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Startek, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2023 September (Form 10-Q)

srt20230930_10q.htm
 
 

Table of Contents



 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549 

 


 

Form 10-Q

(Mark One)          

 

 

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

 

For the quarter ended September 30, 2023

or 

 

 

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

 

For the transition period from                to                

 

Commission file number 1-12793


 

StarTek, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

84-1370538

(State or other jurisdiction of

(I.R.S. employer

incorporation or organization)

Identification No.)

 

 

4610 South Ulster Street,

 

Suite 150, Denver, Colorado

80237

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip code)

 

(303) 262-4500

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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

 

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $0.01 par value

SRT

New York Stock Exchange, Inc.

 

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  ☒  No ☐ 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).  Yes ☒  No  ☐ 

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer ☐

Accelerated filer ☐

Non-accelerated filer  ☒

Smaller reporting company  ☒

 

Emerging growth company  ☐

 

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

 

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes ☐  No ☒ 

 

As of November 2, 2023, there were 40,345,831 shares of Common Stock outstanding.

 



 

  

 

 

STARTEK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FORM 10-Q

 

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

ITEM 1.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Page

 

Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss) and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 (Unaudited)

4

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022  (Unaudited)

6

 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 (Unaudited)

7

 

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 (Unaudited)

8

 

Note 1 Overview and Basis of Preparation

9

  Note 2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 10
  Note 3A Discontinued Operations and Held for Sale-Contact Center Company 14
  Note 3B Discontinued Operations and Held for Sale- Argentina 16
  Note 4 Goodwill and Intangible Assets 18
  Note 5 Revenue 20
  Note 6 Net Income / (Loss) Per Share 22
  Note 7 Impairment Losses and Restructuring / Exit cost 22
  Note 8 Derivative Instruments 23
  Note 9 Fair Value Measurements 23
  Note 10 Debt 24
 

Note 11 Other Current Liabilities

25
  Note 12 Share-Based Compensation 25
  Note 13 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss 25
  Note 14 Segment and geographical information 26
  Note 15 Leases 27
  Note 16 Common Stock  28
 

Note 17 Merger Transaction

29
  Note 18 Subsequent Events 29

ITEM 2.

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

30

ITEM 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

37

ITEM 4.

Controls and Procedures

37

 

 

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

ITEM 1.

Legal proceeding

38

ITEM 1A.

Risk Factors

38

ITEM 2. Unregistered sales of equity securities and use of proceeds 40

ITEM 3.

Defaults upon senior securities 40
ITEM 4. Mine safety disclosure 40

ITEM 5. 

Other Information

40

ITEM 6.

Exhibits

41

SIGNATURES

 

42

 

 

 

NOTE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including the following:

 

 

certain statements, including possible or assumed future results of operations, in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”

 

any statements regarding the prospects for our business or any of our services;

 

any statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “continue,” “estimate,” “plans,” “future,” “targets,” “predicts,” “budgeted,” “projections,” “outlooks,” “attempts,” “is scheduled,” or similar expressions; and

 

other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts.

 

Our business and results of operations are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our ability to control or predict. Because of these risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements, and investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements, which speak only as of the date thereof. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations and may adversely affect our business and results of operations, include, but are not limited to, those items described herein or set forth in the Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 28, 2023 and this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. Unless otherwise noted in this report, any description of "us," "we," or "our," refers to Startek, Inc. ("Startek") and its subsidiaries.

 

 

FILING STATUS

 

In accordance with the SEC's expanded definition of Smaller Reporting Companies effective September 10, 2018, Startek qualifies for Smaller Reporting Company status. As such, it has decided to take advantage of the relief provided from Part 1, Item 3.

 

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

STARTEK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (LOSS)

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

  

Three Months Ended September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 
                 

Revenue

  93,629   94,878   276,915   292,117 

Cost of services

  (81,141)  (80,311)  (239,782)  (253,182)

Gross profit

  12,488   14,567   37,133   38,935 
                 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

  (10,322)  (12,990)  (31,429)  (34,350)

Impairment (losses)/ reversals and restructuring/exit cost

  (24,894)  (37)  (24,769)  (110)

Operating income (loss)

  (22,728)  1,540   (19,065)  4,475 
                 

Share of income (loss) of equity accounted investee

  -   297   -   4,122 

Interest expense and other income (expense), net

  (1,998)  (1,999)  (5,657)  (5,044)

Foreign exchange gains (losses), net

  (308)  1,208   109   1,114 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before tax expenses

  (25,034)  1,046   (24,613)  4,667 

Tax (expenses) / benefits

  437   (913)  (573)  (2,854)

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax (A)

  (24,597)  133   (25,186)  1,813 

Income (loss) before income tax expenses from discontinued operations

  367   3,056   3,118   5,865 

Pre-tax gain on disposal

  -   -   11,666   - 

Tax expenses of discontinued operations

  -   (925)  (5,374)  (2,500)

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (B)

  367   2,131   9,410   3,365 

Net income (loss) (A+B)

  (24,230)  2,264   (15,776)  5,178 
                 

Income (loss) from continuing operations (A)

                

Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

  -   -   -   - 

Income (loss) attributable to Startek shareholders

  (24,597)  133   (25,186)  1,813 
   (24,597)  133   (25,186)  1,813 
                 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations (B)

                

Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

  -   2,021   2,589   4,311 

Income (loss) attributable to Startek shareholders

  367   110   6,821   (946)
   367   2,131   9,410   3,365 
                 

Net income (loss) (A+B)

                

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

  -   2,021   2,589   4,311 

Net income (loss) attributable to Startek shareholders

  (24,230)  243   (18,365)  867 
   (24,230)  2,264   (15,776)  5,178 
                 

Net income (loss) per common share from continuing operations

                

Basic net income (loss) attributable to Startek shareholders

  (0.61)  0.01   (0.62)  0.04 

Diluted net income (loss) attributable to Startek shareholders

  (0.61)  0.01   (0.62)  0.04 
                 

Net income (loss) per common share from discontinued operations

                

Basic net income (loss) attributable to Startek shareholders

  0.01   0.00   0.17   (0.02)

Diluted net income (loss) attributable to Startek shareholders

  0.01   0.00   0.17   (0.02)
                 

Net income (loss) per common share from continuing and discontinued operations

                

Basic net income (loss) attributable to Startek shareholders

  (0.60)  0.01   (0.45)  0.02 

Diluted net income (loss) attributable to Startek shareholders

  (0.60)  0.01   (0.45)  0.02 
                 

Weighted average common shares outstanding

                

Basic

  40,298   40,326   40,300   40,316 

Diluted

  40,298   40,333   40,300   40,354 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

 

STARTEK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

  

Three Months Ended September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

Net income (loss) (A+B)

  (24,230)  2,264   (15,776)  5,178 

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

  -   2,021   2,589   4,311 

Net income (loss) attributable to Startek shareholders

  (24,230)  243   (18,365)  867 
                 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes from continuing operations:

                

Foreign currency translation adjustments

  (1,053)  (3,701)  (3,578)  (7,089)

Pension amortization

  -   184   124   184 

Other comprehensive income (loss) from continuing operations

  (1,053)  (3,517)  (3,454)  (6,905)
                 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes from discontinued operations:

                

Foreign currency translation adjustments

  -   -   (50)  (1)

Pension amortization

  -   (41)  4,187   (727)

Other comprehensive income (loss) from discontinued operations

  -   (41)  4,137   (728)

Other comprehensive income (loss) from continuing and discontinued operations

  (1,053)  (3,558)  683   (7,633)
                 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes from continuing operations

                

Attributable to noncontrolling interest

  -   -   -   - 

Attributable to Startek shareholders

  (1,053)  (3,517)  (3,454)  (6,905)
   (1,053)  (3,517) 

(3,454

)  (6,905)
                 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes from discontinued operations

                

Attributable to noncontrolling interests

  -   (23)  614   (397)

Attributable to Startek shareholders

  -   (18)  3,523   (331)
   -   (41) 

4,137

   (728)
                 

Comprehensive income (loss) from continuing and discontinued operations

                

Attributable to noncontrolling interests

  -   1,998   3,203   3,914 

Attributable to Startek shareholders

  (25,283)  (3,292)  (18,296)  (6,369)
   (25,283)  (1,294) 

(15,093

)  (2,455)

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

 

STARTEK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

(In thousands, except share data)

(Unaudited)

 

  

September 30,

  

December 31,

 
  

2023

  

2022

 

Assets

        

Current assets

        

Cash and cash equivalents

  36,718   22,457 

Restricted cash

  4,122   49,946 

Trade accounts receivables, net

  41,144   47,138 

Unbilled revenue

  27,109   24,207 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

  14,045   9,159 

Assets classified as held for sale

  7,783   202,831 

Total current assets

  130,921   355,738 
         

Non-current assets

        

Property, plant and equipment, net

  25,932   22,945 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

  27,478   36,450 

Intangible assets, net

  72,023   79,745 

Goodwill

  100,857   120,505 

Deferred tax assets, net

  3,126   2,771 

Prepaid expenses and other non-current assets

  9,148   7,889 

Total non-current assets

  238,564   270,305 

Total assets

  369,485   626,043 
         

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

        

Current liabilities

        

Trade accounts payables

  8,696   2,428 

Accrued expenses

  31,470   29,707 

Short term debt

  10,643   14,267 

Current maturity of long term debt

  12,269   120,466 

Current maturity of operating lease liabilities

  15,120   14,492 

Other current liabilities

  21,067   17,615 

Liabilities classified as held for sale

  6,365   89,486 

Total current liabilities

  105,630   288,461 
         

Non-current liabilities

        

Long term debt

  54,755   41,175 

Operating lease liabilities

  20,111   26,651 

Other non-current liabilities

  3,279   2,682 

Deferred tax liabilities, net

  15,274   15,508 

Total non-current liabilities

  93,419   86,016 

Total liabilities

  199,049   374,477 
         

Stockholders’ equity

        

Common stock, 60,000,000 non-convertible shares, $0.01 par value, authorized; 41,209,497 and 41,098,456 shares issued as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 respectively.

  412   411 

Additional paid-in capital

  294,725   293,472 

Accumulated deficit

  (104,768)  (86,302)

Treasury stock, 905,204 and 839,214 shares as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 respectively, at cost

  (3,944)  (3,749)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

  (15,989)  (16,058)

Equity attributable to Startek shareholders

  170,436   187,774 

Non-controlling interest

  -   63,792 

Total stockholders’ equity

  170,436   251,566 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  369,485   626,043 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

 

STARTEK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

   

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2023

   

2022

 

Operating activities

               

Income from continuing and discontinued operations

    (15,776 )     5,178  

less: Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

    9,410       3,365  

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax

    (25,186 )     1,813  
                 

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

               

Depreciation and amortization

    16,420       16,856  

Impairment of goodwill

    19,648       -  

Impairment of right-of-use assets

    4,391       -  

Profit on sale of property, plant and equipment

    (41 )     (166 )

Provision/(reversal) for doubtful accounts

    (472 )     (112 )

Amortization of debt issuance costs (including loss on extinguishment of debt)

    120       426  

Amortization of call option premium

    -       1,080  

Mark to market gain on derivative instrument

    (314 )     -  

Share-based compensation expense

    1,138       1,213  

Deferred income taxes

    (428 )     (1,101 )

Share of income (loss) of equity accounted investee

    -       (4,122 )
                 
                 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

               

Trade accounts receivables (including unbilled revenue)

    766       (1,119 )

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    (3,979 )     (2,289 )

Trade accounts payable

    6,386       2,391  

Income taxes, net

    (4,351 )     150  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

    (1,181 )     (4,216 )

Net cash generated from/used in by operating activities from continuing operations

    12,917       10,804  

Net cash generated from/used in operating activities from discontinued operations

    (7,691 )     11,464  

Net cash generated from/used in operating activities

    5,226       22,268  
                 

Investing activities

               

Purchase of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, net

    (10,677 )     (9,645 )

Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations, net of cash disposed

    35,782       -  

Net cash generated from/used in investing activities from continuing operations

    25,105       (9,645 )

Net cash generated from/used in investing activities from discontinued operations

    (3,616 )     (2,294 )

Net cash generated from/used in investing activities

    21,489       (11,939 )
                 

Financing activities

               

Proceeds from the issuance of common stock

    116       348  

Payments of long term debt

    (93,466 )     -  

Payment from a line of credit, net

    (3,569 )     1,110  

Payments of other borrowings, net

    (1,272 )     (2,319 )

Common stock repurchases

    (195 )     (1,636 )

Net cash generated from/used in financing activities from continuing operations

    (98,386 )     (2,497 )

Net cash generated from/used in financing activities from discontinued operations

    (325 )     534  

Net cash generated from/used in financing activities

    (98,711 )     (1,963 )
                 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    (71,996 )     8,366  

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash

    (1,142 )     (2,432 )

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

    115,146       55,396  

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

    42,008       61,330  

Less:Cash and cash equivalents from discontinued operations

    (1,168 )     (33,358 )

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash of continuing operations at end of period

    40,840       27,972  
                 

Components of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash

               

Balances with banks

    36,718       22,267  

Restricted cash

    4,122       5,705  

Total cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash

    40,840       27,972  
                 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information

               

Cash paid for interest and other finance cost

    8,442       7,071  

Cash paid for income taxes

    5,024       3,619  

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash activities

               

Non-cash share-based compensation expenses

    1,138       1,213  

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

 

STARTEK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(In thousands, except share data)

(Unaudited)

 

   

Common stock

   

Treasury Stock

               

