 ordinary shares (excluding 5,400 ordinary shares held as treasury stock) issued and outstanding as of March 22, 2012.
|
|
|
(3)
|
Based upon a Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on May 26, 2009 and other information available to our company. Mr. Chaim Mer and his wife, Mrs. Dora Mer, are the record holders of 214,453 ordinary shares and the beneficial owners of 872,226 ordinary shares through their controlling interest in Mer Ofekim Ltd., 5,770 ordinary shares through their controlling interest in Mer Services Ltd. and 48 ordinary shares through their controlling interest in Mer & Co. (1982) Ltd.
|
|
|
(4)
|
The Info Group, Inc. is a Massachusetts corporation controlled by Mr. Roger Challen. Accordingly, Mr. Roger Challen may be deemed to have the sole voting and dispositive power of our ordinary shares held of record by The Info Group, Inc.
|
|
|
(5)
|
Based upon a Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on October 7, 2008 and other information available to our company.
|
|
|
(6)
|
Based upon a Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on October 30, 2008 and other information available to our company. Includes 29,584 ordinary shares owned of record by Mr. Ben-Bassat and 315,023 ordinary shares owned of record by Ron Dan Investments Ltd., a company controlled by Mr. Ben-Bassat.
|
Significant Changes in the Ownership of Major Shareholders
On February 11, 2008, we issued in a private placement 375,000 (post-reverse split) ordinary shares to Mr. Lior Salansky for a total consideration of $750,000. On February 21, 2008, Mr. Salansky filed a Schedule 13D with the Securities and Exchange Commission reflecting ownership of 521,030 (post-reverse split), or 15.97%, of our ordinary shares. On October 7, 2008, Mr. Salansky filed a Schedule 13D/A with the Securities and Exchange Commission reflecting ownership of 595,140 post-reverse split, or 17.7%, of our ordinary shares.
On September 29, 2008, we completed a private placement of 109,745 (post-reverse split) of our ordinary shares for aggregate proceeds of $250,000, to Mr. Salansky (our then president), who is also a director and a principal shareholder, Mr. Isaac Ben-Bassat a director, and Mr. Eytan Bar, our chief executive officer. On October 10, 2008, Mr. Bar filed a Schedule 13D with the Securities and Exchange Commission reflecting ownership of 183,854 post-reverse split, or 5.3%, of our ordinary shares. On October 30, 2008, Mr. Ben-Bassat filed a Schedule 13D/A with the Securities and Exchange Commission reflecting ownership of 388,505(post-reverse split), or 11.6%, of our ordinary shares.
On December 30, 2008, we completed the acquisition of certain assets and liabilities of AnchorPoint, a Massachusetts-based provider of TEM solutions. The aggregate consideration paid for the acquisition was the issuance of 1,087,308 of our (post-reverse split) ordinary shares, or 24.4% of our outstanding shares on a post-transaction basis. AnchorPoint changed its name to The Info Group, Inc. following the completion of the transaction. The Info Group, Inc. is controlled by Mr. Roger Challen, who may be deemed to have the sole voting and dispositive power as to the ordinary shares held of record by The Info Group, Inc.
Major Shareholders Voting Rights
Our major shareholders do not have different voting rights.
Record Holders
Based on a review of the information provided to us by our transfer agent, as of March 22, 2012, there were 108 holders of record of our ordinary shares, of which 58 record holders holding approximately 62% of our ordinary shares had registered addresses in the United States. These numbers are not representative of the number of beneficial holders of our shares nor are they representative of where such beneficial holders reside, since many of these ordinary shares were held of record by brokers or other nominees (including one U.S. nominee company, CEDE & Co., which held approximately 37% of our outstanding ordinary shares as of such date).
48
|
B.
|
Related Party Transactions
|
Mrs. Dora Mer, the wife of Chaim Mer, provided legal services to our company through the Israeli law firm of M. Firon & Co., Advocates and Notaries, until July 2011. On April 2, 2008, our Audit Committee and Board of Directors approved our engagement of the services of Mrs. Dora Mer, for a monthly retainer in the amount of $5,000. Mrs. Mer voluntarily reduced her monthly retainer to $4,250 from December 1, 2008 until February 28, 2010 and the monthly retainer was further reduced to $2,500 since March 1, 2010.
Our subsidiaries, MTS Asia Ltd. and MTS IntegraTRAK, entered into an agreement with C. Mer Industries Ltd, or C. Mer, pursuant to which they distribute and support certain of C. Mer’s products and provide certain services on behalf of C. Mer. Generally, C. Mer compensates MTS Asia Ltd. for these activities at cost plus 10% and compensates MTS IntegraTRAK at cost plus 5%. There were no transactions under this agreement during 2009, 2010 and 2011.
C. Mer is a publicly traded company controlled by Mr. Mer, he has been the Chairman of its Board of Directors since 1988 and served as its President and Chief Executive Officer from 1988 until January 2005. Presently, the only service provided to us by C. Mer is our participation in its umbrella liability insurance coverage. We believe that the terms under which C. Mer provides such participation to us is on a basis no less favorable than could be obtained from an unaffiliated third party.
In connection with our acquisition of certain assets and liabilities of the TEM solution business of AnchorPoint in 2009, Mr. Roger Challen, the controlling shareholder of AnchorPoint, was employed by our company at an annual salary of $77,760. Effective as of June 30, 2011, we terminated such employment relationship with Mr. Challen, and instead, our shareholders authorized Mr. Challen to provide consultancy services to us for a monthly fee of $2,000. A consulting agreement with Mr. Challen has not been signed as yet. In addition, since January 1, 2009 and as part of the acquisition of certain assets and liabilities of AnchorPoint’s TEM solutions, we also received certain services from Data Distributors, Inc., a company controlled by Mr. Challen. These services include reimbursement for shared expenses, development and IT services, other administrative services, and rental related fees. These services were significantly reduced during 2011. Expenses recognized with respect to the above mentioned services were approximately $195,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011. In addition, we rent from Mr. Challen an office in Powder Springs, Georgia, where we occupy approximately 4,800 square feet of space under a month-to-month lease, for a monthly rental fee of approximately $4,700.
On March 25, 2009, our Audit Committee and Board of Directors approved a transaction with Mer & Co. (1982) Ltd., or Mer & Co, a subsidiary of C. Mer. According to the terms of the transaction, we will sell our products to Mer & Co, which has an Israel Defense Forces approved supplier number, and it will represent us and resell our products to the Israeli Defense Forces. For its services, we agreed to pay Mer & Co. 5% of the amounts we received from the Israeli Defense Forces for our software products; however, as of December 31, 2011, Mer & Co. has provided such services without any charge.
At our 2010 annual general meeting, our shareholders approved our assumption of certain costs for defending the patent infringement claim that was made by Asentinel against AnchorPoint, Inc. (now known as The Info Group Inc.) and two other defendants. Subsequent to the filing of the complaint, we and our wholly-owned subsidiary, MTS Integratrak were also named as defendants. See Item 8A “Financial Information – Legal Proceedings.” Mr. Roger Challen, the controlling shareholder of the Info Group Inc., is the beneficial owner of 24.4% of our ordinary shares held of record by such company.
|
C.
|
Interests of Experts and Counsel
|
Not applicable.
49
|
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
|
|
A.
|
Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
|
Financial Statements
See the consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto included in Item 18.
Export Sales
See Note 13 of our consolidated financial statements.
Legal Proceedings
In April 2000, the tax authorities in Israel issued to us a demand for a tax payment in the amount of approximately NIS 6.0 million (approximately $1.57 million) for the 1997 to 1999 period. We have appealed to the Israeli district court in respect of this tax demand. We believe that certain defenses can be raised against the demand of the tax authorities. We have made a provision in our financial statements for this tax demand for the amount deemed probable, based on the current evidence, which we believe is adequate.
During August 2007, our now inactive Brazilian subsidiary, TABS Brazil Ltda., was ordered by the Labor Law Court in Brazil to pay approximately 167,000 Brazilian Reais (approximately $90,000) to one of its former employees. Such amount bears interest at a rate of 1% per month from the date that the claim was filed. We recorded a provision in our financial statements for the amount deemed probable.
On September 28, 2010, Asentinel, a competitor of our company, filed a patent infringement complaint against AnchorPoint, Inc. (now known as The Info Group Inc.), from whom we purchased certain assets in December 2008, and two other defendants, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee. The plaintiff subsequently filed a motion for leave to file an amended complaint to add us and our U.S. subsidiary, MTS IntegraTRAK, as defendants, which motion was granted on March 23, 2011. On December 2, 2011 we entered into a settlement agreement with Asentinel, according to which we made a lump sum payment for the alleged past damages, and Asentinel granted us a license to use certain of its patents in return for ongoing annual royalty payments for periods subsequent to January 1, 2012.
We are a party to various other claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. Accordingly, we have recorded a provision of approximately $280,000 in respect of such claims in accordance with ASC 450, “Contingencies,” based on the opinion of our management and legal advisors.
Dividend Distribution Policy
We have never paid cash dividends to our shareholders. We intend to retain future earnings for use in our business and do not anticipate paying cash dividends on our ordinary shares in the foreseeable future. Any future dividend policy will be determined by our Board of Directors and will be based upon conditions then existing, including our results of operations, financial condition, current and anticipated cash needs, contractual restrictions and other conditions as the Board of Directors may deem relevant.
According to the Israeli Companies Law, a company may distribute dividends out of its profits (as such term is defined in the Israeli Companies Law), provided that there is no reasonable concern that payment of the dividend will prevent the company from satisfying all its current and foreseeable obligations, as they become due. Notwithstanding the foregoing, dividends may be paid with the approval of a court, at the company’s request, provided that there is no reasonable concern that payment of the dividend will prevent the company from satisfying its current and foreseeable obligations, as they become due. In the event cash dividends are declared, such dividends will be paid in NIS.
50
|
B.
|
Significant Changes
|
Except as otherwise disclosed in this annual report, no significant change has occurred since December 31, 2011.
|
THE OFFER AND LISTING
|
|
A.
|
Offer and Listing Details
|
As of March 2, 2010, we effected a one-for-two reverse stock split of our issued and outstanding ordinary shares, following the approval of our shareholders at an extraordinary general meeting. Immediately following the reverse stock split, 4,464,457 ordinary shares were issued and 4,459,057 ordinary shares were outstanding. The
share
prices set forth below have been adjusted retroactively to reflect the reverse stock split.
Annual Stock Information
The following table sets forth, for each of the years indicated, the range of high ask and low bid prices of our ordinary shares on the NASDAQ Capital Market.
|
Year
|
High
|
Low
|
||||||
|
2011
|
$ | 2. 14 | $ | 1. 15 | ||||
|
2010
|
$ | 4. 00 | $ | 0. 60 | ||||
|
2009
|
$ | 4. 78 | $ | 1. 20 | ||||
|
2008
|
$ | 3. 38 | $ | 1. 50 | ||||
|
2007
|
$ | 6. 52 | $ | 0. 04 | ||||
Quarterly Stock Information
The following table sets forth, for each of the full financial quarters in the years indicated, the range of high ask and low bid prices of our ordinary shares on the NASDAQ Capital Market.
|
High
|
Low
|
|||||||
|
2010
|
||||||||
|
First Quarter
|
$ | 2. 00 | $ | 0. 60 | ||||
|
Second Quarter
|
$ | 3. 50 | $ | 1. 32 | ||||
|
Third Quarter
|
$ | 1. 53 | $ | 1. 00 | ||||
|
Fourth Quarter
|
$ | 4. 00 | $ | 1. 15 | ||||
|
2011
|
||||||||
|
First Quarter
|
$ | 2. 14 | $ | 1. 85 | ||||
|
Second Quarter
|
$ | 2. 00 | $ | 1. 25 | ||||
|
Third Quarter
|
$ | 1. 50 | $ | 1. 15 | ||||
|
Fourth Quarter
|
$ | 1. 70 | $ | 1. 18 | ||||
|
2012
|
||||||||
|
First Quarter
(through March 21)
|
$ | 2. 14 | $ | 1. 37 | ||||
Monthly Stock Information
The following table sets forth, for each of the most recent six months, the range of high ask and low bid prices of our ordinary shares on the NASDAQ Capital Market.
|
Month
|
High
|
Low
|
||||||
|
October 2011
|
$ | 1. 32 | $ | 1. 20 | ||||
|
November 2011
|
$ | 1. 35 | $ | 1. 18 | ||||
|
December 2011
|
$ | 1. 70 | $ | 1. 22 | ||||
|
January 2012
|
$ | 1. 88 | $ | 1. 37 | ||||
|
February 2012
|
$ | 2. 14 | $ | 1. 60 | ||||
|
March 2012
(through March 21)
|
$ | 2. 10 | $ | 1. 84 | ||||
51
|
B.
|
Plan of Distribution
|
Not applicable.
|
C.
|
Markets
|
Our ordinary shares were listed on the NASDAQ Global Market (formerly the NASDAQ National Market) in connection with our initial public offering on May 21, 1997. On December 23, 1998, the listing of our ordinary shares was transferred to the NASDAQ Capital Market (symbol: MTSL).
|
D.
|
Selling Shareholders
|
Not applicable.
|
E.
|
Dilution
|
Not applicable.
|
F.
|
Expense of the Issue
|
Not applicable.
|
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
|
|
A.
|
Share Capital
|
Not applicable.
|
B.
|
Memorandum and Articles of Association
|
Set out below is a description of certain provisions of our Articles of Association and of the Israeli Companies Law related to such provisions. This description is only a summary and does not purport to be complete and is qualified by reference to the full text of the Articles of Association, which are incorporated by reference as exhibits to this Annual Report, and to Israeli law.
Purposes and Objects of the Company
We are a public company registered under the Israel Companies Law, 1999-5759, or the Israeli Companies Law, as MER Telemanagement Solutions Ltd., registration number 520042904.
Our objects and purposes, as provided by our Articles of Association, are to carry on any lawful activity.
On February 1, 2000, the Israeli Companies Law came into effect and superseded most of the provisions of the Israeli Companies Ordinance (New Version), 5743-1983, except for certain provisions which relate to bankruptcy, dissolution and liquidation of companies. Under the Israeli Companies Law, various provisions, some of which are detailed below, overrule the current provisions of our Articles of Association.
The Powers of the Directors
Under the provisions of the Israeli Companies Law and our Articles of Association, a director cannot participate in a meeting nor vote on a proposal, arrangement or contract in which he or she is materially interested. In addition, our directors cannot vote compensation to themselves or any members of their body without the approval of our audit committee and our shareholders at a general meeting. See Item 6C. “Directors, Senior Management and Employees – Board Practices – Approval of Related Party Transactions Under Israeli Law.”
52
The authority of our directors to enter into borrowing arrangements on our behalf is not limited, except in the same manner as any other transaction by us.
Under our Articles of Association, retirement of directors from office is not subject to any age limitation and our directors are not required to own shares in our company in order to qualify to serve as directors.
Rights Attached to Shares
Our authorized share capital consists of 12,000,000 ordinary shares of a nominal value of NIS 0.01 each. All outstanding ordinary shares are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
The rights attached to the ordinary shares are as follows:
Dividend rights
.
Holders of our ordinary shares are entitled to the full amount of any cash or share dividend subsequently declared. The board of directors may declare interim dividends and propose the final dividend with respect to any fiscal year only out of the retained earnings, in accordance with the provisions of the Israeli Companies Law. Our Articles of Association provide that the declaration of a dividend requires approval by an ordinary resolution of the shareholders, which may decrease but not increase the amount proposed by the board of directors. See Item 8A. “Financial Information – Consolidated and Other Financial Information – Dividend Distribution Policy.” If after one year a dividend has been declared and it is still unclaimed, the board of directors is entitled to invest or utilize the unclaimed amount of dividend in any manner to our benefit until it is claimed. We are not obligated to pay interest or linkage differentials on an unclaimed dividend.
Voting rights
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Holders of ordinary shares have one vote for each ordinary share held on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders. Such voting rights may be affected by the grant of any special voting rights to the holders of a class of shares with preferential rights that may be authorized in the future.
The quorum required for an ordinary meeting of shareholders consists of at least two shareholders present in person or represented by proxy who hold or represent, in the aggregate, at least one third of the voting rights of the issued share capital. A meeting adjourned for lack of a quorum generally is adjourned to the same day in the following week at the same time and place or any time and place as the directors designate in a notice to the shareholders. At the reconvened meeting, the required quorum consists of any two members present in person or by proxy.
An ordinary resolution, such as a resolution for the declaration of dividends, requires approval by the holders of a majority of the voting rights represented at the meeting, in person, by proxy or by written ballot, and voting thereon. Under our Articles of Association, a special resolution, such as amending our memorandum of association or articles of association, approving any change in capitalization, winding-up, authorization of a class of shares with special rights, or other changes as specified in our Articles of Association, requires approval of a special majority, representing the holders of no less than 75% of the voting rights represented at the meeting in person, by proxy or by written ballot, and voting thereon.
Pursuant to our Articles of Association, our directors (other than outside directors) are elected at our annual general meeting of shareholders by a vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power represented and voting at such meeting and hold office until the next annual general meeting of shareholders and until their successors have been elected. All the members of our Board of Directors (except the outside directors) may be reelected upon completion of their term of office. For information regarding the election of outside directors, see Item 6C. “Directors, Senior Management and Employees – Board Practices – Election of Directors - Outside and Independent Directors - Outside Directors.”
Rights to share in our company’s profits
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Our shareholders have the right to share in our profits distributed as a dividend and any other permitted distribution. See this Item 10B. “Additional Information – Memorandum and Articles of Association – Rights Attached to Shares – Dividend Rights.”
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Rights to share in surplus in the event of liquidation
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In the event of our liquidation, after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors, our assets will be distributed to the holders of ordinary shares in proportion to the nominal value of their holdings. This right may be affected by the grant of preferential dividend or distribution rights to the holders of a class of shares with preferential rights that may be authorized in the future.
