SEC Form 10-K filed by LightPath Technologies Inc.

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

 Commission file number 000-27548

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

Series D Participating Preferred Stock Purchase Rights

(Title of Class)

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

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

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s voting stock held by non-affiliates (based on the closing sale price of the registrant’s Class A Common Stock on The NASDAQ Capital Market) was approximately $46,771,150 as of December 31, 2023.

As of September 16, 2024, the number of shares of the registrant’s Class A Common Stock outstanding was 39,552,737.

LightPath Technologies, Inc.

Form 10-K

Table of Contents

CAUTIONARY NOTE CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements and information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements concerning plans, opinions, expectations, beliefs, objectives, assumptions or projections regarding future events or future results and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are not statements of historical facts. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” or “continue,” or other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements are based largely on our current expectations and assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. While management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made, there can be no assurance that future developments affecting us will be those that we anticipate. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements represent management’s beliefs and assumptions only as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. You should read this Annual Report on Form 10-K completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.

PART I

Item 1. Business.

General 

Our Company

LightPath Technologies, Inc. (“LightPath”, the “Company”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) was incorporated under Delaware law in 1992 as the successor to LightPath Technologies Limited Partnership, a New Mexico limited partnership formed in 1989, and its predecessor, Integrated Solar Technologies Corporation, a New Mexico corporation formed in 1985. Today, LightPath is a global company with facilities in the United States, the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Latvia. Our corporate headquarters is located in Orlando, Florida.

Historically, we operated with a focus on optical component manufacturing, and specifically on our leadership position as a precision molded lens manufacturer for visual light applications. While still positioned as a component provider, we expanded our addressable market with the acquisition of ISP, a manufacturer of infrared optical components, in December 2016.

Subsidiaries

LPOI and LPOIZ

In November 2005, we formed LightPath Optical Instrumentation (Shanghai) Co., Ltd (“LPOI”), a wholly-owned subsidiary, located in Jiading, People’s Republic of China, which was primarily engaged in sales and support functions.

In December 2013, we formed LightPath Optical Instrumentation (Zhenjiang) Co., Ltd. (“LPOIZ”), a wholly-owned subsidiary located in the New City district, of the Jiangsu province, of the People’s Republic of China. LPOIZ’s manufacturing facility (the “Zhenjiang Facility”) serves as our manufacturing facility in China and provides a lower cost structure for production of larger volumes of optical components and assemblies. Effective February 28, 2023, the legal entities of LPOI and LPOIZ were merged, with LPOIZ as the surviving company and the operations of the two companies were merged.

ISP and ISP Latvia

In December 2016, we acquired ISP Optics Corporation, a New York corporation (“ISP”), and its wholly-owned subsidiary, ISP Optics Latvia, SIA, a limited liability company founded in 1998 under the Laws of the Republic of Latvia (“ISP Latvia”). ISP is a vertically integrated manufacturer offering a full range of infrared products from custom infrared optical elements to catalog and high-performance lens assemblies. ISP’s manufacturing operation is located at our corporate headquarters facility in Orlando, Florida (the “Orlando Facility”). ISP Latvia is a manufacturer of high precision optics and offers a full range of infrared products, including catalog and custom infrared optics. ISP Latvia’s manufacturing facility is located in Riga, Latvia (the “Riga Facility”).

Visimid

In July 2023, we acquired Liebert Consulting, LLC, dba Visimid Technologies (“Visimid”), an engineering and design firm, specializing in thermal imaging, night vision and internet of things (“IOT”) applications. Visimid provides design and consulting services for U.S. Department of Defense (“DoD”) contractors, commercial and industrial customers, and original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) for original new products. Visimid’s core competency is developing and producing custom thermal and night vision cores. Visimid’s facility is located in Plano, Texas.

Industry

We and our customers support a wide range of industries, including automotive, telecommunications, defense, medical, bio-technology, industrial, consumer goods and more. A commonality among these industries is the use of photonics as an enabling technology in their products. 

Over the last ten years we have witnessed a pivotal shift in the adoption of photonics in new applications. In the early days of the photonics industry the technology was a specialty, which was both expensive and required highly specialized technical knowledge, leading to low adoption of the technology into industries other than defense and high-end medical applications. Starting with the commercialization of fiber optic communication, and further driven by significant cost reduction in key technologies such as sensors and lasers, the adoption of the technology into more industries and applications began rapidly growing.

The accelerated rate of adoption and highly diversified industries and applications utilizing an expanding array of photonics technologies brought a change in both the needs of the customers and the supply chain, to support those needs. In the past, we and other component suppliers mostly served customers that specialized in photonics. The large OEMs focused on component companies as a significant supply source for optical parts and minor fabrication and assemblies. OEMs typically produced their own designs and relied on their suppliers to fulfill their needs without any strategic product planning, investment or collaboration. This supply chain was fragmented and consisted of a large number of small companies, many of which had particular specialties in the fabrication process. Often times these types of activities are referred to as build-to-print, as the OEM customer would design the lens down to the final manufacturing prints and the vendor would focus on producing according to those prints.

As the industry has evolved and sensory, visualization and imaging capabilities have become differentiators among suppliers and a necessity for delivery of an expanding array of products in a myriad of industries where the specialized requirements of customers are no longer being adequately addressed. As photonics technology continues to develop, leading to broader adaptation and application across more industries, and with customers now possessing expertise in different technologies, customers’ supply chain needs have evolved. In our case, the change has created opportunities to now serve OEM customers for which photonics is only one of several technologies they embed into their products. While in the past our typical customer viewed optics as their specialty and hence they designed all aspects of their systems and outsourced only the component fabrication, this is not the case with our newer customers. Many of our current and potential customers do not wish or do not have the capability to design and build the optical portion of their products in-house. As such, the fragmented supply chain that existed in our industry in order to serve customers on the component level, is not relevant for customers that view optics as only a part of their system, and not a core capability or function. For these customers, LightPath is well positioned to become their solutions partner for their optics needs. By tapping into the domain knowledge and design, assembly and testing capabilities of solutions providers like LightPath, the customer can avoid making the large investment needed for them to develop those capabilities in-house. We refer to this ecosystem as “optical engineered solutions,” and believe we are positioned to serve as a single source, global provider of optical solutions with leading engineering and manufacturing capabilities. This has led to our development of a new strategy and organizational alignment which is further discussed below.

Growth Strategy 

Since our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Sam Rubin, joined the Company in 2020, we have been developing a new strategy that will transition the Company from a pure component manufacturer to a supplier of imaging subsystems and systems. Our new strategic direction, which is based on our core technological differentiators such as our BlackDiamond glass (“BlackDiamond”) and proprietary molding technologies, significantly increases our value add to customers. This transition, which is occurring both organically and through acquisitions, such as the July 2023 acquisition of Visimid Technologies, is positioning the Company for significant growth and higher profitability in coming years.

Understanding the shifts that are happening in the marketplace and the changes that come when a technology, like photonics, moves from being a specialty to being integrated into mainstream industries and applications, we redefined our strategic direction to provide our wide customer base with domain expertise in optics, and became their partner for the optical engine of their systems. In our view, as the use of photonics evolves, so do customer needs. The industry is transforming from a fragmented industry with a component oriented supply chain, into a solution-focused industry with the potential for partnerships for solution development and production. Over the last couple of years we have worked to align our organization to this strategy, and leverage our in-house domain expertise in photonics, knowledge and experience in advanced optical technologies, and the necessary manufacturing techniques and capabilities. We have been developing these partnerships by working closely with our customers throughout their design process, designing optical solutions that are tailored to their needs, often times using unique technologies that we own, and supplying the customer with a complete optical subsystem to be integrated into their product. Such an approach builds on our unique, value-added technologies that we currently own, such as infrared materials, optical molding, fabrication, system design, and proprietary manufacturing technologies, along with technologies that we acquired through the Visimid acquisition such as video processing, infrared camera integration and more. Continually adding differentiating technologies is key to our strategy and we expect to continue to do so both organically and through acquisitions. 

Examples of this strategic approach can be found in many of our recent new product lines. We refer to these as LightPath 2.0 and 3.0, as that symbolizes the evolution of the Company. LightPath 2.0 refers to our assemblies and LightPath 3.0 refers to our cameras and related subsystems and systems. Our Mantis camera represents an innovation in imaging in both mid wave and long wave simultaneously, something made possible by our exclusive BlackDiamond materials licensed from the U.S. Naval Research Laboratories (the “NRL”), and which has opened the door into markets such as fire detection and industrial furnace and boiler inspection. The camera system we are developing as a sub system for Lockheed Martin is based on a unique and proprietary imaging technology. There are many other exciting new products and projects currently in development and various stages of testing, all based similarly on key differentiating technologies that we are leveraging to transition from a component company to a solution provider.

The shift in strategy and product offerings also shifts the price range of our product portfolio and indirectly drives growth in and of itself. Historically, as a pure component Company, the average selling prices (“ASPs”) of those products were measured in single dollars or tens of dollars, whereas with the development of our assemblies product line (i.e. LightPath 2.0), ASPs for those products are measured in hundreds of dollars. When we added cameras, subsystems and systems (LightPath 3.0), ASPs for those products are measured in thousands of dollars, and as much as $30,000 for our most advanced and recent version of the Mantis camera. We expect this shift to start favorably impacting our financial results in future periods.

 Organizational Alignment 

Along with the development of a new strategic direction, we are focused on the execution of a complementary strategic plan. To execute our new strategic plan, we also need, among other things, a strong manufacturing and technical organization that provides the domain expertise in photonics from the design of an optical engineered solution tailored for the customer’s needs through the manufacturing, assembly and testing of such a sub-system. Given the fast pace of advancements in photonics technologies, achieving a sustainable advantage will also depend on having unique capabilities and technologies that allow our team to design and deliver the tailored solutions demanded by customers. To support those goals, we are pursuing several organization-wide efforts, including standardizing and optimizing our processes and systems, taking steps to realigning our organizational structure, such as breaking down our single combined engineering group into the separate engineering functions that are a part of and better support operations, and creating a new product development group that focuses on developing capabilities and technologies that allow us to design and deliver better solutions. By having a small, focused new product development group, we are able to develop unique technologies that allow us to design solutions that we believe are better than what is currently offered by other suppliers. Such unique technologies include developing tailored and optimized optical coatings, and advanced fabrication techniques such as freeform optical components, custom materials not available elsewhere, and cutting edge optical design capabilities.

During fiscal year 2024, we took several important steps to align the organization to our new strategic direction. Those steps include expanding the footprint of our manufacturing operations in Orlando and consolidating those operations previously in two separate buildings into a single building. With this facility consolidation, we brought together certain operational functions of ISP and LightPath, which had remained separate since the acquisition of ISP in fiscal year 2017. We also right-sized our China operation by consolidating two buildings in Zhenjiang into one and closed a sales office in Shanghai. All of those, coupled with right-sizing the relevant parts of the organization have aligned our structure, systems and organization to our strategic direction and set the stage for significant future growth in the U.S. and Europe.

In the longer term, we have identified capabilities and technologies that could be important differentiators, including, for example, optical detectors and active optical components such as lasers, motion systems, and more. The aggregation of such unique technologies is intended to allow us to differentiate our optical solutions and provide customers with products that are tailored exactly to their needs.

Technologies

We believe that to be the preferred partner to fulfill the photonics needs of our customers, domain expertise and differentiating technologies in photonics are key elements. Optics and photonics require multidisciplinary skills, including physics, mechanical engineering, material sciences, electrical engineering, and chemistry, among others. This is part of what makes using photonics so complicated, and at the same time part of what we see as the opportunity. Knowing what can and cannot be produced, designing the architecture and detailed design of the optical system, including electrical and mechanical interfaces, choosing and executing advanced manufacturing technologies, and delivering both the engineering prototypes that are needed, as well as producing a high volume of goods for the long-term, are all part of the domain expertise required. Additionally, to design the best solution for a customer, we not only need to know what can be produced and how to design it, we also must have unique capabilities that differentiate our solutions. Such technologies allow us to develop solutions and sub systems that outperform other solutions in size, weight, power, and cost.

Along those lines, we continue to focus on developing, acquiring and licensing new, innovative capabilities and technologies in all of our engineering and manufacturing groups, including systems design and testing, optical fabrication of components, material production, optical coatings, and electro mechanical design and production such as the following:

New Product Development

Consistent with our strategic plan, we have focused our development efforts in fiscal years 2023 and 2024 on products, technologies and capabilities that allow us to provide better solutions using the most optimal technology for each customer and with alignment to customer product lifecycle. Different from years past, in 2024 most of our development efforts were either directly funded by customers, or largely overlapped with programs already being funded by customers. Such funding sometimes takes place as direct funding, such as through the Defense Logistics Agency or other governmental awards to support development of specific technology of interest, or funding for product development that also generates intellectual property and know-how. In 2024, much of our development efforts were directed around camera technology. We have been developing new versions of existing cameras such as a version of our Mantis, including one which is used for furnace inspection and a version for long range detection, among others. We also developed new camera products while working closely with Maris-Tech in Israel to integrate an AI accelerator hardware into our camera pipeline. This AI accelerator made by Hailo (also in Israel), will enable our customers to easily deploy their own flavor of AI directly in the camera (true edge implementation, which we named EdgeIR).

In parallel to these new technologies we continue to invest in our core, classic technologies of materials and optical fabrication. In 2024, we formally announced availability of the first of our new materials licensed from the NRL, BDNL-4. BDNL-4 is unique because it has a negative thermo-optic coefficient, an attribute that is key in a-thermalization of optical systems. These new materials have already landed us a new, exclusive new project for an airborne system, which, like the Lockheed Martin project, has the potential of leading to recurring annual revenue of $10 million or greater.

We generally rely on trade secret protection for technology we develop, but do pursue patents for certain of such technology. In many cases the benefits of patent protection is offset by the requirement to disclose in detail the processes, and so we intend to apply for a patent only the case when we believe the patent is enforceable and does not compromise our trade secrets and intellectual properties developed over three decades.

We incurred expenditures for new product development of approximately $2.4 million and $2.1 million during fiscal years 2024 and 2023, respectively.

In some cases, our product and technology development is supported through billing of engineering services, such as non-recurring engineering (“NRE”) fees. In other cases, we receive external funding, such as our previously announced funding from Space Florida’s Space Foundation and Israel’s Ministry of Science, and the U.S. DoD (via the Defense Logistics Agency). Our efforts are self-funded in all other cases.

As part of our product development and research and development efforts, we have numerous employees with engineering and related advanced degrees located in our facilities in the U.S., China and Latvia. Our facilities in Orlando, Florida, Plano, Texas, and Zhenjiang, China are located in or near industrial technology campuses with substantial access to optical industry constituencies, including a major university. This enables us and our staff to remain on the cutting edge of industry design trends and to enter into collaborative engagements.

Product Groups and Markets

Overview

We previously organized our products in three groups: precision molded optics (“PMO”), infrared, and specialty products. Revenues from product development agreements for engineering services were included in specialty products. With our strategic transition into more value-added solutions, and the addition of Visimid in July 2023, we reorganized our products into four product groups: infrared components, visible components, assemblies and modules, and engineering services. Assemblies and modules were previously included in PMO, infrared or specialty products, depending on the lens type.

Infrared Components Product Group. Our infrared product group is comprised of both molded and turned infrared lenses and assemblies using a variety of infrared glass materials. This product group also includes both conventional and CNC ground and polished lenses. Advances in chalcogenide materials have enabled compression molding for mid-wave (“MWIR”) and long-wave (“LWIR”) optics in a process similar to precision molded lenses. Our molded infrared optics technology enables high performance, cost-effective infrared aspheric lenses that do not rely on traditional diamond turning or lengthy polishing methods. Utilizing precision molded aspheric optics significantly reduces the number of lenses required for typical thermal imaging systems and the cost to manufacture these lenses. Molding is an excellent alternative to traditional lens processing methods particularly where volume and repeatability is required.

We offer germanium, silicon or zinc selenide aspheres and spherical lenses, which are manufactured by diamond turning. This manufacturing technique allows us to offer larger lens sizes and the ability to use other optical materials that cannot be effectively molded. Our numerous manufacturing capabilities allow us to meet complex optical challenges that demand more exotic optical substrate materials that are non-moldable, as well as larger size optics.

We also have the ability to manufacture chalcogenide glass from which we produce infrared lenses. We developed this glass and melt it internally to produce our BlackDiamond glass, which has been trademarked, and is marketed as BD6. Historically, the majority of our thermal imaging products have been germanium-based, which is subject to market pricing and availability. BD6 offers a lower-cost alternative to germanium, which we expect will benefit the cost structure of some of our current infrared products and allow us to expand our product offerings in response to the markets’ increasing requirement for low-cost infrared optics applications. During fiscal year 2024, we also formally announced availability of the first of our new materials licensed from the NRL, BDNL-4. BDNL-4 is unique because it has a negative thermo-optic coefficient, an attribute that is key in a-thermalization of optical systems.

We have the capability to manufacture lenses from very small (with diameters of sub-millimeter) to over 300 millimeters, and with focal lengths from approximately 0.4 millimeters to over 2000 millimeters, utilizing our various manufacturing methods. In addition, we offer both catalog and custom designed infrared optics.

Overall, we anticipate moderate growth for our infrared components, particularly as our germanium alternatives continue to be adopted into new applications and designs. This product group also supports our assemblies and modules product group.

Visible Components Product Group.  Aspheric lenses are known for their optimal performance. Aspheric lenses simplify and shrink optical systems by replacing several conventional lenses. However, aspheric lenses can be difficult and costly to machine. Our glass molding technology enables the production of both low and high volumes of aspheric optics, while still maintaining the highest quality at an affordable price. Molding is the most consistent and economical way to produce aspheres and we have perfected this method to offer the most precise molded aspheric lenses available.