Other items of OCI

                     
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Additional paid in capital     Accumulated earnings (deficit)     Foreign currency translation     Change in fair value of derivative instruments     Unrecognised pension cost     Total     Non controlling interest     Total equity  

Three months ended

                                                                                               

Balance at June 30, 2023

    41,168,618       412       891,193       (3,904 )     294,266       (80,538 )     (14,356 )     -       (580 )     195,300       -       195,300  

Transition period adjustment pursuant to ASC 326, net of tax

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Issuance of common stock

    40,879       -       -       -       90       -       -       -       -       90       -       90  

Share-based compensation expenses

    -       -       -       -       369       -       -       -       -       369       -       369  

Income (loss) from continuing operations

    -       -       -       -       -       (24,597 )     -       -       -       (24,597 )     -       (24,597 )

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

    -       -       -       -       -       367       -       -       -       367       -       367  

Other comprehensive income (loss) from continuing operations

    -       -       -       -       -       -       (1,053 )     -       -       (1,053 )     -       (1,053 )

Other comprehensive income (loss) from discontinued operations

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Repurchase of common stock

    -       -       14,011       (40 )     -       -       -       -       -       (40 )     -       (40 )

Redemption of NCI on disposal of CCC

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Balance at September 30, 2023

    41,209,497       412       905,204       (3,944 )     294,725       (104,768 )     (15,409 )     -       (580 )     170,436       -       170,436  
                                                                                                 

Balance at June 30, 2022

    40,996,566       410       692,176       (3,246 )     292,615       (83,419 )     (10,205 )     -       (4,183 )     191,972       59,932       251,904  

Issuance of common stock

    68,956       1       -       -       101       -       -       -       -       102       -       102  

Share-based compensation expenses

    -       -       -       -       380       -       -       -       -       380       -       380  

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

    -       -       -       -       -       133       -       -       -       133       -       133  

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

    -       -       -       -       -       110       -       -       -       110       2,021       2,131  

Other comprehensive income (loss) from Continuing operations

    -       -       -       -       -       -       (3,701 )     -       184       (3,517 )     -       (3,517 )

Other comprehensive income (loss) from discontinued operations

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (18 )     (18 )     (23 )     (41 )

Repurchase of common stock

    -       -       90,726       (302 )     -       -       -       -       -       (302 )     -       (302 )

Balance at September 30, 2022

    41,065,522       411       782,902       (3,548 )     293,096       (83,176 )     (13,906 )     -       (4,017 )     188,860       61,930       250,790  
                                                                                                 

Nine months ended

                                                                                               

Balance at December 31, 2022

    41,098,456       411       839,214       (3,749 )     293,472       (86,302 )     (11,781 )     -       (4,277 )     187,774       63,792       251,566  

Transition period adjustment pursuant to ASC 326, net of tax

    -       -       -       -       -       (101 )     -       -       -       (101 )     -       (101 )

Issuance of common stock

    111,041       1       -       -       115       -       -       -       -       116       -       116  

Share-based compensation expenses

    -       -       -       -       1,138       -       -       -       -       1,138       -       1,138  

Income (loss) from continuing operations

    -       -       -       -       -       (25,186 )     -       -       -       (25,186 )     -       (25,186 )

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

    -       -       -       -       -       6,821       -       -       -       6,821       2,589       9,410  

Other comprehensive income (loss) from continuing operations

    -       -       -       -       -       -       (3,578 )     -       124       (3,454 )     -       (3,454 )

Other comprehensive income (loss) from discontinued operations

    -       -       -       -       -       -       (50 )     -       3,573       3,523       614       4,137  

Repurchase of common stock

    -       -       65,990       (195 )     -       -       -       -       -       (195 )     -       (195 )

Redemption of NCI on disposal of CCC

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (66,995 )     (66,995 )

Balance at September 30, 2023

    41,209,497       412       905,204       (3,944 )     294,725       (104,768 )     (15,409 )     -       (580 )     170,436       -       170,436  
                                                                                                 

Balance at December 31, 2021

    40,893,396       409       412,769       (1,912 )     291,537       (84,043 )     (6,816 )     -       (3,871 )     195,304       58,016       253,320  

Issuance of common stock

    172,126       2       -       -       346       -       -       -       -       348       -       348  

Share-based compensation expenses

    -       -       -       -       1,213       -       -       -       -       1,213       -       1,213  

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

    -       -       -       -       -       1,813       -       -       -       1,813       -       1,813  

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

    -       -       -       -       -       (946 )     -       -       -       (946 )     4,311       3,365  

Other comprehensive income (loss) from Continuing operations

    -       -       -       -       -       -       (7,089 )     -       184       (6,905 )     -       (6,905 )

Other comprehensive income (loss) from discontinued operations

    -       -       -       -       -       -       (1 )     -       (330 )     (331 )     (397 )     (728 )

Repurchase of common stock

    -       -       370,133       (1,636 )     -       -       -       -       -       (1,636 )     -       (1,636 )

Balance at September 30, 2022

    41,065,522       411       782,902       (3,548 )     293,096       (83,176 )     (13,906 )     -       (4,017 )     188,860       61,930       250,790  

 

As of September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, there were 40,304,293 and 40,282,620 shares outstanding respectively of Common Stock, net off treasury stock.

 

 

 

STARTEK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 2023

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

 

1. OVERVIEW AND BASIS OF PREPARATION

 

Unless otherwise noted in this report, any description of "us," "we," or "our," refers to Startek, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the "Company"). Financial information in this report is presented in U.S. dollars.

 

Business

 

Startek is a leading global provider of technology-enabled business process management solutions. The Company provides omni-channel customer experience, digital transformation, and technology services to some of the finest brands globally. Startek is committed to impacting clients’ business outcomes by focusing on enhancing customer experience and digital enablement across all touchpoints and channels. Startek has more than 35,000 employees globally, spread across in 11 countries. The Company services over 145 clientsacross various industries such as Banking and Financial Services, Insurance, Technology, Telecom, Healthcare, Travel and Hospitality, Consumer Goods, Retail, Media & Cable, E-commerce and Energy and Utilities.

 

The Company offers a repository of digital and omnichannel solutions based on decades of experience in driving growth by putting the customer at the center of our business. Because no one solution fits all, we have crafted solution delivery to suit a variety of industries. Startek has delivery campuses across India, United States, Malaysia, Philippines, Australia, South Africa, Canada, Honduras, Jamaica, Peru and Sri Lanka.

 

During the previous year, the Company had classified Middle East and Argentina operations as 'Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations' and accordingly discussion in the business section pertains to continuing operations of the Company.

 

Basis of preparation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") for interim financial information and instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements.

 

These consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring entries, except as noted) which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for fair presentation. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of full-year results.

 

The consolidated financial statements reflects the financial results of all subsidiaries that are more than 50% owned and over which the Company exerts control. When the Company does not have majority ownership in an entity but exerts significant influence over that entity, the Company accounts for the entity under the equity method of accounting. All intercompany balances are eliminated on consolidation. Where our ownership of a subsidiary was less than 100%, the non-controlling interest is reported in our consolidated balance sheet. The non-controlling interest in our consolidated net income is reported as "Net income attributable to non-controlling interests" in our consolidated statement of income (loss).

 

As of December 31, 2022, the consolidated balance sheet included herein was derived from the audited financial statements as of that date but does not include all disclosures including notes required by U.S. GAAP. As such, the information included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended  December 31, 2022.

 

The figures for the corresponding previous year have been regrouped/reclassified wherever necessary, to make them comparable.

 

9

 
 

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the useful lives of property, plant and equipment, intangibles, impairment of goodwill, valuation allowances for deferred tax assets, leases, provision for doubtful debts and restructuring costs. Management believes that the estimates used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements are reasonable and management has made assumption about the possible effect of the global macroeconomic conditions, including heightened inflation, changes to fiscal and monetary policy, higher interest rates, currency fluctuations, labor shortages & challenges in supply chain, have the potential to negatively impact the Company. There current macroeconomic conditions may continue or aggravate and could cause the United States economy or other global economies to experience an economic slowdown or recession. We anticipate our business and operations could be materially adversely affected by a prolonged recession in the United States or other major global economy. Although these estimates and assumptions are based upon management’s best knowledge of current events and actions, actual results could differ from these estimates. Any changes in estimates are adjusted prospectively in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Revenue

 

The Company utilizes a five-step process given in ASC 606, for revenue recognition that focuses on the transfer of control, rather than the transfer of risks and rewards. It also provided additional guidance on accounting for contract acquisition and fulfillment costs. Refer to Note 5 on "Revenue" for further information.

 

Allowance for Expected Credit Losses

 

The Company maintains an allowance for current expected credit losses inherent in its accounts receivable portfolio. In establishing the required allowance, the Company considers past payment and recovery trends, and other related information for its customers to estimate the probability of default in the future. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. Refer to Note 5 on "Revenue" for further information.

 

Leases

 

We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in right-of-use (“ROU”) assets, current maturity of operating lease liabilities, and operating lease liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet. Finance leases are included in property plant and equipment, long-term debt, accrued expenses and other current liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet.

  

ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of remaining lease payments over the balance lease term. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the date of initial application on determining the present value of lease payments. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain to exercise that option. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

 

ASC 842 requires an entity to apply the guidance on impairment of long-lived assets in ASC 360 to right-of-use assets. Therefore, right-of-use assets must be monitored for impairment, like other long-lived non-financial assets, regardless of whether the lease is an operating lease or a finance lease. When impairment indicators exist, an asset (asset group) should be tested to determine whether there is an impairment.

 

We have lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for separately.

 

Property, Plant and Equipment 

 

Property, plant, and equipment, are stated at depreciated cost. Additions and improvement activities are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Assets held under finance leases are recorded at the lower of the net present value of the minimum lease payments or the fair value of the leased asset at the inception of the lease. Depreciation and amortization is computed using the straight-line method based on their estimated useful lives, as follows:

 

  

Estimated Useful Life

 

Buildings and building improvements

 

3-20 years

 

Telephone and computer equipment

 

3-10 years

 

Furniture, fixtures, and miscellaneous equipment

 

3-15 years

 

Software

 

1-6 years

 

 

We depreciate leasehold improvements associated with operating leases over the shorter of 15 years or remaining life of the lease. Amortization expense related to assets recorded under capital leases is included in depreciation and amortization expense.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets 

 

The Company evaluates potential impairments of long-lived assets when it determines that the carrying value of a long-lived asset  may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more indicators of impairment (for examples, a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which a long-lived asset or asset group is being used or in its physical condition, a current period operating or cash flow loss combined with a history of operating or cash flow losses or a projection or forecast that demonstrates continuing losses associated with the use of a long-lived asset or asset group, a significant decrease in the market price of a long-lived asset or asset group, a current expectation that, more likely than not, a long-lived asset or asset group will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life), we evaluate the projected undiscounted cash flows related to the assets. If these cash flows are less than the carrying values of the assets, we measure the impairment based on the excess of the carrying value of the long-lived asset over the long-lived asset’s fair value. Our projections contain assumptions pertaining to anticipated levels of utilization and revenue that  may or  may not be under contract but are based on our experience and/or projections received from our customers.

 

10

 

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

 

Goodwill

 

Goodwill represents the cost of acquired businesses in excess of the fair value of identifiable tangible and intangible net assets purchased. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment at least on an annual basis on  December 31, based on a number of factors, including operating results, business plans and future cash flows. The Company performs an assessment of qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Based on the assessment of events or circumstances, the Company performs a quantitative assessment of goodwill impairment if it determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, based on the quantitative impairment analysis, the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess. In addition, the Company performs a quantitative assessment of goodwill impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Refer to Note 4, "Goodwill and Intangible Assets" and Note 7, "Impairment Losses and Restructuring/Exit cost" for information and related disclosures.

 

Intangible Assets

 

We amortize all acquisition-related intangible assets that are subject to amortization using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life based on economic benefit as follows:

 

  

Estimated Useful Life

 

Customer Relationship

 

8 - 13.5 years

 

Brand

 

13.5 years

 

Trademarks

 

15 years

 

Developed Technology

 

5 years

 

 

We perform a review of intangible assets to determine if facts and circumstances indicate that the useful life is shorter than we had originally estimated or that the carrying amount of assets  may not be recoverable. If such facts and circumstances exist, we assess recoverability by comparing the projected undiscounted net cash flows associated with the related asset or group of assets over their remaining lives against their respective carrying amounts. Impairments, if any, are based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of those assets. If the useful life is shorter than originally estimated, we accelerate the rate of amortization and amortize the remaining carrying value over the new shorter useful life. Intangible assets acquired in a business combination were recorded at fair value at acquisition date using generally accepted valuation methods appropriate for the type of intangible asset. Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized over the estimated useful lives and are reviewed for impairment if indicators of impairment arise. Refer to Note 4, "Goodwill and Intangible Assets" for information and related disclosures.

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

The carrying value of our cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, notes receivable, accounts payable, and restructuring liabilities approximate fair value because of their short-term nature. Our debt has a variable interest rate, so the carrying amount approximates fair value because interest rates on these instruments approximate the interest rate on debt with similar terms available to us.

 

Fair value is the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities, which are required to be recorded at fair value, we consider the principal or most advantageous market in which we would transact and the market-based risk measurements or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions, and credit risk.

 

The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy requires that the Company maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

 

Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets.

 

Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.

 

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that cannot be supported by market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the asset or liability, such as the use of certain pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques that use significant assumptions. These unobservable inputs reflect our own estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

 

Refer to Note 9, “Fair Value Measurements,” for additional information on how we determine fair value for our assets and liabilities.

 

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

We consider cash equivalents to be short-term, highly liquid investments readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity at purchase that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Restricted cash consists of margin money deposit that is contractually restricted as to usage or withdrawal.