Liability to capital calls by our company
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Under our memorandum of association and the Israeli Companies Law, the liability of our shareholders is limited to the par value of the shares held by them.
Limitations on any existing or prospective major shareholder
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See Item 6C. “Directors and Senior Management –Board Practices - Approval of Related Party Transactions Under Israeli Law.”
Changing Rights Attached to Shares
According to our Articles of Association, in order to change the rights attached to any class of shares, unless otherwise provided by the terms of the class, such change must be adopted by a general meeting of the shareholders and by a separate general meeting of the holders of the affected class with a majority of 75% of the voting power participating in such meeting.
Annual and Extraordinary Meetings
Under the Israeli Companies Law a company must convene an annual meeting of shareholders at least once every calendar year and within 15 months of the last annual meeting. Depending on the matter to be voted upon, notice of at least 21 days or 35 days prior to the date of the meeting is required. Our board of directors may, in its discretion, convene additional meetings as “special general meetings.”
With respect to “special general meetings,” notice of at least 35 days prior to the date of the meeting is required. In addition, the board must convene a special general meeting upon the demand of two of the directors, 25% of the nominated directors, one or more shareholders having at least 5% of the outstanding share capital and at least 1% of the voting power in the company, or one or more shareholders having at least 5% of the voting power in the company. See Item 10B. “Additional Information - Memorandum and Articles of Association - Rights Attached to Shares - Voting Rights.”
Limitations on the Rights to Own Securities in Our Company
Neither our memorandum of association or our articles of association nor the laws of the State of Israel restrict in any way the ownership or voting of shares by non-residents, except with respect to subjects of countries, which are in a state of war with Israel.
Provisions Restricting Change in Control of Our Company `
Tender Offer
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A person wishing to acquire shares, or any class of shares, of a publicly traded Israeli company and who would as a result hold over 90% of the company’s issued and outstanding share capital, or a class of shares, is required by the Israeli Companies Law to make a tender offer to all of the company’s shareholders for the purchase of all of the remaining issued and outstanding shares of the company, or the class of shares, as the case may be. If the shareholders who do not respond to the offer hold less than 5% of the issued share capital of the company, or of the relevant class of shares, all of the shares that the acquirer offered to purchase will be transferred to the acquirer by operation of law. However, the shareholders may petition the court to determine that the consideration for the acquired shares is less than the shares’ fair value and that the acquiring party should pay the shares’ fair value. If the dissenting shareholders hold more than 5% of the issued and outstanding share capital of the company, or of the relevant class of shares, as the case may be, the acquirer may not acquire additional shares of the company from shareholders who accepted the tender offer if following such acquisition the acquirer would own over 90% of the company’s issued and outstanding share capital, or of the relevant class of shares.
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The Israeli Companies Law provides that an acquisition of shares of a public company be made by means of a tender offer if as a result of the acquisition the purchaser would become the holder of a ‘‘control block.’’ Under the Israeli Companies Law shares conferring 25% or more of the voting rights in the company constitute a ‘‘control block.’’ The requirement for a tender offer does not apply if there is already another holder of a control block. Similarly, the Israeli Companies Law provides that an acquisition of shares in a public company must be made by means of a tender offer if as a result of the acquisition the acquirer would hold more than 45% of the voting rights in the company, unless there is another person holding more than 45% of the voting rights in the company. These requirements do not apply if:
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the acquisition was made in a private placement the object of which was to confer to the acquiring party a ‘‘control block’’ where there is no holder of a ‘‘control block,’’ or to confer to the acquiring party 45% of the voting rights in the company where there is no holder of 45% of the voting rights in the company, and the private placement received the general meeting’s approval; or
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the acquisition was from the holder of a ‘‘control block’’ and resulted in a person becoming the holder of a ‘‘control block;’’ or
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the acquisition was from a shareholder holding more than 45% of the voting rights in the company and resulted in a person becoming a holder of more than 45% of the voting rights in the company.
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Merger
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The Israeli Companies Law permits merger transactions if approved by each party’s board of directors and, except under certain circumstances specified below, by the majority of each party’s shares voted on the proposed merger at a shareholders meeting convened upon prior notice of at least 35 days (which may be shortened to 14 days in certain circumstances). A merger is defined as the transfer of all assets and liabilities, including conditional, future, known and unknown debts of the target company to the surviving company, as a result of which the target company is liquidated, and stricken out of the Companies Register.
Under the Israeli Companies Law, if the approval of a general meeting of the shareholders is required, merger transactions may be approved by holders of a simple majority of the shares present and voting, in person or by proxy or by written ballot, at the general meeting convened to approve the transaction. If one of the merging companies, or a shareholder that holds 25% or more of the means of control of one of the merging companies, or a 25% shareholder, holds shares of the other merging company, then a dissenting vote of holders of the majority of the shares of the other merging company present and voting, excluding shares held by the merging company or a 25% shareholder thereof, or by anyone acting on behalf of either of them, their relatives and corporations controlled thereby, is sufficient to reject the merger transaction. Means of control are defined as any of the following: (i) the right to vote at a general meeting of a company; and (ii) the right to appoint a director of a company. If the transaction would have been approved but for the exclusion of the votes as previously indicated, a court may still approve the merger upon the request of holders of at least 25% of the voting rights of the company. The court will not approve a merger unless it is convinced that the merger is fair and reasonable, taking into account the values of the merging companies and the consideration offered to the shareholders. Upon the request of a creditor of either party to the proposed merger, the court may delay or prevent the merger if it concludes that there exists a reasonable concern that, as a result of the merger, the surviving company will be unable to satisfy the obligations of the merged company. In addition, a merger may not be completed unless at least 50 days have passed from the date that a proposal for approval of the merger was filed with the Israeli Registrar of Companies and 30 days from the date that shareholder approval of both merging companies was obtained.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a merger is not subject to the approval of the shareholders of the target company if the target company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the surviving company. A merger is not subject to the approval of the shareholders of the surviving company if:
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the merger does not require the alteration of the memorandum or articles of association of the surviving company;
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the acquiring company would not issue more than 20% of the voting rights thereof to the shareholders of the target company in the course of the merger and no person will become, as a result of the merger, a controlling shareholder of the surviving company, on a fully diluted basis;
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neither the target company, nor any shareholder that holds 25% of the means of control of the target company is a shareholder of the surviving company; and
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there is no person that holds 25% or more of the means of control in both companies.
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Disclosure of Shareholders Ownership
The Israeli Securities Law and regulations promulgated thereunder do not require a company whose shares are publicly traded solely on a stock exchange outside of Israel, as in the case of our company, to disclose its share ownership.
Changes in Our Capital
Changes in our capital are subject to the approval of the shareholders at a general meeting by a special majority of 75% of the votes of shareholders participating and voting in the general meeting.
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C.
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Material Contracts
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On August 4, 2011, we entered into an amendment to the hosted billing services agreement we signed on August 12, 2009 with Simple Mobile, a Nevada limited liability company, extending the term of the original agreement through December 31, 2012. The renewal term may be extended for an additional 12 months, provided an extension agreement is entered into on or before October 1, 2012. According to the amendment, we will continue to provide hosted services to Simple Mobile during the renewal term, subject to a minimum monthly payment of $150,000. The parties also agreed to replace the service level agreement entered into in 2009 with a new service level agreement.
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D.
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Exchange Controls
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Israeli law and regulations do not impose any material foreign exchange restrictions on non-Israeli holders of our ordinary shares. In May 1998, a new “general permit” was issued under the Israeli Currency Control Law, 1978, which removed most of the restrictions that previously existed under such law, and enabled Israeli citizens to freely invest outside of Israel and freely convert Israeli currency into non-Israeli currencies.
Non-residents of Israel who purchase our ordinary shares will be able to convert dividends, if any, thereon, and any amounts payable upon our dissolution, liquidation or winding up, as well as the proceeds of any sale in Israel of our ordinary shares to an Israeli resident, into freely repatriable dollars, at the exchange rate prevailing at the time of conversion, provided that the Israeli income tax has been withheld (or paid) with respect to such amounts or an exemption has been obtained.
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E.
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Taxation
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The following is a discussion of Israeli and United States tax consequences material to our shareholders. To the extent that the discussion is based on new tax legislation which has not been subject to judicial or administrative interpretation, the views expressed in the discussion might not be accepted by the tax authorities in question. The discussion is not intended, and should not be construed, as legal or professional tax advice and does not exhaust all possible tax considerations.
Holders of our ordinary shares should consult their own tax advisors as to the United States, Israeli or other tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of ordinary shares, including, in particular, the effect of any foreign, state or local taxes.
Israeli Tax Considerations
The following is a summary of the current tax structure applicable to companies in Israel, with special reference to its effect on us. The following also contains a discussion of the material Israeli tax consequences to purchasers of our ordinary shares and Israeli government programs benefiting us. This summary does not discuss all the aspects of Israeli tax law that may be relevant to a particular investor in light of his or her personal investment circumstances or to some types of investors subject to special treatment under Israeli law.
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General Corporate Tax Structure
Generally, Israeli companies are subject to "Corporate Tax" at their taxable income. The Israeli corporate tax rate was 26% in 2009, 25% in 2010 and 24% in 2011. On December 5, 2011, the Knesset passed the Law for Tax Burden Reform (Legislative Amendments), 2011, which, among other things, cancels effective from 2012, the scheduled progressive reduction in the corporate tax rate and increases the corporate tax rate to 25% in 2012 and thereafter. In view of this increase in the corporate tax rate to 25% in 2012, the real capital gains tax rate and the real betterment tax rate were also increased accordingly.
Controlled Foreign Companies
Under the controlled foreign companies rules an Israeli company may become subject to Israeli taxes (as deemed dividends) on non-distributed profits of a non-Israeli subsidiary if the subsidiary’s primary source of income is passive income (such as interest, dividends, royalties, rental income or capital gains) and if the taxes imposed outside of Israel are no more than 20% of the profits.
Tax Benefits Under the Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments, 1959
The Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments, 1959, commonly referred to as the Investment Law, provides that a proposed capital investment in eligible facilities may, upon application to the Investment Center of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor of the State of Israel, be designated as an approved enterprise. Each certificate of approval for an approved enterprise relates to a specific investment program delineated both by its financial scope, including its capital sources, and by its physical characteristics,
e.g.
, the equipment to be purchased and utilized pursuant to the program. An approved enterprise is entitled to benefits including Israeli Government cash grants and tax benefits in specified development areas. The tax benefits derived from any such certificate of approval relate only to taxable income attributable to the specific approved enterprise. If a company has more than one approval or only a portion of its capital investments is approved, its effective tax rate is the result of a weighted average of the applicable rates.
Taxable income of a company derived from an approved enterprise is subject to corporate tax at the maximum rate of 25% (rather than the regular corporate tax rate) for the benefit period. This period is ordinarily seven years (or 10 years if the company qualifies as a foreign investors’ company as described below) commencing with the year in which the approved enterprise first generates taxable income, and is limited to 12 years from commencement of production or 14 years from the date of approval, whichever is earlier, referred to as “the years limitation.” The years limitation does not apply to the tax exempt years. Tax benefits under the Investments Law also apply to income generated from the grant of a usage right with respect to know-how developed by the approved enterprise, income generated from royalties, and income derived from a service which is auxiliary to such usage right or royalties, provided that such income is generated within the approved enterprise’s ordinary course of business. The Investment Law also provides that a company that has an approved enterprise within Israel will be eligible for a reduced tax rate and is entitled to claim accelerated depreciation on buildings, machinery and equipment used by the approved enterprise during the first five years of use.
A company owning an approved enterprise may elect to forego entitlement to the grants otherwise available under the Investment Law and in lieu thereof participate in an alternative track of benefits. Under the alternative track of benefits, a company’s undistributed income derived from an approved enterprise will be exempt from company tax for a period of two years from the first year of taxable income and such company will be eligible for a reduced tax rate for the remainder, if any, of the otherwise applicable benefits period.
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A company that has an approved enterprise program is eligible for further tax benefits if it qualifies as a foreign investors’ company. A foreign investors’ company is a company that more than 25% of its share capital and combined share and loan capital is owned by non-Israeli residents. A company, which qualifies as a foreign investors' company and has an approved enterprise program is eligible for tax benefits for a ten-year benefit period. The company tax rate applicable to income from the approved enterprise earned in the benefit period (distributed or not) is as follows:
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For a company with foreign investment of
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The company tax
rate is
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over 25% but less than 49%
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25%
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49% or more but less than 74%
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20%
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74% or more but less than 90%
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15%
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90% or more
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10%
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In addition, the dividend recipient is taxed at the reduced rate applicable to dividends from approved enterprises income (15%), if the dividend, deriving from the approved enterprises, is distributed during the tax benefit period or within 12 years thereafter, yet, no time limit is applicable to dividends from a foreign investment company. The company must withhold this tax at source, regardless of whether the dividend is converted into foreign currency. However, if retained tax-exempt income is distributed in a manner other than upon the complete liquidation of the company, the company would be taxed at the reduced corporate tax rate applicable to such profits (between 10%-25%). Our company is not obliged to distribute exempt retained profits under the alternative track of benefits, and may generally decide from which source of income to declare dividends. We intend to reinvest any income derived from our approved enterprise programs and not to distribute such income as a dividend.
We have been granted approved enterprise status with respect to several investment programs and chose the alternative track with respect to each of these programs. See Item 5A. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects - Operating Results - Effective Corporate Tax Rate.”
The benefits available to an approved enterprise are conditional upon the fulfillment of conditions stipulated in the Investment Law and its regulations and the criteria set forth in the specific certificate of approval, as described above. In the event that a company does not meet these conditions, its tax benefits could be canceled, in whole or in part, and it would be required to refund the amount of tax benefits, with the addition of the Israeli consumer price index linkage adjustment and interest.
An amendment to the Investments Law, which came into effect on April 1, 2005, changed certain provisions of such law, including the criteria for investments qualified to receive tax benefits under the Investments Law. An eligible investment program under the amendment will qualify for benefits as a “Privileged Enterprise” (rather than the previous terminology of Approved Enterprise). As a result of the amendment, a company is no longer obliged to acquire approved enterprise status in order to receive the tax benefits previously available under the alternative benefits track, and therefore there is no need to apply to the Investment Center for this purpose (however, approved enterprise status remains mandatory for companies seeking grants). Rather, a company may claim the tax benefits offered by the Investment Law directly in its tax returns, provided that its facilities meet the criteria for tax benefits set out by the amendment. Companies may also approach the Israeli Tax Authority for a pre-ruling regarding its eligibility for benefits under the amendment. The amendment does not apply to investment programs approved prior to December 31, 2004. The new tax regime will apply only to new investment programs.
Tax benefits are available under the April 2005 amendment to production facilities (or other eligible facilities), which are generally required to derive more than 25% of their business income from export. In order to receive the tax benefits, a company must make an investment in the Privileged Enterprise exceeding a minimum amount specified in the Investment Law. Such investment may be made over a period of no more than three years ending at the end of the year in which the company requested to have the tax benefits apply to the Privileged Enterprise, referred to as the Year of Election. Where the company requests to have the tax benefits apply to an expansion of existing facilities, only the expansion will be considered a Privileged Enterprise and the company’s effective tax rate will be the result of a weighted combination of the applicable rates. In such case, the minimum investment required in order to qualify as a Privileged Enterprise is required to exceed a certain percentage of the company’s production assets before the expansion.
To date, we have not utilized the benefits of the Investment Law, as amended subsequent to April 1, 2005, since we are utilizing carryforward losses from previous years for tax purposes.
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In December 2010, the Israeli Parliament passed the Law for Economic Efficiency for 2011 and 2012 (Amended Legislation), 2011, which prescribes, among other things, amendments to the Investment Law, effective as of January 1, 2011. According to the amendment, the benefit tracks under the Investment Law were modified and a uniform tax rate will apply to all of the income of an Approved or Privileged Enterprise. Companies may elect to irrevocably implement the amendment (while waiving benefits provided under the Investment Law as currently in effect) and subsequently would be subject to the amended tax rates that are: 15% in 2011 and 2012 (in development area A - 10%), 12.5% in, 2013 and 2014 (in development area A - 7%) and 12% in 2015 and thereafter (in development area A - 6%). Our company is not in development area A. We are currently examining the possible effect of the amendment on our financial statements, if at all, and have not yet decided whether to apply the amendment.
Tax Benefits for Research and Development
Israeli tax law allows, under specified conditions, a tax deduction for expenditures, including capital expenditures, in the year incurred relating to scientific research and development projects, if the expenditures are approved by the relevant Israeli Government ministry, determined by the field of research, and the research and development is for the promotion of the company and is carried out by or on behalf of the company seeking such deduction. However, the amount of such deductible expenses shall be reduced by the sum of any funds received through government grants for the finance of such scientific research and development projects. Expenditures not so approved are deductible over a three-year period.
Tax Benefits Under the Law for the Encouragement of Industry (Taxes), 1969
Under the Law for the Encouragement of Industry (Taxes), 1969, or the Industry Encouragement Law, Industrial Companies are entitled to certain corporate tax benefits, including, among others:
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deduction, under certain conditions, of purchases of know-how and patents over an eight-year period for tax purposes;
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right to elect, under specified conditions, to file a consolidated tax return with additional related Israeli Industrial Companies; and
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deductions over a three-year period of expenses involved with the issuance and listing of shares on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange or, on or after January 1, 2003, on a recognized stock market outside of Israel.
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Eligibility for benefits under the Industry Encouragement Law is not subject to receipt of prior approval from any governmental authority. Under the Industry Encouragement Law, an “Industrial Company” is defined as a company resident in Israel, at least 90% of the income of which, in any tax year, determined in Israeli currency, exclusive of income from government loans, capital gains, interest and dividends, is derived from an “Industrial Enterprise” owned by it. An “Industrial Enterprise” is defined as an enterprise owned by an Industrial Company, whose major activity in a given tax year is industrial production activity.
