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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K10-K/A

(Amendment No. 1)

x

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 20222023

OR

¨

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to  .

Commission File No. 000-31157001-41503

INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS AND SUPPORT, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)

23-2507402
(IRS Employer Identification No.)

720 Pennsylvania Drive, Exton, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
(Address of principal executive offices)

19341
(Zip Code)

(610) 646-9800
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

Title of each class:

Trading symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock par value $.001 per share

ISSC

NASDAQNasdaq Stock Market, LLC

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

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes  ¨Nox

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes  ¨Nox

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. Yesdays. xYes  No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files). Yes  x No ¨

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

Large accelerated filer ¨

Accelerated filer ¨

Non-accelerated filerx

Smaller reporting company x

Emerging growth company ¨

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ¨

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ¨

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

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of March 31, 20222023 (the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second quarter) was approximately $106.1$95.2 million (based on the closing sale price of the registrant’s common stock on the NASDAQNasdaq Stock Market on such date). Shares of common stock held by each executive officer and director and by each person who owns 10% or more of the registrant’s outstanding common stock have been excluded since such persons may be deemed affiliates. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.

As of November 30, 2022,January 12, 2024, there were 17,316,21317,459,983 outstanding shares of the registrant’s common stock.

Documents Incorporated by Reference

See “Explanatory Note” below.

Auditor NameGRANT THORNTON LLPAuditor Firm ID248Auditor LocationPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania

Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed prior to January 27, 2023, are incorporated by reference into Part III of

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Innovative Solutions and Support, Inc. is filing this Report. Such Proxy Statement, except for the parts therein which have been specifically incorporated by reference, shall not be deemed “filed” for the purposes of this ReportAmendment No. 1 on Form 10-K10-K/A (this “Amendment No. 1.

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INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS AND SUPPORT, INC.

2022”) to our Annual Report on Form 10-K

Table for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 (the “Form 10-K”), which was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on January 12, 2024, to provide the information required by Part III of ContentsForm 10-K. This information was previously omitted from the Form 10-K in reliance on General Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K, which permits the information in Part III to be incorporated in the Form 10-K by reference from our definitive proxy statement (such definitive proxy statement, when filed, the “Proxy Statement”) if such Proxy Statement is filed no later than 120 days after end of our fiscal year. We are filing this Amendment No. 1 to include Part III information in our Form 10-K because we do not expect to file the Proxy Statement within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by the Form 10-K. This Amendment No. 1 amends and restates in their entirety Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Part III of the Form 10-K. In addition, as required by Rule 12b-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, currently dated certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are filed hereto as Exhibit 31.3 and Exhibit 31.4, respectively, under Item 15 of Part IV.

No other changes have been made to the Form 10-K other than those described above. This Amendment No. 1 does not reflect subsequent events occurring after the original filing date of the Form 10-K or modify or update in any way the financial statements, consents or any other items or disclosures made in the Form 10-K in any way other than as required to reflect the amendments discussed above. Accordingly, this Amendment No. 1 should be read in conjunction with the Form 10-K and the Company’s other filings with the SEC subsequent to the filing of the Form 10-K.

References in this Amendment No. 1 to the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” refer to Innovative Solutions and Support, Inc. unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part III

Page

3

PART I

Item 1.

Business

4

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

15

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

23

Item 2.

Properties

24

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

24

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

24

PART II

Item 5.

Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

24

Item 6.

Selected Consolidated Financial Data

25

Item 7.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

26

Item 7A.

Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk

36

Item 8.

Financial statements and supplementary data

36

Item 9.

Changes in and disagreements with accountants on accounting and financial disclosure

61

Item 9A.

Controls and procedures

61

Item 9B.

Other Information

61

Item 9C.

Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections

61

PART III

Item 10.

Directors, executive officers and corporate governancegovernance.

62

3

Item 11.BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Executive compensation3

62

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS4
RELATIONSHIPS AND ARRANGEMENTS5
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE5
Item 11. Executive compensation.6
GENERAL EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION POLICIES7
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS9
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE12
GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS13
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END14
OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED14
POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL15
PAY VERSUS PERFORMANCE15
ADJUSTMENTS MADE TO DETERMINE COMPENSATION ACTUALLY PAID16
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION18
Item 12.

Security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management and related stockholder mattersmatters.

62

20

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS20
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT20
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION21
Item 13.

Certain relationships and related transactions and director independenceindependence.

63

22

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS22
DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE22
Item 14.

Principal accounting fees and servicesservices.

63

22

Part IV

24

PART IVItem 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

24

SIGNATURES

Item 15.26

Exhibits, financial statement schedules

64

Item 16.

Form 10-K Summary

64

1

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTSPART III

This report contains forward looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These forward- looking statements are based largely on current expectations

Item 10. Directors, executive officers and projections about future events and trends affecting the business, are not guarantees of future performance, and involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. In this report, the words “anticipates,” “believes,” “may,” “will,” “estimates,” “continues,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “forecasts,” “expects,” “plans,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “is likely” and similar expressions, as they relate to the business or to its management, are intended to identify forward looking statements, but they are not exclusive means of identifying them. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references herein to “IS&S,” the “Registrant,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” are to Innovative Solutions and Support, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. ThrustSense® and COCKPIT/IP®, among others, are trademarks of the Company. All other trademarks appearing herein are held by their respective owners. Subsequent use of Company trademarks in this report may occur without the applicable superscript symbol (® or TM) in order to facilitate the readability of this report and are not a waiver of rights that may be associated with the relevant trademarks.corporate governance.

The forward- looking statements in this report are only predictions, and actual events or results may differ materially. In evaluating such statements, a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results, performance, financial condition, cash flows, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include those set forth in Item 1A (Risk Factors) of our Annual Report on Form 10-K and the following factors:

market acceptance of the Company’s ThrustSense® full-regime Autothrottle, Vmca Mitigation, FPDS, NextGen Flight Deck and COCKPIT/IP® or other planned products or product enhancements;
continued market acceptance of the Company’s air data systems and products;
the competitive environment and new product offerings from competitors;
difficulties in developing, producing or improving the Company’s planned products or product enhancements;
the deferral or termination of programs or contracts for convenience by customers;
the ability to service the international market;
the availability of government funding;
the availability and efficacy of vaccines (including vaccine boosters) and their global deployment in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (including as a result of the impact of any newer variants or strains of SARS-CoV-2);
the impact of general economic trends on the Company’s business, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic;
disruptions in the Company’s supply chain, customer base and workforce, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic;
the ability to gain, drive and sustain regulatory approval, including domestic and international certifications, of products in a timely manner;
delays in receiving components from third-party suppliers;
the bankruptcy or insolvency of one or more key customers;
protection of intellectual property right via securing patents;
the ability to respond to technological change;
failure to retain/recruit key personnel;
risks related to succession planning;
a cyber security incident;
risks related to our self-insurance program;
potential future acquisitions;
the costs of compliance with present and future laws and regulations;
changes in law, including changes to corporate tax laws in the United States and the availability of certain tax credits; and
other factors disclosed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

Except as expressly required by the federal securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events, or otherwise after the date of this report. Results of operations in any past period should not be considered indicative of the results to be expected for future periods. Fluctuations in operating results may result in fluctuations in the price of the Company’s common stock.BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only asAs of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events, circumstances or changes in expectations after the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. The forward-looking statements in this documentAmendment No. 1, our directors are intended to be subject to the safe harbor protection provided by Sections 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).follows:

    Director Current  
Name AgeSince Term Expires Positions with the Company
Shahram Askarpour 66 2022 2024 Director, Chief Executive Officer
Glen R. Bressner 63 1999 2024 Director, Chairman of the Board
Roger A. Carolin 68 2016 2024 Director
Stephen L. Belland 66 2022 2024 Director
Parizad Olver (Parchi) 44 2022 2024 Director

Investors should also be aware that while the Company, from time to time, communicates with securities analysts, it is against its policy to disclose any material non-public information or other confidential commercial information. Accordingly, shareholders should not assume that the Company agrees with any statement or report issued by any analyst irrespective of the content of the statement or report. Furthermore, the Company has a policy against issuing or confirming financial projections, forecasts or opinions issued by others. Thus, to the extent that reports issued by securities analysts contain any projections, forecasts or opinions, such reports are Directorsnot the responsibility of the Company.

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PART I

Item 1. Business.

Overview

Innovative Solutions and Support, Inc. (the “Company,” “IS&S,” “we” or “us”) was incorporated in Pennsylvania on February 12, 1988. The Company operates in one business segment as a systems integrator that designs, develops, manufactures, sells and services air data equipment, engine display systems, standby equipment, primary flight guidance, autothrottles and cockpit display systems for retrofit applications and original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”). The Company supplies integrated Flight Management Systems (“FMS”), Flat Panel Display Systems (“FPDS”), FPDS with Autothrottle, air data equipment, Integrated Standby Units (“ISU”), Standby ISU with Autothrottle Systems and advanced GPS receivers that enable reduced carbon footprint navigation.

The Company has continued to position itself as a system integrator, which capability provides the Company with the potential to generate more substantive orders over a broader product base. This strategy, as both a manufacturer and integrator, is designed to leverage the latest technologies developed for the computer and telecommunications industries into advanced and cost-effective solutions for the general aviation, commercial air transport, United States Department of Defense (“DoD”)/governmental and foreign military markets. This approach, combined with the Company’s industry experience, is designed to enable IS&S to develop high-quality products and systems, to reduce product time to market, and to achieve cost advantages over products offered by its competitors.

For several years the Company has been working with advances in technology to provide pilots with more information to enhance both the safety and efficiency of flying and has developed its COCKPIT/IP® Cockpit Information Portal (“CIP”) product line, that incorporates proprietary technology, lower cost relative to the competition, reduced power consumption, decreased weight, and increased functionality. The Company has incorporated Electronic Flight Bag (“EFB”) functionality, such as charting and mapping systems, into its FPDS product line.

The Company has developed an FMS that combines the savings long associated with in-flight fuel optimization in enroute flight management combined with the precision of satellite-based navigation required to comply with the regulatory environments of both domestic and international markets. The Company believes that the FMS, alongside its FPDS and CIP product lines, is well suited to address market demand driven by certain regulatory mandates, new technologies, and the high cost of maintaining aging and obsolete equipment on aircraft that may be in service for up to fifty years. The shift in the regulatory and technological environment is illustrated by the dramatic increase in the number of Space Based Augmentation System (“SBAS”) or Wide Area Augmentation System (“WAAS”) approach qualified airports, particularly as realized through Localizer Performance with Vertical guidance (“LPV”) navigation procedures. Aircraft equipped with the Company’s FMS, FPDS and SBAS/WAAS/LPV enabled navigator, will be qualified to land at such airports and will comply with Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) mandates for Required Navigation Performance, and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast navigation. IS&S believes this will further increase the demand for the Company’s products. The Company’s FMS/FPDS product line is designed for new production and retrofit applications into general aviation, commercial air transport and military transport aircraft. In addition, the Company offers what we believe to be a state-of-the-art ISU, integrating the full functionality of the primary and navigation displays into a small backup-powered unit. This ISU builds on the Company’s legacy air data computer to form a complete next-generation cockpit display and navigation upgrade offering to the commercial and military markets.

The Company has developed and received certification from the FAA on its NextGen Flight Deck featuring its ThrustSense® Integrated PT6 Autothrottle (“ThrustSense® Autothrottle”) for retrofit in the Pilatus PC-12. The NextGen Flight Deck features Primary Flight and Multi-Function Displays and ISUs, as well as an Integrated FMS and EFB System. The innovative avionics suite includes dual flight management systems, autothrottles, synthetic vision and enhanced vision. The NextGen enhanced avionics suite is available for integration into other business aircraft with Non-FADEC and FADEC engines.

The Company has developed its FAA-certified ThrustSense® Autothrottle for retrofit in the King Air, dual turbo prop PT6 powered aircraft. The autothrottle is designed to automate the power management for speed and power control including go-around. ThrustSense® also ensures aircraft envelope protection and engine protection during all phases of flight reducing pilot workload and increasing safety. The Company has signed a multi-year agreement with Textron Aviation, Inc. (“Textron”) to supply ThrustSense® on the King Air 360 and King Air 260. ThrustSense® is also available for retrofit on King Airs through Textron service centers and third-party service centers. The Company has also developed an FAA-certified safety mode feature for its King Air ThrustSense® Autothrottle, LifeGuard™, which provides critical Vmca protection that proportionally reduces engine power to maintain directional control during an engine-out condition.

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We believe the ThrustSense® Autothrottle is innovative in that it is the first autothrottle developed for a turbo prop that allows a pilot to automatically control the power setting of the engine. The autothrottle computes and controls appropriate power levels thereby reducing overall pilot workload. The system computes thrust, holds selected speed/torque, and implements appropriate speed and engine limit protection. When engaged by the pilot, the autothrottle system adjusts the throttles automatically to achieve and hold the selected airspeed guarded by a torque/temperature limit mode. The autothrottle system takes full advantage of the integrated cockpit utilizing weight and balance information for optimal control settings and enabling safety functions like a turbulence control mode.

The Company sells to both the OEM and the retrofit markets. Customers include various OEMs, commercial air transport carriers and corporate/general aviation companies, DoD and its commercial contractors, aircraft operators, aircraft modification centers, government agencies, and foreign militaries. Occasionally, IS&S sells its products directly to DoD; however, the Company sells its products primarily to commercial customers for end use in DoD programs. Sales to defense contractors are generally made on commercial terms, although some of the termination and other provisions of government contracts are applicable to these contracts. The Company’s retrofit projects are generally pursuant to either a direct contract with a customer or a subcontract with a general contractor to a customer (including government agencies).

Customers have been and may continue to be affected by changes in economic conditions both in the United States and abroad. Such changes may cause customers to curtail or delay their spending on both new and existing aircraft. Factors that can impact general economic conditions and the level of spending by customers include, but are not limited to, the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, general levels of consumer spending, increases in fuel and energy costs, conditions in the real estate and mortgage markets, labor and healthcare costs, access to credit, consumer confidence, and other macroeconomic factors that affect spending behavior. Furthermore, spending by government agencies may be reduced in the future if tax revenues decline. If customers curtail or delay their spending or are forced to declare bankruptcy or liquidate their operations because of adverse economic conditions, the Company’s revenues and results of operations would be affected adversely. For example, in the 2020 fiscal year, certain of the Company’s customers temporarily suspended product deliveries as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and while these deliveries subsequently resumed, there is a possibility that the COVID-19 pandemic (including as a result of the impact of any newer variants or strains of SARS-CoV-2) will result in other suspensions, delays or order cancellations by the Company’s customers or suppliers.

On the other hand, the Company believes that in adverse economic conditions, customers that may have otherwise elected to purchase newly manufactured aircraft may be interested instead in retrofitting existing aircraft as a cost-effective alternative, thereby creating a market opportunity for IS&S.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is nevertheless a significant event, driver of market trends, and source of uncertainty that may ultimately have a direct or indirect material impact on the Company’s business, financial position, liquidity, or ability to service customers or maintain critical operations. In direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company has taken specific actions to seek to ensure the safety of its employees, including temperature monitoring, frequent sanitization of workspaces, observance of social distancing protocols, and other increased safety measures.

Industry

A wide range of information is critical for proper and safe operation of aircraft. With advances in technology, new types of information to assist pilots are becoming available for display in cockpits, such as satellite-based weather, ground terrain maps, and ADS-B navigation. The Company believes that aircraft cockpits will become more complete information centers, capable of delivering additional information that is either mandated by regulation or demanded by pilots to assist in the safe and efficient operation of aircraft. The flight deck will continue to adapt technologies which are stepping-stones for complete autonomy. The Company believes that the market will continue to embrace the initial phases of autonomous flight.

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The Company classifies flight data into four general types: aircraft heading and altitude information, flight critical aircraft control data, navigation data, and maintenance and aircraft health data. Aircraft heading and altitude information includes aircraft speed, altitude, and rates of ascent and descent. Flight critical aircraft control information includes engine data, such as fuel and oil quantity, and other engine measurements. Navigation data includes radio position, flight management, GPS, and alternative source information (i.e., information not originating on the aircraft, including weather depiction maps, GPS navigation, and surface terrain maps). Maintenance and aircraft health data includes on-board sensors and programs to measure parameters related to the health of a system on the aircraft. Air data calculations are based primarily on air pressure measurements derived from sensors on the aircraft. Engine data are determined by measuring various indices such as temperature, volume, revolutions per minute, and pressure within an aircraft’s engines and other mechanical equipment. GPS and alternative source information are derived typically from satellites or equipment located on land and transmitted by satellite or radio signals to the aircraft. Maintenance and aircraft health data measure multiple parameters on various products and interface with various components to manage, measure, and report on the health, reliability and usability of a system. This information is displayed in the cockpit for reference, enhanced position awareness, and reduced support logistics on properly equipped aircraft.

Traditionally, flight data and other cockpit information were displayed on a series of separate analog mechanical instruments. In the early 1980s, Cathode Ray Tubes (“CRT”) and digital displays using monochromatic Liquid Crystal Displays (“LCD”) began to replace some individual analog instruments. Presently, the industry offers high resolution color flat panels using Active Matrix Liquid Crystal Displays (“AMLCD”) to replace traditional analog instruments, CRT or LCD displays. IS&S expects that the ability to display more information in an efficient space and custom platform will become increasingly important if additional information, such as weather depiction maps, traffic information, surface terrain maps, datalink messaging, and surveillance displays, becomes mandated by regulation or demanded by pilots. Accordingly, the Company believes flat panel displays, which can integrate and display a “suite” of information, will replace individual instrument CRTs and LCDs on legacy aircraft.

In the past, equipment data, such as engine and fuel-related information, were displayed on conventional analog mechanical instruments. Engine and fuel instruments provide information on engine activity, including oil and hydraulic pressures, and temperature. These instruments are clustered throughout an aircraft’s cockpit. Engine and fuel instruments tend to be replaced more frequently than other instruments due to obsolescence and normal wear-and-tear. Aircraft operators continue to purchase individual conventional engine and fuel instruments as replacements because the information that these instruments display is vital for safe and efficient flight. Increasingly, operators are replacing their clusters of analog mechanical instruments with integrated Engine Instrument Display Systems or FPDS packages.

As the skies and airports become more crowded, the aviation industry and its regulators are concentrating on new technologies, procedures, and regulations that allow more aircraft to operate in the skies and on the ground safely, efficiently, and with less impact on the environment. These new technologies and procedures, such as traffic avoidance, ground awareness, increased precision of navigation and vertical position, runway incursion prevention, and increased digital communication, will require innovation and intuitive methods to display situational awareness information for the pilots. The Company believes that flat panel displays provide a strong solution to the growing need for innovation and new methods in this area.

Strategy

The Company’s objective is to become a leading supplier and integrator of cockpit information, and believes that its industry experience and reputation, technology and products, and business strategy provide the basis to achieve this objective. Key elements of the Company’s strategy include:

Continue to drive the market toward the performance, situational awareness and safety advantages of equipping the ThrustSense® autothrottles on both aftermarket and OEM aircraft. IS&S saw the lack of an available autothrottle system on turboprop aircrafts as an unmet need in the marketplace and has invested in the development of a sophisticated turboprop autothrottle. We believe that ThrustSense®, IS&S’s new turboprop autothrottle with patented technology, is highly effective, is less complex and less costly than other available products and offers very sophisticated sensing and multiple safety features that we believe even exceeds those of much more expensive jet autothrottle systems. The Company received the first supplemental type certificate (“STC”) ever granted by the FAA for a turboprop autothrottle in June 2017. IS&S intends to continue to capitalize on being the first to market and introduce the product to owners and operators of turboprop aircraft.

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Introduction of Autothrottle STC Installations: IS&S supplemented the ThrustSense® Autothrottle offering by seeking FAA approval to perform autothrottle installations. The FAA approved IS&S to perform PC-12 and King Air STC installations in June 2022 as the date certified to perform installations. IS&S can now go directly to an autothrottle customer location and perform the STC installation on site.
Focusing on retrofits. Cockpit avionics upgrades for existing aircraft are of great interest in the present environment. We believe the retrofit of an aircraft with the COCKPIT/IP® FPDS, FMS, and ISU system components is cost effective compared to the acquisition of a new aircraft and can provide equivalent functionality to that of new aircraft.
Expand presence in the flat panel display market. Due to recent demand from cargo operators, IS&S believes that many aircraft will be retrofitted with flat panel displays over the next several years. Given the versatility, visual appeal, and lower cost of displaying a series of instruments and other flight relevant information on a single flat panel, the Company believes that flat panel displays will increasingly replace individual analog and digital instrument LCDs and CRTs. The Company believes that the COCKPIT/IP® has significant benefits over competitive flat panel displays, including lower cost, larger size, reduced weight, enhanced viewing angles, and a broader array of functions. The Company’s patented and proprietary Integrity Checking Processor and Zooming features provide increased situational awareness, reliability, performance, and utility to the owner/operator. Accordingly, the Company believes that these advantages will allow IS&S to generate significant revenues from the COCKPIT/IP® product, and to increase market share. In addition, the Company believes that demand for new aircraft, FAA mandates and obsolescence issues on older aircraft will contribute to this growth.
Continuing engineering and product development successes. IS&S develops innovative products by combining its avionics, engineering, and design expertise with commercially available technologies, components, and products from non-aviation applications, including the personal computer and telecommunications industries. The Company’s COCKPIT/IP® system components present examples of its ability to engineer products through the selective application of non-avionic technology. In addition, as permitted by law, IS&S applies for and registers its patents and trademarks for the technology and products it develops in the United States and various countries around the world to protect its intellectual property.
Maintaining focus on air data markets. The Company believes that it is one of the largest suppliers of air data products to the U.S. retrofit market. The pressures on the DoD procurement budget make the retrofit of aging military aircraft with newer, more advanced, and more supportable air data systems attractive. In addition, higher performance engines in business aircraft are creating a need for the sophisticated air data products which the Company supplies.
Increasing sales to DoD, other government agencies, defense contractors, commercial air transport carriers and corporate/general aviation markets. IS&S has extended its efforts to diversify sales to include all aviation end user markets, especially legacy military programs and commercial air transport aircraft. In the commercial air transport market, the Company has addressed national carriers, regional carriers, and other fleet operators. The Company has targeted the corporate/general aviation market, both for retrofits and original equipment, and has ongoing retrofit programs and an OEM program with Pilatus Aircraft Limited (“Pilatus”).
Expanding international presence. IS&S plans to increase its international sales by adding sales and marketing personnel. The Company believes that European and other international aircraft operators and aircraft modification centers will retrofit legacy in-service aircraft with large flat panel displays. IS&S obtained approval from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (“EASA”) for installing the FPDS in Europe for the B757/B767 aircraft and expects to obtain EASA approvals for other European aircraft types. In addition, the King Air ThrustSense® Autothrottle system is currently certified by most foreign civil aviation authorities; including EASA, TCCA, UK-CAA, and CAAC

Products

Current lines of products include:

Flat Panel Display Systems

Flat panel displays are AMLCD screens that can replicate the display of one or a suite of analog or digital displays on one screen. Flat panel displays can replace existing displays in legacy aircraft. AMLCDs are used also for security monitoring on-board aircraft and as tactical workstations on military aircraft. The flat panel product line offers numerous advantages for presentation of engine performance data.

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The Company’s FPDS can replace conventional analog and digital displays and can display additional information which is not commonly displayed in the cockpit with conventional analog and digital displays. The COCKPIT/IP® is capable of displaying nearly all types of air data, engine and fuel data, altitude, heading and navigational data, maintenance and aircraft health data, and alternative source information. As technology and information delivery systems develop further, additional information will be displayed in the cockpit, such as surface terrain maps and data link messaging. IS&S designed the COCKPIT/IP® to be capable of displaying information from a variety of sources, including its Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (“RVSM”) air data system, engine and fuel instrumentation, and third-party data and information products.

From time to time, customers may order one or more FPDSs customized to their particular requirements. Typically, the Company charges for the added development cost. This revenue is reported as Engineering Development Contracts (“EDC”) on the consolidated statements of operations. Engineering costs incurred in customizing the FPDSs are included in cost of sales.

Flight Management Systems

The IS&S NextGen Flight Management System is an easily installed navigation and performance computer that complements the IS&S Flat Panel Display System upgrade for commercial air transport aircraft. The FMS interfaces with the IS&S, SBAS, and GPS to provide a GPS-based navigation solution. The GPS receiver is located remotely depending on space availability. To minimize use of cockpit space and ease installation efforts, the FMS is housed in an ARINC 739B compliant Multifunction and Control Display Unit (“MCDU”).

Each FMS/MCDU has an LCD display, keyboard, mode and function keys, line select keys and annunciator lights, and supports ethernet data loading. The flight crew can manually or datalink waypoint flight plans, routes or user-defined waypoints on the IS&S FMS and modify and update these plans via the FMS/MCDU screen. Once the flight plan data is entered, the MCDU computes the most economical flight profiles and provides steering commands for use by the aircraft control system to fly the airplane along the desired route.

The FMS/MCDU package incorporates a robust navigation database capable of storing today’s global database with ample growth for the future. Flight crews can utilize the data in the navigation database to create, edit and modify flight plans for display on the FPDS. The navigation data includes airways, jet routes, Standard Instrument Departure, Standard Terminal Arrival Route, and company stored routes.

The FMS/MCDU is ARINC 739B compliant, which provides an interface option for other cockpit equipment such as SATCOM, ACARS, CMU, HUD, and a printer. The interface to the IS&S FPDS is provided via ethernet. The IS&S EFB is integrated with the FMS/MCDU and FPDS where the control selection of the EFB features and applications are handled via the FMS/MCDU. The display is a five-inch LCD with VGA resolution. The touchscreen display uses LED backlighting and is sunlight readable.

Integrated Standby Unit

The Company’s ISU incorporates the measurement and display of attitude, altitude, airspeed, and navigation data into a single standby/backup navigation instrument for military, commercial air transport and corporate/general aviation applications. The ISU has an integral Inertial Measurement Unit that includes accelerometer, gyro, and magnetometer triads. The unit also includes an integral air data measurement module for measurement of static and total pressure for display of altitude, airspeed, and mach number.

The ISU is a highly reliable and accurate standby navigation system that is based on IS&S’s merger of COCKPIT/IP® display technology and RVSM air data products coupled with the modern technology in MEMS Gyros that have exceptional stability. An IS&S proprietary algorithm provides for accurate computation of attitude, heading and air data parameters. The unit includes a triaxial magnetometer that is designed to be tolerant to the local soft iron effects.

The display uses a familiar Primary Flight Display format to reduce pilot workload. Logistics and maintenance savings are realized due to increased reliability and a reduction in line-replaceable units. The unit is equipped with built-in test and display of navigational aid and maintenance data.

8

Air Data Systems and Components

The Company’s air data products calculate and display various measures such as aircraft speed, altitude, and vertical rate of change. These air data products utilize advanced sensors to gather air pressure data and customized algorithms to interpret data, thus allowing the system to calculate altitude more accurately.

IS&S sells individual components and partial and complete air data systems. The components and systems include:

digital air data computers, which calculate various air data parameters such as altitude, airspeed, vertical speed, angle of attack and other information derived from the measure of air pressure;
integrated air data computers and display units, which calculate and convey air data information;
altitude displays, which convey aircraft altitude measurements;
airspeed displays, which convey various airspeed measurements including vertical airspeed and rates of ascent and descent; and
altitude alerters, which allow pilots to select a desired cruising altitude and which provide warnings to pilots when an unacceptable deviation occurs.

