ICTS INTERNATIONAL N V

Operations

ICTS International N.V. (“ICTS”) was registered at the Department of Justice in Amstelveen, Netherlands on October 9, 1992. ICTS and subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “ICTS” or the “Company”) operate in four reportable segments: (a) corporate (b) airport security (c) other aviation related services and (d) authentication technology. The corporate segment does not generate revenue and contains primarily non-operational expenses. The airport security segment provides security services primarily to airport authorities and airlines predominantly in Europe. The other aviation services segment provides services primarily to airlines and airport authorities in the United States of America. The authentication technology segment provides authentication services to financial and other companies, predominantly in the United States of America.

Selected Financial Data

Selected data set forth below have been derived from the ICTS Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”). The Selected Consolidated Financial Data set forth below should be read in conjunction with Item 5 - Operating and Financial Review and Prospects, the ICTS Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes to those Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18 in this Annual Report.

During 2022 and 2021, governments in some of the countries in which we operate have implemented government assistance measures, which mitigated the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on our results and liquidity. In the United States of America, the government has approved a payroll support to the American subsidiary of the Company of $0.0 million and $15.9 million, for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. Out of those amounts, the American subsidiary recognized amounts of $0.0 million and $16.9 million as reduction of labor expenses for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Dutch government has provided financial assistance to the Dutch subsidiary of the Company of €3.7 million and €18.1 million ($3.9 million and $22.6 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021), respectively. The Dutch government terminated the support program on March, 2022. For the year ended December 31, 2023 the Company did not receive any payroll support or financial assistance from any government regarding COVID-19.

In the Netherlands wage tax, social security and VAT payments for the period March 2020 through September 2021 were postponed and are to be paid in 60 monthly installments beginning October 2022. The debt incurs annual interest starting July 2022 of 1% and increases every six months to a maximum of 4% starting on January 1, 2024 onwards. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company accumulated debt to the Dutch tax authorities of €24.9 million and €31.8 million ($27.3 million and $33.8 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022), respectively to the Dutch tax authorities.

In Germany, our employees were eligible for payroll support up to 60% of the employee’s payroll (on an individual basis) where the employees meet the support plan requirements. The Company applied for this support starting from April 2020 to June 2021.

In July 2019, AU10TIX Technologies B.V. (together with its subsidiaries, “AU10TIX”, a subsidiary of ICTS issued preferred shares to an investor for a subscription price of $60 million in cash representing 24% of the outstanding share capital of AU10TIX and 23.077% of the outstanding share capital of AU10TIX on a fully diluted basis. AU10TIX retained $20 million of the sale proceeds for general working capital purposes and $40 million was transferred to its parent company, ICTS International N.V.

In July 2019, the Company repaid $30 million to the entity related to the main shareholder, who provided the Company loans as convertible notes.

In November 2019, AU10TIX issued preferred shares to a new investor for a subscription price of $20 million in cash representing 7.401% of the outstanding share capital of AU10TIX and 7.143% of the outstanding share capital of AU10TIX on a fully diluted basis.

On June 28, 2021, TPG, Oak, GF GW LLC (“GF”) and AU10TIX, entered into a Sale and Purchase Agreement (the “SPA”), pursuant to which Oak and GF purchased preferred shares in AU10TIX from TPG. In connection with the SPA, (i) such parties and ICTS entered into an amended and restated shareholders agreement (the “SHA”) and an amended and restated registration rights agreement (the “RRA”) and (ii) AU10TIX’s Articles of Association (the “Articles”) were amended by a deed of amendment. Following the completion of the sales and purchases contemplated by the SPA: (i) ICTS owns 68.69% of the outstanding share capital of AU10TIX in the form of Class B Ordinary Shares; (ii) Oak owns 12.87% of the outstanding share capital of AU10TIX in the form of New Series A Preferred Shares; (iii) GF owned 10.93% of the outstanding share capital of AU10TIX in the form of New Series A Preferred Shares; and (iv) TPG owns 7.51% of the outstanding share capital of AU10TIX in the form of New Series A Preferred Shares. In addition, AU10TIX may issue up to 1,000,000 Ordinary Shares under its existing employee stock option plan.

The following table summarizes certain balance sheet data for the Company at December 31, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019:

The following table summarizes certain statement of operations data for the Company for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019:

Risk Factors

You should carefully consider the risks described below regarding the business and the ownership of our shares. If any of the risks are realized, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected, and the price of our common stock could decline significantly.

Labor Concerns

Our subsidiaries operate in many different jurisdictions in Europe, the United States of America and Asia and are therefore subject to the different labor laws of such jurisdictions. Any changes in such laws, as an example, the establishment or change of minimum wages, could have an adverse effect on the business of the Company.

In addition, some of our employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements with unions. Such collective agreement detail, inter alia, financial and non-financial entitlements to our employees that effect our financial results. Relationship with unions, including work stoppages or changes in work rules, could have an adverse impact on our financial results.

In some jurisdictions and subject to legislation related to employees’ entitlements during sick leave, increase in employees’ sick rate could have an adverse impact on our financial results. Lack of manpower and/or employees’ turnover may lead to additional costs. As an example, recruitment and training cost, and therefore increase in employees’ turnover rate could have an adverse impact on our financial results.

If any of such changes and/or circumstances have a financial impact on the Company and the Company is not able to fully adjust its fees for its services to accommodate such changes and/or circumstances, of which there is no assurance, there could be a material adverse effect on our business.

Further, escalating costs of providing employee benefits and other labor issues may lead to labor disputes and disruption of our business.

Potential Liability Claims

From time to time lawsuits have been commenced against the Company or its subsidiaries usually claiming injury or damage to property. In addition, labor related issues, such as employee dismissal, may lead to labor disputes. Most of these claims are covered by insurance. In the event such claims are not covered by the insurance, there could be an adverse impact on the Company.

Our Contracts with Airports or Airlines may be Cancelled or not Renewed

Our revenues are primarily provided from services pursuant to contracts, which are cancellable on short notice at any time with or without cause. We cannot assure you that existing clients will decide not to terminate our contracts or that we won’t fail to renew contracts. In some jurisdictions and operations, contracts are subject to a tender detailing, inter alia, participation terms, cap pricing and award criteria. In addition, consolidation in the airline industry could also result in a loss of customers. Any such termination, failure to renew a contract with us and/or failure in tenders could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. If our relationships with our major customers are impaired then there may be a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Our major customers include airports in Europe and major airlines servicing the United States of America. The aviation industry might encounter difficulties and this may have a material adverse impact on our business.

Terrorism, War or Risk of War

Our business is affected by numerous factors outside of our control, such as terrorist attacks and acts of war. Future terrorist attacks against the countries where the Company has a presence, rumors or threats of war, actual conflicts involving those countries or their allies, or military or trade disruptions affecting customers may materially adversely affect operations. Our facilities and equipment could be direct targets or indirect casualties of terrorist attacks and acts of war. Strategic targets such as high-technology aviation security assets, passenger terminals or aircrafts may be at greater risk of future terrorist attacks than other targets. It is possible that any, or a combination, of these occurrences could have a material impact on the business of the Company, on cash flows, results of operations, financial condition, business reputation, claims etc. In addition, insurance premiums for some or all of our current coverages could increase dramatically, or certain coverages may not be available to us in the future.

Results from Operations

The Company incurred net income (loss) of $10.6 million, $(5.2) million and $41.3 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The 2022 and 2021 profits (losses) include special grants provided by different governments as COVID-19 assistance to the company. The Company has a shareholders’ deficit of $2.6 million and $10.4 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. If we are unable to obtain new service contracts, increase revenues, increase profitability and reduce the Company’s shareholders deficit, our financial condition and results of operations might be affected and our share price may decline.

Loans from Third Parties

Our financing activities have consisted in the past of loans from banks and other third parties. Currently, two of the Company’s subsidiaries have a line of credit and a loan facility, while the Company is looking for additional lines of credit for its other subsidiaries. There is no assurance that third parties will provide loans to the Company and even if loans are made, there is no assurance that the terms will be favorable to the Company.

Key Personnel

Our success largely depends on the services of our senior management and executive personnel. The loss of the services of one or more of such key personnel could have an adverse impact on our operations. Our success is also dependent upon our ability to hire and retain additional qualified executive personnel. We cannot assure you that we will be able to attract, assimilate and retain personnel with the attributes necessary to execute our strategy. We cannot assure you that one or more of our executives will not leave our employment and either work for a competitor or otherwise compete with us.

Development of New Technology

As part of our technology business strategy we develop technological solutions and systems for financial and other industries and seek other revenue producing business and business opportunities. We cannot assure you that we will be able to develop new systems or develop systems that are commercially viable. Our success in developing and marketing our systems will also depend on our ability to adapt to rapid technology changes in the industry and to integrate such changes into our systems. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in our attempts to change or implement our business strategy. We may not have the expertise to be successful in developing our business in areas that are not related to the security industry. We compete in a highly competitive industry and our competitors may be more successful in developing new technology and achieving market acceptance of their products.

Acquiring or Investing in Other Businesses

From time to time, the Company may seek to acquire or invest in other business, which may or may not be related to the business of the Company. No assurance can be given that the Company will acquire or invest in any companies. If the Company decides to acquire or invest, no assurance can be given that such acquisition or investment will be successful.