We believe that we currently qualify as an Industrial Company within the definition of the Industry Encouragement Law. No assurance can be given that we will continue to qualify as an Industrial Company or that the benefits described above will be available in the future.
Grants under the Law for the Encouragement of Industrial Research and Development, 1984
The Government of Israel encourages research and development projects through the Office of Chief Scientist of the Israeli Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor, or the Office of the Chief Scientist, pursuant to the Law for the Encouragement of Industrial Research and Development, 1984, and the regulations promulgated thereunder, commonly referred to as the Research Law. Grants received under such programs are repaid through a mandatory royalty based on revenues from products incorporating know-how developed with the grants. This government support is conditioned upon the ability of the participant to comply with certain applicable requirements and conditions specified in the Office of the Chief Scientist’s programs and with the provisions of the Research Law.
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Under the Research Law, research and development programs which meet specified criteria and are approved by a research committee of the Office of the Chief Scientist are eligible for grants of up to 50% of certain of the project’s approved expenditure, as determined by the research committee.
In exchange, the recipient of such grants is required to pay the Office of the Chief Scientist royalties from the revenues derived from products incorporating technology developed within the framework of the approved research and development program or derived from such program (including ancillary services in connection with such program), usually up to 100% of the U.S. dollar-linked value of the total grants received in respect of such program, plus LIBOR interest.
The terms of the Israeli Government participation generally requires that the products developed with such grants be manufactured in Israel and that the know-how developed under an approved research and development program may not be transferred to any third parties outside Israel. However, the Office of the Chief Scientist may approve the transfer of manufacturing rights outside Israel in exchange for an import of different manufacturing into Israel as a substitute. In addition, under certain circumstances and subject to the Office of the Chief Scientist’s prior approval, know-how that has been funded by the Office of the Chief Scientist may be transferred outside of Israel, generally in the following cases: (a) the grant recipient pays to the Office of the Chief Scientist a portion of the consideration paid for such funded know-how (according to a certain formulas), (b) the grant recipient receives know-how from a third party in exchange for its funded know-how, or (c) such transfer of funded know-how arises in connection with certain types of cooperation in research and development activities. No approval is required for the sale or export of any products resulting from such research and development.
The Research Law imposes reporting requirements with respect to certain changes in the ownership of a grant recipient. The law requires the grant recipient and its controlling shareholders and interested parties to notify the Office of the Chief Scientist of any change in control of the recipient or a change in the holdings of the means of control of the recipient that results in a non-Israeli becoming an interested party directly in the recipient and requires the new interested party to undertake to the Office of the Chief Scientist to comply with the Research Law. In addition, the rules of the Office of the Chief Scientist may require prior approval of the Office of the Chief Scientist or additional information or representations in respect of certain of such events. For this purpose, “control” is defined as the ability to direct the activities of a company other than any ability arising solely from serving as an officer or director of the company. A person is presumed to have control if such person holds 50% or more of the means of control of a company. “Means of control” refers to voting rights or the right to appoint directors or the chief executive officer. An “interested party” of a company includes a holder of 5% or more of its outstanding share capital or voting rights, its chief executive officer and directors, someone who has the right to appoint its chief executive officer or at least one director, and a company with respect to which any of the foregoing interested parties owns 25% or more of the outstanding share capital or voting rights or has the right to appoint 25% or more of the directors. Accordingly, any non-Israeli who acquires 1% or more of our ordinary shares will be required to notify the Office of the Chief Scientist that it has become an interested party and to sign an undertaking to comply with the Research Law. Additionally, procedures regulated under the Research Law require the grant recipient to obtain the approval of the Office of the Chief Scientist prior to a change in the holdings of the recipient or change in the holdings of the means of control of the recipient if the recipient's shares are being issued to a non-Israeli person or entity and require the new non-Israeli party to undertake to the Office of the Chief Scientist to comply with the Research Law.
In the past, we received funding from the Office of the Chief Scientist for selected research and development projects. In 2008 and 2009, we received the approval of the Office of the Chief Scientist for new research and development grants in the aggregate amount of $158,000 and $304,000, respectively. We did not receive any approval of the Office of the Chief Scientist for new research and development grants in 2010 and 2011. See Item 5C. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects - Research and Development” for additional details on the grants that we have received and our contingent liability to the Office of the Chief Scientist.
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Taxation of Dividends Paid on Our Ordinary Shares
Taxation of Non-Israeli Shareholders
Under Israeli tax law, a distribution of dividends from income attributable to an Approved Enterprise and Privileged Enterprise will be subject to tax in Israel at the rate of 15%, which is withheld and paid by the company paying the dividend, if the dividend is distributed during the benefits period or within the following 12 years (but the 12-year limitation does not apply to a Foreign Investors Company). Any distribution of dividends from income that is not attributable to an Approved Enterprise will be subject to tax in Israel at the rate of 25%, except that dividends distributed on or after January 1, 2006 to an individual and an entity who is deemed “a non-substantial shareholder” will be subject to tax at the rate of 20%.
Under the U.S.-Israel tax treaty, the maximum tax on dividends paid to a holder of ordinary shares who is a U.S. resident is 25%. Dividends received by a U.S. company that holds at least 10% of our voting rights will be subject to withholding tax at the rate of 12.5%, provided certain other conditions in the tax treaty are met (or at the tax rate of 15% in respect of dividends paid from income attributable to our Approved Enterprises and Privileged Enterprises).
Taxation of Israeli Shareholders
Israeli resident individuals are generally subject to Israeli income tax on the receipt of dividends paid on our ordinary shares, other than bonus shares (share dividends) or stock dividends, at the rate of 25%, or 30% for a shareholder that is considered a material shareholder (within the meaning of the Israeli Income Tax Ordinance) at any time during the 12-month period preceding such distribution. Dividends paid on our ordinary shares to Israeli companies are exempt from such tax, except for dividends distributed from income derived outside of Israel, which are subject to the 25% tax rate.
Dividends paid from income derived from attributable to an Approved Enterprise and Privileged Enterprise are subject to tax, which is withheld at the source, at the rate of 15%. We cannot assure you that we will designate the profits that are being distributed in a way that will reduce shareholders’ tax liability to this tax rate.
Taxation of Capital Gains
Taxation of Israeli Shareholders
Israeli law generally imposes a capital gains tax on the sale of any capital assets by residents of Israel, as defined for Israeli tax purposes, and on the sale of assets located in Israel, including shares in Israeli companies, by both residents and non-residents of Israel, unless a specific exemption is available or unless a tax treaty between Israel and the shareholder’s country of residence provides otherwise. The law distinguishes between real gain and inflationary surplus. The inflationary surplus is a portion of the total capital gain which is equivalent to the increase of the relevant asset’s purchase price which is attributable to the increase in the Israeli consumer price index or, in certain circumstances, a foreign currency exchange rate, between the date of purchase and the date of sale. The real gain is the excess of the total capital gain over the inflationary surplus.
As of January 1, 2006, the tax rate applicable to capital gains derived from the sale of shares, whether listed on a stock market or not, is 20% for Israeli individuals, unless such shareholder claims a deduction for financing expenses in connection with such shares, in which case the gain will generally be taxed at a rate of 25%. Additionally, if such shareholder is considered a “material shareholder” at any time during the 12-month period preceding such sale, i.e., such shareholder holds directly or indirectly, including with others, at least 10% of any means of control in the company, the tax rate shall be 25%. Israeli companies are subject to the corporate tax rate on capital gains derived from the sale of shares, unless such companies were not subject to the Adjustments Law (or certain regulations) at the time of publication of the aforementioned amendment to the Tax Ordinance that came into effect on January 1, 2006, in which case the applicable tax rate is 25%. However, the foregoing tax rates do not apply to: (i) dealers in securities; and (ii) shareholders who acquired their shares prior to an initial public offering (which shares may be subject to a different tax arrangement).
The tax basis of shares acquired prior to January 1, 2003 will be determined in accordance with the average closing share price in the three trading days preceding January 1, 2003. However, a request may be made to the tax authorities to consider the actual adjusted cost of the shares as the tax basis if it is higher than such average price.
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Taxation of Non-Israeli Shareholders
Capital gains from the sale of our ordinary shares by non-Israeli shareholders are exempt from Israeli capital gains tax on any gains derived from the sale of shares of Israeli companies publicly traded on a recognized stock exchange or regulated market outside of Israel, provided however that such capital gains are not derived from a permanent establishment in Israel, such shareholders are not subject to the Adjustments Law, and such shareholders did not acquire their shares prior to an initial public offering. However, non-Israeli corporations will not be entitled to such exemption if an Israeli resident (i) has a controlling interest of 25% or more in such non-Israeli corporation, or (ii) is the beneficiary or is entitled to 25% or more of the revenues or profits of such non-Israeli corporation, whether directly or indirectly.
In some instances where our shareholders may be liable to Israeli tax on the sale of their ordinary shares, the payment of the consideration may be subject to the withholding of Israeli tax at the source.
Pursuant to the treaty between the government of the United States of America and the government of Israel with respect to taxes on income, as amended, or the U.S.-Israel Tax Treaty, the sale, exchange or disposition of ordinary shares by a person who (i) holds the ordinary shares as a capital asset, (ii) qualifies as a resident of the United States within the meaning of the U.S.-Israel Tax Treaty and (iii) is entitled to claim the benefits afforded to such person by the U.S.-Israel Tax Treaty, or Treaty U.S. Resident, generally, will not be subject to the Israeli capital gains tax. Such exemption will not apply if (i) the Treaty U.S. Resident holds, directly or indirectly, shares representing 10% or more of our voting power during any part of the 12-month period preceding such sale, exchange or disposition, subject to certain conditions, or (ii) the capital gains from such sale, exchange or disposition can be allocated to a permanent establishment in Israel. In such case, the sale, exchange or disposition of ordinary shares would be subject to Israeli tax, to the extent applicable; however, under the U.S.-Israel Tax Treaty, such Treaty U.S. Resident would be permitted to claim a credit for such taxes against the U.S. federal income tax imposed with respect to such sale, exchange or disposition, subject to the limitations in U.S. laws applicable to foreign tax credits. The U.S.-Israel Tax Treaty does not relate to U.S. state or local taxes.
Foreign Exchange Regulations
Dividends (if any) paid to the holders of our ordinary shares, and any amounts payable with respect to our ordinary shares upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up, as well as the proceeds of any sale in Israel of the ordinary shares to an Israeli resident, may be paid in non-Israeli currency or, if paid in Israeli currency, may be converted into freely reparable U.S. dollars at the rate of exchange prevailing at the time of conversion, however, Israeli income tax is required to have been paid or withheld on these amounts.
Israeli Transfer Pricing Regulations
The Income Tax Regulations (Determination of Market Terms), November 2006, promulgated under Section 85A of the Tax Ordinance, generally require that all cross-border transactions carried out between related parties be conducted on an arm’s length basis and be taxed accordingly.
United States Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is a summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax consequences that apply to U.S. Holders who hold ordinary shares as capital assets. This summary is based on the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, judicial and administrative interpretations thereof, and the U.S.-Israel Tax Treaty, all as in effect on the date hereof and all of which are subject to change either prospectively or retroactively. This summary does not address all tax considerations that may be relevant with respect to an investment in ordinary shares. This summary does not account for the specific circumstances of any particular investor, such as:
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broker-dealers,
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financial institutions,
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certain insurance companies,
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regulated investment companies,
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investors liable for alternative minimum tax,
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tax-exempt organizations,
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non-resident aliens of the U.S. or taxpayers whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar,
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persons who hold the ordinary shares through partnerships or other pass-through entities,
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persons who acquired their ordinary shares through the exercise or cancellation of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation for services,
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certain expatriates or former long-term residents of the United States,
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investors that own or have owned, directly, indirectly or by attribution, 10 percent or more of our voting shares, and
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investors holding ordinary shares as part of a straddle or appreciated financial position or a hedging or conversion transaction.
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If a partnership or an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes owns ordinary shares, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner in such a partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A partnership that owns ordinary shares and the partners in such partnership should consult their tax advisors about the U.S. federal income tax consequences of holding and disposing of ordinary shares.
This summary does not address the effect of any U.S. federal taxation other than U.S. federal income taxation. In addition, this summary does not include any discussion of state, local or foreign taxation.
You are urged to consult your tax advisors regarding the foreign and United States federal, state and local tax considerations of an investment in ordinary shares.
For purposes of this summary, a U.S. Holder is any beneficial owner of ordinary shares that is:
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an individual who is a citizen or, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a resident of the United States;
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a corporation or other entity created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof;
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an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source; or
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a trust that (a) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and the control of one or more U.S. persons or (b) has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.
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Taxation of Dividends
Subject to the discussion below under the heading “Passive Foreign Investment Companies,” the gross amount of any distributions received with respect to ordinary shares, including the amount of any Israeli taxes withheld therefrom, will constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes, to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes. You will be required to include this amount of dividends in gross income as ordinary income. Distributions in excess of our earnings and profits will be treated as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of your tax basis in the ordinary shares, and any amount in excess of your tax basis will be treated as gain from the sale of ordinary shares. See "--Disposition of Ordinary Shares" below for the discussion on the taxation of capital gains. Dividends will not qualify for the dividends-received deduction generally available to corporations under Section 243 of the Code.
Dividends that we pay in NIS, including the amount of any Israeli taxes withheld therefrom, will be included in your income in a U.S. dollar amount calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the day such dividends are received. A U.S. Holder who receives payment in NIS and converts NIS into U.S. dollars at an exchange rate other than the rate in effect on the day of receipt may have a foreign currency exchange gain or loss that would be treated as ordinary income or loss. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors concerning the U.S. tax consequences of acquiring, holding and disposing of NIS.
Subject to complex limitations, any Israeli withholding tax imposed on such dividends will be a foreign income tax eligible for credit against a U.S. Holder's U.S. federal income tax liability, subject to certain limitations set out in the Code (or, alternatively, for deduction against income in determining such tax liability). The limitations set out in the Code include computational rules under which foreign tax credits allowable with respect to specific classes of income cannot exceed the U.S. federal income taxes otherwise payable with respect to each such class of income. Dividends generally will be treated as foreign-source passive category income or general category income for United States foreign tax credit purposes. A U.S. Holder will be denied a foreign tax credit with respect to Israeli income tax withheld from dividends received on the ordinary shares to the extent such U.S. Holder has not held the ordinary shares for at least 16 days of the 31-day period beginning on the date which is 15 days before the ex-dividend date. Further, there are special rules for computing the foreign tax credit limitation of a taxpayer who receives dividends subject to a reduced tax rate. The rules relating to the determination of the foreign tax credit are complex, and you should consult with your personal tax advisors to determine whether and to what extent you would be entitled to this credit.
Subject to certain limitations, “qualified dividend income” received by a noncorporate U.S. Holder through 2012 will be subject to tax at a reduced maximum tax rate of 15 percent. The rate reduction does not apply to dividends received from passive foreign investment companies, see discussion below. Distributions taxable as dividends paid on the ordinary shares should qualify for the 15 percent rate provided that either: (i) we are entitled to benefits under the income tax treaty between the United States and Israel (the "Treaty") or (ii) the ordinary shares are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States and certain other requirements are met. We believe that we are entitled to benefits under the Treaty and that the ordinary shares currently are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. However, no assurance can be given that the ordinary shares will remain readily tradable. The rate reduction does not apply unless certain holding period requirements are satisfied. With respect to the ordinary shares, the U.S. Holder must have held such shares for at least 61 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date. The rate reduction also does not apply in respect of certain hedged positions or in certain other situations. The legislation enacting the reduced tax rate contains special rules for computing the foreign tax credit limitation of a taxpayer who receives dividends subject to the reduced tax rate. U.S. Holders of ordinary shares should consult their own tax advisors regarding the effect of these rules in their particular circumstances.
Disposition of Ordinary Shares
If you sell or otherwise dispose of ordinary shares, you will recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the difference between the amounts realized on the sale or other disposition and the adjusted tax basis in ordinary shares. Subject to the discussion below under the heading “Passive Foreign Investment Companies,” such gain or loss generally will be capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if you have held the ordinary shares for more than one year at the time of the sale or other disposition. In general, any gain that you recognize on the sale or other disposition of ordinary shares will be U.S.-source for purposes of the foreign tax credit limitation; losses will generally be allocated against U.S. source income. Deduction of capital losses is subject to certain limitations under the Code.
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In the case of a cash basis U.S. Holder who receives NIS in connection with the sale or disposition of ordinary shares, the amount realized will be based on the U.S. dollar value of the NIS received with respect to the ordinary shares as determined on the settlement date of such exchange. A U.S. Holder who receives payment in NIS and converts NIS into United States dollars at a conversion rate other than the rate in effect on the settlement date may have a foreign currency exchange gain or loss that would be treated as ordinary income or loss.
An accrual basis U.S. Holder may elect the same treatment required of cash basis taxpayers with respect to a sale or disposition of ordinary shares, provided that the election is applied consistently from year to year. Such election may not be changed without the consent of the Internal Revenue Service. In the event that an accrual basis U.S. Holder does not elect to be treated as a cash basis taxpayer (pursuant to the Treasury regulations applicable to foreign currency transactions), such U.S. Holder may have a foreign currency gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes because of differences between the U.S. dollar value of the currency received prevailing on the trade date and the settlement date. Any such currency gain or loss would be treated as ordinary income or loss and would be in addition to gain or loss, if any, recognized by such U.S. Holder on the sale or disposition of such ordinary shares.
Passive Foreign Investment Companies
There is a substantial risk that we may become a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Our treatment as a PFIC could result in a reduction in the after-tax return to the U.S. Holders of our ordinary shares and may cause a reduction in the value of such shares.