Assemblies and Modules Product Group. Our assemblies and modules product group is comprised of other value-added products, including both infrared and visible components, such as mounted lenses, optical assemblies, collimator assemblies, and other custom specialty optics. Collimator assemblies are utilized in applications involving light detection and ranging (“LIDAR”) technology for advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous vehicles, such as forklifts and other automated warehouse equipment. This continues to be an emerging market with long-term growth potential for us. We also expect growth from medical programs and commercial optical sub-assemblies. We design, build, and sell optical assemblies in markets for test and measurement, medical devices, military, industrial, and communications based on our proprietary technologies. 

Infrared systems, which include thermal imaging cameras, temperature sensing, gas sensing devices, spectrometers, night vision systems, automotive driver awareness systems, such as blind spot detection, thermal weapon sights, and infrared counter measure systems, is an area that is growing rapidly and we are selling products that are utilized in a number of these applications. As infrared imaging systems become widely available, market demand will increase as the cost of components decreases. Our aspheric molding process is an enabling technology for the cost reduction and commercialization of infrared imaging systems utilizing smaller lenses because the aspheric shape of our lenses enables system designers to reduce the lens element in a system and provide similar performance at a lower cost. In addition, there is a trend toward utilizing smaller size sensors in these devices which require smaller size lenses and that fits well with our molding technology. Many of our optical assemblies consist of several products that we manufacture.

Engineering Services Product Group. We develop products pursuant to development agreements that we enter into with customers. Typically, customers approach us and request that we develop new products or applications utilizing our existing products to fit their particular needs or specifications. The purpose of those engineering services that we offer is not only to provide purely engineering services for a customer, but also to engineer new products which we later manufacture for the customer. The timing and extent of any such product development requests are unpredictable and outside of our control.

Sales and Marketing

Marketing.  Extensive product diversity and varying levels of product maturity characterize the optics industry. Product verticals range from consumer (e.g., AR/VR headset, cameras, cell phones, gaming devices, and copiers) to industrial (e.g., lasers, data storage, and infrared imaging), from products where the lenses are the central feature (e.g., telescopes, microscopes, and lens systems) to products incorporating lens components (e.g., 3D printing, machine vision, LIDAR, robotics and semiconductor production equipment) and communications (e.g., fiber, 5G and satellite laser based). As a result, we market our products across a wide variety of customer groups, including laser systems manufacturers, laser OEM’s, infrared-imaging systems vendors, automotive OEMs, industrial laser tool manufacturers, telecommunications equipment manufacturers, medical instrumentation manufacturers and industrial measurement equipment manufacturers, government defense agencies, and research institutions worldwide. Our marketing efforts include a global unification of our messaging with the use of digital advertising, branding activities that utilize social media, our website and direct marketing activities. As our focus shifts from the sale of components and standard products to being a value-add supply partner for customized solutions, our marketing activities also shift from a focus on technical aspects of standard components to a focus on best practice use cases, the overall outcome from our solutions and end user benefit. Our market messaging will look to inspire interest and promote engagement.

Sales Model & Structure.  To align the organization to better serve our new solution strategy and for accountability of our key corporate objectives, we have made organizational changes designed to ensure customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Our organizational structure includes a technical project management function that enables the close coordination of supply with demand to help us leverage our core offerings and coordinate our engineering development efforts that will leverage and expand our portfolio of capabilities. We have recently incorporated our product management function within our go-to-market team to provide both internal and external support for growth of our thermal imaging product solutions portfolio. We have also transitioned from a business unit focus to a unified global direct sales team that promotes the overall company portfolio and is standardized on a problem solving, needs analysis process.

Sales Team & Channel.  We have aligned our sales engineering efforts to be account based and application focused. We have taken a more proactive approach to our direct selling efforts to increase our customer engagement and allow for expansion of our solutions within current customers by expanding relationships. We continue to enhance our website (www.lightpath.com), social media presence, email communications and our position as thought leaders in both optics and thermal imaging through these platforms.

Trade Shows. We display our standard products, promote new innovative offerings and meet with industry influencers at a number of conferences each year throughout North America, Europe and Asia. So far in 2024, we have participated in the SHOT Show in Las Vegas, the largest professional event for the sport shooting, hunting and outdoor industry in North America; SPIE Photonics West in San Francisco; SPIE DCS, AUVSI Xponential which promotes emerging technologies supporting autonomous vehicles, drones and robotics; and numerous other conferences in the EU as well as Asia. These trade shows provide us an opportunity to further expand our brand, network to enhance business relationships and gain valuable insight into technology trends in our target markets. As we continue our efforts to be viewed as a solutions provider and thought leader in the industries we serve, we continue to participate in these events, exhibiting and educating our current and potential customers.

Competition

The markets in which we compete are highly competitive and highly fragmented in their needs. We compete with manufacturers of conventional spherical lenses and optical components, providers of aspheric lenses and optical components, and producers of optical quality glass. In addition, we compete with providers of thermal imaging products that produce their own optical components and sensors.

While the global market for component supply is fragmented and highly competitive, we strive to maintain advantages through our unique technologies that often build on our leadership in precision molded optics, as well as our vertical integration in infrared optics, from raw materials through assemblies and engineered solutions, which can also contain sensors and electronics.

Pricing is currently challenging due to the fluctuating cost of raw materials that have generally been used to produce optical components such as germanium (Ge). Our BlackDiamond materials offer supply chain risk mitigation as well as a price consistency alternative to both our customers and some of our competitors, allowing us to provide solutions to customers from raw materials to fully customized solutions.

Our size and scale allow us to address many opportunities that some of our much larger competitors are choosing to ignore. Many of our competitors are companies of much larger size and scale, and prefer to produce products in massive quantities, whereas our capabilities allow us to address underserved markets that our larger competitors routinely abandon.

Engineered Solutions and Assemblies and Modules Product Groups.

As described earlier in regards to product groups, our engineering services and assemblies and modules product groups are tied together, such that one (engineering services) mostly feeds the other group (assemblies and modules). As such, the competition for the two groups are also tied together and we will therefore address both groups together.

In those two product groups, we see three distinct types of competition. The first is direct competitors, i.e. companies like us that offer the ability to design from scratch, or modify an existing design of a sub-system or system, and deliver it all the way to production and recurring production deliveries. Currently, we do not see much of such competition. Some companies offer such services and the ability to deliver those designed units in production volumes, yet lack the breadth of knowledge and capabilities we have, both on the design side as well as the manufacturing. We are able to leverage our vertical integration and detailed design on all aspects of the camera or assembly.

The second type of competition we see is standard products, which can be available to the customer without any customization. Such products are available from many vendors, including those that offer a large catalog of standard assemblies, those that offer standard cameras with no customization, and others. In standard products, the competition is very different, and customers must even compromise on performance, or adjust their system requirements to use a standard off the shelf product. Since customers are always looking to improve their products vis a vis competition, and to push the limits and boundaries of performance, compromising for an off the shelf product is not a fit for such customers. When customers look to use an off the shelf standard product versus a customized or modified product, they will often times compromise on size, weight, technical performance such as detection range, and power consumption. Though for some customers those are acceptable compromises, we do not see this as a major competition or risk to our business model, as the market keeps demanding better performance in every aspect, which cannot easily be achieved with standard products alone.

The third type of competition we see within this product group is internal, within the customer’s organization. Depending on the organization and context, there are situations where customers would look internally to their engineering groups, or other departments in their organization to design and build an optical system. This approach was prevalent up until a few years ago, when many organizations still tried to do everything in house, including optical design and manufacturing. In some organizations, and primarily some defense primes, this still exists. However, as technology evolves, and as the customer base expands to include more customers who do not view optics as part of their core capabilities and know-how, more and more companies abandon the approach of designing everything in-house, and thus the internal type of competition is in decline.

Infrared Components Product Group.  Our infrared optical components compete with optical products produced by Janos Technology LLC, Ophir Optronics Solutions Ltd. (a subsidiary of MKS Instruments, Inc.), Clear Align, II-VI, Inc. and a variety of Eastern European and Asian manufacturers. Infrared optical components can be produced using several techniques. Historically, infrared optical components were produced only using traditional fabrication technologies, which later changed when diamond turning was introduced (a form of advanced CNC for optical materials), and most recently, with the adoption of synthetic chalcogenide glass, we began to precision mold infrared optical components, by leveraging our years of leadership and expertise in precision molding. Being synthetically produced, chalcogenide glass, such as our proprietary BD6 material, has an inherently lower cost than crystalline materials such as germanium. Additionally, glass such as our BD6 material provides further advantages, including a-thermal behavior, lower weight, and an ability to produce high-volumes through precision molding, something traditional infrared materials cannot achieve due to their crystal structure. In addition to molding lenses directly into finished form, we also developed and patented a process to mold large optical elements into near net shape, which offers a significant cost savings for components that cannot be produced directly from molding. All of this is related in part to our choice to vertically integrate, and produce our own chalcogenide glass, positioning us to create more technical advantages for our customers, by leveraging and optimizing our glass manufacturing to produce unique materials and better overall system performance.

We believe that the market shift towards the use of synthetic materials in infrared products represents a significant opportunity for us, and we continue to invest in further pushing the limits of both molding of infrared components, as well as the glass manufacturing technology and products. We believe this process will create significant differentiators and value in this industry segment, and will further change the dynamics of this industry segment.

Our molded infrared optics competes with products manufactured by Umicore N.V., Rochester Precision Optics, and a number of Asian and European manufacturers. We believe that leadership in glass molding technologies, our vertical integration by producing our own glass, and our continued investment in technology development in this area, coupled with our diverse manufacturing flexibility, and our manufacturing facilities located in Asia, Europe and North America are key advantages over the products manufactured by competitors. 

Visible Components Product Group. Our PMO products compete with conventional lenses and optical components manufactured from companies such as Asia Optical Co., Inc., Anteryon BV, Rochester Precision Optics, and Sunny Optical Technology (Group) Company Limited. Aspheric lens system manufacturers include Panasonic Corporation, Alps Electric Co., Ltd., Hoya Corporation, as well as other competitors from China and Taiwan, such as E-Pin Optical Industry Co., Ltd., and Kinik Company.

Our aspheric lenses compete with lens systems comprised of multiple conventional lenses. Machined aspheric lenses compete with our molded glass aspheric lenses. The use of aspheric surfaces provides the optical designer with a powerful tool in correcting spherical aberrations and enhancing performance in state-of-the-art optical products. However, we believe that our optical design expertise and our flexibility in providing custom high-performance optical components at a low price are key competitive advantages for us over competitors. An additional competitive advantage is our ability to switch production between different facilities on different continents. We do not depend on one facility and are able to move production in and out of China, which we believe creates a significant advantage by giving us supply chain continuity and an ability to adjust to customers’ geographical preferences.

Plastic molded aspheres and hybrid plastic/glass aspheric optics allow for high volume production, but primarily are limited to low-cost consumer products that do not place a high demand on performance (such as plastic lenses in disposable or mobile phone cameras). Molded plastic aspheres appear in products that stress cost or weight as their measure of success over performance and durability. Our low-cost structure allows us to compete with these lenses based on higher performance and durability from our glass lenses at only a small premium in price. We do not compete in the market for plastic lenses unless a glass substitution presents a viable alternative.

Manufacturing

Facilities. Our manufacturing is largely performed in our combined 58,500 square feet of production facilities in Orlando, Florida, in LPOIZ’s combined 55,000 square feet of production facilities in Zhenjiang, China, and in ISP Latvia’s 29,000 square feet of production facilities in Riga, Latvia. Effective June 1, 2024, LPOIZ reduced its facility to 39.500 square feet.

Our Orlando Facility and LPOIZ’s Zhenjiang Facility feature areas for each step of the manufacturing process, including coating work areas, diamond turning, manufacturing and a clean room for precision glass molding and integrated assembly. The Orlando and Zhenjiang Facilities include new product development laboratories and space that includes development and metrology equipment. The Orlando and Zhenjiang Facilities have anti-reflective and infrared coating equipment to coat our lenses in-house. ISP Latvia’s Riga Facility includes fully vertically integrated manufacturing processes to produce high precision infrared lenses and infrared lens assemblies, CNC grinding, conventional polishing, diamond turning, assemblies and state of the art metrology. During fiscal year 2021, we began adding infrared coating capabilities in the Riga Facility as well.

We are routinely adding additional production equipment at our Orlando, Zhenjiang and Riga Facilities. In fiscal year 2021, we added additional space in our Riga Facility, and also executed a lease agreement for additional space at our Orlando Facility. We completed the build out of our additional Orlando Facility space in August 2023. In addition to adding equipment or space at our manufacturing facilities, we add work shifts, as needed, to increase capacity and meet forecasted demand. We intend to monitor the capacity at our facilities, and will increase such space as needed. We believe our facilities and planned expansions are adequate to accommodate our needs over the next year.

Production and Equipment.  Our Orlando Facility contains glass melting capability for BD6 chalcogenide glass, a manufacturing area for our molded glass aspheres, multiple anti-reflective and wear resistant coating chambers, diamond turning machines and accompanying metrology equipment offering full scale diamond turning lens capability, a tooling and machine shop to support new product development, commercial production requirements for our machined parts, the fabrication of proprietary precision glass molding machines and mold equipment, and a clean room for our molding and assembly workstations and related metrology equipment.

LPOIZ’s Zhenjiang Facility features a precision glass molding manufacturing area, clean room, machine shop, dicing area, and thin film coating chambers for anti-reflective coatings on both visible and infrared optics and related metrology equipment.

ISP Latvia’s Riga Facility consists of crystal growth, grinding, polishing, diamond turning, quality control departments and a mechanical shop to provide the departments with the necessary tooling. The grind and polish department has modern CNC equipment, lens centering and conventional equipment to perform spindle, double sided and continuous polishing operations. The diamond turning department has numerous diamond-turning machines accompanied with the latest metrology tools. During fiscal year 2021, we began adding infrared coating capabilities at the Riga Facility, which was completed the second half of fiscal year 2022. The quality control department contains numerous inspection stations with various equipment to perform optical testing of finished optics.

The Orlando, Zhenjiang, and Riga Facilities are ISO 9001:2015 certified. The Zhenjiang Facility is also ISO/TS 1649:2009 automotive certified for manufacturing of optical lenses and accessories. The Orlando Facility is International Traffic in Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) compliant and registered with the U.S. Department of State. The Riga Facility has a DSP-5 ITAR license and Technical Assistance Agreement in place that allows this facility to manufacture items with ITAR requirements.

For more information regarding our facilities, please see Item 2. Properties in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Subcontractors and Strategic Alliances.  We believe that low-cost manufacturing is crucial to our long-term success. In that regard, we generally use subcontractors in our production process to accomplish certain processing steps requiring specialized capabilities. For example, we presently use a number of qualified subcontractors for fabricating, polishing, and coating certain lenses, as necessary. We have taken steps to protect our proprietary methods of high-quality manufacturing by patent disclosures and internal trade secret controls.

Suppliers.  We utilize a number of glass compositions in manufacturing our molded glass aspheres and lens array products. These glasses or equivalents are available from a large number of suppliers, including CDGM Glass Company Ltd., Ohara Corporation, and Sumita Optical Glass, Inc. Base optical materials, used in both infrared glass and collimator products, are manufactured and supplied by a number of optical and glass manufacturers. We utilize major infrared material suppliers located around the globe for a broad spectrum of infrared crystal and glass. The development of our manufacturing capability for BD6 glass and other germanium alternatives provides a low-cost internal source for infrared glass. We believe that a satisfactory supply of such production materials will continue to be available, at reasonable or, in some cases, increased prices, although there can be no assurance in this regard.

We also rely on local and regional vendors for component materials and services such as housings, fixtures, chemicals and inert gases, specialty ceramics, UV and AR coatings, and other specialty coatings. In addition, certain products require external processing, such as anodizing and metallization. To date, we are not dependent on any of these manufacturers and have found a suitable number of qualified vendors and suppliers for these materials and services.

We currently purchase a few key materials from single or limited sources. We believe that a satisfactory supply of production materials will continue to be available at competitive prices, although we are experiencing inflationary pricing pressure in the short term, however there can be no assurances in this regard.

Intellectual Property

Our policy is to protect our technology by, among other things, trade secret protection, patents, trademarks, and copyrights. We primarily rely upon trade secrets and unpatented proprietary know-how to protect certain process inventions, lens designs, and innovations. We have taken reasonable security measures to protect our trade secrets and proprietary know-how.

We are aggressively pursuing patents for new products that provide new features, capabilities or other advantages to our customers. Over the past two years we have filed 6 new patent applications. The first filing uses a midwave thermal imaging camera with relay optics and a risley prism scanner for inspection of boilers and furnaces. The risley prism scanner gives the system the ability to steer the image area within the furnace. The second filing uses an uncooled broadband camera for flame detection coupled with detection of humans or other low temperature signals within the overall imaging area. The third filing is for an optical element formed from a moldable material, with a transparent layer of a different material applied to the optical surface for use in resistive heating of the element. This can be used to provide heating on an optic for de-icing or de-fogging. The fourth filing combines LWIR Imaging with an extended short wavelength infrared (“eSWIR”) light source to allow for IR imaging and illumination in the same image using a single detector. The fifth filing is for a single camera that can detect a signaling laser such as a beacon in one wavelength, while imaging the heat emitted from objects in another waveband. The sixth is for directed shutterless calibration by using pulsed infrared sources that can illuminate all pixels in the focal plane array with short pulses of light, which can then be used for non-uniformity correction.

