LESAKA TECHNOLOGIES INC - Quarter Report: 2017 March (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2017 OR

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

For the transition period from ____________________ to ____________________

Commission file number: 000-31203

NET 1 UEPS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

President Place, 4^th Floor, Cnr. Jan Smuts Avenue and Bolton Road
Rosebank, Johannesburg 2196, South Africa
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 27-11-343-2000

Not Applicable
(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
YES [X]         NO [   ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
YES [X]         NO [   ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting 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 (check one):

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
YES [   ]         NO [X ]

As of May 2, 2017 (the latest practicable date), [57,590,085] shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share, net of treasury shares, were outstanding.

Form 10-Q

NET 1 UEPS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

Table of Contents

1

Part I. Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

NET 1 UEPS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(A) – Derived from audited financial statements

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

2

NET 1 UEPS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

3

NET 1 UEPS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

4

NET 1 UEPS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the nine months ended March 31, 2017 (dollar amounts in thousands)

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

5

NET 1 UEPS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

6

NET 1 UEPS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016
(All amounts in tables stated in thousands or thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

1.         Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

            Unaudited Interim Financial Information

             The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include all majority-owned subsidiaries over which the Company exercises control and have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission for Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and include all of the information and disclosures required for interim financial reporting. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, are not necessarily indicative of the results for the full year. The Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.

             These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements, accounting policies and financial notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments), which are necessary for a fair representation of financial results for the interim periods presented.

             References to the “Company” refer to Net1 and its consolidated subsidiaries, collectively, unless the context otherwise requires. References to “Net1” are references solely to Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc.

              Recent accounting pronouncements adopted

             In February 2015, the FASB issued guidance regarding Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis. This guidance amends both the variable interest entity and voting interest entity consolidation models. The requirement to assess an entity under a different consolidation model may change previous consolidation conclusions. The guidance is effective for the Company beginning July 1, 2016. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

             In November 2016, the FASB issued guidance regarding Restricted Cash - a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force. This guidance amends current guidance to add or clarify the classification and presentation of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for the Company beginning July 1, 2018, however the Company has early adopted the guidance, effective December 31, 2016. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

              Recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted as of March 31, 2017

             In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance regarding Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This guidance requires an entity to recognize revenue when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, the standard requires disclosure of the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The guidance was to be effective for the Company beginning July 1, 2017, however in August 2015, the FASB issued guidance regarding Revenue from Contracts with Customers, Deferral of the Effective Date. This guidance defers the required implementation date specified in Revenue from Contracts with Customers to March 2017. Public companies may elect to adopt the standard along the original timeline. The guidance is effective for the Company beginning July 1, 2018. The Company expects that this guidance may have a material impact on its financial statements and is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its financial statements on adoption.

             In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance regarding Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. This guidance requires an entity to perform interim and annual assessments of its ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date that its financial statements are issued. An entity must provide certain disclosures if conditions or events raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The guidance is effective for the Company beginning July 1, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this guidance on its financial statements disclosure.

7

1.         Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

             Recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted as of March 31, 2017 (continued)

             In July 2015, the FASB issued guidance regarding Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. This guidance requires entities to measure most inventory “at the lower of cost and net realizable value,” thereby simplifying the current guidance under which an entity must measure inventory at the lower of cost or market (market in this context is defined as one of three different measures). The guidance will not apply to inventories that are measured by using either the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method or the retail inventory method (“RIM”). The guidance is effective for the Company beginning July 1, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this guidance on its financial statements disclosure.

             In November 2015, the FASB issued guidance regarding Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. This guidance requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets are to be classified as non-current in a classified statement of financial position. The current requirement that deferred tax liabilities and assets of a tax-paying component of an entity be offset and presented as a single amount is not affected by the amendments in this update. This guidance is effective for the Company beginning July 1, 2017, with early adoption permitted on a prospective or retrospective basis. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this guidance on its financial statements disclosures.

             In January 2016, the FASB issued guidance regarding Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The guidance primarily affects the accounting for equity investments, financial liabilities under the fair value option and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. In addition, the guidance clarifies the valuation allowance assessment when recognizing deferred tax assets resulting from unrealized losses on available-for-sale debt securities. This guidance is effective for the Company beginning July 1, 2018, and early adoption is not permitted, with certain exceptions. The amendments are required to be applied by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment on the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this guidance on its financial statements disclosure.

             In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance regarding Leases. The guidance increases transparency and comparability among organizations by requiring the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet. The amendments to current lease guidance include the recognition of assets and liabilities by lessees for those leases currently classified as operating leases. The guidance also requires disclosures to meet the objective of enabling users of financial statements to assess the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. This guidance is effective for the Company beginning July 1, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. The Company expects that this guidance may have a material impact on its financial statements and is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its financial statements on adoption.

             In March 2016, the FASB issued guidance regarding Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The guidance simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions for both public and nonpublic entities, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. This guidance is effective for the Company beginning July 1, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this guidance on its financial statements disclosure.

             In June 2016, the FASB issued guidance regarding Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The guidance replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in current 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. For trade and other receivables, loans, and other financial instruments, an entity is required to use a forward-looking expected loss model rather than the incurred loss model for recognizing credit losses, which reflects losses that are probable. Credit losses relating to available-for-sale debt securities will also be recorded through an allowance for credit losses rather than as a reduction in the amortized cost basis of the securities. This guidance is effective for the Company beginning July 1, 2020. Early adoption is permitted beginning July 1, 2019. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this guidance on its financial statements disclosure.

             In June 2016, the FASB issued guidance regarding Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. The guidance is intended to reduce diversity in practice and explains how certain cash receipts and payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows, including beneficial interests in securitization, which would impact the presentation of the deferred purchase price from sales of receivables. This guidance is effective for the Company beginning July 1, 2018, and must be applied retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this guidance on its financial statements disclosure.

8

1.         Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

             Recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted as of March 31, 2017 (continued)

             In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance regarding Clarifying the Definition of a Business. This guidance provides a more robust framework to use in determining when a set of assets and activities is a business. Because the current definition of a business is interpreted broadly and can be difficult to apply, stakeholders indicated that analyzing transactions is inefficient and costly and that the definition does not permit the use of reasonable judgment. The amendments provide more consistency in applying the guidance, reduce the costs of application, and make the definition of a business more operable. The guidance is effective for the Company beginning July 1, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this guidance on its financial statements disclosure.

             In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance regarding Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. This guidance removes the requirement for an entity to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill (as part of step 2 of the current goodwill impairment test) in measuring a goodwill impairment loss. The guidance is effective for the Company beginning July 1, 2020. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this guidance on its financial statements disclosure.