 

11

 

Borrowing costs

 

Borrowing costs include interest as well as ancillary costs such as amortization of financing fees or charges and premium or discount on the borrowings. Borrowing costs (loan processing fee) are capitalized and amortized in the consolidated statement of income using effective interest method. Refer to Note 10, "Debt" for further information and disclosures.

 

Interest and dividend income

 

Interest revenue is recognized on an accrual basis taking into account the interest rates applicable to the financial assets.

 

Dividend income is recognized when the Company’s right to receive such income is established by the reporting date.

 

Government grants and subsidies

 

Grants from the government are recognized at their fair value where there is a reasonable assurance that the grant will be received, and the Company will comply with all attached conditions. Government grants received on capital expenditure are generally deducted in arriving at the carrying amount of the asset purchased. Grants for revenue expenditure are netted against the cost incurred by the Company. Where retention of a government grant is dependent on the Company satisfying certain criteria, it is initially recognized as deferred income. When the criteria for retention have been satisfied, the deferred income balance is netted against the asset purchased. Government grant in the nature of export incentive is recognized as revenue. 

 

Restructuring Charges
 
On an ongoing basis, management assesses the profitability and utilization of our facilities and in some cases, management has chosen to close facilities. Severance payments that occur from reductions in the workforce are in accordance with our post-employment policy and/or statutory requirements that are communicated to all employees; therefore, severance liabilities are recognized when termination of employment is communicated to the employee(s). Other liabilities for costs associated with an exit or disposal activity are recognized when the liability is incurred, instead of upon commitment to an exit plan. A significant assumption used in determining the amount of the estimated liability for closing a facility is the estimated liability for future lease payments on vacant facilities. We determine our estimate of sublease payments based on our ability to successfully negotiate early termination agreements with landlords, a third-party broker, or management’s assessment of our ability to sublease the facility based upon the market conditions in which the facility is located. If the assumptions regarding early termination and the timing and amounts of sublease payments prove to be inaccurate, we may be required to record additional losses, or conversely, a future gain. Refer to Note 7, "Impairment Losses and Restructuring/Exit cost" for additional information.
 

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities 

 

In the ordinary course of business, the Company uses certain derivative financial instruments to reduce business risks which arise from its exposure to foreign exchange and interest rate fluctuations associated with borrowings (cash flow hedges). When the Company opts to undertake hedge accounting, the Company documents, at the inception of the hedging transaction, the economic relationship between hedging instruments and hedged items including whether the hedging instrument is expected to offset changes in cash flows or fair values of hedged items. The Company documents its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions at the inception of each hedge relationship. Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date the derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured to their fair value at the end of each reporting period. The accounting for subsequent changes in fair value depends on whether the derivative is designated as a hedging instrument, and if so, the nature of the item being hedged and the type of hedge relationship designated.

 

Cash flow hedges that qualify for hedge accounting

 

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, is recognised through OCI and as cash flow hedging reserve within equity, limited to the cumulative change in fair value of the hedged item on a present value basis from the inception of the hedge. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognised immediately in the Statement of Income (loss). Amounts accumulated in equity are reclassified to the Statement of Income (loss).

 

Derivatives that are not designated as hedges

 

When derivative contracts to hedge risks are not designated as hedges, the gains or losses on subsequent measurement of such contracts are recognised through Consolidated Statement of Income (loss).

 

Presentation

 

The entire fair value of a derivative contract is classified as a noncurrent asset or liability when the remaining maturity of the contract exceeds 12 months; it is classified as a current asset or liability when the remaining maturity of the contract does not exceed 12 months. Refer to Note 8 "Derivative Instruments" to the financial statements for more details.

 

Foreign Currency Matters

 

The Company has operations in Argentina (classified as discontinued operations) and its functional currency has historically been the Argentine Peso. The Company monitors inflation rates in countries where it operates as required by U.S. GAAP. Under ASC 830-10-45-12, an economy must be classified as highly inflationary when the cumulative three-year rate exceeds 100%.  Considering the inflation data of Argentina, the Company has considered Argentina to be highly inflationary beginning on July 1, 2018. In accordance with ASC 830, the functional currency of the Argentina business has been changed to USD, which requires re-measurement of the local books to USD. Exchange gains and losses are recorded through net income instead of through other comprehensive income as had been done historically. Translation adjustments from periods prior to the change in functional currency were not removed from equity.

 

12

 

Income Taxes

 

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred income taxes reflect net effects of temporary differences between carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and amounts used for income tax purposes. We are subject to foreign income taxes on our foreign operations. We are required to estimate our income taxes in each jurisdiction in which we operate. This process involves estimating our actual current tax exposure, together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and financial reporting purposes. The tax effects of these temporary differences are recorded as deferred tax assets or deferred tax liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in the consolidated statement of income (loss) in the period during which such rates are enacted.  We record a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that we will not realize the net deferred tax assets in a certain jurisdiction.

 

We consider all available evidence to determine whether it is "more likely than not" that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized.  The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become realizable.  Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities (including the impact of available carryback and carryforward periods) and projected taxable income in assessing the validity of deferred tax assets. In making such judgments, significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified. In order to fully realize the U.S. deferred tax assets, we will need to generate sufficient taxable income in future periods before the expiration of the deferred tax assets governed by the tax code.

 

We do not provide for deferred taxes on the excess of the financial reporting basis over the tax basis in our investments in foreign subsidiaries that are essentially permanent in duration or not subject to taxation in the US or in the local country. Within consolidated retained earnings are undistributed after-tax earnings from certain non-U.S. subsidiaries that are not indefinitely reinvested. Generally, the earnings of our foreign subsidiaries become subject to taxation based on certain provisions in U.S. or local tax law under certain circumstances.

 

Employee benefits

 

Contributions to defined contribution plans are charged to consolidated statements of operations in the period in which services are rendered by the covered employees. Current service costs for defined benefit plans are accrued in the period to which they relate. The liability in respect of defined benefit plans is calculated annually by the Company using the projected unit credit method. Prior service cost, if any, resulting from an amendment to a plan is recognized and amortized over the remaining period of service of the covered employees. The Company recognizes its liabilities for compensated absences dependent on whether the obligation is attributable to employee services already rendered, relates to rights that vest or accumulate and payment is probable and estimable.

 

The Company records annual amounts relating to its defined benefit plans based on calculations that incorporate various actuarial and other assumptions, including discount rates, mortality, assumed rates of return, compensation increases and turnover rates. The Company reviews its assumptions on quarterly basis and makes modifications to the assumptions based on current rates and trends when it is appropriate to do so. The Company believes that the assumptions utilized in recording its obligations under its plans are reasonable based on its experience and market conditions.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

We recognize expenses related to all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, based on the grant-date fair values amortized straight-line over the period during which the employees are required to provide services in exchange for the equity instruments. We include an estimate of forfeitures when calculating compensation expenses. We use the Black-Scholes method for valuing stock-based awards. Refer to Note 12, “Share-Based Compensation” for further information.

 

Net Income (Loss) Per Share

 

Basic earnings per share are computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share are computed using the weighted average number of common and dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding during the period. For the purposes of calculating diluted earnings per share, the treasury stock method is used for stock-based awards except where the results would be anti-dilutive. When a net loss is reported, potentially issuable common shares are generally excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share as their effect would be anti-dilutive. Refer to Note 6, "Net Income/ (Loss) Per Share" for additional information.

 

Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations 

 

The Company reports the results of operations of a business as discontinued operations if a disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results when the business is sold and classified as held for sale, in accordance with the criteria of Accounting Standard Codification ("ASC") Topic 205-20 "Presentation of Financial Statements - Discontinued Operations" and ASC Topic 360-10 "Impairment and Disposal of Long Lived Assets". The results of discontinued operations are reported in Income from Discontinued Operations, net of tax in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Income for the current and prior period and include any gain or loss recognized on closing, or adjustment of the carrying amount or estimated fair value less cost to sell. If the carrying amount of the business exceeds its estimated fair value less cost to sell, a loss is recognized. Assets and liabilities related to a business classified as held for sale are segregated in the current and prior-period balance sheet. All assets and liabilities of the operations classified as held for sale are disclosed as current assets and liabilities in the current year and previous year classification has been retained. The Company allocate interest cost on Debt that is required to be repaid as a result of disposal to discontinued operations. Interest cost on Corporate Debt not directly attributable to discontinued operations is allocated between continuing and discontinued operations in the ratio mentioned in ASC 205-20-45-7 which as follows:

 

13

 

Net assets to be sold or discontinued less debt that is required to be paid as a result of the disposal. The sum of total net assets of the entity plus debt other than: 1) debt of the discontinued operations that will be assumed by the buyer; 2) debt that is required to be paid as a result of the disposal transaction; and 3) debt that can be directly attributable to other operations of the entity.

 

If a business is classified as held for sale after the balance sheet but before the financial statements are issued or are available to be issued, the business continues to be classified as held and used in those financial statements when issued or when available to be issued.

 

Refer to “Note 3A & 3B – "Discontinued Operations and Held for Sale" in our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for additional information and disclosures.

 

Changes in Accounting Policies

 

Except as described below, the Company has applied accounting policies consistently to all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements. The Company adopted ASC Topic 326, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (“Topic326”), effective January 1, 2023. As a result of the Company’s adoption of this new standard, current expected credit losses(“CECL”) are measured using lifetime “expected credit loss” methodology, replacing the incurred loss model that recognized losses only when they became probable and estimable. The Company changed its accounting policy for recognition and measurement of CECL as detailed below. Topic 326 is applicable to financial assets measured at amortized cost. It requires historical loss data to be adjusted to reflect changes in asset-specific considerations, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions. To analyse credit losses on financial assets, the Company applied aging Schedule method to determine expected credit losses. The Company applied Topic 326 using the modified retrospective transition approach, which involves recognizing the cumulative effect of initial adoption of Topic 326 as an adjustment to its opening retained earnings as of January 1, 2023.Therefore, comparative information prior to the adoption date has not been adjusted.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In  March 2020, FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. This ASU provides optional guidance for a limited period of time to ease potential accounting impacts associated with transitioning away from reference rates that are expected to be discontinued, such as interbank offered rates and London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). The ASU provides practical expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The amendments are elective and are effective upon issuance for all entities through  December 31, 2022. In  December 2022, FASB issued ASU No. 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848, to defer the sunset date of Topic 848 until  December 31, 2024. The Company is still in the process of assessing the impact of this ASU 2020-04.

 
 

3A. Discontinued Operations and Held for Sale - Contact Center Company

 

On November 10, 2022, the Company accepted a final offer by Arabian Internet and Communications Services Company (Solutions) to acquire Startek’s indirect 51% ownership interest in its subsidiary Contact Center Company (CCC), which was the Company’s joint venture that operated in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. After consideration of the relevant facts, the Company concluded the assets and liabilities of its CCC component met the criteria for classification as held for sale. The Company concluded that the actual and proposed disposal activities represented a strategic shift that will have a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results and qualified for presentation as discontinued operations in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 205-20. Accordingly, the financial results of the CCC are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Current and non-current assets and liabilities of the business not sold as of the balance sheet date are presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as current assets and liabilities held for sale for both periods presented. Interest expense on term loans allocated to discontinued operations represents interest expenses on term loans which were required to be settled upon the sale of the CCC. CCC formed part of the 'Middle East' segment in the consolidated financial statements for the period ended September 30, 2022.

 

Subsequently, on January 11, 2023, the Company entered into a definitive Sale and Purchase Agreement with Solutions. The Sale and Purchase Agreement provided for a transaction based on an enterprise value for CCC of $120 million (SAR 450 million), on a debt free and cash free basis, to be paid in cash at closing, subject to the adjustments set forth in the Sale and Purchase Agreement. The transaction has been approved by the General Authority for Competition (GAC) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Company has also obtained consent from its lenders. 

 

On April 3, 2023, the Company completed its sale of ownership interest in “CCC” to “Solutions”. At closing, the final consideration paid was $69.8 million. Under the Sale and Purchase Agreement, the Company will act as a guarantor for the obligations of its indirect subsidiary that owned the Company’s interests in CCC.

 

Assets and Liabilities classified as Held for sale as on December 31, 2022 includes Assets of $195,184 and Liabilities of $82,259. For detailed list of assets and liabilities, refer to notes 3A and 3B included in our annual report on Form 10K for the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

14

 

The following table summarizes the income statement information of discontinued operations for the period ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022:

 

Statement of income (loss)

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
  

2023#

  

2022

 

Revenue

  64,364   181,680 

Cost of services

  (54,889)  (162,234)

Gross profit

  9,475   19,446 
         

Selling, general and administrative expenses

  (3,117)  (8,219)

Impairment losses and restructuring/exit cost

  (4)  (30)

Operating income

  6,354   11,197 
         

Interest and other cost (represents allocated interest)*

  (1,174)  (2,198)

Foreign exchange gains (losses), net

  (10)  (20)

Income before gain on disposal and tax expenses

  5,170   8,979 

Tax expenses (A)

  (1,185)  (2,500)

Net income

  3,985   6,479 

 

*Includes allocated interest.

#Includes results of operations of CCC till March 31, 2023.