We own several registered and unregistered service marks and trademarks (collectively, “marks”) that are used in the marketing and sale of our products. The following table sets forth our registered and unregistered marks, and denotes whether each mark is registered, the country in which the mark is filed, and the renewal date for such mark.

Environmental and Governmental Regulation

Currently, emissions and waste from our manufacturing processes are at such low levels that no special environmental permits or licenses are required. In the future, we may need to obtain special permits for disposal of increased waste by-products. The glass materials we utilize contain some toxic elements in a stabilized molecular form. However, the high temperature diffusion process results in low-level emissions of such elements in gaseous form. If production reaches a certain level, we believe that we will be able to efficiently recycle certain of our raw material waste, thereby reducing disposal levels. We believe that we are presently in compliance with all material federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing our operations and have obtained all material licenses and permits necessary for the operation of our business.

We also utilize certain chemicals, solvents, and adhesives in our manufacturing process. We believe we maintain all necessary permits and are in full compliance with all applicable regulations.

To our knowledge, there are currently no U.S. federal, state, or local regulations that restrict the manufacturing and distribution of our products. Certain end-user applications require government approval of the complete optical system, such as U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for use in endoscopy. In these cases, we will generally be involved on a secondary level and our OEM customer will be responsible for the license and approval process.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act imposes disclosure requirements regarding the use of “conflict minerals” mined from the Democratic Republic of Congo and adjoining countries in products, whether or not these products are manufactured by third parties. The conflict minerals include tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold, and their derivatives. Pursuant to these requirements, we are required to report on Form SD the procedures we employ to determine the sourcing of such minerals and metals produced from those minerals. There are costs associated with complying with these disclosure requirements, including for diligence in regards to the sources of any conflict minerals used in our products, in addition to the cost of remediation and other changes to products, processes, or sources of supply as a consequence of such verification activities. In addition, the implementation of these rules could adversely affect the sourcing, supply, and pricing of materials used in our products. We strive to only use suppliers that source from conflict-free smelters and refiners; however, in the future, we may face difficulties in gathering information regarding our suppliers and the source of any such conflict minerals.

Major Customers

In fiscal year 2024, we had sales to three customers that comprised an aggregate of approximately 25% of our annual revenue with one customer at 12% of our sales, another customer at 7% of our sales, and the third customer at 6% of our sales. In fiscal year 2023, we had sales to three customers that comprised an aggregate of approximately 24% of our annual revenue with one customer at 11% of our sales, another customer at 7% of our sales, and the third customer at 6% of our sales. The loss of any of these customers, or a significant reduction in sales to any such customer, would adversely affect our revenues and profits. However, the largest customer for fiscal year 2024 was not among the three largest for fiscal year 2023, which demonstrates that our customer concentration is not static. We continue to diversify our business in order to minimize our sales concentration risk.

In fiscal year 2024, 39% of our net revenue was derived from sales outside of the U.S., with 94% of our foreign sales derived from customers in Europe and Asia. In fiscal year 2023, 50% of our net revenue was derived from sales outside of the U.S., with 93% of our foreign sales derived from customers in Europe and Asia

Employees        

Our employees are critical in providing our customers the most innovative optic products. We employ a diverse group of people with different backgrounds, cultures, education and experience to move the Company and our strategic plan forward. As of June 30, 2024, we had 316 employees globally, including 304 full-time and 12 part-time employees, with 99 full-time employees in the U.S., 102 full-time employees located in Riga, Latvia, and 101 full-time employees located in Zhenjiang, China. We have used and will continue utilizing part-time support, including interns, temporary employment agencies, and outside consultants, as required from time to time. Any employee additions or terminations over the next twelve months will be dependent upon the actual sales levels realized during fiscal year 2025.

Compensation and Benefits

LightPath offers competitive compensation and benefit packages are designed to meet the short-term and long-term needs of our employees and their families. These benefits include but are not limited to a 401(k) Plan with company match, flexible spending and health savings accounts, short-term incentive programs, healthcare benefits, and employee assistance program.

Recruitment

Sourcing and hiring top talent is part of our success. Using different sources and partnerships to connect with talent has been crucial. LightPath uses regional, industry and internal metrics to ensure we are staying competitive in the market.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

LightPath is committed to being a diverse and equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a diverse and inclusive workplace. As a global company, we celebrate diversity. All employment decisions are based on business need, basis of qualifications, performance and merit.

Employee Training

Employees start training on the first day of employment. Depending on their new position, initial training can take up to six months. All employees are given basic safety training for fire, hazardous materials, first aid, physical lifting, and accident prevention. As changes are made to processes and new products are introduced, training is imperative. All electronic training programs are assigned through a labor management system and completion records are maintained within the same system.

Available Information

We maintain a website with the address www.lightpath.com. We are not including the information contained on our website as part of, or incorporating it by reference into, this Form 10-K. Through our website, we make available free of charge our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and other reports and amendments to these reports that we file with or furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) in a timely manner after we provide them.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

The following is a discussion of the primary factors that may affect the operations and/or financial performance of our business. Refer to the section entitled Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for an additional discussion of these and other related factors that affect our operations and/or financial performance.

Risks Related to Our Business and Financial Results

We have a history of losses.  We reported net losses of $8.0 million, $4.0 million, $3.5 million and $3.2 million for fiscal years 2024, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. As of June 30, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $215.8 million. We may incur losses in the future if we do not achieve sufficient revenue to maintain profitability, or if we continue to incur unusual costs. We expect revenue to grow by generating additional sales through promotion of our infrared products, with a focus on engineered solutions, and continued cost reduction efforts across all product groups, but we cannot guarantee such improvement or growth.

Factors which could adversely affect our future profitability, include, but are not limited to, a decline in revenue either due to lower sales unit volumes or decreasing selling prices, or both, our ability to order supplies from vendors, which, in turn, affects our ability to manufacture our products, and slow payments from our customers on accounts receivable.

Any failure to maintain profitability would have a materially adverse effect on our ability to implement our business plan, our results and operations, and our financial condition, and could cause the value of our Class A common stock to decline.

We may be affected by political and other risks as a result of our sales to international customers and/or our sourcing of materials from international suppliers.  In fiscal year 2024, 39% of our net revenue was derived from sales outside of the U.S., with 94% of our foreign sales derived from customers in Europe and Asia. In fiscal year 2023, 50% of our net revenue was derived from sales outside of the U.S., with 93% of our foreign sales derived from customers in Europe and Asia. Our international sales will be limited, and may even decline, if we cannot establish relationships with new international distributors, maintain relationships with our existing international distributions, maintain and expand our foreign operations, expand international sales, and develop relationships with international service providers. Additionally, our international sales may be adversely affected if international economies weaken. We are subject to the following risks, among others:

Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine may continue to disrupt our supply chain. Our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected by continued disruption and global consequences stemming from the conflict. Although we have no direct operations in Russia or Ukraine, the broader consequences of this conflict have negatively affected, and are expected to continue to negatively affect, the global economy, including the imposition of sanctions, cyber incidents or information technology failures, supply disruptions, increases in inflation rates, increase in energy costs, changes to foreign currency exchange rates, constraints, volatility, or disruption in financial markets, the availability of raw materials, supplies, freight, and labor, and uncertainty about economic and global stability. Historically, we have sourced Germanium from suppliers located in Russia and China. At the start of the Russia\Ukraine conflict we had ceased all purchases of Germanium from vendors in Russia and instead have been purchasing Germanium from vendors in China. On July 4, 2023 China announced its intentions to impose some export restrictions on Germanium, requiring all international customers to provide an end user statement for approval before receiving an export license. Since that announcement, supply of Germanium has been disrupted, though not completely stopped. As a purchaser of Germanium, we are mostly able to purchase the Germanium we need, though the availability of it and ability to receive export licenses varies between vendors. From our customers we know that some of them are able to import Germanium from China, while some get refused for a license. Yet, even those that are able to receive a license experience material lead times that are significantly prolonged because of the process to get a license, and prices that as of August 2024, were 60% higher than the same time last year. We cannot provide any assurances that we will be able to obtain adequate supplies in the future or, if adequate supplies are available, that the timing or costs of obtaining such raw materials will be acceptable to us. Further, some of our major customers in Europe may be directly impacted by the Russian-Ukraine conflict, which could impact the amount and frequency of orders they place with us, as well as impact the timing and ability to pay for products ordered from us. Any material impacts to our customers could have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.

We depend on single or limited source suppliers for some of the key materials or process steps in our products, making us susceptible to supply shortages, poor performance, or price fluctuations.  We currently purchase several key materials (including Germanium) or have outside vendors perform process steps, such as lens coatings, used in or during the manufacture of our products from single or limited source suppliers. We may fail to obtain required materials or services in a timely manner in the future, or we could experience delays as a result of evaluating and testing the products or services of potential alternative suppliers. The economic decline in China may have adversely impacted the financial condition of certain of our suppliers, some of whom have limited financial resources. We have in the past, and may in the future, be required to provide advance payments in order to secure key materials from financially limited suppliers. Financial or other difficulties faced by these suppliers could limit the availability of key components or materials. The economic decline in China has also increased the risk of bankruptcy for suppliers with operations in China and has led to higher manufacturing costs for us and the need to identify alternate suppliers. Additionally, financial difficulties could impair our ability to recover advances made to these suppliers. Any interruption or delay in the supply of any of these materials or services, or the inability to obtain these materials or services from alternate sources at acceptable prices and within a reasonable amount of time, would impair our ability to meet scheduled product deliveries to our customers and could cause customers to cancel orders, thereby negatively affecting our business, financial condition, and results of operation.

International tariffs, including tariffs applied to goods traded between the U.S. and China, could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.  In recent years, the U.S. government took certain actions that led to, and may lead to, further changes to U.S. and international trade policies, including the imposition of tariffs affecting certain products exported by a number of U.S. trading partners, including China. The institution of trade tariffs both globally and between the U.S. and China specifically carries the risk of negatively impacting China’s overall economic condition, which could have negative repercussions for us. Furthermore, imposition of tariffs could cause a decrease in the sales of our products to customers located in China or other customers selling to Chinese end users, which would directly impact our business.

It remains unclear how tax or trade policies, tariffs, or trade relations may change or evolve with changes in the U.S. Presidential Administration. Perceived or actual changes in U.S. trade policy could trigger retaliatory actions by affected countries, which could impose restrictions on our ability to do business in or with affected countries or prohibit, reduce, or discourage purchases of our products by foreign customers, leading to increased costs of products that contain our components, increased costs of manufacturing our products, and higher prices of our products in foreign markets. Changes in, and responses to, U.S. trade policy could reduce the competitiveness of our products and cause our sales and revenues to drop, which could materially and adversely impact our business and results of operations.

We utilize a number of strategies to mitigate the current and, hopefully, future impact of tariffs. However, given the uncertainty regarding the current tariffs, as well as the potential for additional trade actions by the U.S. or other countries in the future, any future impact on our operations and financial results is uncertain and these impacts could be more significant than those we have experienced in the past. Further, we can provide no assurance that the strategies we implemented to mitigate the impact of such tariffs or other trade actions will continue to be successful. To the extent that our supply chain, costs, sales, or profitability are negatively affected by the tariffs or other trade actions, our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.

We are exposed to fluctuations in currency exchange rates that could negatively impact our financial results and cash flows.  We execute all foreign sales from our U.S.-based facilities and inter-company transactions in U.S. dollars in order to partially mitigate the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. However, a portion of our international revenues and expenses are denominated in foreign currencies. Accordingly, we experience the risks of fluctuating currencies and corresponding exchange rates. In fiscal years 2024 and 2023, we recognized net gains of approximately $73,000 and losses of $37,000 on foreign currency transactions, respectively. Any such fluctuations that result in a less favorable exchange rate could adversely affect a portion of our revenues and expenses, which could negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition.

We also source certain raw materials from outside the U.S. Some of those materials, priced in non-dollar currencies, fluctuate in price due to the value of the U.S. dollar against non-dollar-pegged currencies, especially the Euro and Renminbi. As the dollar strengthens, this increases our margins and helps with our ability to reach positive cash flow and profitability. If the strength of the U.S. dollar decreases, the cost of foreign sourced materials could increase, which would adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. If the Euro or Renminbi currencies were to trend unfavorably against the U.S. dollar on a long-term basis, then we would seek to rebalance our strategic materials sourcing.

We are dependent on a few key customers, and the loss of any key customer could cause a significant decline in our revenues. In fiscal year 2024, we had sales to three customers that comprised an aggregate of approximately 25% of our annual revenue, with one customer at 12% of our sales, another customer at 7% of our sales, and the third customer at 6% of our sales. In fiscal year 2023, we had sales to three customers that comprised an aggregate of approximately 24% of our annual revenue, with one customer at 11% of our sales, another customer at 7% of our sales, and the third customer at 6% of our sales. Our current strategy of providing the domain expertise and the extensive “know how” in optical design, fabrication, production and testing technologies will allow our customers to focus on their own development efforts, without needing to develop subject matter expertise in optics. By providing the bridge into the optical solution world, we partner with our customers on a long-term basis, create value to our customers, and capture that value through the long-term supply relationships we develop. However, the loss of any of these customers, or a significant reduction in sales to any such customer, would adversely affect our revenues.

A significant portion of our cash is generated and held outside of the U.S.  The risks of maintaining significant cash abroad could adversely affect our cash flows and financial results.  During fiscal year 2024, greater than 25% of our cash was held abroad. Historically, we generally considered unremitted earnings of our subsidiaries operating outside of the U.S. to be indefinitely reinvested. During fiscal year 2020, we began declaring intercompany dividends to remit a portion of the earnings of our foreign subsidiaries to us. Remaining cash held outside of the U.S. is primarily used for the ongoing operations of the business in the locations in which the cash is held. Certain countries, such as China, have monetary laws that limit our ability to utilize cash resources in China for operations in other countries. Before any funds can be repatriated, the retained earnings of the legal entity must equal at least 50% of its registered capital. As of June 30, 2024, LPOIZ had approximately $1.6 million in retained earnings available for repatriation, based on earnings accumulated through December 31, 2023, the end of the most recent statutory tax year, that remained undistributed as of June 30, 2024. LPOI did not have any earnings available for repatriation as of the date of the merger with LPOIZ. This limitation may affect our ability to fully utilize our cash resources for needs in the U.S. or other countries and may adversely affect our liquidity. Further, since repatriation of such cash is subject to limitations and may be subject to significant taxation, we cannot be certain that we will be able to repatriate such cash on favorable terms or in a timely manner. If we incur operating losses and/or require cash that is held in international accounts for use in our operations based in the U.S., a failure to repatriate such cash in a timely and cost-effective manner could adversely affect our business and financial results.

We will likely need additional capital to sustain our operations in the future and to repay indebtedness.  We have limited capital resources. Our operations have historically been largely funded from the proceeds of equity financings and cash flow from operations along with a minimal level of debt financing. We will likely need to raise additional financing to repay our outstanding indebtedness of approximately $4.2 million, as of August 2024, and to fund our current level of operations as well as our strategic plan. Additional financing will be required in order for us to take advantage of acquisition opportunities that we may identify. Such financing, which is not in place at this time, may be from the sale of equity or convertible or other debt securities in a public or private offering, or from an additional credit facility. We may be unable to raise sufficient additional capital on favorable terms, if at all, to supply the working capital needs of our existing operations or to expand our business.

Our stock price may fluctuate widely. Many factors, including, but not limited to, future announcements concerning the Company, its competitors or customers, as well as quarterly variations in operating results, announcements of technological innovations, seasonal or other variations in anticipated or actual results of operations, changes in earnings estimates by analysts or reports regarding the Company’s industries in the financial press or investment advisory publications, could cause the market price of the Company’s stock to fluctuate substantially. In addition, the Company’s stock price may fluctuate widely for reasons which may be unrelated to operating results. Also, any information concerning the Company, including projections of future operating results could in the future contribute to volatility in the market price of the Company’s common stock.

As a U.S. corporation with international operations, we are subject to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other similar foreign anti-corruption laws, as well as other laws governing our operations. If we fail to comply with these laws, we could be subject to civil or criminal penalties, other remedial measures, and legal expenses, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.  Our operations are subject to anti-corruption laws, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”), and other foreign anti-corruption laws that apply in countries where we do business. The FCPA and these other laws generally prohibit us and our employees and intermediaries from offering, promising, authorizing or making payments to government officials or other persons to obtain or retain business or gain some other business advantage. In addition, we cannot predict the nature, scope, or effect of future regulatory requirements to which our international operations might be subject or the manner in which existing laws might be administered or interpreted. Operations outside of the U.S. may be affected by changes in trade production laws, policies, and measures, and other regulatory requirements affecting trade and investment.

We are also subject to other laws and regulations governing our international operations, including regulations administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security, the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control, and various non-U.S. government entities, including applicable export control regulations, economic sanctions on countries and persons, customs, requirements, currency exchange regulations, and transfer pricing regulations (collectively, the “Trade Control Laws”).

Despite our compliance programs, there can be no assurance that we will be completely effective in ensuring our compliance with all applicable anti-corruption laws, including the FCPA or other legal requirements, or Trade Control Laws. If we are not in compliance with the FCPA and other foreign anti-corruption laws or Trade Control Laws, we may be subject to criminal and civil penalties, disgorgement, and other sanctions and remedial measures, and legal expenses, which could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. Likewise, any investigation of any potential violations of the FCPA, other anti-corruption laws, or Trade Control Laws by the U.S. or foreign authorities could also have an adverse impact on our reputation, business, financial condition, and results of operations.