2.         Acquisitions

             The cash paid, net of cash received related to the Company’s various acquisitions during the nine months ended March 31, 2017, are summarized in the table below:

                      C4U Malta

             In November 2016, the Company acquired a 100% interest in C4U Malta, a licensed Malta Financial Services Authority-supervised electronic money institution, for approximately $3.9 million (€3.6 million translated at the foreign exchange rates applicable on the date of acquisition). C4U Malta’s license has been passported across all member states of the European Union. The Company intends to apply for a principal membership with the major card associations and to integrate a robust and reliable issuing and acquiring processing platform in C4U Malta to enable the issuance of electronic money instruments, such as electronic money accounts, prepaid cards and virtual cards, after a transitional period of integration and technology adaption. The Company plans to build and reinforce C4U Malta such that it operates as its principal regulated electronic money institution with the ability to cover all of the Company’s financial services activities and business in the European Union.

                      Pros Software

             In October 2016, the Company acquired a 100% interest in Pros Software, a software development and consulting services company based near Johannesburg, South Africa, for ZAR 25.0 million ($1.8 million, translated at the foreign exchange rates applicable on the date of acquisition). Pros Software performs software development and consulting services for a number of clients, including for the Company, and has a specialty practice in business intelligence.

            The preliminary purchase price allocation of the C4U Malta and Pros Software acquisitions, translated at the foreign exchange rates applicable on the date of acquisition, is provided in the table below:

9

2.         Acquisitions (continued)

             The preliminary purchase price allocations are based on management estimates as of March 31, 2017, and may be adjusted up to one year following the closing of the C4U Malta and Pros Software acquisitions. The Company expects to finalize the purchase price allocation on or before June 30, 2017. Pro forma results of operations have not been presented because the effect of the C4U Malta and Pros Software acquisitions, individually and in the aggregate, were not material to the Company. During the nine months ended March 31, 2017, the Company incurred acquisition-related expenditure of $0.2 million related to the C4U Malta and Pros Software acquisitions. Since the closing of the C4U Malta acquisition on November 1, 2016, it has contributed revenue and a net loss after acquired intangible asset amortization, net of taxation, of $0.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively. Since the closing of the Pros Software acquisition on October 1, 2016, it has contributed revenue and a net loss after acquired intangible asset amortization, net of taxation, of $0.4 million and $1.2 million, respectively.

3.         Pre-funded social welfare grants receivable

             Pre-funded social welfare grants receivable represents amounts pre-funded by the Company to certain merchants participating in the merchant acquiring system. The April 2017 payment service commenced on April 1, 2017, but the Company pre-funded certain merchants participating in the merchant acquiring system on March 31, 2017.

4.         Inventory

              The Company’s inventory comprised the following category as of March 31, 2017 and June 30, 2016.

5.         Settlement assets and settlement obligations

             Settlement assets comprise (1) cash received from the South African government that the Company holds pending disbursement to recipient beneficiaries of social welfare grants and (2) cash received from customers on whose behalf the Company processes payroll payments that the Company will disburse to customer employees, payroll-related payees and other payees designated by the customer.

             Settlement obligations comprise (1) amounts that the Company is obligated to disburse to recipient cardholders of social welfare grants, and (2) amounts that the Company is obligated to pay to customer employees, payroll-related payees and other payees designated by the customer.

             The balances at each reporting date may vary widely depending on the timing of the receipts and payments of these assets and obligations.

             Net change in settlement assets and net change in settlement obligations included in the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2016, have been increased by $19.7 million and $59.5 million, respectively, as a result of the restatement described in Note 2—(Significant accounting policies—Settlement assets and settlement obligations) to the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2016.

6.         Fair value of financial instruments

                      Initial recognition and measurement

             Financial instruments are recognized when the Company becomes a party to the transaction. Initial measurements are at cost, which includes transaction costs.

                      Risk management

             The Company seeks to reduce its exposure to currencies other than the South African rand through a policy of matching, to the extent possible, assets and liabilities denominated in those currencies. In addition, the Company uses financial instruments in order to economically hedge its exposure to exchange rate and interest rate fluctuations arising from its operations. The Company is also exposed to equity price and liquidity risks as well as credit risks.

10

6.         Fair value of financial instruments (continued)

                      Risk management (continued)

                              Currency exchange risk

             The Company is subject to currency exchange risk because it purchases inventories that it is required to settle in other currencies, primarily the euro and U.S. dollar. The Company has used forward contracts in order to limit its exposure in these transactions to fluctuations in exchange rates between the South African rand, on the one hand, and the U.S. dollar and the euro, on the other hand.

                              Translation risk

             Translation risk relates to the risk that the Company’s results of operations will vary significantly as the U.S. dollar is its reporting currency, but it earns most of its revenues and incurs most of its expenses in ZAR. The U.S. dollar to ZAR exchange rate has fluctuated significantly over the past three years. As exchange rates are outside of the Company’s control, there can be no assurance that future fluctuations will not adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.

                              Interest rate risk

             As a result of its normal borrowing and leasing activities, the Company’s operating results are exposed to fluctuations in interest rates, which it manages primarily through regular financing activities. The Company generally maintains limited investment in cash equivalents and has occasionally invested in marketable securities.

                              Credit risk

             Credit risk relates to the risk of loss that the Company would incur as a result of non-performance by counterparties. The Company maintains credit risk policies with regard to its counterparties to minimize overall credit risk. These policies include an evaluation of a potential counterparty’s financial condition, credit rating, and other credit criteria and risk mitigation tools as the Company’s management deems appropriate.

             With respect to credit risk on financial instruments, the Company maintains a policy of entering into such transactions only with South African and European financial institutions that have a credit rating of BBB- or better, as determined by credit rating agencies such as Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch Ratings.

                              Microlending credit risk

             The Company is exposed to credit risk in its microlending activities, which provides unsecured short-term loans to qualifying customers. The Company manages this risk by performing an affordability test for each prospective customer and assigns a “creditworthiness score”, which takes into account a variety of factors such as other debts and total expenditures on normal household and lifestyle expenses.

                             Equity price and liquidity risk

             Equity price risk relates to the risk of loss that the Company would incur as a result of the volatility in the exchange-traded price of equity securities that it holds and the risk that it may not be able to liquidate these securities. The market price of these securities may fluctuate for a variety of reasons, consequently, the amount the Company may obtain in a subsequent sale of these securities may significantly differ from the reported market value.

             Liquidity risk relates to the risk of loss that the Company would incur as a result of the lack of liquidity on the exchange on which these securities are listed. The Company may not be able to sell some or all of these securities at one time, or over an extended period of time without influencing the exchange traded price, or at all.

              Financial instruments

             The following section describes the valuation methodologies the Company uses to measure its significant financial assets and liabilities at fair value.

             In general, and where applicable, the Company uses quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities to determine fair value. This pricing methodology applies to Level 1 investments. If quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities are not available to determine fair value, then the Company uses quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities or inputs other than the quoted prices that are observable either directly or indirectly. These investments are included in Level 2 investments. In circumstances in which inputs are generally unobservable, values typically reflect management’s estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

11

6.         Fair value of financial instruments (continued)

             Financial instruments (continued)

             The fair values are therefore determined using model-based techniques that include option pricing models, discounted cash flow models, and similar techniques. Investments valued using such techniques are included in Level 3 investments.