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, we will be classified as a PFIC for any taxable year in which either (i) 75% or more of our gross income is passive income, or (ii) at least 50% of the average value of all of our assets for the taxable year produce or are held for the production of passive income. For this purpose, cash is considered to be an asset which produces passive income. Passive income generally includes dividends, interest, royalties, rents, annuities and the excess of gains over losses from the disposition of assets which produce passive income. As a result of our relatively substantial cash position at the time, we believe that we were a PFIC in certain periods in the past under a literal application of the asset test described above, which looks solely to the market value of our assets. We do not believe that we were a PFIC in 2010. Certain U.S. holders may have been eligible to elect to be treated as if they had sold their ordinary shares when we ceased to be a PFIC. Any holders who validly made such an election will not be treated as holding shares in a PFIC unless we again become a PFIC at a future time. U.S. Holders who held our ordinary shares during any period when we were a PFIC will generally be subject to the tax treatment described below, even in years when we are not classified as a PFIC.
If we are a PFIC, dividends will not qualify for the reduced maximum tax rate, applicable to qualified dividend income, discussed above, and, subject to the discussion of the consequences of a “mark-to-market” election, described below:
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you will be required to allocate income recognized upon receiving certain dividends or gain recognized upon the disposition of ordinary shares ratably over the holding period for such ordinary shares,
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the amount allocated to each year during which we are considered a PFIC other than the year of the dividend payment or disposition would be subject to tax at the highest individual or corporate tax rate, as the case may be, in effect for that year and an interest charge would be imposed with respect to the resulting tax liability allocated to each such year,
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the amount allocated to the current taxable year and any taxable year before we became a PFIC would be taxable as ordinary income in the current year, and
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you will be required to make an annual return on IRS Form 8621 regarding distributions received with respect to ordinary shares and any gain realized on your ordinary shares.
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In addition, holders of stock in a PFIC may not receive a “step-up” in basis on shares acquired from a decedent.
The PFIC provisions discussed above apply to U.S. persons who directly or indirectly hold stock in a PFIC. Generally, a U.S. person is considered an indirect shareholder of a PFIC if it is:
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A direct or indirect owner of a pass-through entity, including a trust or estate, that is a direct or indirect shareholder of a PFIC,
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A shareholder of a PFIC that is a shareholder of another PFIC, or
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A 50%-or-more shareholder of a foreign corporation that is not a PFIC and that directly or indirectly owns stock of a PFIC.
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An indirect shareholder may be taxed on a distribution paid to the direct owner of the PFIC and on a disposition of the stock indirectly owned. Indirect shareholders are strongly urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the application of these rules.
If we become a PFIC and cease to be a PFIC in a future year, or if a U.S. Holder held our ordinary shares during a year in which we were a PFIC, a U.S. Holder may avoid the continued application of the tax treatment described above by electing to be treated as if it sold its ordinary shares on the last day of the last taxable year in which we were a PFIC. Any gain would be recognized and subject to tax under the rules described above. Loss would not be recognized. A U.S. Holder’s basis in its ordinary shares would be increased by the amount of gain, if any, recognized on the sale. A U.S. Holder would be required to treat its holding period for its ordinary shares as beginning on the day following the last day of the last taxable year in which we were a PFIC.
If the ordinary shares are considered “marketable stock” and if you elect to “mark-to-market” your ordinary shares, you would not be subject to the rules described above. Instead, you will generally include in income any excess of the fair market value of the ordinary shares at the close of each tax year over your adjusted basis in the ordinary shares. If the fair market value of the ordinary shares had depreciated below your adjusted basis at the close of the tax year, you may generally deduct the excess of the adjusted basis of the ordinary shares over its fair market value at that time. However, such deductions generally would be limited to the net mark-to-market gains, if any, that you included in income with respect to such ordinary shares in prior years. Income recognized and deductions allowed under the mark-to-market provisions, as well as any gain or loss (to the extent of net mark-to-market gains) on the disposition of ordinary shares with respect to which the mark-to-market election is made, is treated as ordinary income or loss. Loss on a disposition, to the extent in excess of net mark-to-market gains, would be treated as capital loss. Gain or loss from the disposition of ordinary shares (as to which a “mark-to-market” election was made) in a year in which we are no longer a PFIC will be capital gain or loss. Loss on a disposition, to the extent in excess of net mark-to-market gains, would be treated as capital loss. Our ordinary shares should be considered “marketable stock” if they traded at least 15 days during each calendar quarter of the relevant calendar year in more than de minimis quantities.
A U.S. Holder of ordinary shares will not be able to avoid the tax consequences described above by electing to treat us as a qualified electing fund, or QEF, because we do not intend to prepare the information that U.S. Holders would need to make a QEF election.
Because the PFIC rules are highly complex and will depend on each investor’s particular circumstances, U.S. holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the application of such rules.
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Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
Payments in respect of ordinary shares may be subject to information reporting to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and to U.S. backup withholding tax at a rate equal to the fourth lowest income tax rate applicable to individuals which, under current law, is 28%. Backup withholding will not apply, however, if you (i) are a corporation or come within certain exempt categories, and demonstrate the fact when so required, or (ii) furnish a correct taxpayer identification number and make any other required certification.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be credited against a U.S. Holder’s U.S. tax liability, and a U.S. Holder may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules by filing the appropriate claim for refund with the IRS.
U.S. Gift and Estate Tax
An individual U.S. Holder of ordinary shares will be subject to U.S. gift and estate taxes with respect to ordinary shares in the same manner and to the same extent as with respect to other types of personal property.
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F.
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Dividend and Paying Agents
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Not applicable.
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G.
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Statement by Experts
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Not applicable.
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H.
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Documents on Display
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We are subject to certain of the reporting requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, as applicable to “foreign private issuers” as defined in Rule 3b-4 under the Exchange Act. As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from certain provisions of the Exchange Act. Accordingly, our proxy solicitations are not subject to the disclosure and procedural requirements of Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act, and transactions in our equity securities by our officers and directors are exempt from reporting and the “short-swing” profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act. In addition, we are not required under the Exchange Act to file periodic reports and financial statements as frequently or as promptly as U.S. companies whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act. However, we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission an annual report on Form 20-F containing financial statements audited by an independent accounting firm. We also submit to the Securities and Exchange Commission reports on Form 6-K containing (among other things) press releases and unaudited financial information. We post our annual report on Form 20-F on our website (
www.mtsint.com
) promptly following the filing of our annual report with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The information on our website is not incorporated by reference into this annual report.
This annual report and the exhibits thereto and any other document we file pursuant to the Exchange Act may be inspected without charge and copied at prescribed rates at the Securities and Exchange Commission public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s public reference room in Washington, D.C. by calling the Securities and Exchange Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330. The Exchange Act file number for our Securities and Exchange Commission filings is 0-28950.
The Securities and Exchange Commission maintains a website at
www.sec.gov
that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding registrants that make electronic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission using its EDGAR (Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval) system.
The documents concerning our company that are referred to in this annual report may also be inspected at our offices located at 14 Hatidhar Street, Ra’anana 43665, Israel.
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I.
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Subsidiary Information
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Not applicable.
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QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS
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Exposure to Market Risks
We are exposed to a variety of risks, including changes in interest rates affecting primarily interest received on short-term deposits and foreign currency fluctuations. We attempt to limit our exposure to currency exchange rate risk by using various hedging techniques, including forward and option contracts. However, we cannot eliminate the effects of currency fluctuations altogether. Exchange rate fluctuations resulting in a devaluation of the U.S. dollar compared to the NIS could have a material adverse impact on our operating results and share price.
We carry out transactions involving foreign currency exchange derivative financial instruments. The transactions are designed to hedge our exposure in NIS against the U.S. dollar. We recognize derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities and measure those instruments at fair value in accordance with FASB ASC 815. If a derivative meets the definition of a cash flow hedge and is so designated, changes in the fair value of the derivative are recognized in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of a derivative designated as a hedge is recognized in earnings. If a derivative does not meet the definition of a hedge, the changes in the fair value are included in earnings.
As of December 31, 2011, we had $2.0 million of outstanding call and put option contracts. These contracts are for periods of up to nine months. Our accumulated other comprehensive income as of such date does not include any unrealized gain on the call and put option contracts. In 2011, we entered into forward, call and put option contracts, in the amount of $5.3 million that converted a portion of our floating currency liabilities to a fixed rate basis, thus reducing the impact of the currency changes on our cash flows. In 2011, we recorded expenses of $10,000 with respect to the above transactions, which is presented in our statements of operations as financial expense, net. Our call and put option contracts do not qualify as hedging instruments under ASC 815 “Derivatives and Hedging,” as amended.
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
We have operations in several countries in connection with the sale of our products. A substantial portion of our sales and expenditures are denominated in dollars. We have mitigated, and expect to continue to mitigate, a portion of our foreign currency exposure through salaries, marketing and support operations in which all costs are local currency based. As a result, our results of operations and cash flows can be affected by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates (primarily the Euro and NIS). A hypothetical 10% movement in foreign currency rates (primarily the Euro and NIS) against the dollar, with all other variables held constant on the expected sales, would result in a decrease or increase in expected 2012 sales revenues of approximately $150,000.
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DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
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Not applicable.
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DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
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None.
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MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
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Not applicable.
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CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
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Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in its Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our chief executive officer and chief financial officer to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined under Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e), as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 20-F. Based upon that evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over our financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by the company’s board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:
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pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transaction and dispositions of the assets of the company;
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provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and
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provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
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Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. 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.
Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based on that assessment, our management concluded that as of December 31, 2011, our internal control over financial reporting was effective.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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[
RESERVED
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AUDIT
COMMITTEE
FINANCIAL EXPERT
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Our board of directors has determined that Mr. Yaacov Goldman, an independent director, meets the definition of an audit committee financial expert, as defined by rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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CODE OF ETHICS
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We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to our chief executive officer and all senior financial officers of our company, including the chief financial officer, chief accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. Our code of ethics has been filed as an exhibit to this annual report. Written copies are available upon request. If we make any substantive amendment to the code of ethics or grant any waivers, including any implicit waiver, from a provision of the codes of ethics, we will disclose the nature of such amendment or waiver on our website.
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PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
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Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees
The following table sets forth, for each of the years indicated, the billed fees by our principal independent registered public accounting firm. All of such fees were pre-approved in advance by our Audit Committee.
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Year Ended December 31,
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Services Rendered
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2010
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2011
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Audit (1)
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$ | 100,000 | $ | 90,000 | ||||
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(1)
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Audit fees relate to audit services provided for each of the years shown in the table, including fees associated with the annual audit and reviews of our interim financial results, consultations on various accounting issues and audit services provided in connection with other statutory or regulatory filings.
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Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
Our audit committee has adopted a policy and procedures for the pre-approval of audit and non-audit services rendered by our independent registered public accountants, Kost Forer Gabbay & Kasierer, a member firm of Ernst & Young Global. Pre-approval of an audit or non-audit service may be given as a general pre-approval, as part of the audit committee’s approval of the scope of the engagement of our independent auditor, or on an individual basis. Any proposed services exceeding general pre-approved levels also require specific pre-approval by our audit committee. The policy prohibits retention of the independent public accountants to perform the prohibited non-audit functions defined in Section 201 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act or the rules of the Securities and Exchange Committee, and also requires the audit committee to consider whether proposed services are compatible with the independence of the public accountants.
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EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEE
S
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Not applicable.
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PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
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Issuer Purchase of Equity Securities
Neither we nor any affiliated purchaser has purchased any of our ordinary shares during 2011.
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CHANGES IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
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None.
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
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Under NASDAQ Stock Market Rule 5615(a)(3), foreign private issuers, such as our company, are permitted to follow certain home country corporate governance practices instead of certain provisions of the NASDAQ Stock Market Rules. A foreign private issuer that elects to follow a home country practice instead of any of such NASDAQ rules must submit to NASDAQ, in advance, a written statement from an independent counsel in such issuer’s home country certifying that the issuer’s practices are not prohibited by the home country’s laws. We have provided NASDAQ with notices of non-compliance with respect to the following NASDAQ rules:
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The requirement to maintain a majority of independent directors, as defined under the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules. Instead, under Israeli law and practice, we are required to appoint at least two outside directors, within the meaning of the Israeli Companies Law, to our board of directors. In addition, in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and NASDAQ, we have the mandated three independent directors, as defined by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and NASDAQ, on our audit committee. See Item 6C. “Directors, Senior Management and Employees - Board Practices - Outside and Independent Directors.”
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The requirements regarding the directors’ nominations process. Instead, we follow Israeli law and practice in accordance with which our directors are recommended by our board of directors for election by our shareholders. See Item 6C. “Directors, Senior Management and Employees - Board Practices - Election of Directors.
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·
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The requirement to obtain shareholder approval for the establishment or amendment of certain equity based compensation plans, an issuance that will result in a change of control of the company, certain transactions other than a public offering involving issuances of a 20% or more interest in the company and certain acquisitions of the stock or assets of another company. Under Israeli law and practice, the approval of the board of directors is required for the establishment or amendment of equity based compensation plans and private placements. Under Israeli regulations, Israeli companies whose shares have been publicly offered only outside of Israel or are listed for trade only on an exchange outside of Israel, such as our company, are exempt from the Israeli law requirement to obtain shareholder approval for private placements of a 20% or more interest in the company. For the approvals and procedures required under Israeli law and practice for an issuance that will result in a change of control of the company and acquisitions of the stock or assets of another company, see Item 6.C. “Directors, Senior Management and Employee - Board Practices - Approval of Related Party Transactions Under Israeli Law-Disclosure of Personal Interests of a Controlling Shareholder; Approval of Transactions with Controlling Shareholders” and Item 10.B. “Additional Information -- Memorandum and Articles of Association - Provisions Restricting Change in Control of Our Company.”
|
|
ITEM 16H.
|
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
|
Not applicable.
|
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
No applicable.
|
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
Consolidated Financial Statements
|
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
|
F-1
|
|
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
|
F-2
|
|
Consolidated Balance Sheets
|
F-3 -F-4
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Operations
|
F-5
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
|
F-6 - F-7
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
|
F-8 - F-9
|
|
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
|
F-10 - F-44
|
71
|
EXHIBITS
|
|
Exhibit
|
Description
|
|
|
1.1
|
Memorandum of Association of the Registrant (1)
|
|
|
1.2
|
Articles of Association of the Registrant (1)
|
|
|
1.3
|
Amendment to Articles of Association of the Registrant (2)
|
|
|
2.1
|
Specimen of Ordinary Share Certificate (1)
|
|
|
4.1
|
1996 Employee Stock Option Plan (1)
|
|
|
4.2
|
2003 Israeli Share Option Plan (3)
|
|
|
4.3
|
2006 Stock Option Plan (4)
|
|
|
4.4
|
Amendment No. 1 to Agreement with Simple Mobile LLC dated August 4, 2011
|
|
|
8.1
|
List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant
|
|
|
11.1
|
Code of Ethics (5)
|
|
|
12.1
|
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
|
|
|
12.2
|
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
|
|
|
13.1
|
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
|
|
|
13.2
|
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
|
|
|
15.1
|
Consent of Kost Forer Gabbay & Kasierer, a Member of Ernst & Young Global
|
|
|
101.INS*
|
XBRL Instance Document.
|
|
|
101.SCH*
|
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
|
|
|
101.CAL*
|
XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document.
|
|
|
101.DEF*
|
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
|
|
|
101.LAB*
|
XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document.
|
|
|
101.PRE*
|
XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document.
|
72
|
|
*
|
Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.
|
|
|
(1)
|
Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form F-1, registration number 333-05814, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference.
|
|
|
(2)
|
Filed as Exhibit 1.3 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference.
|
|
|
(3)
|
Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference.
|
|
|
(4)
|
Filed as Appendix B to Item 1 of the Registrant’s Report on Form 6-K for the month of June 2006 submitted on June 23, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.
|
|
|
(5)
|
Filed as Exhibit 14.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference.
|
73
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
U.S. dollars in thousands
U.S. dollars in thousands (except
share data)
U.S. dollars in thousands (except share and per share data)
U.S. dollars in thousands (except share data)
U.S. dollars in thousands (except share data)
U.S. dollars in thousands
U.S. dollars in thousands
NOTE 12:- SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
NOTE 13:- GEOGAPHIC INFORMATION AND PRODUCTS
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2011
U.S. DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS
INDEX
|
Page
|
|
|
F-2
|
|
|
F-3 - F-4
|
|
|
F-5
|
|
|
F-6 - F-7
|
|
|
F-8 - F-9
|
|
|
F-10 - F-44
|
F - 1
|
Kost Forer Gabbay & Kasierer
3 Aminadav St.
Tel-Aviv 67067, Israel
Tel:
972 (3)6232525
Fax: 972 (3)5622555
www.ey.com
|
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Mer Telemanagement Solutions Ltd. ("the Company") and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2010 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion
.