 

The following table presents the gain associated with the sale, presented in the statement of Income as a part of discontinued operations;

 

  

September 30, 2023

 
     

Gross purchase price, as adjusted per the terms of the Purchase Agreement

  69,800 

Less: Carrying value of net assets sold

  (55,122)

Income/(Loss) on reclassification of items of AOCI to statement of income (loss) on disposal of component:

    

Less: Unrecognised pension costs

  (3,062)

Add: Foreign currency translation

  50 

Pre-tax gain on disposal

  11,666 

Tax expenses on gain on disposal net off deferred tax liability reversal of $ 3,056 (B)

  (4,189)

Total tax expenses of CCC (A+B)

  (5,374)

The Carrying value of net assets sold are as follows;

    
     

a) Assets

    

Cash and cash equivalents

  28,284 

Restricted cash

  5,735 

Trade accounts receivables, net

  33,853 

Unbilled revenue

  46,434 

Prepaid and other assets

  8,377 

Property, plant and equipment, net

  4,449 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

  11,289 

Goodwill

  54,840 

Deferred tax assets, net

  5,028 
     

b) Liabilities

    

Trade accounts payables

  (3,698)

Accrued expenses

  (16,015)

Other current and non current liabilities

  (45,965)

Operating lease liabilities

  (10,494)
     

c) Non-controlling interest

  (66,995)
     

Carrying value of net assets sold (a+b+c)

  55,122 

 

15

 

Net cash flows attributable to the discontinued operations:

        
  

September 30, 2023

  

September 30, 2022

 
         

Net cash generated from operating activities

  (5,870)  13,135 

Net cash used in investing activities

  (3,513)  (2,164)

Net cash (used in) / provided by financing activities

  -   - 

Net Cash Inflow/(Outflow)

  (9,383)  10,971 

 

3B. Discontinued Operations and Held for Sale - Argentina

 

On December 14, 2022, the Company has entered into an engagement letter with M/S Estudio A & L LLC (‘the Firm’) pursuant to which the Firm would serve as a non-exclusive advisor in connection with the potential sale of Aegis Argentina. The Firm will perform services for the Company such as advice on the structure, negotiation strategy, valuation analyses, financial terms, and other financial matters etc. If required, the Firm will assist the Company in preparing a brief memorandum, for distribution to potential buyers, describing the Company and its business, operations, properties, financial condition, and prospects. The Firm to negotiate and execute on its behalf and/or the Company’s behalf confidentiality agreements with potential parties to a transaction and to deliver confidential memoranda or other data furnished to the Firm by the Company for distribution to such parties. The Company has been in advanced discussions with certain strategic investors. The strategic investors are currently undertaking their due diligence of the business operations. The Company expects the discussions to continue and to enter definitive documentation with the investors in near future.

 

After consideration of the relevant facts, the Company concluded the assets and liabilities of Argentina met the criteria for classification as held for sale. The Company concluded the actual and proposed disposal activities represented a strategic shift that will have a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results and qualified for presentation as discontinued operations in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 205-20. Accordingly, the financial results of the Argentina are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Current and non-current assets and liabilities of the business not sold as of the balance sheet date are presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as current assets and liabilities held for sale for both periods presented. Argentina was forming part of the 'Argentina and Peru' segment in the consolidated financial statements for the period ended September 30, 2022.

 

The following table summarizes the income statement information of discontinued operations for the period ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022:

 

Statement of income (loss)

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
  

2023

  

2022

 

Revenue

  19,027   24,295 

Cost of services

  (17,756)  (23,840)

Gross profit (loss)

  1,271   455 
         

Selling, general and administrative expenses

  (1,462)  (1,515)

Impairment losses and restructuring/exit cost

  (3,570)  (3,010)

Operating income (loss)

  (3,761)  (4,070)
         

Interest expense and other income (expense), net

  2,415   1,401 

Foreign exchange gains (losses), net

  (706)  (445)

Income (loss)

  (2,052)  (3,114)

Tax expense

  -   - 

Net (loss)

  (2,052)  (3,114)

 

16

 

The following table summarizes the carrying values of the assets and liabilities classified as held for sale in our consolidated balance sheet as:

 

  

September 30, 2023

  

December 31, 2022

 

Assets

        

Current assets

        

Cash and cash equivalents

  1,168   367 

Trade accounts receivables, net

  1,984   2,483 

Unbilled revenue

  1,172   1,320 

Prepaid and other current assets

  1,906   1,988 

Total current assets

  6,230   6,158 
         

Non-current assets

        

Property, plant and equipment, net

  957   854 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

  584   620 

Prepaid expenses and other non-current assets

  12   15 

Total non-current assets

  1,553   1,489 

Total assets classified as held for sale in the consolidated balance sheet

  7,783   7,647 
         

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

        

Current liabilities

        

Trade accounts payables

  444   307 

Accrued expenses

  2,043   1,951 

Short term debt

  -   325 

Current maturity of operating lease liabilities

  457   398 

Other current liabilities

  2,492   2,674 

Total current liabilities

  5,436   5,655 
         

Non-current liabilities

        

Operating lease liabilities

  133   226 

Other non-current liabilities

  796   1,346 

Total non-current liabilities

  929   1,572 

Total liabilities classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated balance sheet

  6,365   7,227 

 

  

September 30, 2023

  

September 30, 2022

 

Net cash used in operating activities

  (1,821)  (1,671)

Net cash used in investing activities

  (103)  (130)

Net cash generated from financing activities

  (325)  534 

Net Cash outflow

  (2,249)  (1,267)

 

17

 
 

4. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

Goodwill

 

The carrying value of goodwill is allocated to reporting units as follows:

 

Reporting Units:

 

September 30, 2023

  

December 31, 2022

 

Americas

  58,419   60,128 

India

  6,377   12,554 

Malaysia

  36,061   43,678 

Australia

  -   4,145 

Total

  100,857   120,505 

 

We perform a goodwill impairment analysis at least annually (in the fourth quarter of each year) unless indicators of impairment exist in interim periods. The goodwill was allocated to the reporting units using a relative fair value allocation approach. We performed a quantitative assessment to determine if the fair value of each of our reporting units with goodwill exceeded its carrying value.

 

The Company, over the past few quarters faced business challenges and experienced macroeconomic headwinds affecting its industry generally, including challenges associated with disruptive technologies, reduction in call volumes by certain of the Company’s key clients (as a result of reduced economic activity in their underlying business operations), and a lengthening of the Company’s sales conversion pipeline. These factors led to the Company having to reassess its forecasts. In connection with the proposed merger transaction, the Company projected revenue, operating margins, and cash flows for a period of five years. These projections were used to perform interim impairment testing on the goodwill balances of its reporting units using discounted cash flow (DCF) method.

 

The key assumptions used in performing the impairment test, by each Reporting Unit, were as follows:

 

  

Reporting Units - As of September 30, 2023

 
  

Americas

  

India

  

Malaysia

  

Australia

 

Discount rate

  10.9%  17.1%  12.6%  10.8%

Perpetual growth rate

  1.0%  2.0%  2.0%  1.0%

 

  

Reporting Units - As of December 31, 2022

 
  

Americas

  

India

  

Malaysia

  

Australia

 

Discount rate

  10.3%  17.8%  12.7%  10.4%

Perpetual growth rate

  1.0%  3.0%  2.0%  1.0%

 

The results of these interim impairment tests indicated that the estimated fair value of the Americas, India, Malaysia, and Australia reporting units were each less than its carrying value. Consequently, it resulted in impairment charges of $1,709, $6,177, $7,617 and $4,145 in the Americas, India, Malaysia, and Australia reporting units respectively due to decline in forecasted business outlook.

 

As of December 31, 2022, based on the quantitative assessment, our annual impairment testing resulted in impairment charges of $4,187 and $3,865 in the Americas and Malaysia reporting units, respectively.

 

The following table presents the changes in goodwill during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and year ended December 31, 2022:

 

  

September 30, 2023

  

December 31, 2022

 

Opening balance

  120,505   128,557 

Impairment

  (19,648)  (8,052)

Closing balance

  100,857   120,505 

 

18

 

Intangible Assets

 

The following table presents our intangible assets:

 

  

As of September 30, 2023

 
  

Gross Intangibles

  Accumulated Amortization  Net Intangibles  Weighted Average Amortization Period (years) 

Customer relationships

  66,220   31,673   34,547   6.5 

Brand

  49,500   21,481   28,019   7.1 

Trademarks

  13,210   4,576   8,634   7.5 

Other intangibles

  2,130   1,307   823   4.9 
   131,060   59,037   72,023     

 

  

As of December 31, 2022

 
  

Gross Intangibles

  Accumulated Amortization  Net Intangibles  Weighted Average Amortization Period (years) 

Customer relationships

  66,220   27,484   38,736   6.5 

Brand

  49,500   18,740   30,760   7.1 

Trademarks

  13,210   3,917   9,293   7.5 

Other intangibles

  2,130   1,174   956   4.9 
   131,060   51,315   79,745     

 

As of  September 30, 2023 based on the quantitative assessment, we concluded that there is no impairment on the Company's intangible assets.

 

Expected future amortization of intangible assets as of  September 30, 2023 is as follows:

 

Year ending December 31,

 

Amount

 

Remainder of 2023

  2,631 

2024

  10,252 

2025

  10,252 

2026

  9,490 

2027

  8,549 

Thereafter

  30,849 

 

19

 
 

5.  REVENUE

 

The Company follows a five-step process in accordance with ASC 606, for revenue recognition that focuses on the transfer of control, rather than the transfer of risks and rewards.

 

Contracts with Customers

 

All of the Company's revenues are derived generally from written contracts with our customers. Our contracts document our customers' agreement to utilize our services and the relevant terms and conditions under which our services will be provided. Our contracts generally do not contain minimum purchase requirements nor do they include termination penalties. Our customers may generally cancel our contract, without cause, upon written notice (generally ninety days). While our contracts do have stated terms, because of the facts stated above, they are accounted for on a month-to-month basis.

 

Our contracts give us the right to bill for services rendered during the period, which for most of our customers is a calendar month, with a few customers specifying a fiscal month. Our payment terms vary by client and generally range from due upon receipt to 60-90 days.

 

Performance Obligations

 

We have identified one main performance obligation for which we invoice our customers, which is to stand ready to provide care services for our customers’ clients. A stand-ready obligation is a promise that a customer will have access to services as and when the customer decides to use them. Ours is considered a stand-ready obligation because the delivery of the underlying service (that is, receiving customer contact and performing the associated care services) is outside of our control or the control of our customer.

 

Our stand-ready obligation involves outsourcing of the entire customer care life cycle, including:

 

 

The identification, operation, management, and maintenance of facilities, IT equipment, and IT and telecommunications infrastructure

 

Management of the entire human resources function, including recruiting, hiring, training, supervising, evaluating, coaching, retaining, compensating, providing employee benefits programs, and disciplinary activities

 

These activities are all considered an integral part of the production activities required in the service of standing ready to accept calls as and when they are directed to us by our clients.

 

Revenue Recognition Methods

 

Because our customers receive and consume the benefit of our services as they are performed and we have the contractual right to invoice for services performed to date, we have concluded that our performance obligation is satisfied over time. Accordingly, we recognize revenue for our services in the month they are performed.

 

We are entitled to invoice for our services on a monthly basis. We invoice according to the hourly and/or per-transaction rates stated in each contract for the various activities we perform. Some contracts include opportunities to earn bonuses or include parameters under which we will incur penalties related to performance in any given month. Bonus or penalty amounts are based on the current month’s performance. Formulas are included in the contracts for the calculation of any bonus or penalty. There is no other performance in future periods that will impact the bonus or penalty calculation in the current period. We estimate the amount of the bonus or penalty using the “most likely amount” method and we apply this method consistently. The bonus or penalty calculated is generally approved by the client prior to billing (and revenue being recognized). The unbilled revenue, where the right to invoice has not accrued is recognized based on service delivery estimate.

 

20

 

Practical expedients and exemptions

 

Because the Company’s contracts are essentially month-to-month, we have elected the following practical expedients:

 

 

ASC 606-10-50-14 exempts companies from the disclosure of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations if the performance obligation is part of a contract that has an original expected duration of one year or less

 

ASC 340-40-25-4 allows companies to recognize the incremental costs of obtaining a contract as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of the asset that the entity otherwise would have recognized is one year or less.

 

ASC 606-10-32-2A allows an entity to make an accounting policy election to exclude from the measurement of the transaction price all taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction and collected by the entity from a customer (for example, sales, use, value-added, and some excise taxes)

 

ASC 606-10-55-18 allows an entity that has a right to consideration from a customer in an amount that corresponds directly with the value to the customer of the entity’s performance completed to date (for example, a service contract in which an entity bills a fixed amount for each hour of service provided), the entity may recognize revenue in the amount to which the entity has a right to invoice.

 

Disaggregated Revenue

 

Revenues by our clients' industry verticals for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 respectively:

 

  

Three Months Ended September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

Vertical

 

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

Telecom

  24,134   25,309   71,506   74,298 

E-commerce & Consumer

  15,524   20,276   48,061   59,015 

Financial & Business Services

  11,040   13,372   36,347   39,593 

Media & Cable

  15,439   10,748   44,942   40,503 

Travel & Hospitality

  13,023   13,103   36,569   37,659 

Healthcare & Education

  6,790   6,977   18,277   22,108 

Technology, IT & Related Services

  3,337   2,615   9,447   9,539 

Other verticals

  4,342   2,478   11,766   9,402 

Revenue

  93,629   94,878   276,915   292,117 

 

Allowance for expected credit losses

 

On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASC Topic 326, ‘Financial Instruments-Credit Losses’. Accounts receivables, unbilled revenue and other financial assets are in the scope for which assessment is made. In calculating expected credit loss, the Company also considered past payment and recovery trends, and other related information for its customers to estimate the probability of default in the future.

 

As a result of adoption of ASC 326, the Company recognized an incremental allowance for credit losses on its accounts receivable and unbilled revenue, resulting in decrease in these assets by $135, increase in deferred tax assets by $34 and a corresponding decrease in retained earnings by $101 as on January 1, 2023.