                     Derivative transactions - Foreign exchange contracts

             As part of the Company’s risk management strategy, the Company enters into derivative transactions to mitigate exposures to foreign currencies using foreign exchange contracts. These foreign exchange contracts are over-the-counter derivative transactions. Substantially all of the Company’s derivative exposures are with counterparties that have long-term credit ratings of BBB- or better. The Company uses quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities to determine fair value (Level 2). The Company has no derivatives that require fair value measurement under Level 1 or 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

              The Company’s outstanding foreign exchange contracts are as follows:

              As of March 31, 2017

              None.

              As of June 30, 2016

             The following table presents the Company’s assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2017, according to the fair value hierarchy:

12

6.         Fair value of financial instruments (continued)

             The following table presents the Company’s assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2016, according to the fair value hierarchy:

             Changes in the Company’s investment in Finbond Group Limited, or Finbond, (Level 3 that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis) were insignificant during the nine months ended March 31, 2016. There have been no transfers in or out of Level 3 during the three and nine months ended March 31, 2017 and during the three months ended March 31, 2016, respectively.

                      Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis

             The Company measures its assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis when they are deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired. The Company has no liabilities that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. The Company reviews the carrying values of its assets when events and circumstances warrant and considers all available evidence in evaluating when declines in fair value are other-than-temporary. The fair values of the Company’s assets are determined using the best information available, and may include quoted market prices, market comparables, and discounted cash flow projections. An impairment charge is recorded when the cost of the assets exceeds its fair value and the excess is determined to be other-than-temporary. The Company has not recorded any impairment charges during the reporting periods presented herein.

              Equity accounted investments

                      Finbond

             On October 7, 2016, the Company provided a loan of ZAR 139.2 million ($10.0 million, translated at the foreign exchange rates applicable on the date of the loan) to Finbond in order for Finbond to partially finance its expansion strategy in the United States. Interest on the loan is payable quarterly in arrears and is based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) in effect from time to time plus a margin of 10.00% . The LIBOR rate was 1.064% on March 31, 2017. The loan was initially repayable in full at the earlier of Finbond concluding a rights offer or February 28, 2017, but the agreement has subsequently been amended to extend this date to August 31, 2017. The Company has provided an irrevocable undertaking to participate in the rights offering and convert the ZAR 139.2 million loan to Finbond shares as part of this process.

              Strategic investments

                      Bank Frick

             On January 12, 2017, the Company entered into a share purchase agreement with the Kuno Frick Family Foundation (“Frick Foundation”) to acquire a 30% interest in Bank Frick & Co AG (“Bank Frick”), a fully licensed bank based in Balzers, Liechtenstein, from the Frick Foundation for approximately CHF 39.8 million ($39.7 million translated at exchange rates applicable as of March 31, 2017). The completion of the investment is subject to approval from the Financial Market Authority Liechtenstein. Following the successful completion of this investment, the Company will have a two-year option to acquire a further 35% interest in Bank Frick.

13

6.         Fair value of financial instruments (continued)

             Strategic investments (continued)

             Bank Frick provides a complete suite of banking services, with one of its key strategic pillars being the provision of payment services and funding of financial technology opportunities. Bank Frick holds acquiring licenses from both Visa and MasterCard and operates a branch in London. The Company and Bank Frick have jointly identified several funding opportunities, including for the Company’s working capital finance, card issuing and acquiring and transaction processing activities. The pending investment in Bank Frick has the potential to provide the Company with a stable, long term and strategic relationship with a fully licensed bank. The Company and Bank Frick have agreed that approximately $30 million of the Bank Frick’s free equity will be utilized as seed capital for a fund dedicated to the Company’s future activities.

7.         Goodwill and intangible assets, net Goodwill

              Summarized below is the movement in the carrying value of goodwill for the nine months ended March 31, 2017:

             (1) – Represents the effects of the fluctuations between the South African rand, euro and the Korean won, and the U.S. dollar on the carrying value.

              Goodwill has been allocated to the Company’s reportable segments as follows:

             (1) – Represents the effects of the fluctuations between the South African rand, euro and the Korean won, and the U.S. dollar on the carrying value.

              Intangible assets, net

                      Intangible assets acquired

             Summarized below is the fair value of the Pros Software and C4U Malta intangible assets acquired, translated at the exchange rate applicable as of the acquisition date, and the weighted-average amortization period of the intangible assets:

             On acquisition, the Company recognized a deferred tax liability of approximately $0.7 million related to the acquisition of the intangible assets.

14

7.         Goodwill and intangible assets, net (continued)

              Intangible assets, net (continued)

                      Carrying value and amortization of intangible assets

             Summarized below is the carrying value and accumulated amortization of the intangible assets as of March 31, 2017 and June 30, 2016:

(1) Includes the customer relationships acquired as part of the Pros Software acquisition in October 2016, and the customer relationships and software and unpatented technology acquired as part of the C4U Malta acquisition in November 2016.

             Aggregate amortization expense on the finite-lived intangible assets for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, was approximately $3.7 million and $2.3 million, respectively. Aggregate amortization expense on the finite-lived intangible assets for the nine months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, was approximately $10.2 million and $8.2 million, respectively.

             Future estimated annual amortization expense for the next five fiscal years and thereafter, assuming exchange rates that prevailed on March 31, 2017, is presented in the table below. Actual amortization expense in future periods could differ from this estimate as a result of acquisitions, changes in useful lives, exchange rate fluctuations and other relevant factors.

8.         Reinsurance assets and policyholder liabilities under insurance and investment contracts

             Reinsurance assets and policyholder liabilities under insurance contracts

             Summarized below is the movement in reinsurance assets and policyholder liabilities under insurance contracts during the nine months ended March 31, 2017:

(1) Included in other long-term assets.
(2) Included in other long-term liabilities.
(3) Represents the effects of the fluctuations between the ZAR against the U.S. dollar.

15

8.         Reinsurance assets and policyholder liabilities under insurance and investment contracts (continued)

             Reinsurance assets and policyholder liabilities under insurance contracts (continued)

             The Company has agreements with reinsurance companies in order to limit its losses from large insurance contracts, however, if the reinsurer is unable to meet its obligations, the Company retains the liability.

             The Company determines its reserves for future policy benefits under its life insurance products using a model which estimates claims incurred that have not been reported at the balance sheet date. This model includes best estimate assumptions of experience plus prescribed margins, as required in the markets in which these products are offered, namely South Africa. The best estimate assumptions include those assumptions related to mortality, morbidity and claim reporting delays, and the main assumptions used to calculate the reserve for future policy benefits include (i) mortality and morbidity assumptions reflecting the company’s most recent experience and (ii) claim reporting delays reflecting Company specific and industry experience.