An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2010 and 2011, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
|
/s/ Kost Forer Gabbay & Kasierer
|
|
|
Tel-Aviv, Israel
|
KOST FORER GABBAY & KASIERER
|
|
March 26, 2012
|
A Member of Ernst & Young Global
|
F-2
|
December 31,
|
||||||||
|
2010
|
2011
|
|||||||
|
ASSETS
|
||||||||
|
CURRENT ASSETS:
|
||||||||
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
$ | 2,124 | $ | 3,269 | ||||
|
Restricted cash
|
- | 45 | ||||||
|
Restricted marketable securities (Note 3)
|
147 | 127 | ||||||
|
Trade receivables (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $ 388 and $ 37 at December 31, 2010 and 2011, respectively)
|
1,251 | 854 | ||||||
|
Other accounts receivable and prepaid expenses (Note 4)
|
174 | 88 | ||||||
|
Inventories
|
17 | 5 | ||||||
|
Total
current assets
|
3,713 | 4,388 | ||||||
|
LONG-TERM ASSETS:
|
||||||||
|
Lease deposits
|
4 | 6 | ||||||
|
Deferred income taxes (Note 10d)
|
33 | 31 | ||||||
|
Severance pay fund
|
798 | 619 | ||||||
|
Total
long-term assets
|
835 | 656 | ||||||
|
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Note 6)
|
165 | 161 | ||||||
|
OTHER ASSETS:
|
||||||||
|
Other intangible assets, net (Note 7a)
|
1,415 | 1,050 | ||||||
|
Goodwill
|
3,479 | 3,479 | ||||||
|
Total
other assets
|
4,894 | 4,529 | ||||||
|
Total
assets
|
$ | 9,607 | $ | 9,734 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-3
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
|
December 31,
|
||||||||
|
2010
|
2011
|
|||||||
|
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
|
||||||||
|
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
|
||||||||
|
Trade payables
|
$ | 305 | $ | 326 | ||||
|
Accrued expenses and other liabilities (Note 8)
|
2,085 | 2,354 | ||||||
|
Deferred revenues
|
2,452 | 2,025 | ||||||
|
Liabilities of discontinued operations
|
351 | 435 | ||||||
|
Total
current liabilities
|
5,193 | 5,140 | ||||||
|
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
|
||||||||
|
Accrued severance pay
|
1,051 | 762 | ||||||
|
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Note 9)
|
||||||||
|
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Note 12):
|
||||||||
|
Share capital -
|
||||||||
|
Ordinary shares of NIS 0.01 par value - Authorized: 12,000,000 shares at December 31, 2010 and 2011; Issued: 4,464,457 at
December 31, 2010 and 2011; Outstanding: 4,459,057 shares at December 31, 2010 and 2011
|
13 | 13 | ||||||
|
Additional paid-in capital
|
19,676 | 19,773 | ||||||
|
Treasury shares (5,400 Ordinary shares at December 31, 2010 and 2011)
|
(29 | ) | (29 | ) | ||||
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
|
(4 | ) | (19 | ) | ||||
|
Accumulated deficit
|
(16,293 | ) | (15,906 | ) | ||||
|
Total
shareholders' equity
|
3,363 | 3,832 | ||||||
|
Total
liabilities and shareholders' equity
|
$ | 9,607 | $ | 9,734 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
|
Year ended
December 31,
|
||||||||||||
|
2009
|
2010
|
2011
|
||||||||||
|
Revenues (Note 13):
|
||||||||||||
|
Product sales
|
$ | 5,449 | $ | 4,409 | $ | 3,828 | ||||||
|
Services
|
5,911 | 7,230 | 8,175 | |||||||||
|
Total
revenues
|
11,360 | 11,639 | 12,003 | |||||||||
|
Cost of revenues:
|
||||||||||||
|
Product sales
|
1,835 | 1,508 | 1,105 | |||||||||
|
Services
|
1,942 | 2,693 | 2,836 | |||||||||
|
Total
cost of revenues
|
3,777 | 4,201 | 3,941 | |||||||||
|
Gross profit
|
7,583 | 7,438 | 8,062 | |||||||||
|
Operating expenses:
|
||||||||||||
|
Research and development, net
|
1,888 | 1,547 | 1,909 | |||||||||
|
Selling and marketing
|
2,863 | 2,584 | 1,905 | |||||||||
|
General and administrative
|
3,618 | 3,016 | 3,847 | |||||||||
|
Total
operating expenses
|
8,369 | 7,147 | 7,661 | |||||||||
|
Operating income (loss)
|
(786 | ) | 291 | 401 | ||||||||
|
Financial income (expenses), net
|
(31 | ) | - | 2 | ||||||||
|
Capital gain on sale of investment in affiliate
|
- | - | 78 | |||||||||
|
Income (loss) before taxes on income
|
(817 | ) | 291 | 481 | ||||||||
|
Taxes on income, net (Note 10)
|
20 | 47 | 10 | |||||||||
|
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
|
(837 | ) | 244 | 471 | ||||||||
|
Net loss from discontinued operations
|
(40 | ) | (68 | ) | (84 | ) | ||||||
|
Net income (loss)
|
$ | (877 | ) | $ | 176 | $ | 387 | |||||
|
Net earnings (loss) per share:
|
||||||||||||
|
Basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per Ordinary share from continuing operations
|
$ | (0.19 | ) | $ | 0.05 | $ | 0.11 | |||||
|
Basic and diluted net loss per Ordinary share from discontinued operations
|
$ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.02 | ) | |||
|
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share
|
$ | (0. 20 | ) | $ | 0.04 | $ | 0.09 | |||||
|
Weighted average number of Ordinary shares used in computing basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per share
|
4,458,976 | 4,459,057 | 4,459,057 | |||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-5
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
|
Accumulated
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Additional
|
other
|
Total
|
Total
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Share capital
|
paid-in
|
Treasury
|
comprehensive
|
Accumulated
|
comprehensive
|
shareholders'
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Number
|
Amount
|
capital
|
shares
|
income (loss)
|
deficit
|
income (loss)
|
equity
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Balance as of January 1, 2009
|
4,458,976 | $ | 13 | $ | 19,423 | $ | (29 | ) | $ | (16 | ) | $ | (15,592 | ) | $ | 3,799 | ||||||||||||||||
|
Share issuance costs- AnchorPoint acquisition
|
- | - | (5 | ) | - | - | - | (5 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Stock-based compensation related to options issued to employees
|
- | - | **) 149 | - | - | - | 149 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Stock-based compensation related to options issued to non employees
|
**) 10 | 10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Other comprehensive loss:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale marketable securities, net
|
- | - | - | - | 43 | - | $ | 43 | 43 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Foreign currency translation adjustments
|
- | - | - | - | (4 | ) | - | (4 | ) | (4 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
Total other comprehensive income
|
39 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Net loss
|
- | - | - | - | - | (877 | ) | (877 | ) | (877 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
Total comprehensive loss
|
$ | (838 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Balance as of December 31, 2009
|
4,458,976 | 13 | 19,577 | (29 | ) | 23 | (16,469 | ) | 3,115 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Issuance of shares
|
81 | *) - | - | - | - | - | *) - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Stock-based compensation related to options issued to employees
|
- | - | 99 | - | - | - | 99 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Other comprehensive loss:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Loss on sale of available-for-sale marketable securities, net
|
- | - | - | - | (27 | ) | - | $ | (27 | ) | (27 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
Total other comprehensive loss
|
(27 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Net income
|
- | - | - | - | - | 176 | 176 | 176 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Total comprehensive income
|
$ | 149 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Balance as of December 31, 2010
|
4,459,057 | $ | 13 | $ | 19,676 | $ | (29 | ) | $ | (4 | ) | $ | (16,293 | ) | $ | 3,363 | ||||||||||||||||
|
*)
|
Represents an amount lower than $ 1.
|
|
**)
|
Reclassified.
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-6
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
|
Accumulated
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Additional
|
other
|
Total
|
Total
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Share capital
|
paid-in
|
Treasury
|
comprehensive
|
Accumulated
|
comprehensive
|
shareholders'
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Number
|
Amount
|
capital
|
shares
|
income (loss)
|
deficit
|
income (loss)
|
equity
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Balance as of December 31, 2010
|
4,459,057 | $ | 13 | $ | 19,676 | $ | (29 | ) | $ | (4 | ) | $ | (16,293 | ) | $ | 3,363 | ||||||||||||||||
|
Stock-based compensation related to options issued to employees
|
- | - | 65 | - | - | - | 65 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Stock-based compensation related to options issued to non employees
|
2 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Transaction with principal shareholder
|
- | - | 30 | - | - | - | 30 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Other comprehensive loss:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Unrealized losses of available-for-sale marketable securities, net
|
- | - | - | - | (31 | ) | - | $ | (31 | ) | (31 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
Foreign currency translation adjustments
|
16 | 16 | 16 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (15 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Net income
|
- | - | - | - | - | 387 | 387 | 387 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Total comprehensive income
|
$ | 372 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Balance as of December 31, 2011
|
4,459,057 | $ | 13 | $ | 19,773 | $ | (29 | ) | $ | (19 | ) | $ | (15,906 | ) | $ | 3,832 | ||||||||||||||||
|
Accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments as of December 31, 2011
|
$ | (5 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Accumulated unrealized loss from available-for-sale marketable securities
|
(14 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Accumulated unrealized losses
|
$ | (19 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
*)
|
Represents an amount lower than $ 1.
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-7
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
|
Year ended December 31,
|
||||||||||||
|
2009
|
2010
|
2011
|
||||||||||
|
Cash flows from operating activities:
|
||||||||||||
|
Net income (loss)
|
$ | (877 | ) | $ | 176 | $ | 387 | |||||
|
Net loss from discontinued operations
|
40 | 68 | 84 | |||||||||
|
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
|
(837 | ) | 244 | 471 | ||||||||
|
Adjustments required to reconcile net income (loss) from continuing
operations to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
|
||||||||||||
|
Gains on sale of available-for-sale marketable securities
|
(2 | ) | (38 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||||
|
Capital gain on sale of investment
|
- | - | (78 | ) | ||||||||
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
540 | 489 | 447 | |||||||||
|
Loss on sale of property and equipment
|
1 | - | - | |||||||||
|
Deferred income taxes, net
|
5 | 2 | 2 | |||||||||
|
Employees and non-employees stock-based compensation
|
159 | 99 | 67 | |||||||||
|
Transaction with principal shareholder
|
- | - | 30 | |||||||||
|
Accrued severance pay, net
|
(119 | ) | (51 | ) | (110 | ) | ||||||
|
Decrease (increase) in trade receivables, net
|
536 | (470 | ) | 397 | ||||||||
|
Decrease (increase) in other accounts receivable and prepaid expenses
|
(61 | ) | 211 | 64 | ||||||||
|
Decrease in inventories
|
69 | 22 | 12 | |||||||||
|
Increase (decrease) in trade payables
|
(154 | ) | (106 | ) | 21 | |||||||
|
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities
|
(41 | ) | (184 | ) | 269 | |||||||
|
Increase (decrease) in deferred revenues
|
418 | (289 | ) | (427 | ) | |||||||
|
Increase in restricted cash
|
- | - | (45 | ) | ||||||||
|
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities from continuing operations
|
514 | (71 | ) | 1,118 | ||||||||
|
Net cash provided by operating activities from discontinued operations
|
44 | - | - | |||||||||
|
Cash flows from investing activities:
|
||||||||||||
|
Proceeds from sale of affiliate
|
- | - | 90 | |||||||||
|
Purchase of property and equipment
|
(130 | ) | (87 | ) | (87 | ) | ||||||
|
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
|
7 | 9 | ||||||||||
|
Investment in lease deposits
|
(29 | ) | 6 | 24 | ||||||||
|
Investment in available-for-sale marketable securities
|
(182 | ) | (170 | ) | (49 | ) | ||||||
|
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale marketable securities
|
196 | 261 | 40 | |||||||||
|
Transaction costs related to AnchorPoint acquisition
|
(201 | ) | - | - | ||||||||
|
Loans granted to employees, net
|
(5 | ) | 12 | - | ||||||||
|
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
|
(344 | ) | 22 | 27 | ||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-8
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
|
Year ended December 31,
|
||||||||||||
|
2009
|
2010
|
2011
|
||||||||||
|
Cash flows from financing activities:
|
||||||||||||
|
Share issuance costs - AnchorPoint acquisition
|
(5 | ) | - | - | ||||||||
|
Net cash used in financing activities from continuing operations
|
(5 | ) | - | - | ||||||||
|
Net cash used in financing activities from discontinued operations
|
(45 | ) | - | - | ||||||||
|
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
|
164 | (49 | ) | 1,145 | ||||||||
|
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
|
2,009 | 2,173 | 2,124 | |||||||||
|
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
|
$ | 2,173 | $ | 2,124 | $ | 3,269 | ||||||
|
Supplemental disclosure of cash flows activities:
|
||||||||||||
|
Cash paid during the year for:
|
||||||||||||
|
Interest
|
$ | 2 | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||
|
Income taxes
|
$ | - | $ | 15 | $ | 8 | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-9
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
NOTE 1:-
|
GENERAL
|
|
|
a.
|
Mer Telemanagement Solutions Ltd. ("the Company" or "MTS") was incorporated on December 27, 1995. MTS and its subsidiaries ("the Group") design, develop, market and support a comprehensive line of telecommunication management and customer care & billing ("CC&B") solutions that enable business organizations and other enterprises to improve the efficiency and performance of all intellectual property ("IP") operations, and reduce associated costs. The Group’s products include call accounting and management products, fault management systems and web based management solutions for converged voice, voice over Internet Protocol, IP data and video and CC&B solutions.
|
The Company's wholly-owned subsidiaries in the United States and Hong Kong, namely, MTS IntegraTRAK Inc. and MTS Asia Ltd., respectively, act as marketing and customer service organizations in those countries.
In March 2009, the Company discontinued the operations of TABS Brazil Ltda. its wholly owned subsidiary in Brazil, and its results of operations were classified as discontinued operations in the statement of operations. In addition, the comparative data of the liabilities and liabilities attributable to discontinued operations were reclassified in the balance sheet. There are no assets from discontinued operations as of December 31, 2010 and 2011.
The summarized results of operations for TABS Brazil Ltda. for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, which were reported separately as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of income, are as follows:
|
Year ended December 31,
|
||||||||||||
|
2009
|
2010
|
2011
|
||||||||||
|
Revenues
|
$ | 74 | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||
|
Total operating expenses
|
51 | 68 | 84 | |||||||||
|
Operating income (loss)
|
23 | (68 | ) | (84 | ) | |||||||
|
Financial income (expenses)
|
- | - | - | |||||||||
|
Other income (loss)
|
(63 | ) | - | - | ||||||||
|
Net loss from discontinued operations
|
$ | (40 | ) | $ | (68 | ) | $ | (84 | ) | |||
|
Basic and diluted net loss per Ordinary share from discontinued operations
|
$ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.02 | ) | |||
F-10
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
NOTE 1:-
|
GENERAL (Cont.)
|
|
|
b.
|
MTS's products are designed to provide telecommunication and information technology managers with tools to reduce communication costs, recover charges payable by third parties, and to detect and prevent abuse and misuse of telephone networks including fault telecommunication usage.
|
The Company markets its products worldwide through original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) distribution channels, its direct sales force in the United States, Israel and Hong Kong, and through a network of local distributors in these and various other countries. The Company is highly dependent upon the active marketing and distribution of its products by OEMs. If the Company is unable to effectively manage and maintain a relationship with its OEMs, or if any event negatively affected an OEM's financial condition, the Company's results of operations and financial position could be materially adversely affected.
The Company's shares are listed for trade on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “MTSL”.
Revenues from a major customer accounted for 12%, 13% and 16% of total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively.
|
|
c.
|
On December 23, 2008, the Company and AnchorPoint, Inc. ("AnchorPoint") entered into an asset purchase agreement
("
the AnchorPoint
APA
"). AnchorPoint is a provider of TEM solutions to enterprises. Under the terms of the AnchorPoint APA, the Company acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of AnchorPoint in consideration of 1,087,308 Ordinary shares, par value NIS 0.01 per share, of MTS. The transaction related expenses amounted to $ 219. The consideration was paid as follows:
|
|
1.
|
924,212 Ordinary shares were issued and delivered at closing.
|
|
2.
|
163,096 Ordinary shares were issued at closing and delivered to an escrow agent to be held in trust for a period of 15 months following the closing, to satisfy general representations and warranties included in the agreement.
|
The acquisition was completed on December 30, 2008.
F-11
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
NOTE 1:-
|
GENERAL (Cont.)
|
Based upon a valuation of the tangible and intangible assets acquired and the liabilities assumed, the Company has allocated the total cost of the acquisition to AnchorPoint's net assets at the date of acquisition, as follows:
|
Tangible assets:
|
||||
|
Net assets
|
$ | 77 | ||
|
Intangible assets:
|
||||
|
Developed technology (eight-year useful life)
|
987 | |||
|
Brand name (eleven-year useful life)
|
229 | |||
|
Customer relationship (eight-year useful life)
|
370 | |||
|
Goodwill
|
683 | |||
|
Net assets acquired
|
$ | 2,346 | ||
The valuation of the developed technology was based on the income approach which reflects the future economic benefits from AnchorPoint's products. The value assigned to customer relationship was based on the income approach. The fair value of customer relationship was estimated by discounting to present value the cash flows that will be derived from AnchorPoint's customers retained by MTS. The value assigned to the brand name was based on the income approach. The fair value of the brand name was estimated by capitalizing the royalties saved due to the Company's ownership of the intellectual property.
Goodwill in the amount of $ 683, resulting from the AnchorPoint acquisition was assigned to the Company's integration of AnchorPoint's activity on December 30, 2008. As of December 31, 2011, there was no change in goodwill amount, since no impairment was recognized since acquisition date.
|
NOTE 2:-
|
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
|
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP").
|
|
a.
|
Use of estimates:
|
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. The Company's management believes that the estimates, judgments and assumptions used are reasonable based upon information available at the time they were made. These estimates, judgments and assumptions can affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
F-12
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
NOTE 2:-
|
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)
|
|
|
b.
|
Financial statements in U.S. dollars:
|
The majority of the revenues of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries are generated in or linked to the U.S. dollar ("dollar"). In addition, a substantial portion of the Company's and certain of its subsidiaries' costs are incurred in dollars. The Company's management believes that the dollar is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the Company and certain of its subsidiaries operate. Thus, the functional and reporting currency of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries is the dollar.
Accordingly, monetary accounts maintained in currencies other than the dollar are re-measured into dollars in accordance with ASC 830, "Foreign Currency Matters." All transaction gains and losses of the re-measurement of monetary balance sheet items are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations as financial income or expenses, as appropriate.