Engine and Fuel Displays

IS&S develops, manufactures and markets engine and fuel displays. These solid-state multifunction displays convey information with respect to fuel and oil levels, and engine activity, such as oil and hydraulic pressure and temperature. They include individual and multiple displays installed throughout the cockpit. The displays can be used in conjunction with the Company’s engine and fuel data equipment or that of other manufacturers.

Engine and fuel displays are vital to safe flight. In addition, accurate conveyance of engine and fuel information is critical for monitoring engine stress and parts maintenance. Engine and fuel displays tend to be replaced more frequently than other displays and have been slow to incorporate new technology since their introduction because of their low cost, standard design and universal use.

IS&S believes that its air data engine and fuel displays are extremely reliable, have been designed to be programmable, and are easily adaptable without major modification to most modern aircraft. These products have been installed on B727, B737, C-130H, DC-9, DC-10, P-3, F-16 and A-10 aircraft.

Integrated Global Navigation System

The Company’s Integrated Global Navigation System product is an alternative for adding GPS navigation capability to legacy aircraft through the OEM FMS without the high cost of upgrading the current FMS.

This product includes RNP and RNAV approaches via the certified IS&S Beta 3 GPS and leverages components of the Company’s FPDS to provide annunciation to the pilot during GPS procedures.

Autothrottle – ThrustSense®

The IS&S Autothrottle, ThrustSense®, is a full regime autothrottle, from takeoff to landing phases of flight including go around. ThrustSense® combines full-authority digital engine control (“FADEC”) functionality with low and high-speed protection for the Pilatus PC-12 and Beechcraft King Air series aircraft. IS&S believes ThrustSense® improves safety and performance for Pratt and Whitney PT6-powered single and multi-engine aircraft. In the case of multi-engine aircraft, such as the Beechcraft King Air, ThrustSense® provides Vmca protection during an engine out condition. The system is light weight, installs with minimal downtime and provides the user with high value for performance. IS&S believes ThrustSense® can attain fuel savings of 3% and when flying constant angle-of-attack the fuel savings can be as much as 10%. The Company in April 2019 received certification from the FAA for, its ThrustSense® Autothrottle for retrofit in the King Air, dual turbo prop PT6 powered aircraft. The Company has signed a multi-year agreement with Textron to supply ThrustSense® on their new production aircraft, the King Air 360 and King Air 260. ThrustSense® is also available for retrofit on King Airs through Textron service centers and third-party service centers.

9

The IS&S ThrustSense® Autothrottle is designed to ensure stabilized approaches by controlling speeds during descent. During high pilot workload, the autothrottle is designed to prevent the airplane from becoming dangerously slow or fast and protects against overtorque and overtemp, thereby enhancing the safety and capability of your aircraft.

Control of the autothrottle is housed in an easy-to-install ISU that provides standby functionality on a high-resolution LCD display. The ThrustSense® Autothrottle is designed to avoid structural modifications to the existing throttle quadrant. ThrustSense® has MEL Relief and On Condition Maintenance.

IS&S believes ThrustSense® can be adapted to virtually all PT6 powered aircrafts with the IS&S ISU. The ISU executes software to control the autothrottle actuator. In addition the ISU calculates, processes and displays altitude, attitude, airspeed, slip/skid, and navigation display information, which IS&S believes is presented in a logical and concise single instrument display. It features a high- resolution LCD display with full LED backlighting, thereby improving reliability and full sunlight readability to the pilot, and fully anti-aliased graphics.

IS&S believes the autothrottle retrofit and standby are easily installed, and typical installation can take less than a week with minimum modifications to the existing flight deck.

Other potential benefits of the ThrustSense® Autothrottle include:

safety enhancements and pilot workload reduction;
life-saving enhancements in multi-engine aircraft;
FADEC-like engine protection;
does not require replacement of the existing throttle quadrant (major cockpit modification) due to the patented compact and safe actuation mechanism; and
broader applications for retrofit in FADEC or non-FADEC Turbofan and Turboprop aircraft.

Utilities Management System

IS&S provides the Utilities Management System (“UMS”) for the Pilatus PC-24 which has been certified and delivered. The IS&S UMS integrates a wide range of aircraft functions, which are commonly supported by multiple individual controllers. The UMS-24 monitors aircraft sensors and aircraft control systems as required to achieve system functionality. This open architecture system allows Pilatus to design and/or refine control and monitoring algorithms, in-house.

IS&S believes there is interest in its UMS from other aircraft manufacturers as well. The UMS is an innovative design that controls 20 plus aircraft systems such as navigation, auto-flight, landing gear, surface positions, fire protection, ice/rain protection, electrical loads, lighting, environmental conditions, cabin pressurization, and oxygen systems based on OEM custom configuration.

The UMS is a Data Concentrator and Processing Unit (“DCPU”) that allows manufacturers to configure and program specific applications on a ARINC 653 operating system in an open architecture platform. The UMS acts as the aircraft central maintenance computer allowing for a maximum of six DCPUs to be included in the communication ring. The system provides a significant power and weight saving over the use of federated boxes and utilizes the latest IS&S technological advancements in avionics circuit design.

Customers

The Company’s customers include the United States government (including DoD, the Department of Interior and the Department of Homeland Security), Air Transport Services Group Inc. (“ATSG”), Amazon.com, Inc., American Airlines, Inc. (“AAL”), Boeing, Deutsche Post DHL Group (“DHL”), FedEx Corporation (“FedEx”), Icelandair, L3Harris Technologies, Inc., Lockheed Martin Corporation, Pilatus, Sierra Nevada Corporation (“Sierra Nevada”), Textron, and the Department of National Defense (Canada), among others.

10

The Company’s revenue is concentrated with a limited number of customers. In fiscal year 2022, the three largest customers, Pilatus, ATSG and Textron accounted for 22%, 11% and 11% of total revenue, respectively. In fiscal year 2021, the two largest customers, Pilatus and Textron accounted for 20% and 17% of total revenue, respectively. In fiscal year 2020, the three largest customers, Pilatus, Dayton T. Brown, Inc., and Kalitta Air accounted for 33%, 12% and 10% of total revenue, respectively.

Retrofit Market

Historically, most of the Company’s sales have come from the retrofit market, which IS&S has pursued because of its continued growth in response to the need to support the world’s aging fleet of aircraft. The design and airframe structure of many types of older aircraft generally exceeds the technology and technical capabilities of the original cockpit instruments and avionics. The Company has developed products that enable owners and operators to upgrade their aircraft by retrofitting them with IS&S products at a competitive cost and with equipment that provides cockpit displays with capabilities and technology equivalent to new aircraft.

IS&S expects its main customers in the retrofit market will continue to be:

the DoD and defense contractors,
aircraft operators, and
aircraft modification centers.

Department of Defense and Defense Contractors. The Company sells its products directly to the DoD and to domestic and international defense contractors for end use on military aircraft retrofit programs. DoD programs generally take one of two forms: a subcontract with a prime government contractor, such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, or L3Harris Technologies, Inc. or a direct contract with the appropriate government agency, such as the U.S. Air Force. The government’s desire for cost-effective retrofit of its aircraft has led it to purchase commercial off-the-shelf equipment rather than to develop specially designed products, which are usually more costly and take longer to implement. These retrofit contracts tend to be on arms-length commercial terms, although some termination and other provisions of government contracts are typically applicable to these contracts, as described under “Government Regulation” below. Each government agency or general contractor retains the right to terminate a contract at any time at its convenience. Upon such alteration or termination, IS&S is entitled typically to be compensated for already delivered items and reimbursement for allowable costs incurred.

Aircraft Operators. The Company sells its products to aircraft operators, including commercial airlines, cargo carriers, and business and general aviation aircraft owners or suppliers, primarily for retrofitting of aircraft owned or operated by these customers. The Company’s commercial fleet customers include or have included, among others, AAL, ATSG, FedEx and Icelandair. IS&S sells these customers a range of products from FPDS to air data systems.

Aircraft Modification Centers. Aircraft modification centers, which repair and retrofit private aircraft, represent the primary retrofit market for private and corporate jets. IS&S has established relationships with a several aircraft modification centers throughout the United States, which act as distribution outlets and installation centers for the Company’s products.

Original Equipment Manufacturers

IS&S has signed a multi-year agreement with Textron to supply ThrustSense® on their new production aircraft, the King Air 360 and King Air 260 as described above in “Products-Autothrottle – ThrustSense®”. The Company has developed and manufactures the UMS for Pilatus’ PC-24 aircraft under a multi-year production contract as described above under “Products-Utilities Management System”. The Company also markets its products to other OEMs including, among others, Boeing and Lockheed Martin.

11

Backlog

September 30

    

2022

    

2021

Backlog, beginning of period

$

9,121,585

$

3,640,637

Plus: bookings during period, net

 

30,398,098

 

28,525,744

Less: sales recognized during period

 

(27,740,695)

 

(23,044,796)

Backlog, end of period

$

11,778,988

$

9,121,585

Backlog represents the value of contracts and purchase orders, less the revenue recognized to date on those contracts and purchase orders. The backlog excludes potential future sole-source production orders from products developed under the Company’s EDC programs, including the Pilatus PC-24, the KC-46A and the Textron King Air 360 and King Air 260 ThrustSense® Autothrottle programs. Although the Company believes that the orders included in backlog are firm, most of the backlog involves orders that can be modified or terminated by the customer. As of September 30, 2022, 16% of the Company’s backlog was expected to be filled beyond fiscal 2023.

Engineering Development

The Company invests a significant percentage of its sales on engineering development, both Research & Development (“R&D”) and EDC. At September 30, 2022, approximately 22% of the Company’s employees were engineers engaged in various engineering development projects. Total engineering development expense comprises both internally funded R&D and product development and design charges related to specific customer contracts. Engineering development expense consists primarily of payroll-related expenses of employees engaged in EDC projects, engineering related product materials and equipment, and subcontracting costs. R&D charges incurred for product design, product enhancements, and future product development are expensed as incurred. Product development and design charges related to specific customer contracts are charged to cost of sales-EDC based on the method of contract accounting (either recognized over time or at a point in time) applicable to such contracts.

Sales and Marketing

IS&S focuses its sales efforts on passenger and cargo carrying aircraft operators, general aviation owner/operators, MRO/dealer networks, distributors, avionics integrators, aircraft modification centers, the DoD, DoD contractors, and OEMs. Periodically, the Company evaluates its sales and marketing efforts with respect to these focus areas and, where appropriate, makes use of third-party sales representatives who receive compensation through commissions based on performance. As of September 30, 2022, we have twelve representatives worldwide that are actively selling IS&S products.

We are continuing to expand our maintenance, repair and overhaul (“MRO”) dealer network to address worldwide markets for Boeing 737, 757 and 767, Pilatus PC-12’s, Beechcraft King Air models and other aircraft types. We have established a dealer network for ThrustSense®, and we are in the process of exploring adding more MRO dealerships in the United States and internationally.

Our marketing efforts have focused on applicable markets establishing and maintaining key customer rapport using email campaigns, key market influencers, advertisements, trade shows, web casts, direct mailers, digital and social media. Our Autothrottle offering on the Pilatus PC-12 and King Air have been favorably featured in multiple articles in major publications over the past several years.

The Company believes its ability to provide prompt and effective repair and upgrade service is critical to its marketing efforts. The Company’s customer service program offers a 24-hour customer hotline. The Company services its customers utilizing either field service engineers or its in-house repair and upgrade facility. The Company may lend spare units to customers when it is repairing or overhauling their equipment. IS&S provides customers with a standard two-year warranty on new products. The Company offers customers extended warranties of varying lengths beyond the two years for additional fees.

The Company believes its ability to provide an installation service is critical to its marketing efforts. The Company’s Repair Station provides a mobile STC Installation Team to install the PC-12 and King Air ThrustSense® Autothrottle systems beginning in June 2022.

Most of the Company’s sales, personnel and assets are located within the United States. In fiscal years 2022, 2021 and 2020 net sales outside the United States amounted to $11.1 million, $8.4 million and $9.4 million, respectively.

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Government Regulation

FAA regulations govern the manufacture and installation of the Company’s products in aircraft owned and operated in the United States. Both the IS&S manufacturing facility and the IS&S repair station are FAA-certified. The most significant product and installation regulations are Technical Standard Orders (“TSOs”), Parts Manufacturer Approvals (“PMA”), and STCs, which establish the minimum operational performance standards. For example, in April 2019, the FAA issued its TSO authorization and STC for the Company’s ThrustSense® Autothrottle for retrofit in the King Air dual prop PT6 powered aircraft. In February 2019, the FAA issued its TSO authorization and STC for the Company’s B767 Integrated Standby Unit to be used on B767 aircraft in the United States.

Generally, sales of IS&S products to European or other non-U.S. owners of aircraft require approval of EASA, or other relevant governmental agencies. EASA certification requirements for the manufacture and installation of the Company’s products in European owned aircraft mirror FAA regulations, and its process for European certification is similar to that of the FAA. For example, in September 2021, EASA and the Transport Canada Civil Aviation issued STCs for the Company’s ThrustSense(R) Full Regime Autothrottle for King Air series aircraft in the European Union and Canada, respectively.

In addition to product-related regulations, IS&S is subject to U.S. government procurement regulations with respect to the sale of the Company’s products to government entities or government contractors. The government agency or general contractor retains the right to terminate a contract at any time at its convenience. Upon such alteration or termination, IS&S is generally entitled to an equitable adjustment to the contract price, so that the Company receives the purchase price for products or services already delivered, reimbursement for allowable costs incurred and for termination related costs.

The Company’s business is also impacted by various other laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, local, state, federal, and international tax codes, import and export controls and customs laws, employment and employment-related laws, environmental laws, intellectual property laws, and consumer protection statutes. The Company from time to time incurs costs in the ordinary course of business in connection with maintaining compliance with these evolving and at times overlapping regulatory regimes.

Manufacturing, Assembly and Materials Acquisition

The Company’s manufacturing activities consist primarily of assembling and testing components and subassemblies and integrating them into finished systems. Typically, the Company purchases components for products, including any necessary raw materials, from third-party suppliers, several of which are sole source, and assembles them in a clean room environment. Many of the components purchased are standard products, although certain parts are made to the Company’s specifications. Although there are a limited number of suppliers of particular components, management believes other suppliers could provide similar components on comparable terms.

When appropriate, IS&S enters into long-term supply agreements and uses its relationships with long-term suppliers to improve product quality and availability, and to reduce delivery times and product costs. In addition, the Company identifies alternative suppliers for important component parts. Generally, the introduction of component parts from new suppliers into existing products requires FAA certification of the entire finished product if the newly sourced component varies significantly from the original drawings and specifications. IS&S has not experienced significant delays in delivery of products caused by the inability to obtain either component parts or FAA approval of products incorporating new component parts.

Quality Assurance

Product quality is of vital importance. The Company is ISO 9001 and AS9100D certified. These standards represent an international consensus on effective management practices with the goal of ensuring that a company can deliver its products and related services consistently in a manner that meets or exceeds customer quality requirements. IS&S’s certification to these standards allows the Company to represent to customers that it maintains high-quality industry standards in the education of its employees and in the design and manufacture of its products. In addition, the Company’s products undergo extensive and documented quality control testing prior to being delivered to customers.

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Competition

The market for the Company’s products is highly competitive. Competitors vary in size and resources, and substantially all the Company’s competitors are much larger than IS&S and have substantially greater resources. With respect to air data systems and related products, the Company’s principal competitors include Honeywell International Inc., Collins Aerospace, Thales Defense & Security, Inc., and Garmin Ltd. With respect to flat panel displays, principal competitors currently include Honeywell International Inc., Collins Aerospace, L3Harris Technologies, Inc., Garmin Ltd. and GE Aviation Systems. However, as the flat panel display industry evolves and the demand for flat panel displays increases, IS&S may face future competition in this area from other suppliers. The Company believes that the principal competitive factors in its markets are cost, development cycle time, responsiveness to customer preferences, product quality, technology, and reliability. IS&S believes that its significant and long-standing customer relationships reflect the Company’s ability to compete favorably with respect to these factors.

Intellectual Property and Proprietary Rights

IS&S relies on patents to protect its proprietary technology. As of September 30, 2022, the Company holds 14 U.S. patents and has 3 U.S. patent applications pending relating to its technology. In addition, IS&S holds 40 international patents and has 2 international patent applications pending. Certain of these patents and patent applications cover technology relating to air data measurement systems and others cover technology relating to flat panel display systems and other aspects of the COCKPIT/IP® solution. While IS&S believes these patents have significant value in protecting its technology, it believes that the innovative skill, technical expertise, and know-how of the Company’s personnel in applying the technology reflected in its patents would be difficult, costly, and time consuming to reproduce.

While IS&S is not aware of any pending lawsuits against the Company alleging patent infringement or the violation of other intellectual property rights, it cannot be certain such infringement claims will not be asserted against the Company in the future.

Human Capital

Our people are the driving force behind our success, and our future and growth prospects depend on our ability to attract, train and retain highly qualified personnel. We are fortunate to have talented and outstanding employees, and we are proud of our diverse workforce and the broad range of skills and experiences that our people have. We work hard to cultivate a dynamic and enjoyable work environment full of opportunities to learn new skills, stressing teamwork and encouraging our employees to brainstorm, develop and refine new ideas to help us innovate and achieve our goals, and we maintain equity compensation plans and benefits packages designed to retain talented people who share our goals and interests. We also offer competitive salaries and generous benefits, including vacation, a 401(k) savings and retirement plan, health, dental, life, long-term disability insurance, an Employee Assistance Program (“EAP”), and health and dependent Flexible Spending Account programs. Additionally, we regularly review and reevaluate our recruitment strategies to ensure our practices align with our mission, purpose, and values. Nevertheless, competition for such qualified personnel is intense, and the Company may not be able to attract, train, and retain highly qualified personnel in the future.

We are an equal opportunity employer and a Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (“VEVRAA”) federal contractor. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We also comply with all applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment and have a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applicable to each employee, director, officer, contractor and consultant of the Company designed to ensure that we maintain the highest standards of business conduct in every aspect of our business and operations.

Safety is a vital aspect to the success of our people and business. We are proud of our employees’ collective commitment to secure and maintain safe work practices, in particular during the COVID-19 pandemic. Protecting the health and safety of our employees and their families has been a priority throughout the pandemic, and we have implemented temperature monitoring, frequent sanitization of workspaces, observance of social distancing protocols, and other increased safety measures in response to the pandemic.

As of September 30, 2022, IS&S had 81 employees (79 of whom were full-time employees). None of our employees are currently represented by a labor union, nor are they subject to a collective bargaining agreement. We consider relations with our employees to be good.

14

Executive Officers of the Registrant

The following is a list of the Company’s executive officers, their ages and their positions in each case.

Name

Age

Position

Shahram Askarpour

65

Director and Chief Executive Officer

Michael Linacre

46

Chief Financial Officer

Shahram AskarpourAskarpour. has been the CEO since April of 2022. Dr. Askarpour joined the Company as a DirectorVice President of Engineering in 2003, was promoted to Vice President of Engineering in 2005,March 2012, and was promoted to President on April 2, 2012.appointed as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, and joined the Company’s Board, in January 2022. Dr. Askarpour has more than 3040 years of aerospace industry experience in managerial and technical positions. Prior to joining IS&S,the Company, he was employed by Smiths Aerospace (a division of Smiths Group PLC)plc), Instrumentation Technology, and Marconi Avionics. He holds a number of key patents in the aviation field. Dr. Askarpour received his engineering education in the United Kingdom, and received an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering from Middlesex University, a post graduate Certificate of Advanced Study in Systems Engineering, and a PhD in Automatic Control from Brunel University.University London. He was awarded the title of Associate Research Fellow for three consecutive years by Brunel University and has published numerous papers in leading international, peer reviewed journals. In addition, he has completed management courses at Carnegie Mellon University and finance courses at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Glen R. Bressner. Mr. Bressner is the co-founder and Managing Partner of Activate Venture Partners, an early-stage focused venture capital firm that has evolved from a series of affiliated venture funds that he is a co-founder of, beginning in 1985. Mr. Bressner has been a board director of several companies, including IQE plc (LSE: IQEP), where he was a member of its Audit Committee, and Tabula Rasa Healthcare (NASDAQ: TRHC), where he chaired its Nomination Committee. He is also a shareholder and a director on the board of Alum-a-Lift, Inc., a family-owned manufacturer of precision material handling solutions. From 1996 to 1997, Mr. Bressner served as the chairman of the Board of the Greater Philadelphia Venture Group. Mr. Bressner holds a Bachelor of Science, cum laude, in Business Administration from Boston University and a Masters of Business Administration degree from Babson College.

Roger A. Carolin. Mr. Carolin is currently a Venture Partner at SCP Partners, a position he has held since 2004. Mr. Carolin works to identify attractive investment opportunities and assists portfolio companies in the areas of strategy development, operating management, and intellectual property. Mr. Carolin co-founded CFM Technologies, Inc., a global manufacturer of semiconductor process equipment, and served as its Chief Executive Officer for 10 years, until the company was acquired. Mr. Carolin formerly worked for Honeywell, Inc. and General Electric Co., where he developed test equipment and advanced computer systems for on-board missile applications. Mr. Carolin is also a director of Amkor Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMKR), a supplier of outsourced semiconductor assembly and test services. Mr. Carolin holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Duke University and an M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School.

Michael LinacreStephen L. Belland. has beenMr. Belland is the CFO since July of 2022.Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Integrated Connection, LLC and a Principal at Clear Rock Advisors. Prior to joiningClear Rock Advisors, he has held various executive positions at Rockwell Collins including Technical Director, Vice President of Program and Product Management, Vice President of Strategy and Marketing and most recently Vice President of Corporate Development. Mr. Belland received his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Michigan Technological University and has attended executive programs at the Kellogg School of Management, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and INSEAD.

Parizad Olver (Parchi). Ms. Olver is currently the Founder and Managing Partner of Panorama Aero, a U.S.-based special mission aerospace lessor and end-to-end logistics provider which she founded in 2018. Ms. Olver previously served on the board of directors of Semper Paratus Acquisition Corporation (NASDAQ: LGST) until June 2023. From 2009-2018, Ms. Olver held numerous leadership positions during her time at Cowen Inc., including President and CEO of Cowen Aviation Finance, Head of International Strategy and Managing Director. Prior to Cowen, Ms. Olver held senior positions at Fortress Investment Group, Ramius Capital Group and Morgan Stanley. She received an M.B.A. from Columbia University, an M.B.A. from London Business School and a B.S. from University of California, Berkeley (Haas School of Business).


Director Qualifications

The Board believes that each of the directors listed above have the sound character, integrity, judgment, and record of achievement necessary to be a member of the Board. In addition, each of the directors have exhibited, during their prior service as directors, the ability to operate cohesively with the other members of the Board, and to challenge and question management in a constructive way. Moreover, the Board believes that each director brings a strong and unique background and skillset to the Board, giving the Board, as a whole, competence and experience in diverse areas, including corporate governance and board service, finance, management, and aviation. Set forth below are certain specific experiences, qualifications, and skills that led to the Board’s conclusion that each of the directors listed above are qualified to serve as a directors.

Dr. Askarpour, as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and a longstanding member of the Company’s management team, provides the Board with a comprehensive knowledge of the Company, its history, and its businesses. In addition, Dr. Askarpour brings the Board his insight into the aerospace industry from over 40 years of experience in managerial and technical positions at aviation companies, including Smiths Aerospace (a division of Smiths Group plc), Instrumentation Technology, and Marconi Avionics.

Mr. Bressner brings the Board a wealth of experience managing financial investments from his service at venture capital firms. Mr. Bressner provides the Board with a thorough understanding of capital markets and other financial issues. Mr. Bressner’s experience in managing investments also provides him with extensive finance and accounting knowledge, and he applies this expertise in his service on the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee of the Board (the “Nominating and Governance Committee”) (as Chairman) and the Audit Committee. Mr. Bressner is also an audit committee financial expert, as defined by SEC rules and regulations. His prior service as a member of the board of directors of numerous other entities, including public entities, provides him with valuable experience in corporate governance matters.

Mr. Carolin has over a decade of experience in private equity investing, previously worked in advanced computer systems and on-board missile applications, and has a significant understanding the Company’s industry and its business. He possesses specific knowledge and experience in technology, new business opportunities, operations, management, and finance, all of which are relevant and important to the Company’s business, and he capitalizes on these strengths in his service on the Audit Committee of the Board (the “Audit Committee”) (as Chairman), the Investment Committee of the Board (the “Investment Committee”) (as Chairman), and the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Compensation Committee”).

Mr. Belland has over 37 years of experience in the Aerospace and Defense Industry. Mr. Belland provides the board with familiarity with IS&S product lines and operations. He has also developed numerous successful plans for market strategy, product development, brand management, business optimization, acquisition strategy, as well as team building strategy. Some key successes included developing and capturing over 15 new aircraft cockpit positions, as well as positioning his corporation for becoming a leader in business jet cabin electronics. In addition, Mr. Belland has advised on over 500 M&A transactions and joint ventures, including being published in Corporate Executive Board materials. Mr. Belland applies his experience and expertise to IS&S in his service on the Compensation Committee (as Chairman), the Investment Committee, and the Audit Committee. Mr. Belland is also a private pilot and a member of various industry organizations, such as the National Business Aviation Association.

Ms. Olver brings over two decades of experience in financial markets and investing across special situations and aerospace related assets. She has a background in aviation, as well as experience with special mission operations which will strengthen the Board. Ms. Olver’s expertise is applicable to her service on the Nominating and Governance Committee.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Certain other information relating to the Executive Officers of the Company appears in Item 4A to Part I of the Form 10-K under the heading “Executive Officers of the Registrant” and is incorporated herein by reference.


Set forth below is a table identifying the Company’s current executive officers who are not identified in the tables above. Biographical information for Dr. Askarpour is set forth above.

NameAgePosition with the Company
Shahram Askarpour66President and Chief Executive Officer
Relland Winand69Interim Chief Financial Officer

Relland Winand. Mr. Winand previously served the Company as Chief Financial Officer from December 2014 until his retirement in July 2022, Mr. Linacre, worked as a public accountant and auditor at KPMG LLP. He also held finance leadership positions at Genpak, LLC, a food service packaging company, and SI Group, Inc., a chemical manufacturing company, beforeafter serving as the Company’s Controller from September 2014 to December 2014. Previously, Mr. Winand has served in a number of executive financial capacities with public companies, including Chief Financial Officer of Sysco Albany, LLC,ECC International, Corp, a subsidiarymanufacturer of Sysco Corporation,computer controlled maintenance simulators primarily for the Department of Defense and Vice President Finance and Administration of Traffic.com, Inc., a leading provider of accurate, real-time traffic information in the United States. Immediately prior to joining Innovative Solutions and Support, Inc., Mr. Winand was Chief Financial Officer of Orbit/FR, Inc., an international developer and manufacturer of sophisticated microwave test and measurement systems for aerospace/defense, wireless, satellite, and automotive industries, from 2008 to 2013. From January 2014 until September 2014, Mr. Winand served as a consultant for Solomon Edwards Group LLC. He has over 30 years’ experience in financial management and reporting for both public multinational seller, marketer,domestic and distributor of food products,international manufacturing companies. Mr. Linacre isWinand received a licensed CPA and a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the New York State Society of CPAs. He received his Bachelor’s degreeB.S. in Accounting from the StateDrexel University of New York at Albany.and an M.B.A. in Finance from Widener University.