             Assets and policyholder liabilities under investment contracts

             Summarized below is the movement in assets and policyholder liabilities under investment contracts during the nine months ended March 31, 2017:

(1) Included in other long-term assets.
(2) Included in other long-term liabilities.
(3) Represents the effects of the fluctuations between the ZAR against the U.S. dollar.

             The Company does not offer any investment products with guarantees related to capital or returns.

9.         Short-term credit facilities

             The Company’s short-term credit facilities are described in Note 12 to the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2016.

             South Africa

             The aggregate amount of the Company’s short-term South African credit facility with Nedbank Limited (“Nedbank”) was ZAR 400 million ($29.8 million) and consists of (i) a primary amount of up to ZAR 200 million ($14.9 million), which is immediately available, and (ii) a secondary amount of up to ZAR 200 million ($14.9 million), which is not immediately available (all amounts denominated in ZAR and translated at exchange rates applicable as of March 31, 2017). The primary amount comprises an overdraft facility of up to ZAR 50 million ($3.7 million) and indirect and derivative facilities of up to ZAR 150 million ($11.2 million), which include letters of guarantee, letters of credit and forward exchange contracts (all amounts denominated in ZAR and translated at exchange rates applicable as of March 31, 2017).

             On December 9, 2016, Nedbank issued a letter (the “Nedbank Facility Letter”) to the Company under which it agreed to temporarily increase the overdraft facility by the secondary amount of ZAR 200 million to ZAR 250 million. The increase in the overdraft to ZAR 250 million is available until the earlier of the day on which the Company issues shares to the value of $45.0 million (refer to Note 11) or the day on which FirstRand Bank Limited (acting through its Rand Merchant Bank division) repays ZAR 600 million back to the Company that is currently held in escrow related to the issuance of a ZAR 2 billion guarantee to Net1 SA (refer to Note 10).

             As of March 31, 2017, the interest rate on the overdraft facility was 9.35% . The Company has ceded its investment in Cash Paymaster Services Proprietary Limited as security for its repayment obligations under the facility. A commitment fee of 0.35% per annum is payable on the monthly unutilized amount of the overdraft portion of the primary amount. The Company is required to comply with customary non-financial covenants, including, without limitation, covenants that restrict its ability to dispose of or encumber its assets, incur additional indebtedness or engage in certain business combinations.

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9.         Short-term credit facilities (continued)

             South Africa (continued)

             As of March 31, 2017 and June 30, 2016, respectively, the Company had not utilized any of its overdraft facility. As of March 31, 2017, the Company had utilized ZAR 130.5 million ($9.7 million, translated at exchange rates applicable as of March 31, 2017) of its ZAR 150 million indirect and derivative facilities to enable the bank to issue guarantees, including stand-by letters of credit, in order for the Company to honor its obligations to third parties requiring such guarantees (refer to Note 18). As of June 30, 2016, the Company had utilized ZAR 131.1 million ($8.9 million, translated at exchange rates applicable as of June 30, 2016) of its ZAR 150 million indirect and derivative facilities.

             Korea

             The Company had not utilized any of its KRW 10 billion ($8.9 million, translated at exchange rates applicable as of March 31, 2017) overdraft facility as of March 31, 2017 or June 30, 2016. As of March 31, 2017, the interest rate on the overdraft facility was 3.40% . The facility expires in January 2018.

10.      Long-term borrowings

             Korea

             The Company’s Korean senior secured loan facility is described in Note 13 to the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2016. The current carrying value as of March 31, 2017, is $25.3 million. As of March 31, 2017, the carrying amount of the long-term borrowings approximated fair value. The interest rate in effect on March 31, 2017, was 4.59% .

             On July 29, 2016, the Company utilized approximately KRW 0.3 billion ($0.2 million) of its Facility C revolving credit facility to pay interest due. On the same day, the Company made unscheduled payments of KRW 20 billion ($17.8 million) towards its Facility A loan, and KRW 10 billion ($8.9 million) towards its Facility C revolving credit facility. On October 31, 2016, the Company made an unscheduled payment of KRW 2.1 billion ($1.8 million) towards its Facility A loan as a result of a distribution from KSNET paid to Net1 Korea which was contractually required to be applied against interest and principal outstanding. On January 29, 2017, the Company utilized approximately KRW 0.3 billion ($0.3 million) of its Facility C revolving credit facility to pay interest due. On April 29, 2017, the Company made a scheduled repayment of $8.9 million (translated at exchange rates applicable as of March 31, 2017). The next scheduled principal payment of $8.9 million (translated at exchange rates applicable as of March 31, 2017) is due on April 29, 2018.

             Interest expense incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, was $0.3 million and $0.7 million, respectively. Interest expense incurred during the nine months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, was $0.9 million and $2.1 million, respectively. Prepaid facility fees amortized during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, was $0.03 million and $0.04 million respectively. Prepaid facility fees amortized during the nine months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, was $0.09 million and $0.1 million, respectively.

             South Africa

             On October 4, 2016, the Company, through one of its subsidiaries, Net1 Applied Technologies South Africa Proprietary Limited (“Net1 SA”), entered into a Subscription Agreement (the “Blue Label Subscription Agreement”) with Blue Label Telecoms Limited (“Blue Label”), a JSE-listed company which is a leading provider of prepaid electricity and airtime in South Africa. Pursuant to the Blue Label Subscription Agreement, Net1 SA will subscribe for approximately 117.9 million ordinary shares of Blue Label at a price of ZAR 16.96 per share, for an aggregate price of ZAR 2.0 billion.

             On October 20, 2016, Net1 SA and Blue Label signed an addendum to the Blue Label Subscription Agreement which, among other things, established the subscription date and required FirstRand Bank Limited (acting through its Rand Merchant Bank division) (“RMB”) to issue a guarantee to Blue Label for the purchase price of the Blue Label shares to be purchased by Net1 SA (the “Guarantee”). On that same date, and in connection with the Blue Label Subscription Agreement, Net1 SA entered into a Common Terms Agreement, a Senior Facility A Agreement, Senior Facility B Agreement, Senior Facility C Agreement, Subordination Agreement, Security Cession & Pledge and certain ancillary loan documents (collectively, the “Loan Documents”) with RMB, pursuant to which, among other things, Net1 SA may borrow up to an aggregate of ZAR 1.4 billion ($104.4 million, translated at exchange rates applicable as of March 31, 2017) to finance a portion of its working capital requirements and a portion of its investment in Blue Label. The amounts available under these loans and an escrow deposit of ZAR 600 million ($44.7 million, translated at exchange rates applicable as of March 31, 2017) made by Net1 SA serve as security for the Guarantee. Net1 and certain of the Company’s other subsidiaries have agreed to guarantee the obligations of Net1 SA to RMB and subordinate any claims they may have against Net1 SA and certain of its subsidiaries to RMB’s claims against such persons.