For those foreign subsidiaries and affiliates, whose functional currency has been determined to be their local currency, assets and liabilities are translated at the year end exchange rates and statements of operations items are translated at the average exchange rate prevailing during the period. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders' equity.
|
|
c.
|
Principles of consolidation:
|
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of MTS and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and balances, including profits from intercompany sales not yet realized outside the Group, have been eliminated upon consolidation.
|
|
d.
|
Cash equivalents:
|
The Company considers all short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to cash with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
|
|
e.
|
Restricted cash:
|
Restricted cash is a deposit account which is used only for the purpose of payments to one of the Company's customers.
F-13
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
NOTE 2:-
|
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)
|
|
|
f.
|
Restricted marketable securities:
|
The Company accounts for investments in debt and equity securities (other than those accounted for under the equity method of accounting) in accordance with ASC 320, "Investments - Debt and Equity Securities" ("ASC 320").
Management determines the classification of investments in marketable debt and equity securities at the time of purchase and reevaluates such determinations at each balance sheet date. The Company classifies all of its securities as available for sale carried at fair market value. Fair value is determined based on observable market value quotes. Available for sale securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported in "accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" in shareholders' equity. Realized gains and losses on sales of investments, are included in earnings and are derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost of securities (see also Note 3).
Interest and dividends on securities are included in financial income, net.
ASC 320 provides guidance for determining when an investment in equity securities is considered impaired, whether impairment is other-than-temporary, and for measurement of an impairment loss. An investment is considered impaired if the fair value of the investment is less than its cost. If, after consideration of all available evidence to evaluate the realizable value of its investment, impairment is determined to be other-than-temporary, then an impairment loss should be recognized equal to the difference between the investment's cost and its fair value.
The Company applies ASC 320-10-65-1, "Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments", according to which other-than-temporary impairment loss is recognized in earnings if the entity has the intent to sell the debt security, or if it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. However, if an entity does not expect to sell a debt security, it still needs to evaluate expected cash flows to be received and determines if a credit loss exists. In the event of a credit loss, only the amount of impairment associated with the credit loss is recognized currently in earnings. Amounts relating to factors other than credit losses are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss).
The marketable securities held by the Company are pledged to secure future rent payments for the Company's facilities in Israel.
F-14
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
NOTE 2:-
|
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)
|
|
|
g.
|
Inventories:
|
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Inventory write-offs are provided to cover risks arising from slow moving items or technological obsolescence.
The Company and its subsidiaries periodically evaluate the quantities on hand relative to current and historical selling prices and historical and projected sales volume. Based on this evaluation, provisions are recorded when required to write-off inventory according to its market value.
As of December 31, 2010 and 2011, the inventory is composed of finished products. Finished products are recorded on the basis of direct manufacturing costs with the addition of allocable indirect manufacturing costs.
|
|
h.
|
Investment in affiliate:
|
The Company’s investment in these companies is stated at cost, because the Group does not have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies of those investments. The Company's investments in other companies are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an investment may not be recoverable, in accordance with ASC 323. During 2011, the Company recorded a gain of $ 78 from the sale of investments in other companies (see also Note 5). As of December 31, 2011, the Company has no investment in affiliate.
|
|
i.
|
Property and equipment:
|
Property and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method, over the estimated useful lives of the assets, at the following annual depreciation rates:
|
%
|
|
|
Computers and peripheral equipment
|
33
|
|
Office furniture and equipment
|
6 - 20 (mainly 7%)
|
|
Leasehold improvements
|
Shorter of useful life or lease term
|
F-15
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
NOTE 2:-
|
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)
|
|
|
j.
|
Impairment of long-lived assets:
|
The Company's long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles are reviewed for impairment in accordance with ASC 360, "Property, Plant and Equipment" ("ASC 360"), whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. As of December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, no impairment losses were recorded for long-lived assets.
|
|
k.
|
Goodwill:
|
Goodwill reflects the excess of the purchase price of an acquired business over the fair value of net assets acquired. The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ASC 350, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other". Under ASC 350, goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually (or more frequently if impairment indicators arise). See also Note 2w.
The Company performs its annual impairment analysis of goodwill as of September 30 of each year, or more often if there are indicators of impairment present. The provisions of ASC 350 require that the impairment test be performed on goodwill at the level of the reporting units. Each time the Company performs the test, it compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value. The Company estimates the fair value of the reporting unit by using discounted cash flows and market capitalization. Significant estimates used in the evaluation include estimates of future cash-flows, future short-term and long-term growth rates, and weighted average cost of capital for the reporting unit. In such a test, if the fair value exceeds the carrying value of the net assets, goodwill is considered not impaired, and the Company is not required to perform further testing. If the carrying value of the net assets exceeds the fair value, then the Company must perform a second analysis in order to determine the implied fair value of goodwill, and record an impairment loss equal to the difference between the carrying value of the goodwill and its implied fair value. To determine the fair value used in the first step, the Company uses discounted cash flows. If and when the Company is required to perform the second analysis, determining the fair value of its net assets and its off-balance sheet intangibles would require it to make judgments that involve the use of significant estimates and assumptions. The Company performed its annual impairment test as of September 30, 2011. In addition, for the period from September 30, 2011 until December 31, 2011, no events occurred or circumstances changed that reduced the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying value. During 2009, 2010 and 2011, no impairment losses were identified.
F-16
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
NOTE 2:-
|
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)
|
|
|
l.
|
Intangible assets:
|
Intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives using a method of amortization that reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible assets are consumed or otherwise used up in accordance with ASC 350. The Company's identifiable intangibles are reviewed for impairment in accordance with ASC 360 whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.
Developed technology is amortized over a period of four-to-eight years, customer relationships are amortized over a period of six to eight years and brand names are amortized over a period of eleven years. During 2009, 2010 and 2011, no impairment losses were identified.
|
|
m.
|
Severance pay:
|
The Company's liability for severance pay for employees located in Israel is calculated pursuant to Israel's Severance Pay Law based on the most recent salary of the employees multiplied by the number of years of employment, as of the balance sheet date. Employees are entitled to one month's salary for each year of employment or a portion thereof. The Company's severance pay liability for all of its employees is fully provided by monthly deposits with insurance policies and by an accrual. The value of these policies is recorded as an asset in the Company's balance sheet.
The deposited funds may be withdrawn only upon the fulfillment of the obligation pursuant to Israel's Severance Pay Law or labor agreements. The value of the deposited funds is based on the cash surrendered value of these policies, and includes immaterial profits.
Severance expense for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011 amounted to approximately $ 157, $ 136 and $155 respectively.
|
|
n.
|
Revenue recognition:
|
The Company generates revenues mainly from licensing the rights to use its software products and from providing maintenance, hosting and managed services, support and training. Certain software licenses require significant customization. The Company sells its products directly to end-users and indirectly through resellers and OEMs (who are considered end users).
F-17
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
NOTE 2:-
|
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)
|
Revenues from software license agreements are recognized when all criteria outlined in ASC 985-605, "Revenue Recognition - Software", are met. Revenue from license fees is recognized when persuasive evidence of an agreement exists, delivery of the product has occurred, no significant obligations with regard to implementation remain, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectability is probable. The Company does not grant a right of return to its customers.
Where software arrangements involve multiple elements, revenue is allocated to each undelivered element based on vendor specific objective evidence ("VSOE") of the fair values of each undelivered element in the arrangement, in accordance with the "residual method". The VSOE used by the Company to allocate the sales price to support services and maintenance is based on the renewal rate charged when these elements are sold separately.
Under the residual method, the fair value of the undelivered elements is deferred and the remaining portion of the arrangement fee is allocated to the delivered element and is recognized as revenue when all revenue recognition criteria of ASC 985-605, as amended, are satisfied. Under the residual method, any discount in the arrangement is allocated to the delivered element. If sufficient specific objective evidence does not exist for all undelivered elements, revenue is deferred for the entire arrangement until all revenue recognition criteria are met for such undelivered elements.
Revenues from maintenance and support services are recognized over the term of the maintenance and support agreement on a straight line basis.
Revenues for hosting and managed services are recognized based on SAB 104 and ASC 605-25, when delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the fee is fixed and determinable, collectability is probable and persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists. These revenues are recognized as one unit of accounting, on a straight-line basis over the term of the last undelivered element.
Deferred revenues include unearned amounts received under maintenance and support contracts, not yet recognized as revenues.
Revenues from billing products which involve significant customization of the Company's software to customer specifications are recognized in accordance with ASC 605-35, using contract accounting on a percentage of completion method, over the period from the delivery of the license to customer acceptance in accordance with the "Input Method". The amount of revenue recognized is based on the total arrangement and the percentage of completion achieved. The percentage of completion is measured by monitoring progress using records of actual costs incurred to date in the project compared with the total estimated project costs. Estimates of total project costs are based on prior experience of customization, delivery and acceptance of the same or similar technology and are reviewed and updated regularly by management.
F-18
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
NOTE 2:-
|
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)
|
After delivery, if uncertainty exists about customer acceptance of the software, license revenue is not recognized until acceptance. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period in which such losses are first determined, in the amount of the estimated loss on the entire contract. As of December 31, 2010 and 2011, no such estimated losses were identified.
Estimated gross profit or loss from long-term contracts may change due to changes in estimates resulting from differences between actual performance and original forecasts. Such changes in estimated gross profit are recorded in results of operations when they are reasonably determinable by management, on a cumulative catch-up basis.
The Company believes that the use of the percentage of completion method is appropriate as the Company has the ability to make reasonably dependable estimates of the extent of progress towards completion, contract revenues and contract costs. In addition, contracts executed include provisions that clearly specify the enforceable rights regarding services to be provided and received by the parties to the contracts, the consideration to be exchanged and the manner and terms of settlement. In all cases, the Company expects to perform its contractual obligations and its licensees are expected to satisfy their obligations under the contract.
|
|
o.
|
Research and development costs:
|
ASC 985, "Software", requires capitalization of certain software development costs subsequent to the establishment of technological feasibility.
Based on the Company's product development process, technological feasibility is established upon the completion of a working model. The Company does not incur material costs between the completion of a working model and the point at which the products are ready for general release. Therefore, research and development costs are charged to the statement of operations as incurred.
|
|
p.
|
Government grants:
|
Royalty-bearing grants from the Government of Israel for funding certain approved research and development projects are recognized at the time the Company is entitled to such grants, on the basis of the related costs incurred and recorded as a deduction of research and development costs. The Company recorded grants in the amount of $234, $216 and $10 for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively.
F-19
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
NOTE 2:-
|
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)
|
|
|
q.
|
Income taxes:
|
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC Topic 740, "Income Taxes" ("ASC 740"). ASC 740 prescribes the use of the liability method, according to which deferred tax assets and liability account balances are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are provided to reduce deferred tax assets to their estimated realizable value.
ASC 740 addresses the determination of whether tax benefits claimed or expected to be claimed on a tax return should be recorded in the financial statements. Under ASC 740, a company may recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position should be measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement.
|
|
r.
|
Accounting for stock-based compensation:
|
The Company applies ASC 718 "Compensation - Stock compensation", and ASC 505-50 "Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees", with respect to options and warrants issued to non-employees. ASC 718 requires the use of an option valuation model to measure the fair value of the options and warrants at the measurement date as defined in ASC 505-50.
ASC 718 requires companies to estimate the fair value of stock-based awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model, where applicable. Stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Company's consolidated statements of operations for 2009, 2010 and 2011 include compensation expense for stock-based awards granted based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718.
The Company recognizes these compensation costs net of a forfeiture rate and recognizes the compensation costs for only those shares expected to vest on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award, which is the option vesting term of four years. ASC 718 requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.
F-20
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
NOTE 2:-
|
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)
|
The Company estimates the fair value of stock options granted using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model ("Black-Scholes"). The fair value for options granted in 2009, 2010 and 2011 is estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:
|
Year ended December 31,
|
||||||||||||
|
Employee stock options
|
2009
|
2010
|
2011
|
|||||||||
|
Expected volatility (1)
|
81.4 | % | 94.5 | % | 100%-101.4 | % | ||||||
|
Risk-free interest (2)
|
1.7 | % | 1.0 | % | 0. 37%-0.41 | % | ||||||
|
Dividend yield (3)
|
0 | % | 0 | % | 0 | % | ||||||
|
Expected life (years) (4)
|
3.75 | 3.75 | 3.75 | |||||||||
|
(1)
|
Expected volatility is estimated based upon actual historical stock price movements over an historical period equivalent to the option's expected term;
|
|
(2)
|
The risk-free interest rate for purposes of the Black-Scholes price calculation is based on the yield from U.S. Treasury Bonds with an equivalent term;
|
|
(3)
|
The dividend yield is estimated to be 0% as the Company has historically not paid dividends and has no foreseeable plans to pay dividends.
|
|
(4)
|
Expected term of options granted represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding, and is estimated based on the simplified method;
|
|
|
s.
|
Fair value of financial instruments:
|
The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating its fair value disclosures for financial instruments:
The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, restricted marketable securities, trade receivables, other accounts receivable and trade payables approximate their fair value, due to the short-term maturity of such instruments.
The Company applies ASC 820 which clarifies that fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or a liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, ASC 820 establishes a three-tier value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in the valuation methodologies in measuring fair value:
F-21
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
NOTE 2:-
|
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)
|
|
Level 1 -
|
Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
|
|
Level 2 -
|
Include other inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace.
|
|
Level 3 -
|
Unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity.
|
The fair value hierarchy also requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.
Assets measured at fair value under ASC 820 on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2011 were presented in the Company's consolidated balance sheet as follows:
|
Total
|
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets
(Level 1)
|
Significant other observable inputs
(Level 2)
|
Significant unobservable inputs
(Level 3)
|
|||||||||||||
|
Restricted marketable securities
|
$ | 127 | $ | 127 | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||
|
|
t.
|
Concentrations of credit risk:
|
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, trade receivables, and restricted marketable securities..
Cash and cash equivalents are deposited with major banks in Israel and in the United States. Such deposits in the United States may be in excess of insured limit and are not insured in other jurisdictions. Management believes that the financial institutions that hold the Company's investments are institutions with high credit standing, and accordingly, minimal credit risk exists with respect to these investments.
The customers of the Company are located mainly in the United States (see Note 13). The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers. In certain circumstances, the Company may require letters of credit, other collateral or additional guarantees. The allowance for doubtful accounts is determined with respect to specific debts that are doubtful of collection according to management estimates.
The Company's restricted marketable securities include investments in equity securities and Israeli government securities. Management believes that the portfolio is well diversified, and accordingly, minimal credit risk exists with respect to these marketable securities. The Company has no off-balance-sheet concentrations of credit risk.
F-22
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
NOTE 2:-
|
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)
|
|
|
u.
|
Basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per share:
|
The Company accounts for net earnings (loss) per share based on ASC 260, "Earning Per Share", which requires companies to compute both basic and diluted earnings per share, and to disclose the methodology used for the calculations. Basic earnings per share are calculated using the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares outstanding and the effect of their dilutive potential during the period.
Basic net loss per share is computed based on the weighted average number of Ordinary shares outstanding during each year. In 2009, 2010 and 2011 all outstanding stock options have been excluded from the calculation of the diluted net earnings (loss) per Ordinary share since those options were anti-dilutive for the period.
|
|
v.
|
Derivatives and hedging:
|
ASC 815, "Derivatives and Hedging", as amended, requires the Company to recognize all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. Derivatives that are not hedges must be adjusted to fair value through income. If the derivative is a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of derivatives are either offset against the change in fair value of the hedged assets, liabilities, or firm commitments through earnings or recognized in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of a derivative's change in fair value is immediately recognized in earnings. The Company uses derivatives to hedge certain cash flow foreign currency exposures in order to further reduce the Company's exposure to foreign currency risks.
The Company entered into put option contracts to hedge certain transactions denominated in foreign currencies. The purpose of the Company's foreign currency hedging activities is to protect the Company from risk that the eventual dollar cash flows from international activities will be adversely affected by changes in the exchange rates. The Company's put option contracts did not qualify as hedging instruments under ASC 815.
Changes in the fair value of put option contracts are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations as financial income or expense.
In 2011 and 2010, the Company entered into forward, call and put option contracts in the amount of $ 5,350 and $3,800, respectively, that converted a portion of its floating currency liabilities to a fixed rate basis, thus reducing the impact of the exchange rate fluctuations on the Company's cash flow. In 2011 and 2010, the Company recorded an expense of
$ 10 and a profit of $11, respectively, with respect to the above transactions, presented in the statements of operations as financial expense, net.
F-23
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
NOTE 2:-
|
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)
|
|
|
w.
|
Reclassification:
|
Certain amounts in prior years' statement of changes in shareholders equity have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation. In prior years stock based compensation related to options issued were not separated between employees and non-employees. The reclassification had no effect on previously reported net income, equity or cash flows.
|
|
x.
|
Impact of recently issued accounting standards:
|
|
1.
|
In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP. This pronouncement is an authoritative guidance to amend certain measurement and disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements to improve consistency with international reporting standards. This guidance is effective prospectively for public entities for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption prohibited. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of ASU No. 2011-04, but does not expect its adoption will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.
|
|
2.
|
In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income, which specifies that the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are to be presented in either a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. This update eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders' equity. No change has been made in the items to be reported in comprehensive income. ASU No. 2011-05 is effective for the interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011, and should be applied retrospectively. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of ASU No. 2011-05, but does not expect its adoption will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.
|
|
3.
|
In November 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards 2011-08 "Intangibles Goodwill and Other" (Topic 350), which introduced an optional qualitative assessment for testing goodwill for impairment that may allow companies to skip the annual two-step test. ASU 2011-08 allows companies to qualitatively assess whether it is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood of greater than 50%) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the company would have to perform the annual two-step impairment test. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after 15 December 2011. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of ASU No. 2011-08, but does not expect its adoption will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.
|
F-24
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
NOTE 2:-
|
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)
|
|
4.
|
In September 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2011-12, "Comprehensive Income (Topic 220)". The amendments in this Update supersede certain pending paragraphs in Accounting Standards Update 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income, to effectively defer only those changes in Update 2011-5 that relate to the presentation of reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income. For public entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this update on the consolidated financial statements.
|
|
NOTE 3:-
|
RESTRICTED MARKETABLE SECURITIES
|
The following is a summary of the Company's investment in marketable securities:
|
December 31, 2010
|
December 31, 2011
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Amortized
|
Gross unrealized
|
Gross unrealized
|
Fair
market
|
Amortized
|
Gross unrealized
|
Gross unrealized
|
Fair
market
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
cost
|
gains
|
losses
|
value
|
cost
|
gains
|
losses
|
value
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Available-for-sale:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Equity securities
|
$ | 34 | $ | 7 | $ | - | $ | 41 | $ | 41 | $ | 1 | $ | 10 | $ | 32 | ||||||||||||||||
|
Corporate bonds
|
87 | 10 | - | 97 | 97 | 2 | 7 | 92 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Israeli Government debt
|
9 | - | - | 9 | 3 | - | - | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 130 | $ | 17 | $ | - | $ | 147 | $ | 141 | $ | 3 | $ | 17 | $ | 127 | |||||||||||||||||
The gross realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities of $ 2, $ 39 and $ 2 in 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively, were recorded in financial income. The net adjustment to unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities included as a separate component of shareholders' equity, "Accumulated other comprehensive income (losses)" amounted to $ 43, $ (27) and $ (31) in 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively.