OtherRELATIONSHIPS AND ARRANGEMENTS

The SEC maintains a website that contains annual, quarterly,

There is no family relationship between any of Company’s directors or executive officers and, current reports, proxy statementsto the best of our knowledge, none of our directors or executive officers has, during the past ten years, been involved in any legal proceedings which are required to be disclosed pursuant to the rules and information statements, and other information about issuers, including IS&S, that file electronically withregulations of the SEC. The public can obtainThere are no arrangements between any document wedirector or executive officer of the Company and any other person pursuant to which he/she was, or will be, selected as a director or executive officer, respectively.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors and executive officers, and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of our equity securities, to file with the SEC at www.sec.gov.

IS&S also maintains its corporate website at http://www.innovative-ss.cominitial reports of ownership and makes available, freereports of charge,changes in ownership of our ordinary shares and other equity securities. Specific due dates for these reports have been established, and the Company is required to report any failure to comply therewith during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. To our knowledge, based solely on that website (undera review of the “Investor Relations” tab)reports filed electronically with the SEC during the Company’s annualmost recent fiscal year and, where applicable, written representations that no other reports were required, we believe that all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to our executive officers, directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners were complied with in a timely manner during September 30, 2023, except that: the Estate of Geoffrey S. M. Hedrick filed one late Form 3 with respect to one transaction, Glen Bressner filed four late Forms 4 with respect to five transactions, Parizad Olver filed one late Form 4 with respect to one transaction, Stephen Belland filed one late Form 4 with respect to one transaction, Roger Carolin filed one late Form 4 with respect to one transaction, and Winston Churchill filed one late Form 4 with respect to three transactions.

Code of Ethics

The Company maintains a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code of Ethics”) applicable to its directors, its principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer, and persons performing similar functions. In addition, the Code of Ethics applies to all of the Company’s employees, officers, agents, and representatives. The Code of Ethics is posted on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports onthe Company’s website, www.innovative-ss.com, under the heading “Investor Relations.” If the Company amends or grants a waiver of one or more of the provisions of our Code of Ethics, we intend to satisfy the requirements under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K andregarding the disclosure of amendments to those as reasonably practicable after it electronically files such material with, or furnishes itwaivers from provisions of our Code of Ethics that apply to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer (or persons performing similar functions) by posting the SEC. Therequired information on the Company’s website at www.innovative-ss.com. The information found on the website is not incorporated as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


Item 1A. Risk Factors.Director Nominations

Each reader should carefully consider the risks, uncertainties and other factors described below, in addition

No material changes have been made to the other information set forth in this report, because they could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, operating results, financial condition, cash flows, prospects, and the valueprocedures by which stockholders may recommend nominees to our Board of an investment in IS&S common stock.Directors.

Summary

An investment in our common stock involves various risks, including risks related to the items listed below. However, you are urged to carefully consider allAudit Committee

The members of the matters discussed in this Part I, Item 1AAudit Committee are currently Mr. Carolin (Chairman), Mr. Bressner, and Mr. Belland. On January 28, 2024, the Board of this Report under the caption “Risk Factors” (not just those discussed in this summary) in considering our business and prospects.

IS&S-Specific Risk Factors

The Company faces risks relating to:

continued market acceptance of the Company’s air data systems and other products;
the deferral or termination of programs or contracts for convenience by customers;
the potential for losses due to cost overruns on fixed-price contract projects;

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U.S. federal government budget deficits and audit practices, including the possibility of reductions in government expenditures;
the possibility that IS&S may lose one or more key customers;
the self-insured portion of IS&S’ employee medical insurance program;
our lack of substantial backlog;
the ability to service the international market; and
intense competition with key competitors.

General Risk Factors

The Company faces risks relating to:

the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic;
the ability to respond to technological change;
delays in receiving components from third-party suppliers;
challenges associated with the complexity of our products;
our ability to protect our intellectual property rights;
failure to retain/recruit key personnel;
succession planning;
variations in our revenue and operating results over time;
a cyber security incident;
potential litigation;
the costs of compliance with present and future laws and regulations;
changes in law, including changes to corporate tax laws in the United States and the availability of certain tax credits;
volatility and weakness in capital markets, including rising inflation and interest rates; and
the efficacy of our internal control over financial reporting.

IS&S-Specific Risk Factors

Growth of the Company’s customer base could be limited by delays or difficulties in completing development and introduction of planned products or product enhancements. If IS&S fails to enhance existing products, or to develop and achieve market acceptance for flat panel displays, flight management systems, autothrottle technology and other new productsDirectors determined that meet customer requirements, its business, reputation and statements of income may be affected adversely.

Currently, IS&S spends a large portion of its R&D efforts in developing and marketing the FPDS, FMS, ThrustSense® Autothrottle and complementary products. The Company’s ability to grow and diversify its operations through introduction and sale of new products is dependent upon its continued success in product development and engineering activities, its sales and marketing efforts, and its ability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals to sell such products. Sales growth will depend in part on market acceptance of and demand for the FPDS, FMS, ThrustSense® Autothrottle and future products. IS&S cannot be certain that it will be able to develop, introduce or market its FPDS, FMS, ThrustSense® Autothrottle or other new products or product enhancements in a timely or cost-effective manner, or that any new products or product enhancements will receive market acceptance or necessary regulatory approval. In addition, the Company’s business is dependent upon maintaining its reputation and relationships with existing customers. If the Company’s performance doesMs. Olver did not meet its customers’ expectations, the Company’s reputation and its relationships could be damaged, which may have a material adverse impactheightened independence requirements for service on the Company’s business and statements of income, including reductions in sales.

In seeking new customers, the Company may have difficulty in displacing the products of incumbent competitors. IS&S cannot be assured that potential customers will accept its products or that existing customers will not abandon them.

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Contracts can be terminatedAudit Committee as required by many of the Company’s customers at any time and, therefore, may not result in sales.

IS&S’s contracts, including contracts with government agencies, includes various terms and conditions that impose certain requirements on IS&S, including the ability of the government agency or general contractor to alter the price, quantity or delivery schedule of the products. Additionally, government agencies and general contractors typically retain the right to terminate the contract at any time at their convenience. Upon alteration or termination of these contracts, IS&S is entitled typically to an equitable adjustment to the contract price so that it would be compensated for delivered items and allowable costs incurred. However, because these contracts can be terminated for convenience, the Company cannot be assured that its backlog will result in sales.

The Company enters into fixed-price contracts or service arrangements to perform specified design and EDC services related to its products that could subject IS&S to losses in the event the Company incurs cost overruns on its projects.

During fiscal year 2022, approximately 2% percent of the Company’s total sales were from fixed-price EDC arrangements with customers to perform specified design and EDC services related to its products. These arrangements allow IS&S to benefit by recovering some of its product development costs, but it carries the risk of potential cost overruns. If the Company’s initial cost estimates are incorrect, it can incur potentially large one time charges and losses on these contracts. These EDC arrangements can expose the Company to potential losses because the customer may compel IS&S to complete a project or, in the event of a termination for default, pay the incremental cost of its replacement by another provider. Because some of these projects involve new technologies and applications, and can last for more than a year, unforeseen events such as technological difficulties, fluctuations in the price of raw materials, problems with subcontractors, and cost overruns can result in the contractual price becoming less favorable or even unprofitable to IS&S over time. Furthermore, if the Company does not meet project deadlines or if its products do not meet customer specifications, it may need to renegotiate contracts on less favorable terms, be forced to pay penalties or liquidated damages, or suffer losses if the customer exercises its right to terminate. The Company’s results of operations are dependent on its ability to maximize earnings from the EDC service arrangements. Lower earnings caused by cost overruns could have a negative impact on the Company’s financial condition, operating results, and cash flows.

A portion of IS&S sales come from government contracts, which could be adversely affected by continued high U.S. federal budget deficits. Government contracts are also subject to special risks as a result of the U.S. government’s audit practices.

A portion of IS&S sales has been, and is expected to continue to be, from defense contractors or government agencies in connection with government aircraft retrofit or OEM contracts. Sales to government contractors and government agencies could decline as a result of DoD spending cuts and general budgetary constraints which may become more severe as the federal budget deficit remains high.

In addition, the U.S. government regularly conducts investigations, inquiries and audits into its suppliers’ compliance with procurement regulations and performance under the relevant government contracts. If an investigation reveals or an audit finds that the Company violated applicable law or regulations, its government contracts could be terminated and it could be restricted from future procurement activities. Moreover, if an investigation, inquiry or audit finds that the Company acted improperly or was involved in illegal activities, the Company could be subject to civil penalties, criminal penalties, and administrative sanctions. As a result, the Company’s reputation could be harmed even if the allegations were later determined to be false.

Reductions in government expenditures could adversely affect IS&S business.

Reductions in funding of the DoD and U.S. defense spending could have significant consequences to the Company’s business and industry. While the full impact of such reductions is not determinable, the impact of any resulting reductions in defense appropriations, and/or reductions in U.S. defense spending could result in delays in procurement of products and services due to lack of funding, and negatively affect the IS&S’s revenues, financial condition and results of operations.

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The loss of a key customer or a significant deterioration in the financial condition of a key customer could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations.

The Company’s revenue is concentrated with a limited number of customers. During fiscal year 2022 IS&S derived 58% of revenue from the top five customers. IS&S expects a relatively small number of customers to account for a majority of its revenues for the foreseeable future. As a result of the concentrated customer base, a loss of one or more of these customers or a dispute or litigation with one of these key customers could affect adversely its revenue and results of operations. The Company monitors and evaluates the credit status of its customers and attempts to adjust sales terms as appropriate. Despite these efforts, a significant deterioration in the financial condition or bankruptcy filing of a key customer could affect adversely the Company’s business, results of operations, and financial condition.

In addition, the Company is subject to credit risk associated with the concentration of accounts receivable from its key customers. If any of the Company’s top customers were to become bankrupt or insolvent or otherwise were unable to pay for the products and services provided by the Company, including as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their businesses or financial conditions, then the Company may incur significant write-offs of accounts receivable, incur other impairment charges or result in a significant loss of expected revenues, which may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations.

We self-insure a significant portion of our employee medical insurance program, which may expose us to unpredictable costs and negatively affect our financial performance.

We self-insure a significant portion of our employee medical insurance program and related benefit claims. The estimated liability for the self-funded portion of our insurance program is determined actuarially, based on claims filed historically, demographic factors and an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported. We maintain stop loss insurance coverage to limit our exposure for the self-funded portion of our health insurance program both on a per employee and aggregate basis, and liabilities associated with these losses include estimates of both claims filed and losses incurred but not yet reported. Unanticipated changes in any applicable actuarial assumptions or management estimates underlying our recorded liabilities for these losses could result in materially different amounts of expense than expected under these programs, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the premiums for this coverage could increase in the future, or we could be forced to raise our self-insured retention amounts. If these expenses increase, or if we experience a claim in excess of our reserve and/or coverage limits, it could also have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operation.

We currently operate without a substantial backlog.

During periods of economic uncertainty, the rate of customer orders can quickly decrease, and a substantial backlog may help promote greater efficiency in production, facilitate business planning and improve revenue visibility. As of September 30, 2022, 16% of the Company’s backlog was expected to be filled beyond fiscal 2023, which is below the Company’s historical expectations and may result in lower revenues in future periods. As a result, future revenue will be dependent on orders booked and shipped in that quarter, and may not be predictable with any degree of certainty. Furthermore, certain contracts may represent a significant portion of our revenue and profits for a quarter such that the loss or deferral of even one such contract could adversely affect our revenue and profitability.

The Company has limited experience in marketing and distributing its products internationally.

IS&S plans to derive increasing revenues from sales outside the United States, particularly in Europe and Asia. Risks inherent in doing business internationally include:

differing regulatory requirements;
legal uncertainty regarding liability and the enforceability of agreements;
tariffs, trade and investment barriers, and other regulatory barriers;
political and economic instability, including changes in government budgets;
changes in diplomatic and trade relationships;
failure by our employees or agents to comply with U.S. laws affecting the activities of U.S. companies abroad, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended;
difficulty with staffing and managing widespread operations;
the impact of recessions in economies outside the United States; and
variances and unexpected changes in local laws and regulations.

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Currently, all of the Company’s international sales are denominated in U.S. dollars. An increase in the dollar’s value compared to other currencies could render the Company’s products less competitive in the international markets. In the future, IS&S may be required to conduct sales in the foreign country’s local currency, thus exposing it to fluctuations and volatility in exchange rates that could adversely affect its operating results. Further, as we pursue customers in Asia and other less developed markets throughout the world, our potential inability to ensure the creditworthiness of counterparties could impose additional risks and affect our overall profitability. Emerging market operations in particular can present many risks, including cultural differences (such as employment and business practices), volatility in gross domestic product, economic and government instability, and the imposition of exchange controls and capital controls.

While these factors and their impact are difficult to predict, any one or more of them could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.

The Company’s competition includes other manufacturers of air data systems and flight information displays against whom it may not be able to compete successfully.

The markets for the Company’s products are intensely competitive and subject to rapid technological change. Competitors include Honeywell International Inc., Collins Aerospace, Thales Defense & Security, Inc., Garmin Ltd. and GE Aviation Systems. All these competitors have substantially greater financial, technical, and human resources than does IS&S. In addition, these competitors have much greater experience in and resources for marketing their products. As a result, these competitors may be able to respond more quickly to new or emerging technologies and customer preferences, or to devote greater resources to development, promotion and sale of their products than IS&S can. The Company’s competitors may have greater name recognition and more extensive customer bases. Such competition could result in price reductions, fewer customer orders, reduced gross margins, and loss of market share.

General Risk Factors

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic may adversely affect IS&S.

The Company has not yet seen a material impact from the COVID-19 pandemic on its business, financial position, liquidity, or ability to service customers or maintain critical operations. However, some parts of the world are continuing to see a rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and it is possible that new, more virulent strains and variants of COVID-19 may emerge and lead governments and private sectors to re-institute quarantine and trade restrictions, which could adversely impact market conditions. IS&S will continue to monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its business, including how it has impacted and will impact the Company’s employees, customers, suppliers and distribution channels. The Company could face liquidity shortages, weaker product demand from its customers, disruptions in its supply chain, and/or staffing shortages in its workforce in the future due to the direct and indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

If IS&S is unable to respond to rapid technological change, its products could become obsolete and its reputation could suffer.

Future generations of flat panel displays, air data systems, engine and fuel displays, flight management systems and autothrottle technology which embody new technologies or new industry standards could render the Company’s products obsolete. The market for aviation products is subject to rapid technological change, new product introductions, changes in customer preferences, and evolving industry standards and government regulations. The Company’s future success will depend on its ability to:

embrace rapidly changing technologies;
adapt the Company’s products to evolving industry standards and government regulations; and
develop and introduce timely, high-quality, cost effective new products and product enhancements to address the increasingly sophisticated needs of its customers.

If IS&S fails to modify or improve its products in response to evolving industry standards and government regulations, its products could rapidly become obsolete.

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The Company’s products are currently subject to direct regulation by the FAA and other equivalent organizations. The Company’s products, as they relate to aircraft applications, must be approved by the FAA, EASA, or other equivalent organizations before they can be installed in an aircraft. To be certified, IS&S must demonstrate that its products are accurate and able to maintain certain levels of repeatability over time. Although the certification requirements of the FAA and EASA are substantially similar, no formal reciprocity exists between the two regulators. Accordingly, even though the Company’s products are FAA approved, the Company may need to obtain approval from EASA or other appropriate organizations to have them certified for installation outside the United States.

Significant delay in receiving certification for newly developed products or enhancements to the Company’s products, or the loss of certification for its existing products, could result in lost sales or delays in sales. Furthermore, new regulations or product standards, and changes to existing product standards could require IS&S to change its products and underlying technology. IS&S cannot ensure that it will receive regulatory approval on a timely basis or at all.

IS&S relies on third-party suppliers for components of its products, including any necessary raw materials, and any interruption in the supply of these components could hinder its ability to deliver products on a timely basis.

The Company’s manufacturing process consists primarily of assembling components purchased from its supply chain. The suppliers may not continue to be available to IS&S, including as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their businesses or financial conditions. If the Company is unable to maintain relationships with key third-party suppliers, the development and distribution of its products could be delayed until equivalent components can be obtained and integrated into the products. In addition, substitution of certain components from other manufacturers may require product redesign or FAA, EASA or other approvals, which could delay the Company’s ability to ship products, and any increase in component costs, including the costs of any necessary raw materials, in the Company’s supply chain could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations.

Inasmuch as the Company’s products utilize sophisticated technology and are deployed in complex aircraft cockpit environments, problems with these products may arise that could harm the Company’s reputation for quality assurance and, consequently, its business prospects.

The Company’s products use complex system designs and components that may contain errors, omissions, or defects, particularly when the Company incorporates new technologies into its products or when it releases new versions or enhancements of its existing products. Despite the Company’s quality assurance process, errors, omissions or defects could occur in its current products, in new products, or in new versions or enhancements of existing products. IS&S may be required to redesign or recall those products or pay damages. Such an event could result in the following:

delay or loss of revenues;
cancellation of customer contracts;
diversion of development resources;
damage to the Company’s reputation;
increased service and warranty costs; or
litigation costs.

Although IS&S carries product liability insurance, this insurance may not be adequate to cover its losses in the event of a large product liability claim. In addition, IS&S may not be able to maintain such insurance in the future.

The Company’s success depends on its ability to protect its proprietary rights against potential risk of infringement. If IS&S is unable to protect and enforce its intellectual property rights, it may be unable to compete effectively.

The Company’s success and ability to compete will depend in part on its ability to obtain and maintain patent or other protection for its technology and products, both in the United States and internationally. In addition, IS&S must operate without infringing the proprietary rights of others.

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As of September 30, 2022, IS&S holds 14 U.S. patents and has 3 U.S. patent applications pending relating to its technology. In addition, the Company holds 40 international patents and has 2 international patent applications pending. IS&S cannot be certain that patents will be issued on any of its present or future applications. In addition, existing patents or future patents may not adequately protect the Company’s technology if they are not broad enough or are successfully challenged, or if other entities are able to develop competing methods without violating its patents. If IS&S is not successful in protecting its intellectual property, competitors could begin to offer products that incorporate its technology. Patent protection involves complex legal and factual questions, and, therefore, is highly uncertain. Litigation relating to intellectual property is often very time consuming and expensive. If a successful claim of patent infringement were made against IS&S, and if the Company were unable to develop non-infringing technology, or to license the infringed or similar technology on a timely and cost-effective basis, the Company might not be able to produce and sell some of its products. Further, IS&S has incurred, and may continue to incur, significant legal and other costs in defense of its intellectual property.

IS&S depends on key personnel to manage its business effectively, and an inability to retain its key employees and plan for management succession could adversely impact the Company’s ability to compete.

The Company’s success depends on the efforts, abilities, and expertise of its senior management and other key personnel. There can be no assurance IS&S will be able to retain such employees, and the loss of some could damage its ability to execute its business strategy. The Company intends to continue hiring key management, engineering, and sales and marketing personnel. Competition for skilled personnel is intense, and IS&S may not be able to attract or retain additional qualified personnel.

The Company’s future success will depend in part on its ability to implement and improve its operational, administrative and financial systems and controls and to manage, train and expand its employee base. IS&S cannot provide assurance that current and planned personnel levels, systems, procedures, and controls will be adequate to support its current and future customer base. In such a circumstance, the Company may not be able to fully capitalize on existing and potential market opportunities. Any delays or difficulties encountered could impair the Company’s ability to attract new customers or maintain its relationships with existing customers. In addition, effective succession planning is important to our long-term success. Failure to ensure effective transfer of knowledge and smooth transitions involving senior management and other key personnel could hinder our strategic planning and execution.

The Company’s revenue and operating results may vary significantly from quarter to quarter, which may cause its stock price to decline.

The Company’s revenue and operating results may vary significantly from quarter to quarter because of a number of factors, including, but not limited to:

demand for products and/or delivery schedule changes by its customers;
capital expenditure budgets of aircraft owners and operators, and appropriation cycles of the U.S. government;
changes in the use of the Company’s products, including air data systems, flat panel displays, flight management systems and autothrottle technology;
delays in introducing or obtaining government approval for new products;
new product introductions by competitors;
changes in IS&S pricing policies or pricing policies of competitors; and
costs related to possible acquisition of technologies or businesses.

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A cyber security incident or other technology disruption could have a negative impact on our business.

We face certain security threats and technology disruptions, including threats to our information technology (“IT”) infrastructure, attempts to gain access to our or our customers’ proprietary or classified information, threats of terrorism events, and failures of our technology tools and systems. Our IT networks and related systems are critical to the operation of our business and essential to our ability to successfully perform day-to-day operations. We are also involved with IT systems for certain customers and other third parties, for which we face similar security threats as for our own, in particular the DoD. In particular, cybersecurity threats—which include, but are not limited to, computer viruses, spyware and malware, attempts to access information, denial of service attacks and other electronic security breaches—are persistent and evolve quickly. In general, such threats have increased in frequency, scope and potential impact in recent years. Further, a variety of technological tools and systems, including both company-owned IT and technological services provided by outside parties, support our critical functions. These technologies, as well as our products, are subject to failure and the user’s inability to have such technologies properly supported, updated, expanded or integrated into other technologies and, in certain cases, may contain open source and third-party software which may unbeknownst to us contain defects or viruses that pose unintended risks. These risks, if not effectively mitigated or controlled, could materially harm our business or reputation. While we believe that we have implemented appropriate measures and controls, there can be no assurance that such actions will be sufficient to prevent disruptions to critical systems, unauthorized release of confidential information or corruption of data.

The security measures we have implemented may become subject to third-party security breaches, employee error, malfeasance, faulty password management or other irregularities. For example, third parties may attempt to fraudulently induce employees or customers into disclosing user names, passwords or other sensitive information, which may in turn be used to access our IT systems. These security systems cannot provide absolute security. To the extent we were to experience a breach of our systems and were unable to protect sensitive data, such a breach could materially damage business partner and customer relationships, and curtail or otherwise impact the use of our IT systems. Moreover, if a security breach of our IT systems affects our computer systems or results in the release of personally identifiable or other sensitive information of customers, business partners, employees and other third parties, our reputation and brand could be materially damaged, use of our products and services could decrease, and we could be exposed to a risk of loss, litigation and potential liability.

Such an event could require significant management attention and resources, negatively impact our reputation among our customers and the public and challenge our eligibility for future work on sensitive or classified systems, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Litigation with customers, employees and others could harm our reputation and impact operating results.

In the ordinary course of business, we may be involved in lawsuits and regulatory actions with customers, employees and others. Additionally, we may be subject to employment-related claims alleging discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination and wage issues, including those relating to overtime compensation. We are susceptible to claims filed by customers alleging responsibility for breaches of contract or from product defects, and we are also subject to lawsuits filed by patent holders alleging patent infringement. These types of claims, as well as other types of lawsuits to which we are subject from time to time, can distract management’s attention from core business operations and impact operating results, particularly if a lawsuit results in an unfavorable outcome, or could harm the Company’s reputation with customers, employees, investors and others.

Tax changes could affect the Company’s effective tax rate and future profitability.

The Company’s future results could be affected negatively by changes in the effective tax rate as a result of changes in the overall profitability and changes to statutory tax rates in the United States and in other jurisdictions, changes in tax legislation, and the results of audits and examinations of previously filed tax returns. In addition, adverse changes in the underlying profitability and financial outlook of our operations or future changes in tax law could lead to changes in the value of tax assets or liabilities that we currently or in the future may hold, which could materially affect our results of operations. Further, the nature and impact of any future changes to tax law, and the resulting impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations, are uncertain.

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The Company is subject to various laws and regulations. Changes to, or failure by the Company to comply with, these laws and regulations could have a significant impact on the Company’s business and operations.

The Company is subject to, and must comply with, various laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, the product-related and other regulations of the FAA and the EASA, U.S. government procurement regulations, the rules and regulations of the SEC and, local, state, federal, and international tax codes, import and export controls and customs laws, employment and employment-related laws, environmental laws, intellectual property laws, and consumer protection statutes. Failure to comply with all applicable laws could result in investigation and remediation costs to the Company and could adversely impact the operations and profits of the Company. In addition, the evolving and at times overlapping regulatory regimes to which the Company is subject may change at any time, including as a result of the upcoming change in the U.S. presidential administration. Any changes to existing laws or regulations, or the adoption of new laws or regulations, could increase our compliance costs and operating costs. In addition, failure to timely comply with regulatory changes could cause payments to be withheld and/or an impact on future business.

Volatility and weakness in capital markets may adversely affect credit availability and related financing costs, which could adversely affect IS&S.

Bank and capital markets can experience periods of volatility and disruption. During these periods of volatility and disruption, risks to IS&S include:

declines in revenues and profitability from reduced orders, payment delays or other factors caused by the economic problems of customers;
reprioritization of government spending away from defense programs in which IS&S participates;
reduced access to credit sources; and
disruptions in supplies associated with any financial constraints faced by vendors.

If the Company fails to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, it may not be able to accurately report its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, which may adversely affect investor confidence in the Company and, as a result, the valuelisting standards of the Company’s common stock.

Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) applicable to audit committee members. Upon making this determination, the Board of Directors removed Ms. Olver from the Audit Committee and appointed Mr. Belland to take her place. The Sarbanes-Oxley ActAudit Committee is composed solely of 2002,independent members, as amended (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”) requires, among other things, thatindependence for audit committee members is defined by the Company maintain effective internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures. Under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act,applicable Nasdaq listing standards. In addition, the Company is required to furnish a report by management on,certify to Nasdaq that the Audit Committee has, and will continue to have, at least one member who has past employment experience in finance or accounting, requisite professional certification in accounting, or other comparable experience or background that results in the individual’s financial sophistication. The Board has determined, in its business judgment, that each member of the Audit Committee is financially literate, and that Mr. Bressner and Mr. Carolin satisfy Nasdaq’s definition of financial sophistication and each also qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined under rules and regulations of the SEC.

On January 29, 2024, the Company notified Nasdaq of the Company’s inadvertent non-compliance with Nasdaq’s audit committee composition requirements set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(c)(2), which requires, among other things, an audit committee to consist of at least three members, each of whom is independent. The non-compliance was a result of Parizad Olver Parchi, a member of the effectivenessAudit Committee at the time, not qualifying as independent pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(c)(2)(A)(ii) and Rule 10A-3(b)(i) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Act”), as a result of a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company having paid a consulting fee of $72,990 in November 2023 to a company in which Ms. Olver is the managing partner and has an ownership interest for services provided in connection with the sale of the Company’s internal control2008 Super King Air B200GT SN BY-50.

Pursuant to Rule 10A-3(b)(ii)(A) under the Act, a director will not be deemed independent for purposes of service on a company’s audit committee if the director has received any compensatory fee, whether directly or indirectly. To address this matter, effective as of January 28, 2024, the Company removed Ms. Olver from the Audit Committee and appointed Mr. Stephen Belland to take her place.

The notification to Nasdaq was made in accordance with Nasdaq Rule 5625, which requires a company with common securities listed on Nasdaq to report any noncompliance of Nasdaq’s Rule 5600 series.

Stock Ownership Policy

The Company has adopted a Stock Ownership and Retention Policy that applies to its non-employee directors. Each non-employee director is required to own shares of common stock with an aggregate value equal to three times such director’s annual cash base retainer (exclusive of retainers for committee service or leadership roles). Compliance with the minimum share ownership requirement is determined annually as of December 31 each year and commenced December 31, 2023. Individuals who have not yet attained the minimum share ownership requirement must retain 50% of his or her shares acquired upon the (i) vesting of restricted stock or restricted stock units, (ii) if applicable, the exercise of options, reduced by shares retained or tendered to cover taxes or the exercise price of options.