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10.      Long-term borrowings (continued)

             South Africa (continued)

             The Loan Documents provide for a Facility A term loan of up to ZAR 500 million ($37.3 million), a Facility B term loan of up to ZAR 900 million ($67.1 million), amounts translated at exchange rates applicable as of March 31, 2017, and a Facility C term loan in an amount equal to the aggregate amount of voluntary prepayments of the outstanding principal amount of the Facility A loan.

             On November 15, 2016, RMB, the Company, Net1 SA and certain of their respective affiliates entered into a letter agreement (the “Guarantee Letter”) amending the Loan Documents to extend the term of the Guarantee, as referenced therein, to February 28, 2017. On November 16, 2016, Net1 SA and Blue Label entered into an Amended and Restated Subscription Agreement (the “A&R Agreement”) which, among other things, extended the subscription date to a date, to be specified by Blue Label, during the period between January 23, 2017 and February 28, 2017 (inclusive). On November 15, 2016, RMB issued a new guarantee in favor of Blue Label for the purchase price of the Blue Label shares to be purchased by Net1 SA (the “New Guarantee”). In accordance with the terms of the Guarantee Letter, the New Guarantee was scheduled to expire on February 28, 2017. Upon closing under the A&R Agreement, Net1 SA expects Blue Label to deliver the New Guarantee to RMB for payment of the subscription price of the Blue Label shares.

             On February 28, 2017, RMB, the Company, Net1 SA and certain of their respective affiliates entered into a new letter agreement (the “February 2017 Guarantee Letter”) amending the Loan Documents to extend the term of the New Guarantee, as referenced therein, to May 31, 2017, and to correct certain outdated terms to Loan Documents, and RMB issued a new guarantee (the “February 2017 Guarantee”) in favor of Blue Label for the purchase price of the Blue Label shares to be purchased by Net1 SA. In accordance with the terms of the February 2017 Guarantee Letter, this guarantee will expire on May 31, 2017.

             On February 28, 2017, RMB, the Company, Net1 SA and certain of their respective affiliates entered into a letter agreement under which the parties agreed to amend the Loan Documents by March 15, 2017, to contemplate and permit various guarantors to provide guarantees and to ensure that only the original senior lenders retain the benefits of all amounts credited to the escrow account and security in respect thereof. On March 15, 2017, the parties signed the necessary agreements to amend and restate the Loan Documents.

             The Company paid a guarantee fee of approximately ZAR 16.0 million ($1.1 million) during the three months ended March 31, 2017. Interest on the loans is payable monthly based on the Johannesburg Interbank Agreed Rate (“JIBAR”) in effect from time to time plus a margin of 1.35% for the Facility A and Facility C loans and 2.75% for the Facility B loan. The JIBAR rate was 7.4% on March 31, 2017.

             Principal repayments on the Facility A and Facility B loans are due in eight equal quarterly installments, beginning on a date to be determined by the parties upon draw down, and all of the loans two years after draw down. Principal repayment on the Facility C loan is due in quarterly installments to be determined by RMB subject to the date of borrowing thereunder. Voluntary prepayments are permitted without early repayment fees or penalties.

             The loans are secured by a pledge by Net1 SA of its entire equity interest in Blue Label. The Loan Documents contain customary covenants that require Net1 SA to maintain a specified total net leverage ratio and restrict the ability of Net1 SA, and certain of its subsidiaries to make certain distributions with respect to their capital stock, prepay other debt, encumber their assets, incur additional indebtedness, make investment above specified levels, engage in certain business combinations and engage in other corporate activities.

11.      Capital structure

            The following table presents reconciliation between the number of shares, net of treasury, presented in the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity during the nine months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and the number of shares, net of treasury, excluding non-vested equity shares that have not vested during the nine months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively:

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11.      Capital structure (continued)

             Sale of common stock

             In February 2017, the Company sold a total of five million shares of its common stock at a price of $9.00 per share to two investors, for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of $45.0 million. These sales were made pursuant to stock purchase agreements entered into on October 6, 2016, as amended. One of the investors was contractually restricted from disposing of the shares until April 6, 2017, and the other is restricted until August 16, 2017. The sale of the shares has been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to the Company’s shelf registration statement on Form S-3.

             Common stock repurchases

             Executed under share repurchase authorizations

             In February 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the replenishment of its share repurchase authorization to repurchase up to an aggregate of $100 million of common stock. The authorization has no expiration date. On June 29, 2016, the Company adopted a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan for the purpose of repurchasing approximately $50 million of its common stock, which was included within the original share repurchase authorization. The Company did not repurchase any of its shares during the three months ended March 31, 2017. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company repurchased 1,328,699 shares for approximately $12.7 million under its share repurchase authorization. During the nine months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company repurchased 3,137,609 shares for approximately $31.6 million and 2,077,912 shares for approximately $23.9 million, respectively, under its share repurchase authorizations.

12.      Accumulated other comprehensive loss

             The table below presents the change in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income per component during the nine months ended March 31, 2017:

             There were no reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to comprehensive (loss) income during the three and nine months ended March 31, 2017 or 2016, respectively.

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13.      Stock-based compensation

             Stock option and restricted stock activity

                     Options

             The following table summarizes stock option activity for the nine months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:

             No stock options were awarded during the three and nine months ended March 31, 2017 or 2016. There were no forfeitures during the three months ended March 31, 2017 or during the three and nine months ended March 31, 2016; however, during the nine months ended March 31, 2017, 474,443 stock options awarded in August 2006, expired unexercised.

             The following table presents stock options vested and expecting to vest as of March 31, 2017:

             These options have an exercise price range of $7.35 to $24.46.

             The following table presents stock options that are exercisable as of March 31, 2017:

             No stock options became exercisable during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. During the nine months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, 154,803 and 373,435 stock options became exercisable. The Company received approximately $0.6 million from the exercise of 68,740 stock options, during the three and nine months ended March 31, 2017. No stock options were exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2016. The Company received approximately $3.8 million from the exercise of 323,645 stock options, during the nine months ended March 31, 2016. The Company issues new shares to satisfy stock option exercises.

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13.      Stock-based compensation (continued)

           Stock option and restricted stock activity (continued)

                     Restricted stock

             The following table summarizes restricted stock activity for the nine months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:

             The August 2016 grants comprise 350,000 and 37,000 shares of restricted stock awarded to executive officers and non-employee directors, respectively. The shares of restricted stock awarded to executive officers in August 2016 are subject to time-based and performance-based vesting conditions. In order for any of the shares to vest, the recipient must remain employed by the Company on a full-time basis on the date that it files its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019. If that condition is satisfied, then the shares will vest based on the level of Fundamental EPS the Company achieves for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 (“2019 Fundamental EPS”), as follows:

• One-third of the shares will vest if the Company achieves 2019 Fundamental EPS of $2.60;
• Two-thirds of the shares will vest if the Company achieves 2019 Fundamental EPS of $2.80; and
• All of the shares will vest if the Company achieves 2019 Fundamental EPS of $3.00.