If the custodians or authorized users of our controlling non-tangible assets, including corporate chops and seals of our Chinese subsidiaries, fail to fulfill their responsibilities or misappropriate or misuse those assets, our business and operations could be materially and adversely affected.  In China, a company chop or seal serves as the legal representation of the company towards third parties even when unaccompanied by a signature. Under law of the People’s Republic of China, legal documents for corporate transactions, including contracts and leases that our business relies upon, are executed using “corporate chops,” which are instruments that contain either the official seal of the signing entity or the signature of a legal representative whose designation is registered and filed with the State Administration for Industry and Commerce, or SAIC.

Our Chinese subsidiary, LPOIZ (and formerly LPOI), generally executes legal documents with corporate chops. One or more of our corporate chops may be used to, among other things, execute commercial sales or purchase contracts, procurement contracts and office leases, open bank accounts, issue checks and to issue invoices. We have controls in place over access to and use of the chops. However, we cannot assure you that unauthorized access to or use of those chops can be prevented. Our designated employees who hold the corporate chops could abuse their authority by, for example, binding us to contracts against our interests or intentions, which could result in economic harm, disruption or our operations or other damages to them as a result of any contractual obligations, or resulting disputes, that might arise. If the party contracting with us asserted that we did not act in good faith under such circumstances, then we could incur costs to nullify such contracts. Such corporate or legal action could involve significant time and resources, while distracting management from our operations. In addition, we may not be able to recover corporate assets that are sold or transferred out of our control in the event of such a misappropriation if a transferee relies on the apparent authority of the representative and acts in good faith.

If a designated employee uses a chop in an effort to obtain control over our Chinese subsidiary, we would need to take legal action to seek the return of the applicable chop(s), apply for a new chop(s) with the relevant authorities, or otherwise seek legal redress for the violation of their duties. During any period where we lose effective control of the corporate activities of our Chinese subsidiary as a result of such misuse or misappropriation, the business activities of the affected entity could be disrupted, and we could lose the economic benefits of that aspect of our business. To the extent those chops are stolen or are used by unauthorized persons or for unauthorized purposes, the corporate governance of this entity could be severely and adversely compromised, and the operations of this entity could be significantly and adversely impacted.

We rely, in large part, on key business and sales relationships for the successful commercialization of our products, which, if not developed or maintained, will have an adverse impact on achieving market awareness and acceptance and will result in a loss of business opportunities.  To achieve wide market awareness and acceptance of our products and technologies, as part of our business strategy, we will attempt to enter into a variety of business relationships with other companies that will incorporate our technologies into their products and/or market products based on our technologies. The successful commercialization of our products and technologies will depend in part on our ability to meet obligations under contracts with respect to the products and related development requirements. The failure of these business relationships will limit the commercialization of our products and technologies, which will have an adverse impact on our business development and our ability to generate revenues.

If we do not expand our sales and marketing organization, our revenues may not increase.  The sale of our products requires prolonged sales and marketing efforts targeted at several key departments within our prospective customers’ organizations and often involves our executives, personnel, and specialized systems and applications engineers working together. Currently, our direct sales and marketing organization is somewhat limited.  We believe we will need to continue to strengthen our sales and marketing organization in order to increase market awareness and sales of our products. There is significant competition for qualified personnel, and we might not be able to hire the kind and number of sales and marketing personnel and applications engineers we need. If we are unable to continue to expand our sales operations globally, we may not be able to continue to increase market awareness or sales of our products, which would adversely affect our revenues, results of operations, and financial condition.

If we are unable to effectively compete, our business and operating results could be negatively affected.  We face substantial competition in the optical markets in which we operate. Many of our competitors are large public and private companies that have longer operating histories and significantly greater financial, technical, marketing, and other resources than we have. As a result, these competitors are able to devote greater resources than we can to the development, promotion, sale, and support of their products. In addition, the market capitalization and cash reserves of several of our competitors are much larger than ours, and, as a result, these competitors are better positioned than we are to exploit markets, develop new technologies, and acquire other companies in order to gain new technologies or products. We also compete with manufacturers of conventional spherical lens products and aspherical lens products, producers of optical quality glass, and other developers of gradient lens technology, as well as telecommunications product manufacturers. In both the optical lens and communications markets, we are competing against, among others, established international companies, especially in Asia. Many of these companies also are primary customers for optical and communication components, and, therefore, have significant control over certain markets for our products. There can be no assurance that existing or new competitors will not develop technologies that are superior to or more commercially acceptable than our existing and planned technologies and products or that competition in our industry will not lead to reduced prices for our products. If we are unable to successfully compete with existing companies and new entrants to the markets we compete in, our business, results of operations, and financial condition could be adversely affected.

We anticipate further reductions in the average selling prices of some of our products over time, and, therefore, must increase our sales volumes, reduce our costs, and/or introduce higher margin products to reach and maintain consistent profitable results.  We have experienced decreases in the average selling prices of some of our products over the last ten years, including most of our passive component products. We anticipate that as certain products in the optical component and module market become more commodity-like, the average selling prices of our products will decrease in response to competitive pricing pressures, new product introductions by us or our competitors, or other factors. We attempt to offset anticipated decreases in our average selling prices by increasing our sales volumes and/or changing our product mix. If we are unable to offset anticipated future decreases in our average selling prices by increasing our sales volumes or changing our product mix, our net revenues and gross margins will decline, increasing the projected cash needed to fund operations. To address these pricing pressures, we must develop and introduce new products and product enhancements that will generate higher margins, continue to reduce costs, and/or change our product mix in order to generate higher margins. If we cannot maintain or improve our gross margins, our financial position, and results of operations may be harmed. 

Because of our limited product offerings, our ability to generate additional revenues may be limited without additional growth. With our strategic transition into more value-added solutions, and the addition of Visimid in July 2023, we reorganized our products into four product groups: infrared components, visible components, assemblies and modules, and engineering services. In fiscal year 2024, sales of infrared components represented approximately 44% of our net revenues, sales of visible components represented approximately 33% of our net revenues, sales of assemblies and modules represented 14% of our revenues, and engineering services represented 6% of our revenues. In the future, we expect growth primarily from our assemblies and modules and engineering services product groups, the vertical integration of which will be supported by the infrared components product group. Continued and expanding market acceptance of these products, particularly infrared products based on our proprietary chalcogenide materials (Germanium alternatives), is critical to our future success. There can be no assurance that our current or new products will achieve market acceptance at the rate at which we expect, or at all, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Our failure to accurately forecast material requirements could cause us to incur additional costs, have excess inventories, or have insufficient materials to manufacture our products.  Our material requirements forecasts are based on actual or anticipated product orders. It is very important that we accurately predict both the demand for our products and the lead times required to obtain the necessary materials. Lead times for materials that we order vary significantly and depend on factors, such as specific supplier requirements, the size of the order, contract terms, and the market demand for the materials at any given time. If we overestimate our material requirements, we may have excess inventory, which would increase our costs. If we underestimate our material requirements, we may have inadequate inventory, which could interrupt our manufacturing and delay delivery of our products to our customers. Any of these occurrences would negatively impact our results of operations. Additionally, in order to avoid excess material inventories, we may incur cancellation charges associated with modifying existing purchase orders with our vendors, which, depending on the magnitude of such cancellation charges, may adversely affect our results of operations.

If we do not achieve acceptable manufacturing yields our operating results could suffer.  The manufacture of our products involves complex and precise processes. Our manufacturing costs for several products are relatively fixed, and, thus, manufacturing yields are critical to the success of our business and our results of operations. Changes in our manufacturing processes or those of our suppliers could significantly reduce our manufacturing yields. In addition, we may experience manufacturing delays and reduced manufacturing yields upon introducing new products to our manufacturing lines. The occurrence of unacceptable manufacturing yields or product yields could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

If our customers do not qualify our manufacturing lines for volume shipments, our operating results could suffer.  Our manufacturing lines have passed our qualification standards, as well as our technical standards. However, our customers may also require that our manufacturing lines pass their specific qualification standards, and that we be registered under international quality standards, beyond our ISO 9001:2015 certification. This customer qualification process determines whether our manufacturing lines meet the customers’ quality, performance, and reliability standards. Generally, customers do not purchase our products, other than limited numbers of evaluation units, prior to qualification of the manufacturing line for volume production. We may be unable to obtain customer qualification of our manufacturing lines or we may experience delays in obtaining customer qualification of our manufacturing lines. If there are delays in the qualification of our products or manufacturing lines, our customers may drop the product from a long-term supply program, which would result in significant lost revenue opportunity over the term of each such customer’s supply program, or our customers may purchase from other manufacturers. The inability to obtain customer qualification of our manufacturing lines, or the delay in obtaining such qualification, could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Our future success depends on our key executive officers and our ability to attract, retain, and motivate qualified personnel.  Our future success largely depends upon the continued services of our key executive officers, management team, and other engineering, sales, marketing, manufacturing, and support personnel. If one or more of our key employees are unable or unwilling to continue in their present positions, we may not be able to replace them readily, if at all. Additionally, we may incur additional expenses to recruit and retain new key employees. If any of our key employees joins a competitor or forms a competing company, we may lose some or a significant portion of our customers. Because of these factors, the loss of the services of any of these key employees could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Our continuing ability to attract and retain highly qualified personnel will also be critical to our success because we will need to hire and retain additional personnel to support our business strategy. We expect to continue to hire selectively in the manufacturing, engineering, sales and marketing, and administrative functions to the extent consistent with our business levels and to further our business strategy. We face significant competition for skilled personnel in our industry. This competition may make it more difficult and expensive to attract, hire, and retain qualified managers and employees. Because of these factors, we may not be able to effectively manage or grow our business, which could adversely affect our financial condition or business.

We face product liability risks, which could adversely affect our business.  The sale of our optical products involves the inherent risk of product liability claims by others. We do not currently maintain product liability insurance coverage. Product liability insurance is expensive, subject to various coverage exclusions, and may not be obtainable on terms acceptable to us if we decide to procure such insurance in the future. Moreover, the amount and scope of any coverage may be inadequate to protect us in the event that a product liability claim is successfully asserted. If a claim is asserted and successfully litigated by an adverse party, our financial position and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Business interruptions could adversely affect our business. We manufacture our products at manufacturing facilities located in Orlando, Florida; Riga, Latvia; and Zhenjiang, China. Our revenues are dependent upon the continued operation of these facilities. The Orlando Facility is subject to a lease that expires March 31, 2034. The Riga Facility is subject to two leases which expire in December 2030, and the Zhenjiang Facility is subject to one lease that expires in December 2024. We intend to renew the lease for the Zhenjiang Facility for at least a one-year term. Our operations are vulnerable to interruption by fire, hurricane winds and rain, earthquakes, electric power loss, telecommunications failure, and other events beyond our control. We do have a business continuity and recovery plan for our facilities however, we do not have a backup facility, other than our other facilities, or contractual arrangements with any other manufacturers in the event of a casualty to or destruction of any facility or if any facility ceases to be available to us for any other reason. If we are required to rebuild or relocate either of our manufacturing facilities, a substantial investment in improvements and equipment would be necessary. We carry only a limited amount of business interruption insurance, which may not sufficiently compensate us for losses that may occur.

Our facilities may be subject to electrical blackouts as a consequence of a shortage of available electrical power. We currently do not have backup generators or alternate sources of power in the event of a blackout. If blackouts interrupt our power supply, we would be temporarily unable to continue operations at such facility.

Any losses or damages incurred by us as a result of blackouts, rebuilding, relocation, or other business interruptions, could result in a significant delay or reduction in manufacturing and production capabilities, impair our reputation, harm our ability to retain existing customers and to obtain new customers, and could result in reduced sales, lost revenue, increased costs and/or loss of market share, any of which could substantially harm our business and our results of operations.

Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property

If we are unable to protect and enforce our intellectual property rights, we may be unable to compete effectively. We believe that our intellectual property rights are important to our success and our competitive position, and we rely on a combination of patent, copyright, trademark, and trade secret laws and restrictions on disclosure to protect our intellectual property rights in the United States and internationally. Although we have devoted substantial resources to the establishment and protection of our intellectual property rights, the actions taken by us may be inadequate to prevent imitation or improper use of our products by others or to prevent others from claiming violations of their intellectual property rights by us.

In addition, we cannot assure that, in the future, our patent applications will be approved, that any patents that may be issued will protect our intellectual property, or that third parties will not challenge any issued patents. Other parties may independently develop similar or competing technology or design around any patents that may be issued to us. We also rely on confidentiality procedures and contractual provisions with our employees, consultants, and corporate partners to protect our proprietary rights, but we cannot assure the compliance by such parties with their confidentiality obligations, which could be very time consuming, expensive, and difficult to enforce.

It may be necessary to litigate to enforce our patents, copyrights, and other intellectual property rights, to protect our trade secrets, to determine the validity of and scope of the proprietary rights of others, or to defend against claims of infringement or invalidity. Such litigation can be time consuming, distracting to management, expensive, and difficult to predict. Our failure to protect or enforce our intellectual property could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, prospects, and results of operation.

We do not have patent protection for our formulas and processes, and a loss of ownership of any of our formulas and processes would negatively impact our business.  We believe that we own our formulas and processes. However, we have not sought, and do not intend to seek, patent protection for all of our formulas and processes. Instead, we rely on the complexity of our formulas and processes, trade secrecy laws, and employee confidentiality agreements. However, we cannot assure you that other companies will not acquire our confidential information or trade secrets or will not independently develop equivalent or superior products or technology and obtain patent or similar rights. Although we believe that our formulas and processes have been independently developed and do not infringe the patents or rights of others, a variety of components of our processes could infringe existing or future patents, in which event we may be required to modify our processes or obtain a license. We cannot assure you that we will be able to do so in a timely manner or upon acceptable terms and conditions and the failure to do either of the foregoing would negatively affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.

Data breach and breakdown of information and communication technologies. In the course of our business, we collect and store sensitive data, including intellectual property. We could be subject to service outages or breaches of security systems which may result in disruption, unauthorized access, misappropriation, or corruption of this information. We rely on our information technology systems to effectively manage our operational and financial functions. We increasingly rely on information technology systems to process, transmit, and store electronic information. In addition, a significant portion of internal communications, as well as communication with customers and suppliers, depends on information technology. We are exposed to the risk of cyber incidents in the normal course of business. Cyber incidents may be deliberate attacks for the theft of intellectual property, other sensitive information or cash or may be the result of unintentional events. Like most companies, our information technology systems may be vulnerable to interruption due to a variety of events beyond our control, including, but not limited to, physical or electronic break-ins, vendor service outages, terrorist attacks, telecommunications failures, computer viruses, hackers, foreign governments, and other security issues. We have technology security initiatives and data recovery plans in place to mitigate our risk to these vulnerabilities, but these measures may not be adequate, or implemented properly, or executed timely to ensure that our operations are not disrupted. We have insurance coverage for cyber liability, but there can be no assurances that the amount of coverage will be adequate or that insurance proceeds will be available for a particular claim.

Although we have not experienced an incident, potential consequences of a material cyber incident include damage to our reputation, litigation, system disruptions, shutdowns, unauthorized disclosure of confidential information, and increased cyber security protection and remediation costs. Such consequences could materially and adversely affect our results of operations.

We may become involved in intellectual property disputes and litigation, which could adversely affect our business.  We anticipate, based on the size and sophistication of our competitors and the history of rapid technological advances in our industry that several competitors may have patent applications in progress in the U.S. or in foreign countries that, if issued, could relate to products similar to ours. If such patents were to be issued, the patent holders or licensees may assert infringement claims against us or claim that we have violated other intellectual property rights. These claims and any resulting lawsuits, if successful, could subject us to significant liability for damages and invalidate our proprietary rights. The lawsuits, regardless of their merits, could be time-consuming and expensive to resolve and would divert management time and attention. Any potential intellectual property litigation could also force us to do one or more of the following, any of which could harm our business and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations:

Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments.

None.

Item 1C. Cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity Risk Management and Strategy

We have established and implemented a comprehensive cybersecurity risk management program aimed at safeguarding the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our critical information technology (“IT”) systems and sensitive information.

Our cybersecurity risk management program is fully integrated within our broader enterprise risk management framework, leveraging consistent methodologies, incident reporting channels, and governance processes. These approaches are used not only for cybersecurity risks but also for managing other areas of risk, including legal, compliance, strategic, operational, and financial. The program is continuously assessed and refined, using the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework (“NIST CSF”) as a guiding tool to identify, prioritize, and manage cybersecurity risks that could significantly affect our operations, financial performance, or business objectives.

Key components of our cybersecurity risk management program include:

Cybersecurity Governance

Our executive team and Board of Directors are actively involved in overseeing cybersecurity risks. The executive team and the CIO oversee the Company's information security efforts and cybersecurity governance. This team regularly reviews our cybersecurity posture and any significant incidents that have occurred.

The management of our cybersecurity risks is led by the CIO and the executive team who bring over 35 years of combined experience in cybersecurity, IT, and risk management. This team is responsible for the overall cybersecurity risk management program, collaborating with internal teams, external consultants, and cross-functional divisions. Their efforts are supported by threat intelligence from various sources, and they regularly benchmark our security practices against the NIST CSF.

Our CIO reports regularly to the executive team, providing updates on cybersecurity strategies, current threats, and long-term planning. Additionally, the CIO provides an annual cybersecurity update, presenting an overview of significant cybersecurity risks and their potential impact on internal controls.

In the event of a significant cybersecurity incident that escalates to a corporate crisis, the executive team and the Board will be engaged in alignment with the corporate compliance and risk protocols.

While LightPath Technologies faces various cybersecurity threats as part of routine operations, no risks have been identified to date that could materially impact the company’s operations, strategy, financial condition, or overall business performance.

Item 2.  Properties.