 
Trade accounts receivables and Unbilled revenue
 
  As of September 30, 2023  As of December 31, 2022 

Trade accounts receivables and Unbilled Revenue

  70,948   74,377 

Less: Allowance for expected credit loss

  (2,695)  (3,032)

Trade accounts receivables and Unbilled Revenue

  68,253   71,345 

 

The movement in allowance for current expected credit loss on Trade accounts receivables and Unbilled revenue for the period ended September 30, 2023 is as follows:

 

  

As of September 30, 2023

 

Balance at the beginning of the period

  3,032 

Transition period adjustment pursuant to ASC 326

  135 

Additions/(Reversal) during the period

  (472)

Balance at the end of the period

  2,695 

 

21

 
 

6. NET INCOME / (LOSS) PER SHARE

 

Basic earnings per common share are computed based on our weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share are computed based on our weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the effect of dilutive stock options, non-vested restricted stock, and deferred stock units, using the treasury stock method. 

 

When a net loss is reported, potentially issuable common shares are excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share as their effect would be anti-dilutive.

 

For three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, the following number of shares were used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share calculation (in thousands):

 

  

Three months ended September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

Shares used in basic earnings per share calculation

  40,298   40,326   40,300   40,316 

Effect of dilutive securities:

                

Stock options

  -   7   -   38 

Total effects of dilutive securities

  -   7   -   38 

Shares used in dilutive earnings per share calculation

  40,298   40,333   40,300   40,354 

 

 

  

Three months ended September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

Anti-dilutive securities

                

Stock options

  2,026   2   2,026   - 

 

 

7. IMPAIRMENT LOSSES & RESTRUCTURING/EXIT COST

 

Impairment Loss

 

As of September 30, 2023, based on the quantitative assessment, we concluded that there is an impairment of goodwill and impairment charges of $1,709, $6,177, $7,617 and $4,145 in the Americas, India, Malaysia, and Australia reporting units respectively were recognised due to reduction in future growth. As of December 31, 2022, based on the quantitative assessment, goodwill was partly impaired. Our annual impairment testing resulted in impairment charge of $4,187 and $3,865 in Americas and Malaysia reporting units, respectively.

 

As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company recognized an impairment charge of $4,391 and $1,110 respectively on right-of-use assets related to operating leases in a few geographies. Given the increasing adoption of the work from home delivery model, we are continuously evaluating our brick-and mortar infrastructure with a view of rationalizing excess capacity. The Company does not plan to use such sites for 'on premise' operations and as per the existing contractual terms of the lease agreement the Company does not have the right to stop making lease payments for the remaining lease terms or to sublease such premises. The remaining lease term for such sites as at period end ranges from 12-21 months.

 

Restructuring / Exit Cost

 

The table below summarizes the balance of accrued restructuring cost, voluntary/involuntary termination costs, and other exit-related costs, which are included in other accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet. The changes during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

  

Employee related

  

Facilities related

  

Total

 

Balance on December 31, 2022

  39   -   39 

Accruals/(reversal)

  730   -   730 

Payments

  (605)  -   (605)

Balance as of September 30, 2023

  164   -   164 

 

  

Employee related

  

Facilities related

  

Total

 

Balance on December 31, 2021

  310   155   465 

Accruals/(reversal)

  551   111   662 

Payments

  (822)  (266)  (1,088)

Balance on December 31, 2022

  39   -   39 

 

Employee related

 

The Company has terminated services of some of its employees working in Peru, U.S., Canada, Philippines, India and Australia as a part of restructuring activities and recognized a severance cost regarding those terminations.

 

22

 
 

8.  DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

 

Non-designated hedges

 

In  October 2022, we entered into interest rate cap contracts as required by our lenders. The duration of these contracts is until May 2024. These hedges are not designated hedges under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging.

 

Unrealized gains and losses and changes in fair value of these derivatives are recognized as incurred in 'Interest expense and other income (expense), net' in Consolidated Statement of Income (loss). The following table presents these amounts for the three and nine months ended  September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022.

 

Derivatives not designated under ASC 815

 

Three months ended September 30, 2023

  

Three months ended September 30, 2022

  

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023

  

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Mark to Market gain on Interest rate cap

  (42)  -   314   - 

 

 

9.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS 

 

The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy requires that the Company maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

 

Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets.

 

Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.

 

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that cannot be supported by market activity and are significant to the fair value of the asset, liability, or equity such as the use of certain pricing models, discounted cash flow models, and similar techniques use significant assumptions. These unobservable inputs reflect our own estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability:

 

Derivative Instruments

 

The values of our derivative instruments are derived from pricing models using inputs based upon market information, including contractual terms, market prices, and yield curves. The inputs to the valuation pricing models are observable in the market, and as such the derivatives are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

 

The following tables set forth our assets and/or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy. These balances are included in 'Prepaid and Other current assets' and/or 'Other current liabilities', respectively, on our balance sheet. 

 

  

As of September 30, 2023

 
  

Level 1

  

Level 2

  

Level 3

  

Total

 

Assets:

                

Interest rate cap

  -   201   -   201 

Total fair value of assets measured on a recurring basis

  -   201   -   201 
                 

Liabilities:

                

Interest rate cap

  -   -   -   - 

Total fair value of liabilities measured on a recurring basis

  -   -   -   - 

 

  

As of December 31, 2022

 
  

Level 1

  

Level 2

  

Level 3

  

Total

 

Assets:

                

Interest rate cap

  -   -   -   - 

Total fair value of assets measured on a recurring basis

  -   -   -   - 
                 

Liabilities:

                

Interest rate cap

  -   (113)  -   (113)

Total fair value of liabilities measured on a recurring basis

  -   (113)  -   (113)

 

23

 
 

10. DEBT

 

The below table presents details of the Company's debt:

 

  

As of September 30, 2023

  

As of December 31, 2022

 

Short term debt

        

Working capital facilities

  10,643   14,267 

Current portion of long term debt

        

Current maturity of term loan

  12,269   119,194 

Current maturity of equipment loan

  -   1,272 

Total

  22,912   134,733 
         

Long term debt

        

Term loan, net of debt issuance costs

  54,755   41,175 

Total

  54,755   41,175 

 

Term Loan and working capital facilities

 

The Company has a number of working capital facilities in various countries in which it operates. These facilities provide for a combined borrowing capacity of approximately $35 million for a number of working capital products. These facilities bear interest at benchmark rate plus margins between 0.9% and 4.5% and are due on demand. These facilities are collateralized by various company assets and have a total outstanding balance of $10.6 million as of September 30, 2023.

 

Under the Senior debt arrangement, the Company has secured term loan of $165 million. Under the arrangement, the term loan bears a tiered interest rate which ranges between LIBOR plus 375 to 450 basis points, subject to certain financial ratios. The Company is required to meet these financial ratios on a quarterly basis. As of September 30, 2023, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants. The Adjusted Leverage (total net debt / adjusted EBITDA) in respect of the most recently completed relevant period was less than 2.25, hence the applicable margin was set at 375 basis points. 

 

The Company has completed the interest rate transition for its currently outstanding Senior debt arrangement as required to be done with effect from July 1, 2023. Pursuant to the Facilities Agreement amended and restated on 9 November 2022, the LIBOR shall be applicable for interest period until August 31, 2023, i.e., the last day of the current interest period. The SOFR plus spread adjustment shall be applicable for interest period commencing on or after September 01, 2023. The Company does not expect the change to have any material impact on the interest cost.

 

On April 3, 2023, an indirect subsidiary of the Company completed its previously announced sale of the Company’s indirect 51 percent ownership interest in CCC to Solutions. In accordance with the requirements of the facilities agreement, the Company was required to apply the proceeds received from the CCC disposal towards prepayment of the Company’s senior term loan facility.

 

On July 12, 2023, the final consideration was agreed at $69.8 million, of which $68.9 million was received in April 2023 and balance $0.9 million was received in July 2023.

 

The Company had filed a consent request with the lenders under its facilities agreement relating to the application of $55 million of the proceeds arising out of the Company's disposal of its ownership interest in CCC, which was accepted by the lenders on April 19, 2023. As per the accepted consent request, the proceeds received pursuant to the disposal of CCC will be utilised in the following order of priority: (i) firstly, prepayment of the outstanding Revolving Facility Loans of an amount of $7 million (together with accrued and unpaid interest then outstanding on the Revolving Facility Loans), (ii) secondly, (in relation to the Term Loans) prepayment in full of the four (4) Repayment Instalments which would otherwise fall due on May 22, 2023, August 22, 2023, November 22, 2023 and February 22, 2024 (together with accrued and unpaid interest then outstanding on the Term Loans), and (iii) lastly, (in relation to the Term Loans) the balance proceeds from the CCC disposal to be applied against the remaining eight (8) repayment instalments on a pro rata basis. 

 

In April 2023, the Company has applied $55 million of the proceeds in making a prepayment of $48 million against the senior debt and $7 million against the revolving credit facilities.  

 

Accordingly, senior term loan principal repayment schedule has been revised as below:

 

Years

 

Amount

 

Remainder of 2023

  - 

2024

  18,403 

2025

  42,940 

2026

  6,067 

Total

  67,410 

 

Debt issuance cost represents the amount paid to the Company’s counsel and other third parties and was being amortized over the period of the new term loan. 

 

Following table presents the changes in debt issuance cost during the nine months ended  September 30, 2023 and the year ended December 31, 2022:

 

  

September 30, 2023

  

December 31, 2022

 

Opening balance

  507   2,332 

Less: Amortization of debt issuance cost*

  (120)  (1,825)

Closing balance

  387   507 

 

*includes one-time amortisation of $1,260 during period ended December 31, 2022.

 

24

 

Equipment Loan

 

On November 2, 2020, the Company executed Master Equipment Finance Agreement to finance purchase of equipment for $4 million at the interest of 5.27% per annum with a maturity date 34 months after the date of first utilization of equipment loan. The same has been repaid as at September 30, 2023.

 

Non-recourse factoring

 

We have entered into factoring agreements with financial institutions to sell certain of our accounts receivable under non-recourse agreements. Under the arrangement, the Company sells the trade receivables on a non-recourse basis and accounts for the transactions as sales of receivables. The applicable receivables are removed from the Company's consolidated balance sheet when the Company receives the cash proceeds. We do not service any factored accounts after the factoring has occurred. We utilize factoring arrangements as part of our financing for working capital. The balance of funds received from factored receivables under these agreements was $19.1 million and $18.09 million as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 respectively.

 

 

11. OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

  

September 30, 2023

  

December 31, 2022

 

Provision for leave encashment

  5,066   6,258 

Payables to government authorities

  4,737   5,923 

Current tax liabilities, net

  8,194   2,651 

Other liabilities

  3,070   2,783 
   21,067   17,615 

  

 

12. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

 

Share-based compensation

 

Our share-based compensation arrangements include grants of stock options, restricted stock units and deferred stock units under the Startek, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan and our Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The compensation expense that has been charged against income for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, was $1,138 as compared to $1,213 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and for the three months ended September 30, 2023 was $369 as compared to $380 for the three months ended September 30, 2022 is included in selling, general and administrative expenses. As of  September 30, 2023, there was $1,369 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.94 years.

 

 

13.  ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss consists of the following items:

 

  

Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments

  

Defined Benefit Plan

  

Equity attributable to Startek shareholders

  

Non-controlling interests

  

Total

 

Balance on December 31, 2022

  (11,781)  (4,277)  (16,058)  (4,601)  (20,659)

Continuing Operations

                    

Foreign currency translation

  (3,578)  -   (3,578)  -   (3,578)

Pension amortization*

  -   124   124   -   124 

Discontinued Operations

                    

Foreign currency translation

  (50)  -   (50)  -   (50)

Pension amortization

  -   3,573   3,573   614   4,187 

Redemption of NCI on disposal of CCC

  -   -   -   3,987   3,987 

Balance at September 30, 2023

  (15,409)  (580)  (15,989)  -   (15,989)

 

*Pension amortisation is net of tax impact of $97.

 

25

 
 

14.  SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

 

The Company provides business process outsourcing services (“BPO”) to clients in various industries and geographical locations. Our approach is focused on providing our clients with the best possible combination of services and delivery locations to meet our clients' needs in the best and most efficient manner. Our Global Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who has been identified as the Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM"), reviews financial information mainly on a geographical basis.