             At levels of 2019 Fundamental EPS greater than $2.60 and less than $3.00, the number of shares that will vest will be determined by linear interpolation relative to 2019 Fundamental EPS of $2.80. Any shares that do not vest in accordance with the above-described conditions will be forfeited. All shares of restricted stock have been valued utilizing the closing price of shares of the Company’s common stock quoted on The Nasdaq Global Select Market on the date of grant.

             The August 2015 grants comprise 301,537 and 17,955 shares of restricted stock awarded to employees and non-employee directors, respectively. The shares of restricted stock awarded to employees in August 2015 are subject to time-based and performance-based vesting conditions. In order for any of the shares to vest, the recipient must remain employed by the Company on a full-time basis on the date that it files its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018. If that condition is satisfied, then the shares will vest based on the level of Fundamental EPS the Company achieves for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018 (“2018 Fundamental EPS”), as follows:

• One-third of the shares will vest if the Company achieves 2018 Fundamental EPS of $2.88;
• Two-thirds of the shares will vest if the Company achieves 2018 Fundamental EPS of $3.30; and
• All of the shares will vest if the Company achieves 2018 Fundamental EPS of $3.76.

             At levels of 2018 Fundamental EPS greater than $2.88 and less than $3.76, the number of shares that will vest will be determined by linear interpolation relative to 2018 Fundamental EPS of $3.30. Any shares that do not vest in accordance with the above-described conditions will be forfeited. All shares of restricted stock have been valued utilizing the closing price of shares of the Company’s common stock quoted on The Nasdaq Global Select Market on the date of grant. The Company has reversed the stock-based compensation charge recognized to date related to the 301,537 shares of restricted stock because it believes that it is unlikely that the 2018 Fundamental EPS target will be achieved due to the dilutive impact on the fundamental EPS calculation as a result of issuance of the approximate 10 million shares to the IFC in May 2016.

             The fair value of restricted stock vesting during the nine months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, was $0.7 million and $1.4 million.

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13.        Stock-based compensation (continued)

              Stock-based compensation charge and unrecognized compensation cost

             The Company has recorded a stock-based compensation charge of $0.6 million and $1.0 million, respectively, during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, which comprised:

             The Company has recorded a stock-based compensation (reversal) charge, net of ($0.1 million) and $2.6 million, respectively, during the nine months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, which comprised:

             The stock-based compensation charges have been allocated to selling, general and administration based on the allocation of the cash compensation paid to the employees.

             As of March 31, 2017, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options was approximately $0.3 million, which the Company expects to recognize over approximately one year. As of March 31, 2017, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock awards was approximately $3.6 million, which the Company expects to recognize over approximately two years. This amount excludes the total unrecognized compensation cost as of March 31, 2017, related to restricted stock awards that the Company expects will not vest due to it not achieving the 2018 Fundamental EPS of approximately $6.0 million. As of March 31, 2017, the cumulative unrecorded stock-based compensation charge related to these awards of restricted stock that the Company has determined are expected not to vest and has not expensed in its consolidated statement of operations is approximately $3.4 million (which amount includes the $1.8 million reversed).

             As of each of March 31, 2017 and June 30, 2016, respectively, the Company has recorded a deferred tax asset of approximately $1.8 million related to the stock-based compensation charge recognized related to employees and directors of Net1 as it is able to deduct the grant date fair value for taxation purposes.

14.       Earnings per share

             The Company has issued redeemable common stock which is redeemable at an amount other than fair value. Redemption of a class of common stock at other than fair value increases or decreases the carrying amount of the redeemable common stock and is reflected in basic earnings per share using the two-class method. There were no redemptions of common stock, or adjustments to the carrying value of the redeemable common stock during the three and nine months ended March 31, 2017 or 2016. Accordingly the two-class method presented below does not include the impact of any redemption. The Company’s redeemable common stock is described in Note 14 to the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2016.

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14.      Earnings per share (continued)

             Basic earnings per share include shares of restricted stock that meet the definition of a participating security because these shares are eligible to receive non-forfeitable dividend equivalents at the same rate as common stock. Basic earnings per share have been calculated using the two-class method and basic earnings per share for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, reflects only undistributed earnings. The computation below of basic earnings per share excludes the net income attributable to shares of unvested restricted stock (participating non-vested restricted stock) from the numerator and excludes the dilutive impact of these unvested shares of restricted stock from the denominator.

             Diluted earnings per share have been calculated to give effect to the number of shares of additional common stock that would have been outstanding if the potential dilutive instruments had been issued in each period. Stock options are included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share utilizing the treasury stock method and are not considered to be participating securities, as the stock options do not contain non-forfeitable dividend rights. The calculation of diluted earnings per share includes the dilutive effect of a portion of the restricted stock granted to employees in August 2013, August 2014, November 2014, August 2015 and August 2016, as these shares of restricted stock are considered contingently returnable shares for the purposes of the diluted earnings per share calculation and the vesting conditions in respect of a portion of the restricted stock had been satisfied. The vesting conditions for awards made in August 2016 and August 2015 are discussed in Note 13 and the vesting conditions for all other awards are discussed in Note 18 to the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2016.

             The following table presents net income attributable to Net1 (income from continuing operations) and the share data used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations using the two-class method:

             Options to purchase 502,161 shares of the Company’s common stock at prices ranging from $13.16 to $24.46 per share were outstanding during the three and nine months ended March 31, 2017, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the options’ exercise price were greater than the average market price of the Company’s common stock. The options, which expire at various dates through August 27, 2024, were still outstanding as of March 31, 2017.

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15.      Supplemental cash flow information

             Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash as of March 31, 2017, presented in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows includes restricted cash of approximately $44.7 million related to the guarantee issued by FirstRand Bank Limited (acting through its Rand Merchant Bank division) as described in Note 10. This cash has been placed into an escrow account and is considered restricted as to use and therefore is classified as restricted cash and presented as restricted cash in the March 31, 2017, unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet. The restriction will lapse once the guarantee expires, is utilized or is cancelled.

             The following table presents supplemental cash flow disclosures for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:

             Treasury shares, at cost included in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2016, includes 47,056 shares of the Company’s common stock acquired for approximately $0.5 million which were paid for on July 1, 2016. The liability for this payment was included in accounts payable on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2016. The payment of approximately $0.5 million is included in acquisition of treasury stock in the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine months ended March 31, 2017.

             On January 20, 2016, the Company issued 391,645 shares of its common stock with an aggregate issue date fair value of approximately $4.0 million as part consideration for the Company’s 56% interest in T24.