Anti-Hedging and Anti-Pledging Policies

The Company maintains an Insider Trading Policy which prohibits Company employees, directors and related parties from engaging in hedging transactions absent prior approval from the Chief Compliance Officer. The Insider Trading Policy also prohibits Company employees, directors and related parties from purchasing Company securities on margin, holding Company securities in a margin account or pledging Company securities.

Item 11. Executive compensation.

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis provides an overview of the Company’s executive compensation program and a description of the material factors underlying the decisions that resulted in the compensation provided to the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 (referred to herein as our “named executive officers”). The names of the Company’s 2023 named executive officers, together with their titles during the 2023 fiscal year, are:

·Shahram Askarpour—President and Chief Executive Officer

·Michael Linacre—Chief Financial Officer (Former)

Consistent with the SEC’s rules, compensation information for Mr. Linacre is included even though Mr. Linacre resigned on November 8, 2023 because Mr. Linacre served as a named officer during the 2023 fiscal year.

Objective of the Company’s Executive Compensation Program

The objective of the Company’s executive compensation program is to attract and retain exceptional individuals as executive officers and to provide key executives with motivation to perform to the full extent of their abilities to maximize the performance of the Company and deliver enhanced value to the Company’s shareholders.


What the Company’s Executive Compensation Program is Designed to Reward

Overall, the Company’s executive compensation program is designed to reward the contributions of each individual executive officer, to ensure that each executive officer’s interest is aligned with those of the Company’s shareholders, and to provide sufficient incentives to executive officers to ensure their dedication to the Company. As discussed further below, the Company seeks to achieve these goals by providing sufficient base salaries to compensate executives for the day-to-day performance of their duties and awarding cash bonuses when the executive attains the annual personal or corporate goals and objectives established by the Company. Also, from time to time, the Company grants equity-based awards when it believes that such equity awards will further align the interests of executive officers with those of the Company’s shareholders and provide an additional incentive to executive officers to contribute to the achievement of the Company’s financial and strategic objectives.

GENERAL EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION POLICIES

Process for Setting Total Compensation

Generally, upon hiring or promoting a named executive officer, the Compensation Committee sets the executive’s initial level of base salary and other compensation on the basis of subjective factors, including experience, individual achievements, and level of responsibility assumed at the Company, and may consider market compensation practices from time to time. Actual base salaries, cash bonuses, and equity-based awards for each named executive officer may be adjusted from year to year based upon each named executive officer’s annual review and level of attainment of personal and corporate goals and objectives, including Company financial performance, shareholder return, and such other factors as the Compensation Committee deems appropriate and in the best interests of the Company’s shareholders.

Each named executive officer’s annual review is a subjective process whereby the Chief Executive Officer or the Compensation Committee (as applicable, as described below) evaluates various factors relevant to the named executive officer’s contributions to the Company, such as the executive’s role in the development and execution of strategic plans, leadership skills, motivation, and involvement in industry groups. The weight given to such factors may vary from one named executive officer to another.

The Compensation Committee seeks recommendations from the Chief Executive Officer regarding changes to the overall compensation level or any particular element of compensation for the other named executive officers. In addition, the Chief Executive Officer is principally responsible for reviewing each other named executive officer’s performance, and for making recommendations for the Company’s compensation plan for such executive officer for the following fiscal year. The Compensation Committee reviews the recommendations of the Chief Executive Officer in light of his proximity to the other executives and his knowledge of their contributions to the Company. The Compensation Committee independently reviews the performance of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer.

In 2022 and 2023, the Compensation Committee engaged FW Cook to advise the Compensation Committee with respect to best practices, competitive market data based on comparison companies and trends in the area of executive compensation, as well as ongoing regulatory considerations. The Compensation Committee has determined that FW Cook, which does not perform any work for the Company other than its services for the Compensation Committee, is independent and that its services do not raise any conflict of interest with the Company or any of the Company’s executive officers or directors.

Consideration of Shareholder Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation

Based upon the vote of the Company’s shareholders at the 2023 annual meeting of shareholders, the Company currently provides its shareholders with the opportunity to cast an advisory vote on executive compensation (a “say-on-pay proposal”) once every three (3) years. At the Company’s annual meeting of shareholders held in 2023, over 98% of the votes cast on the say-on-pay proposal at that meeting were voted in favor of the proposal. The Compensation Committee believes that this voting result affirms shareholders’ strong support of the Company’s approach to executive compensation The Compensation Committee will consider the outcome of the 2023 say-on-pay vote when making future compensation decisions for the named executive officers. The next time the Company is scheduled to hold a say-on-pay vote is at the Company’s annual meeting of shareholders to be held in 2026.


Elements of Compensation

The Company’s executive compensation program consists of the following elements of compensation, each described in greater depth below:

·Base Salary;

·Annual Bonus;

·Equity-based Compensation; and

·General Benefits.

In determining the different elements of compensation to provide to the named executive officers, the Compensation Committee does not adhere to a specific allocation between short-term and long-term compensation, or between cash and non-cash compensation. Instead, the Compensation Committee determines the elements of compensation in a manner designed to reward strong financial reporting.performance, provide overall compensation opportunities that are sufficient to attract and retain highly skilled named executive officers, and ensure that named executive officers’ interests are aligned with those of the Company’s shareholders. This may result in the named executive officers receiving all cash compensation in some years (through base salary and annual bonuses) and a combination of cash and equity-based compensation in other years (through base salary, annual bonuses and equity awards).

Base Salary

The Company pays base salaries to named executive officers because the Company believes that base salaries are essential to recruiting and retaining qualified executives. In addition, base salaries create an incentive for named executive officers to make meaningful contributions to the Company’s success because they are subject to increase based on the executive’s performance. The Compensation Committee sets the initial base salary level upon the hire or promotion of a named executive officer. Base salary levels are determined initially based on the named executive officer’s previous experience and employment, and the named executive officer’s expected duties and responsibilities with respect to the Company and considering market data provided by the Company's independent compensation consultant. Thereafter, the Compensation Committee may increase a named executive officer’s base salary each year based on the results of the named executive officer’s annual review (which is conducted by the Chief Executive Officer for each of the other named executive officers and by the Compensation Committee for the Chief Executive Officer), and based on the Compensation Committee’s subjective assessment must include disclosure of the Company’s overall performance during the preceding year.

Annual Bonus

The Compensation Committee retains discretion to grant bonus compensation to the named executive officers and other employees of the Company. From time to time, the Company may award discretionary annual bonuses to the named executive officers and may agree, in hiring or promoting a named executive officer, to a target bonus opportunity, expressed as a percentage of base salary, in any material weaknesses identified by managementcase, to be paid only if the Company determines that the Company has attained its financial performance goals or other objectives.

The named executive officers’ 2023 target annual bonus opportunities were as follows:

Named Executive OfficerAnnual Bonus Opportunity as a
% of Base Salary
Shahram Askarpour75%
Michael Linacre40%

66% of the potential annual incentive opportunity was based on the achievement of financial performance targets and the remaining portion of the annual incentive was based on a qualitative assessment of performance. In 2023, the Company chose Revenue and Operating Income as its financial performance metrics. In the case of Dr. Askarpour, the qualitative assessment took into account organic growth, progress on mergers and acquisitions, progress on autonomous flight initiatives, increased strategic partnerships and investor relations activities. In the case of Mr. Linacre, the qualitative assessment considered investor relations activities, quality of financial accounting, mergers and acquisitions support, and progress toward additional financing.

Performance Measures 

Target

100%

  

Maximum

150%

  

Weight

(%)

 
Revenue ($) $27,748,000  $41,622,000   33%
Operating Income ($) $4,353,193  $6,529,789   33%
Qualitative  --   --   33%


In 2023, the Company achieved $29,361,916 in adjusted revenue and $6,964,804 in adjusted operating income, and the Compensation Committee determined that each of Dr. Askarpour and Mr. Linacre achieved their qualitative goals at 100%. As a result, the Compensation Committee approved annual incentive bonuses of $355,816 and $118,605 for Dr. Askarpour and Mr. Linacre, respectively.

The 2023 annual cash incentives were paid to Dr. Askarpour on November 12, 2023 and to Mr. Linacre on December 12, 2023. The payments are listed as 2023 compensation in the Summary Compensation Table in the column labeled “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation.”

Equity-based Compensation

The Company awards equity-based compensation to named executive officers in order to provide a link between the long-term results achieved for its shareholders and the rewards provided to named executive officers, thereby ensuring that such officers have a continuing stake in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Along-term success (see the section titled “Equity Compensation Plan Information” below). Such awards are made at the discretion of the Compensation Committee and are not timed or coordinated with the release of material, weaknessnon-public information.

In 2023, we granted 200,000 option shares and 100,000 RSUs to Dr. Askarpour and 12,210 option shares to Mr. Linacre as part of the annual equity grant. 50% of Dr. Askarpour’s option shares vested immediately upon the date of grant, and the remaining shares vest on a quarterly basis such that the entire award will be fully vested one year from the date of grant. 25% of Dr. Askarpour’s RSUs vested immediately upon the date of grant, and the remaining RSUs vest on a quarterly basis such that the entire award will be fully vested on the third anniversary of the date of grant. Mr. Linacre’s option shares were scheduled to vest in equal quarterly installments such that they would be fully vested on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant.

To reward Mr. Linacre for his performance during his first year of employment and incentivize him to continue his performance, the Compensation Committee approved an additional award of 6,082 restricted stock units and 12,164 option shares for Mr. Linacre on August 21, 2023. Both the restricted stock units and option shares were scheduled to vest annually at a rate of 25% on each anniversary of the date of grant commencing with the first anniversary, subject to his continued employment on the applicable vesting date. Upon Mr. Linacre’s resignation effective November 8, 2023, all of his unvested option shares and restricted stock units were forfeited.

General Benefits

The following are standard benefits offered to all eligible Company employees, including the named executive officers.

Retirement Benefits. The Company maintains a tax-qualified 401(k) savings plan for all eligible employees, including the named executive officers, known as the Innovative Solutions and Support 401(k) Plan (the “Savings Plan”). The Savings Plan is a voluntary contributory plan under which employees may elect to defer compensation for federal income tax purposes under Section 401(k) of the Code. The Company makes a matching contribution to the Savings Plan at one half of each participant’s deferral rate, limited to a maximum contribution of 4% of base salary and subject to limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code.

Medical, Dental, Life Insurance, and Disability Coverage. The Company makes available medical, dental, life insurance, and disability coverage to all active eligible employees, including the named executive officers.

Other Paid Time-Off Benefits. The Company provides vacation and other paid holidays to all employees, including the named executive officers.

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS

It is the Company’s general philosophy that all of the Company’s employees should be “at will” employees, thereby allowing both the Company and the employee to terminate the employment relationship at any time and without restriction or financial obligation.

However, in certain cases, the Company has determined that, as a retention device and a means to obtain non-compete arrangements, employment agreements or other contractual agreements are appropriate.


The Company entered into an amended and restated employment agreement with Dr. Askarpour on April 14, 2022 in connection with his appointment as Chief Executive Officer of the Company on January 14, 2022. The initial term of the employment agreement began on April 14, 2022 and will end on April 13, 2024. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, the term extends for one additional year each subsequent April 14, unless either party provides written notice to the other party at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the then-current term that the term will not be renewed. The agreement provides for a base salary of $400,000 per year, which the Company determined to be appropriate given Dr. Askarpour’s increased duties and responsibilities as Chief Executive Officer. If Dr. Askarpour’s employment is terminated by the Company without “cause” or by Dr. Askarpour for “good reason,” then, subject to Dr. Askarpour’s execution and non-revocation of a release of claims in favor of the Company, the Company will continue to pay Dr. Askarpour his base salary at the rate then in effect for a period of twelve (12) months following his termination date, during which period the Company will also pay Dr. Askarpour’s COBRA premiums. The employment agreement contains covenants restricting Dr. Askarpour’s ability to compete with the Company or solicit its employees, other service providers, or current, former, or prospective customers for twelve (12) months after the cessation of Dr. Askarpour’s employment. The employment agreement also contains standard confidentiality, assignment of invention, and non-disparagement provisions.

The Company entered into an offer letter agreement with Mr. Linacre on June 1, 2022 in connection with his hiring as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company. The offer letter provided for a base salary of $230,000 per year, an annual target bonus amount equal to 30% of his base salary, a grant of restricted common stock of the Company (as described in the section titled “Equity-based Compensation” above) and certain relocation benefits. If Mr. Linacre’s employment had been terminated by the Company without “cause,” then, subject to Mr. Linacre’s execution and non-revocation of a release of claims in favor of the Company, the Company would continue to pay Mr. Linacre his base salary at the rate then in effect for a period of six (6) months following his termination date in addition to a pro-rata bonus for the year of termination based on the actual bonus he would have been paid absent such termination. The offer letter contained covenants restricting Mr. Linacre’s ability to compete with the Company or solicit its employees, other service providers, or current, former, or prospective customers for twelve (12) months after the cessation of Mr. Linacre’s employment. The offer letter also contained standard confidentiality, assignment of invention, and non-disparagement provisions.

As previously disclosed, Mr. Linacre resigned from his position as Chief Financial Officer effective November 8, 2023.

Change in Control Benefits

The Compensation Committee has the authority to accelerate the vesting of Company equity awards granted to named executive officers under the Company’s 2019 Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2019 Plan”) upon a change in control deficiency,of the Company (except for certain transactions that are expressly carved out under the 2019 Plan). The Company believes that such accelerated vesting is essential to maintaining the commitment and dedication of its key employees throughout a potential change in control of the Company. Unless otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee or combinationprovided in an award agreement, “change in control” is generally defined for these purposes as:

·the acquisition in one or more transactions during any 12-month period by any “person” (as such term is used for purposes of section 13(d) or section 14(d) of the Exchange Act) but excluding, for this purpose, the Company or its subsidiaries or any employee benefit plan of the Company or its subsidiaries, of “beneficial ownership” (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of thirty percent (30%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding voting securities;

·a change in the composition of the Board during any 12-month period such that the individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted the Board cease to constitute a majority of the Board;

·the consummation of a merger or consolidation involving the Company, if the shareholders of the Company, immediately before such merger or consolidation, do not own, directly or indirectly, immediately following such merger or consolidation, more than seventy percent (70%) of the combined voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the corporation resulting from such merger or consolidation; or

·a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company or a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company.


Under Dr. Askarpour’s amended and restated employment agreement, in the event of control deficiencies,a “change in internal control, over” if a successor to the Company fails or refuses to either materially assume the Company’s obligations under Dr. Askarpour’s employment agreement or enter into a new employment agreement with Dr. Askarpour on terms that are materially similar to those provided under his employment agreement, then Dr. Askarpour may terminate his employment with “good reason” and, subject to his execution and non-revocation of a release of claims in favor of the Company, the Company will continue to pay Dr. Askarpour his base salary at the rate then in effect for a period of twelve (12) months following his termination date, during which period the Company will also pay Dr. Askarpour’s COBRA premiums. For purposes of Dr. Askarpour’s employment agreement, “change in control” is generally defined for these purposes as:

·a “person” (as such term is used for purposes of section 13(d) or section 14(d) of the Exchange Act) but excluding, for this purpose, any employee benefit plan of the Company or its subsidiaries, is or becomes a “beneficial owner” (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of forty percent (40%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding voting securities;

·a change in the composition of the Board during any 2-year period such that the individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted the Board cease to constitute a majority of the Board;

·the consummation of a merger or consolidation involving the Company, if the shareholders of the Company, immediately before such merger or consolidation, do not own, directly or indirectly, immediately following such merger or consolidation, at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the combined voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the corporation resulting from such merger or consolidation; or

·a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company or a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company.

Stock Ownership/Retention Requirements

The Company has adopted a Stock Ownership and Retention Policy that applies to its Section 16 officers. We believe that the Stock Ownership and Retention Policy aligns the interests of our management team, directors and shareholders.

The ownership requirement for our CEO and our executive officers is calculated as a multiple of base salary, as noted below:

PositionMinimum Ownership of Common Stock (as multiple of base salary)
CEO3x
Other Section 16 Officers1x

Compliance with the minimum share ownership requirement is determined annually as of December 31 each year and commenced December 31, 2023. Individuals who have not yet attained the minimum share ownership requirement must retain 50% of his or her shares acquired upon the (i) vesting of restricted stock or restricted stock units, (ii) if applicable, the exercise of options, reduced by shares retained or tendered to cover taxes or the exercise price of options.

Qualifying shares that count toward the ownership requirement include:

·Shares owned outright (including shares held through an IRA, 401(k) account, spouse or dependent children, or shares held in trust for the benefit of the owner, his or her spouse, or his or her dependent children);

·Shares underlying equity awards that are deferred shares;

·Shares underlying vested options.

Tax and Accounting Considerations

The Company considers tax and accounting implications in determining all elements of its executive compensation program. Section 162(m) of the Code generally denies a federal income tax deduction for compensation exceeding $1,000,000 paid in a taxable year to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer or any of the three highest compensated officers (other than the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer). The Compensation Committee considers the impact of this deductibility limitation on the compensation that it intends to award, and may pay compensation that is not deductible if it determines that doing so is in the best interest of the Company and consistent with the Company’s executive compensation program.


The Compensation Committee considers the impact of various forms of compensation on the Company’s financial reportingresults. In particular, the Compensation Committee considers the potential impact on current and future financial results of all equity compensation that it approves.

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

This Summary Compensation Table provides information on the total compensation earned by each named executive officer for fiscal years ended September 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021.

     Salary  Bonus  Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation  Option Awards  Stock Awards  All Other Compensation  Total 
Name and Principal Position Year   $   $   $  $(2) $(2) $(1)  $ 
Shahram Askarpour 2023   400,000   -   355,816   852,000   819,000   12,592   2,439,408 
Chief Executive Officer 2022   369,616   300,000   -   -   -   6,585   676,201 
  2021   300,000   -   -   -   -   5,700   305,700 
                                
Michael Linacre 2023   233,770   -   118,605   111,264   49,994   162,491   676,124 
Former Chief Financial Officer 2022   53,077   25,000   -   -   49,997(3)   -   128,074 

1.The amounts set forth in this column represent (i) for Dr. Askarpour, contributions to the his Savings Plan account for the applicable fiscal year, and (ii) for Mr. Linacre, $154,761 in relocation benefits and $7,730 in contributions to his Savings Plan account for the applicable fiscal year.

2.These amounts represent the aggregate grant date fair value determined in accordance with the valuation guidelines of ASC Topic 718 “Stock Compensation” with respect to the options granted to the named executive officers in the applicable year. See also Note 3, under the heading “Share-Based Compensation,” in the Company’s audited financial statements as filed in the Annual Report. The values do not correspond to the actual value that will be recognized by the named executive officers at the time such awards vest.

3.This award was inadvertently excluded from the Company’s 2022 proxy statement; however, the details of the award have been previously disclosed on Form 4.


GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS

The following table sets forth information about non-equity and equity awards granted to the named executive officers in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023.

  Estimated Future Payouts under
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards
  All other
stock awards:
  All other option
awards:
  Exercise Grant date
fair value of
Name Grant Date Threshold
($)
  Target
($)
  Maximum
($)
  Number of
shares of
stock or units (#)
  Number of
securities
underlying
options (#)
  price of
option
awards
($/Sh)
 stock and
option
awards ($)
(1)
                      
Shahram Askarpour      300,000   450,000             
  1/11/2023             100,000        819,000
  1/11/2023                 200,000  8.19 852,000
Michael Linacre   -   100,000   150,000         
  1/11/2023                 12,210  8.19 54,945
  8/21/2023                 12,164  8.22 56,319
  8/21/2023             6,082        49,994

1.The amounts included in this column are the dollar amounts representing the grant date fair value of each restricted stock unit or option share, as applicable, calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 817, and do not represent the actual value that may be recognized by the named executive officers upon vesting of restricted stock units or options.


OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END

The following table provides outstanding equity awards for the named executive officers as of the end of fiscal year 2023:

  Option Awards  Stock Awards 
Name Number of securities
underlying unexercised options
(#) exercisable
  Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
options (#)
unexercisable
  Option
exercise
price ($)
  Option
expiration date
  Number of shares or units of
stock that have not vested (#)
  Market value of
shares or units
of stock that
have not vested ($)
 
Shahram Askarpour  150,000(1)  50,000   8.19   1/11/2033   62,500(2)  475,000 
Michael Linacre  -   12,210(3)   8.19   1/11/2033   6,082(4)  46,223 
   -   12,164(4)  8.22   8/21/2033   5,915(5)  44,954 

1.The award becomes vested according to the following schedule: 50% at the date of grant, and the remaining 50% on a quarterly basis, becoming fully vested on the first anniversary of the date of grant.
2.The award becomes vested according to the following schedule: 25% at the date of grant, and the remaining 75% on a quarterly basis, becoming fully vested on the third anniversary of the date of grant.
3.The award becomes vested according to the following schedule: 1/16th on each anniversary of the date of grant, becoming fully vested on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant.
4.The award becomes vested according to the following schedule: 25% on each anniversary of the date of grant, becoming fully vested on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant.
5.The award becomes vested according to the following schedule: 25% on the first anniversary of the date of grant, and the remaining 75% on a quarterly basis, becoming fully vested on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant.

OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED

The following table provides information on the value of stock options that were exercised and stock awards that vested during the fiscal year ended

September 30, 2023 for each of our named executive officers:

  Option Awards  Stock Awards 
     Value  Number of  Value 
  Number of  Realized on  Shares  Realized on 
  Shares Acquired  Exercise  Acquired on  Vesting 
Name on Exercise  $  Vesting  ($) 
Shahram Askarpour  -   -   37,500   297,000 
Michael Linacre  -   -   1,972   15,184 


POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL

Dr. Askarpour’s amended and restated employment agreement provides that if his employment is terminated by the Company without “cause” or by Dr. Askarpour for “good reason,” then, subject to his execution and non-revocation of a release of claims in favor of the Company, the Company will continue to pay Dr. Askarpour his base salary at the rate then in effect for a period of twelve (12) months following his termination date, during which period the Company will also pay Dr. Askarpour’s COBRA premiums. If Dr. Askarpour’s employment were terminated by the Company without “cause” or for “good reason” on September 30, 2023, the total amounts payable to Dr. Askarpour would be $429,126. For purposes of Dr. Askarpour’s employment agreement, “cause” generally means (a) the commission by or conviction of Dr. Askarpour, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony or any crime involving dishonesty, disloyalty, or moral turpitude; (b) Dr. Askarpour’s willful misconduct or willful failure substantially to perform the duties of his position or his willful refusal to comply with the lawful directives of the Board; (c) a breach by Dr. Askarpour of his employment agreement or any written policies of the Company applicable to Dr. Askarpour; (d) any act or omission by Dr. Askarpour constituting dishonesty, fraud or embezzlement, or an intentional violation of Dr. Askarpour’s duty of loyalty to the Company under law; (e) Dr. Askarpour’s gross negligence in the performance of his duties; or (f) Dr. Askarpour’s poor job performance or other improper conduct not otherwise described above, except that cause shall not exist based solely on clauses (e) or (f), unless the Company has given Dr. Askarpour written notice of its intent to terminate his employment for cause, and allowed Dr. Askarpour thirty (30) days to cure such alleged poor job performance or other improper conduct. For purposes of Dr. Askarpour’s employment agreement, “good reason” generally means (a) a material reduction of Dr. Askarpour’s duties, responsibilities or authority; (b) a reduction of Dr. Askarpour’s base salary; (c) failure or refusal of a successor to the Company to either materially assume the Company’s obligations under Dr. Askarpour’s employment agreement or enter into a new employment agreement with Dr. Askarpour on terms that are materially similar to those provided under his employment agreement, in any case, in the event of a “change in control”; (d) a relocation of Dr. Askarpour’s primary work location that results in an increase in his one-way commute by more than a reasonable possibility thattwenty-five (25) miles; or (e) a material misstatementbreach of annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected onDr. Askarpour’s employment agreement by the Company. See the section titled “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” for additional information.

Mr. Linacre’s offer letter provided that if his employment is terminated by the Company without “cause,” then, subject to his execution and non-revocation of a timely basis. Section 404release of claims in favor of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act also generally requires an attestation fromCompany, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firmCompany would continue to pay Mr. Linacre his base salary at the rate then in effect for a period of six (6) months following his termination date in addition to a pro-rata bonus for the year of termination based on the effectivenessactual bonus he would have been paid absent such termination. If Mr. Linacre’s employment were terminated by the Company without “cause” on September 30, 2023, the total amounts payable to Mr. Linacre would have been $235,490. For purposes of Mr. Linacre’s offer letter, “cause” generally means (a) the indictment or conviction of Mr. Linacre, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude or dishonesty; (b) Mr. Linacre’s intentional action or an act of fraud, dishonesty or theft affecting the property, reputation, or business of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.Company or its affiliates; (c) Mr. Linacre’s willful and persistent neglect of his duties and responsibilities; (d) Mr. Linacre’s failure or refusal to carry out the lawful directives of the Board; (e) Mr. Linacre’s diverting any business opportunity of the Company or its affiliates for his own personal gain; (f) Mr. Linacre’s omission of or misrepresentation of a significant fact on his employment application or resume; or (g) Mr. Linacre’s misuse of alcohol or drugs affecting his work performance. See the section titled “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” for additional information.

As previously disclosed, Mr. Linacre resigned from his position as Chief Financial Officer effective November 8, 2023. He did not receive any payments in connection with his termination of employment.

The Company’s complianceCompensation Committee has the authority to accelerate the vesting of Company stock options granted to named executive officers under the 2019 Plan upon a change in control of the Company. See the section titled “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” for additional information.

PAY VERSUS PERFORMANCE

In accordance with Section 404 requires that it compile the system and process documentation necessary to perform an appropriate evaluation. During the evaluation and testing process, if the Company identifies one or more material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting, it will be unable to assert that its internal control over financial reporting is effective. The Company cannot assure you that there will not be material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in its internal control over financial reporting in the future. Any failure to maintain internal control over financial reporting could severely inhibit the Company’s ability to accurately report its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. If the Company is unable to conclude that its internal control over financial reporting is effective, or if its independent registered public accounting firm determines the Company has a material weakness or significant deficiency in its internal control over financial reporting once that firm begin its reviews, the Company could lose investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of its financial reports, the market price of its common stock could decline, and it could be subject to sanctions or investigationsrules adopted by NASDAQ, the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, we provide the following disclosure regarding executive compensation and Company performance for the fiscal years listed below. The Compensation Committee did not consider the pay versus performance disclosure below in making its pay decisions for any of the fiscal years shown.