 

Our operating business model is focused on the geographies in which we operate. Our CODM reviews the performance and makes resource allocation geography-wise, hence the geographical level represents the operating segments of the Company. In the previous year with operations in Middle east and Argentina being considered as held for sale and discontinued operations, we identified following geographies as reportable segments;


a) Americas
b) India and Sri Lanka
c) Malaysia 
d) Australia
e) South Africa
f) Rest of World

 

  

Three Months Ended

  

Nine Months Ended

 
  

September 30,

  

September 30,

 
  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

Revenue

                

Americas

  47,860   39,444   137,894   126,811 

India & Sri Lanka

  22,365   27,888   67,770   82,112 

Malaysia

  11,262   11,357   32,541   34,068 

Australia

  7,680   9,845   24,939   28,952 

South Africa

  4,460   5,392   13,734   17,574 

Rest of World

  2   952   37   2,600 

Total

  93,629   94,878   276,915   292,117 

 

  

Three months ended

  

Nine Months Ended

 
  

September 30,

  

September 30,

 
  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

Operating income (loss)

                

Americas

  129   (230)  4,927   (2,865)

India & Sri Lanka

  (2,511)  1,281   (4,212)  5,925 

Malaysia

  2,903   3,173   7,956   7,778 

Australia

  (126)  1,214   1,190   3,290 

South Africa

  276   870   1,388   2,721 

Rest of World

  (867)  (754)  (2,640)  (2,026)

Segment operating income

  (196)  5,554   8,609   14,823 

Startek consolidation adjustments

                

Merger transaction cost

  (304)  (1,411)  (304)  (2,603)

Intangible amortization

  (2,580)  (2,603)  (7,722)  (7,745)

Goodwill impairment

  (19,648)  -   (19,648)  - 

Total operating income

  (22,728)  1,540   (19,065)  4,475 

 

A single client in the Americas segment accounted for 10% of the consolidated total net revenue during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

 

Property, plant and equipment, net by geography based on the location of the assets are presented below:

 

  

As of

  

As of

 
  

September 30, 2023

  

December 31, 2022

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

        

Americas

  8,153   9,718 

India & Sri Lanka

  12,891   8,340 

Malaysia

  2,309   2,390 

Australia

  932   829 

South Africa

  1,559   1,508 

Rest of World

  88   160 

Total

  25,932   22,945 

 

Investment in Equity Accounted Investees

 

On February 25, 2021, the Company had made a $25 million investment in CSS Corp LLP (“an Investment Limited Liability Partnership”), the Company accounted for this investment under the equity accounted investee method of accounting in accordance with ASC 323-30-S99-1. The CODM received a partnership statement of CSS Corp LP on quarterly basis and evaluated the carrying value of the investment in equity accounted investees. On December 27, 2022, the Company had redeemed its investment in CSS Corp LP and received proceeds of $45.6 million and recognized a gain on sale of investment of $8.4 million.

  

26

 
 

15.  LEASES

 

We have operating and finance leases for service centers, corporate offices, and certain equipment. Our leases have remaining lease terms of 1 year to 9 years, some of which include options to extend the leases for up to 3-5 years, and some of which include options to terminate the leases within 1 year.

 

The components of lease expense were as follows:

 

  

Three Months Ended September 30, 2023

  

Three Months Ended September 30, 2022

  

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023

  

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022

 
                 

Operating lease cost

  3,759   4,760   12,540   14,988 
                 

Finance lease cost

                

Amortization of right-of-use assets

  -   117   38   373 

Interest on lease liabilities

  -   3   -   67 

Total finance lease cost

  -   120   38   440 

 

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:

 

  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities

        

Operating cash flows from operating leases

  14,447   16,356 

Operating cash flow from finance leases

  -   67 

Financing cash flows from finance leases

  -   380 
         

Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations

        

Operating leases

  

10,802

   

1,493

 

Finance leases

  -   - 

 

Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:

 

  

As of September 30, 2023

  

As of December 31, 2022

 

Operating leases

        

Operating lease right-of-use assets

  27,478   36,450 
         

Operating lease liabilities - Current

  15,120   14,492 

Operating lease liabilities - Non-current

  20,111   26,651 

Total operating lease liabilities

  35,231   41,143 
         

Finance Leases

        

Property and equipment, at cost

  1,509   1,509 

Accumulated depreciation

  (1,509)  (1,471)

Property and equipment, at net

  -   38 

 

Weighted average remaining lease term

 As of September 30, 2023  As of December 31, 2022 

Operating leases (in years)

 2.83 years  2.60 years 

Finance leases (in years)

 0.00 years  0.00 years 
         

Weighted average discount rate

        

Operating leases

  7%  6%

Finance leases

  0%  0%

 

27

 

The following table reconciles the undiscounted cash flows for the Company’s finance and operating leases as of September 30, 2023, to the finance and operating lease liabilities recorded on the Company’s balance sheet:

 

  

Operating Leases

 

Year ending December 31,

    

Remainder of 2023

  4,611 

2024

  16,374 

2025

  9,709 

2026

  4,202 

2027

  2,068 

Thereafter

  2,486 

Total lease payments

  39,450 

Less: Imputed interest

  (4,219)

Total present value to lease liabilities

  35,231 

 

 

16. COMMON STOCK

 

Share Repurchase Plan

 

On April 24, 2023, the Board of Director's approved to replace its prior stock repurchase plan with a new plan pursuant to which the Company will be authorized to repurchase up to $20 millions of the Corporation’s common stock from time to time (the “New Repurchase Program”) in accordance with the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to Rule 10b-18. Repurchases will be implemented by the Chief Financial Officer consistent with the guidelines adopted by the board of directors and will depend on market conditions and other factors. 

 

Our stock repurchase programs are intended to programmatically offset the impact of dilution from our equity compensation programs and, subject to market conditions and other factors, to make opportunistic and programmatic repurchases of our common stock to reduce our outstanding share count. Any repurchased shares will be held as treasury stock and will be available for general corporate purposes. Our stock repurchase plan may be suspended or discontinued at any time. The actual timing, number and value of shares repurchased depends on a number of factors, including the market price of our common stock, general market and economic conditions, the shares withheld for taxes associated with the vesting of restricted stock, other corporate considerations and CFO’s determination as to the appropriate use of our cash.

 

Stock repurchase activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was as follows:

 

Period Ended

 

Total number of shares purchased

  

Average price paid per share (1) ($)

  

Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced program

  

Maximum dollar value that may yet to be purchased under program ($)

 

April 30, 2023

 -  -  -  20,000,000 

May 31, 2023

 13,894  3.02  13,894  19,957,988 

June 30, 2023

 38,085  2.94  38,085  19,845,980 

July 30, 2023

 14,011  2.87  14,011  19,805,835 

August 31, 2023

 -  -  -  19,805,835 

September 30, 2023

 -  -  -  19,805,835 

Total

  65,990       65,990     

 

28

 
 

17. MERGER TRANSACTION

 

On October 10, 2023, the Company, entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Stockholm Parent, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Parent”), and Stockholm Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (“Merger Sub”). Parent and Merger Sub are affiliates of CSP Alpha Holdings Parent Pte Ltd, a private company limited by shares incorporated under the laws of Singapore (“CSP Alpha”), and CSP Victory Limited, an entity governed by the laws of the Cayman Islands (“CSP Victory” and together with CSP Alpha, the “Sponsors”). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein, Merger Sub will merge with and into the Company (the “Merger”), with the Company continuing as the surviving corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent. As a result of the Merger, each share of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Common Stock”), issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger (other than shares held by (i) the Company, Parent, Merger Sub, any of their respective subsidiaries, the Sponsors or any of their affiliates (other than, in each case, shares held on behalf of a third party) and (ii) shareholders of the Company who have properly exercised their dissenters’ rights under Delaware law) will be converted at the effective time of the Merger into the right to receive $4.30 in cash, without interest.

 

The board of directors of the Company (the “Board”) (acting on the unanimous recommendation of a special committee, comprised solely of independent and disinterested directors (the “Special Committee”)) unanimously (i) determined that the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger, are advisable, fair to, and in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders (other than Parent, Merger Sub, the Sponsors and their respective affiliates (such stockholders, the “Unaffiliated Stockholders”)), (ii) approved, authorized, adopted and declared advisable the execution, delivery and performance of the Merger Agreement by the Company and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger, by the Company, (iii) directed that the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger, be submitted to the stockholders of the Company for adoption and approval, and (iv) resolved to recommend that the stockholders of the Company approve and adopt the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger.

 

On October 10, 2023, following the execution of the Merger Agreement, the Sponsors, which on such date collectively beneficially owned more than a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock and more than a majority of voting power of capital stock of the Company, delivered a written consent approving and adopting in all respects the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger (the “Sponsor Written Consent”), which Sponsor Written Consent is irrevocable and will become effective at 6:00 P.M. New York City time on November 9, 2023 (as such effective time may be extended in accordance with the Merger Agreement).

 

The transaction is currently expected to close before the end of 2023. Completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions. Upon completion of the transaction, the Company will become a private company and the shares of Common Stock will no longer be publicly listed or traded on the New York Stock Exchange. For further information on merger transaction, refer to the Current Report on form 8-K filed by the Company on October 10, 2023 and the Preliminary Information Statement on Schedule 14C filed by the Company on November 3, 2023.

 

18. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

None other than disclosed in Note 17- "Merger Transaction".

 

29

 

ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following discussion and analysis of the results of operations and financial condition should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes that appear elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and with the information under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. All dollar amounts are presented in thousands other than per share data.

 

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION AND OVERVIEW

 

Startek is a leading global provider of technology-enabled business process management solutions. The Company provides Omni-channel CX, digital transformation, and technology services to some of the world’s leading brands. Startek is committed to impacting clients’ business outcomes by focusing on enhancing CX and digital enablement across all touch points and channels. Startek has more than 35,000 employees delivering services in 11 countries. The Company services over 145 clients across a range of industries such as Banking and Financial Services, insurance, technology, telecom, healthcare, travel and hospitality, consumer goods, retail, media & cable, E-commerce and energy and utilities.

 

Startek manages over half a billion customer moments of truth each year for the world’s leading brands. We help these brands increase their revenues by enabling better experiences for their customers across multiple channels. As a leading provider of technology-enabled business process management solutions for major global brands—we drive business value through omnichannel CX, digital transformation and technology services.

 

SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS

 

On October 10, 2023, the Company, entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Stockholm Parent, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Parent”), and Stockholm Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (“Merger Sub”). Parent and Merger Sub are affiliates of CSP Alpha Holdings Parent Pte Ltd, a private company limited by shares incorporated under the laws of Singapore (“CSP Alpha”), and CSP Victory Limited, an entity governed by the laws of the Cayman Islands (“CSP Victory” and together with CSP Alpha, the “Sponsors”). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein, Merger Sub will merge with and into the Company (the “Merger”), with the Company continuing as the surviving corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent. As a result of the Merger, each share of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Common Stock”), issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger (other than shares held by (i) the Company, Parent, Merger Sub, any of their respective subsidiaries, the Sponsors or any of their affiliates (other than, in each case, shares held on behalf of a third party) and (ii) shareholders of the Company who have properly exercised their dissenters’ rights under Delaware law) will be converted at the effective time of the Merger into the right to receive $4.30 in cash, without interest.

 

The board of directors of the Company (the “Board”) (acting on the unanimous recommendation of a special committee, comprised solely of independent and disinterested directors (the “Special Committee”)) unanimously (i) determined that the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger, are advisable, fair to, and in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders (other than Parent, Merger Sub, the Sponsors and their respective affiliates (such stockholders, the “Unaffiliated Stockholders”)), (ii) approved, authorized, adopted and declared advisable the execution, delivery and performance of the Merger Agreement by the Company and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger, by the Company, (iii) directed that the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger, be submitted to the stockholders of the Company for adoption and approval, and (iv) resolved to recommend that the stockholders of the Company approve and adopt the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger.

 

On October 10, 2023, following the execution of the Merger Agreement, the Sponsors, which on such date collectively beneficially owned more than a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock and more than a majority of voting power of capital stock of the Company, delivered a written consent approving and adopting in all respects the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger (the “Sponsor Written Consent”), which Sponsor Written Consent is irrevocable and will become effective at 6:00 P.M. New York City time on November 9, 2023 (as such effective time may be extended in accordance with the Merger Agreement).

 

The transaction is currently expected to close before the end of 2023. Completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions. Upon completion of the transaction, the Company will become a private company and the shares of Common Stock will no longer be publicly listed or traded on the New York Stock Exchange. For further information on merger transaction, refer to the Current Report on form 8-K filed by the Company on October 10, 2023 and the Preliminary Information Statement on Schedule 14C filed by the Company on November 3, 2023.

 

Key Matters Pertaining to Subsidiaries

 

Strategic Divestitures

 

Sale of stake in Saudi Arabia:

 

On April 3, 2023, the Company completed its sale of ownership interest in CCC to Solutions. At closing, the final consideration received was $69.8 million. Under the Sale and Purchase Agreement, the Company will act as a guarantor for the obligations of its indirect subsidiary that owned the Company’s interests in CCC. Refer to Note 3A for detailed information relating to sale of stake in Saudi Arabia.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — three months ended September 30, 2023 AND 2022

 

Revenue

 

Our revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2023 decreased by 1.3% to $93,629 as compared to $94,878 for the three months ended September 30, 2022.

 

 

The breakdown of our net revenues from various segments for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 is as follows:

 

   

Three Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2023

   

2022

 

Americas

    47,860       39,444  

India & Sri Lanka

    22,365       27,888  

Malaysia

    11,262       11,357  

Australia

    7,680       9,845  

South Africa

    4,460       5,392  

Rest of World

    2       952  

Total

    93,629       94,878

 

  

The increase in revenue in the Americas region was led by the ramp with the new cable and utility clients and continued momentum with existing clients.

 

Revenue decrease in India and Sri Lanka region was primarily led by volume declines with a food delivery client and rate negotiations with a business service client. This decline was partially offset by an increase in other e-commerce and financial services clients where we continue to gain wallet share and ramp with recently added international clients.

 

Revenue in Australia declined due to lower volumes with a financial services clients where underlying volumes have declined given the prevailing interest rates.

 

South Africa revenue declined due to lower volumes with a domestic telecom major.

 

Revenue in rest of world decreased due to movement of revenues from Peru to Argentina as there are continuing restrictions on making international payments from Argentina.