Our properties consist primarily of leased office and manufacturing facilities. Our corporate headquarters are located in Orlando, Florida and our manufacturing facilities are primarily located in Zhenjiang, China and Riga, Latvia. The following schedule presents the approximate square footage of our offices and facilities as of June 30, 2024:

Our territorial sales personnel maintain an office from their homes to serve their geographical territories. 

For additional information regarding our facilities, please see Item 1. Business in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. For additional information regarding leases, see Note 13, Leases, to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

From time to time, we are involved in various legal actions arising in the normal course of business. We currently have no material legal proceeding to which we are a party to or to which our properties are subject to and, to the best of our knowledge, no material adverse legal activity is anticipated or threatened.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not Applicable.

Information About Our Executive Officers

Our executive officers are elected by the Board of Directors and serve until their successors are elected and qualified, subject to removal by the Board at any time. The following are the names, ages and current positions of our executive officers.

PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

Market Information

Our Class A common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “LPTH”.

Holders

As of September 9, 2024, we estimate there were approximately 206 holders of record and approximately 10,293 street name holders of our Class A common stock.

Dividends

We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our Class A common stock and do not intend to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain all future earnings in order to finance the operation and expansion of our business. In addition, the payment of dividends, if any, in the future, will depend on our earnings, capital requirements, financial conditions, and other relevant factors.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

During the year ended June 30, 2024 there were no repurchases of the Company’s Class A common stock by the Company.

Item 6. Reserved.

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

You should read the following discussion and analysis by our management of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes.

The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, such as statements of our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Please also see the cautionary language at the beginning of this Annual Report on Form 10-K regarding forward-looking statements.

The following discussions also include use of the non-GAAP term “gross margin,” as well as other non-GAAP measures discussed in more detail under the heading “Non-GAAP Financial Measures.” Gross margin is determined by deducting the cost of sales from operating revenue. Cost of sales includes manufacturing direct and indirect labor, materials, services, fixed costs for rent, utilities and depreciation, and variable overhead. Gross margin should not be considered an alternative to operating income or net income, both of which are determined in accordance with GAAP. We believe that gross margin, although a non-GAAP financial measure, is useful and meaningful to investors as a basis for making investment decisions. It provides investors with information that demonstrates our cost structure and indicates the amount of funds available to cover our total costs and expenses. We use gross margin in measuring the performance of our business and have historically analyzed and reported gross margin information publicly. Other companies may calculate gross margin in a different manner.

Effect of Certain Events Occurring at Our Chinese Subsidiaries

In April 2021, we terminated several employees of our China subsidiaries, LPOIZ and LPOI, including the General Manager, the Sales Manager, and the Engineering Manager, after determining that they had engaged in malfeasance and conduct adverse to our interests, including efforts to misappropriate certain of our proprietary technology, diverting sales to entities owned or controlled by these former employees and other suspected acts of fraud, theft and embezzlement. In connection with such terminations, our China subsidiaries have engaged in certain legal proceedings with the terminated employees.

We incurred various expenses associated with our investigation into these matters prior and subsequent to the termination of the employees and the associated legal proceedings. These expenses, which included legal, consulting and other transitional management fees, totaled $718,000 and $400,000 during the years ended June 30, 2021 and 2022, respectively. During the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, expenses incurred related to the legal proceedings were immaterial. Such expenses were recorded as “Selling, general and administrative” expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). In December 2023, the Company recovered approximately $190,000 in funds that had been recovered by the Chinese authorities, which is included in Other income in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the year ended June 30, 2024. We do not expect to incur additional legal fees or consulting expenses in future periods as we have exhausted nearly all of our legal options and remedies.

Knowing that employee transitions in international subsidiaries can lead to lengthy and expensive legal proceedings that can interrupt the subsidiary’s ability to operate, we chose to enter into severance agreements with certain of the employees at the time of termination. Pursuant to the severance agreements, LPOIZ and LPOI agreed to pay such employees severance of approximately $485,000 in the aggregate, to be paid over a six-month period. After the execution of the severance agreements, we discovered additional wrongdoing by the terminated employees. As a result, LPOIZ and LPOI did not immediately pay the severance payments and disputed the employees’ rights to such payments. However, based on the likelihood that the courts in China will determine that our subsidiaries would ultimately be obligated to pay these amounts, we have accrued for these payments as of June 30, 2021. As of June 30, 2022, approximately $430,000 remained accrued. The Chinese Labor Court ruled in favor of the former employees, as expected, and these severance payments were paid out during the first half of fiscal year 2023.

We have transitioned the management of LPOI and LPOIZ to a new management team without any significant detrimental effects on their ability to operate. We have not experienced any material adverse impact to the business operations of LPOI or LPOIZ as a result of the transition.

Results of Operations

Operating Results for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2024 compared to the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2023:

Revenue.

Revenue for fiscal year 2024 was approximately $31.7 million, a decrease of 4%, as compared to $32.9 million in fiscal year 2023. Revenue generated by the infrared components product group was approximately $14.1 million in fiscal year 2024, a decrease of 2%, as compared to the prior fiscal year. The decrease in revenue is related to a decrease in shipments against a germanium-based annual contract that was not renewed, which decrease was mostly offset by an increase in shipments against an annual contract for an international military program.

Revenue generated by the visible components product group was approximately $11.2 million for fiscal year 2024, a decrease of 16%, as compared to the prior fiscal year. The decrease in revenue is primarily due to a decrease in sales to customers in the defense industry, as well as a decrease in sales through catalog and distribution channels in the U.S. and in Europe. Sales to customers in the telecommunications industry in China also decreased by approximately 40%.

Revenue from the assemblies and modules product group was approximately $4.5 million in fiscal year 2024, a decrease of approximately 5% as compared to fiscal year 2023, primarily due to a decrease in shipments against a multi-year contract with a defense customer due to timing, as well as decreases in sales to certain industrial customers, particularly in China. These decreases were partially offset by the addition of Visimid revenue of approximately $900,000.

Revenue from engineering services increased by $1.5 million for fiscal 2024, as compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year. Approximately $1.4 million of this increase is due to the addition of Visimid revenue, primarily driven by Visimid’s contract with Lockheed Martin, where revenue is generally recognized based on the achievement of milestones. The remaining increase is driven by revenue from one of our space-related funded research contracts.

Cost of Sales and Gross Margin.

Gross margin for fiscal year 2024 was approximately $8.6 million, a decrease of 22%, as compared to approximately $11.1 million in fiscal year 2023. Total cost of sales was approximately $23.1 million for fiscal year 2024, compared to $21.9 million for fiscal year 2023, an increase of 6%. Gross margin as a percentage of revenue was 27% for fiscal year 2024 as compared to 34% for fiscal year 2023. The decrease in gross margin as a percentage of revenue is primarily due to the decrease in visible components sales, which typically have higher margins than our infrared components product group. Our infrared components product group comprised a greater portion of our sales for fiscal year 2024. In addition, gross margin as a percentage of revenue for the fiscal year 2024 was unfavorably impacted by the revaluation of inventory during the third quarter of fiscal 2024. The revaluation resulted in a net write-down of inventory.

Selling, General and Administrative.

For fiscal year 2024, Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) costs were approximately $12.3 million, an increase of approximately $860,000, or 8%, as compared to the prior fiscal year. The increase in SG&A for fiscal year 2024 is primarily due to an increase in wages, including non-recurring executive severance costs of $136,000, and an increase in legal and consulting fees related to business development initiatives. These increases are partially offset by a decrease in stock-based compensation, whereas fiscal year 2023 included increased stock compensation costs associated with two director retirements. We also incurred additional legal and professional fees in the fiscal year 2024 associated with our rescheduled annual stockholder meeting and previously disclosed Delaware chancery court proceedings. We expect SG&A costs to remain elevated for the next several quarters as we continue with certain business development initiatives.

New Product Development.

New product development costs were approximately $2.4 million in fiscal year 2024, an increase of approximately 12% as compared to the prior fiscal year. These increases are primarily due to the addition of engineering personnel as a result of the Visimid acquisition, as well as an increase in materials and outside services utilized for development projects, including additional product offerings following the MANTIS reference design camera which we began developing in fiscal year 2023.

Amortization of Intangibles.

Amortization of intangibles increased by $510,000 for fiscal year 2024, as compared to the prior fiscal year, due to the amortization of identifiable intangible assets associated with the Visimid acquisition. See Note 3, Acquisition of Visimid, in the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for further information.

Other Expense.

Interest expense was approximately $192,000 for fiscal year 2024, compared to approximately $283,000 in the prior fiscal year. The decrease in interest expense is due to the 59% reduction in our total debt, including finance lease obligations, and excluding operating lease liabilities, as of June 30, 2024, as compared to the end of the prior fiscal year.

Other income, net, was approximately $79,000 for fiscal year 2024, compared to $25,000 for fiscal year 2023. Other income, net, for fiscal year 2024 includes a gain of $190,000 for the return of funds previously misappropriated by our former Chinese management team, as a result of the ongoing legal proceedings described in Note 15, Contingencies, in the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This gain was largely offset by expenses of $183,000 associated with an event of default by a sub-tenant of a portion of our Orlando Facility lease. Other income, net also includes net foreign currency transaction gains and losses. We execute all foreign sales from our U.S. facilities and inter-company transactions in U.S. dollars, partially mitigating the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. Assets and liabilities denominated in non-United States currencies, primarily the Chinese Yuan and Euro, are translated at rates of exchange prevailing on the balance sheet date, and revenues and expenses are translated at average rates of exchange for the year. During fiscal year 2024, we incurred net foreign currency transaction gains of approximately $73,000, compared to net foreign currency transaction losses of $37,000 for fiscal year 2023.

Income Taxes.

During fiscal year 2024, we recorded income tax expense of approximately $67,000, compared to approximately $234,000 in fiscal year 2023, primarily related to our operations in China. Income taxes for fiscal years 2024 and 2023 include Chinese withholding tax expenses of $170,000 and $235,000, respectively, the majority of which are associated with intercompany dividends declared by LPOIZ, payable to us as the parent company. While these repatriation transactions result in some additional Chinese withholding taxes, LPOIZ currently qualifies for a reduced Chinese income tax rate; therefore, the total tax on those earnings was still below the normal income tax rate. Income tax expense for fiscal years 2024 and 2023 are also offset by deferred income tax benefits from the turnaround of temporary differences, and increased by deferred income tax expense related to certain indefinite lived temporary differences. Please refer to Note 9, Income Taxes, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information related to each of our tax jurisdictions.

Net Income (Loss).

Net loss for fiscal year 2024 was approximately $8.0 million, or $0.21 basic and diluted loss per share, compared to approximately $4.0 million, or $0.13 basic and diluted loss per share, for fiscal year 2023. The increase in net loss for fiscal year 2024, as compared to fiscal year 2023, is attributable to the approximately $4.3 million increase in operating loss resulting from lower revenue and gross margin and increased operating expenses. This loss increase was partially offset by a decrease in other expense, net, of approximately $145,000, primarily due to the decrease in interest expense. In addition, there was a favorable difference of approximately $167,000 in the provision for income taxes for fiscal year 2024 as compared to fiscal year 2023.

Weighted-average common stock shares outstanding were 37,944,935 for both basic and diluted in fiscal year 2024, compared to 31,637,445 for both basic and diluted in fiscal year 2023. The increase in the weighted-average basic common shares was primarily due to the sale of an aggregate of 9,090,910 shares of Class A common stock pursuant to a public offering which closed January 17, 2023, as well as the 585,483 shares issued during the second half of fiscal year 2024 pursuant to the at-the-market equity program. The increase is also attributable to the shares of Class A common stock issued in conjunction with the acquisition of Visimid, as well as the issuance of shares of Class A common stock under the 2014 ESPP and underlying vested RSUs and RSAs. Potential dilutive common stock equivalents were excluded from the calculation of diluted shares for fiscal years 2024 and 2023, as their effects would have been anti-dilutive due to the net loss in those periods.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At June 30, 2024, we had working capital of approximately $7.5 million and total cash and cash equivalents of approximately $3.5 million. Less than 50% of our total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash was held by our foreign subsidiaries in China and Latvia. Cash and cash equivalents held by our foreign subsidiaries in China and Latvia were generated in-country as a result of foreign earnings. Historically, we considered unremitted earnings held by our foreign subsidiaries to be permanently reinvested. However, during fiscal year 2020, we began declaring intercompany dividends to remit a portion of the earnings of our foreign subsidiaries to us, as the U.S. parent company. It is still our intent to reinvest a significant portion of earnings generated by our foreign subsidiaries, however we also plan to repatriate a portion of their earnings.

In China, before any funds can be repatriated, the retained earnings of the legal entity must equal at least 50% of the registered capital. During fiscal years 2024 and 2023, we repatriated approximately $1.4 million and $1.9 million, respectively, from LPOIZ. As of June 30, 2024, LPOIZ had approximately $1.6 million in retained earnings available for repatriation, and LPOI did not have any earnings available for repatriation, based on earnings accumulated through December 31, 2023, the end of the most recent statutory tax year, that remained undistributed as of June 30, 2024. Based on our previous intent, we had not historically provided for future Chinese withholding taxes on the related earnings. However, during fiscal year 2020 we began to accrue for these taxes on the portion of earnings that we intend to repatriate.

Loans payable as of June 30, 2024 consisted of two equipment loans (as defined below). As of June 30, 2023, loans payable consisted of the term loan in the original principal amount of approximately $5.8 million (the “BankUnited Term Loan”) issued in favor of BankUnited, N.A. (“BankUnited”) and two third-party equipment loans. Details of the loans are as follows:

Equipment Loans.

In December 2020, ISP Latvia entered into an equipment loan with a third party (the “2020 Equipment Loan”), which is also a customer. The 2020 Equipment Loan is subordinate to the Term Loan and is collateralized by certain equipment. The initial advance under the 2020 Equipment Loan was 225,000 EUR (or USD $275,000), payable in equal installments over 60 months, the proceeds of which were used to make a prepayment to a vendor for equipment to be delivered at a future date. The 2020 Equipment Loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 3.3%. An additional 225,000 EUR (or USD $267,000) was drawn in September 2021, which proceeds were paid to the vendor for the equipment, payable in equal installments over 52 months. As of June 30, 2024, the outstanding balance on the 2020 Equipment Loan was 138,750 EUR (or USD $148,532).

In May 2023, ISP Latvia entered into an equipment loan with a third party financial institution (the “2023 Equipment Loan”). The 2023 Equipment Loan is collateralized by certain equipment. The initial advance under the 2023 Equipment Loan was 128,815 EUR (or USD $141,245), the proceeds of which were used to make a prepayment to a vendor for equipment to be delivered at a future date. The final advance for the final payment to the equipment vendor was 132,674 EUR (or USD $141,815). The 2023 Equipment Loan is payable over 48 months, with monthly installments beginning January 1, 2024. The 2023 Equipment Loan bears interest at the six-month EURIBOR rate, plus 2.84% (6.39% as of June 30, 2024).

BankUnited Loans.

On February 26, 2019, we entered into a Loan Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with BankUnited for (i) a revolving line of credit up to a maximum amount of $2,000,000 (the “Revolving Line”), (ii) a term loan in the amount of up to $5,813,500 (“Term Loan”), and (iii) a non-revolving guidance line of credit up to a maximum amount of $10,000,000 (the “Guidance Line” and, together with the Revolving Line and Term Loan, the “BankUnited Loans”) as evidenced by certain promissory notes we executed in favor of BankUnited (the “BankUnited Notes”). Pursuant to that certain Fifth Amendment to the Loan Agreement dated May 9, 2023, the Term Loan, the only remaining BankUnited Loan, was paid in full in February 2024, prior to its maturity date of December 31, 2024.

For additional information regarding the BankUnited Loans and the equipment loans, see Note 14, Loans Payable, to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Bridge Promissory Note

On August 6, 2024, we entered into a bridge promissory note (the “Note") with Lytton-Kambara Foundation (the “Lender”) pursuant to which the Lender extended a loan to us in the principal amount of $3,000,000 (the “Loan”). The Loan is subject to an original issue discount of 7% and bears interest at the rate of 12.5% per annum. The Loan has a 1-year term, maturing on August 6, 2025, at which time the entire principal amount of the Loan and all accrued but unpaid interest is due and payable in full. After deducting the original issue discount, fees paid to the Company’s placement agent, and certain expenses, the Company received net proceeds of $2,700,000. For additional information regarding this note, see Note 19, Subsequent Events, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Equity Financing.

In February 2022, we filed a shelf registration statement to facilitate the issuance of our Class A common stock, warrants exercisable for shares of our Class A common stock, and/or units up to an aggregate offering price of $75.8 million from time to time. In connection with the filing of the shelf registration statement, we also included a prospectus supplement relating to an at-the-market equity program under which we may issue and sell shares of our Class A common stock up to an aggregate offering price of $25.2 million from time to time, decreasing the aggregate offering price available under our shelf registration statement to $50.6 million. The shelf registration statement was declared effective by the SEC on March 1, 2022. During the year ended June 30, 2024, we issued 585,483 shares of our Class A common stock pursuant to the at-the-market equity program.

On January 12, 2023, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (“Purchase Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue and sell in a public offering under the shelf registration statement an aggregate of 9,090,910 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share for a purchase price of $1.10 per share and filed a prospectus supplement with the SEC related thereto. The sale of shares pursuant to the Purchase Agreement closed on January 17, 2023, and resulted in net proceeds of approximately $9.2 million after payment of placement agent fees, and certain other costs and expenses of the offering.