There are no unrealized gains as of December 31, 2011.
F-25
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
NOTE 3:-
|
RESTRICTED MARKETABLE SECURITIES (Cont.)
|
The amortized cost and fair value of debt and securities as of December 31, 2010 and 2011, by contractual maturity, are shown below:
|
December 31, 2010
|
December 31, 2011
|
|||||||||||||||
|
Amortized cost
|
Fair market value
|
Amortized cost
|
Fair market value
|
|||||||||||||
|
Matures up to one year
|
$ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||
|
Matures after one year through five years
|
46 | 51 | 59 | 56 | ||||||||||||
|
Matures after five years
|
50 | 55 | 41 | 39 | ||||||||||||
|
Equity securities - no definite maturity date
|
34 | 41 | 41 | 32 | ||||||||||||
|
Total
|
$ | 130 | $ | 147 | $ | 141 | $ | 127 | ||||||||
The marketable securities are restricted in order to secure the Company's obligations under one of its office leases.
|
NOTE 4:-
|
OTHER ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND PREPAID EXPENSES
|
|
December 31,
|
||||||||
|
2010
|
2011
|
|||||||
|
Grants receivable from the Office of the Chief Scientist
|
$ | 55 | $ | - | ||||
|
Government authorities
|
9 | 8 | ||||||
|
Prepaid expenses
|
16 | 18 | ||||||
|
Lease deposits
|
69 | 55 | ||||||
|
Others
|
25 | 7 | ||||||
| $ | 174 | $ | 88 | |||||
|
NOTE 5:-
|
INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATES
|
In March 2011, the Company sold its interest in Silverbyte Networks Ltd., a cost basis investment, which was written off in prior years. The Company received total proceeds of approximately $90 for the above sale and recorded a capital gain of $ 78.
F-26
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
NOTE 6:-
|
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
|
|
December 31,
|
||||||||
|
2010
|
2011
|
|||||||
|
Cost:
|
||||||||
|
Computers and peripheral equipment
|
$ | 514 | $ | 567 | ||||
|
Office furniture and equipment
|
159 | 184 | ||||||
|
Leasehold improvements
|
50 | 50 | ||||||
| 723 | 801 | |||||||
|
Accumulated depreciation
|
558 | 640 | ||||||
|
Depreciated cost
|
$ | 165 | $ | 161 | ||||
The depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011 amounted to $ 149, $ 97 and $ 82, respectively.
|
NOTE 7:-
|
OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
|
|
|
a.
|
Other intangibles consist of the following:
|
|
December 31,
|
||||||||
|
2010
|
2011
|
|||||||
|
Cost:
|
||||||||
|
Development technology
|
$ | 2,170 | $ | 2,170 | ||||
|
Customer relationships
|
1,015 | 1,015 | ||||||
|
Brand name
|
229 | 229 | ||||||
| 3,414 | 3,414 | |||||||
|
Accumulated amortization:
|
||||||||
|
Development technology
|
1,357 | 1,525 | ||||||
|
Customer relationships
|
600 | 776 | ||||||
|
Brand name
|
42 | 63 | ||||||
| 1,999 | 2,364 | |||||||
|
Amortized cost
|
$ | 1,415 | $ | 1,050 | ||||
|
|
b.
|
Amortization expense amounted to $ 391, $ 392 and $ 365 for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively.
|
F-27
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
NOTE 7:-
|
OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Cont.)
|
|
|
c.
|
Estimated amortization expense for:
|
|
Year ended December 31,
|
||||
|
2012
|
$ | 291 | ||
|
2013
|
190 | |||
|
2014
|
177 | |||
|
2015
|
167 | |||
| 2016-2019 | 223 | |||
| $ | 1,048 | |||
|
NOTE 8:-
|
ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER LIABILITIES
|
|
December 31,
|
||||||||
|
2010
|
2011
|
|||||||
|
Employees and payroll accruals
|
$ | 763 | $ | 671 | ||||
|
Institutions and income tax payable
|
481 | 469 | ||||||
|
Accrued expenses
|
634 | 898 | ||||||
|
Related parties
|
207 | 316 | ||||||
| $ | 2,085 | $ | 2,354 | |||||
|
NOTE 9:-
|
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
|
|
|
a.
|
Lease commitments:
|
The Company and its subsidiaries lease office space and motor vehicles through operating leases.
The facilities of the Company and its subsidiaries are leased for periods ending February 2014.
Future minimum lease commitments under non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2011 are as follows:
|
2012
|
$ | 266 | ||
|
2013
|
104 | |||
|
2014
|
14 | |||
| $ | 384 |
F-28
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
NOTE 9:-
|
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Cont.)
|
Lease expense for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011 was approximately $ 855, $ 873 and $ 573, respectively.
|
|
b.
|
Royalty commitments:
|
|
1.
|
The Company is committed to pay royalties to the Office of the Chief Scientist ("OCS") of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor of the Government of Israel on proceeds from sales of products resulting from the research and development projects in which the OCS participated. In the event that development of a specific product in which the OCS participated is successful, the Company will be obligated to repay the grants through royalty payments at the rate of 3% to 5% based on the sales of the Company, up to 100%-150% of the grants received linked to the dollar. Grants received after January 1999 is subject to interest at a rate equal to the 12 month LIBOR rate. The obligation to pay these royalties is contingent upon actual sales of the products and, in the absence of such sales, no payment is required.
|
As of December 31, 2011, the Company had a contingent liability to pay royalties in the amount of approximately $ 9,000 plus interest for grants received after January 1999.
The Company has paid or accrued royalties in its cost of revenues relating to the repayment of such OCS grants in the amount of $ 279, $ 242 and $ 219 for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively.
|
2.
|
The Israeli Government, through the Fund for Encouragement of Marketing Activities, awarded the Company grants for participation in foreign marketing expenses. The Company is committed to pay royalties at the rate of 3% of the increase in export sales, up to the amount of the grants received linked to the U.S. dollar. As of December 31, 2011, the Company had a contingent obligation to pay royalties in the amount of $ 259. In 2009, 2010 and 2011, the Company did not sell any products subject to the above royalty payments.
|
|
|
c.
|
Claims and demands:
|
|
1.
|
In April 2000, the Israeli Tax Authorities issued to the Company a demand for a tax payment, for the period of 1997-1999, in the amount of approximately NIS 6,000 thousand ($ 1,570 as of December 31, 2011).
|
F-29
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
NOTE 9:-
|
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Cont.)
|
The Company has appealed to the Israeli Tel Aviv District Court in respect of the abovementioned tax demand. The Company believes that certain defenses can be raised against the demand of the Tax Authorities. The Company had recorded as a provision the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement with the Tax Authorities (see also Note 10h).
|
2.
|
The Company is a party to various other claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. Accordingly, the Company recorded a provision of approximately $ 280 in respect of such claims in accordance with ASC 450, "Contingencies", based on the opinion of Company's management and its legal advisors.
|
|
3.
|
During August 2007, TABS Brazil was ordered by the Labor Law Court in Brazil to pay approximately $ 90 to one of its former employees. Such amount is bearing a 1% interest rate per month from the date that the claim was filed.The Company recorded a provision in its financial statements for the total amount of the claim.
|
|
4.
|
In September 2010, Asentinel LLC (“Asentinel”), a competitor of the Company, filed a patent infringement complaint against AnchorPoint (now known as The Info Group Inc.), from whom we purchased certain assets in December 2008, and two other defendants, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee. The plaintiff subsequently filed a motion for leave to file an amended complaint to add us and our U.S. subsidiary, MTS IntegraTRAK, as defendants, which motion was granted on March 23, 2011. On December 2, 2011 the Company entered into a settlement agreement with Asentinel, according to which the Company made a lump sum payment for the alleged past damages, which expensed this year, and Asentinel granted the Company a license to use certain of its patents in return for ongoing annual royalty payments for periods subsequent to January 1, 2012.
|
|
|
d.
|
Guarantees:
|
The Company provided a bank guarantee in the amount of $ 67 to secure its obligations under one of its lease agreements, see also Note 3.
F-30
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
NOTE 10:-
|
TAXES ON INCOME
|
|
|
a.
|
Israeli taxation:
|
|
1.
|
Corporate tax rates:
|
The Israeli corporate tax rate was 26% in 2009, 25% in 2010 and 24% in 2011.
On December 5, 2011, the Israeli Parliament (the Knesset) passed the Law for Tax Burden Reform (Legislative Amendments), 2011 ("the Law") which, among others, cancels effective from 2012, the scheduled progressive reduction in the corporate tax rate. The Law also increases the corporate tax rate to 25% in 2012. In view of this increase in the corporate tax rate to 25% in 2012, the real capital gains tax rate and the real betterment tax rate were also increased accordingly.
|
2.
|
Tax benefits under the Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments, 1959 ("the Law"):
|
According to the Law, the Company is entitled to various tax benefits by virtue of the "approved enterprise" status granted to part of their enterprises, as implied by this Law. The principal benefits by virtue of the Law are:
According to the provisions of the Law, the Company has chosen to enjoy the "Alternative" track. Under this track, the Company is tax exempt in the first two years of the benefit period and subject to tax at the reduced rate of 10%-25% for a period of several years for the remaining benefit period.
Another condition for receiving the benefits under the alternative track is a minimum qualifying investment. This condition requires an investment in the acquisition of productive assets such as machinery and equipment which must be carried out within three years. The minimum qualifying investment required for setting up a plant is NIS 300 thousand. As for plant expansions, the minimum qualifying investment is the higher of NIS 300 thousand and an amount equivalent to the "qualifying percentage" of the value of the productive assets. Productive assets that are used by the plant but not owned by it will also be viewed as productive assets. The Company was eligible under the terms of minimum qualifying investment and elected 2008 as its "year of election".
F-31
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands
NOTE 10:- TAXES ON INCOME (Cont.)
The qualifying percentage of the value of the productive assets is as follows:
|
The value of productive
assets before the expansion
(NIS in millions)
|
The new proportion that the
required investment bears to the
value of productive assets
|
|
|
Up to NIS 140
|
12%
|
|
|
NIS 140 - NIS 500
|
7%
|
|
|
More than NIS 500
|
5%
|
The income qualifying for tax benefits under the alternative track is the taxable income of a company that has met certain conditions as determined by the Investment Law ("a beneficiary company"), and which is derived from an industrial enterprise. The Investment Law specifies the types of qualifying income that is entitled to tax benefits under the alternative track with respect of an industrial enterprise, whereby income from an industrial enterprise includes, among others, revenues from the production and development of software products and revenues from industrial research and development activities performed for a foreign resident (and approved by the Head of the Administration of Industrial Research and Development).
The benefit period starts with the first year the beneficiary enterprise earns taxable income, provided that 14 years have not passed since the approval was granted and 12 years have not passed since the enterprise began operating. In respect of expansion programs pursuant to Amendment No. 60 to the Investment Law, the benefit period starts at the later of the year elected and the first year the Company earns taxable income provided that 12 years have not passed since the beginning of the year of election. The respective benefit period has not yet begun.
The above benefits are contingent upon the fulfillment of the conditions stipulated by the Investment Law, regulations published thereunder and the letters of approval for the investments in the approved enterprises, as above. Non-compliance with the conditions may cancel all or part of the benefits and refund of the amount of the benefits, including interest. The management believes that the Company is meeting the aforementioned conditions.
F-32
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands
NOTE 10:- TAXES ON INCOME (Cont.)
Amendments to the Investment Law:
In December 2010, the "Knesset" passed the Investment Law for Economic Policy for 2011 and 2012 (Amended Legislation), 2011, which prescribes, among others, amendments to the Investment Law. The amendment became effective as of January 1, 2011. According to the amendment, the benefit tracks in the Law were modified and a flat tax rate applies to the Company's entire preferred income. The Company will be able to opt to apply (the waiver is non-recourse) the amendment and from then on it will be subject to the amended tax rates that are: 2011 and 2012 - 15% (in development area A - 10%), 2013 and 2014 - 12.5% (in development area A - 7%) and in 2015 and thereafter - 12% (in development area A - 6%).
The Company examined the possible effect of the amendment on the financial statements, if at all, and at this time do not believe it will opt to apply the amendment.
|
3.
|
Tax assessments:
|
With regard to the claim from the Tax Authorities in Israel, see Note 9c(1). The Company has received final tax assessments until the 2007 tax year.
|
4.
|
Tax benefits under the Law for the Encouragement of Industry (Taxation), 1969:
|
The Law for the Encouragement of Industry (Taxation), 1969, provides several tax benefits for industrial companies. An industrial company is defined as a company resident in Israel, at least 90% of the income of which in a given tax year exclusive of income from specified government loans, capital gains, interest and dividends, is derived from an industrial enterprise owned by it. An industrial enterprise is defined as an enterprise whose major activity in a given tax year is industrial production activity.
MTS is currently qualified as an "industrial company" under the above definition and, as such, is entitled to certain tax benefits, mainly accelerated depreciation of machinery and equipment, as prescribed by regulations published under the Inflationary Adjustments Law, the right to claim public issuance expenses and amortization of intangible property rights as a deduction for tax purposes.
Eligibility for benefits under the Law for the Encouragement of Industry (Taxation), 1969, is not subject to receipt of prior approval from any governmental authority. No assurance can be given that the Israeli Tax Authorities will agree that the Company qualifies, or, if the Company qualifies, then the Company will continue to qualify as an industrial company or that the benefits described above will be available to the Company in the future.
F-33
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands
NOTE 10:- TAXES ON INCOME (Cont.)
|
5.
|
Tax Benefits for Research and Development:
|
Israeli tax law permits, under some conditions, a tax deduction in the year incurred for expenditures, including capital expenditures, in scientific research and development projects. The deduction is permitted if, among other things, the expenditures are approved by the relevant government ministry and the research and development is for the promotion of the enterprise and is carried out by, or on behalf of, a company seeking the deduction.
The OCS has approved some of the Company's research and development programs and the Company has been able to deduct, for tax purposes, a portion of its research and development expenses net of the grants received. Other research and development expenses that are not approved may be deducted for tax purposes in three equal installments during a three-year period.
|
|
b.
|
Income taxes on non-Israeli subsidiaries:
|
Non-Israeli subsidiaries are taxed according to the tax laws in their respective countries of residence.
|
|
c.
|
Net operating loss carryforwards:
|
As of December 31, 2011, the Company and its subsidiaries in Hong Kong and the U.S. had an estimated total amount of available carryforward tax losses of approximately $ 20,177, $ 188 and $ 600, respectively to offset against future taxable profits. The operating tax loss carryforwards in Israel and in Hong Kong may be offset indefinitely against operating income. In addition, as of December 31, 2011, the Company had capital losses in the amount of approximately $ 377 that can be carried forward indefinitely.
MTS IntegraTRAK is subject to U.S. income taxes and has net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $ 600 as of December 31, 2011, which expire in the years 2021 to 2028. The Company's management believes that utilization of the U.S. net operating losses may be subject to substantial annual limitation due to the "change in ownership" provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and similar state provisions. The annual limitation may result in the expiration of net operating losses before utilization.
|
|
d.
|
Deferred income taxes:
|
Deferred taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company's deferred tax liabilities and assets are as follows:
F-34
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands
NOTE 10:- TAXES ON INCOME (Cont.)
|
December 31,
|
||||||||
|
2010
|
2011
|
|||||||
|
Tax loss carryforwards
|
$ | 5,675 | $ | 5,269 | ||||
|
Allowances for doubtful accounts and accruals for employee benefits
|
235 | 93 | ||||||
|
Goodwill
|
(326 | ) | (204 | ) | ||||
|
Other intangible assets
|
247 | (339 | ) | |||||
|
Depreciation, accruals for interest and other
|
408 | 759 | ||||||
|
Net deferred tax asset before valuation allowance
|
6,239 | 5,578 | ||||||
|
Valuation allowance
|
(6,206 | ) | (5,547 | ) | ||||
|
Net deferred income taxes
|
$ | 33 | $ | 31 | ||||
|
Presented as follows:
|
||||||||
|
Long-term assets - foreign
|
$ | 33 | $ | 31 | ||||
MTS and certain of its subsidiaries have provided valuation allowances in respect of deferred tax assets resulting from tax loss carryforwards and other temporary differences, since they have a history of losses incurred over the past years. Management currently believes that it is more likely than not that part of the deferred tax relating to the loss carryforwards in the Company and its subsidiaries and other temporary differences will not be realized in the foreseeable future.
F-35
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands
NOTE 10:- TAXES ON INCOME (Cont.)
|
|
e.
|
A reconciliation between the theoretical tax expense, assuming all income is taxed at the statutory tax rate applicable to income of the Company and the actual tax expense as reported in the statements of operations is as follows:
|
|
Year ended
December 31,
|
||||||||||||
|
2009
|
2010
|
2011
|
||||||||||
|
Income (loss) before taxes on income, net, as reported in the statements of operations
|
$ | (857 | ) | $ | 223 | $ | 397 | |||||
|
Tax rates
|
26 | % | 25 | % | 24 | % | ||||||
|
Theoretical tax expense (benefit)
|
$ | (223 | ) | $ | 56 | $ | 95 | |||||
|
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:
|
||||||||||||
|
Effect of different tax rates
|
35 | 21 | 19 | |||||||||
|
U.S. state tax
|
- | 8 | 8 | |||||||||
|
Utilization of carryforward tax losses for which valuation allowance was provided
|
(94 | ) | (16 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||||
|
Non-deductible expenses and tax exempt income
|
52 | 2 | - | |||||||||
|
Taxes and deferred taxes in respect of previous years
|
28 | 15 | - | |||||||||
|
Change in provision for uncertain tax positions
|
- | 25 | 17 | |||||||||
|
Deferred taxes for which valuation allowance was provided
|
222 | (64 | ) | (127 | ) | |||||||
|
Taxes on income, net, as reported in the statements of operations
|
$ | 20 | $ | 47 | $ | 10 | ||||||
|
|
f.
|
Income (loss) before income taxes is comprised as follows:
|
|
Year ended
December 31,
|
||||||||||||
|
2009
|
2010
|
2011
|
||||||||||
|
Domestic
|
$ | (1,018 | ) | $ | 86 | $ | 225 | |||||
|
Foreign
|
161 | 137 | 172 | |||||||||
| $ | (857 | ) | $ | 223 | $ | 397 | ||||||
F-36
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
NOTE 10:-
|
TAXES ON INCOME (Cont.)
|
|
|
g.
|
Taxes on income are comprised as follows:
|
|
Year ended December 31,
|
||||||||||||
|
2009
|
2010
|
2011
|
||||||||||
|
Current taxes
|
$ | 15 | $ | 30 | $ | 8 | ||||||
|
Deferred taxes
|
5 | 2 | 2 | |||||||||
|
Taxes and deferred taxes in respect of previous years
|
- | 15 | - | |||||||||
| $ | 20 | $ | 47 | $ | 10 | |||||||
|
Foreign
|
$ | 20 | $ | 47 | $ | 10 | ||||||
|
|
h.
|
As of December 31, 2011, the Company had a liability for unrecognized tax benefits of $ 632. A reconciliation of the opening and closing amounts of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
|
|
December 31,
|
||||||||
|
2010
|
2011
|
|||||||
|
Balance as of beginning of the year
|
$ | 588 | $ | 654 | ||||
|
Additions based on tax positions taken during the current period
|
20 | 6 | ||||||
|
Foreign currency translation differences and interest related to the unrecognized tax liabilities from previous years
|
46 | (28 | ) | |||||
|
Balance at the end of the year
|
$ | 654 | $ | 632 | ||||
|
NOTE 11:-
|
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES
|
|
|
a.
|
Mrs. Dora Mer, the wife of Chaim Mer, provided legal services to our company through the Israeli law firm of M. Firon & Co., Advocates and Notaries, until July 2011. On April 2, 2008, our Audit Committee and Board of Directors approved our engagement of the services of Mrs. Mer, for a monthly retainer in the amount of $5. Mrs. Mer reduced the monthly retainer to $4.25 from December 1, 2008 until February 28, 2010 and the monthly retainer was further reduced to $2.5 beginning March 1, 2010.
|
F-37
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
NOTE 11:-
|
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES (Cont.)
|
The Company receives certain services from C. Mer Industries Ltd., a publicly traded company controlled by Mr. Chaim Mer. These services include reimbursement for shared expenses related to a commercial insurance policy. For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, the Company paid or accrued an amount of $ 18, $ 25 and $ 16, respectively, with respect to the above mentioned expenses.
Since January 1, 2009 and as part of the acquisition of certain assets and liabilities of AnchorPoint, the Company received certain services from Data Distributors Inc., a company controlled by Mr. Roger Challen, a director of the Company and the controlling shareholder of the Info Group Inc., a beneficial owner of 24.4% of our Ordinary shares. These services include reimbursement for shared expenses, development and IT services, other administrative services, and rental related fees. For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company paid or accrued an amount of $ 195 with respect to the above mentioned expenses.
In addition, we rent an office in Powder Springs, Georgia, from Mr. Challen, under a month-to-month lease. For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company paid or accrued an amount of $ 56 with respect to the above mentioned rent expenses.
On March 25, 2009, the Company’s Audit Committee and Board of Directors approved a transaction with Mer & Co. (1982) Ltd., or Mer & Co, a subsidiary of C. Mer. According to the terms of the transaction, we will sell our products to Mer & Co, which has an Israel Defense Forces approved supplier number, and it will represent us and resell our products to the Israeli Defense Forces. As of December 31, 2011, Mer & Co. has provided such services without any charge.
At the Company's 2010 annual general meeting, its shareholders approved the assumption of certain costs for defending the patent infringement claim that was made by Asentinel against AnchorPoint (now known as The Info Group Inc.) at an amount to be determined by the Audit Committee and Board of Directors from time to time. Subsequent to the filing of the complaint, the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, MTS IntegraTrak, were also named as defendants. See further discussion in Note 9c(4). Mr. Challen, the controlling shareholder of the Info Group Inc., is the beneficial owner of 24.4% of our Ordinary shares which are held of record by such company.
|
|
b.
|
In 2010 and 2011, the balance with C. Mer reflects other payables. Due to the short-term nature, no interest was charged by or paid to C. Mer in the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011.
|
F-38
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
NOTE 11:-
|
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES (Cont.)
|
|
|
c.
|
Balances and transactions with related parties were as follows:
|
(1) Balances with related parties:
|
December 31,
|
||||||||
|
2010
|
2011
|
|||||||
|
Other accounts payable and accrued expenses
(see Note 8)
|
$ | 207 | $ | 316 | ||||
(2) Transactions with related parties:
|
Year ended
December 31,
|
||||||||||||
|
2009
|
2010
|
2011
|
||||||||||
|
Revenues derived from a related party
|
$ | 34 | $ | 134 | $ | 103 | ||||||
|
Amounts charged by related parties:
|
||||||||||||
|
Cost of revenues
|
$ | - | $ | 60 | $ | - | ||||||
|
Operating expenses
|
437 | 339 | 377 | |||||||||
| $ | 437 | $ | 399 | $ | 377 | |||||||
|
|
a.
|
General:
|
In March 2010, a 2:1 reverse stock split of the Company's share capital was affected. As a result of this action, every two shares (including all authorized, issued and outstanding shares and all outstanding warrants and options to purchase shares) were combined into one share of the same respective class of shares bearing a par value of NIS 0.01 each. All of the Company's authorized, issued and outstanding shares (including all outstanding warrants and options to purchase shares) have been restated to reflect the effect of the reverse stock split.
|
|
b.
|
Share capital:
|
The Ordinary shares entitle their holders the right to receive notice to participate in and vote at general meetings of MTS and the right to receive cash dividends, if declared.
In February 2010, the Company issued 81 Ordinary shares to its employees for no consideration. The Company recorded compensations expenses with respect to the above shares in the amount lower than $ 1.
F-39
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
NOTE 12:-
|
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Cont.)
|
|
|
c.
|
Private placement agreements:
|
On January 24, 2008, the Company and a private investor entered into a definitive agreement for a private placement of 375,000 Ordinary shares at a price per share of $ 2 for the aggregate purchase price of $ 750.
On September 30, 2008, the Company and two principal shareholders and directors of the Company and its Chief Executive Officer entered into a definitive agreement for a private placement of 109,745 Ordinary shares at a price per share of $ 2.28 for the aggregate purchase price of $ 250. The issuance expenses related to the two private placements amounted to $ 13.
On December 30, 2008, the Company issued 1,087,308 Ordinary shares at a price per share of $ 1.96 to AnchorPoint, in connection with the AnchorPoint acquisition (see Note 1c).
|
|
d.
|
Stock options:
|
MTS has authorized, through its 1996 Incentive Share Option Plan ("the Plan"), the grant of options to officers, management, employees and directors of MTS or any subsidiary of up to 750,000 of MTS's Ordinary shares, which may be granted under the Plan, pursuant to section 102 of the Israel Income Tax Ordinance. Any option, which is canceled or forfeited before expiration, will become available for future grants.
Each option granted under the Plan is exercisable until the earlier of five years from the date of the grant of the option or the expiration dates of the option plan. The exercise price of the options granted under the plans may not be less than the nominal value of the shares into which such options were exercised. The options vest primarily gradually over four years of employment.
In 2003, pursuant to an amendment in section 102 of the Israeli Income Tax Ordinance the Company rolled-over the remaining 446,958 options available at that time under the Plan for future grants under the 2003 Incentive Share Option Plan ("the 2003 Plan") that conforms with the newly amended provisions of section 102 of the Israel Income Tax Ordinance. The 2003 Plan will terminate in 2013, unless cancelled earlier by MTS's Board of Directors.
In June 2006, MTS authorized pursuant to its 2006 Stock Option plan ("the 2006 Plan"), the grant of options to officers, management, employees and directors of MTS IntegraTrak or any subsidiary of up to 200,000 of MTS's Ordinary shares. Each option granted under the 2006 Plan will be either an option intended to be treated as an "incentive stock option," within the meaning of section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or an option that will be treated as a "non-qualified stock option."
F-40
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
NOTE 12:-
|
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Cont.)
|
At the Company's 2011 annual general meeting, our shareholders approved an amendment to our 2006 Stock Option Plan to provide for the issuance thereunder of an additional 200,000 post-reverse split Ordinary shares and to increase the total number of Ordinary shares with respect to which options may be granted thereunder to any eligible employee during any 12 month period to 150,000 Ordinary shares, subject to adjustment as provided in the 2006 Plan.
Each option granted under the 2006 Plan is exercisable until the earlier of five years from the date of the grant of the option or the expiration dates of the option plan. The exercise price of the options granted under the 2006 Plan may not be less than the fair market value of an Ordinary share determined as of the date of grant of the option.
As of December 31, 2011, 375,287 Ordinary shares are available for future option grants.
|
|
e.
|
A summary of option activity under the Company's stock option plans to its employees as of December 31, 2011 and changes during the year ended December 31, 2011 are as follows:
|
|
Number of options
|
Weighted-average exercise
price
|
Weighted- average remaining contractual term (in
years)
|
Aggregate
intrinsic
value
|
|||||||||||||
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2010
|
289,000 | $ | 2.08 | 3.18 | ||||||||||||
|
Granted
|
250,000 | $ | 1.58 | 4.56 | ||||||||||||
|
Expired and forfeited
|
(84,750 | ) | $ | 2.32 | - | |||||||||||
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2011
|
454,250 | $ | 1.76 | 3.48 | $ | 1 | ||||||||||
|
Vested and expected to vest
|
372,531 | $ | 1.19 | 3.36 | $ | - | ||||||||||
|
Exercisable at December 31, 2011
|
127,375 | $ | 1.00 | 2.06 | $ | - | ||||||||||
The weighted average grant-date fair value of options granted during 2009, 2010 and 2011, was $ 1.14, $ 0.79 and $ 0.87 per option, respectively.
The total compensation cost related to options granted to employees under the Company's share-based compensation plans recognized for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011 amounted at $ 149, $ 99 and $ 65, respectively, net of estimated forfeitures.
F-41
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
NOTE 12:-
|
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Cont.)
|
As of December 31, 2011, there was $ 138 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the Company's stock option plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of three years.
|
|
f.
|
Total stock-based compensation expenses recognized in 2009, 2010 and 2011:
|
The total stock-based compensation expense related to employees' equity-based awards, recognized for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, was comprised as follows:
|
Year ended
December 31,
|
||||||||||||
|
2009
|
2010
|
2011
|
||||||||||
|
Cost of revenues
|
$ | 19 | $ | 15 | $ | 3 | ||||||
|
Research and development expenses
|
43 | 19 | 8 | |||||||||
|
Selling and marketing
|
21 | 18 | 4 | |||||||||
|
General and administrative expenses
|
66 | 47 | 50 | |||||||||
| $ | 149 | $ | 99 | $ | 65 | |||||||
|
|
g.
|
Options and warrants to non-employees
|
|
Issuance date
|
In connection with
|
Number of options granted
|
Options exercisable
|
Exercise price per share
|
Exercisable through
|
||||||||||
|
May 13, 2009
|
Service provider
|
10,000 | 10,000 | 1.94 |
May 2013
|
||||||||||
|
November 9, 2011
|
Service provider
|
2,500 | - | 1.94 |
February 2013
|
||||||||||
|
November 9, 2011
|
Service provider
|
4,750 | - | 2.16 |
May 2014
|
||||||||||
During 2009 the Company granted 10,000 options to consultants. The Company accounted for its outstanding options to non-employees under the fair value method of ASC 718 and ASC 505-50. The fair value for these options was estimated at the measurement date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.
F-42
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
NOTE 12:-
|
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Cont.)
|
In November 2011, the Company granted 7,250 options to a consultant. The Company accounted for its outstanding options to non-employees under the fair value method of ASC 718 and ASC 505-50. The fair value for these options was estimated at the measurement date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Compensation expense related to the grant of stock options to consultants amounted to $ 10, 0 and $ 2 for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively.
The Company adopted ASC 280, "Segment Reporting". The Company operates in one reportable segment (see Note 1 for a brief description of the Company's business). The total revenues are attributed to geographic areas based on the location of the customer.
The following is a summary of revenues within geographic areas based on end customer location and long-lived assets:
|
Year ended
December 31,
|
||||||||||||
|
2009
|
2010
|
2011
|
||||||||||
|
United States
|
$ | 8,386 | $ | 8,756 | $ | 8,915 | ||||||
|
Germany
|
924 | 1,042 | 683 | |||||||||
|
China
|
813 | 455 | 400 | |||||||||
|
Holland
|
218 | 284 | 317 | |||||||||
|
Israel
|
281 | 377 | 732 | |||||||||
|
Other
|
738 | 725 | 956 | |||||||||
| $ | 11,360 | $ | 11,639 | $ | 12,003 | |||||||
Total revenues from external customers divided on the basis of the Company's product lines are as follows:
|
Year ended
December 31,
|
||||||||||||
|
2009
|
2010
|
2011
|
||||||||||
|
Call accounting and TEM solutions
|
$ | 10,652 | $ | 10,319 | $ | 9,232 | ||||||
|
Billing products
|
708 | 1,320 | 2,771 | |||||||||
| $ | 11,360 | $ | 11,639 | $ | 12,003 | |||||||
F-43
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
NOTE 13:-
|
GEOGAPHIC INFORMATION AND PRODUCTS (Cont.)
|
|
December 31,
|
||||||||
|
2010
|
2011
|
|||||||
|
Long-lived assets:
|
||||||||
|
Israel
|
$ | 2,048 | $ | 1,779 | ||||
|
United States
|
3,004 | 2,907 | ||||||
|
Other
|
7 | 4 | ||||||
| $ | 5,059 | $ | 4,690 | |||||
F-44
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.
|
MER TELEMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LTD.
|
|||
|
By:
|
/s/ Eytan Bar | ||
|
Eytan Bar
|
|||
|
Chief Executive Officer
|
|||
|
By:
|
/s/ Alon Mualem | ||
|
Alon Mualem
|
|||
|
Chief Financial Officer
|
|||
Dated: March 26, 2012
74
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part IItem 1. Identity Of Directors, Senior Management and AdvisersItem 2. Offer Statistics and Expected TimetableItem 3. Key InformationItem 4. Information on The CompanyItem 4A. Unresolved Staff CommentsItem 5. Operating and Financial Review and ProspectsItem 6. Directors, Senior Management and EmployeesItem 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party TransactionsItem 8. Financial InformationItem 9. The Offer and ListingItem 10. Additional InformationItem 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market RisksItem 12. Description Of Securities Other Than Equity SecuritiesPart IIItem 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and DelinquenciesItem 14. Material Modifications To The Rights Of Security Holders and Use Of ProceedsItem 15. Controls and ProceduresItem 16. [reserved]Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial ExpertItem 16B. Code Of EthicsItem 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and ServicesItem 16D. Exemptions From The Listing Standards For Audit CommitteesItem 16E. Purchases Of Equity Securities By The Issuer and Affiliated PurchasersItem 16F. Changes in Registrant S Certifying AccountantItem 16G. Corporate GovernanceItem 16H. Mine Safety DisclosurePart IIIItem 17. Financial StatementsItem 18. Financial StatementsItem 19. ExhibitsNote 1:- GeneralNote 1:- General (cont.)Note 2:- Significant Accounting PoliciesNote 2:- Significant Accounting Policies (cont.)Note 3:- Restricted Marketable SecuritiesNote 3:- Restricted Marketable Securities (cont.)Note 4:- Other Accounts Receivable and Prepaid ExpensesNote 5:- Investments in AffiliatesNote 6:- Property and EquipmentNote 7:- Other Intangible AssetsNote 7:- Other Intangible Assets (cont.)Note 8:- Accrued Expenses and Other LiabilitiesNote 9:- Commitments and Contingent LiabilitiesNote 9:- Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (cont.)Note 10:- Taxes on IncomeNote 10:- Taxes on Income (cont.)Note 11:- Related Party Transactions and BalancesNote 11:- Related Party Transactions and Balances (cont.)Note 12:- Shareholders' EquityNote 12:- Shareholders' Equity (cont.)Note 13:- Geogaphic Information and ProductsNote 13:- Geogaphic Information and Products (cont.)