PAY VERSUS PERFORMANCE 
Year  Summary
Compensation
Table Total for
PEO(1)
  Compensation
Actually Paid to
PEO(1),(2),(3)
  Average Summary
Compensation Table
Total for Non-PEO
NEOs(1)
  Average
Compensation
Actually Paid to
Non-PEO
NEOs(1),(2),(3)
  Value of Initial
Fixed $100
Investment
Based on TSR(4)
  Net
Income
($MM)
 
2023  $2,439,408  $2,394,368  $676,259  $661,666  $124.64  $6.02 
2022  $676,201  $676,201  $188,028  $206,087  $122.93  $5.52 

1.The Principal Executive Officer (“PEO”) in 2022 and 2023 is Shahram Askarpour. The Non-PEO NEOs for whom the average compensation is presented in this table for 2022 are Michael Linacre, Geoffrey S.M. Hedrick and Relland Winand, and for 2023 is Michael Linacre.
2.The amounts shown as Compensation Actually Paid have been calculated in accordance with Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K and do not reflect compensation actually realized or received by the Company’s NEOs. These amounts reflect total compensation as set forth in the Summary Compensation Table for each year, adjusted as described in footnote 3 below.
3.Compensation Actually Paid reflects the exclusions and inclusions for the PEO and NEOs set forth below. Amounts excluded, which are set forth in the Exclusion of Stock Awards columns below, represent the Stock Awards amounts from the applicable Summary Compensation Table. Amounts included in the Inclusion of Equity Values column below are the aggregate of the following components, as applicable: the fair value as of the end of the fiscal year of unvested equity awards granted in that year; the change in fair value during the year of equity awards granted in prior years that remained outstanding and unvested at the end of the year; and the change in fair value during the year through the vesting date of equity awards granted in prior years that vested during that year, less the fair value at the end of the prior year of awards granted prior to the year that failed to meet applicable vesting conditions during the year. Equity values are calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.
4.Dollar values assume $100 was invested in the Company for the cumulative period from September 30, 2021 to September 30, 2023, and reinvestment of the pre-tax value of dividends paid. Historical stock performance is not necessarily indicative of future stock performance.

ADJUSTMENTS MADE TO DETERMINE COMPENSATION ACTUALLY PAID

     2023  2022 
Summary Compensation Table Total PEO  $2,439,408  $676,201 
  Average Non-PEO NEOs  $676,259  $188,028 
Deduction for amounts reported under the “Stock Awards” and “Option Awards” columns in the Summary Compensation Table PEO  $1,671,000   -- 
  Average Non-PEO NEOs  $161,258  $49,997 
Fair value as of the end of the covered year of awards granted during year that remain unvested as of year-end PEO  $689,560   -- 
  Average Non-PEO NEOs  $154,923  $68,056 
Increase/Deduction for change in fair value from prior year-end to current year-end of awards granted prior to that year that were outstanding and unvested as of year-end PEO   --   -- 
  Average Non-PEO NEOs  $(6,092)  -- 
Increase for fair value as of the vesting dates for awards granted during year that vest during the year PEO  $936,400   -- 
  Average Non-PEO NEOs  $--   -- 
Increase/Deduction for change in fair value from prior year-end to vesting date of awards granted prior to that year that vested during year PEO   --   -- 
  Average Non-PEO NEOs  $(2,030)  -- 
Deduction for fair value of awards granted prior to year that were forfeited during year PEO   --   -- 
  Average Non-PEO NEOs   --   -- 
Compensation Actually Paid PEO  $2,394,368  $676,201 
  Average Non-PEO NEOs  $661,666  $206,087 


Description of Relationship Between NEO Compensation Actually Paid and Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”)

The following chart sets forth the relationship between Compensation Actually Paid to our PEO, the average of Compensation Actually Paid to our other regulatory authorities. Failure to remedy any material weakness inNEOs, and the Company’s internal controlcumulative TSR over financial reporting,the fiscal two-year period from 2022 through 2023.

 


Description of Relationship Between NEO Compensation Actually Paid and Net Income

The following chart sets forth the relationship between Compensation Actually Paid to our PEO, the average of Compensation Actually Paid to our other NEOs, and our net income during fiscal 2022 through 2023.

 

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

Compensation of Directors

The Company’s compensation program for non-employee directors for 2023 consisted of three elements of compensation: meeting fees, restricted stock or restricted stock unit awards, and an annual retainer. All cash fees were paid quarterly in arrears. Each non-employee director was entitled to implementa fee of $1,500 for each Board meeting attended and $1,500 for each committee meeting that is not held on the same day as a Board meeting. The Chairman of the Board received $35,000 per year in addition to the meeting fees and restricted stock or maintain other effective control systems requiredrestricted stock awards. Mr. Bressner served as Chairman of public companies, couldthe Audit Committee until June 2023 and received $3,000 per quarter. Mr. Carolin became Chairman of the Audit Committee in June 2023 and received $3,000 per quarter in addition to the meeting fees and restricted stock or restricted stock unit awards. The Chairman of the Compensation Committee received $5,000 per year in addition to the meeting fees and restricted stock or restricted stock unit awards. Each non-employee director, including the Chairman of the Board, was also restrictpaid an annual retainer of $25,000.

The Company also makes annual awards of restricted stock or restricted stock units, with each such unit representing a contingent right to receive one share of common stock upon vesting, to non-employee directors under the 2019 Plan. The target value of such annual awards was $50,000 for each non-employee director for 2023. The number of shares underlying such annual awards are calculated based upon the price of the Company’s future accesscommon stock at the close of business on the date of the Company’s annual meeting and such shares vest on the first anniversary of the date of grant. A director who resigns during the course of the year will vest in and receive a pro rata portion of the shares that he or she otherwise would have vested (in the case of restricted stock) or received (in the case of restricted stock units) had no such resignation occurred, based on the number of days served during the applicable calendar year.

With respect to the capital markets.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, the Company’s common stock closed at a price of $8.10 per share on January 3, 2023. Because the Company transitioned from a calendar year grant period to a one-year grant period beginning at each annual meeting, each non-employee director received (i) a grant of 1,742 restricted stock units on January 3, 2023 vesting 100 days following the date of grant, and (ii) a grant of 6,868 restricted stock units on April 13, 2023 vesting one year following the date of grant.

None

23

Item 2. Properties.

In fiscal 2001, IS&S purchased 7.5 acres of landaddition, all directors are reimbursed for reasonable travel and lodging expenses actually incurred in connection with required attendance at Board and committee meetings.


Director Compensation Table

The following table provides information on the Eagleview Corporate Park in Exton, Pennsylvania. Shortly thereafter, the Company constructed a 45,000 square foot design, manufacturing and office facility on this site. Land development approval allows for expansion of up to 20,400 square feet. Such expansion would provide for a 65,400 square foot facility which the Company believes is adequate to meet the needstotal compensation earned by each non-employee director of the Company for the foreseeable future.

The Company had occupied approximately 8,358 square feet of office and warehouse space in Exton, Pennsylvania under a lease that expired March 2021. The Company’s fiscal year ended September 30, 2021 lease expense2023:

              Change in       
              Pension Value       
              and       
  Fees Earned        Non-Equity  Non-qualified       
  or Paid in  Stock  Option  Incentive Plan  Deferred  All Other    
  Cash  Awards  Awards  Compensation  Compensation  Compensation  Total 
Name $ (1)  $ (2)  $  $  Earnings  $  $ 
Glen R. Bressner  82,241   64,109  -  -  -  -  146,350 
Winston J. Churchill(3)  43,250   14,110  -  -  -  -  57,360 
Roger A. Carolin  73,750   64,109  -  -  -     137,859 
Stephen L. Belland  53,667   64,109     -  -  -  117,776 
Parizad Olver (Parchi)  47,500   64,109     -  -  -  111,609 

1.The amounts reported in this column include fees paid for this property was approximately $34,000.

The Company leased two separate hangars to houseattendance of Board and Board committee meetings and annual retainer for each non-employee director for the Company’s airplanes in New Castle County, Delaware under month-to-month leases. One hangar lease expired with the sale of the Pilatus PC-12 airplane during the quarteryear ended September 30, 2022. 2023.

2.The annual lease expenseamounts reported in this column represent the grant date fair value, computed based on the compensation cost recognized for both hangars was approximately $52,000.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

Infinancial reporting purposes by the ordinary courseCompany in accordance with the valuation guidelines of business, IS&S is at times subjectAccounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 505-50, “Equity-Based Payments to various legal proceedingsNon-Employees and claims. The Company does not believe any such matters that are currently pending will, individually orASC 718 “Compensation—Stock Compensation” with respect to the stock awards granted to each non-employee director during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. See also Note 3, under the heading “Share-Based Compensation,” to the Company’s audited financial statements as filed in the aggregate, have aAnnual Report, which sets forth the material effect onassumptions used in determining the results of operations or financial position.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

PART II

Item 5. Market forcompensation cost to the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer purchases of Equity Securities.

The Company’s common stock has been traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market(R) tier of the NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC under the symbol “ISSC” since its initial public offering on August 4, 2000.

Many of our shares of common stock are held by brokers and other institutions on behalf of stockholders, as a result, we are unableCompany with respect to estimate the total number of stockholders represented by these record holders.

The Company did not pay cash dividends in fiscal 2022. The declaration and payment of any dividend in the future will be at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors.

On September 4, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend in the amount of $0.65 per share, payable on October 1, 2020 to shareholders of recordsuch awards. In addition, as of the close of business onthe fiscal year ended September 15, 2020. The total dividend payment was approximately $11.2 million.

On December 10, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend in the amount of $0.50 per share, payable on December 30, 2020 to shareholders of record as2023, none of the closenon-employee directors held outstanding options to purchase stock of business on December 21, 2020. The total dividend paymentthe Company.

3.Mr. Churchill was approximately $8.6 million.

a member of the Board until April 13, 2023.


24

TableItem 12. Security ownership of Contentscertain beneficial owners and management and related stockholder matters.

Item 6. Selected Consolidated Financial DataSECURITY OWNERSHIP OF PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS.

The following tables present portionstable sets forth certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership, as of January 12, 2024, of each person whom the Company knew to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of its common stock. To the knowledge of the Company, each of the shareholders named below has sole power to vote or direct the vote of such shares of common stock or the sole investment power with respect to such shares of common stock, unless otherwise indicated. The information provided in the table is based on the Company’s records, information filed with the SEC and information provided to the Company.

  Common Stock 
Name of Beneficial Owner Number of Shares  Percent of Class (1) 
Estate of Geoffrey S. M. Hedrick (2)  1,673,155   9.6%
Christopher Harborne (3)  2,506,322   14.4%
Wealth Trust Axiom, LLC (4)  1,157,040   6.6%
Norman H. Pessin (5)  861,825   4.9%
Central Square Management LLC (6)  875,417   5.0%

1.As used in this table, beneficial ownership means the sole or shared power to vote or direct the voting of a security, or the sole or shared investment power with respect to a security (i.e., the power to dispose, or direct the disposition, of a security). A person is deemed as of any date to have beneficial ownership of any security that such person has the right to acquire within 60 days after such date. Percentage ownership is based upon 17,459,983 of common stock outstanding as of January 12, 2023.

2.Based solely on the Schedule 13D/A filed on August 11, 2023 filed by the Estate of Geoffrey S. M. Hedrick (the “Estate”) and Christopher Scott Ginieczki, as Personal Representative of the Estate of Geoffrey S. M. Hedrick (“Mr. Ginieczki”). According to the Schedule 13D/A, this amount includes 1,652,207 shares of common stock owned by the Estate and 20,948 shares of common stock owned by the Ginieczki Family Trust, of which Mr. Ginieczki is a co-trustee. According to the Schedule 13D/A, the Estate has shared voting and dispositive power as to 1,652,207 shares of common stock and Mr. Ginieczki has shared voting and dispositive power as to 1, 673,155 shares of common stock. The address for the Estate is c/o Innovative Solutions and Support, Inc., Attn: Christopher Scott Ginieczki, Personal Representative of Estate, 720 Pennsylvania Drive, Exton, PA 19341. Mr. Ginieczki’s address is 2788 San Tomas Expressway, Santa Clara, CA 95051.

3.Based solely on Schedule 13D/A filed on February 17, 2023 by Christopher Harborne (“Mr. Harborne”) and Klear Kite LLC (“Klear Kite”), Klear Kite and, by virtue of being the sole member of Klear Kite, Mr. Harborne, each beneficially owns 2,506,322 shares of common stock, which are held directly by Klear Kite. Based on the 13D/A, Klear Kite and Mr. Harborne share voting and investment power over all such shares. Christopher Harborne’s address is 23F M Thai Tower, All Seasons Place, 87 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10300 Thailand.

4.Based solely on Schedule 13G/A filed on February 3, 2022. WealthTrust Axiom LLC’s address is 550 Swedesford Road, Suite 110, Wayne, PA 19087.

5.Based solely on Schedule 13D/A filed on September 12, 2022. Norman H. Pessin’s address is 400 East 51st, PH 31, New York, NY 10022.

6.Based solely on Schedule 13G/A filed on September 10, 2014. Central Square Management LLC’s address is 1813 N. Mill Street, Suite F, Naperville, IL 60563.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership, as of January 12, 2024, of (i) each director, (ii) the chief executive officer, the chief financial officer and the Company’s other executive officers during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, and (iii) all the current directors and executive officers as a group. Unless otherwise indicated, each of the shareholders named below has sole voting and investment power with respect to such shares, and the address of each of the shareholders named below is c/o Innovative Solutions and Support, Inc., 720 Pennsylvania Drive, Exton, Pennsylvania 19341. The information provided in the table is based on the Company’s records, information filed with the SEC, and information provided to the Company.

  Common Stock
Name of Beneficial Owner Number of Shares Percent of Class (1)
Shahram Askarpour 442,458 2.5%
Michael Linacre 2,465 *
Glen R. Bressner 85,089 *
Roger A. Carolin  45,922 *
Stephen L Belland 5,293 *
Parizad Olver 4,938 *
     
All current executive officers and directors as a group (6 persons) 586,165 3.3%

* Less than 1%.

1.As used in this table, beneficial ownership means the sole or shared power to vote or direct the voting of a security, or the sole or shared investment power with respect to a security (i.e., the power to dispose, or direct the disposition, of a security). A person is deemed as of any date to have beneficial ownership of any security that such person has the right to acquire within 60 days after such date. Percentage ownership is based upon 17,453,983 shares of common stock outstanding as of January 12, 2024.


EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

The following table provides information about Company common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options and pursuant to other awards under all of the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The following selected consolidated financial data set forth below should be read together with “Management’s Discussionexisting equity compensation plans and Analysisarrangements as of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” andSeptember 30, 2023, including the consolidated financial statements and related notes to the consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere herein. The selected statement of operations data for2019 Plan.

        Number of securities
        remaining available for
        future issuance under
  Number of securities  Weighted-average  equity compensation
  to be issued upon exercise  exercise price of  plans (excluding
  of outstanding options,  outstanding options,  securities reflected in the
Plan Category warrants, and rights  warrants, and rights  first column)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders  326,342  $8.19  262,187
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders       
Total  326,342  $8.19  262,187

In the fiscal years ended September 30, 2022, 2021 and 2020 and the balance sheet data as at September 30,2023, 2022 and 2021, are derived fromawards were granted to the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The selected statements of operations data for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 and the balance sheet data as at September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018 are extracted fromnon-employee directors under the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements that are not included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

    

Fiscal year ended September 30,

    

2022

    

2021

    

2020

    

2019

    

2018

Statements of Operations Data:

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Net sales

$

27,740,695

$

23,044,796

$

21,595,199

$

17,572,589

$

13,850,372

Cost of sales

 

11,066,314

 

10,263,166

 

9,793,224

 

7,676,119

 

7,311,923

Gross profit

 

16,674,381

 

12,781,630

 

11,801,975

 

9,896,470

 

6,538,449

Research and development

 

2,705,140

 

2,622,919

 

2,955,976

 

2,489,806

 

3,575,801

Selling, general and administrative

 

6,753,915

 

6,257,732

 

6,100,545

 

5,877,920

 

6,674,187

Total operating expenses

 

9,459,055

 

8,880,651

 

9,056,521

 

8,367,726

 

10,249,988

Operating income (loss)

 

7,215,326

 

3,900,979

 

2,745,454

 

1,528,744

 

(3,711,539)

Interest income

 

61,051

 

1,234

 

154,950

 

249,620

 

53,561

Other income

 

65,232

 

74,906

 

60,497

 

73,737

 

67,724

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

7,341,609

 

3,977,119

 

2,960,901

 

1,852,101

 

(3,590,254)

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

1,817,831

 

(1,087,783)

 

(308,882)

 

1,805

 

63,651

Net Income (loss)

$

5,523,778

$

5,064,902

$

3,269,783

$

1,850,296

$

(3,653,905)

Net income (loss) per common share:

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Basic

$

0.32

$

0.29

$

0.19

$

0.11

$

(0.22)

Diluted

$

0.32

$

0.29

$

0.19

$

0.11

$

(0.22)

Cash dividends declared per common share

$

$

0.50

$

0.65

$

$

Weighted average shares outstanding:

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Basic

 

17,256,750

 

17,225,423

 

16,939,302

 

16,867,550

 

16,805,991

Diluted

 

17,257,871

 

17,226,620

 

17,114,191

 

16,942,447

 

16,805,991

    

As of September 30,

    

2022

    

2021

    

2020

    

2019

    

2018

Balance Sheet Data:

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Cash and cash equivalents

$

17,250,546

$

8,265,606

$

12,603,967

$

22,416,830

$

20,390,713

Restricted Cash

 

 

 

11,180,900

 

 

Working capital

 

24,262,016

 

15,218,172

 

19,473,305

 

27,739,070

 

25,315,334

Total assets

 

34,705,323

 

27,086,000

 

41,545,837

 

38,557,025

 

37,633,678

Total shareholders’ equity

 

30,749,955

 

24,585,081

 

27,769,031

 

36,208,152

 

34,154,470

25

Item 7. Management’s Discussionthen-existing equity compensation plans and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Objective

The following discussion provides an analysis of the Company’s financial condition, cash flows and results of operations from management’s perspective and should be read in conjunction with “Selected Consolidated Financial Data” and the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this report. Our objective is to also provide discussion of events and uncertainties known to management that are reasonably likely to cause reported financial information not to be indicative of future operating results or of future financial condition and to offer information that provides understanding of our financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.

Overview

Innovative Solutions and Support, Inc. (the “Company,” “IS&S”, “we” or “us”) was incorporated in Pennsylvania on February 12, 1988. The Company operates in one business segment as a systems integrator that designs, develops, manufactures, sells, and services, air data equipment, engine display systems, standby equipment, primary flight guidance, autothrottles and cockpit display systems for retrofit applications and original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”). The Company supplies integrated Flight Management Systems (“FMS”), Flat Panel Display Systems (“FPDS”), FPDS with Autothrottle, air data equipment, Integrated Standby Units (“ISU”), ISU with Autothrottle and advanced GPS receivers that enable reduced carbon footprint navigation.

The Company has continued to position itself as a system integrator, which provides the Company with the capability and potential to generate more substantive orders over a broader product base. This strategy, as both a manufacturer and integrator, is designed to leverage the latest technologies developed for the computer and telecommunications industries into advanced and cost-effective solutions for the general aviation, commercial air transport, United States Department of Defense (“DoD”)/governmental, and foreign military markets. This approach, combined with the Company’s industry experience, is designed to enable IS&S to develop high-quality products and systems, to reduce product time to market and to achieve cost advantages over products offered by its competitors.

The Company sells to both the OEM and the retrofit markets. Customers include various OEMs, commercial air transport carriers and corporate/general aviation companies, DoD and its commercial contractors, aircraft operators, aircraft modification centers, government agencies, and foreign militaries. Occasionally, IS&S sells its products directly to DoD; however, the Company sells its products primarily to commercial customers for end use in DoD programs. Sales to defense contractors are generally made on commercial terms, although some of the termination and other provisions of government contracts are applicable to these contracts. The Company’s retrofit projects are generally pursuant to either a direct contract with a customer or a subcontract with a general contractor to a customer (including government agencies).

Cost of sales related to product sales comprises material, components and third-party avionics purchased from suppliers, direct labor, and overhead costs. Many of the components are standard, although certain parts are manufactured to meet IS&S specifications. The overhead portion of cost of sales primarily comprises salaries and benefits, building occupancy costs, supplies, and outside service costs related to production, purchasing, material control, and quality control. Cost of sales includes warranty costs.

Cost of sales related to Engineering Development Contracts (“EDC”) sales comprises engineering labor, consulting services, and other costs associated with specific design and development projects. These costs are incurred pursuant to contractual arrangements and are accounted for typically as contract costs within cost of sales, with the reimbursement accounted for as a sale in accordance with the percentage-of-completion method or completed contract method of accounting. Company funded research and development (“R&D”) expenditures relate to internally-funded efforts for the development of new products and the improvement of existing products. These costs are expensed as incurred and reported as R&D expenses. The Company intends to continue investing in the development of new products that complement current product offerings and to expense associated R&D costs as they are incurred.

Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of sales, marketing, business development, professional services, salaries and benefits for executive and administrative personnel, facility costs, recruiting, legal, accounting and other general corporate expenses.

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IS&S sells its products to agencies of the United States and foreign governments, aircraft operators, aircraft modification centers, and OEMs. Customers have been and may continue to be affected by changes in economic conditions both in the United States and abroad. Such changes may cause customers to curtail or delay their spending on both new and existing aircraft. Factors that can impact general economic conditions and the level of spending by customers include, but are not limited to, the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, general levels of consumer spending, increases in fuel and energy costs, conditions in the real estate and mortgage markets, labor and healthcare costs, access to credit, consumer confidence, and other macroeconomic factors that affect spending behavior. Furthermore, spending by government agencies may be reduced in the future if tax revenues decline. If customers curtail or delay their spending or are forced to declare bankruptcy or liquidate their operations because of adverse economic conditions, the Company’s revenues and results of operations would be affected adversely. For example, earlier in the 2020 fiscal year, certain of the Company’s customers temporarily suspended product deliveries as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and while these deliveries subsequently resumed, there is a possibility that the COVID-19 pandemic will result in other suspensions, delays or order cancellations by the Company’s customers or suppliers.

In particular, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is a significant event, driver of market trends, and source of uncertainty that may ultimately have a direct or indirect material impact on the Company’s business, financial position, liquidity, or ability to service customers or maintain critical operations. In direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company has taken specific actions to seek to ensure the safety of its employees, including temperature monitoring, frequent sanitization of workspaces, observance of social distancing protocols, and other increased safety measures.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth statements of operations data expressed as a percentage of total net sales for the fiscal years indicated:

    

Twelve Months Ending September 30,

 

Net sales:

    

2022

    

2021

    

2020

 

Product

98.3

%  

98.8

%  

96.3

%

Engineering development contracts

1.7

%  

1.2

%  

3.7

%

Total net sales

100.0

%  

100.0

%  

100.0

%

Cost of sales:

 

  

 

  

Product

39.3

%  

44.2

%  

44.3

%

Engineering development contracts

0.6

%  

0.3

%  

1.0

%

Total cost of sales

39.9

%  

44.5

%  

45.3

%

Gross profit

60.1

%  

55.5

%  

54.7

%

Operating expenses:

 

  

 

  

Research and development

9.8

%  

11.4

%  

13.7

%

Selling, general and administrative

24.3

%  

27.1

%  

28.2

%

Total operating expenses

34.1

%  

38.5

%  

41.9

%

Operating income

26.0

%  

17.0

%  

12.8

%

Interest income

0.2

%  

0.0

%  

0.7

%

Other income

0.2

%  

0.3

%  

0.3

%

Income before income taxes

26.4

%  

17.3

%  

13.8

%

Income tax expense (benefit)

6.5

%

(4.7)

%

(1.3)

%

Net income

19.9

%  

22.0

%  

15.1

%

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Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2022 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2021

Net sales. Net sales for fiscal 2022 increased $4.7 million, or 20.4%, to $27.7 million from $23.0 million for fiscal 2021. For fiscal 2022, product sales increased $3.7 million and customer service sales increased $0.8, or 20.8% from fiscal 2021. This increase in product sales primarily reflects increased shipments of aftermarket retrofit displays to commercial customers. OEM sales to general aviation customers were relatively flat compared to fiscal 2021 at $10.4 million. Military sales were up slightly from fiscal 2021 at $2.8 million, which was up $0.3 million or 13.5%. The increase in customer service revenue was mainly due to increases in repair work from the Department of Defense.

Cost of sales. Cost of sales was $11.1million or 39.9% of net sales, for fiscal 2022 compared to $10.3 million, or 44.5% of net sales, in fiscal 2021. The increase in cost of sales was primarily the result of an increase in product sales volume. The Company’s overall gross margin in fiscal 2021 was 60.1% compared to 55.5% in fiscal 2021. The fiscal 2022 gross margin percentage increase was attributable to operating leverage achieved due to increased sales that resulted in increased cost absorption, as well as a favorable product mix.

Research and development. R&D expense was $2.7 million for fiscal 2022 and $2.6 million for fiscal 2021. R&D expense decreased to 9.8% of net sales in fiscal 2022 compared to 11.4% of net sales in fiscal 2021. This decrease in R&D expense as a percent of net sales was due to lower salaries and benefits due to lower headcount, along with fewer R&D related projects, including STC certifications.

Selling, general, and administrative (“SG&A”). SG&A expense increased $0.5 million or 7.9% to $6.8 million from $6.3 million in fiscal 2021. The increase in SG&A expense was primarily the result of increased legal, and professional fees, with an offset due to the sale of a PC-12 aircraft.

Interest income. Interest income of $61,051 in fiscal 2022 increased by $59,817 as compared to fiscal 2021 interest income of $1,234. The increase in interest income was primarily the result of the increase in the cash balance in fiscal 2022 and a general increase in interest rates as compared to fiscal 2021.

Other income. Other income was flat at $0.1 million for both fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021.

Income taxes. Income tax expense of $1.8 million for fiscal 2022 as compared to income tax benefit of $1.1 million in fiscal 2021. The effective tax rate benefit for fiscal 2021 was 27.4% and differs from the statutory rate primarily due to the release of the valuation allowance for all federal and state deferred tax assets. This release both increased the deferred tax asset and removed the valuation allowance. Fiscal 2022 income tax expense of $1.8 million represents income taxes due based on an effective tax rate of 24.7% with no related allowances.

Net income. As a result of the factors described above, the Company’s net income for fiscal 2022 was $5.5 million compared to net income of $5.1 million for fiscal 2021. On a fully diluted basis, net income per share was $0.32 for fiscal 2022, compared to a net income of $0.29 per share for fiscal 2021.

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Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2021 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2020

Net sales. Net sales for fiscal 2021 increased $1.4 million, or 6.7%, to $23.0 million from $21.6 million for fiscal 2020. For fiscal 2021, product sales increased $1.9 million and EDC sales decreased $0.5 million, in each case, compared to fiscal 2020. This increase in product sales primarily reflects increased shipments for OEM programs to general aviation customers and displays for retrofit programs to commercial transport customers. These increases were partially offset by reduced shipments under the U.S. Navy F-5 production contract and displays for retrofit programs to other military customers compared to fiscal 2020. The decrease in EDC sales was primarily the result of the completion of a modification contract with the U.S. Navy in 2020.

Cost of sales. Cost of sales was $10.3 million or 44.5% of net sales, for fiscal 2021 compared to $9.8 million, or 45.3% of net sales, in fiscal 2020. The increase in cost of sales was primarily the result of an increase in product sales volume. The Company’s overall gross margin in fiscal 2021 was 55.5% compared to 54.7% in fiscal 2020. The fiscal 2021 gross margin percentage increase was attributable to product mix as well as the favorable leverage achieved by the growth in revenues.

Research and development. R&D expense was $2.6 million for fiscal 2021 and $3.0 million for fiscal 2020. R&D expense decreased to 11.4% of net sales in fiscal 2021 compared to 13.7% of net sales in fiscal 2020. This decrease in R&D expense was primarily the result of a decrease in third party costs related to STC certifications offset by an increase in payroll and payroll related benefits.

Selling, general, and administrative (“SG&A”). SG&A expense increased $0.2 million or 2.6% to $6.3 million or 27.2% of net sales, for fiscal 2021 from $6.1 million, or 28.2%, for fiscal 2020. The increase in SG&A expense was primarily the result of an increase in employee stock compensation, payroll and payroll related benefits.

Interest income, net. Net interest income of $1,234 in fiscal 2021 decreased by $153,716 as compared to fiscal 2020 interest income of $154,950. The decrease in interest income was primarily the result of decreased cash balance and lower interest rates in fiscal 2021 as compared to fiscal 2020.

Other income. Other income is primarily composed of royalties earned and increased by $14,409, to $74,906 in fiscal 2021 from $60,497 in fiscal 2020.

Income taxes. Income tax benefit for fiscal 2021 was $1,087,783 as compared to income tax benefit of $308,882 for fiscal 2020. The effective tax rate benefit for fiscal 2021 was 27.4% and differs from the statutory rate primarily due to the release of the valuation allowance for all federal and state deferred tax assets with the exception of certain state net operating losses for jurisdictions in which the Company does not believe these net operating losses are more likely than not to be realized. This release both increased the deferred tax asset and removed the valuation allowance.

Net income. As a result of the factors described above, the Company’s net income for fiscal 2021 was $5.1 million compared to net income of $3.3 million for fiscal 2020. On a fully diluted basis, net income per share was $0.29 for fiscal 2021, compared to a net income of $0.19 per share for fiscal 2020.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

The following table highlights key financial measurements of the Company:

September 30,

September 30,

    

2022

    

2021

Cash and cash equivalents

$

17,250,546

$

8,265,606

Accounts receivable

$

4,297,457

$

4,046,337

Current assets

$

28,202,319

$

17,690,411

Current liabilities

$

3,940,303

$

2,472,239

Contract liability

$

135,686

$

61,330

Other non-current liabilities (1)

$

15,065

$

28,680

Quick ratio (2)

 

5.47

 

4.98

Current ratio (3)

 

7.16

 

7.16

    

Twelve Months Ended September 30,

2022

    

2021

    

2020

Cash flow activities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Net cash provided by operating activities

$

6,094,440

$

4,592,499

$

2,192,167

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

2,589,346

 

(340,678)

 

(118,797)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

301,154

 

(19,771,082)

 

(705,333)

(1)Excludes contract liability
(2)Calculated as: the sum of cash and cash equivalents plus accounts receivable, net, divided by current liabilities
(3)Calculated as: current assets divided by current liabilities

The Company’s principal source of liquidity has been cash flows from current year operations and cash accumulated from prior years’ operations. Cash is used principally to finance inventory, accounts receivable, contract assets, and payroll, as well as the Company’s known contractual and other commitments (including those described in Note 16, “Lease Recognition”. The Company’s existing cash balances and anticipated cash flows from operations are expected to be adequate to satisfy the Company’s liquidity needs for at least the next 12 months. Apart from what has been disclosed above, management is not aware of any trends, events or uncertainties that have had or are likely to have a material impact on our liquidity, financial condition and capital resources.

The Company did not pay cash dividends in fiscal 2022. The declaration and payment of any dividend in the future will be at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors.

On September 4, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend in the amount of $0.65 per share, payable on October 1, 2020 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on September 15, 2020. The total dividend payment was approximately $11.2 million.

On December 10, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend in the amount of $0.50 per share, payable on December 30, 2020 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on December 21, 2020. The total dividend payment was approximately $8.6 million.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is a significant event, driver of market trends, and source of uncertainty that may have a material impact on the Company’s liquidity, financial condition, capital resources, cash flows or operating results. In direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company has taken specific actions to seek to ensure the safety of its employees, including temperature monitoring, frequent sanitization of workspaces, observance of social distancing protocols, and other increased safety measures.

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Operating Activities

The Company generated $6.1 million of cash from operating activities during fiscal 2022 as compared to cash generated of $4.6 million during fiscal 2021. The cash generated by operating activities for the year ended September 30, 2022 was primarily generated by net income of $5.5 million, increase in accrued expenses of $1.3 million and a decrease in deferred income tax assets of $1.0 million, partially offset by the gain on sale of the Company’s Pilatus PC-12 airplane of $1.2 million and an increase in inventories of $0.7 million.

The Company generated $4.6 million of cash in operating activities during fiscal 2021 as compared to cash generated of $2.2 million during fiscal 2020. The cash generated by operating activities for the year ended September 30, 2021 was primarily generated by net income of $5.1 million, depreciation and amortization of $0.4 million and a decrease in accounts receivable of $0.3 million, partially offset by an increase in deferred income tax assets of $1.2 million.

Investing Activities

Cash provided by investing activities was $2.6 million for fiscal year 2022 and consisted primarily of proceeds from the sale of the Company’s Pilatus PC-12 airplane offset by spending of $0.2 million primarily for quality test equipment and computer hardware. The Company plans to continue investing in capital equipment to support engineering development efforts and operations.

Cash used in investing activities was $0.3 million for fiscal year 2021 and consisted of spending for manufacturing facility and laboratory test equipment. The Company plans to continue investing in capital equipment to support engineering development efforts and operations.

Financing Activities

Cash provided by financing activities was $0.3 million for fiscal year 2022 and consisted of proceeds from employees’ exercise of stock options. Cash used by financing activities was $19.8 million for fiscal year 2021 and consisted primarily of dividends paid.

Summary

Future capital requirements depend upon numerous factors, including market acceptance of the Company’s products, the timing and rate of expansion of business, acquisitions, joint ventures, and other factors. IS&S has experienced increases in expenditures since its inception and anticipates that expenditures will remain relatively constant with the levels experienced in fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021. The Company believes that its cash and cash equivalents will provide sufficient capital to fund operations for at least the next twelve months. Further, IS&S may need to develop and introduce new or enhanced products, to respond to competitive pressures, to invest in or acquire businesses or technologies, or to respond to unanticipated requirements or developments. If insufficient funds are available, the Company may not be able to introduce new products or to compete effectively.

Inflation

IS&S does not believe inflation had a material effect on its financial position or results of operations during the past three years; however, it cannot predict future effects of inflation.

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Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Company has not yet seen a material impact from the COVID-19 pandemic on its business, financial position, liquidity, or ability to service customers or maintain critical operations. However, some parts of the world are continuing to see a rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations and it is possible that new, more virulent strains and variants of COVID-19 may emerge and lead governments and private sectors to re-institute quarantine and trade restrictions, which could adversely impact market conditions. IS&S will continue to monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its business, including how it has impacted and will impact the Company’s employees, customers, suppliers and distribution channels. The Company could face liquidity shortages, weaker product demand from its customers, disruptions in its supply chain, and/or staffing shortages in its workforce in the future due to the direct and indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Environmental, Social and Governance Considerations

In recent years, environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) issues have become an increasing area of focus for some of our shareholders, customers and suppliers. Management and the Company’s Board of Directors are committed to identifying, assessing, and understanding the potential impact of ESG issues and related risks on the Company’s business model, as well as potential areas of improvement.

We are committed to recruiting, motivating and developing a diversity of talent. We are an equal opportunity employer and a Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act federal contractor. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The nature of our business also supports long-term sustainability. Historically, a majority of the Company’s sales have come from the retrofit market, in which the Company, by making upgrades to improve the functionality and safety of existing machinery, facilitates the re-use and recycling of aircraft and equipment that might otherwise be scrapped as obsolete. The Company’s GPS receivers also facilitate reduced carbon footprint navigation. The Company also plans to enhance its focus on the environmental impact of its operations.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The Company’s most critical accounting policies are revenue recognition, income taxes and inventory valuation.

Revenue recognition

The Company enters into sales arrangements with customers that, in general, provide for the Company to design, develop, manufacture and deliver large flat-panel display systems, flight information computers, autothrottles and advanced monitoring systems that measure and display critical flight information, including data relative to aircraft separation, airspeed, altitude, and engine and fuel data measurements.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

The Company accounts for revenue in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”). The core principle of ASC 606 is that an entity recognizes revenue when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for these goods or services. To achieve this core principle, the Company applies the following five steps:

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1)Identify the contract with a customer

The Company’s contract with its customers typically is the form of a purchase order issued to the Company by its customers and, to a lesser degree, in the form of a purchase order issued in connection with a formal contract executed with a customer. For the purpose of accounting for revenue under ASC 606, a contract with a customer exists when (i) the Company enters into an enforceable contract with a customer that defines each party’s rights regarding the goods or services to be transferred and identifies the payment terms related to these goods or services, (ii) the contract has commercial substance and, (iii) the Company determines that collection of substantially all consideration for goods or services that are transferred is probable based on the customer’s intent and ability to pay the promised consideration. Payment terms are defined by when payment is typically due. The Company applies judgment in determining the customer’s ability and intention to pay, which is based on a variety of factors including the customer’s historical payment experience or, in the case of a new customer, published credit and financial information pertaining to the customer.

2)Identify the performance obligations in the contract

Performance obligations promised in a contract are identified based on the goods or services that will be transferred to the customer that are both capable of being distinct, whereby the customer can benefit from the good or service either on its own or together with other resources that are readily available from third parties or from the Company, and are distinct in the context of the contract, whereby the transfer of the goods or services is separately identifiable from other promises in the contract. Most of our revenue is derived from purchases under which we provide a specific product or service and, as a result, there is only one performance obligation. In the event that a contract includes multiple promised goods or services, such as an EDC contract which includes both engineering services and a resulting product shipment, the Company must apply judgment to determine whether promised goods or services are capable of being distinct in the context of the contract. In these cases, the Company considers whether the customer could, on its own, or together with other resources that are readily available from third parties, produce the physical product using only the output resulting from the Company’s completion of engineering services. If the customer cannot produce the physical product, then the promised goods or services are accounted for as a combined performance obligation.

3)Determine the transaction price

The transaction price is determined based on the consideration to which the Company will be entitled in exchange for transferring goods or services to the customer. To the extent the transaction price includes variable consideration, the Company estimates the amount of variable consideration that should be included in the transaction price utilizing either the expected value method or the most likely amount method depending on the nature of the variable consideration. Variable consideration is included in the transaction price if, in the Company’s judgment, it is probable that a significant future reversal of cumulative revenue under the contract will not occur.

4)Allocate the transaction price to performance obligations in the contract

If the contract contains a single performance obligation, the entire transaction price is allocated to the single performance obligation. The Company determines standalone selling price based on the price at which the performance obligation is sold separately. If the standalone selling price is not observable through past transactions, the Company estimates the standalone selling price by taking into account available information such as market conditions as well as the cost of the goods or services and the Company’s normal margins for similar performance obligations.

5)Recognize revenue when or as the Company satisfies a performance obligation

The Company satisfies performance obligations either over time or at a point in time as discussed in further detail below. Revenue is recognized at the time the related performance obligation is satisfied by transferring a promised good or service to a customer. Historically, the Company has also recognized revenue from EDC contracts and is recognized over time using an input measure (e.g., costs incurred to date relative to total estimated costs at completion) to measure progress. Contract costs include material, components and third-party avionics purchased from suppliers, direct labor, and overhead costs.

Contract Balances

Contract assets consist of the right to consideration in exchange for product offerings that we have transferred to a customer under the contract. Contract liabilities primarily relate to consideration received in advance of performance under the contract.

33

Customer Service Revenue

The Company enters into sales arrangements with customers for the repair or upgrade of its various products that are not under warranty. The Company’s customer service revenue and cost of sales are included in product sales and product cost of sales, respectively, on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Income taxes

Income taxes are recorded in accordance with ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC Topic 740”), which utilizes a balance sheet approach to provide for income taxes. Under this method, the Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of the Company’s assets, liabilities, and expected benefits of utilizing NOLs and tax credit carry-forwards. The impact on deferred taxes of changes in tax rates and laws, if any, are applied to the years during which temporary differences are expected to be settled, and are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period of enactment. At the end of each interim reporting period, the Company prepares an estimate of the annual effective income tax rate and applies that annual effective income tax rate to ordinary year-to-date pre-tax income for the interim period. Specific tax items discrete to a particular quarter are recorded in income tax expense for that quarter. The estimated annual effective tax rate used in providing for income taxes on a year-to-date basis may change in subsequent periods.

Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the consideration of all available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Significant weight is given to evidence that can be verified objectively, and significant management judgment is required in determining any valuation allowance recorded against net deferred tax assets. The Company evaluates deferred income taxes on a quarterly basis to determine if a valuation allowance is required by considering available evidence. Deferred tax assets are recognized when expected future taxable income is sufficient to allow the related tax benefits to reduce taxes that would otherwise be payable. The sources of taxable income that may be available to realize the benefit of deferred tax assets are future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and credit carryforwards, taxable income in carry-back years, and tax planning strategies which are both prudent and feasible. For the year ended September 30, 2021, the valuation allowance was released against all federal and state deferred tax assets with the exception of certain state net operating losses due to positive evidence that the assets are more likely than not to be realized in future years. The Company will continue to assess all available evidence during future periods to evaluate any changes to the realization of its deferred tax assets. If the Company were to determine that it would be able to realize additional state deferred tax assets in the future, it would make an adjustment to the valuation allowance which would reduce the provision for income taxes.

The accounting for uncertainty in income taxes requires a more likely than not threshold for financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The Company records a liability for the difference between the (i) benefit recognized and measured for financial statement purposes and (ii) the tax position taken or expected to be taken on the Company’s tax return. To the extent that the Company’s assessment of such tax positions changes, the change in estimate is recorded in the period in which the determination is made. The Company has elected to record any interest or penalties associated with uncertain tax positions as income tax expense.

The Company files a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return. The Company prepares and files tax returns based on the interpretation of tax laws and regulations, and records estimates based on these judgments and interpretations. In the normal course of business, the tax returns are subject to examination by various taxing authorities. Such examinations may result in future tax and interest assessments by these taxing authorities, and the Company records a liability when it is probable that there will be an assessment. The Company adjusts the estimates periodically as a result of ongoing examinations by and settlements with the various taxing authorities, and changes in tax laws, regulations and precedent. The consolidated tax provision of any given year includes adjustments to prior years’ income tax accruals that are considered appropriate, and any related estimated interest. Management believes that it has made adequate accruals for income taxes. Differences between estimated and actual amounts determined upon ultimate resolution, individually or in the aggregate, are not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position but could possibly be material to its consolidated results of operations or cash flow of any one period.

34

In March 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) was signed into law to provide emergency assistance to affected individuals, families, and businesses. The CARES Act provides numerous tax provisions and other stimulus measures, including temporary changes regarding the prior and future utilization of NOLs. The CARES Act amends the NOL provisions of the Tax Act, allowing for the carryback of losses arising in tax years beginning before December 31, 2017, to each of the two taxable years preceding the taxable year of loss. Approximately $1,500,000 of pre-tax NOL was carried back two years to fully offset taxable income. This carryback frees up previously utilized R&D credits, resulting in an estimated increase in R&D credit carryforward of $196,000. The carryback created approximately $16,000 of AMT tax, which was refunded. The cash impact of this carryback was $309,412. A receivable was setup for this amount as of March 31, 2020 and the cash has since been received.

In December 2020, the Consolidations Appropriations Act of 2020 (the “CAA”) was enacted as a supplement to the CARES Act legislation providing additional financial relief to taxpayers adversely impacted by restrictions put into place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the CCA provides funding for public health initiatives in response to the pandemic. This legislation did not have a material impact on the Company’s tax position.

In March 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (the “ARPA”), which includes certain business tax provisions, was signed into law. This legislation did not have a material impact on the Company’s tax position.

In August 2022, the U.S government enacted the Inflation Reduction Act (the “IRA”). The IRA makes the following changes to the U.S tax code: imposes a corporate alternative minimum tax of 15% on corporations with an average annual Adjusted Financial Statement Income over a three year period in excess of $1 billion, increases the amount of R&D credit that qualified businesses can apply against payroll taxes to $500,000, imposes an excise tax equal to one percent of the fair market value of stock of a publicly traded U.S. corporation that is repurchased by the company. These changes predominately apply to tax years beginning after December 31, 2022. It does not appear that this legislation will have a material impact on the Company’s tax position.

Inventory valuation

The Company values inventory at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or net realizable value. Inventories are written down for estimated obsolescence equal to the difference between inventory cost and estimated net realizable value based on a combination of historical usage and assumptions based on expected usage related to estimated future customer and market demands. The Company’s method of valuing inventory contains uncertainties because the calculation requires management to consider inventory aging, to make assumptions regarding expected usage, and to apply judgments on forecasted future demand, market conditions, and technological obsolescence. If actual future demand or market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write-down may be required.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instrument (“ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in current U.S. GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. ASU 2016-13 is effective for SEC small business filers for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements or related disclosures.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes” (“ASU 2019-12”), which simplifies the accounting for income taxes, eliminates certain exceptions within Accounting Standards Codification Topic 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”), and clarifies certain aspects of ASC 740 to promote consistency among reporting entities. We adopted this update effective October 1, 2021. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements or related disclosures.

As new accounting pronouncements are issued, we will adopt those that are applicable.

35

Business Segments

The Company operates in one business segment as a systems integrator that designs, develops, manufactures, sells, and services flight guidance and cockpit display systems for OEMs and retrofit applications. Customers include various OEMs, commercial air transport carriers and corporate/general aviation companies, DoD and its commercial contractors, aircraft operators, aircraft modification centers, government agencies, and foreign militaries. The Company currently derives the majority of its revenues from the sale of this equipment and related EDC services. Most of the Company’s sales, operating results and identifiable assets are generated in the United States. In fiscal years 2022, 2021 and 2020 net sales outside the United States amounted to $11.1 million, $8.4 million and $9.4 million, respectively.

Item 7A. Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk.

The Company’s operations are exposed to market risks primarily as a result of changes in interest rates. The Company does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes. The Company’s exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates to its cash equivalents. The Company’s cash equivalents consist of funds invested in money market funds, which bear interest at a variable rate. The Company does not participate in interest rate hedging. A change in interest rates earned on the Company’s cash equivalents would impact interest income and cash flows but would not impact the fair market value of the underlying instruments. Assuming that the balances during fiscal 2022 were to remain constant and that the Company did not act to alter the existing interest rate sensitivity, a hypothetical 1% increase in variable interest rates would have affected interest income by approximately $88,000. This would result in a net impact on cash of approximately $88,000 for fiscal 2022.

Item 8. Financial statements and supplementary data.

The financial statements of Innovative Solutions and Support, Inc. listed in the index appearing under Item 8 herein are filed as part of this Report.

36

37

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors and Shareholders

Innovative Solutions & Support, Inc.

Opinion on the financial statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Innovative Solutions & Support, Inc. (a Pennsylvania corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of September 30, 2022 and 2021, the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2022, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of September 30, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2022, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws36,182, 19,047 and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.27,488 shares, respectively.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting 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.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical audit matters

Critical audit matters are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. We determined that there are no critical audit matters.

/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2014.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

December 16, 2022

38

INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS AND SUPPORT, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

    

September 30, 

    

September 30, 

2022

2021

ASSETS

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

$

17,250,546

$

8,265,606

Accounts receivable

 

4,297,457

 

4,046,337

Contract asset

 

162,742

 

Inventories

 

5,349,104

 

4,545,392

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

1,142,470

 

833,076

Total current assets

 

28,202,319

 

17,690,411

Property and equipment, net

 

6,292,189

 

8,143,483

Deferred income taxes

46,487

1,063,822

Other assets

 

164,328

 

188,284

Total assets

$

34,705,323

$

27,086,000

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current liabilities

Accounts payable

$

708,845

$

623,620

Accrued expenses

 

2,972,275

 

1,431,115

Contract liability

 

135,686

 

61,330

Contract liability - related party

123,497

356,174

Total current liabilities

 

3,940,303

 

2,472,239

Other liabilities

15,065

28,680

Total liabilities

 

3,955,368

 

2,500,919

Commitments and contingencies (See Note 14)

 

Shareholders’ equity

Preferred stock, 10,000,000 shares authorized, $.001 par value, of which 200,000 shares are authorized as Class A Convertible stock. No shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2022 and 2021

 

 

Common stock, $.001 par value: 75,000,000 shares authorized, 19,412,664 and 19,342,823 issued at September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively

 

19,413

 

19,343

Additional paid-in capital

 

52,458,121

 

51,817,095

Accumulated deficit

 

(359,042)

 

(5,882,820)

Treasury stock, at cost, 2,096,451 shares at September 30, 2022 and at September 30, 2021

 

(21,368,537)

 

(21,368,537)

Total shareholders’ equity

 

30,749,955

 

24,585,081

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

$

34,705,323

$

27,086,000

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

39

INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS AND SUPPORT, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 

Net sales:

    

2022

    

2021

    

2020

Product

$

27,279,750

$

22,760,083

$

20,806,121

Engineering development contracts

 

460,945

 

284,713

 

789,078

Total net sales

 

27,740,695

 

23,044,796

 

21,595,199

Cost of sales:

Product

 

10,905,799

 

10,185,510

 

9,568,553

Engineering development contracts

 

160,515

 

77,656

 

224,671

Total cost of sales

 

11,066,314

 

10,263,166

 

9,793,224

Gross profit

 

16,674,381

 

12,781,630

 

11,801,975

Operating expenses:

Research and development

 

2,705,140

 

2,622,919

 

2,955,976

Selling, general and administrative

 

6,753,915

 

6,257,732

 

6,100,545

Total operating expenses

 

9,459,055

 

8,880,651

 

9,056,521

Operating income

 

7,215,326

 

3,900,979

 

2,745,454

Interest income

 

61,051

 

1,234

 

154,950

Other income

 

65,232

 

74,906

 

60,497

Income before income taxes

 

7,341,609

 

3,977,119

 

2,960,901

Income tax (benefit) expense

 

1,817,831

 

(1,087,783)

 

(308,882)

Net income

$

5,523,778

$

5,064,902

$

3,269,783

Net income per common share:

Basic

$

0.32

$

0.29

$

0.19

Diluted

$

0.32

$

0.29

$

0.19

Weighted average shares outstanding:

Basic

 

17,256,750

 

17,225,423

 

16,939,302

Diluted

 

17,257,871

 

17,226,620

 

17,114,191

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

40

INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS AND SUPPORT, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

    

    

    

    

(Accumulated

Additional

Deficit)

Common

Paid-In

Retained

Treasury

Stock

Capital

Earnings

Stock

Total

Balance, September 30, 2019

$

19,006

$

51,987,096

$

5,570,587

$

(21,368,537)

$

36,208,152

Share-based compensation

17,337

17,337

Exercise of stock options

232

174,911

175,143

Issuance of stock to directors

 

73

 

159,919

 

 

 

159,992

Tax withholding related to cashless exercise of stock options

(880,476)

(880,476)

Dividends declared

(11,180,900)

(11,180,900)

Net income

 

 

 

3,269,783

 

 

3,269,783

Balance, September 30, 2020

$

19,311

$

51,458,787

$

(2,340,530)

$

(21,368,537)

$

27,769,031

Share-based compensation

181,350

181,350

Exercise of stock options

5

17,005

17,010

Issuance of stock to directors

 

27

 

159,953

 

 

 

159,980

Dividends declared

(8,607,192)

(8,607,192)

Net income

 

 

 

5,064,902

 

 

5,064,902

Balance, September 30, 2021

$

19,343

$

51,817,095

$

(5,882,820)

$

(21,368,537)

$

24,585,081

Share-based compensation

166,617

166,617

Exercise of stock options

43

301,111

301,154

Issuance of stock to directors

27

173,298

173,325

Net income

5,523,778

5,523,778

Balance, September 30, 2022

$

19,413

$

52,458,121

$

(359,042)

$

(21,368,537)

$

30,749,955

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

41

INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS AND SUPPORT, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 

    

2022

    

2021

    

2020

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Net income

$

5,523,778

$

5,064,902

$

3,269,783

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization

 

368,499

 

432,176

 

433,510

Share-based compensation expense

Stock options

 

166,617

 

181,350

 

17,337

Stock awards

 

173,325

 

159,980

 

160,006

Gain on disposal of property and equipment

 

(1,191,743)

 

 

Excess and obsolete inventory cost

 

 

(100,446)

 

66,511

Deferred income taxes

 

1,017,335

 

(1,193,511)

 

38

(Increase) decrease in:

Accounts receivable

 

(251,120)

 

322,774

 

(2,020,574)

Contract asset

 

(162,742)

 

 

80,182

Inventories

 

(708,859)

 

(153,611)

 

112,848

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

(309,394)

 

(157,967)

 

(33,060)

Other non-current assets

 

 

 

(96,269)

Increase (decrease) in:

Accounts payable

 

85,224

 

(167,272)

 

(288,181)

Accrued expenses

 

1,272,826

 

(4,655)

 

207,568

Income taxes

 

269,015

 

104,640

 

(1,666)

Contract liability

 

74,356

 

(242,835)

 

284,684

Contract liability - related party

(232,677)

346,974

(550)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

6,094,440

 

4,592,499

 

2,192,167

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Purchases of property and equipment

 

(161,230)

 

(340,678)

 

(118,797)

Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment

 

2,750,576

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

2,589,346

 

(340,678)

 

(118,797)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Proceeds from paycheck protection program

1,203,900

Repayment of paycheck protection program

(1,203,900)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

301,154

 

17,010

 

175,143

Tax withholding related to cashless exercise of stock options

(880,476)

Dividend paid

(19,788,092)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

301,154

 

(19,771,082)

 

(705,333)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

8,984,940

 

(15,519,261)

 

1,368,037

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of year

 

8,265,606

 

23,784,867

 

22,416,830

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of year

$

17,250,546

$

8,265,606

$

23,784,867

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Cash paid for income taxes

$

531,481

$

1,089

$

2,456

Cash received from income tax refund

309,712

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH INFORMATION

Cashless exercise of stock options

1,635,000

Accrual of dividends payable

11,180,900

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

42

INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS AND SUPPORT, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.  Background

Innovative Solutions and Support, Inc. (the “Company,” “IS&S,” “we” or “us”) was incorporated in Pennsylvania on February 12, 1988. The Company operates in one business segment as a systems integrator that designs, develops, manufactures, sells, and services air data equipment, engine display systems, standby equipment, primary flight guidance and cockpit display systems for retrofit applications and original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”). The Company supplies integrated Flight Management Systems (“FMS”), Flat Panel Display Systems (“FPDS”), FPDS with Autothrottle, air data equipment, Integrated Standby Units (“ISU”), ISU with Autothrottle and advanced GPS receivers that enable reduced carbon footprint navigation.

The Company has continued to position itself as a system integrator, which provides the Company with the capability and potential to generate more substantive orders over a broader product base. This strategy, as both a manufacturer and integrator, is designed to leverage the latest technologies developed for the computer and telecommunications industries into advanced and cost-effective solutions for the general aviation, commercial air transport, DoD/governmental, and foreign military markets. This approach, combined with the Company’s industry experience, is designed to enable IS&S to develop high-quality products and systems, to reduce product time to market, and to achieve cost advantages over products offered by its competitors. Customers include various OEMs, commercial air transport carriers and corporate/general aviation companies, DoD and its commercial contractors, aircraft operators, aircraft modification centers, government agencies, and foreign militaries.

2.  Concentrations

Major Customers and Products

In fiscal 2022, 2021 and 2020, the Company derived 58%, 59% and 63%, respectively, of total sales from five customers, although not all the same customers in each year. Accounts receivable and contract assets related to those top five customers was $3.3 million, $2.1 million and $3.4 million as of September 30, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

In fiscal year 2022, the three largest customers, Pilatus, ATSG and Textron accounted for 22%, 11% and 11% of total revenue, respectively. In fiscal year 2021, the two largest customers, Pilatus and Textron accounted for 20% and 17% of total revenue, respectively. In fiscal year 2020, the three largest customers, Pilatus, Dayton T. Brown, Inc., and Kalitta Air accounted for 33%, 12% and 10% of total revenue, respectively.

Flat panel sales were 98%, 88% and 80% of total sales in the years ended September 30, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Sales of air data systems and components were 2%, 12% and 20% of total sales for the years ended September 30, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Sales to government contractors and agencies accounted for approximately 21%, 18% and 32% of total sales during fiscal years 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The government agency or general contractor typically retains the right to terminate the contract at any time at its convenience. Upon alteration or termination of these contracts, IS&S is typically entitled to an equitable adjustment to the contract price so that it would be compensated for delivered items and allowable costs incurred. Accordingly, because these contracts can be terminated, the Company cannot be assured that its backlog will result in sales.

Major Suppliers

The Company buys several of its components from sole source suppliers. Although there are a limited number of suppliers of particular components, management believes other suppliers could provide similar components on comparable terms.

During fiscal 2022 the Company had three suppliers that accounted for 33.7% of the Company’s total inventory related purchases. During fiscal 2021 the Company had one supplier that accounted for 14.9% of the Company’s total inventory related purchases.

43

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist principally of cash balances and accounts receivable. The Company invests its excess cash where preservation of principal is the major consideration. Cash balances are maintained with two major banks. Balances on deposit with certain money market accounts and operating accounts may exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation limits. The Company’s customer base consists principally of companies within the aviation industry. The Company requests advance payments and/or letters of credit from customers that it considers to be credit risks.

3.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

The Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Company has not yet seen a material impact from the COVID-19 pandemic on its business, financial position, liquidity, or ability to service customers or maintain critical operations. However, some parts of the world are continuing to see a rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and it is possible that new, more virulent strains or variants of COVID-19 may emerge and lead governments and private sectors to re-institute quarantine and trade restrictions, which could adversely impact market conditions. IS&S will continue to monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its business, including how it has impacted and will impact the Company’s employees, customers, suppliers and distribution channels. The Company could face liquidity shortages, weaker product demand from its customers, disruptions in its supply chain, and/or staffing shortages in its workforce in the future due to the direct and indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Use of Estimates

The financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates are used in accounting for, among other items, long term contracts, allowances for doubtful accounts, inventory obsolescence, product warranty cost liabilities, income taxes, engineering and material costs on EDC programs, percentage of completion on EDC contracts, recoverability of long-lived assets and contingencies. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically and the effects of changes, if any, are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations in the period they are determined.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Highly liquid investments, purchased with an original maturity of three months or less, are classified as cash equivalents. Cash equivalents at September 30, 2022 and 2021 consist of cash on deposit and cash invested in money market funds with financial institutions.

Inventory Valuation

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or net realizable value, net of write-downs for excess and obsolete inventory, and consist of the following:

    

September 30, 

    

September 30, 

2022

2021

Raw materials

$

4,451,045

$

3,729,692

Work-in-process

 

795,723

 

629,814

Finished goods

 

102,336

 

185,886

$

5,349,104

$

4,545,392

44

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is provided using an accelerated method over the estimated useful lives of the assets (the lesser of three to seven years or over the lease term), except for the manufacturing facility and the corporate airplanes, which are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives of thirty-nine years and ten years, respectively. Major additions and improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs that do not improve or extend the life of assets are charged to expense as incurred.

Long-Lived Assets

The Company assesses the impairment of long-lived assets in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 360-10, “Property, Plant and Equipment.” This statement requires that long-lived assets be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In addition, long-lived assets to be disposed of should be reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. The Company considers historical performance and future estimated results in its evaluation of potential impairment and then compares the carrying amount of the asset to estimated future cash flows expected to result from use of the asset. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the estimated expected undiscounted future cash flows, the Company measures the amount of the impairment by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to its fair value. The estimation of fair value is generally measured by discounting expected future cash flows. No impairment charges were recorded in fiscal years 2022, 2021 or 2020.

Revenue Recognition

The Company enters into sales arrangements with customers that, in general, provide for the Company to design, develop, manufacture and deliver large flat-panel display systems, flight information computers, autothrottles and advanced monitoring systems that measure and display critical flight information, including data relative to aircraft separation, airspeed, altitude, and engine and fuel data measurements.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

The Company accounts for revenue in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”). The core principle of ASC 606 is that an entity recognizes revenue when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for these goods or services. To achieve this core principle, the Company applies the following five steps:

1)Identify the contract with a customer

The Company’s contract with its customers typically is the form of a purchase order issued to the Company by its customers and, to a lesser degree, in the form of a purchase order issued in connection with a formal contract executed with a customer. For the purpose of accounting for revenue under ASC 606, a contract with a customer exists when (i) the Company enters into an enforceable contract with a customer that defines each party’s rights regarding the goods or services to be transferred and identifies the payment terms related to these goods or services, (ii) the contract has commercial substance and, (iii) the Company determines that collection of substantially all consideration for goods or services that are transferred is probable based on the customer’s intent and ability to pay the promised consideration. The Company applies judgment in determining the customer’s ability and intention to pay, which is based on a variety of factors including the customer’s historical payment experience or, in the case of a new customer, published credit and financial information pertaining to the customer.

45

2)Identify the performance obligations in the contract

Performance obligations promised in a contract are identified based on the goods or services that will be transferred to the customer that are both capable of being distinct, whereby the customer can benefit from the good or service either on its own or together with other resources that are readily available from third parties or from the Company, and are distinct in the context of the contract, whereby the transfer of the goods or services is separately identifiable from other promises in the contract. Most of our revenue is derived from purchases under which we provide a specific product or service and, as a result, there is only one performance obligation. In the event that a contract includes multiple promised goods or services, such as an EDC contract which includes both engineering services and a resulting product shipment, the Company must apply judgment to determine whether promised goods or services are capable of being distinct in the context of the contract. In these cases, the Company considers whether the customer could, on its own, or together with other resources that are readily available from third parties, produce the physical product using only the output resulting from the Company’s completion of engineering services. If the customer cannot produce the physical product, then the promised goods or services are accounted for as a combined performance obligation.

3)Determine the transaction price

The transaction price is determined based on the consideration to which the Company will be entitled in exchange for transferring goods or services to the customer. To the extent the transaction price includes variable consideration, the Company estimates the amount of variable consideration that should be included in the transaction price utilizing either the expected value method or the most likely amount method depending on the nature of the variable consideration. Variable consideration is included in the transaction price if, in the Company’s judgment, it is probable that a significant future reversal of cumulative revenue under the contract will not occur.

4)Allocate the transaction price to performance obligations in the contract

If the contract contains a single performance obligation, the entire transaction price is allocated to the single performance obligation. The Company determines standalone selling price based on the price at which the performance obligation is sold separately. If the standalone selling price is not observable through past transactions, the Company estimates the standalone selling price by taking into account available information such as market conditions as well as the cost of the goods or services and the Company’s normal margins for similar performance obligations.

5)Recognize revenue when or as the Company satisfies a performance obligation

The Company satisfies performance obligations either over time or at a point in time as discussed in further detail below. Revenue is recognized at the time the related performance obligation is satisfied by transferring a promised good or service to a customer. Historically, the Company has also recognized revenue from EDC contracts and is recognized over time using an input measure (e.g., costs incurred to date relative to total estimated costs at completion) to measure progress. Contract costs include material, components and third-party avionics purchased from suppliers, direct labor, and overhead costs.

Contract Estimates

Accounting for performance obligations in long-term contracts that are satisfied over time involves the use of various techniques to estimate progress towards satisfaction of the performance obligation. The Company typically measures progress based on costs incurred compared to estimated total contract costs. Contract cost estimates are based on various assumptions to project the outcome of future events that often span more than a single year. These assumptions include the amount of labor and labor costs, the quantity and cost of raw materials used in the completion of the performance obligation, and the complexity of the work to be performed.

As a significant change in one or more of these estimates could affect the profitability of our contracts, we review and update our contract-related estimates regularly. We recognize adjustments in estimated profit on contracts under the cumulative catch-up method. Under this method, the impact of the adjustment on profit recorded to date is recognized in the period the adjustment is identified. Revenue and profit in future periods of contract performance is recognized using the adjusted estimate. If at any time the estimate of contract profitability indicates an anticipated loss on the contract, we recognize the total loss in the quarter it is identified.

The impact of adjustments in contract estimates on our operating earnings can be reflected in either operating costs and expenses or revenue. The aggregate impact of adjustments in contract estimates did not change our revenue and operating earnings (and diluted earnings per share) for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021. Therefore, no adjustment on any contract was material to our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021.

46

Contract Balances

Contract assets consist of the right to consideration in exchange for product offerings that we have transferred to a customer under the contract. Contract liabilities primarily relate to consideration received in advance of performance under the contract. The following table reflects the Company’s contract assets and liabilities:

    

    

    

Contract

Contract

Assets

Liabilities

September 30, 2021

$

$

417,504

 

Amount transferred to receivables from contract assets

 

 

Contract asset additions

 

162,742

 

Performance obligations satisfied during the period that were included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the period

 

(316,320)

 

Increases due to invoicing prior to satisfaction of performance obligations

 

157,999

 

September 30, 2022

$

162,742

$

259,183

Customer Service Revenue

The Company enters into sales arrangements with customers for the repair or upgrade of its various products that are not under warranty. The Company’s customer service revenue and cost of sales are included in product sales and product cost of sales, respectively, on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The Company’s customer service revenue and cost of sales for the fiscal years ended 2022, 2021 and 2020 are as follows:

For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30,

    

2022

    

2021

    

2020

Customer Service Sales

$

4,879,591

$

4,034,294

$

4,265,086

Customer Service Cost of Sales

1,502,899

1,489,942

1,457,995

Gross Profit

$

3,376,692

$

2,544,352

$

2,807,091

Lease Recognition

The Company accounts for leases in accordance with ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). At the inception of an arrangement, the Company determines whether the arrangement is or contains a lease based on the unique facts and circumstances present in the arrangement. Leases with a term greater than one year are recognized on the balance sheet as right-of-use assets and short-term and long-term lease liabilities, as applicable. The Company does not have any financing leases that are material in nature.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are recorded in accordance with ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC Topic 740”), which utilizes a balance sheet approach to provide for income taxes. Under this method, the Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of the Company’s assets, liabilities, and expected benefits of utilizing net operating losses (“NOL”) and tax credit carry-forwards. The impact on deferred taxes of changes in tax rates and laws, if any, are applied to the years during which temporary differences are expected to be settled, and are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period of enactment. At the end of each interim reporting period, the Company prepares an estimate of the annual effective income tax rate and applies that annual effective income tax rate to ordinary year-to-date pre-tax income for the interim period. Specific tax items discrete to a particular quarter are recorded in income tax expense for that quarter. The estimated annual effective tax rate used in providing for income taxes on a year-to-date basis may change in subsequent periods.

47

Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the consideration of all available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Significant weight is given to evidence that can be verified objectively, and significant management judgment is required in determining any valuation allowance recorded against net deferred tax assets. The Company evaluates deferred income taxes on a quarterly basis to determine if a valuation allowance is required by considering available evidence. Deferred tax assets are recognized when expected future taxable income is sufficient to allow the related tax benefits to reduce taxes that would otherwise be payable. The sources of taxable income that may be available to realize the benefit of deferred tax assets are future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and credit carryforwards, taxable income in carry-back years, and tax planning strategies which are both prudent and feasible. For the year ended September 30, 2021, the valuation allowance was released against all federal and state deferred tax assets with the exception of certain state net operating losses due to positive evidence that the assets are more likely than not to be realized in future years. The Company will continue to assess all available evidence during future periods to evaluate any changes to the realization of its deferred tax assets. If the Company were to determine that it would be able to realize additional state deferred tax assets in the future, it would make an adjustment to the valuation allowance which would reduce the provision for income taxes.

The accounting for uncertainty in income taxes requires a more likely than not threshold for financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The Company records a liability for the difference between the (i) benefit recognized and measured for financial statement purposes and (ii) the tax position taken or expected to be taken on the Company’s tax return. To the extent that the Company’s assessment of such tax positions changes, the change in estimate is recorded in the period in which the determination is made. The Company has elected to record any interest or penalties associated with uncertain tax positions as income tax expense.

The Company files a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return. The Company prepares and files tax returns based on the interpretation of tax laws and regulations, and records estimates based on these judgments and interpretations. In the normal course of business, the tax returns are subject to examination by various taxing authorities. Such examinations may result in future tax and interest assessments by these taxing authorities, and the Company records a liability when it is probable that there will be an assessment. The Company adjusts the estimates periodically as a result of ongoing examinations by and settlements with the various taxing authorities, and changes in tax laws, regulations and precedent. The consolidated tax provision of any given year includes adjustments to prior years’ income tax accruals that are considered appropriate, and any related estimated interest. Management believes that it has made adequate accruals for income taxes. Differences between estimated and actual amounts determined upon ultimate resolution, individually or in the aggregate, are not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position but could possibly be material to its consolidated results of operations or cash flow of any one period.

In March 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the CARES Act was signed into law to provide emergency assistance to affected individuals, families, and businesses. The CARES Act provides numerous tax provisions and other stimulus measures, including temporary changes regarding the prior and future utilization of NOLs. The CARES Act amends the NOL provisions of the Tax Act, allowing for the carryback of losses arising in tax years beginning before December 31, 2017, to each of the two taxable years preceding the taxable year of loss. Approximately $1,500,000 of pre-tax NOL was carried back two years to fully offset taxable income. This carryback frees up previously utilized R&D credits, resulting in an estimated increase in R&D credit carryforward of $196,000. The carryback created approximately $16,000 of AMT tax, which was refunded. The cash impact of this carryback was $309,412. A receivable was setup for this amount as of March 31, 2020 and the cash has since been received.

In December 2020, the CAA was enacted as a supplement to the CARES Act legislation providing additional financial relief to taxpayers adversely impacted by restrictions put into place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the CCA provides funding for public health initiatives in response to the pandemic. This legislation did not have a material impact on the Company’s tax position.

On March 11, 2021, the ARPA, which includes certain business tax provisions, was signed into law. This legislation did not have a material impact on the Company’s tax position.

48

Engineering Development

Total engineering development expense comprises both internally funded R&D and product development and design charges related to specific customer contracts. Engineering development expense consists primarily of payroll-related expenses of employees engaged in EDC projects, engineering related product materials and equipment, and subcontracting costs. R&D charges incurred for product design, product enhancements, and future product development are expensed as incurred. Product development and design charges related to specific customer contracts are charged to cost of sales-EDC based on the method of contract accounting (either percentage-of-completion or completed contract) applicable to such contracts.

Comprehensive Income

Pursuant to FASB ASC Topic 220, “Comprehensive Income”, the Company is required to classify items of other comprehensive income by their nature in a financial statement and display the accumulated balance of other comprehensive income separately from retained earnings and additional paid-in capital in the equity section of its condensed consolidated balance sheets. For fiscal years 2022, 2021 and 2020 comprehensive income consisted of net income only, and there were no items of other comprehensive income for any of the periods presented.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The net carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and short-term debt approximate their fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments. For financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, fair value is the price the Company would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction with a market participant at the measurement date. A three-level fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value as follows:

Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices that are available in active markets for the identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.

Level 2 — Other observable inputs available at the measurement date, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, either directly or indirectly, including:

Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;
Quoted prices for identical or similar assets in non-active markets;
Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; and
Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by other observable market data.

Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that cannot be corroborated by observable market data and reflect the use of significant management judgment. These values are generally determined using pricing models for which the assumptions utilize management’s estimates of market participant assumptions.

The following table sets forth by level within the fair value hierarchy the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2022 and 2021, according to the valuation techniques the Company used to determine their fair values.

Fair Value Measurement on September 30,  2022

    

Quoted Price in

    

Significant Other

    

Significant

Active Markets for

Observable

Unobservable

Identical Assets

Inputs

Inputs

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(Level 3)

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents:

Money market funds

$

16,083,571

$

$

49

Fair Value Measurement on September 30,  2021

    

Quoted Price in

    

Significant Other

    

Significant

Active Markets for

Observable

Unobservable

Identical Assets

Inputs

Inputs

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(Level 3)

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents:

Money market funds

$

6,051,902

$

$

Share-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for share-based compensation under ASC Topic 718, which requires the Company to measure the cost of employee or non-employee director services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award using an option pricing model. The Company recognizes such cost over the period during which an employee or non-employee director is required to provide service in exchange for the award.

Accordingly, adoption of ASC Topic 718’s fair value method results in recording compensation costs under the Company’s stock based compensation plans. The Company determined the fair value of its stock option awards at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Option pricing models and generally accepted valuation techniques require management to make assumptions and to apply judgment to determine the fair value of its awards. These assumptions and judgments include estimating future volatility of the Company’s stock price, expected dividend yield, future employee turnover rates, and future employee stock option exercise behaviors. Changes in these assumptions can materially affect fair value estimates. The Company does not believe that a reasonable likelihood exists that there will be a material change in future estimates or assumptions used to determine share-based compensation expense. However, if actual results are not consistent with the Company’s estimates or assumptions, the Company would adjust its estimates. Such adjustments could have a material impact on the Company’s financial position.

Warranty Reserves

The Company offers warranties on some products of various lengths, however the standard warranty period is twenty-four months. At the time of shipment, the Company establishes a reserve for estimated costs of warranties based on its best estimate of the amounts necessary to settle future and existing claims using historical data on products sold as of the balance sheet date. The length of the warranty period, the product’s failure rates, and the customer’s usage affect warranty cost. If actual warranty costs differ from the Company’s estimated amounts, future results of operations could be affected adversely. Warranty cost is recorded as cost of sales, and the reserve balance recorded as an accrued expense. While the Company maintains product quality programs and processes, its warranty obligation is affected by product failure rates and the related corrective costs. If actual product failure rates and/or corrective costs differ from the estimates, the Company revises the estimated warranty liability accordingly.

Self-Insurance Reserves

Since January 1, 2014, the Company has self-insured a significant portion of its employee medical insurance. The Company maintains a stop-loss insurance policy that limits its losses both on a per employee basis and an aggregate basis. Liabilities associated with the risks that are retained by the Company are estimated based upon actuarial assumptions such as historical claims experience and demographic factors. The Company estimated the total medical claims incurred but not reported and the Company believes that it has adequate reserves for these claims at September 30, 2022 and 2021. However, the actual value of such claims could be significantly affected if future occurrences and claims differ from these assumptions. At September 30, 2022 and 2021, the estimated liability for medical claims incurred but not reported was $51,600 and $55,900, respectively. The Company has recorded the excess of funded premiums over estimated claims incurred but not reported of $424,200 as a current asset in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. During the year ended September 30, 2022, the Company has used the excess of funded premiums to reduce amounts payable for claims incurred.

Treasury Stock

We account for treasury stock purchased under the cost method and include treasury stock as a component of stockholders’ equity. Treasury stock purchased with intent to retire (whether or not the retirement is actually accomplished) is charged to common stock.

50

New Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instrument (“ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in current U.S. GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. ASU 2016-13 is effective for SEC small business filers for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements or related disclosures.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes” (“ASU 2019-12”), which simplifies the accounting for income taxes, eliminates certain exceptions within Accounting Standards Codification Topic 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”), and clarifies certain aspects of ASC 740 to promote consistency among reporting entities. We adopted this update effective October 1, 2021. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements or related disclosures.

As new accounting pronouncements are issued, we will adopt those that are applicable.

4.  Net Income Per Share

For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 

    

2022

    

2021

    

2020

Numerator:

Net income

$

5,523,778

$

5,064,902

$

3,269,783

Denominator:

Basic weighted average shares

 

17,256,750

 

17,225,423

 

16,939,302

Dilutive effect of share-based awards

 

1,121

 

1,197

 

174,889

Diluted weighted average shares

 

17,257,871

 

17,226,620

 

17,114,191

Net income per common share:

Basic

$

0.32

$

0.29

$

0.19

Diluted

$

0.32

$

0.29

$

0.19

Net income per share is calculated pursuant to ASC Topic 260, “Earnings per Share” (“ASC Topic 260”). Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) excludes potentially dilutive securities and is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is computed assuming the conversion or exercise of all dilutive securities such as employee stock options and restricted stock units (“RSUs”).

The number of incremental shares from the assumed exercise of stock options and RSUs is calculated by using the treasury stock method. As of September 30, 2022, 2021 and 2020, there were 57,584, 100,000 and 104,500 options to purchase common stock outstanding, respectively. As of September 30, 2022, 2021 and 2020 , there were 7,886, 0 and 0 shares subject to vesting of restricted stock units outstanding, respectively. The average outstanding diluted shares calculation excludes options with an exercise price that exceeds the average market price of shares during the period. For fiscal year 2022, no options to purchase common stock were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would be anti-dilutive. For fiscal years 2021 and 2020, 100,000 shares, respectively were excluded from the calculation of earnings per share as their effect would be anti-dilutive.

5.  Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following:

    

September 30, 

    

September 30, 

2022

2021

Prepaid insurance

$

777,311

$

318,138

Other

 

365,159

 

514,938

1,142,470

$

833,076

51

6.  Property and Equipment

Property and equipment, net consists of the following balances:

    

September 30, 

    

September 30, 

2022

2021

Computer equipment

$

2,307,139

$

2,309,053

Corporate airplanes

 

2,406,468

 

5,601,039

Furniture and office equipment

 

976,993

 

970,725

Manufacturing facility

 

5,889,491

 

5,889,491

Equipment

 

5,624,966

 

5,545,529

Land

 

1,021,245

 

1,021,245

 

18,226,302

 

21,337,082

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

(11,934,113)

 

(13,193,599)

$

6,292,189

$

8,143,483

Depreciation related to property and equipment was approximately $358,837, $373,068 and $387,617 in fiscal years 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Pilatus PC-12 airplane, one of the Company’s two corporate airplanes, was sold during the quarter ended September 30, 2022 and the Company recognized a gain on sale of the aircraft of approximately $1,192,000. The corporate airplanes are utilized primarily in support of product development. Noncash investing activities involving property, plant and equipment comprise the abandonment of fully depreciated assets with an original cost and accumulated amortization of $34,656, $416,626 and $15,430 in fiscal years 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

7.  Other Assets

Other assets consist of the following:

    

September 30, 

    

September 30, 

2022

2021

Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $636,158 at September 30, 2022 and $634,032 at September 30, 2021

$

60,348

$

62,474

Operating lease right-of-use assets

28,680

42,976

Other non-current assets

 

75,300

 

82,834

$

164,328

$

188,284

Intangible assets consist of licensing and certification rights which are amortized over a defined number of units. No impairment charges were recorded in fiscal 2022, 2021 or 2020.

Total intangible amortization expense was $2,126, $50,377 and $32,618 in fiscal years 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The timing of future amortization expense is not determinable because the intangible assets are being amortized over a defined number of units.

Other non-current assets as of September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021 include the security deposit for an airplane hangar, and a deposit for medical claims required under the Company’s medical plan. In addition, other non-current assets include $0 and $7,535 of prepaid software licenses, that will be earned upon the shipment of a certain product to a customer, as of September 30, 2022, and September 30, 2021, respectively.

52

8.  Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses consist of the following:

    

September 30, 

    

September 30, 

2022

2021

Warranty

$

607,001

$

589,260

Salary, benefits and payroll taxes

 

1,030,628

 

385,287

Professional fees

 

364,794

 

163,130

Operating lease

13,615

14,296

Other

 

956,237

 

279,142

$

2,972,275

$

1,431,115

9.  Warranty

The Company provides for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time revenue is recognized. Warranty cost is recorded as cost of sales and the reserve balance is recorded as an accrued expense in the financial statements. While the Company engages in extensive product quality programs and processes, the Company’s warranty obligation is affected by product failure rates and by the related material, labor, and delivery costs incurred in correcting a product failure. If actual product failure rates, material, or labor costs differ from the Company’s estimates, further revisions to the estimated warranty liability would be recorded.

Warranty cost and accrual information for fiscal years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021:

    

2022

    

2021

Warranty accrual as of October 1,

$

589,260

$

547,743

Expense accrual for fiscal year

 

152,419

 

176,028

Warranty cost incurred for fiscal year

 

(134,678)

 

(134,511)

Warranty accrual as of September 30,

$

607,001

$

589,260

10.  Income Taxes

In March 2020, the CARES Act was signed into law providing numerous tax provisions and other stimulus measures, including temporary changes regarding the prior and future utilization of NOLs. The CARES Act amends the NOL provisions of the Tax Act, allowing for the carryback of losses arising in tax years beginning before December 31, 2017, to each of the two taxable years preceding the taxable year of loss. Approximately $1,500,000 of pre-tax NOL was carried back two years to fully offset taxable income. This carryback frees up previously utilized R&D credits, resulting in an estimated increase in R&D credit carryforward of $196,000. The carryback created approximately $16,000 of AMT tax, which was refunded. The cash impact of this carryback was $309,412. A receivable was setup for this amount as of March 31, 2020 and the cash has since been received.

In December 2020, the CAA was enacted as a supplement to the CARES Act legislation providing additional financial relief to taxpayers adversely impacted by restrictions put into place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the CCA provides funding for public health initiatives in response to the pandemic. This legislation did not have a material impact on the Company’s tax position.

On March 11, 2021, the ARPA, which includes certain business tax provisions, was signed into law. This legislation did not have a

material impact on the Company’s tax position.

53

The components of income taxes are as follows:

For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 

    

2022

    

2021

    

2020

Current provision (benefit):

Federal

$

522,473

$

95,818

$

(309,401)

State

 

277,991

 

9,911

 

481

Total current provision (benefit)

 

800,464

 

105,729

 

(308,920)

Deferred provision (benefit)

Federal

 

998,585

 

(754,995)

 

State

 

18,782

 

(438,517)

 

38

Total deferred provision (benefit)

 

1,017,367

 

(1,193,511)

 

38

Total current and deferred provision (benefit)

$

1,817,831

$

(1,087,783)

$

(308,882)

Following is a reconciliation of the statutory federal rate to the Company’s effective income tax rate:

For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 

 

    

2022

    

2021

    

2020

 

U.S. Federal statutory tax rate

 

21.00

%  

21.00

%  

21.00

%  

Rate change due to tax reform

0.0

%

0.0

%

0.0

%  

State income taxes, net of federal benefit

 

11.8

%

0.6

%

(2.2)

%

Permanent items

 

0.1

%

0.2

%

(6.3)

%

Research and development tax credits

 

(0.1)

%

(0.6)

%

(10.6)

%

Valuation allowance

 

(6.4)

%

(47.9)

%

(15.2)

%

Change in unrecognized tax benefits

 

(1.5)

%  

(0.7)

%  

2.2

%  

123R cancellations and forfeitures

0.3

%  

0.0

%  

0.0

%  

Tax Law Changes: CARES Act

0.0

%  

0.0

%  

0.3

%  

Other

(0.5)

%  

0.0

%  

0.3

%  

Effective income tax rate

 

24.7

%  

(27.4)

%  

(10.4)

%  

The deferred tax effect of temporary differences giving rise to the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities consists of the components below:

As of September 30, 

2022

2021

2020

    

Non Current

    

Non Current

    

Non Current

Deferred tax assets:

Reserves and accruals

$

651,321

$

654,624

$

698,233

Research and development credit

1,327,162

1,589,247

NOL carryforwards -fed/state

984,004

1,612,043

2,192,018

Depreciation

(807,522)

Stock options

45,069

41,652

5,296

Other

1,680,394

3,635,481

3,677,272

Less: Valuation allowance

(981,816)

(1,449,204)

(3,471,164)

Total deferred tax assets

698,578

2,186,277

206,108

Deferred tax liabilities:

Depreciation

(652,091)

(1,122,455)

(335,797)

Total deferred tax liabilities

(652,091)

(1,122,455)

(335,797)

Net deferred tax asset (liability)

$

46,487

$

1,063,822

$

(129,689)

54

At September 30, 2022 and 2021, the Company had state NOL carryforwards of approximately $19.7 and $22.2 million, respectively, which begin to expire in varying amounts after the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026. The Company has federal R&D Tax Credit carryforwards of approximately $0 and $1.3 million in fiscal 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Deferred tax assets are reduced by valuation allowances if, based on the consideration of all available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Significant weight is given to evidence that can be verified objectively, and significant management judgment is required in determining any valuation allowance recorded against net deferred tax assets. The Company evaluates deferred income taxes on a quarterly basis to determine if valuation allowances are required by considering available evidence, including historical and projected taxable income and tax planning strategies which are both prudent and feasible. ASC Topic 740 requires the consideration of a valuation allowance to reflect the likelihood of realization of deferred tax assets. Significant management judgment is required in determining any valuation allowance recorded against net deferred tax assets.

For the year ended September 30, 2021, the valuation allowance was released against all federal and state deferred tax assets with the exception of certain state net operating losses due to positive evidence that the assets are more likely than not to be realized in future years. The Company will continue to assess all available evidence during future periods to evaluate any changes to the realization of its deferred tax assets. If the Company were to determine that it would be able to realize additional state deferred tax assets in the future, it would make an adjustment to the valuation allowance which would reduce the provision for income taxes.

Following is a reconciliation of beginning and ending balances of total amounts of gross unrecognized tax benefits:

For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 

    

2022

    

2021

    

2020

Balance at beginning of year

$

590,000

$

615,000

$

546,000

Unrecognized tax benefits related to prior years

 

 

 

39,000

Unrecognized tax benefits related to current year

 

 

7,000

 

37,000

Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits due to the lapse of applicable statute of limitations

 

(138,000)

 

(32,000)

 

(7,000)

Balance at end of year

$

452,000

$

590,000

$

615,000

The total liabilities associated with the unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the Company’s effective tax rate were $452,000, $590,000 and $615,000 at September 30, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. It is not anticipated that the balance of unrecognized tax benefits at September 30, 2022 will change significantly over the next twelve months. The balance of unrecognized tax benefits as reflected in the table above at September 30, 2022 are recorded on the balance sheet as a reduction to deferred tax assets.

The Company’s policy is to recognize interest accrued and, if applicable, penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense for all periods presented. At September 30, 2022, the Company currently has no unrecognized tax benefits against which interest has been accrued, and there is no accrual recorded for penalties.

For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2022, 2021 and 2020, the Company did not recognize any expense for interest (net of federal impact) within income tax expense.

The Company is subject to income taxes in the U.S. federal and various state jurisdictions. Tax regulations within each jurisdiction are subject to the interpretation of related tax laws and regulations and require significant judgment to apply. The Company’s federal income tax returns for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2018 and thereafter are open years subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. The Company files income tax returns in various state jurisdictions, as appropriate, with varying statutes of limitation. There are no state income tax examinations in process at this time.

11.  Savings Plan

The Company sponsors a voluntary defined contribution savings plan covering all employees. The Company made contributions of approximately $126,000, $123,000 and $112,000 for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

55

12.  Share-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for share-based compensation under the provisions of ASC Topic 718 by using the fair value method for expensing stock options and stock awards.

Total share-based compensation expense was approximately $345,000, $341,000, and $177,000 for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The income tax impact recognized as a credit to additional paid in capital in the statement of shareholders’ equity related to share-based compensation arrangements was $166,617, $181,350 and $17,337 for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Compensation expense related to share-based awards is recorded as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses.

2019 Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plan

The 2019 Plan was approved by the Company’s shareholders at the Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on April 2, 2019. The 2019 Plan authorizes the grant of stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, options and other equity-based awards. Options granted under the 2019 Plan may be either “incentive stock options” as defined in sectionSection 422 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), or nonqualified stock options, as determined by the Compensation Committee.

Subject to an adjustment necessary upon a stock dividend, recapitalization, forward split or reverse split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, combination, repurchase or share exchange, extraordinary or unusual cash distribution, or similar corporate transaction or event, the maximum number of shares of common stock available for awards under the 2019 Plan is 750,000, plus 139,691 shares of common stock that were authorized but unissued under the Company’s 2009 Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plan as of the effective date of the 2019 Plan (i.e., April 2, 2019), all of which may be issued pursuant to awards of incentive stock options. In addition, the 2019 Plan provides that no more than 300,000 shares may be awarded in any calendar year to any employee. As of September 30, 2022,2023, there were 653,836262,187 shares of common stock available for awards under the 2019 Plan.

If any award is forfeited, terminates or otherwise is settled for any reason without an actual distribution of shares to the participant, the related shares of common stock subject to such award will again be available for future grant. Any shares tendered by a participant in payment of the exercise price of an option or the tax liability with respect to an award (including, in any case, shares withheld from any such award) will not be available for future grant under the 2019 Plan. If there is any change in the Company’s corporate capitalization, the Compensation Committee must proportionately and equitably adjust the number and kind of shares of common stock which may be issued in connection with future awards, the number and kind of shares of common stock covered by awards then outstanding under the 2019 Plan, the aggregate number and kind of shares of common stock available under the 2019 Plan, any applicable individual limits on the number of shares of common stock available for awards under the 2019 Plan, the exercise or grant price of any award, or if deemed appropriate, make provision for a cash payment with respect to any outstanding award. In addition, the Compensation Committee may make adjustments in the terms and conditions of any awards, including any performance goals, in recognition of unusual or nonrecurring events affecting the Company or any subsidiary, or in response to changes in applicable laws, regulations, or accounting principles.


56

Following is a summary of option activity under theThe 2019 Plan forwill terminate on April 2, 2029, unless earlier terminated by the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, and changes during the periods then ended:

    

    

Weighted

    

Average

Aggregate

Exercise

Intrinsic

Options

Price

Value

Outstanding at September 30, 2020

 

100,000

$

7.10

$

Granted

 

 

Exercised

 

 

Cancelled

 

 

Outstanding at September 30, 2021

 

100,000

$

7.10

$

Granted

 

 

Exercised

 

(42,416)

8.26

 

64,896

Cancelled

 

 

Outstanding at September 30, 2022

 

57,584

$

7.10

$

88,104

Vested and expected to vest

 

57,584

$

7.10

$

88,104

Options exercisable at September 30, 2022

 

57,584

$

7.10

$

88,104

The following table summarizes information about stock options under the 2019 Plan at September 30, 2022:

Options Outstanding

Options Exercisable

Outstanding

Weighted-

As of

Average

Weighted-

As of

Weighted-

Range of Exercise

September 30, 

Remaining

Average

 September 30,

Average

Prices

    

2022

    

Contractual Life

    

Exercise Price

    

2022

    

Exercise Price

$0.00 - $9.00

 

57,584

 

7.9

$

7.10

 

57,584

$

7.10

Fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Options are exercisable over a maximum term of ten years from date of grant and vest typically over periods of three to five years from the grant date. The expected term of options represents the period of time that options granted are expected to beBoard. Termination will not affect awards outstanding and is based on historical experience and the expected turnover rate of the employees receiving the options. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility of the Company’s stock. The risk free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasuries with maturities consistent with the expected life of the options in effect at the time of grant. Compensation expensetermination. The Board may amend, alter, suspend, discontinue, or terminate the 2019 Plan without shareholder approval, provided that shareholder approval is required for employee stock options includes an estimate for forfeitures and is recognized ratably overany amendment which (i) would increase the vesting term.

Below are the fair value assumptions used to record compensation expense, relatednumber of shares subject to the 2019 Plan, forPlan; (ii) would decrease the following periods identified:

Fiscal Year Ended September 30,

2022(1)

2021(1)

2020

Expected dividend rate

Expected volatility

%  

%  

58.4

%

Weighted average risk-free interest rate

%  

%  

0.3

%

Expected lives (years)

5.5

(1)The Company did not grant any options in fiscal 2022 and 2021.

The Company granted 100,000 options in fiscal year 2020.

Total compensation expense associated with stock optionprice at which awards to employees undermay be granted; or (iii) would require shareholder approval by law, regulation, or the 2019 Plan was approximately $164,000, $181,000 and $17,000 for fiscal years ended September 30, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

At September 30, 2022, unrecognized compensation expense of $0, net of forfeitures, related to non-vested stock options under the 2019 Plan, will be recognized.

57

Restricted Stock Units

During fiscal 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) approved grants of RSUs to the non-employee directors on the Board as compensation for their services during calendar year 2021. Under the terms of the awards, at the conclusion of the vesting period on January 3, 2022, the grants of RSUs were settled in shares of the Company’s common stock at a rate of one share of stock for each unit, provided that if a director resigns from the Board prior to January 1, 2022, such director shall only receive a pro rata portion of such award for time served. As of September 30, 2021, there were 25,396 unvested restricted stock units outstanding under the 2019 Plan, all of which were issued during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022. As of September 30, 2022, there were 32,897 unvested restricted stock units outstanding under the 2019 Plan.

    

Non-vested

    

Weighted Average

Stock Awards

Share Price

Balance at September 30, 2020

 

27,488

$

5.82

Granted

 

25,396

 

6.30

Issued

 

(27,488)

 

5.82

Cancelled

 

 

Balance at September 30, 2021

 

25,396

$

6.30

Granted

 

38,986

 

6.52

Issued

 

(27,425)

 

6.32

Cancelled

 

(4,059)

 

6.57

Balance at September 30, 2022

 

32,897

$

6.51

Total share-based compensation expense associated with the annual grant of stock awards to non-employee directors under the 2019 Plan was approximately $178,000, $160,000 and $160,000 for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Total share-based compensation expense associated with the annual grant of stock awards to employees under the 2019 Plan was approximately $3,000, $0 and $0 for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

At September 30, 2022, unrecognized compensation expense of $97,954, net of forfeitures, related to non-vested stock awards under the 2019 Plan, will be recognized.

13.  Commitments and Contingencies

Purchase Obligations

A “purchase obligation” is defined as an agreement to purchase goods or services that is enforceable and legally binding on the Company and that specifies all significant terms, including fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased, fixed, minimum or variable price provisions, and the approximate timing of the transaction. These amounts primarily comprise of open purchase order commitments entered in the ordinary course of business with vendors and subcontractors pertaining to fulfillment of the Company’s current order backlog. The purchase obligations on open purchase orders were $2.6 million, $2.1 million and $0.9 million as of September 30, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Product Liability

The Company has product liability insurance of $50,000,000. The Company has not experienced any material product liability claims.

Legal Proceedings

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is at times subject to various legal proceedings and claims. The Company does not believe any such matters that are currently pending will, individually or in the aggregate, have a material effect on the results of operations or financial position.

58

14.  Related Party Transactions

In recent years, the Company has had sales to AML Global Eclipse, LLC, (“Eclipse”), whose principal shareholder is also a principal shareholder in the Company. Eclipse is a new related party for fiscal year 2022 due to their president acquiring more than 10% in shares on the company. Prior balances are disclosed below for comparability.

Sales to Eclipse amounted to $0.6 million, $1.6 million and $0.1 million for the years ended September 30, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. As of September 30, 2022 and 2021, a contract liability to Eclipse was $0.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

15.  Business Segments

The Company operates in one business segment which designs, manufactures and sells flat panel displays, flight information computers, and advanced monitoring systems to the DoD, the Department of Interior, other government agencies, commercial air transport carriers and corporate/general aviation markets. The Company currently derives virtually all of its revenues from the sale of this equipment and related EDC.

Geographic Data

Most of the Company’s sales, operating results and identifiable assets are generated in the United States. In fiscal years 2022, 2021 and 2020, net sales outside the United States amounted to $11.1 million, $8.4 million and $9.4 million, respectively.

Product Data

The Company’s current product line includes FPDS, flight management systems, and air data systems and components. During fiscal years 2022, 2021 and 2020, the Company derived 98%, 88% and 80%, respectively, of its total product revenue from sales of FPDS. The remaining revenue for each of the fiscal years was from sales of air data systems and components.

16.  Lease Recognition

The Company accounts for leases in accordance with ASU 2016-02 and records “right-of-use” assets and corresponding lease liabilities on the balance sheet for most leases with an initial term of greater than one year. We recognize payments for leases with a term of less than one year in the statement of operations on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

We lease real estate and equipment under various operating leases. A lease exists when a contract or part of a contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. In determining whether a lease exists, we consider whether a contract provides us with both: (a) the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of the identified asset and (b) the right to direct the use of the identified asset.

Some of our leases include base rental periods coupled with options to renew or terminate the lease, generally at our discretion. In evaluating the lease term, we consider whether we are reasonably certain to exercise such options. To the extent a significant economic incentive exists to exercise an option, that option is included within the lease term. However, based on the nature of our lease arrangements, options generally do not provide us with a significant economic incentive and are therefore excluded from the lease term for the majority of our arrangements.

Our leases typically include a combination of fixed and variable payments. Fixed payments are generally included when measuring the right-of-use asset and lease liability. Variable payments, which primarily represent payments based on usage of the underlying asset, are generally excluded from such measurement and expensed as incurred. In addition, certain of our lease arrangements may contain a lease coupled with an arrangement to provide other services, such as maintenance, or may require us to make other payments on behalf of the lessor related to the leased asset, such as payments for taxes or insurance. As permitted by ASU 2016-02, we have elected to account for these non-lease components together with the associated lease component if included in the lease payments. This election has been made for each of our asset classes.

The measurement of “right-of-use” assets and lease liabilities requires us to estimate appropriate discount rates. To the extent the rate implicit in the lease is readily determinable, such rate is utilized. However, based on information available at lease commencement for our leases, the rate implicit in the lease is not known. In these instances, we utilize an incremental borrowing rate, which represents the rate of interest that we would pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term.

59

Rent expense and cash paid for various operating leases in aggregate are approximately $115,000 for the period ended September 30, 2022. The weighted average remaining lease term is 2.2 years, and the weighted average discount rate is 5.0% as of September 30, 2022. Related assets and liabilities resulting from lease obligations are deemed to be immaterial.

Future minimum lease payments under operating leases are as follows at September 30, 2022:

    

Twelve Months

    

Ending

Operating

    

September 30, 

    

Leases

2023

$

14,676

2024

14,676

2025

2,446

Total minimum lease payments

 

  

$

31,798

Amount representing interest

 

  

 

(3,118)

Present value of minimum lease payments

 

  

 

28,680

Current portion

 

  

 

(13,615)

Long-term portion of lease obligations

 

  

$

15,065

60

Item 9. Changes in and disagreements with accountants on accounting and financial disclosure.

None.

Item 9A. Controls and procedures

(a)We carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act of 1934. Based on that evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that these controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2022 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported, within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission and accumulated and communicated to our management including our chief executive and financial officers, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
(b)Management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting is set forth below on this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(c)There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation of such controls that occurred during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer and intended to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and preparation of the Company’s financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that are intended to (1) pertain to maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (2) 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 (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of Company assets that could have a material effect on financial statements.

Due to its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements and, even when determined to be effective, can only provide reasonable, not absolute, assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to risk that controls may become inadequate as a result of changes in conditionsstock exchange or deterioration in the degree of compliance.automated quotation system.

Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2022. This assessment was based on criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in “Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013),” issued by the Committee on Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, management believes that, as of September 30, 2022, internal control over financial reporting was effective to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Item 9B. Other Information

None.

Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections

None.

61

PART III

Item 10. Directors, executive officers and corporate governance.

This information (other than information relating to executive officers included in Part I Item 1.) will be included in the Company’s Proxy Statement relating to its Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed within 120 days after the close of the Company’s fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and is hereby incorporated by reference to such Proxy Statement. IS&S has adopted a written code of business conduct and ethics, known as the Company’s code of conduct, which applies to all of its directors, officers, and employees, including its chief executive officer, its president, and its chief financial officer. The Company’s code of conduct is available on its website, www.innovative-ss.com. The code of conduct may also be obtained by contacting investor relations at (610) 646-9800. Any amendments to the Company’s code of conduct or waivers from provisions of the code for its directors and officers will be disclosed on the Company’s website promptly following the date of such amendment or waiver.

Item 11. Executive compensation.

This information will be included in the Company’s Proxy Statement relating to its Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed within 120 days after close of the Company’s fiscal year covered by this Report, and is hereby incorporated by reference to such Proxy Statement.

Item 12. Security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management and related stockholder matters.

This information will be included in the Company’s Proxy Statement relating to its Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed within 120 days after close of the Company’s fiscal year covered by this Report and is hereby incorporated by reference to such Proxy Statement.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table gives information about the Company’s common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options and rights under all of its existing equity compensation plans and arrangements as of September 30, 2022.

    

Number of Securities to be

    

Weighted-average 

    

Number of Securities remaining available 

 issued upon exercise of

exercise price of 

for future issuance under equity

 outstanding options 

outstanding

 compensation plans (excluding securities 

Plan Category

and rights

 options and rights

reflected in second column)

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

 

57,584

$

7.10

 

653,836

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

 

 

 

Total

 

57,584

 

7.10

 

653,836

The Company expects to make annual grants of restricted stock awards to its non-employee directors under the 2019 Plan. In the fiscal years ended September 30, 2022, 2021 and 2020, the Company granted to its non-employee directors a total of 27,425, 27,488 and 73,056 restricted shares, respectively, under the 2019 Plan.

Total share-based compensation expense for non-employee directors was $178,000, $160,000 and $160,000 for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

62

Item 13. Certain relationships and related transactions and director independence.

Related Party TransactionsRELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

This information

The written charter of the Audit Committee provides that it is the responsibility of the Audit Committee to review and approve any transaction between the Company and its officers, directors, and 5% shareholders.

During the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, there was not, nor is there any currently proposed transaction or series of similar transactions to which the Company was or is to be a party in which the amount involved exceeded or exceeds the lesser of $120,000 or 1% of the average of our total assets at year-end for the last two completed fiscal years and in which any executive officer, director, director nominee or holder of more than 5% of any class of voting securities of the Company and members of that person’s immediate family had, has or will be includedhave a direct or indirect material interest, other than as set forth in “Executive Compensation” and “Director Compensation Table” sections above.

DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The Board has affirmatively determined, in its business judgment, that the Company’s Proxy Statement relatingfollowing directors are independent directors within the meaning of the applicable Nasdaq listing standards: Glen R. Bressner, Winston J. Churchill (for the period during which he served as a member of the Board during fiscal year 2023), Roger A. Carolin, Stephen L. Belland, and Parizad Olver (Parchi). All members of our Audit Committee, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and Compensation Committee are currently independent (as currently set forth in Rule 5605 of the Nasdaq listing rules). On January 28, 2024, the Board of Directors determined that Ms. Olver did not meet the heightened independence requirements for service on the Audit Committee as required by the rules and regulations of the SEC and, as a result, the listing standards of Nasdaq applicable to its Annual Meetingaudit committee members due to the payment in November 2023 of Shareholders,$72,990 to a company in which will be filed within 120 days after closeMs. Olver is the managing partner and has an ownership interest for services provided in connection with the sale of the Company’s fiscal year covered by2008 Super King Air B200GT SN BY-50. Upon making this Report,determination, the Board of Directors removed Ms. Olver from the Audit Committee and appointed Mr. Belland to take her place. In determining the independence of our directors, our Board considered all transactions in which we and any director had any interest, including the aforementioned fee for consulting services paid to a company in which Ms. Parchi is hereby incorporated by reference to such Proxy Statement.the managing partner and has an ownership interest.

Item 14. Principal accounting fees and servicesservices.

This information will be

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Services provided by Grant Thornton for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 have included audits of the annual consolidated financial statements of the Company, audits of the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting as required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended (“Sarbanes-Oxley”), and other services related to filings made with the SEC. The aggregate fees billed by Grant Thornton in connection with services rendered during the Company’s Proxy Statement relating to its Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed within 120 days after closefiscal years ended September 30, 2023 and 2023, respectively, were:

  Grant Thornton  Grant Thornton 
  FY 2023  FY 2022 
Audit Fees $636,908  $394,275 
Audit Related Fees  115,500   15,750 
Tax Fees  -   - 
         
Total $752,408  $410,025 


Audit Fees

Audit fees for fiscal years 2023 and 2022 were for professional services rendered for the audit of the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements, auditing the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting, review of the interim consolidated financial statements included in quarterly reports, and services that are normally provided by Grant Thornton in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.

Audit Related Fees

Audit-related fees were paid to Grant Thornton during fiscal year covered2023 for services related to the audit of the required historical financial statements of certain assets acquired from Honeywell International, Inc. during fiscal year 2023. Audit-related fees were paid to Grant Thornton during fiscal year 2022 for services provided in the filing of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3.

Tax-Related Fees

No tax-related fees were paid to Grant Thornton during fiscal years 2023 or 2022.

All Other Fees

No other fees were incurred in connection with services provided by this Report,Grant Thornton during fiscal years 2023 or 2022.

Pre-Approved Policies and Procedures

The Audit Committee’s policy is hereby incorporatedto pre-approve the engagement of accountants to render all audit and tax-related services for the Company and any changes to the terms of the engagement. The Audit Committee pre-approves all proposed non-audit related services to be provided by referencethe Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee reviews the terms of the engagement and a description of the services along with a fee proposal for the engagement. If agreed to such Proxy Statement.by the Audit Committee, the Audit Committee formally accepts the engagement letter and fee proposal. Any proposal by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for non-audit services must be specific as to the particular services to be provided. Management and the independent registered public accounting firm must each confirm to the Compensation Committee that each proposed non-audit and non-audit related service is permissible under all applicable legal requirements. Requests can be submitted to the Audit Committee and approved in one of the following ways: by a request for approval of services at a meeting of the Audit Committee, or through a written request to the Audit Committee, which may be approved by a written consent by the Audit Committee or by a designated member of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee approved all 2023 and 2022 fees paid to Grant Thornton.

63

TablePursuant to the adoption of Contentsthe Audit Committee Charter (as revised), the Board has adopted a policy which prohibits the Company from entering into non-audit related consulting agreements for financial information systems design and implementation, for certain other services considered to have an impact on independence, and for all other services prohibited by Sarbanes-Oxley and SEC regulations. The policy also contains procedures requiring Audit Committee pre-approval of all audit and permitted non-audit services provided by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm.


PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits financial statement schedules.and Financial Statement Schedules.

(a)The following documents are filed as part of this report:the Form 10-K:

1.Financial Statements

See index to Financial Statements at Item 8 on page 36 of this report.the Form 10-K.

2.Financial Statement Schedules

Schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable or are not required or the information required to be set forth therein is included in the financial statements or notes thereto.

3.(b)The following exhibits are filed as part of, or incorporated by reference into this report:the Form 10-K:


Exhibit
Number

Exhibit
Number

Exhibit Title

3.1

2.1

Asset Purchase and License Agreement, dated June 30, 2023, by and between IS&S and Honeywell International Inc. (1)*

3.1Articles of Incorporation of IS&S. (2)(1)

3.2

Articles of Amendment, filed April 17, 2023, to the Articles of Incorporation of IS&S (3)

3.3Amended and Restated Bylaws of IS&S. &S (4)(2)

4.1

Description of Capital StockStock(12)

4.2

Rights Agreement, dated September 12, 2022, between IS&S and Broadridge Corporate Issuer Soltutions,Solutions, Inc. (3)(5)

10.1

4.3

Amendment to Rights Agreement, dated September 1, 2023, between IS&S and Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, Inc. (6)

10.1Employment Agreement, dated February 14, 2012, between IS&S and Shahram Askarpour (7)**(4)

10.2

IS&S 2019 Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plan (8)**(5)

21

10.3

Offer Letter from IS&S to Relland Winand, dated November 8, 2023 (9)**

10.4Amendment to Loan Documents, dated June 28, 2023, by and among Innovative Solutions and Support, Inc., Innovative Solutions and Support, LLC, and PNC Bank, National Association (1)*
10.5Term Note, executed June 28, 2023, by Innovative Solutions and Support, Inc. and Innovative Solutions and Support, LLC (1)*
10.6Revolving Line of Credit Note, executed May 11, 2023, by Innovative Solutions and Support, Inc. and Innovative Solutions and Support, LLC (1)*
10.7Amendment to Loan Documents, dated December 19, 2023, by and among Innovative Solutions and Support, Inc., Innovative Solutions and Support, LLC, and PNC Bank, National Association (10)*
10.8Amended and Restated Revolving Line of Credit, dated December 19, 2023, executed by Innovative Solutions and Support, Inc. and Innovative Solutions and Support, LLC (10)*
10.9Amended and Restated Line of Credit and Investment Sweep Rider, dated December 19, 2023, by and among Innovative Solutions and Support, Inc., Innovative Solutions and Support, LLC, and PNC Bank, National Association (10)*
10.10Sales Agreement, dated September 22, 2023, by and between Innovative Solutions and Support, Inc. and Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated (11)
21Subsidiaries of IS&S.(12)

23.1

Consent of Grant Thornton LLPLLP(12)

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a). (12)

31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a). (12)

32.1

31.3

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) (filed herewith)

31.4Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) (filed herewith)
32.1Certification Pursuant to U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.(12)

101.INS

97

Clawback Policy(12)

101.INSInline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document

document(12)

101.SCH

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

Document(12)

101.CAL

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

Document(12)

101.DEF

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

Document(12)

101.LAB

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

Document(12)

101.PRE

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

Document(12)

104

Cover Page Interactive Data File - the cover page XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document contained in Exhibit 101

101(12)

*Schedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K. The Company will furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit to the SEC upon request.

**Denotes compensatory plan or arrangement.

(1)Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the CommissionSEC on September 19, 2007.July 7, 2023.
(2)Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the CommissionSEC on May 1, 2018.September 19, 2007.
(3)Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the CommissionSEC on September 12, 2022.April 18, 2023
(4)Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the CommissionSEC on May 1, 2018.
(5)Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 12, 2022.
(6)Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 1, 2023
(7)Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 2, 2012.
(5)(8)Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Proxy Statement filed with the CommissionSEC on January 28, 2019.
(9)Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 14, 2023.
(10)Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 22, 2023.
(11)Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 22, 2023.
(12)Incorporated by reference from the Form 10-K filed with the SEC on January 12, 2024, which is being amended hereby.


Item 16. Form 10-K SummarySIGNATURES

None.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS AND SUPPORT, INC.

By:

/s/ Shahram Askarpour

Shahram Askarpour

Director & Chief Executive Officer

Dated: December 16, 2022

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature

Title

Date

/s/ Shahram Askarpour

Director & Chief Executive Officer

December 16, 2022

Shahram Askarpour

(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ Michael Linacre

Chief Financial Officer

December 16, 2022

Michael Linacre

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

/s/ Winston J. Churchill

Director & Chairman of the Board

December 16, 2022

Winston J. Churchill

/s/ Glen R. Bressner

Director & Vice Chairman of the Board

December 16, 2022

Glen R. Bressner

/s/ Stephen L. Belland

Director

December 16, 2022

Stephen L. Belland

/s/ Roger A. Carolin

Director

December 16, 2022

Roger A. Carolin

/s/ Parizad Olver (Parchi)

Director

December 16, 2022

Parizad Olver (Parchi)

Dated: January 29, 2024


65