 

The breakdown of our net revenues from various industry verticals for three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 is as follows:

 

   

For Three Months Ended September 30, 2023

   

For Three Months Ended September 30, 2022

   

For Three Months Ended September 30, 2023

   

For Three Months Ended September 30, 2022

 
                                 

Verticals:

                               

Telecom

    24,134       25,309       26 %     27 %

E-commerce & Consumer

    15,524       20,276       17 %     21 %

Financial & Business Services

    11,040       13,372       12 %     14 %

Media & Cable

    15,439       10,748       16 %     11 %

Travel & Hospitality

    13,023       13,103       14 %     14 %

Healthcare & Education

    6,790       6,977       7 %     7 %

Technology, IT & Related Services

    3,337       2,615       4 %     3 %

Other verticals

    4,342       2,478       5 %     3 %

Net revenue

    93,629       94,878                  

 

Telecom vertical reported marginal declines in revenue in the current quarter compared to the prior period. This was led by lower revenue with the South African telecom client which was partially offset by continuous momentum with our other telecom majors based in the United States.

 

E-commerce vertical reported lower year-on-year revenue due to lower volumes with a food delivery client in India. We continue to maintain momentum with other clients in this segment.

 

The Financial & Business services vertical continues to perform steadily as we strengthen our partnership with key clients in these verticals. The decline in the current period was due to rate negotiation with a business services client.

 

The increase in revenue from the Media vertical was led by the ramp with the new client won in the fourth quarter of 2022 while we continue to maintain momentum with our other cable and media clients.

 

While the travel sector witnessed improvement in volumes and new wins, the year-on-year marginal decline was driven by temporary decline in volumes with a client in Australia.

 

The marginal decline in revenue in Healthcare & Education is primarily due to shift of volumes to near shore delivery geographies.

 

Others include contracts with energy and utility, public sector enterprises and government entities. The increase in revenue was driven by the new contract with the utility client that has steadily ramped up in the current period.

 

 

 

Cost of services and gross profit

 

Overall, the cost of services as a percentage of revenue increased to 86.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared to 84.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2022. Employee expenses, rent costs, and depreciation and amortization are the most significant costs for the Company, representing 72.6%, 4.6%, and 7.3% of the total cost of services, respectively. The breakdown of the cost of services is listed in the table below:

 

   

Three Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2023

   

2022

 

Employee benefit expenses

    58,892       58,150  

Rent expense

    3,715       4,576  

Depreciation and amortization

    5,906       5,319  

Other

    12,628       12,266  

Total

    81,141       80,311  

 

Employee expenses: Our business heavily relies on our employees to provide professional services to our clients. Thus, our most significant costs are payments made to agents, supervisors, and trainers who are directly involved in delivering services to the clients.

 

Employee expenses as a percentage of revenues increased to 62.9% for the current period as compared to 61.3% for the previous period. This increase was led by increase in delivery from the Americas region.

 

Rent expense: Rent expense as a percentage of revenue decreased to 4.0% for the current period as compared to 4.8% for the previous period. The decrease is driven by rationalization of excess capacity available at a few of our brick – and - mortar sites.

 

Depreciation and amortization: Depreciation and amortization expense as a percentage of revenue for the current period marginally increased at 6.3% as compared to 5.6% for the previous period. The increase was due to a lower revenue base in the current period relative to the previous period.

 

Other expenses include recruitment, technology, utility, travel and outsourcing costs. As a percentage of revenue, these costs increased at 13.5% compared to 12.9% during the previous period. The current period witnessed an increase in outsourcing, recruitment and repairs costs that was partly offset by lower communication expenses due to the rationalization of sites in the past few quarters.

 

As a result, gross profit as a percentage of revenue for the current period decreased to 13.3% as compared to 15.4% for the previous period.

 

   

Three Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2023

   

2022

 

Revenue

    93,629       94,878  

Cost of services

    81,141       80,311  

Gross profit

    12,488       14,567  

Gross margin

    13.3 %     15.4 %

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) as a percentage of revenue decreased from 13.7% in the previous period to 11.0% in the current period. The decrease in SG&A expenses is due to one-time take private transaction related cost of $1,411 included in the previous period as compared to proposed merger related transaction cost of $304 in the current period.

 

Impairment (losses)/ reversals and restructuring/exit cost, net

 

Impairment losses and restructuring costs, net totaled $24,894 for the current period as compared to $37 for the previous period. The expense for the current period is primarily relating to: (i) goodwill impairment of $19,648, in Americas, India, Malaysia, and Australia geographies due to decline in forecasted business outlook and (ii) impairment of right of use assets of $4,833 related to operating leases in a few geographies. Given the increasing adoption of the work from home delivery model, we are continuously evaluating our brick-and mortar infrastructure with a view to rationalizing excess capacity. (iii) $413 towards the restructuring exercise underway in a few geographies. The restructuring cost incurred in previous period was $37.

 

Interest expense and other income (expense), net

 

Interest expense and other income (expense), net totaled $1,998 for the current period as compared to $1,999 for the previous period. 

 

Income tax expense

 

Income tax expense for the current period was $(437) compared to $913 for the previous period. The movement in the effective tax rate was primarily due to shifts in earnings among the various jurisdictions in which we operate coupled with utilization of net operating losses for entities having taxable profit and valuation allowance as per the requirement of ASC 740. Additionally, the movement of funds between various geographies primarily to service our debt facilities also attracts withholding taxes.

 

Income from Discontinued Operations

 

Discontinued operations include the results of operations for the CCC and Argentina business that are reported separately as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statement of Income (loss).

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS nine months ended September 30, 2023 AND 2022

 

Revenue

 

Our revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 decreased by 5.2% to $276,915 as compared to $292,117 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.

 

The breakdown of our net revenues from various segments for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 is as follows:

 

   

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2023

   

2022

 

Americas

    137,894       126,811  

India & Sri Lanka

    67,770       82,112  

Malaysia

    32,541       34,068  

Australia

    24,939       28,952  

South Africa

    13,734       17,574  

Rest of World

    37       2,600  

Total

    276,915       292,117  

 

The increase in revenue in the Americas region was driven by ramps with new clients won in the past few quarters and also from continuous momentum with key existing clients. The growth was partially offset by the churn of a cable and media client in September 2022.

 

Revenue decrease in India and Sri Lanka region was primarily led by volume declines with a food delivery client and rate negotiations with a business service client. This decline was partially offset by an increase in other e-commerce and financial services clients where we continue to gain wallet share. In the current period, the Company added new international business to be delivered from India which are in the ramp stage.

 

Revenue in Malaysia and Australia saw a marginal decline due to temporary lower volumes with some clients.

 

South Africa revenue declined due to lower volumes with a domestic telecom major.

 

Revenue in rest of world decreased due to movement of revenues from Peru to Argentina as there are continuing restrictions on making international payments from Argentina.

 

 

The breakdown of our net revenues from various industry verticals for nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 is as follows:

 

   

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023

   

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022

   

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023

   

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022

 
                                 

Verticals:

                               

Telecom

    71,506       74,298       26 %     25 %

E-commerce & Consumer

    48,061       59,015       17 %     20 %

Financial & Business Services

    36,347       39,593       13 %     14 %

Media & Cable

    44,942       40,503       16 %     14 %

Travel & Hospitality

    36,569       37,659       13 %     13 %

Healthcare & Education

    18,277       22,108       7 %     8 %

Technology, IT & Related Services

    9,447       9,539       3 %     3 %

Other verticals

    11,766       9,402       4 %     3 %

Revenue

    276,915       292,117                  

 

Telecom vertical reported marginal declines in revenue in the current period compared to the prior period. This was led by lower volumes with a South African telecom major. We continue to see increased momentum with our other large telecom clients based in the United States.

 

E-commerce vertical reported lower year-on-year revenue due to lower volumes with a food delivery client in India. We continue to maintain momentum with other clients in this vertical.

 

The Financial & Business services vertical continues to perform steadily as we strengthen our partnership with key clients in these verticals. The decline in the current period was due to rate negotiations with a business service client.

 

The increase in revenue from the Media vertical was led by the ramp with the new client won in the fourth quarter of 2022. Ramp with this client offset by the high base of the previous period that had revenue from the cable client that churned in June 2022.

 

While the travel sector witnessed improvement in volumes and new wins, the year-on-year decline was driven by temporary decline in volumes with one client in Australia.

 

The decline in revenue in Healthcare & Education is primarily due to shift of volumes to near shore and offshore delivery geographies.

 

Others include contracts with energy and utility, public sector enterprises and government entities where we have seen a marginal decrease in revenues. The new contract with the utility client has started ramping up in the current period.

 

Cost of services and gross profit

 

Overall, the cost of services as a percentage of revenue decreased to 86.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to 86.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Employee expenses, rent costs, and depreciation and amortization are the most significant costs for the Company, representing 72.4%, 5.3%, and 6.8% of the total cost of services, respectively. The breakdown of the cost of services is listed in the table below:

 

   

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2023

   

2022

 

Employee Benefit Expenses

    173,568       185,029  

Rent expense

    12,680       14,109  

Depreciation and amortization

    16,387       16,738  

Other

    37,147       37,305  

Total

    239,782       253,182  

 

Employee expenses: Our business heavily relies on our employees to provide professional services to our clients. Thus, our most significant costs are payments made to agents, supervisors, and trainers who are directly involved in delivering services to the clients.

 

Employee expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased to 62.7% for the current period as compared to 63.3% for the previous period. This decrease was primarily driven by a change in geography mix with higher revenues accruing from offshore and near shore delivery that have higher margins.

 

Rent expense: Rent expense as a percentage of revenue decreased marginally to 4.6% for the current period as compared to 4.8% for the previous period. The decrease is driven by rationalization of excess capacity available at a few of our brick-and-mortar sites.

 

Depreciation and amortization: Depreciation and amortization expense as a percentage of revenue for the current period marginally increased at 5.9% as compared to 5.7% for the previous period. The increase was due to a lower revenue base in the current period relative to the previous period.

 

Other expenses include recruitment, technology, utility, travel and outsourcing costs. As a percentage of revenue, these costs increased to 13.4% from 12.8%. The increase in percentage terms was driven by lower revenue base in the current period. In absolute terms, the costs in the current period declined relative to the previous period led by an increase in repairs and recruitment charges which was partly offset by reduction in communication expenses due to the rationalization of brick-and-mortar capacity in the past few quarters.

 

 

As a result, gross profit as a percentage of revenue for the current period increased to 13.4% as compared to 13.3% for the previous period.

 

   

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2023

   

2022

 

Revenue

    276,915       292,117  

Cost of services

    239,782       253,182  

Gross profit

    37,133       38,935  

Gross margin

    13.4 %     13.3 %

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) as a percentage of revenue decreased from 11.8% in the previous period to 11.3% in the current period. The SG&A expenses included take private transaction related cost of $2,603 in the previous period and proposed merger related transaction cost of $304 in the current period.

 

Impairment (losses)/ reversals and restructuring/exit cost, net

 

Impairment losses and restructuring costs, net totaled $24,769 for the current period as compared to $110 for the previous period. The expense for the current period is primarily relating to: (i) goodwill impairment of $19,648, in Americas, India, Malaysia, and Australia geographies due to decline in forecasted business outlook and (ii) impairment of right of use assets of $4,391 related to operating leases in a few geographies. Given the increasing adoption of the work from home delivery model, we are continuously evaluating our brick-and mortar infrastructure with a view to rationalizing excess capacity. (iii) restructuring cost during the current period, includes $730 towards the restructuring exercise underway in few geographies. The expense for the previous year is majorly related to the restructuring cost of $110.

 

Interest expense and other income (expense), net

 

Interest expense and other income (expense), net totaled $5,657 for the current period as compared to $5,044 for the previous period. The increase in interest expense was due to an increase in global rates and yields.

 

Income tax expense

 

Income tax expense for the current period was $573 compared to $2,854 for the previous period. The movement in the effective tax rate was primarily due to shifts in earnings among the various jurisdictions in which we operate coupled with utilization of net operating losses for entities having taxable profit and valuation allowance as per the requirement of ASC 740. Additionally, the movement of funds between various geographies primarily to service our debt facilities also attracts withholding taxes.

 

Income from Discontinued Operations

 

Discontinued operations include the results of operations for the Argentina business that are reported separately as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statement of Income (loss). 

 

Results of Operations of Argentina September 30, 2023, and September 30, 2022

 

Our revenue for the period September 30, 2023, was lower at $19,027 compared to $24,295 for the period September 30, 2022. The reduction in revenue was largely driven by significant depreciation of Argentine Peso relative to US Dollar.

 

Overall, the cost of services as a percentage of revenue decreased to 93% for the period September 30, 2023, compared to 98% for the period September 30, 2022. The decrease in costs is primarily attributable to the decrease in employee costs as per the collective bargaining agreement. This has resulted in a negative margin for the current period.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) as a percentage of revenue slightly increase to 7.5%, compared to 6.2% for the period September 30, 2022.

 

Impairment losses and restructuring costs, net totaled $3,570 for the current period as compared to $3,010 for the previous period. It is primarily relating to severance payments made to employees and costs associated with the leases that has been surrendered in Argentina according to the restructuring plan.

 

   

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows generated by operating activities, our working capital facilities, and term debt. We have historically utilized these resources to finance our operations and make capital expenditures associated with capacity expansion, upgrades of information technologies and service offerings, and business acquisitions. Due to the timing of our collections of receivables due from our major customers, we have historically needed to draw on our working capital facilities periodically for ongoing working capital needs. We have also entered into factoring agreements with financial institutions to sell certain of our accounts receivables under non-recourse agreement. The Company expects to meet all its debt obligations including compliance with all financial covenants in a timely manner.

 

The Term loan is subject to certain covenants, whereby the Company is required to meet certain financial ratios and obligations on a quarterly basis. As of September 30, 2023, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants. During this year, the Company has taken steps to significantly reduce our leverage. So far during this year, the Company made a repayment of around 60% of debt outstanding at the beginning of the year from the proceeds of multiple divestments. With this repayment, the Company significantly improved leverage ratios and strengthen liquidity situation.

 

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

As of September 30, 2023, cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash held by the Company and all its foreign subsidiaries decreased by $31,563 to $40,840 compared to $72,403 as of December 31, 2022. The cash balance at December 31, 2022 included the cash proceeds from the redemption of stake in CSS Corp that was utilized towards prepayment of debt in January 2023. The restricted cash balance as of September 30, 2023 stood at $4,122 as compared to $49,946 as of December 31, 2022. The restricted cash pertains to the debt service reserve account (DSRA) that Company have to maintain according to the Senior Term Agreement and for certain term deposits that need to be maintained in accordance with some of our lease and client agreements. During the period, the Company made a prepayment of $96,340 towards the term loan and revolving credit facility from the proceeds of divestment of stake in CSS Corp and the Saudi joint venture, CCC.

 

Cash flows from operating activities

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 we reported net cash provided by / used in operating activities of $12,917 and $10,804, respectively. The increase is majorly due to increase in the working capital in the current period relative to the previous period.

 

Cash flows used in investing activities

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, we reported net cash used in investing activities of $25,105 and $(9,645) respectively. The increase is majorly due to net proceeds received on account of disposal of CCC. Capital expenditure during the current period was at $10,667 compared to $9,645 during the previous period.

 

Cash flows from financing activities

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 we reported net cash used in and provided by financing activities of $(98,386) and $(2,497), respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023 our net borrowings decreased mainly due to repayment of senior term debt during the period.

 

Debt

 

For more information, refer to Note 10, "Debt," to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 1, "Financial Statements."

 

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

 

Smaller reporting companies are not required to provide the information required by this item.

 

 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

 

Apart from certain non-recourse receivables factoring as mentioned in the Note 10 "Debt" of the notes to the consolidated financial statements, we have no other material off-balance sheet transactions, unconditional purchase obligations, or similar instruments, and we are not a guarantor of any other entities’ debt or other financial obligations.

 

VARIABILITY OF OPERATING RESULTS

 

We have experienced and expect to continue to experience some quarterly variations in revenue and operating results due to a variety of factors, many of which are outside our control, including: (i) timing and amount of costs incurred to expand capacity in order to provide for volume growth from existing and future clients; (ii) changes in the volume of services provided to clients; (iii) expiration or termination of client projects or contracts; (iv) timing of existing and future client product launches or service offerings; (v) seasonal and or temporary nature of certain clients’ businesses; and (vi) variability in demand for our services by our clients depending on demand for their products or services, and/or depending on our performance.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

 

In preparing our consolidated financial statements in conformity with US-GAAP, management must undertake decisions that impact the reported amounts and related disclosures. Such decisions include the selection of the appropriate accounting principles to be applied and assumptions upon which accounting estimates are based. Management applies its best judgment based on its understanding and analysis of the relevant circumstances to reach these decisions. By their nature, these judgments are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. Accordingly, actual results may vary significantly from the estimates we have applied.

 

While our significant accounting policies are described in more detail in Note 2, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" to our financial statements appearing elsewhere in Form 10-Q, we believe that the following accounting policy is most critical to the judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements.

 

Goodwill


Goodwill represents the cost of acquired businesses in excess of the fair value of the identifiable tangible and intangible net assets purchased. Goodwill is tested for impairment at least on an annual basis on December 31, or as circumstances warrant based on several factors, including operating results, business plans and future cash flows. We perform an assessment of qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than it’s carrying amount. Based on our assessment of events or circumstances, we perform a quantitative assessment of goodwill impairment if it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than it’s carrying amount. As of September 30, 2023, based on the quantitative assessment, we concluded that there is an impairment of goodwill and impairment charge of $1,709, $6,177, $7,617 and $4,145 in Americas, India, Malaysia, and Australia reporting units respectively was recognised due to reduction in future growth. As of December 31, 2022, based on the quantitative assessment, goodwill was partly impaired. Our annual impairment testing resulted in impairment charge of $4,187 and $3,865 in Americas and Malaysia reporting units, respectively.

 

 

ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

As Startek has qualified for Smaller Reporting Company status, this disclosure is not required.

 

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures:

 

As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)). We maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted by us under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on management's evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level as of September 30, 2023.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There have been no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2023 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDING

 

None.

 

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

 

There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 except below:

 

a.  The risk titled as "Adverse changes to our relationships with the companies with whom we have an alliance or joint venture or in the business of the companies with whom we have an alliance or joint venture  could adversely affect our results of operations." is no longer applicable to the Company due to disposal of the Company's interest in joint venture (CCC), in Saudi Arabia.

 

b. The consummation of the Merger is subject to a number of conditions, many of which are largely outside of the control of the parties to the Merger Agreement, and, if these conditions are not satisfied or waived on a timely basis, the Merger Agreement may be terminated and the Merger may not be completed.

 

The Merger is subject to certain customary closing conditions, including: (i) the absence of any law, order, injunction, judgment or ruling order preventing the consummation of the Merger, (ii) subject to materiality qualifiers, the accuracy of each party’s representations and warranties, (iii) each party’s compliance in all material respects with its obligations and covenants under the Merger Agreement, (iv) the absence of a Company Material Adverse Effect (as defined in the Merger Agreement) and (v) twenty calendar days having elapsed since the mailing to the Company’s stockholders of a definitive information statement with respect to the adoption of the Merger Agreement by the Sponsors pursuant to the Sponsor Written Consent. The failure to satisfy all of the required conditions could delay the completion of the Merger by a significant period of time or prevent it from occurring. Any delay in completing the Merger could cause the parties to the Merger Agreement to not realize some or all of the benefits that are expected to be achieved if the Merger is successfully completed within the expected timeframe. There can be no assurance that the conditions to closing of the Merger will be satisfied or waived or that the Merger will be completed within the expected timeframe or at all.

 

Even if successfully completed, there are certain risks to our stockholders from the Merger, including:

 

 

the amount of cash to be paid per share under the Merger Agreement is fixed and will not be adjusted for changes in our business, assets, liabilities, prospects, outlook, financial condition or operating results or in the event of any change in the market price of, analyst estimates of, or projections relating to, our Common Stock;

 

 

the fact that receipt of the all-cash per share consideration under the Merger Agreement is taxable to stockholders that are treated as U.S. holders for U.S. federal income tax purposes; and

 

 

the fact that, if the Merger is completed, our stockholders will not participate in any future growth potential or benefit from any future increase in the value of the Company.

 

c. Failure to complete the Merger could adversely affect our stock price and business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

There can be no assurance that the conditions to the closing of the Merger will be satisfied or waived or that the Merger will be completed. If the Merger is not completed within the expected timeframe or at all, our business could be adversely affected and we will be subject to a variety of risks and possible consequences associated with the failure to complete the Merger, including the following: (i) we will incur certain transaction costs, including legal, accounting, financial advisor, filing, printing and mailing fees, regardless of whether the Merger closes and which may relate to activities that we would not have undertaken other than in connection with the Merger; (ii) under the Merger Agreement, we are subject to certain restrictions on the conduct of our business prior to the closing of the Merger, which may adversely affect our ability to execute certain of our business strategies; (iii) we may lose key employees during the period in which we are pursuing the Merger, which may adversely affect us in the future if we are not able to hire, incentivize or retain qualified personnel to replace departing employees; (iv) we may be required to pay a cash termination fee to Parent of $1.85 million, as required under the Merger Agreement under certain circumstances; and (v) the proposed Merger, whether or not it closes, will divert the attention of certain of our management and other key employees from ongoing business activities, including the pursuit of other opportunities that could be beneficial to us. If the Merger is not completed, these risks could materially affect our business, results of operations or financial condition and stock price, including to the extent that the current market price of our Common Stock is positively affected by a market assumption that the Merger will be completed.

 

d. While the Merger is pending, we are subject to business uncertainties and certain contractual restrictions that could adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

In connection with the pending Merger, some of our customers, vendors or other third parties may react unfavorably, including by delaying or deferring decisions concerning their business relationships or transactions with us, which could adversely affect our revenues, earnings, cash flows and expenses, regardless of whether the Merger is completed. In addition, due to certain restrictions in the Merger Agreement on the conduct of business prior to completing the Merger, we may be unable (without Parent’s prior written consent), during the pendency of the Merger, to pursue strategic transactions, undertake significant capital projects, undertake certain significant financing transactions and otherwise pursue other actions, even if such actions would prove beneficial or if such actions would have otherwise been advantageous to us. Those contractual restrictions may cause us to forego certain opportunities we might otherwise pursue and we may not be able to respond effectively and/or timely to competitive pressures and industry developments, and may as a result materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

 

Litigation against us, Parent, the Sponsors, or the members of their respective boards, could prevent or delay the completion of the Merger or result in the payment of damages following completion of the Merger. [As of the date hereof, no complaints have been filed relating to the Merger], but it is possible that complaints may be filed by our stockholders challenging the Merger. The outcome of any such complaints and any litigation ensuing from such complaints cannot be assured, including the amount of fees and costs associated with defending these claims or any other liabilities that may be incurred in connection therewith. If plaintiffs are successful in obtaining an injunction prohibiting the parties from completing the Merger on the agreed upon terms, such an injunction may delay the consummation of the Merger in the expected timeframe, or may prevent the Merger from being consummated at all. Whether or not any plaintiff’s claim is successful, this type of litigation can result in significant costs and divert management’s attention and resources from the closing of the Merger and ongoing business activities, which could adversely affect our operations.

 

e. If the Merger is not consummated by March 8, 2024, either we or Parent may terminate the Merger Agreement, subject to certain exceptions.

 

Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, either we or Parent may terminate the Merger Agreement if the Merger has not been consummated by March 8, 2024. However, this termination right will not be available to a party to the Merger Agreement whose breach of or failure to comply with its representations, warranties, covenants or obligations under the Merger Agreement has been the primary cause of, or has primarily resulted in, the failure to consummate the Merger on or before such date. In the event the Merger Agreement is terminated by either party due to the failure of the Merger to close by March 8, 2024 or for any other reason provided under the Merger Agreement, we will have incurred significant costs and will have diverted significant management and employee focus and resources from other strategic opportunities and ongoing business activities without realizing the anticipated benefits of the Merger.

 

In addition, the Merger Agreement may be terminated under certain specified circumstances, including, but not limited to, in connection with a change in the recommendation of the Board to enter into an agreement for a Superior Proposal (as defined in the Merger Agreement) or in the case of an Intervening Event (as defined in the Merger Agreement). As a result, we cannot assure you that the Merger will be completed or that, if completed, it will be exactly on the terms set forth in the Merger Agreement or within the expected timeframe.

 

f. In certain instances, the Merger Agreement requires us to pay a termination fee to Parent, which could affect the decisions of a third party considering making an alternative acquisition proposal.

 

In certain specified circumstances further described in the Merger Agreement, in connection with the termination of the Merger Agreement, we will be required to pay Parent a termination fee of $1.85 million, including if Parent terminates the Merger Agreement after the Board changes its recommendation to the stockholders or if the Company terminates the Merger Agreement to enter into an alternative acquisition agreement with respect to a Superior Proposal or due an Intervening Event. This payment could affect the structure, pricing and terms proposed by a third party seeking to acquire or merge with us and could discourage a third party from making a competing acquisition proposal or inquiry, including a proposal that would be more favorable to our stockholders than the Merger. For these and other reasons, termination of the Merger Agreement could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition, which in turn could materially and adversely affect the price of our Common Stock.

 

 

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

In the year 2004, the Company had announced the “Repurchase plan” that authorized the Company to repurchase up-to $25 million of common stock. The program will remain in effect until the same is terminated by the Board of Directors and will allow the Company to repurchase common stock from time to time on the open market either via block trades or privately negotiated transactions or by other means in accordance with federal securities laws, including Rule 10b5-1 programs or other means at times and in such amounts as management deems appropriate and will be funded from our working capital or other financing alternatives. Repurchases will be implemented by the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) consistent with the guidelines adopted by the Board of Directors and will depend on market conditions and other factors. Pursuant to the Board of Directors meeting held on August 26, 2021, the Board restricted the CFO from exceeding $2 million of repurchases with any purchases more than $2 million requiring Board review. Further in board meeting held on December 14, 2021 the Board of Director’s approved additional $2 million towards a stock repurchase plan.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we repurchased an aggregate of 65,990 shares of our common stock under our repurchase plan at an average cost of $2.94 per share. 

 

On April 24, 2023, the Board of Director's approved to replace the Original Repurchase Plan with a new plan pursuant to which the Company will be authorized to repurchase up to $20 millions of the Corporation’s common stock from time to time (the “New Repurchase Program”) in accordance with the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to Rule 10b-18.

 

Additional information regarding the Company’s repurchases of common stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 is set forth in Note 16 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements which is incorporated by reference into this Item 2.

 

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

None.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Trading Plans: During the quarter ended September 30, 2023, no director or Section 16 officer adopted or terminated any Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangements or non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangements (in each case, as defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K)."

 

 

ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS 

 

INDEX OF EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit

 

 

 

 

Incorporated Herein by Reference

No.

 

     

Filing Description

 

Exhibit

 

Filing Date

31.1*

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31.2*

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

32.1*

 

Written Statement of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer furnished pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

101*

 

The following materials are formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (Inline XBRL): (i) Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023  and 2022 (Unaudited), (ii) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2023 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2022, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 (Unaudited) and (iv) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

104   Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)              

 

 

 

*

Filed with this Form 10-Q.

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Form 10-Q to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

     

STARTEK, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Bharat Rao

Date: November 9, 2023

 

Bharat Rao

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Neeraj Jain

Date: November 9, 2023

 

Neeraj Jain

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

42