16.      Operating segments

             The Company discloses segment information as reflected in the management information systems reports that its chief operating decision maker uses in making decisions and to report certain entity-wide disclosures about products and services, major customers, and the countries in which the entity holds material assets or reports material revenues. A description of the Company’s operating segments is contained in Note 23 to the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2016.

             The reconciliation of the reportable segments revenue to revenue from external customers for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, is as follows:

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16.       Operating segments (continued)

             The reconciliation of the reportable segments revenue to revenue from external customers for the nine months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, is as follows:

             The Company does not allocate interest income, interest expense or income tax expense to its reportable segments. The Company evaluates segment performance based on segment operating income before acquisition-related intangible asset amortization which represents operating income before acquisition-related intangible asset amortization and allocation of expenses allocated to Corporate/Eliminations, all under GAAP. The reconciliation of the reportable segments measure of profit or loss to income before income taxes for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, is as follows:

             The following tables summarize segment information that is prepared in accordance with GAAP for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:

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16.      Operating segments (continued)

             The segment information as reviewed by the chief operating decision maker does not include a measure of segment assets per segment as all of the significant assets are used in the operations of all, rather than any one, of the segments. The Company does not have dedicated assets assigned to a particular operating segment. Accordingly, it is not meaningful to attempt an arbitrary allocation and segment asset allocation is therefore not presented.

             It is impractical to disclose revenues from external customers for each product and service or each group of similar products and services.

17.      Income tax

             Income tax in interim periods

             For the purposes of interim financial reporting, the Company determines the appropriate income tax provision by first applying the effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the full fiscal year to ordinary income. This amount is then adjusted for the tax effect of significant unusual or extraordinary items, for instance, changes in tax law, valuation allowances and non-deductible transaction-related expenses that are reported separately, and have an impact on the tax charge. The cumulative effect of any change in the enacted tax rate, if and when applicable, on the opening balance of deferred tax assets and liabilities is also included in the tax charge as a discrete event in the interim period in which the enactment date occurs.

             For the three and nine months ended March 31, 2017, the tax charge was calculated using the expected effective tax rate for the year. The Company’s effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2017, was 35.0% and 34.0%, respectively, and was higher than the South African statutory rate as a result of additional taxes payable resulting from the finalization of a tax review in South Korea, non-deductible expenses and the tax impact attributable to distributions from our South African subsidiary.

             For the three and nine months ended March 31, 2016, the tax charge was calculated using the expected effective tax rate for the year. The Company’s effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2016, was 34.2% and 34.6%, respectively, and was higher than the South African statutory rate as a result of non-deductible expenses (including consulting and legal fees) and the tax impact, including withholding taxes, of distributions from subsidiary companies in foreign jurisdictions.

             Uncertain tax positions

             There were no changes during the three months ended March 31, 2017. The Company utilized approximately $0.3 million of its unrecognized tax benefits during the nine months ended March 31, 2017 as a result of the finalization of a tax review in South Korea. As of March 31, 2017, the Company had accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions of approximately $0.1 million on its balance sheet.

             The Company does not expect changes related to its unrecognized tax benefits will have a significant impact on its results of operations or financial position in the next 12 months.

             As of March 31, 2017 and June 30, 2016, the Company has unrecognized tax benefits of $1.8 million and $1.9 million, respectively, all of which would impact the Company’s effective tax rate. The Company files income tax returns mainly in South Africa, South Korea, Germany, Hong Kong, India, the United Kingdom, Botswana and in the U.S. federal jurisdiction. As of March 31, 2017, the Company’s South African subsidiaries are no longer subject to income tax examination by the South African Revenue Service for periods before June 30, 2012. The Company is subject to income tax in other jurisdictions outside South Africa, none of which are individually material to its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

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18.      Commitments and contingencies

             Guarantees

             The South African Revenue Service and certain of the Company’s customers, suppliers and other business partners have asked the Company to provide them with guarantees, including standby letters of credit, issued by a South African bank. The Company is required to procure these guarantees for these third parties to operate its business.

             Nedbank has issued guarantees to these third parties amounting to ZAR 130.5 million ($9.7 million, translated at exchange rates applicable as of March 31, 2017) and thereby utilizing part of the Company’s short-term facility. The Company in turn has provided nonrecourse, unsecured counter-guarantees to Nedbank for ZAR 130.5 million ($9.7 million, translated at exchange rates applicable as of March 31, 2017). The Company pays commission of between 0.4% per annum to 2.0% per annum of the face value of these guarantees and does not recover any of the commission from third parties.

             The Company has not recognized any obligation related to these counter-guarantees in its consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2017 and June 30, 2016. The maximum potential amount that the Company could pay under these guarantees is ZAR 130.5 million ($9.7 million, translated at exchange rates applicable as of March 31, 2017). The guarantees have reduced the amount available for borrowings under the Company’s short-term credit facility described in Note 9.

             Contingencies

             The Company is subject to a variety of insignificant claims and suits that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of business.

             Management currently believes that the resolution of these matters, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

             The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2016, and the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes included in this Form 10-Q.

Forward-looking statements

             Some of the statements in this Form 10-Q constitute forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our or our industry’s actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed, implied or inferred by these forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among other things, those listed under Item 1A.—“Risk Factors” and elsewhere in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2016 and in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of such terms and other comparable terminology.

             Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we do not know whether we can achieve positive future results, levels of activity, performance, or goals. Actual events or results may differ materially. We undertake no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this Form 10-Q to conform those statements to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by applicable law.

             You should read this Form 10-Q and the documents that we reference herein and the documents we have filed as exhibits hereto and thereto and which we have filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission completely and with the understanding that our actual future results, levels of activity, performance and achievements may be materially different from what we expect. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.

Recent Developments

             SASSA contract extended to March 31, 2018

             Our contract signed in February 2012 with SASSA was scheduled to expire on March 31, 2017. At a Parliamentary briefing session on February 1, 2017, SASSA informed the meeting that it would not be ready to assume the payment function on April 1, 2017. SASSA expressed its intention to approach the Constitutional Court to obtain permission to extend our contract. On February 9, 2017, we received a letter from SASSA that essentially was an invitation to meet to discuss an interim arrangement to continue with the payment of social welfare grants after March 31, 2017, for a limited period. The parties agreed to meet in the first week of March 2017.

             On February 28, 2017, a South African non-profit organization initiated a court process for the Constitutional Court of South Africa to hear a matter that was described as in the public interest and in the interest of all grant beneficiaries. The applicant sought reinstatement of the oversight role of the Constitutional Court for the payment of social grants to ensure compliance by SASSA with its constitutional obligations to provide social assistance in a lawful manner that is in line with constitutional rights and values. In early March 2017, other entities joined these proceedings. We did not oppose the applications made.

             In early March 2017, we met with SASSA to discuss the interim arrangement referred to above. The parties agreed on draft terms following these discussions. These draft terms were subject to approval by National Treasury or the Constitutional Court.