There are a number of factors that could result in the need to raise additional funds in the longer term, including a decline in revenue or a lack of anticipated sales growth, increased material costs, increased labor costs, planned production efficiency improvements not being realized, increases in property, casualty, benefit and liability insurance premiums, and increases in other costs. In addition, greater than 25% of our cash and cash equivalents was held by our foreign subsidiaries as of June 30, 2024 and, although we regularly repatriate cash, it may not be readily available to repay our liabilities in the U.S. should our cash assets in the U.S. not be sufficient. We may also identify opportunities for acquisitions and other strategic transactions to expand and further enhance our business that may require that we raise additional capital should we elect to pursue any of such transactions.

We intend to continue efforts to keep costs under control as we seek renewed sales growth. Our efforts are directed toward generating positive cash flow and profitability. If these efforts are not successful, we may need to raise additional capital. Should capital not be available to us at reasonable terms, other actions may become necessary in addition to cost control measures and continued efforts to increase sales. These actions may include the sale of certain product lines, the creation of joint ventures or strategic alliances under which we will pursue business opportunities, the creation of licensing arrangements with respect to our technology, or other alternatives.

Cash Flows – Operating.

Cash provided by operations was approximately $0.5 million for fiscal year 2024, compared to cash used in operations of approximately $2.8 million for fiscal year 2023. The increase in cash flows from operations during fiscal year 2024 is primarily due decreases in accounts receivable and inventory, due to lower sales in fiscal year 2024, as compared to fiscal year 2023. Cash used in operations for fiscal year 2023 was primarily due to an increase in accounts receivable, due to higher sales in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023 as compared to fiscal 2022, and an increase in inventory during the second half of fiscal year 2023. The cash outflow for accounts payable and accrued liabilities for fiscal year 2023 was largely due to the previously described events that occurred at our Chinese subsidiaries, for which certain expenses were accrued as of June 30, 2021 and paid during fiscal years 2022 and 2023. During fiscal year 2023 we also made the final installment payment for payroll taxes deferred in fiscal year 2020 under the CARES Act.

We anticipate continued improvement in our cash flows provided by operations in future years, as many of these non-recurring payables are behind us, and as we continue to focus on managing our receivables, payables and inventory, while continuing to grow our sales and improve gross margins, with moderate increases in general, administrative, sales and marketing and new product development costs.

Cash Flows – Investing.

During fiscal year 2024, we expended approximately $2.2 million for capital equipment, as compared to approximately $3.1 million during fiscal year 2023. We also expended approximately $847,000, net of cash acquired, to acquire Visimid during fiscal year 2024, as disclosed in Note 3, Acquisition of Visimid Technologies, in the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Fiscal year 2024 also reflects proceeds of approximately $365,000 from sale-leasebacks of equipment. During fiscal years 2024 and 2023, our capital expenditures were primarily related to the expansion of our Orlando Facility. In August 2023, we completed the construction of certain tenant improvements subject to our continuing lease for our Orlando Facility, of which the landlord provided $2.4 million in tenant improvement allowances. We funded the balance of the tenant improvement costs of approximately $3.7 million over fiscal years 2023 and 2024.

We anticipate a moderate level of capital expenditures during fiscal year 2025; however, the total amount expended will depend on sales growth opportunities and other circumstances.

Cash Flows – Financing.

Net cash used in financing activities was approximately $1.5 million, compared to cash provided by financing activities of approximately $7.5 million in fiscal year 2023. Cash used in financing activities for fiscal year 2024 reflects approximately $2.6 million in principal payments on our loans and finance leases, offset by $279,000 in proceeds from the 2023 Equipment Loan, $806,000 in proceeds from the sale of Class A common stock pursuant to the at-the-market equity program and $40,000 in proceeds from the sale of Class A common stock under the 2014 ESPP. Cash provided by financing activities for fiscal year 2023 reflects equity proceeds of $9.2 million from a public offering of Class A common stock, which closed in January 2023, offset by approximately $1.9 million in principal payments on our loans and finance leases, offset by proceeds of approximately $141,000 from the 2023 Equipment Loan and approximately $40,000 in proceeds from the sale of Class A common stock under the 2014 ESPP.

How We Operate

We have continuing sales of two basic types: sales via ad-hoc purchase orders of mostly standard product configurations (our “turns” business) and the more challenging and potentially more rewarding business of customer product development. In this latter type of business, we work with customers to help them determine optical specifications and even create certain optical designs for them, including complex multi-component, optical system or sub-system designs that we call “engineered solutions.” This is followed by “sampling” or prototyping small numbers of the product for the customers’ test and evaluation. Thereafter, should a customer conclude that our specification or design is the best solution to their product need; we negotiate and “win” a contract (sometimes called a “design win”) – whether of a “blanket purchase order” type or a supply agreement. The strategy is to create an annuity revenue stream that makes the best use of our production capacity and longer-term revenue planning, as compared to the turns business, which is unpredictable and uneven. A key business objective is to convert as much of our business to the design win and annuity model as is possible. We face several challenges in doing so:

Despite these challenges to winning more “annuity” business, we nevertheless believe we can be successful in procuring this business because of our unique capabilities in optical design engineering that we make available on the market to our current and potential customers looking for specific solutions to their needs. Additionally, we believe that we offer value to some customers as a source of supply in the U.S. should they be unwilling to commit to purchase their supply of critical component(s) from foreign sources. For information regarding revenue recognition related to our various revenue streams, refer to Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Our Key Performance Indicators

Usually on a weekly basis, management reviews several performance indicators. Some of these indicators are qualitative and others are quantitative. These indicators change from time to time as the opportunities and challenges in the business change. They are mostly non-financial indicators, such as units of shippable output by product line, production yield rates by major product line, and the output and yield data from significant intermediary manufacturing processes that support the production of the finished shippable product. These indicators can be used to calculate such other related indicators as fully yielded unit production per-shift, which varies by the product and our state of automation in production of that product at any given time. Higher unit production per shift means lower unit cost, and, therefore, improved margins or improved ability to compete, where desirable, for price sensitive customer applications. The data from these reports is used to determine tactical operating actions and changes. We believe that our non-financial production indicators, such as those noted, are proprietary information.

Financial indicators that are usually reviewed at the same time include the major elements of the micro-level business cycle:

These indicators are similarly used to determine tactical operating actions and changes and are discussed in more detail below. Management will evaluate these key indicators as we transition to our new strategic plan to determine whether any changes or updates to our key indicators are warranted.

Sales Backlog.

We believe sales growth has been and continues to be our best indicator of success. Our best view into the efficacy of our sales efforts is in our “order book.” Our order book equates to sales “backlog.” It has a quantitative and a qualitative aspect: quantitatively, our backlog’s prospective dollar value and qualitatively, what percent of the backlog is scheduled by the customer for date-certain delivery. We evaluate our total backlog, which includes all firm orders requested by a customer that are reasonably believed to remain in the backlog and be converted into revenues. This includes customer purchase orders and may include amounts under supply contracts if they meet the aforementioned criteria. Generally, a higher total backlog is better for us.

Quarterly backlog levels for fiscal years 2024 and 2023 are as follows:

The decrease in backlog during fiscal year 2024 as compared fiscal year 2023 is primarily due to shipments against the prior period backlog under several annual and multi-year contract renewals. The timing of multi-year contract renewals are not always consistent and, thus, backlog levels may increase substantially when annual and multi-year orders are received, and decrease as shipments are made against these orders. We anticipate that our existing annual and multi-year contracts will be renewed in future quarters. The reduction in backlog as a result of these shipments during fiscal year 2024 were partially offset by the following: (i) a significant contract renewal for advanced infrared optics for a critical international military program, which renewal represented a 40% increase in dollar value as compared to the previous order; and (ii) a significant contract awarded to Visimid by Lockheed Martin in December 2023. In previous years we have typically received a significant contract renewal from a key customer for infrared products made of Germanium during the second fiscal quarter. However, as previously disclosed we have decided to reduce the amount of optics we produce from Germanium, both to reduce our risk of supply chain disruption, and more importantly, to work with customers to convert their systems to use optics made of our own BlackDiamond materials. As such, in the second quarter of fiscal 2024 we did not book our typical annual renewal order for Germanium optics with this customer. Instead, we continue to work with this customer, as well as other customers, to convert their systems to use BlackDiamond optics.

Markets continue to experience growing demand for infrared products used in the industrial, defense and first responder sectors. Demand for infrared products continues to be fueled by interest in lenses made with our proprietary BD6 and our new BDNL-4 materials. With the global supply of germanium currently concentrated in Russia and China, recent global events are generating renewed interest in germanium alternatives such as our proprietary BlackDiamond materials, and other materials we are currently developing under an exclusive license with the Naval Research Lab.

As we have outlined in our strategic direction, we do not expect to see significant growth in our visible components product group in the near future. Competition in that product line has grown substantially over the last few years, and some of our new molding capabilities and technologies such as free-form molded optics, might take longer than anticipated to reach full commercialization, depending on economic conditions and technology trends in the area of AR\VR.

In addition, order bookings for both visible and infrared components and assemblies continue to be slow in China. Domestic sales in China have also been adversely impacted by the economic downturn in China, which continues to negatively impact revenue and bookings in that region.

Revenue by Product Group.

The following table sets forth revenue dollars and units by our three product groups for the three months and year ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:

Three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to three months ended June 30, 2023.

Our revenue decreased by 11% in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024, as compared to the same quarter of the prior fiscal year, driven by decreases in infrared components and assemblies and modules, partially offset by an increase in engineering services.

Revenue generated by the infrared components product group for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024 was $3.0 million, a decrease of 36%, as compared to the same quarter of the prior fiscal year. The decrease in revenue is primarily due to a decrease in sales against a large annual contract for Germanium-based products, which was not renewed in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024, as we have decided to reduce the amount of optics we produce from Germanium, both to reduce our risk of supply chain disruption, and more importantly, to work with customers to convert their systems to use optics made of our own BlackDiamond materials. We continue to work with this customer, as well as other customers to convert their systems to use BlackDiamond optics. In addition, several other customers had timing differences with larger shipments in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in shipments against an annual contract for an international military program.

Revenue from the visible components product group for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024 was $3.2 million, or flat in comparison to the same quarter of the prior fiscal year. By industry, there was a decrease in sales to defense customers due to timing of orders, and an increase in sales through U.S. catalog and distribution channels.

Revenue from assemblies and modules decreased by 14% for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, as compared to the same quarter of the prior fiscal year. The majority of the decrease is due to sales of a custom visible lens assembly to a medical customer, for which we have an end of life order in backlog going into fiscal 2025. In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023, this customer requested a greater number of units shipped, whereas in fiscal year 2024 we have shipped a lower but more consistent amount each quarter. Another portion of the decrease is due to timing of shipments against a multi-year contract with a defense customer. These decreases were partially offset by the addition of Visimid revenue of approximately $397,000.

Revenue from engineering services increased $0.9 million, for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, as compared to the same quarter of the prior fiscal year. This increase was primarily driven by Visimid’s contract with Lockheed Martin, where revenue is generally recognized based on the achievement of milestones.

Year ended June 30, 2024 compared to year ended June 30, 2023.

Our revenue decreased by approximately 4%, for fiscal year 2024, as compared to fiscal year 2023, primarily driven by a decrease in sales of visible components, partially offset by an increase in engineering services.

Revenue generated by the infrared components product group for fiscal year 2024 was $14.1 million, a decrease of approximately 2%, as compared to the prior fiscal year. The decrease in revenue related to the germanium-based annual contract that was not renewed was mostly offset by an increase in shipments against an annual contract for an international military program. This contract was renewed during the first quarter of fiscal 2024 for a higher dollar value than the previous contract.

Revenue from the visible components product group for fiscal year 2024 was $11.2 million, a decrease of 16%, as compared to fiscal year 2023. The decrease in revenue is primarily due to a decrease in sales to customers in the defense industry, as well as a decrease in sales through catalog and distribution channels in the U.S. and in Europe. Sales to customers in the telecommunications industry in China also decreased by approximately 40%.

Revenue from assemblies and modules for fiscal year 2024 was $4.5 million, a decrease of 5%, as compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year, primarily due to a decrease in shipments against a multi-year contract with a defense customer due to timing, as well as decreases in sales of infrared assemblies to industrial customers in China and the U.S. Customers in both regions have been steadily decreasing orders since the peak of COVID-19. These decreases were partially offset by the addition of Visimid revenue of approximately $900,000.

Revenue from engineering services increased by $1.5 million for fiscal year 2024, as compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year. Approximately $1.4 million of this increase is due to the addition of Visimid revenue, primarily driven by Visimid’s contract with Lockheed Martin, where revenue is generally recognized based on the achievement of milestones. The remaining increase is driven by revenue from one of our space-related funded research contracts.

Inventory Levels.

We manage inventory levels to minimize investment in working capital but still have the flexibility to meet customer demand to a reasonable degree. We review our inventory for obsolete items quarterly. While the mix of inventory is an important factor, including adequate safety stocks of long lead-time materials, an important aggregate measure of inventory in all phases of production is the quarter’s ending inventory expressed as a number of days’ worth of the quarter’s cost of sales, also known as “days cost of sales in inventory,” or “DCSI.” It is calculated by dividing the quarter’s ending inventory by the quarter’s cost of goods sold, multiplied by 365 and divided by 4. Generally, a lower DCSI measure equates to a lesser investment in inventory, and, therefore, more efficient use of capital. The table below shows our DCSI for the immediately preceding eight fiscal quarters:

Our average DCSI for fiscal year 2024 was 112, compared to 125 for fiscal year 2023. The decrease in average DCSI is driven by the decrease in inventory levels, which aligns with the decrease in sales. We expect DCSI to maintain an average of between 110 to 120.

Accounts Receivable Levels and Quality.

Similarly, we manage our accounts receivable to minimize investment in working capital. We measure the quality of receivables by the proportions of the total that are at various increments past due from our normally extended terms, which are generally 30 days. The most important aggregate measure of accounts receivable is the quarter’s ending balance of net accounts receivable expressed as a number of days’ worth of the quarter’s net revenues, also known as “days sales outstanding,” or “DSO.” It is calculated by dividing the quarter’s ending net accounts receivable by the quarter’s net revenues, multiplied by 365 and divided by 4. Generally, a lower DSO measure equates to a lesser investment in accounts receivable and, therefore, more efficient use of capital. The table below shows our DSO for the preceding eight fiscal quarters:

Our average DSO for fiscal year 2024 was 56, compared to 58 for fiscal year 2023. The decrease in average DSO for fiscal year 2024 is driven by decreases in revenue from some key accounts with longer payment cycles, which revenue has been largely replaced by customer accounts with shorter payment cycles. In addition, we continue to focus on collections. We strive to maintain a DSO of less than 60.

Other Key Indicators.

Other key indicators include various operating metrics, some of which are qualitative and others are quantitative. These indicators change from time to time as the opportunities and challenges in the business change. They are mostly non-financial indicators, such as on time delivery trends, units of shippable output by major product line, production yield rates by major product line, and the output and yield data from significant intermediary manufacturing processes that support the production of the finished shippable product. These indicators can be used to calculate such other related indicators as fully-yielded unit production per-shift, which varies by the particular product and our state of automation in production of that product at any given time. Higher unit production per shift means lower unit cost, and, therefore, improved margins or improved ability to compete where desirable for price sensitive customer applications. The data from these reports is used to determine tactical operating actions and changes. Management also assesses business performance and makes business decisions regarding our operations using certain non-GAAP measures. These non-GAAP measures are described in more detail below under the heading “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We report our historical results in accordance with GAAP; however, our management also assesses business performance and makes business decisions regarding our operations using certain non-GAAP financial measures. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to management and investors that is supplementary to our financial condition and results of operations computed in accordance with GAAP; however, we acknowledge that our non-GAAP financial measures have a number of limitations. As such, you should not view these disclosures as a substitute for results determined in accordance with GAAP, and they are not necessarily comparable to non-GAAP financial measures that other companies use.

EBITDA.

EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measures used by management, lenders, and certain investors as a supplemental measure in the evaluation of some aspects of a corporation’s financial position and core operating performance. Investors sometimes use EBITDA as it allows for some level of comparability of profitability trends between those businesses differing as to capital structure and capital intensity by removing the impacts of depreciation and amortization. EBITDA also does not include changes in major working capital items, such as receivables, inventory, and payables, which can also indicate a significant need for, or source of, cash. Since decisions regarding capital investment and financing and changes in working capital components can have a significant impact on cash flow, EBITDA is not a good indicator of a business’s cash flows. We use EBITDA for evaluating the relative underlying performance of our core operations and for planning purposes. We calculate EBITDA by adjusting net income to exclude net interest expense, income tax expense or benefit, depreciation, and amortization, thus the term “Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization” and the acronym “EBITDA.”

The following table adjusts net income to EBITDA for the three months and year ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:

Our EBITDA for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 was a loss of approximately $1.3 million, compared to income of $0.1million for the same period of the prior fiscal year. The decrease in EBITDA in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024 was primarily attributable to the decrease in revenue and gross margin, coupled with increases in SG&A and Other expenses, net, which expense increases primarily related to non-recurring items, including certain business development initiatives.

Our EBITDA for fiscal year 2024 was a loss of approximately $3.7 million, compared to $0.4 million for fiscal year 2023. The decrease in EBITDA for fiscal year 2024 is primarily attributable to lower revenue and gross margin, coupled with increased operating expenses, including SG&A and new product development. SG&A for fiscal year 2024 includes a number of non-recurring items, particularly as related to certain business development initiatives.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not engage in any activities involving variable interest entities or off balance sheet arrangements.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of income and expense during the reporting periods presented. Our critical estimates include the allowance for trade receivables, which is made up of allowances for bad debts, allowances for obsolete inventory, valuation of compensation expense on stock-based awards and accounting for income taxes. Although we believe that these estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ from those estimates given a change in conditions or assumptions that have been consistently applied. We also have other policies that we consider key accounting policies, such as our policy for revenue recognition, however, the application of these policies does not require us to make significant estimates or judgments that are difficult or subjective.

Management has discussed the selection of critical accounting policies and estimates with our Board, and the Board has reviewed our disclosure relating to critical accounting policies and estimates in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The critical accounting policies used by management and the methodology for its estimates and assumptions are as follows:

Allowance for credit losses is based on the best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in existing accounts receivable. We determine the allowance based on historical write-off experience and expected future default probabilities based on our ongoing evaluations of our customers’ financial condition. The allowance consists of an amount identified for specific customers and an amount based on overall estimated exposure. Accounts receivable are customer obligations due under normal trade terms. Recovery of bad debt amounts which were previously written off is recorded as a reduction of bad debt expense in the period the payment is collected. If our actual collection experience changes, revisions to our allowance may be required. After attempts to collect a receivable have failed, the receivable is written off against the allowance. To date, our actual results have been materially consistent with our estimates, and we expect such estimates to continue to be materially consistent in the future.

Inventory obsolescence allowance is calculated by reserving 100% for items that have not been sold in two years or that have not been purchased in two years. These items, as identified, are allowed for at 100%, as well as allowing 50% for other items deemed to be slow moving within the last twelve months and allowing 25% for items deemed to have low material usage within the last six months. Items of which we have greater than a two-year supply are also reserved at 25% to 100%, depending on usage rates. The parts identified are adjusted for recent order and quote activity to determine the final inventory allowance. To date, our actual results have been materially consistent with our estimates, and we expect such estimates to continue to be materially consistent in the future.

Revenue is generally recognized upon transfer of control, including the risks and rewards of ownership, of products or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those products or services. The performance obligations for the sale of optical components and assemblies are satisfied at a point in time. We generally bear all costs, risk of loss, or damage and retain title to the goods up to the point of transfer of control of products to customers. Shipping and handling costs are included in the cost of goods sold. Revenues from product development agreements are recognized as performance obligations are met in accordance with the terms of the agreements and upon transfer of control of products, reports or designs to the customer. Product development agreements are generally short term in nature, with revenue recognized upon satisfaction of the performance obligation, and transfer of control of the agreed-upon deliverable. Invoiced amounts for VAT related to sales are posted to the balance sheet and are not included in revenue.

Stock-based compensation is measured at grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense over the employee’s requisite service period. We estimate the fair value of each stock option as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton pricing model. Our directors, officers, and key employees were granted stock-based compensation through our Amended and Restated Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended (the “Omnibus Plan”), through October 2018 and after that date, the 2018 Stock and Incentive Compensation Plan (the “SICP”). Most options granted under the Omnibus Plan and the SICP vest ratably over two to four years and generally have ten-year contract lives. The volatility rate is based on four-year historical trends in common stock closing prices and the expected term was determined based primarily on historical experience of previously outstanding options. The interest rate used is the U.S. Treasury interest rate for constant maturities. The likelihood of meeting targets for option grants that are performance based are evaluated each quarter. If it is determined that meeting the targets is probable, then the compensation expense will be amortized over the remaining vesting period.

Goodwill and amortizable intangible assets acquired in a business combination are recognized at fair value using generally accepted valuation methods. Purchased intangible assets other than goodwill are amortized over their useful lives unless these lives are determined to be indefinite. Purchased intangible assets are carried at cost, less accumulated amortization. Amortization is computed over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, generally two to fifteen years. We periodically reassess the useful lives of intangible assets when events or circumstances indicate that useful lives have significantly changed from the previous estimate. Amortizable intangible assets consist primarily of customer relationships, know-how/trade secrets and trademarks. They are generally valued as the present value of estimated cash flows expected to be generated from the asset using a risk-adjusted discount rate. When determining the fair value of our intangible assets, estimates and assumptions about future expected revenue and remaining useful lives are used. Goodwill and intangible assets are tested for impairment on an annual basis and during the period between annual tests if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable.

We assess the qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of its reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the goodwill impairment analysis. If we determine that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount, then the goodwill impairment test is performed. The fair value of the reporting unit is compared to its carrying amount, and if the carrying amount exceeds its fair value, then an impairment charge would be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, up to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.

Accounting for income taxes requires estimates and judgments in determining income tax expense for financial statement purposes. These estimates and judgments occur in the calculation of tax credits, benefits, and deductions, and in the calculation of certain tax assets and liabilities, which arise from differences in the timing of the recognition of revenue and expense for tax and financial statement purposes. We assessed the likelihood of the realization of deferred tax assets and concluded that a valuation allowance is needed to reserve the amount of the deferred tax assets that may not be realized due to the uncertainty of the timing and amount of taxable income in certain jurisdictions. In reaching our conclusion, we evaluated certain relevant criteria, including the amount of pre-tax income generated during the current and prior two years, as adjusted for non-recurring items, the existence of deferred tax liabilities that can be used to realize deferred tax assets, the taxable income in prior carryback years in the impacted jurisdictions that can be used to absorb net operating losses and taxable income in future years. Our judgments regarding future profitability may change due to future market conditions, changes in U.S. or international tax laws and other factors. These changes, if any, may require material adjustments to these deferred tax assets, resulting in a reduction in net income or an increase in net loss in the period when such determinations are made, which, in turn, may result in an increase or decrease to our tax provision in a subsequent period.

In the ordinary course of global business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax outcome is uncertain. Some of these uncertainties arise as a consequence of cost reimbursement and royalty arrangements among related entities, which could impact our income or loss in each jurisdiction in which we operate. Although we believe our estimates are reasonable, no assurance can be given that the final tax outcome of these matters will not be different than that which is reflected in our historical income tax provisions and accruals. In the event our assumptions are incorrect, the differences could have a material impact on our income tax provision and operating results in the period in which such determination is made. In addition to the factors described above, our current and expected effective tax rate is based on then-current tax law. Significant changes during the year in enacted tax law could affect these estimates.

Impact of recently issued accounting pronouncements that have recently been issued but have not yet been implemented by us are described in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which describes the potential impact that these pronouncements are expected to have on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

As a Smaller Reporting Company as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and in item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K, we are electing scaled disclosure reporting obligations with respect to this item and therefore are not required to provide the information requested by this Item 7A.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the consolidated financial statements and supplementary data set forth in Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules of Part IV of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of members of our management, including our CEO and our Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) of the Exchange Act. Our CEO and our CFO have concluded, based on their evaluation, that as of June 30, 2024, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the end of the fiscal year to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit with the SEC under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Internal control over financial reporting is a process, including policies and procedures, designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Our management assessed our internal control over financial reporting based on the Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013 Framework) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on the results of this assessment, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of June 30, 2024 based on such criteria.

A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met under all potential conditions, regardless of how remote, and may not prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within LightPath have been prevented or detected. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Auditor’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the SEC that permit us to provide only management’s report in this Annual Report.

Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

In connection with our continued monitoring and maintenance of our controls procedures as part of the implementation of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, we continue to review, test, and improve the effectiveness of our internal controls. In connection with the events that occurred at our Chinese subsidiaries, we adopted additional policies and procedures designed to improve our internal controls, including, without limitation, revising the reporting structure for our foreign-based finance directors, adopting Codes of Conduct applicable to our subsidiaries’ foreign-based employees, adopting an internal authority approval matrix, and hiring additional staff for our accounting department at LPOIZ to improve segregation of duties, among other items. Other than these modifications, there have not been any significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fourth quarter and since the year ended June 30, 2024 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B. Other Information.

None.

Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections

Not applicable.

PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

Currently, we have six directors with each director serving until his or her successor is elected and qualified. Our Board is divided into three classes, denoted as Class I, Class II, and Class III, serving staggered three-year terms with one class elected at the annual meeting of stockholders. The Class II Directors' term expires at the annual meeting of stockholders proposed to be held in fiscal year 2025. The Class I Directors’ term expires at the annual meeting of stockholders proposed to be held in fiscal year 2026. The Class III Directors’ term expires at the annual meeting of stockholders proposed to be held in fiscal year 2027.

The table below lists each current director, each such director’s committee memberships as of June 30, 2024, the Chair of each Board committee, and each such director’s class.

Biographical and Related Information – Directors and Executive Officers

                The following is an overview of the biographical information for each of our directors and executive officers, including their age, the year they became directors or officers, their principal occupations or employment for at least the past five years, and certain of their other directorships.

Class II Directors

Class III Directors

Executive Officers Who Do Not Serve as Directors

Family Relationships

There are no family relationships among our executive officers and directors.

Corporate Codes and Policies

The Board approved an Amended and Restated Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”) on April 28, 2016. The Code applies to all of our employees, officers, and directors, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. The Board also approved an Amended and Restated Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Senior Financial Officers (the “Senior Financial Officer Code”), which applies to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, principal accounting officer, controller, accounting manager, and persons performing similar functions. Copies of the Code and the Senior Financial Officer Code are available on our website at www.lightpath.com, under the “Investors” tab, or may be obtained free of charge by writing to: Corporate Secretary, LightPath Technologies, Inc., 2603 Challenger Tech Court, Suite 100, Orlando, Florida 32826.

Insider Trading Policy

Our written Guide for Trading in Securities governs trading activity by directors, officers and employees, was adopted by the Board in 2018. Employees and directors are prohibited from selling or buying publicly traded options on LightPath stock, or trading in any LightPath stock derivatives. Additionally, these individuals may not engage in transactions in which they may profit from short-term speculative swings in the value of LightPath stock utilizing “short sales” or “put” or “call” options, and they are prohibited from holding LightPath stock in a margin account or pledging Company securities as collateral for a loan.

Independent Committees

In accordance with the The Nasdaq Capital Market (the “NCM”) and SEC rules, the Board affirmatively determines the independence of each director and director nominee in accordance with guidelines it has adopted, which include all elements of independence set forth in the NCM listing standards.  Based on these standards, the Board has determined that as of the end of fiscal year 2024, each of the following non-employee directors was independent and has no relationship with us, except as one of our directors and stockholders:

Based on these standards, the Board determined Shmuel Rubin, currently a Class III Director, is not independent.

All of the members of the Audit, Nominating, and Compensation Committees are independent.

Board Committees

The Board has an Audit Committee (the “Audit Committee”), a Compensation Committee (the “Compensation Committee”), a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (the “Nominating Committee”), and a Finance Committee (the “Finance Committee”).

Audit Committee. The Audit Committee, which as of June 30, 2024, consisted of Darcie Peck (Chair), Dr. Joseph Menaker, and Kim Crider, met four times during fiscal year 2024. The meetings included discussions with management and with our independent registered public accounting firm to discuss our interim and annual consolidated financial statements and our annual report, and the effectiveness of our financial and accounting functions and organization.

The Audit Committee acts pursuant to a written charter adopted by the Board, a copy of which is available on our website at www.lightpath.com under the “Investors” and “Governance” tabs. The Audit Committee’s responsibilities include, among others, engaging and terminating our independent registered public accounting firm, oversight of the independent registered public accounting firm, and determining the compensation for their engagement(s). The Board has determined that the Audit Committee is comprised entirely of independent members as defined under applicable listing standards set out by the SEC and NCM. The Board has also determined that all three members of the Audit Committee are “audit committee financial experts” as defined by SEC rules and qualify as independent in accordance with the NCM rules. Their respective business experience that qualifies each director to be determined as “audit committee financial expert” is described above.

Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee, which as of June 30, 2024, consisted of M. Scott Faris (Chair), Darcie Peck, and S. Eric Creviston, met once during fiscal year 2024. The Compensation Committee acts pursuant to a written charter adopted by the Board, a copy of which is available on our website at www.lightpath.com under the “Investors” and “Governance” tabs.

The Compensation Committee is responsible for establishing, implementing, and continually monitoring our compensation policies and philosophy, including administering our 2018 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “SICP”), pursuant to which incentive awards, including restricted stock units and stock options, are granted to our directors, executive officers, and key employees. The Compensation Committee is responsible for determining executive compensation, including approving recommendations regarding equity awards to all of our executive officers. However, the Compensation Committee does rely on the annual reviews made by the Chief Executive Officer with respect to the performance of each of our other executive officers. The conclusions reached, and recommendations made based on these reviews, including with respect to salary adjustments and annual award amounts, are presented to the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee can exercise its discretion in modifying any recommended adjustments or awards to executive officers. In the case of the Chief Executive Officer, compensation is determined solely based on the review conducted by the Compensation Committee.

The Compensation Committee also annually reviews director compensation to ensure non-employee directors are adequately compensated for the time expended in fulfilling their duties to us, as well as the skill-level required by us of members of the Board. After the Compensation Committee completes their annual review, they make recommendations to the Board regarding director compensation.

The Compensation Committee regularly engages compensation consultants to assist with the Compensation Committee’s responsibilities related to our executive compensation program and the director compensation program. The Compensation Committee plans to engage a consultant every two years to review and make recommendations on the Company’s executive compensation plans.

Finance Committee. The Finance Committee, which as of June 30, 2024, consisted of S. Eric Creviston (Chair), Dr. Joseph Menaker, and M. Scott Faris met once during fiscal year 2024. The Finance Committee acts pursuant to a written charter adopted by the Board, a copy of which is available on our website at www.lightpath.com under the “Investors” and “Governance” tabs. The Finance Committee oversees our financial management, including overseeing our strategic and transactional planning and activities, global financing, capital structure objectives and plans, insurance programs, tax structure, and investment program and policies.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Nominating Committee, which as of June 30, 2024, consisted of M. Scott Faris (Chair), S. Eric Creviston, and Darcie Peck, met once during fiscal year 2024. The Nominating Committee acts pursuant to a written charter adopted by the Board, a copy of which is available on our website at www.lightpath.com under the “Investors” and “Governance” tabs. The Nominating Committee carries out the responsibilities delegated by the Board relating to our director nominations process and procedures, and developing, maintaining, and monitoring compliance with the Company’s corporate governance policies, guidelines, and activities.

The Nominating Committee determines the qualifications, qualities, skills, and other expertise required to be a director and to develop, and recommend to the Board for its approval, criteria to be considered in selecting nominees for director. Further, the gender, racial, experience, and skills diversity of the Board is also a factor in our director recruitment process. However, the Nominating Committee and the Board believe that at this time, it is unnecessary to adopt criteria for the selection of directors. Instead, the Nominating Committee and the Board believes that the desirable background of a new individual member of the Board may change over time and that a thoughtful, thorough selection process is more important than adopting criteria for directors.

They will also identify, recruit, and screen candidates for the Board, consistent with criteria approved by the Board. The Nominating Committee and Board is fully open to utilizing whatever methodology is efficient in identifying new, qualified directors when needed, including industry contacts of our directors or professional search firms. The Nominating Committee also considers any director candidates recommended by our stockholders and any nominations of director candidates validly made by stockholders in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations, and the provisions of our charter documents.

Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors, executive officers, and any person beneficially owning more than 10% of our common stock to file reports concerning their ownership of our equity securities with the SEC. Based solely on a review of the forms filed electronically with the SEC during Fiscal 2024 and on written representations that no Form 5 was required to be filed, we believe that, during Fiscal 2024, all of our directors, executive officers, and persons who beneficially owned more than 10% of our common stock timely complied with the Section 16(a) filing requirements.

Item 11. Executive Compensation.

Named Executive Officers

During fiscal year 2024, our named executive officers were as follows:

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

Our compensation policy is designed to attract and retain qualified key executive officers critical to our achievement of reaching and maintaining profitability and positive cash flow, and subsequently our growth and long-term success. To attract, retain, and motivate the executive officers to accomplish our business strategy, the Compensation Committee establishes our executive compensation policies and oversees our executive compensation practices.

The Compensation Committee believes that the most effective executive compensation program is one that is designed to recognize the achievement of our specific short-term and long-term goals, and which aligns executives’ interests with those of the stockholders by rewarding performance that meets or exceeds established goals, with the ultimate objective of improving stockholder value.

It is the objective of the Compensation Committee to have a portion of each named executive officer’s compensation contingent upon our performance as well as upon the individual’s personal performance. Accordingly, each named executive officer’s compensation package is comprised of two elements: (i) base salary, which reflects individual performance and expertise and (ii) short-term and long-term incentive awards, which are tied to the achievement of certain performance goals that the Compensation Committee establishes from time to time. The Compensation Committee has structured compensation of our named executive officers to incentivize achievement of our business goals and reward our named executive officers for achieving such goals.

The Compensation Committee also evaluates our compensation program to ensure that we maintain the ability to attract and retain superior employees in key positions and that compensation provided to key employees remains competitive relative to the compensation paid to similarly situated executive officers.

In accordance with the advisory “say-on-frequency” vote of our stockholders at the fiscal year 2017 annual meeting of stockholders, held in January 2017, and as approved by the Board, we will include an annual advisory “say-on-pay” vote in our proxy statement, including the Proxy Statement for the fiscal year 2024 annual meeting of stockholders. Our next required stockholder advisory “say-on-frequency” vote will occur at our fiscal year 2030 annual meeting of stockholders. The most recent “say-on-pay” advisory vote occurred at the fiscal year 2023 annual meeting of stockholders, at which our stockholders approved, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers.

Setting Executive Compensation

In making compensation decisions, the Compensation Committee relies on the following:

There is no pre-established policy or target for the allocation between either cash and non-cash or short-term and long-term incentive compensation. Rather, the Compensation Committee annually reviews information to determine the appropriate level and mix of incentive compensation when determining our executive compensation plan. Based on these factors, the Compensation Committee makes compensation decisions, including salary adjustments, annual short-term cash incentive awards, and long-term equity incentive awards for our named executive officers.

Retirement Benefits

                We offer a qualified 401(k) defined contribution plan. The ability of named executive officers to participate fully in this plan is limited under the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. We currently match 100% of the first 2% of employee contributions.

Executive Compensation and Risk

Although a substantial portion of the compensation paid to our named executive officers is performance-based, we believe our executive compensation programs do not encourage excessive and unnecessary risk-taking by our named executive officers because these programs are designed to encourage our named executive officers to remain focused on both our short-term and long-term operation and financial goals. We achieve this balance through a combination of elements in our overall compensation plans, including: (i) elements that reward different aspects of short-term and long-term performance; (ii) incentive compensation that rewards performance on a variety of different measures; and (iii) cash awards and stock option awards, to encourage alignment with the interests of stockholders.

Clawback Policy

The Compensation Committee of the Board has adopted a formal Compensation Clawback Policy, as required by the NASDAQ Listing Standards. The Clawback Policy provides for the recovery of incentive-based compensation erroneously received by current or former executive officers during the three fiscal years immediately preceding the year in which the company is required to prepare an accounting restatement due to material noncompliance with financial reporting requirements. The requirements under the Clawback Policy are separate from any recoupment required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The Committee also has discretion to seek recovery of any amount that it determines was received otherwise inappropriately by such individuals.

2024 Incentive Program

Our fiscal year 2024 incentive program has two key components: (i) the Short-Term Incentive (“STI”) program, and (ii) the Long-Term Incentive (“LTI”) program. The STI program is comprised of awards based on our achievement of specific fiscal year 2024 financial objectives (the “2024 STI Award”). The LTI program is comprised of (i) an individual RSU award, based on total shareholder return (the “2024 TSR Award”), which is calculated based on the overall change in LPTH stock price per share, as compared to the Russell MicroCap Index, and (ii) retention RSUs that will vest in three equal annual installments (the “2024 Retention RSU Award” and, together with the 2024 LTI TSR Award, the “2024 LTI Awards”).

Our incentive program includes different levels of bonus opportunity based on a participant’s position with the Company. For fiscal year 2024, Mr. Rubin was the only “level one” participant, and Mr. Miranda was a “level two” participant. Bonus opportunities for Mr. Rubin and Mr. Miranda for fiscal year 2024 were calculated by applying designated portions of their respective bonus pool amounts, which were set by the Compensation Committee, to formulas for each of the components of the STI and LTI programs, as applicable.

STI Program

For both the level one and level two participant, the 2024 STI Award was based on the achievement of corporate financial objectives and personalized goals, with a minimum of 60% of the EBITDA target required to earn any bonus. The corporate financial objectives are as follows: (i) EBITDA (which is earnings before income, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) (the “EBITDA Component”); and (ii) revenue growth over that of the prior fiscal year (the “Revenue Component”). The EBITDA Component was weighted at 60%, the Revenue Component was weighted at 20%, and the personalized goals were weighted at 20%. For fiscal year 2024, the bonus pool amounts for the 2024 STI Award for Mr. Rubin and Mr. Miranda were set at $193,832 and $98,280, respectively. The Compensation Committee determined that achievement of the 2024 STI Award would be paid in cash and stock options, with the percentage split of the payout to be determined at the discretion of the Board.

                                EBITDA Component

In order for the participants to earn a bonus with respect to the EBITDA Component, we had to meet or exceed a minimum EBITDA target established by the Compensation Committee for fiscal year 2024. Further, we had to meet or exceed at least 60% of that EBITDA target in order to earn any portion of the 2024 STI Award.

For fiscal year 2024, EBITDA was a loss of approximately $3.7 million, which was below the target amount. The achieved EBITDA also did not meet 60% of the EBITDA target. Accordingly, Mr. Rubin and Mr. Miranda did not earn any portion of the 2024 STI Award.

LTI Program

The 2024 LTI Awards are comprised of two components: (i) the 2024 Retention RSU Award and (ii) the 2024 TSR Award. For fiscal year 2024, the bonus pool amounts for the 2024 LTI Award for Mr. Rubin and Mr. Miranda were set at $164,980 and $71,626, respectively. The bonus pool amounts for the 2024 Retention RSU Award and the 2024 TSR Award would each be 50% of the respective bonus pool amount for the 2024 LTI Award.

2024 Retention RSU Award

The 2024 Retention RSU Award was calculated to be $82,490 and $35,813 for Mr. Rubin and Mr. Miranda, respectively. The RSUs were granted on January 31, 2024, based on the closing bid price of $1.37 on that day, with one-third of the RSUs to vest on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date.

2024 TSR Award

In order to earn the 2024 TSR Award, the TSR calculated for LPTH stock was measured against the Russell MicroCap Index. TSR is calculated as the overall change in LPTH’s stock price per share from the beginning of fiscal year 2024 to the end of fiscal year 2024, divided by the stock price per share at the beginning of the fiscal year. The calculated TSR for fiscal year 2024 was less favorable than the change in the Russell MicroCap Index, therefore the 2024 TSR Award was not earned.

2023 Incentive Program

Our fiscal year 2023 incentive program has two key components: (i) the Short-Term Incentive (“STI”) program, and (ii) the Long-Term Incentive (“LTI”) program. The STI program is comprised of awards based on our achievement of specific fiscal year 2023 financial objectives (the “2023 STI Award”). The LTI program is comprised of (i) an individual RSU award, based on total shareholder return (the “2023 TSR Award”), which is calculated based on the overall change in LPTH stock price per share, as compared to the Russell MicroCap Index, and (ii) retention RSUs that will vest in three equal annual installments (the “2023 Retention RSU Award” and, together with the 2023 LTI TSR Award, the “2023 LTI Awards”).

Our incentive program includes different levels of bonus opportunity based on a participant’s position with the Company. For fiscal year 2023, Mr. Rubin was the only “level one” participant, and Mr. Miranda was a “level two” participant. Bonus opportunities for Mr. Rubin and Mr. Miranda for fiscal year 2023 were calculated by applying designated portions of their respective bonus pool amounts, which were set by the Compensation Committee, to formulas for each of the components of the STI and LTI programs, as applicable.

STI Program

For both the level one and level two participant, the 2023 STI Award was based on the achievement of corporate financial objectives and personalized goals, with a minimum of 60% of the EBITDA target required to earn any bonus. The corporate financial objectives are as follows: (i) EBITDA (which is earnings before income, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) (the “EBITDA Component”); and (ii) revenue growth over that of the prior fiscal year (the “Revenue Component”). The EBITDA Component was weighted at 60%, the Revenue Component was weighted at 20%, and the personalized goals were weighted at 20%. For fiscal year 2023, the bonus pool amounts for the 2023 STI Award for Mr. Rubin and Mr. Miranda were set at $186,377 and $94,500, respectively. The Compensation Committee determined that achievement of the 2023 STI Award would be paid in cash and stock options, with the percentage split of the payout to be determined at the discretion of the Board.

                EBITDA Component

In order for the participants to earn a bonus with respect to the EBITDA Component, we had to meet or exceed a minimum EBITDA target established by the Compensation Committee for fiscal year 2023. Further, we had to meet or exceed at least 60% of that EBITDA target in order to earn any portion of the 2023 STI Award.

For fiscal year 2023, EBITDA was a loss of approximately $355,000, which was below the target amount. The achieved EBITDA also did not meet 60% of the EBITDA target. Accordingly, Mr. Rubin and Mr. Miranda did not earn any portion of the 2023 STI Award.

LTI Program

The 2023 LTI Awards are comprised of two components: (i) the 2023 Retention RSU Award and (ii) the 2023 TSR Award. For fiscal year 2023, the bonus pool amounts for the 2023 LTI Award for Mr. Rubin and Mr. Miranda were set at $158,635 and $68,871, respectively. The bonus pool amounts for the 2023 Retention RSU Award and the 2023 TSR Award would each be 50% of the respective bonus pool amount for the 2023 LTI Award.

2023 Retention RSU Award

The 2023 Retention RSU Award was calculated to be $79,318 and $34,436 for Mr. Rubin and Mr. Miranda, respectively. The RSUs were granted on November 17, 2022, based on the closing bid price of $1.18 on that day, with one-third of the RSUs to vest on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date.

2023 TSR Award

In order to earn the 2023 TSR Award, the TSR calculated for LPTH stock was measured against the Russell MicroCap Index. TSR is calculated as the overall change in LPTH’s stock price per share from the beginning of fiscal year 2023 to the end of fiscal year 2023, divided by the stock price per share at the beginning of the fiscal year. The calculated TSR for fiscal year 2023 was more favorable than the change in the Russell MicroCap Index, therefore the 2023 TSR Award was earned. The 2023 TSR Award was calculated to be $79,318 and $34,436 for Mr. Rubin and Mr. Miranda, respectively. The RSUs were granted on January 31, 2024, following the annual stockholder meeting, based on the closing bid price on that day, with one-third of the RSUs to vest on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date.

2021 Incentive Program

                The 2021 incentive program included a multi-year award with performance targets for fiscal years 2021, 2022 and 2023. Mr. Rubin was eligible for this award, however no points were earned toward this award.

Summary Compensation Table

                The following table sets forth certain compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to (i) any individuals serving as our Chief Executive Officer during fiscal year 2024 and (ii) our two other most highly compensated executive officers serving as executive officers at the end of fiscal year 2024 Mr. Miranda was the only other individual serving as an executive officer at the end of fiscal year 2024.

Notes:

Narrative Discussion of Summary Compensation Table of Named Executive Officers

The following is a narrative discussion of the material information that we believe is necessary to understand the information disclosed in the foregoing Summary Compensation Table.

With respect to fiscal year 2024, each named executive officer received a base salary and certain named executive officers were eligible for a 2024 STI Award, a 2024 Retention RSU Award, and a 2024 TSR Award. Information on the specific components of executive compensation for fiscal year 2024 can be found above under the heading “2024 Incentive Program.” With respect to fiscal year 2023, each named executive officer received a base salary and certain named executive officers were eligible for a 2023 STI Award, a 2023 Retention RSU Award, and a 2023 TSR Award. Information on the specific components of executive compensation for fiscal year 2023 can be found above under the heading “2023 Incentive Program.”

Employment Agreements

Shmuel Rubin

In connection with Mr. Rubin’s appointment, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Rubin on February 24, 2020 (the “Rubin Employment Agreement”). The Company and Mr. Rubin orally agreed that Mr. Rubin’s appointment as the President and CEO of the Company would be effective on March 9, 2020. The Agreement does not provide for a specified term of employment and Mr. Rubin’s employment is on an at-will basis. Mr. Rubin receives an annual base salary of $390,000, payable in equal bi-weekly installments, and is eligible to participate in all of the Company’s bonus, incentive compensation, and performance based compensation plans, including, but not limited to the “SICP”, under which the Company’s executive officers are eligible to earn incentive compensation consisting of cash and/or equity awards based upon the achievement of certain individual and/or Company performance goals set by the Compensation Committee. The Company’s incentive bonus program includes different levels of bonus opportunity based on a participant’s position with the Company. For this purpose, Mr. Rubin is considered a “level one” participant.

Mr. Rubin is eligible to participate in the Company’s employee benefit, welfare, and other plans, as may be maintained by the Company from time to time. The Company also agreed to provide a relocation allowance of up to $50,000 payable by the Company on receipt of relocation expense receipts. The total period for relocation reimbursement concluded on August 1, 2020. The Company will provide up to $15,000 in addition to the reimbursed relocation expenses to account for federal income taxes incurred by Mr. Rubin as a result of the relocation reimbursement. Mr. Rubin was required to reimburse the Company a prorated portion of all expenses paid by the Company if he left the Company for any reason other than death, disability, or discharge without cause within twelve (12) months of his relocation.

Pursuant to the Rubin Employment Agreement, Mr. Rubin was granted, on a one-time basis, a restricted stock award consisting of 100,000 shares of the Company’s Class A common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, with 50% of the shares of the Class A common stock vesting on the third anniversary of the grant date, and the remaining 50% vesting on the fourth anniversary of the grant date. The restricted stock award will be in all respects subject to the SICP and any amendments thereto, and conditioned upon Mr. Rubin’s execution of a restricted stock award agreement evidencing the grant.

Also pursuant to the Rubin Employment Agreement, Mr. Rubin was granted option to purchase 225,000 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, having an exercise price per share equal to the greater of (i) $1.37 per share or (ii) 115% of the closing bid price of the Class A common stock as reported on the NCM on the grant date, or February 24, 2020. Fifty-thousand shares of the Common Stock underlying the stock option will vest on each of the first, second, and third, anniversaries of the grant date, with the remaining seventy-five thousand shares of the Common Stock vesting on the fourth anniversary of the grant date. The option award will have a ten-year term, subject to earlier expiration as provided in the SICP or the option agreement. The option award will be in all respects subject to the SICP and any amendments thereto, and conditioned upon Mr. Rubin’s execution of a stock option agreement evidencing the grant of the option award.

Albert Miranda

In connection with Mr. Miranda’s appointment, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Miranda on April 19, 2021 (the “Miranda Employment Agreement”). Pursuant to the Miranda Employment Agreement, Mr. Miranda served as Vice President of Finance beginning on April 19, 2021 until May 7, 2021, at which time, Mr. Miranda transitioned into the role of Chief Financial Officer. The Miranda Employment Agreement does not provide for a specified term of employment and Mr. Miranda’s employment is on an at-will basis. Mr. Miranda receives an annual base salary of $251,000, payable in equal bi-weekly installments, and is eligible to participate in all of our bonus, incentive compensation, and performance based compensation plans, including, but not limited to, the SICP, under which our executive officers are eligible to earn incentive compensation consisting of cash and/or equity awards based upon the achievement of certain individual and/or performance goals set by the Compensation Committee.

Mr. Miranda is eligible to participate in our employee benefit, welfare, and other plans, as may be maintained by us from time to time. We agreed to provide a relocation allowance of up to $10,000 payable by us on receipt of relocation expense receipts. The total period for relocation reimbursement concluded six months from the effective date of the Miranda Employment Agreement; however, exceptions may be granted by the Compensation Committee. Mr. Miranda must reimburse the Company a prorated portion of all expenses paid by us if he leaves us for any reason other than death, disability, or discharge without cause within twelve (12) months of his relocation.

Pursuant to the Miranda Employment Agreement, we granted Mr. Miranda an option to purchase up to 75,000 shares of Class A common stock, having an exercise price per share equal to the greater of (i) our book value per share on that date or (ii) 115% of the closing bid price of the Class A common stock as reported on the NCM on the grant date. The stock options will have a four-year vesting period with 25% vesting each year. The option award will have a ten-year term, subject to earlier expiration as provided in the SICP or the option agreement, as defined below. The option award will be in all respects subject to the SICP and any amendments thereto, and the option award.

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-of-Control

Neither Mr. Rubin nor Mr. Miranda are entitled to any payments upon termination or change-of-control.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

The stock options were issued pursuant to the SICP and have a ten-year life. The options will terminate 90 days after termination of employment, or in the case of termination due to death or permanent disability, the options will terminate one year after the date of termination.

Director Compensation

The table below summarizes the compensation paid by us to non-employee directors for fiscal year 2024:

Discussion of the Summary Compensation Table of Directors

     The following is a discussion of the material information that we believe is necessary to understand the information disclosed in the Summary Compensation Table. We use a combination of cash and stock-based incentive compensation to attract and retain qualified candidates to serve on our Board. In setting director compensation, we consider the significant amount of time that directors expend in fulfilling their duties as a director as well as the skill-level required by us of members of our Board. For fiscal year 2024, the cash and stock-based incentive compensation awarded to directors remained essentially at the same levels set in fiscal year 2023. For fiscal year 2025, the cash and stock-based incentive compensation awarded to directors is expected to remain at the same levels set in fiscal 2024.

Cash Compensation Paid to Board Members

                During fiscal year 2024, directors received a monthly retainer of $3,000 per month. There are no meeting attendance fees paid unless, by action of the Board, such fees are deemed advisable due to a special project or other effort requiring extra-normal commitment of time and effort. Additionally, fees are paid to the Chair of the Board and Committee Chairs for their additional responsibilities in overseeing their respective functions. Due to mid-year director appointments and committee changes, certain fees were pro-rated for fiscal year 2024. The following table sets forth the annual fees paid to each director for fiscal year 2024:

Stock Option/Restricted Stock Program

                All directors are eligible to receive equity incentives under the SICP, including stock options, restricted stock awards, or RSUs. In fiscal year 2024, the following directors received grants under the SICP:

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.

The following table sets forth, as of September 6, 2024, the number and percentage of outstanding shares of our Class A common stock, owned by: (i) each of our directors (which includes all nominees), (ii) each of the named executive officers, (iii) our directors and executive officers as a group, and (iv) each person known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding Class A common stock. The number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding as of September 6, 2024 was 39,254,643.

The number of shares beneficially owned by each director, named executive officer, and greater than 5% beneficial owner is determined under SEC rules, and the information is not necessarily indicative of the beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Under such rules, beneficial ownership includes any shares to which the individual has the sole or shared voting power or investment power and also any shares which the individual has the right to acquire within 60 days of September 6, 2024, through the exercise of any stock option or other right to purchase, such as a warrant. Unless otherwise indicated, each person has sole investment and voting power (or shares such power with his or her spouse) with respect to the shares set forth in the following table. In certain instances, the number of shares listed may include, in addition to shares owned directly, shares held by the spouse or children of the person, or by a trust or estate of which the person is a trustee or an executor or in which the person may have a beneficial interest. The table that follows is based upon information supplied in a questionnaire completed by each named executive officer and director and stockholders beneficially owning greater than 5% of our Class A common stock.