Cyber Security Measures

We rely on computer systems and information technology in our business and have established security programs for protection. We might be the target of attempted cyber and other security threats and despite our security measures, our systems might be vulnerable to interruption or damage from computer hackings, viruses, worms or other destructive or disruptive software, process breakdowns, denial of service attacks, social engineering or other malicious activities or any combination of the foregoing. The Company has in place policies and procedures to identify and manage cybersecurity risks. We must continuously monitor and develop our information technology networks and infrastructure to prevent, detect, address and mitigate the risk of unauthorized access, misuse, computer viruses and other events that could have a security impact. Insider or employee cyber and security threats are increasingly a concern for all companies including ours. It is not possible to determine the cost to the Company in the event of a cyber security incident because costs are a function of the size and nature of the incident. For more information see item 5 – Operating and Financial Review and Prospects in this 20F report for additional information on cyber security.

Competition

Competition in the aviation security and aviation related services industry as well as in the technology industry is intense. Many of our competitors have greater financial, technical and marketing resources. Our competitors might develop and market alternative systems and technologies that may have greater functionality or be more cost effective than the services we provide or the systems that we develop. If our competitors develop such systems, we may not be able to successfully market our systems. Even if we are able to develop systems with greater functionality which are more cost effective than those developed by our competitors, we may not be able to achieve market acceptance of our systems.

Operations in International Environments Risk

The Company is currently engaged in direct operations in numerous countries and is therefore subject to risks associated with international operations (including economic and/or political instability, conflict, trade restrictions, wars and striker). Such risks can cause the Company to have significant difficulties in connection with the sale or provision of its services in international markets and have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Our R&D facility is located in Israel and currently remain largely unaffected following the war declared in Israel and the military activity in the region. However, the duration, severity and global implications of these and other geopolitical conflicts that may arise in the future, cannot be predicted at this time and could have an effect on our business as impact of our employees who are military reservists being called to active military duty, and the impact of the war on the economic, social and political stability of Israel.

Governmental Regulation

Industries on which we operate are subject to extensive governmental regulation, the impact of which is difficult to predict. In the past, the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (the “Security Act”) has had a significant negative impact on our aviation security business in the USA. In addition, our ability to successfully market new systems will be dependent upon government regulations over which we have no control. Any existing or new regulation may cause us to incur increased expenses or impose substantial liability upon the Company. The likelihood of such new legislation is difficult to predict.

Legislation Designed to Protect Privacy Rights

From time to time, personal identity databases and technologies utilizing such databases have been the focus of organizations and individuals seeking to curtail or eliminate the use of personal identity information technologies on the grounds that personal information and these technologies may be used to diminish personal privacy rights. In the event that such initiatives result in restrictive legislation, the market for our products may be adversely affected. In addition, in the event that the Company fails as a result of legislation designed to protect privacy rights, the market for our products may be adversely affected.

Licenses for Operations

A license to operate is required from the airport authority in the airports in which we currently operate. The loss of, or failure to obtain, a license to operate in one or more of such airports could result in the loss of or the inability to compete for contracts in the airports in which we have licenses or limit our growth in new airports.

Poor Economic Conditions

Poor economic conditions could adversely affect our business. Deterioration in the global economic environment may result in decreased demand for our services. Weakening economic conditions could also affect our customers, which may result in redirection of their request for our services.

Inflation

In the last years, record levels of inflation have resulted in significant volatility and disruptions in the global economy. In response to rising inflation, central banks in the markets in which we operate, including the United States Federal Reserve, have tightened their monetary policies and raised interest rates, and such measures may continue if there is a period of sustained heightened inflation. Higher interest rates and volatility in financial markets could lead to additional economic uncertainty or recession. Increased inflation rates have increased our operating costs, mostly labor costs. There is no assurance that we will be able to promptly increase our pricing to offset our increased costs, or that our operations will not be materially impacted by rising inflation and its broader effects on the markets in which we operate in the future. We have implemented certain measures in response to such inflation pressures, including negotiating with major customers reimbursement for salary increase following the inflation adjustments in the employees’ salaries. There is no assurance that we will be fully or partly successful in those negotiations. In addition, the Company has a loan facility and a line of credit for two of its subsidiaries. The increased interest rates will increase the Company's financing costs. We are continuing to monitor the effects of inflation on our business performance and financial condition. However, we cannot accurately predict whether we will be able to effectively and timely mitigate their impact on our business.

Currency Risk

A substantial portion of our revenue is generated in foreign countries. We usually retain our income in local currency at the location the funds are received. Since our financial statements are presented in United States dollars, any significant fluctuation in the currency exchange rate between such currency and the United States dollar would affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Limitations in Price Share

The market price of our common stock may from time to time be significantly affected by a large number of factors, including among others, variations in our operating results, the depth and liquidity of the trading market for our shares and differences between actual results of operations and the results anticipated by investors and securities analysts. Many of the factors which affect the market price of our common stock are outside of our control and may not even be directly related to us. The market price of our common stock may be volatile and the volume may be low, which may make it more difficult for you to resell your shares.

Main Shareholders

As of May 1st, 2024, the MacPherson Trust, its beneficiaries and Mr. M.J. Atzmon, own or control together approximately 76.6% of our issued and outstanding common stock (excluding conversion rights). Mr. Atzmon, the Chairman of the Supervisory Board, disclaims any benefit or interest in the MacPherson Trust. As a result of such ownership and conversion rights, the MacPherson Trust and its beneficiaries together with Mr. Atzmon are able to significantly influence and/or control all matters requiring shareholder approval including the election of directors and approval of significant corporate transactions. Such concentration may also have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control. Their interests could conflict with yours. In addition, significant sales of shares held by them could have a negative effect on our stock price.

Dividends

There is no assurance the Company will pay any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future.

The Ability of Shareholders to Bring Action or Enforce Judgments Against the Company, the Managing Directors and the Supervisory Directors may be Limited Since ICTS is a Foreign Company

The ability of shareholders of ICTS (Shareholders) to bring actions against ICTS, the members of the management board of ICTS (“Management Board” and its members “Managing Directors”) and the members of the supervisory board of ICTS (“Supervisory Board” and its members “Supervisory Directors”) or to enforce liabilities predicated upon non-Dutch laws may be limited.

The Company is a public company with limited liability (naamloze vennootschap met beperkte aansprakelijkheid) incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands. The corporate affairs of ICTS are governed by the articles of association of ICTS (the Articles of Association) and by the laws governing companies incorporated in the Netherlands. Significant number of ICTS’ assets and activities are located outside the United States of America. In addition, Managing Directors and some of the Supervisory Directors are residents of countries other than the United States of America.

The United States of America and the Netherlands currently do not have a treaty providing for reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments, other than arbitration awards, in civil and commercial matters. In addition, the countries of residence of the Managing Directors, the Supervisory Directors and of the Company’s employees may also not have a treaty providing for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments. Consequently, a final judgment for payment rendered by an US court that is enforceable in the United States of America, whether or not predicated solely upon US securities laws, will not be recognized and enforced by the Dutch courts. In order to obtain a judgment which is enforceable in the Netherlands, the claim must be relitigated before a competent Dutch court. A Dutch court will, under current practice, generally grant the same judgment without relitigating on the merits if the judgment by the US court (i) results from proceedings compatible with the Dutch concept of due process, (ii) does not contravene public policy (openbare orde) of the Netherlands, (iii) has been based on an internationally acceptable ground and (iv) is not incompatible with a judgment rendered between the same parties by a Dutch court, or with an earlier judgment rendered between the same parties by a non-Dutch court in a dispute that concerns the same subject and is based on the same cause, provided that the earlier judgment qualifies for recognition in the Netherlands. Dutch courts may deny the recognition and enforcement of punitive damages or other awards. Moreover, a Dutch court may reduce the amount of damages granted by a US court and recognize damages only to the extent that they are necessary to compensate actual losses or damages. Enforcement and recognition of judgments of US courts in the Netherlands governed exclusively by the Dutch Civil Procedure Code (Wetboek van Burgerlijke Rechtsvordering) and relevant case law.

ICTS is a Dutch Public Limited Liability Company. The rights of the Shareholders may be Different from the Rights of Shareholders in Companies Governed by the Laws of US Jurisdictions.

The rights of Shareholders and the responsibilities of Managing Directors and Supervisory Directors may be different from the rights and obligations of shareholders in companies governed by the laws of US jurisdictions. Such differences include, among others, voting requirements for important shareholder resolutions regarding capital measures, corporate reorganizations and certain shareholder rights, such as assertion of liability claims. In the performance of its duties the Management Board and Supervisory Board are required by Dutch law to solely act in the best interests of the Company, which in principle is determined by the continued success of the company with a view to sustainable long-term value creation. It is generally accepted that, in discharging this duty, the Management Board and Supervisory Board must take into account the reasonable interests of all the company’s stakeholders, including its shareholders, employees and creditors. There will generally not be one prevailing stakeholder interest and so directors will often have discretion in balancing those interests. It is possible that some of these parties will have interests that are different from, or in addition to, the interests of the Shareholders.