             The Constitutional Court heard the matter referred to above on March 15, 2017, and issued its order on March 17, 2017. The impact of the Constitutional Court’s order on us is summarized below under “Item 1—Legal Proceedings.” The order effectively extends the expiring contract and the suspension of the declaration of invalidity to March 31, 2018, under the expiring contract’s terms and conditions, augmented by certain additional terms and conditions as described below under “Item 1—Legal Proceedings.”

             On March 31, 2017, we signed an addendum to the expiring contract with SASSA which extends the contract to March 31, 2018, under the expiring contracts terms and conditions and includes the specific terms as ordered by the Constitutional Court.

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             Progress of acquisition of a strategic stake in Blue Label, Cell C and DNI

             In February 2017, we agreed with Blue Label Telecoms Limited, or Blue Label, to extend the subscription date for our proposed 15% investment in Blue Label from February 28, 2017, to no later than June 30, 2017, in order to afford Blue Label the necessary flexibility to close its proposed Cell C transaction. We also agreed with Blue Label and FirstRand Bank Limited, acting through its Rand Merchant Bank division, or RMB, to amend the ZAR 2 billion guarantee issued by RMB in favor of Blue Label by extending the expiry date to May 31, 2017. In March 2017 we amended and restated our lending documents to extend the term of the guarantee to May 31, 2017, correct certain outdated terms in the lending documents, permit various guarantors to provide guarantees and to ensure that only the original senior lenders retain the benefits of all amounts credited to the escrow account and security in respect thereof.

             In addition, on February 27, 2017 Blue Label announced that it was party to a binding umbrella restructure agreement with Cell C and other relevant parties, in terms of which Blue Label’s proposed subscription for 45% of the share capital of Cell C was confirmed. The binding restructure agreement is subject to the conclusion of the relevant transaction agreements by no later than June 30, 2017. We are also a party to the umbrella restructure agreement with Cell C and have offered to acquire a direct stake of 15% of the issued share capital of Cell C for a consideration of ZAR 2 billion.

             In February 2017, we entered into a memorandum of understanding to acquire 49.6% of DNI-4PL Contracts (Pty) Ltd, or DNI, with an option to acquire a controlling stake in DNI in the future. DNI is the leading distributor of mobile subscriber starter packs for Cell C and also distributes pre-paid airtime through an extensive network of field operatives and agents.

             The proposed investments in Cell C and DNI are subject to certain conditions, including the satisfactory completion of due diligence, the required internal and external approvals and the execution of definitive transaction agreements. The Company intends to settle the purchase consideration for these two investments using a combination of surplus cash, debt and a new equity placement.

             Bank Frick

             On January 12, 2017, we entered into a share purchase agreement to acquire a 30% interest in Bank Frick & Co AG, or Bank Frick, a fully licensed bank based in Balzers, Liechtenstein, for approximately CHF 39.8 million ($39.7 million translated at exchange rates applicable as of March 31, 2017). The completion of the investment is subject to approval from the Financial Market Authority Liechtenstein. Following the successful completion of this investment, the Company will have a two-year option to acquire a further 35% in Bank Frick.

             Bank Frick provides a complete suite of banking services, with one of its key strategic pillars being the provision of payment services and funding of financial technology opportunities. Bank Frick holds acquiring licenses from both Visa and MasterCard and operates a branch in London. We have jointly identified several exciting opportunities with Bank Frick’s management team that would require funding, including for the Company’s working capital finance, card issuing and acquiring and transaction processing activities. The investment in Bank Frick provides us with a stable, long term and strategic relationship with a fully licensed bank. We have agreed with Bank Frick that approximately $30 million of the bank’s free equity will be utilized as seed capital for a fund dedicated to our future activities.

             Progress of financial inclusion initiatives in South Africa

             At April 28, 2017, we had more than 1.95 million active EPE accounts, compared to 1.8 million at February 6, 2017. EPE is a fully transactional, low cost account created to serve the needs of South Africa’s unbanked and under-banked population, most of whom are social grant recipients. The EPE account offers customers a comprehensive suite of financial and various financial inclusion services, such as prepaid products, in an economical, convenient and secure solution. EPE provides account holders with a UEPS-EMV debit MasterCard, mobile and internet banking services, ATM and POS services, as well as loans, insurance and other financial products and value-added services. However, SASSA is challenging the ability of beneficiaries to freely transact with the grants that they receive.

             In order for us to address the sizeable opportunity for EPE and related financial inclusion services in South Africa, we have had to expand our brick-and-mortar financial services branch infrastructure and supplement our nationwide distribution with a UEPS/EMV-enabled ATM network, as well as a dedicated sales force. At March 31, 2017, we had 147 branches, 940 ATMs, and 1,834 dedicated employees.

             In March 2015, we resumed marketing and business development activities in selected areas for the distribution of our simple, low-cost life insurance products and have sold approximately 330,000 new policies through April 16, 2017, in addition to the free basic life insurance policy provided with every EPE account opened. We continue to recruit additional and oftentimes specialized staff to expand our insurance activities during fiscal 2017.

             We experienced higher year-over-year growth in the demand for our loans, which are among the most affordable available to our customers. Tougher economic conditions in South Africa, aggravated by rising food prices as a result of widespread drought conditions and a weakening currency, has had an impact on the number of clients who qualify for our loan products.

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             Our business practices and products have come under intense public scrutiny over the last several months. We have recently undertaken a concerted effort to refute the accusations made against us and to assist us in communicating effectively to the public and our stakeholders that our business practices comply with South African law and are fair to the social welfare grant recipients who purchase the financial services products that we offer. In addition to our press releases and independent verification reports, we have added a “Frequently Asked Questions” section to our website to describe our financial inclusion business practices and products.

             The graph below presents the growth of the number of EPE cards and Smart Life policies:

Critical Accounting Policies

             Our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty, the determination of estimates requires management’s judgment based on a variety of assumptions and other determinants such as historical experience, current and expected market conditions and certain scientific evaluation techniques.

             Critical accounting policies are those that reflect significant judgments or uncertainties, and potentially may result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. Management has identified the following critical accounting policies that are described in more detail in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2016:

• Business combinations and the recoverability of goodwill;
• Intangible assets acquired through acquisitions;
• Deferred taxation;
• Stock-based compensation and equity instrument issued pursuant to BEE transaction;
• Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts receivable; and
• Research and development.

             Recent accounting pronouncements adopted

             Refer to Note 1 to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for a full description of recent accounting pronouncements adopted, including the dates of adoption and the effects on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

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             Recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted as of March 31, 2017

             Refer to Note 1 to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for a full description of recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted as of March 31, 2017, including the expected dates of adoption and effects on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Currency Exchange Rate Information

             Actual exchange rates

              The actual exchange rates for and at the end of the periods presented were as follows: