WNS (Holdings) Limited
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 20-F
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REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR 12(g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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OR |
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þ |
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ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008 |
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OR |
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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For the transition period from to |
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OR |
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SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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Date of event requiring this shell company report |
Commission file number 001-32945
WNS (Holdings) Limited
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
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Not Applicable
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Jersey, Channel Islands |
(Translation of Registrants Name Into English)
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(Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) |
Gate 4, Godrej & Boyce Complex
Pirojshanagar, Vikhroli(W)
Mumbai 400 079, India
(91-22) 4095-2100
(Address and Telephone Number of Principal Executive Offices)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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Name of Each Exchange |
Title of Each Class |
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on Which Registered |
American Depositary Shares, each represented by
one Ordinary Share, par value 10 pence per share
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The New York Stock Exchange |
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
(Title of Class)
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act
None
(Title of Class)
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuers classes of capital or common
stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.
As of March 31, 2008, 42,363,100 ordinary shares, par value 10 pence per share, were issued
and outstanding, of which 19,415,759 ordinary shares were held in the form of 19,415,759 American
Depositary Shares, or ADSs. Each ADS represents one ordinary share.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule
405 of the Securities Act.
Yes o No þ
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is
not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934.
Yes o No þ
Note Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports
pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under
those Sections.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed
by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or
for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated
filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated
filer in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer þ Non-accelerated filer o
Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.
Item 17 o Item 18 þ
If this report is an annual report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is a shell
company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o No þ
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
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Page |
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IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS |
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2 |
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OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE |
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2 |
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KEY INFORMATION |
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2 |
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INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY |
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19 |
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UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS |
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43 |
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OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS |
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44 |
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DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES |
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72 |
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MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS |
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89 |
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FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
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92 |
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THE OFFER AND LISTING |
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93 |
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION |
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94 |
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QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK |
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118 |
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DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES |
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120 |
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DEFAULTS, DIVIDENDS ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES |
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120 |
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MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS |
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120 |
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CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES |
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120 |
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AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT |
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123 |
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CODE OF ETHICS |
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123 |
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PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES |
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123 |
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EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES |
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124 |
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PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS |
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124 |
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
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124 |
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
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124 |
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EXHIBITS |
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125 |
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128 |
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F-1 |
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EX-4.15 Share Sale and Purchase Agreement, dated July 11, 2008 |
EX-4.16 Master Services Agreement, dated July 11, 2008 |
EX-4.17 Facility Agreement, dated July 11, 2008 |
EX-8.1 List of subsidiaries of WNS (Holdings) Limited. |
EX-12.1 Certification by the Chief Executive Officer to 17 CFR 240, 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
EX-12.2 Certification by the Chief Financial Officer to 17 CFR 240, 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
EX-13.1 Certification by the Chief Executive Officer to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
EX-13.2 Certification by the Chief Financial Officer to 18 U.S.C Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
EX-15.1 Consent of Ernst & Young, independent registered public accounting firm. |
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CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS ANNUAL REPORT
In this annual report, references to US are to the United States of America, its territories and
its possessions. References to UK are to the United Kingdom. References to India are to the
Republic of India. References to $ or dollars or US dollars are to the legal currency of the
US and references to Rs. or rupees or Indian rupees are to the legal currency of India.
References to pound sterling or £ are to the legal currency of the UK. References to pence
are to the legal currency of Jersey, Channel Islands. Our financial statements are presented in US
dollars and are prepared in accordance with US generally accepted accounting principles, or US
GAAP. References to a particular fiscal year are to our fiscal year ended March 31 of that year.
Any discrepancies in any table between totals and sums of the amounts listed are due to rounding.
Names of our clients are listed in alphabetical order in this annual report, unless otherwise
stated.
We also refer in various places within this annual report to revenue less repair payments, which
is a non-GAAP measure that is calculated as revenue less payments to automobile repair centers and
more fully explained in Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects. The presentation of
this non-GAAP information is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for our
financial results prepared in accordance with US GAAP.
We also refer to information regarding the business process outsourcing industry, our company and
our competitors from market research reports, analyst reports and other publicly available sources.
Although we believe that this information is reliable, we have not independently verified the
accuracy and completeness of the information. We caution you not to place undue reliance on this
data.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This annual report contains forward-looking statements that are based on our current
expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about our company and our industry. The
forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Generally, these
forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as
anticipate, believe, estimate, expect, intend, will, project, seek, should and
similar expressions. Those statements include, among other things, the discussions of our business
strategy and expectations concerning our market position, future operations, margins,
profitability, liquidity and capital resources. We caution you that reliance on any forward-looking
statement involves risks and uncertainties, and that although we believe that the assumptions on
which our forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, any of those assumptions could prove
to be inaccurate, and, as a result, the forward-looking statements based on those assumptions could
be materially incorrect. These factors include but are not limited to:
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technological innovation; |
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telecommunications or technology disruptions; |
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future regulatory actions and conditions in our operating areas; |
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our dependence on a limited number of clients in a limited number of industries; |
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our ability to attract and retain clients; |
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our ability to expand our business or effectively manage growth; |
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our ability to hire and retain enough sufficiently trained employees to support our
operations; |
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negative public reaction in the US or the UK to offshore outsourcing; |
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regulatory, legislative and judicial developments; |
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increasing competition in the business process outsourcing industry; |
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political or economic instability in India, Sri Lanka and Jersey; |
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worldwide economic and business conditions; |
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our ability to successfully grow our revenues, expand our service offerings and market
share and achieve accretive benefits from our acquisition of Aviva Global Services Singapore
Private Limited, or Aviva Global, and our master services agreement with Aviva Global Services (Management Services) Private Limited, or AVIVA MS, as described below; and |
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our ability to successfully consummate strategic acquisitions. |
These and other factors are more fully discussed in Item 3. Key Information D. Risk Factors,
Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects and elsewhere in this annual report. In
light of these and other uncertainties, you should not conclude that we will necessarily achieve
any plans, objectives or projected financial results referred to in any of the forward-looking
statements. Except as required by law, we do not undertake to release revisions of any of these
forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.
PART I
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
Not applicable.
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
Not applicable.
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION
A. Selected Financial Data
The selected consolidated statement of income data presented below for fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006,
and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of March 31, 2008 and 2007, have been derived
from our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report. The selected
consolidated statement of income data presented below for fiscal 2005 and 2004 and the selected
consolidated balance sheet data as of March 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 have been derived from our
consolidated financial statements which are not included in this annual report. Our consolidated
financial statements are prepared and presented in accordance with US GAAP. Our historical results
do not necessarily indicate our results expected for any future period.
You should read the following information in conjunction with Item 5. Operating and Financial
Review and Prospects, and our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual
report.
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For the Year Ended March 31, |
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2008 |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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2005 |
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2004 |
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(US dollars in millions, except share and per share data) |
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Consolidated Statement of Income
Data: |
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Revenue |
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$ |
459.9 |
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$ |
352.3 |
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$ |
202.8 |
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$ |
162.2 |
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$ |
104.1 |
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Cost of revenue(1) |
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363.3 |
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271.2 |
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145.7 |
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140.3 |
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89.7 |
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Gross profit |
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96.5 |
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81.1 |
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57.1 |
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21.9 |
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14.4 |
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Operating expenses: |
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Selling, general and
administrative
expenses(1) |
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72.7 |
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52.5 |
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36.3 |
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24.9 |
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18.8 |
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Amortization of intangible assets |
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2.9 |
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1.9 |
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0.9 |
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1.4 |
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2.6 |
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Impairment of goodwill,
intangibles and other
assets(2) |
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15.5 |
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Operating income (loss) |
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5.5 |
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26.8 |
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19.9 |
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(4.4 |
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(7.0 |
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Other income, net |
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9.2 |
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2.5 |
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0.5 |
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0.2 |
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0.3 |
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Interest expense |
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(0.1 |
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(0.4 |
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(0.5 |
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(0.1 |
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Income (loss) before income taxes |
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14.7 |
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29.2 |
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19.9 |
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(4.7 |
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(6.8 |
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Provision for income taxes |
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(5.2 |
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(2.6 |
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(1.6 |
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(1.1 |
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Net income (loss) |
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$ |
9.5 |
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$ |
26.6 |
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$ |
18.3 |
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$ |
(5.8 |
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$ |
(6.7 |
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Income (loss) per share/ADS: |
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Basic |
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$ |
0.23 |
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$ |
0.69 |
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$ |
0.56 |
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$ |
(0.19 |
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$ |
(0.22 |
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Diluted |
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$ |
0.22 |
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$ |
0.65 |
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$ |
0.52 |
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$ |
(0.19 |
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$ |
(0.22 |
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Weightedaverage shares/ADSs
outstanding (basic) |
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42,070,206 |
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38,608,188 |
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32,874,299 |
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30,969,658 |
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30,795,888 |
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Weightedaverage shares/ADSs
outstanding (diluted) |
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42,945,028 |
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41,120,497 |
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35,029,766 |
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30,969,658 |
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30,795,888 |
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2
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As of March 31, |
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2008 |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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2005 |
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2004 |
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(US dollars in millions) |
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Consolidated Balance Sheet Data: |
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Assets |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
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$ |
102.7 |
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$ |
112.3 |
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$ |
18.5 |
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$ |
9.1 |
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$ |
14.8 |
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Bank deposits and marketable securities |
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8.1 |
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12.0 |
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Accounts receivable, net |
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47.9 |
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40.6 |
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28.1 |
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25.2 |
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18.1 |
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Other current assets(3) |
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23.4 |
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18.5 |
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10.8 |
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9.7 |
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9.5 |
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Total current assets |
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182.1 |
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183.4 |
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57.4 |
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44.0 |
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42.5 |
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Deposits and deferred tax asset |
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15.4 |
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6.2 |
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4.3 |
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2.6 |
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1.3 |
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Goodwill and intangible assets, net |
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96.9 |
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44.5 |
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42.5 |
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26.7 |
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27.6 |
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Deferred contract costs non current |
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1.3 |
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Property and equipment, net |
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50.8 |
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41.8 |
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30.6 |
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24.7 |
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15.3 |
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Total assets |
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346.5 |
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275.9 |
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134.8 |
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98.0 |
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86.6 |
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Liabilities and Shareholders Equity |
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Note payable |
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10.0 |
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Accrual for earn out payment |
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33.7 |
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Total current liabilities |
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78.1 |
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63.4 |
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53.3 |
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54.8 |
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39.4 |
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Deferred tax liabilities non-current |
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1.8 |
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0.0 |
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2.3 |
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Other non-current liabilities(4) |
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5.7 |
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7.0 |
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1.0 |
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0.2 |
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0.5 |
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Total shareholders equity |
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227.2 |
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205.5 |
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78.2 |
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43.0 |
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46.7 |
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Total liabilities and shareholders equity |
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$ |
346.5 |
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$ |
275.9 |
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$ |
134.8 |
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$ |
98.0 |
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$ |
86.6 |
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The following tables set forth for the periods indicated selected consolidated financial data:
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For the Year Ended March 31, |
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2008 |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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2005 |
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2004 |
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(US dollars in millions, except percentages and employee data) |
Other Consolidated Financial Data: |
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Revenue |
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$ |
459.9 |
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$ |
352.3 |
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$ |
202.8 |
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$ |
162.2 |
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$ |
104.1 |
|
Gross profit as a percentage of revenue |
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21.0 |
% |
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23.0 |
% |
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28.1 |
% |
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13.5 |
% |
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13.8 |
% |
Operating income (loss) as a percentage
of revenue |
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1.2 |
% |
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7.6 |
% |
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9.8 |
% |
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(2.7 |
)% |
|
|
(6.7 |
)% |
Other Unaudited Consolidated Financial
and Operating Data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue less repair payments(5) |
|
$ |
290.7 |
|
|
$ |
219.7 |
|
|
$ |
147.9 |
|
|
$ |
99.0 |
|
|
$ |
49.9 |
|
Gross profit as a percentage of revenue
less repair payments |
|
|
33.2 |
% |
|
|
36.9 |
% |
|
|
38.6 |
% |
|
|
22.1 |
% |
|
|
28.9 |
% |
Operating income (loss) as a percentage
of revenue less repair payments |
|
|
1.9 |
% |
|
|
12.2 |
% |
|
|
13.4 |
% |
|
|
(4.4 |
)% |
|
|
(14.1 |
)% |
Number of employees (at period end) |
|
|
18,104 |
|
|
|
15,084 |
|
|
|
10,433 |
|
|
|
7,176 |
|
|
|
4,472 |
|
|
|
|
Notes: |
|
(1) |
|
Includes the following share-based compensation amounts: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Year Ended March 31, |
|
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
|
(US dollars in millions) |
Cost of revenue |
|
$ |
2.4 |
|
|
$ |
1.0 |
|
|
$ |
0.1 |
|
|
$ |
0.0 |
|
|
$ |
0.0 |
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
|
|
4.4 |
|
|
|
2.7 |
|
|
|
1.8 |
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
(2) |
|
We recorded an impairment charge of $8.9 million on the goodwill, $6.4 million on intangible
assets and $0.2 million on other assets acquired in the purchase of Trinity Partners Inc., or
Trinity Partners. |
|
(3) |
|
Consists of funds held for clients, employee receivables, prepaid expenses, prepaid income
taxes, deferred tax assets and other current assets. |
|
(4) |
|
Consists of obligation under capital leases non-current, deferred revenue non-current,
deferred rent and accrued pension liability. |
|
(5) |
|
Revenue less repair payments is a non-GAAP measure. See the explanation below, as well as
Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects Overview and notes to our
consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report. The following
table reconciles our revenue (a GAAP measure) to revenue less repair payments (a non-GAAP
measure): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Year Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
(US dollars in millions) |
|
Revenue |
|
$ |
459.9 |
|
|
$ |
352.3 |
|
|
$ |
202.8 |
|
|
$ |
162.2 |
|
|
$ |
104.1 |
|
Less: Payments to repair centers |
|
|
169.2 |
|
|
|
132.6 |
|
|
|
54.9 |
|
|
|
63.2 |
|
|
|
54.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue less repair payments |
|
$ |
290.7 |
|
|
$ |
219.7 |
|
|
$ |
147.9 |
|
|
$ |
99.0 |
|
|
$ |
49.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3
We have two reportable segments for financial statement reporting purposes WNS Global BPO and
WNS Auto Claims BPO. In our WNS Auto Claims BPO segment, we provide claims handling and accident
management services, where we arrange for automobile repairs through a network of repair centers.
In our accident management services, we act as the principal in our dealings with the repair
centers and our clients. The amounts invoiced to our clients for payments made by us to repair
centers is reported as revenue. Since we wholly subcontract the repairs to the repair centers, we
use revenue less repair payments as a primary measure to allocate resources and measure operating
performance.
Revenue less repair payments is a non-GAAP measure. We believe that the presentation of this
non-GAAP measure in this annual report provides useful information for investors regarding the
financial performance of our business and our two reportable segments. See Item 5. Operating and
Financial Review and Prospects Results by Reportable Segment. The presentation of this non-GAAP
information is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for our financial results
prepared in accordance with US GAAP. Our revenue less repair payments may not be comparable to
similarly titled measures reported by other companies due to potential differences in the method of
calculation.
B. Capitalization and Indebtedness
Not applicable.
C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable.
D. Risk Factors
This annual report contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our
actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements
as a result of a number of factors, including those described in the following risk factors and
elsewhere in this annual report. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business,
financial condition and results of operations could suffer and the trading price of our ADSs could
decline.
Risks Related to Our Business
We may be unable to effectively manage our rapid growth and maintain effective internal controls,
which could have a material adverse effect on our operations, results of operations and financial
condition.
Since we were founded in April 1996, and especially since Warburg Pincus & Co., or Warburg Pincus,
acquired a controlling stake in our company in May 2002, we have experienced rapid growth and
significantly expanded our operations. Our revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate of
50.6% to $459.9 million in fiscal 2008 from $202.8 million in fiscal 2006. Our revenue less repair
payments has grown at a compound annual growth rate of 40.2% to $290.7 million in fiscal 2008 from
$147.9 million in fiscal 2006. Our employees have increased to 18,104 as of
4
March 31, 2008 from
10,433 as of March 31, 2006. In January 2008, we launched a 133-seat facility in Bucharest,
Romania, to deliver finance and accounting, and customer support services across a range of
industries in French, German, Italian and Spanish to clients with European operations. In addition,
in fiscal 2008, we set up new delivery centers in Pune, Mumbai, Gurgaon, and Bangalore. Our
majority owned subsidiary, WNS Philippines Inc., set up a delivery center in the Philippines in
April 2008. WNS Philippines Inc. is a joint venture company set up with Advanced Contact Solutions,
Inc., a leader in business process outsourcing, or BPO, services and customer care in the
Philippines. We now have delivery centers in five locations in India, Sri Lanka, Romania, the
Philippines and the UK. In fiscal 2009, we intend to set up new delivery centers in Mumbai, Nashik,
Gurgaon and Pune. In July 2008, we entered into a transaction with AVIVA International Holdings Limited, or AVIVA, consisting of a share sale
and purchase agreement pursuant to which we acquired from AVIVA all the shares of Aviva Global and
a master services agreement with AVIVA MS, or the AVIVA master services agreement, pursuant to which we will
provide BPO services to AVIVAs UK and Canadian businesses. Aviva Global was the business process
offshoring subsidiary of AVIVA. See Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
Overview Recent Developments for more details on this transaction. We intend to continue
expansion in the foreseeable future to pursue existing and potential market opportunities.
This rapid growth places significant demands on our management and operational resources. In order
to manage growth effectively, we must implement and improve operational systems, procedures and
internal controls on a timely basis. If we fail to implement these systems, procedures and controls
on a timely basis, we may not be able to service our clients needs, hire and retain new employees,
pursue new business, complete future acquisitions or operate our business effectively. Failure to
effectively transfer new client business to our delivery centers, properly budget transfer costs or
accurately estimate operational costs associated with new contracts could result in delays in
executing client contracts, trigger service level penalties or cause our profit margins not to meet
our expectations or our historical profit margins. As a result of any of these problems associated
with expansion, our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be
materially and adversely affected.
A few major clients account for a significant portion of our revenue and any loss of business from
these clients could reduce our revenue and significantly harm our business.
We have derived and believe that we will continue to derive in the near term a significant portion
of our revenue from a limited number of large clients. For fiscal 2008 and 2007, our five largest
clients accounted for 57.3% and 55.2% of our revenue and 42.2% and 45.7% of our revenue less repair
payments, respectively.
First Magnus Financial Corporation, or FMFC, a US mortgage lender, was one of our major clients
from November 2005 to August 2007. FMFC was a major client of Trinity Partners which we acquired in
November 2005 from the First Magnus Group. In August 2007, FMFC filed a voluntary petition for
relief under Chapter 11 of the US Bankruptcy Code. For the three months ended June 30, 2007 and
2006, FMFC accounted for 3.7% and 6.5% of our revenue, and 6.0% and 7.5% our revenue less repair
payments, respectively. In fiscal 2007, FMFC accounted for 4.3% of our revenue and 6.8% of our
revenue less repair payments. The loss of revenue from FMFC materially reduced our revenue in
fiscal 2008.
Our contracts with another major client, AVIVA, provide Aviva Global, which was AVIVAs business
process offshoring subsidiary, options to require us to transfer the relevant projects and
operations of our facilities at Sri Lanka and Pune to Aviva Global. On January 1, 2007, Aviva
Global exercised its call option requiring us to transfer the Sri Lanka facility to Aviva Global
effective July 2, 2007. Effective July 2, 2007, we transferred the Sri Lanka facility to Aviva
Global and we lost the revenues generated by the Sri Lanka facility. From April 1, 2007 through
July 2, 2007, the Sri Lanka facility contributed $2.0 million of revenue and for the three months
ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, the Sri Lanka facility accounted for 1.8% and 2.7% of our revenue,
respectively, and 2.8% and 3.1% of our revenue less repair payments, respectively. In fiscal 2007
and 2006, the Sri Lanka facility accounted for 1.9% and 3.3% of our revenue, respectively, and 3.0%
and 4.5% of our revenue less repair payments, respectively. With the transaction that we entered
into with AVIVA in July 2008 described above, we have, through the acquisition of Aviva Global,
resumed control of the Sri Lanka facility and we will continue to retain ownership of the Pune
facility and we expect these facilities to continue to generate revenues for us under the AVIVA
master services agreement. However, we may in the future enter into contracts with other clients
with similar call options that may result in the loss of revenue that may have a material impact on
our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows, particularly during the
quarter in which the option takes effect.
5
In addition, the volume of work performed for specific clients is likely to vary from year to year,
particularly since we may not be the exclusive outside service provider for our clients. Thus, a
major client in one year may not provide the same level of revenue in any subsequent year. The loss
of some or all of the business of any large client could have a material adverse effect on our
business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. A number of factors other than
our performance could cause the loss of or reduction in business or revenue from a client, and
these factors are not predictable. For example, a client may demand price reductions, change its
outsourcing strategy or move work in-house. A client may also be acquired by a company with a
different outsourcing strategy that intends to switch to another business process outsourcing
service provider or return work in-house.
Our revenue is highly dependent on clients concentrated in a few industries, as well as clients
located primarily in Europe and the United States. Any decrease in demand for outsourced services
in these industries or economic slowdowns or factors that affect the worldwide economic and
business conditions could reduce our revenue and seriously harm our business.
A substantial portion of our clients are concentrated in the banking, financial services and
insurance, or BFSI, industry and the travel industry. In fiscal 2008 and 2007, 57.4% and 61.8% of
our revenue, respectively, and 32.7% and 38.7% of our revenue less repair payments, respectively,
were derived from clients in the BFSI industry. During the same periods, clients in the travel
industry contributed 22.5% and 22.8% of our revenue, respectively, and 35.6% and 36.6% of our
revenue less repair payments, respectively. Our business and growth largely depend on continued
demand for our services from clients in these industries and other industries that we may target in
the future, as well as on trends in these industries to outsource business processes. A downturn in
any of our targeted industries, particularly the BFSI or travel industries, a slowdown or reversal
of the trend to outsource business processes in any of these industries or the introduction of
regulation which restricts or discourages companies from outsourcing could result in a decrease in
the demand for our services and adversely affect our results of operations. For example, following
the mortgage market crisis, in August 2007, FMFC, a US mortgage services client, filed a voluntary
petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the US Bankruptcy Code. FMFC was a major client of Trinity
Partners which we acquired in November 2005 from the First Magnus Group and became one of our major
clients. In fiscal 2008 and 2007, FMFC accounted for 0.9% and 4.3% of our revenue, respectively,
and 1.4% and 6.8% of our revenue less repair payments, respectively. For the three months ended
June 30, 2007 and 2006, FMFC accounted for 3.7% and 6.5% of our revenue, respectively, and 6.0% and
7.5% our revenue less repair payments, respectively. The downturn in the mortgage market could
result in a further decrease in the demand for our services and adversely affect our results of our
operations.
Further, a downturn in worldwide economic and business conditions may result in our clients
reducing or postponing their outsourced business requirements, which may in turn decrease the
demand for our services and adversely affect our results of operations. In particular, our
revenues are highly dependent on the economic health of Europe and the United States. In fiscal
2008 and 2007, 74.5% and 76.3% of our
revenue, respectively, and 59.7% and 62.0% of our revenue less repair payments, respectively, were
derived from clients located in Europe. During the same periods, 24.7% and 22.9% of our revenue,
respectively, and 39.1% and 36.8% of our revenue less repair payments, respectively, were derived
from clients located in North America (primarily the United States). Any weakening of the European
or United States economy may have an adverse impact on our revenue.
Other developments may also lead to a decline in the demand for our services in these industries.
For example, consolidation in any of these industries or acquisitions, particularly involving our
clients, may decrease the potential number of buyers of our services. Any significant reduction in
or the elimination of the use of the services we provide within any of these industries would
result in reduced revenue and harm our business. Our clients may experience rapid changes in their
prospects, substantial price competition and pressure on their profitability. Although such
pressures can encourage outsourcing as a cost reduction measure, they may also result in increasing
pressure on us from clients in these key industries to lower our prices, which could negatively
affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
6
Our senior management team and other key team members in our business units are critical to our
continued success and the loss of such personnel could harm our business.
Our future success substantially depends on the continued service and performance of the members of
our senior management team and other key team members in each of our business units. These
personnel possess technical and business capabilities including domain expertise that are difficult
to replace. There is intense competition for experienced senior management and personnel with
technical and industry expertise in the business process outsourcing industry, and we may not be
able to retain our key personnel. Although we have entered into employment contracts with our
executive officers, certain terms of those agreements may not be enforceable and in any event these
agreements do not ensure the continued service of these executive officers. The loss of key members
of our senior management or other key team members, particularly to competitors, could have a
material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
We may fail to attract and retain enough sufficiently trained employees to support our operations,
as competition for highly skilled personnel is intense and we experience significant employee
attrition. These factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of
operations, financial condition and cash flows.
The business process outsourcing industry relies on large numbers of skilled employees, and our
success depends to a significant extent on our ability to attract, hire, train and retain qualified
employees. The business process outsourcing industry, including our company, experiences high
employee attrition. In fiscal 2008, our attrition rate for associates (employees who execute
business processes for our clients following their completion of a six-month probationary period)
was approximately 38.4% which we believe is broadly in line with our peers in the offshore business
process outsourcing industry. There is significant competition in India for professionals with the
skills necessary to perform the services we offer to our clients. Increased competition for these
professionals, in the business process outsourcing industry or otherwise, could have an adverse
effect on us. A significant increase in the attrition rate among employees with specialized skills
could decrease our operating efficiency and productivity and could lead to a decline in demand for
our services.
In addition, our ability to maintain and renew existing engagements and obtain new businesses will
depend, in large part, on our ability to attract, train and retain personnel with skills that
enable us to keep pace with growing demands for outsourcing, evolving industry standards and
changing client preferences. Our failure either to attract, train and retain personnel with the
qualifications necessary to fulfill the needs of our existing and future clients or to assimilate
new employees successfully could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of
operations, financial condition and cash flows.
We may not be successful in achieving the expected benefits from our transaction with AVIVA in July
2008, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial
condition and cash flows. Furthermore, the bank loan that we have incurred to fund the transaction
may put a strain on our financial position.
In July 2008, we entered into a transaction with AVIVA consisting of a share sale and purchase
agreement pursuant to which we acquired all the shares of Aviva Global and the AVIVA master
services agreement pursuant to which we will provide BPO services to AVIVAs UK and Canadian
businesses. We completed the acquisition of Aviva Global in July 2008. Aviva Global was the
business process offshoring subsidiary of AVIVA with facilities in Bangalore, India, and Colombo,
Sri Lanka. There are also two facilities in Chennai and Pune, India, which are operated by third
party BPO providers but in respect of which Aviva Global has exercised its option to require such
BPO providers to transfer such facilities to Aviva Global. The completion of the transfer of the
Chennai facility occurred in July 2008. Completion of the transfer of the Pune facility is expected
to occur in August 2008. The total consideration for the transaction was approximately £115 million
(approximately $229 million based on the noon buying rate as of June 30, 2008), subject to
adjustments for cash, debt and the enterprise values of the companies
holding the Chennai and Pune facilities which will be determined on
their respective transfer dates to Aviva Global. We incurred a bank loan of $200 million to fund,
together with cash in hand, the consideration for the transaction.
No assurance can be given that the transfer of the Pune facility to Aviva Global described above
will be successfully completed on a timely basis or at all. Although, in the event there is any
delay in the transfer of the facility, AVIVA MS has agreed to pay us an amount
equal to the profit margin we would
have received from such facility during the period of delay, a delay
in the transfer may impact our ability to achieve the expected
benefits from the transaction within a target time frame. In addition, we will need to integrate
Aviva Globals various facilities with the rest of our business. We cannot assure you that such
integration will be successful. Failure to integrate the acquisition or to manage growth
effectively could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and
cash flows. We may not be able to grow our revenues, expand our service offerings and market
share, or achieve the accretive benefits that we expected from the acquisition of Aviva Global and
the AVIVA master services agreement.
7
Furthermore, the bank loan that we have incurred to fund the transaction may put a strain on our
financial position. For example, it could:
|
|
increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions; |
|
|
|
require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments
on the bank loan, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund capital
expenditures, working capital and other general corporate purposes; |
|
|
|
require us to seek lenders consent prior to paying dividends on our ordinary shares; and |
|
|
|
limit our ability to incur additional borrowings or raise additional financing through
equity or debt instruments. |
In addition, the current rate of interest payable on the bank loan is US dollar LIBOR plus 3% per
annum. However, this interest rate is subject to change as we have
agreed that the arrangers for the bank loan have the right at any time
prior to the completion of the syndication of the bank loan to
change the pricing of the bank loan if any such arranger determines
that such change is necessary to ensure a successful syndication of
the bank loan. We expect the syndication of the bank loan to be completed by March 31, 2009. An increase of 1% in the interest rate
payable on our outstanding bank loan will increase the interest payable by $2 million per annum.
There is no assurance that the interest rate for the bank loan will not increase in the future and
any increase in interest rate may adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial
condition and cash flows.
Wage increases in India may prevent us from sustaining our competitive advantage and may reduce our
profit margin.
Salaries and related benefits of our operations staff and other employees in India are among our
most significant costs. Wage costs in India have historically been significantly lower than wage
costs in the US and Europe for comparably skilled professionals, which has been one of our
competitive advantages. However, because of rapid economic growth in India, increased demand for
business process outsourcing to India and increased competition for skilled employees in India,
wages for comparably skilled employees in India are increasing at a faster rate than in the US and
Europe, which may reduce this competitive advantage. In addition, if the US dollar or the pound
sterling further declines in value against the Indian rupee, wages in the US or the UK will further
decrease relative to wages in India, which may further reduce our competitive advantage. We may
need to increase our levels of employee compensation more rapidly than in the past to remain
competitive in attracting the quantity and quality of employees that our business requires. Wage
increases may reduce our profit margins and have a material adverse effect on our financial
condition and cash flows.
Our operating results may differ from period to period, which may make it difficult for us to
prepare accurate internal financial forecasts and respond in a timely manner to offset such period
to period fluctuations.
Our operating results may differ significantly from period to period due to factors such as client
losses, variations in the volume of business from clients resulting from changes in our clients
operations, the business decisions of our clients regarding the use of our services, delays or
difficulties in expanding our operational facilities and infrastructure, changes to our pricing
structure or that of our competitors, inaccurate estimates of resources and time required to
complete ongoing projects, currency fluctuation and
seasonal changes in the operations of our clients. For example, our clients in the travel industry
experience seasonal changes in their operations in connection with the year-end holiday season and
the school year, as well as episodic factors such as adverse weather conditions or strikes by
pilots or air traffic controllers. Transaction volumes can be impacted by market conditions
affecting the travel and insurance industries, including natural disasters, health scares (such as
severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, and avian influenza, or bird flu) and terrorist
attacks. In addition, our contracts do not generally commit our clients to providing us with a
specific volume of business.
8
In addition, the long sales cycle for our services, which typically ranges from three to 12 months,
and the internal budget and approval processes of our prospective clients make it difficult to
predict the timing of new client engagements. Revenue is recognized upon actual provision of
services and when the criteria for recognition are achieved. Accordingly, the financial benefit of
gaining a new client may be delayed due to delays in the implementation of our services. These
factors may make it difficult for us to prepare accurate internal financial forecasts or replace
anticipated revenue that we do not receive as a result of those delays. Due to the above factors,
it is possible that in some future quarters our operating results may be significantly below the
expectations of the public market, analysts and investors.
Our clients may terminate contracts before completion or choose not to renew contracts which could
adversely affect our business and reduce our revenue.
The terms of our client contracts typically range from three to five years. Many of our client
contracts can be terminated by our clients with or without cause, with three to six months notice
and, in most cases, without penalty. The termination of a substantial percentage of these contracts
could adversely affect our business and reduce our revenue. Contracts representing 26.4% of our
revenue and 20.6% of our revenue less repair payments from our clients in fiscal 2008 will expire
on or before March 31, 2009. Failure to meet contractual requirements could result in cancellation
or non-renewal of a contract. Some of our contracts may be terminated by the client if certain of
our key personnel working on the client project leave our employment and we are unable to find
suitable replacements. In addition, a contract termination or significant reduction in work
assigned to us by a major client could cause us to experience a higher than expected number of
unassigned employees, which would increase our cost of revenue as a percentage of revenue until we
are able to reduce or reallocate our headcount. We may not be able to replace any client that
elects to terminate or not renew its contract with us, which would adversely affect our business
and revenue.
Some of our client contracts contain provisions which, if triggered, could result in lower future
revenue and have an adverse effect on our business.
If our clients agree to provide us with a specified volume and scale of business or to provide us
with business for a specified minimum duration, we may, in return, agree to include certain
provisions in our contracts with such clients which provide for downward revision of our prices
under certain circumstances. For example, certain client contracts provide that if during the term
of the contract, we were to offer similar services to any other client on terms and conditions more
favorable than those provided in the contract, we would be obliged to offer equally favorable terms
and conditions to the client. This may result in lower revenue and profits under these contracts.
Certain other contracts allow a client in certain limited circumstances to request a benchmark
study comparing our pricing and performance with that of an agreed list of other service providers
for comparable services. Based on the results of the study and depending on the reasons for any
unfavorable variance, we may be required to make improvements in the service we provide or to
reduce the pricing for services to be performed under the remaining term of the contract.
Some of our client contracts provide that during the term of the contract and under specified
circumstances, we may not provide similar services to their competitors. Some of our contracts also
provide that, during the term of the contract and for a certain period thereafter ranging from six
to 12 months, we may not provide similar services to certain or any of their competitors using the
same personnel. These restrictions may hamper our ability to compete for and provide services to
other clients in the same industry, which may result in lower future revenue and profitability.
Some of our contracts specify that if a change in control of our company occurs during the term of
the contract, the client has the right to terminate the contract. These provisions may result in
our contracts being terminated if there is such a change in control, resulting in a potential loss
of revenue. Some of our client contracts also contain provisions that would require us to pay
penalties to our clients if we do not meet pre-agreed service level requirements. Failure to meet
these requirements could result in the payment of significant penalties by us to our clients which
in turn could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition
and cash flows.
9
We enter into long-term contracts with our clients, and our failure to estimate the resources and
time required for our contracts may negatively affect our profitability.
The terms of our client contracts typically range from three to five years. In many of our
contracts, we commit to long-term pricing with our clients and therefore bear the risk of cost
overruns, completion delays and wage inflation in connection with these contracts. If we fail to
estimate accurately the resources and time required for a contract, future wage inflation rates or
currency exchange rates, or if we fail to complete our contractual obligations within the
contracted timeframe, our revenue and profitability may be negatively affected.
Our profitability will suffer if we are not able to maintain our pricing and asset utilization
levels and control our costs.
Our profit margin, and therefore our profitability, is largely a function of our asset utilization
and the rates we are able to recover for our services. One of the most significant components of
our asset utilization is our seat utilization rate which is the average number of work shifts per
day, out of a maximum of three, for which we are able to utilize our work stations, or seats. If we
are not able to maintain the pricing for our services or an appropriate seat utilization rate,
without corresponding cost reductions, our profitability will suffer. The rates we are able to
recover for our services are affected by a number of factors, including our clients perceptions of
our ability to add value through our services, competition, introduction of new services or
products by us or our competitors, our ability to accurately estimate, attain and sustain
engagement revenue, margins and cash flows over increasingly longer contract periods and general
economic and political conditions.
Our profitability is also a function of our ability to control our costs and improve our
efficiency. As we increase the number of our employees and execute our strategies for growth, we
may not be able to manage the significantly larger and more geographically diverse workforce that
may result, which could adversely affect our ability to control our costs or improve our
efficiency.
We have incurred losses in the past and have a limited operating history. We may not be profitable
in the future and may not be able to secure additional business.
We have incurred losses in each of the three fiscal years from fiscal 2003 through fiscal 2005. In
future periods, we expect our selling, general and administrative, or SG&A, expenses to continue to
increase. If our revenue does not grow at a faster rate than these expected increases in our
expenses, or if our operating expenses are higher than we anticipate, we may not be profitable and
we may incur additional losses.
In addition, the offshore business process outsourcing industry is a relatively new industry, and
we have a limited operating history. We started our business by offering business process
outsourcing services as part of British Airways in 1996. In fiscal 2003, we enhanced our focus on
providing business process outsourcing services to third parties. As such, we have only focused on
servicing third-party clients for a limited time. We may not be able to secure additional business
or retain current business with third-parties or add third-party clients in the future.
If we cause disruptions to our clients businesses or provide inadequate service, our clients may
have claims for substantial damages against us. Our insurance coverage may be inadequate to cover
these claims, and as a result, our profits may be substantially reduced.
Most of our contracts with clients contain service level and performance requirements, including
requirements relating to the quality of our services and the timing and quality of responses to the
clients customer inquiries. In some cases, the quality of services that we provide is measured by
quality assurance ratings and surveys which are based in part on the results of direct monitoring
by our clients of interactions between our employees and our clients customers. Failure to
consistently meet service requirements of a client or errors made by our associates in the course
of delivering services to our clients could disrupt the clients business and result in a reduction
in revenue or a claim for substantial damages against us. For example, some of our agreements
stipulate standards of service that, if not met by us, will result in lower payment to us. In
addition, a failure or inability to meet a contractual requirement could seriously damage our
reputation and affect our ability to attract new business.
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Our dependence on our offshore delivery centers requires us to maintain active data and voice
communications between our main delivery centers in India, Sri Lanka, Romania, the Philippines and
the UK, our international technology hubs in the US and the UK and our clients offices. Although
we maintain redundant facilities and communications links, disruptions could result from, among
other things, technical and electricity breakdowns, computer glitches and viruses and adverse
weather conditions. Any significant failure of our equipment or systems, or any major disruption to
basic infrastructure like power and telecommunications in the locations in which we operate, could
impede our ability to provide services to our clients, have a negative impact on our reputation,
cause us to lose clients, reduce our revenue and harm our business.
Under our contracts with our clients, our liability for breach of our obligations is generally
limited to actual damages suffered by the client and capped at a portion of the fees paid or
payable to us under the relevant contract. To the extent that our contracts contain limitations on
liability, such limitations may be unenforceable or otherwise may not protect us from liability for
damages. In addition, certain liabilities, such as claims of third parties for which we may be
required to indemnify our clients, are generally not limited under those agreements. Although we
have commercial general liability insurance coverage, the coverage may not continue to be available
on reasonable terms or in sufficient amounts to cover one or more large claims, and our insurers
may disclaim coverage as to any future claims. The successful assertion of one or more large claims
against us that exceed available insurance coverage, or changes in our insurance policies
(including premium increases or the imposition of large deductible or co-insurance requirements),
could have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation, results of operations, financial
condition and cash flows.
We are liable to our clients for damages caused by unauthorized disclosure of sensitive and
confidential information, whether through a breach of our computer systems, through our employees
or otherwise.
We are typically required to manage, utilize and store sensitive or confidential client data in
connection with the services we provide. Under the terms of our client contracts, we are required
to keep such information strictly confidential. Our client contracts do not include any limitation
on our liability to them with respect to breaches of our obligation to maintain confidentiality on
the information we receive from them. We seek to implement measures to protect sensitive and
confidential client data and have not experienced any material breach of confidentiality to date.
However, if any person, including any of our employees, penetrates our network security or
otherwise mismanages or misappropriates sensitive or confidential client data, we could be subject
to significant liability and lawsuits from our clients or their customers for breaching contractual
confidentiality provisions or privacy laws. Although we have insurance coverage for mismanagement
or misappropriation of such information by our employees, that coverage may not continue to be
available on reasonable terms or in sufficient amounts to cover one or more large claims against us
and our insurers may disclaim coverage as to any future claims. Penetration of the network security
of our data centers could have a negative impact on our reputation which would harm our business.
Failure to adhere to the regulations that govern our business could result in us being unable to
effectively perform our services. Failure to adhere to regulations that govern our clients
businesses could result in breaches of contract with our clients.
Our clients business operations are subject to certain rules and regulations such as the
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act in the US and
the Financial Services Act in the UK. Our clients may contractually require that we perform our
services in a manner that would enable them to comply with such rules and regulations. Failure to
perform our services in such a manner could result in breaches of contract with our clients and, in
some limited circumstances, civil fines and criminal penalties for us. In addition, we are required
under various Indian laws to obtain and maintain permits and licenses for the conduct of our
business. If we do not maintain our licenses or other qualifications to provide our services, we
may not be able to provide services to existing clients or be able to attract new clients and could
lose revenue, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
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The international nature of our business exposes us to several risks, such as significant currency
fluctuations and unexpected changes in the regulatory requirements of multiple jurisdictions.
We have operations in India, Sri Lanka, Romania, the Philippines and the UK, and we service clients
across Europe, North America and Asia. Our corporate structure also spans multiple jurisdictions,
with our parent holding company incorporated in Jersey, Channel Islands, and intermediate and
operating subsidiaries incorporated in India, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, the US and the UK. As a result,
we are exposed to risks typically associated with conducting business internationally, many of
which are beyond our control. These risks include:
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significant currency fluctuations between the US dollar and the pound sterling (in which
our revenue is principally denominated) and the Indian rupee (in which a significant portion
of our costs are denominated); |
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legal uncertainty owing to the overlap of different legal regimes, and problems in
asserting contractual or other rights across international borders; |
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potentially adverse tax consequences, such as scrutiny of transfer pricing arrangements by
authorities in the countries in which we operate; |
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potential tariffs and other trade barriers; |
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unexpected changes in regulatory requirements; |
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the burden and expense of complying with the laws and regulations of various jurisdictions;
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terrorist attacks and other acts of violence or war. |
The occurrence of any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our results of
operations and financial condition.
We may not succeed in identifying suitable acquisition targets or integrating any acquired business
into our operations, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of
operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Our growth strategy involves gaining new clients and expanding our service offerings, both
organically and through strategic acquisitions. Historically, we have expanded some of our service
offerings and gained new clients through strategic acquisitions. For example, we acquired Aviva
Global in July 2008, Business Applications Associate Limited, or BizAps, and Flovate Technologies
Limited, or Flovate (which we subsequently renamed as WNS Workflow Technologies Limited), in June
2008, and Chang Limited in April 2008. It is possible that in the future we may not succeed in
identifying suitable acquisition targets available for sale on reasonable terms, have access to the
capital required to finance potential acquisitions or be able to consummate any acquisition. The
inability to identify suitable acquisition targets or investments or the inability to complete such
transactions may affect our competitiveness and our growth prospects. In addition, our management
may not be able to successfully integrate any acquired business into our operations and any
acquisition we do complete may not result in long-term benefits to us. For example, if we acquire a
company, we could experience difficulties in assimilating that companys personnel, operations,
technology and software. In addition, the key personnel of the acquired company may decide not to
work for us. The lack of profitability of any of our acquisitions could have a material adverse
effect on our operating results. Future acquisitions may also result in the incurrence of
indebtedness or the issuance of additional equity securities and may present difficulties in
financing the acquisition on attractive terms. Acquisitions also typically involve a number of
other risks, including diversion of managements attention, legal liabilities and the need to
amortize acquired intangible assets, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our
business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
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We recorded an impairment charge of $15.5 million to our earnings in fiscal 2008 and may be
required to record another significant charge to earnings in the future when we review our
goodwill, intangible or other assets for potential impairment.
As of March 31, 2008, we had goodwill and intangible assets of approximately $87.5 million and $9.4
million, respectively, which primarily resulted from the purchases of Marketics, Flovate, Town &
Country Assistance Limited (which we subsequently rebranded as WNS Assistance) and WNS Global
Services (Private) Limited, or WNS Global. Under US GAAP, we are required to review our goodwill,
intangible or other assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the
carrying value may not be recoverable. In addition, goodwill, intangible or other assets with
indefinite lives are required to be tested for impairment at least annually. We performed an
impairment review and recorded an impairment charge of $15.5 million to our earnings in fiscal 2008
relating to Trinity Partners. We may be required in the future to record a significant charge to
earnings in our financial statements during the period in which any impairment of our goodwill or
other intangible assets is determined. Such charges may have a significant adverse impact on our
results of operations.
Our facilities are at risk of damage by natural disasters.
Our operational facilities and communication hubs may be damaged in natural disasters such as
earthquakes, floods, heavy rains, tsunamis and cyclones. For example, during the floods in Mumbai
in July 2005, our operations were adversely affected as a result of the disruption of the citys
public utility and transport services making it difficult for our associates to commute to our
office. Such natural disasters may lead to disruption to information systems and telephone service
for sustained periods. Damage or destruction that interrupts our provision of outsourcing services
could damage our relationships with our clients and may cause us to incur substantial additional
expenses to repair or replace damaged equipment or facilities. We may also be liable to our clients
for disruption in service resulting from such damage or destruction. While we currently have
commercial liability insurance, our insurance coverage may not be sufficient. Furthermore, we may
be unable to secure such insurance coverage at premiums acceptable to us in the future or secure
such insurance coverage at all. Prolonged disruption of our services as a result of natural
disasters would also entitle our clients to terminate their contracts with us.
Our business may not develop in ways that we currently anticipate due to negative public reaction
to offshore outsourcing, proposed legislation or otherwise.
We have based our strategy of future growth on certain assumptions regarding our industry, services
and future demand in the market for such services. However, the trend to outsource business
processes may not continue and could reverse. Offshore outsourcing is a politically sensitive topic
in the UK, the US and elsewhere. For example, many organizations and public figures in the UK and
the US have publicly expressed concern about a perceived association between offshore outsourcing
providers and the loss of jobs in their home countries.
In addition, there has been publicity about the negative experiences, such as theft and
misappropriation of sensitive client data, of various companies that use offshore outsourcing,
particularly in India. Current or prospective clients may elect to perform such services themselves
or may be discouraged from transferring these services from onshore to offshore providers to avoid
negative perceptions that may be associated with using an offshore provider. Any slowdown or
reversal of existing industry trends towards offshore outsourcing would seriously harm our ability
to compete effectively with competitors that operate out of facilities located in the UK or the US.
A variety of US federal and state legislation has been proposed that, if enacted, could restrict or
discourage US companies from outsourcing their services to companies outside the US. For example,
legislation has been proposed that would require offshore providers of services requiring direct
interaction with clients customers to identify to clients customers where the offshore provider
is located. Because some of our clients are located in the US, any expansion of existing laws or
the enactment of new legislation restricting offshore outsourcing could adversely impact our
ability to do business with US clients and have a material and adverse effect on our business,
results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. In addition, it is possible that
legislation could be adopted that would restrict US private sector companies that have federal or
state government contracts from outsourcing their services to offshore service providers. This
would affect our ability to attract or retain clients that have such contracts.
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Recent legislation introduced in the UK provides that if a company transfers or outsources its
business or a part of its business to a transferee or a service provider, the employees who were
employed in such business are entitled to become employed by the transferee or service provider on
the same terms and conditions as they had been employed before. The dismissal of such employees as
a result of such transfer of business is deemed unfair dismissal and entitles the employee to
compensation. As a result, we may become liable for redundancy payments to the employees of our
clients in the UK who outsource business to us. We believe this legislation will not affect our
existing contracts with clients in the UK. However, we may be liable under any service level
agreements we may enter into in the future pursuant to existing master services agreements with our
UK clients. In addition, this legislation may have an adverse effect on potential business from
clients in the UK.
We face competition from onshore and offshore business process outsourcing companies and from
information technology companies that also offer business process outsourcing services. Our clients
may also choose to run their business processes themselves, either in their home countries or
through captive units located offshore.
The market for outsourcing services is very competitive and we expect competition to intensify and
increase from a number of sources. We believe that the principal competitive factors in our markets
are price, service quality, sales and marketing skills, and industry expertise. We face significant
competition from our clients own in-house groups including, in some cases, in-house departments
operating offshore or captive units. Clients who currently outsource a significant proportion of
their business processes or information technology services to vendors in India may, for various
reasons, including to diversify geographic risk, seek to reduce their dependence on any one
country. We also face competition from onshore and offshore business process outsourcing and
information technology services companies. In addition, the trend toward offshore outsourcing,
international expansion by foreign and domestic competitors and continuing technological changes
will result in new and different competitors entering our markets. These competitors may include
entrants from the communications, software and data networking industries or entrants in geographic
locations with lower costs than those in which we operate.
Some of these existing and future competitors have greater financial, human and other resources,
longer operating histories, greater technological expertise, more recognizable brand names and more
established relationships in the industries that we currently serve or may serve in the future. In
addition, some of our competitors may enter into strategic or commercial relationships among
themselves or with larger, more established companies in order to increase their ability to address
client needs, or enter into similar arrangements with potential clients. Increased competition, our
inability to compete successfully against competitors, pricing pressures or loss of market share
could result in reduced operating margins which could harm our business, results of operations,
financial condition and cash flows.
Our controlling shareholder, Warburg Pincus, is able to control or significantly influence our
corporate actions.
Warburg Pincus beneficially owns more than 50% of our shares. As a result of its ownership
position, Warburg Pincus has the ability to control or significantly influence matters requiring
shareholder and board approval including, without limitation, the election of directors,
significant corporate transactions such as amalgamations and consolidations, changes in control of
our company and sales of all or substantially all of our assets. These actions may be taken even if
they are opposed by the other shareholders.
We have certain anti-takeover provisions in our articles of association that may discourage a
change in control.
Our articles of association contain anti-takeover provisions that could make it more difficult for
a third party to acquire us without the consent of our board of directors. These provisions
include:
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a classified board of directors with staggered three-year terms; and |
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the ability of our board of directors to determine the rights, preferences and privileges
of our preferred shares and to issue the preferred shares without shareholder approval, which
could be exercised by our board of directors to increase the number of outstanding shares and
prevent or delay a takeover attempt. |
These provisions could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if the third
partys offer may be considered beneficial by many shareholders. As a result, shareholders may be
limited in their ability to obtain a premium for their shares.
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It may be difficult for you to effect service of process and enforce legal judgments against us or
our affiliates.
We are incorporated in Jersey, Channel Islands, and our primary operating subsidiary, WNS Global,
is incorporated in India. A majority of our directors and senior executives are not residents of
the US and virtually all of our assets and the assets of those persons are located outside the US.
As a result, it may not be possible for you to effect service of process within the US upon those
persons or us. In addition, you may be unable to enforce judgments obtained in courts of the US
against those persons outside the jurisdiction of their residence, including judgments predicated
solely upon the securities laws of the US.
Risks Related to India
A substantial portion of our assets and operations are located in India and we are subject to
regulatory, economic, social and political uncertainties in India.
Our primary operating subsidiary, WNS Global, is incorporated in India, and a substantial portion
of our assets and employees are located in India. We intend to continue to develop and expand our
facilities in India. The government of India, however, has exercised and continues to exercise
significant influence over many aspects of the Indian economy. The government of India has provided
significant tax incentives and relaxed certain regulatory restrictions in order to encourage
foreign investment in specified sectors of the economy, including the business process outsourcing
industry. Those programs that have benefited us include tax holidays, liberalized import and export
duties and preferential rules on foreign investment and repatriation. We cannot assure you that
such liberalization policies will continue. Various factors, including a collapse of the present
coalition government due to the withdrawal of support of coalition members, could trigger
significant changes in Indias economic liberalization and deregulation policies and disrupt
business and economic conditions in India generally and our business in particular. The government
of India may decide to introduce the reservation policy. According to this policy, all companies
operating in the private sector in India, including our subsidiaries in India, would be required to
reserve a certain percentage of jobs for the economically underprivileged population in the
relevant state where such companies are incorporated. If this policy is introduced, our ability to
hire employees of our choice may be restricted. Our financial performance and the market price of
our ADSs may be adversely affected by changes in inflation, exchange rates and controls, interest
rates, government of India policies (including taxation policies), social stability or other
political, economic or diplomatic developments affecting India in the future.
India has witnessed communal clashes in the past. Although such clashes in India have, in the
recent past, been sporadic and have been contained within reasonably short periods of time, any
such civil disturbance in the future could result in disruptions in transportation or communication
networks, as well as have adverse implications for general economic conditions in India. Such
events could have a material adverse effect on our business, on the value of our ADSs and on your
investment in our ADSs.
If the government of India reduces or withdraws tax benefits and other incentives it currently
provides to companies within our industry or if the same are not available for any other reason,
our financial condition could be negatively affected.
Under the Indian Finance Act, 2000, except for one delivery center located in Mumbai, all our
delivery centers in India benefit from a ten-year holiday from Indian corporate income taxes. As a
result, our service operations, including any businesses we acquire, have been subject to
relatively low Indian tax liabilities. We incurred minimal income tax expense on our Indian
operations in fiscal 2008 as a result of the tax holiday, compared to approximately $11.5 million
that we would have incurred if the tax holiday had not been available for that period.
The Indian Finance Act, 2000 phases out the tax holiday over a ten-year period from fiscal 2000
through fiscal 2009. In May 2008, the government of India passed the Indian Finance Act, 2008,
which extended the tax holiday period by an additional year through fiscal 2010. The tax holiday
enjoyed by our delivery centers in India expires in stages: on
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April 1, 2009 for one of our delivery centers located in Pune and on April 1, 2010 for our other
delivery centers located in Mumbai, Pune, Gurgaon, Bangalore and Nashik, except for the tax holiday
enjoyed by two of our delivery centers located in Mumbai and Nashik which expired on April 1, 2007
and April 1, 2008, respectively. When our Indian tax holiday expires or terminates, or if the
government of India withdraws or reduces the benefits of the Indian tax holiday, our Indian tax
expense will materially increase and this increase will have a material impact on our results of
operations. In the absence of a tax holiday, income derived from India would be taxed up to a
maximum of the then existing annual tax rate which, as of March 31, 2008, was 33.99%.
In May 2007, the Indian Finance Act, 2007 was adopted, with the effect of subjecting Indian
companies that benefit from a holiday from Indian corporate income taxes to the minimum alternate
tax, or MAT, at the rate of 11.33% in the case of profits exceeding Rs. 10 million and 10.3% in the
case of profits not exceeding Rs. 10 million with effect from April 1, 2007. As a result of this
amendment to the tax regulations, we became subject to MAT and are required to pay additional taxes
commencing fiscal 2008. To the extent MAT paid exceeds the actual tax payable on our taxable
income, we would be able to set off such MAT credits against tax payable in the succeeding seven
years, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions.
In addition, in May 2007, the government of India implemented a fringe benefit tax on the allotment
of shares pursuant to the exercise or vesting, on or after April 1, 2007, of options and restricted
share units, or RSUs, granted to employees. The fringe benefit tax is payable by the employer at
the current rate of 33.99% on the difference between the fair market value of the options and RSUs on the
date of vesting of the options and RSUs and the exercise price of the options and the purchase
price (if any) for the RSUs, as applicable. In October 2007, the government of India published its
guidelines on how the fair market value of the options and RSUs should be determined. The new
legislation permits the employer to recover the fringe benefit tax from the employees. Accordingly,
we have amended the terms of our 2002 Stock Incentive Plan and the 2006 Incentive Award Plan to
allow us to recover the fringe benefit tax from all our employees in India except those expatriate
employees who are resident in India. In respect of these expatriate employees, we are seeking
clarification from the Indian and foreign tax authorities on the ability of such expatriate
employees to set off the fringe benefit tax from the foreign taxes payable by them. If they are
able to do so, we intend to recover the fringe benefit tax from such expatriate employees in the
future.
In 2005, the government of India implemented the Special Economic Zones Act, 2005, or the SEZ
legislation, with the effect that taxable income of new operations established in designated
special economic zones, or SEZs, may be eligible for a 15-year tax holiday scheme consisting of a
complete tax holiday for the initial five years and a partial tax
holiday for the subsequent ten years, subject to the satisfaction of certain capital investment conditions. However, the Ministry
of Finance in India has expressed concern about the potential loss of tax revenues as a result of
the exemptions under the SEZ legislation. The SEZ legislation has been criticized on economic
grounds by the International Monetary Fund and the SEZ legislation may be challenged by certain
non-governmental organizations. It is possible that, as a result of such political pressures, the
procedure for obtaining the benefits of the SEZ legislation may become more onerous, the types of
land eligible for SEZ status may be further restricted or the SEZ legislation may be amended or
repealed. Moreover, there is continuing uncertainty as to the governmental and regulatory approvals
required to establish operations in the SEZs or to qualify for the tax benefit. This uncertainty
may delay our establishment of operations in the SEZs.
US and Indian transfer pricing regulations require that any international transaction involving
associated enterprises be at an arms-length price. We consider the transactions among our
subsidiaries and us to be on arms-length pricing terms. If, however, the applicable income tax
authorities review any of our tax returns and determine that the transfer prices we have applied
are not appropriate, we may incur increased tax liability, including accrued interest and
penalties, which would cause our tax expense to increase, possibly materially, thereby reducing our
profitability and cash flows.
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Terrorist attacks and other acts of violence involving India or its neighboring countries could
adversely affect our operations, resulting in a loss of client confidence and adversely affecting
our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Terrorist attacks and other acts of violence or war involving India or its neighboring countries
may adversely affect worldwide financial markets and could potentially lead to economic recession,
which could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash
flows. South Asia has, from time to time, experienced instances of civil unrest and hostilities
among neighboring countries, including India and Pakistan. In previous years, military
confrontations between India and Pakistan have occurred in the region of Kashmir and along the
India/Pakistan border. There have also been incidents in and near India such as a terrorist attack
on the Indian Parliament, troop mobilizations along the India/Pakistan border and an aggravated
geopolitical situation in the region. Such military activity or terrorist attacks in the future
could influence the Indian economy by disrupting communications and making travel more difficult.
Resulting political tensions could create a greater perception that investments in Indian companies
involve a high degree of risk. Such political tensions could similarly create a perception that
there is a risk of disruption of services provided by India-based companies, which could have a
material adverse effect on the market for our services.
Furthermore, if India were to become engaged in armed hostilities, particularly hostilities that
were protracted or involved the threat or use of nuclear weapons, we might not be able to continue
our operations.
Restrictions on entry visas may affect our ability to compete for and provide services to clients
in the US, which could have a material adverse effect on future revenue.
The vast majority of our employees are Indian nationals. The ability of some of our executives to
work with and meet our European and North American clients and our clients from other countries
depends on the ability of our senior managers and employees to obtain the necessary visas and entry
permits. In response to previous terrorist attacks and global unrest, US and European immigration
authorities have increased the level of scrutiny in granting visas. Immigration laws in those
countries may also require us to meet certain other legal requirements as a condition to obtaining
or maintaining entry visas. These restrictions have significantly lengthened the time requirements
to obtain visas for our personnel, which has in the past resulted, and may continue to result, in
delays in the ability of our personnel to meet with our clients. In addition, immigration laws are
subject to legislative change and varying standards of application and enforcement due to political
forces, economic conditions or other events, including terrorist attacks. We cannot predict the
political or economic events that could affect immigration laws, or any restrictive impact those
events could have on obtaining or monitoring entry visas for our personnel. If we are unable to
obtain the necessary visas for personnel who need to visit our clients sites or, if such visas are
delayed, we may not be able to provide services to our clients or to continue to provide services
on a timely basis, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of
operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Currency fluctuations among the Indian rupee, the pound sterling and the US dollar could have a
material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Although substantially all of our revenue is denominated in pound sterling or US dollars, a
significant portion of our expenses (other than payments to repair centers, which are primarily
denominated in pound sterling) are incurred and paid in Indian rupees. We report our financial
results in US dollars and our results of operations would be adversely affected if the Indian rupee
appreciates against the US dollar or the pound sterling depreciates against the US dollar. The
exchange rates between the Indian rupee and the US dollar and between the pound sterling and the US
dollar have changed substantially in recent years and may fluctuate substantially in the future.
The average Indian rupee/US dollar exchange rate was approximately Rs. 40.13 per $1.00 (based on
the noon buying rate) in fiscal 2008, which represented an appreciation of the Indian rupee of
11.1% as compared with the average exchange rate of approximately Rs. 45.12 per $1.00 (based on the
noon buying rate) in fiscal 2007, which in turn represented a depreciation of the Indian rupee of
2.2% as compared with the average exchange rate of approximately Rs. 44.17 per $1.00 (based on the
noon buying rate) in fiscal 2006. The average pound sterling/US dollar exchange rate was
approximately £0.50 per $1.00 (based on the noon buying rate) in fiscal 2008, which represented an
appreciation of the pound sterling of 5.7% as compared with the average exchange rate of
approximately £0.53 per $1.00 (based on the noon buying rate) in fiscal 2007, which in turn
represented an appreciation of the pound sterling of
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5.6% as compared with the average exchange rate of
approximately £0.56 per $1.00 (based on the noon buying rate) in fiscal 2006. Our results of
operations may be adversely affected if the Indian rupee appreciates significantly against the
pound sterling or the US dollar or if the pound sterling depreciates against the US dollar. We
hedge a portion of our foreign currency exposures using options and forward contracts. We cannot
assure you that our hedging strategy will be successful or will mitigate our exposure to currency
risk.
If more stringent labor laws become applicable to us, our profitability may be adversely affected.
India has stringent labor legislation that protects the interests of workers, including legislation
that sets forth detailed procedures for dispute resolution and employee removal and legislation
that imposes financial obligations on employers upon retrenchment. Though we are exempt from a
number of these labor laws at present, there can be no assurance that such laws will not become
applicable to the business process outsourcing industry in India in the future. In addition, our
employees may in the future form unions. If these labor laws become applicable to our workers or if
our employees unionize, it may become difficult for us to maintain flexible human resource
policies, discharge employees or downsize, and our profitability may be adversely affected.
An outbreak of an infectious disease or any other serious public health concerns in Asia or
elsewhere could cause our business to suffer.
The outbreak of an infectious disease in Asia or elsewhere could have a negative impact on the
economies, financial markets and business activities in the countries in which our end markets are
located and could thereby have a material adverse effect on our business. The outbreak of SARS in
2003 in Asia and the outbreak of the avian influenza, or bird flu, across Asia, including India, as
well as Europe have adversely affected a number of countries and companies. Although we have not
been adversely impacted by these recent outbreaks, we can give no assurance that a future outbreak
of an infectious disease among humans or animals will not have a material adverse effect on our
business.
Risks Related to our ADSs
Substantial future sales of our shares or ADSs in the public market could cause our ADS price to
fall.
Sales by us or our shareholders of a substantial number of our ADSs in the public market, or the
perception that these sales could occur, could cause the market price of our ADSs to decline. These
sales, or the perception that these sales could occur, also might make it more difficult for us to
sell securities in the future at a time or at a price that we deem appropriate or pay for
acquisitions using our equity securities. As of June 30, 2008, we had 42,460,059 ordinary shares
outstanding, including 19,511,553 shares represented by 19,511,553 ADSs. In addition, as of June
30, 2008, there were options and RSUs outstanding under our 2002 Stock Incentive Plan and our 2006
Incentive Award Plan to purchase a total of 3,514,007 ordinary shares or ADSs. All ADSs are freely
transferable, except that ADSs owned by our affiliates, including Warburg Pincus, may only be sold
in the US if they are registered or qualify for an exemption from registration, including pursuant
to Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act. The remaining
ordinary shares outstanding may be sold in the United States if they are registered or qualify for
an exemption from registration, including pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act.
The market price for our ADSs may be volatile.
The market price for our ADSs is likely to be highly volatile and subject to wide fluctuations in
response to factors including the following:
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announcements of technological developments; |
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regulatory developments in our target markets affecting us, our clients or our competitors; |
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actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly operating results; |
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changes in financial estimates by securities research analysts; |
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changes in the economic performance or market valuations of other companies engaged in
business process outsourcing; |
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addition or loss of executive officers or key employees; |
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sales or expected sales of additional shares or ADSs; and |
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loss of one or more significant clients. |
In addition, securities markets generally and from time to time experience significant price and
volume fluctuations that are not related to the operating performance of particular companies.
These market fluctuations may also have a material adverse effect on the market price of our ADSs.
Holders of ADSs may be restricted in their ability to exercise voting rights.
At our request, the depositary of the ADSs will mail to you any notice of shareholders meeting
received from us together with information explaining how to instruct the depositary to exercise
the voting rights of the ordinary shares represented by ADSs. If the depositary timely receives
voting instructions from you, it will endeavor to vote the ordinary shares represented by your ADSs
in accordance with such voting instructions. However, the ability of the depositary to carry out
voting instructions may be limited by practical and legal limitations and the terms of the ordinary
shares on deposit. We cannot assure you that you will receive voting materials in time to enable
you to return voting instructions to the depositary in a timely manner. Ordinary shares for which
no voting instructions have been received will not be voted.
As a foreign private issuer, we are not subject to the US Securities and Exchange Commissions, or
Commission, proxy rules which regulate the form and content of solicitations by US-based issuers of
proxies from their shareholders. The form of notice and proxy statement that we have been using
does not include all of the information that would be provided under the Commissions proxy rules.
We may be classified as a passive foreign investment company which could result in adverse United
States federal income tax consequences to US Holders.
We believe we are not a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for United States federal
income tax purposes for our current taxable year ended March 31, 2008. However, we must make a
separate determination each year as to whether we are a PFIC after the close of each taxable year.
A non-US corporation will be considered a PFIC for any taxable year if either (i) at least 75% of
its gross income is passive income or (ii) at least 50% of the value of its assets (based on an
average of the quarterly values of the assets during a taxable year) is attributable to assets that
produce or are held for the production of passive income. As noted in our annual report for our
taxable year ended March 31, 2007, our PFIC status in respect of our taxable year ended March 31,
2007 was uncertain. If we were treated as a PFIC for any year during which you held ADSs or
ordinary shares, we will continue to be treated as a PFIC for all succeeding years during which you
hold ADS or ordinary shares, absent a special elections. See Item 10. Additional Information E.
Taxation US Federal Income Taxation Passive Foreign Investment Company.
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
A. History and Development of our Company
WNS (Holdings) Limited was incorporated as a private liability company on February 18, 2002 under
the laws of Jersey, Channel Islands, and maintains a registered office in Jersey at Channel House,
7 Esplanade, St Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands. We converted from a private limited company to a
public limited company on January 4, 2006 when we acquired more than 30 shareholders as calculated
in accordance with Article 17A of the Companies (Jersey) Law, 1991, or the 1991 Law. We gave notice
of this to the Jersey Financial Services Commission in accordance with Article 17(3) of the 1991
Law on January 12, 2006. Our principal executive office is located at Gate 4, Godrej & Boyce
Complex, Pirojshanagar, Vikhroli (W), Mumbai 400 079, India, and the telephone number
for this office is (91-22) 4095-2100. Our website address is www.wnsgs.com. Information contained
on our website does not constitute part of this annual report. Our agent for service in the US is
our subsidiary, WNS North America Inc., 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 2515, New York, New York 10170.
19
We began operations as an in-house unit of British Airways in 1996, and started focusing on
providing business process outsourcing services to third parties in fiscal 2003. Warburg Pincus
acquired a controlling stake in our company from British Airways in May 2002 and inducted a new
senior management team. In fiscal 2003, we acquired Town & Country Assistance Limited (which we
subsequently rebranded as WNS Assistance and which constitutes WNS Auto Claims BPO, our reportable
segment for financial statement purposes), a UK-based automobile claims handling company, thereby
extending our service portfolio beyond the travel industry to include insurance-based automobile
claims processing. In fiscal 2004, we acquired the health claims management business of Greensnow
Inc. In fiscal 2006, we acquired Trinity Partners (which we merged into our subsidiary, WNS North
America Inc.), a provider of business process outsourcing services to financial institutions,
focusing on mortgage banking. In August 2006, we acquired from PRG Airlines Services Limited, or
PRG Airlines, its fare audit services business. In September 2006, we acquired from GHS Holdings
LLC, or GHS, its financial accounting business. In May 2007, we acquired Marketics, a provider of
offshore analytics services. In June 2007, we acquired Flovate, a company engaged in the
development and maintenance of software products and solutions, which we subsequently renamed as
WNS Workflow Technologies Limited. In April 2008, we acquired Chang Limited, an auto insurance
claims processing services provider in the UK, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Call 24/7
Limited, or Call 24/7. In June 2008, we acquired BizAps, a provider of systems applications and
products, or SAP, solutions to optimize the enterprise resource planning functionality for our
finance and accounting processes. In July 2008, we entered into a transaction with AVIVA consisting
of a share sale and purchase agreement pursuant to which we acquired from AVIVA all the shares of
Aviva Global and the AVIVA master services agreement, pursuant to which we will provide BPO
services to AVIVAs UK and Canadian businesses. Aviva Global was the business process offshoring
subsidiary of AVIVA. See Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects Overview
Recent Developments for more details on this transaction.
We are headquartered in Mumbai, India, and we have client service offices in New York (US) and
London (UK) and delivery centers in Ipswich (UK), Bucharest (Romania), India, Sri Lanka and Manila
(the Philippines). We completed our initial public offering in July 2006 and our ADSs are listed on
the New York Stock Exchange, or the NYSE, under the symbol WNS.
Our capital expenditures in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006 amounted to $28.1 million, $27.3 million and
$14.9 million, respectively. Our principal capital expenditures were incurred for the purposes of
setting up new delivery centers or expanding existing delivery centers and setting up related
technology to enable offshore execution and management of clients business processes. We expect
our capital expenditure needs in fiscal 2009 to be approximately $35.0 million, a significant
amount of which we expect to expend on building new facilities in India. We expect to meet these
estimated capital expenditures from cash generated from operating activities and existing cash and
cash equivalents (including the remaining proceeds to us from our initial public offering). See
Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects Liquidity and Capital Resources for
more information.
B. Business Overview
We are a leading provider of offshore business process outsourcing, or BPO, services. We provide
comprehensive data, voice and analytical services that are underpinned by our expertise in our
target industry sectors. We transfer the business processes of our clients, which are typically
companies located in Europe and North America, to our delivery centers located in India, Sri Lanka,
the Philippines, Romania and the UK. We provide high quality execution of client processes, monitor
these processes against multiple performance metrics, and seek to improve them on an ongoing basis.
We began operations as an in-house unit of British Airways in 1996, and started focusing on
providing business process outsourcing services to third parties in fiscal 2003. According to the
National Association of Software and Service Companies, or NASSCOM, an industry association in
India, we were among the top two India-based offshore business process outsourcing companies in
terms of revenue in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. As of March 31, 2008, we had 18,104 employees
executing over 500 distinct business processes on behalf of over 195 significant clients. Our
largest clients in fiscal 2008 in terms of revenue contribution included Air Canada, AVIVA,
British Airways, Centrica, Fedex, GfK, Indymac, Liverpool Victoria Insurance Company Ltd, or
Liverpool, Marsh, SAGA, SITA, Travelocity and Virgin Atlantic Airways. See Clients.
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We design, implement and operate comprehensive business processes for our clients, involving data,
voice and analytical components. Our services include industry-specific processes that are tailored
to address our clients business and industry practices, particularly in the travel and banking,
financial services and insurance, or BFSI, industries, as well as emerging businesses specifically
in the consumer products, retail, professional services, pharmaceutical and media and entertainment
industries. In April 2008, we created a new industrial and infrastructure business unit to focus
specifically on the industrial and infrastructure industry such as the manufacturing, logistics and
utilities industry sectors. In addition, we offer services applicable across multiple industries,
in areas such as finance and accounting, and in the areas of market, business and financial
research and analytics, which we collectively refer to as finance and accounting services and
knowledge services, respectively. Our comprehensive service portfolio allows us to penetrate our
clients and the industries we serve.
We generate revenue primarily from providing business process outsourcing services. A portion of
our revenue includes payments which we make to automobile repair centers. We evaluate our business
performance based on revenue net of these payments, since we believe that revenue less repair
payments reflects more accurately the value of the business process outsourcing services we
directly provide to our clients. In fiscal 2008, our revenue was $459.9 million, our revenue less
repair payments was $290.7 million and our net income was $9.5 million.
Between fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2008, our revenue grew at a compound annual growth rate of 50.6% and
our revenue less repair payments grew at a compound annual growth rate of 40.2%, faster than the
projected 31.8% compound annual growth rate of the overall Indian offshore business process
outsourcing industry for the comparable period as estimated by the NASSCOM Strategic Review, 2008.
During this period, we grew both organically and through acquisitions. We believe we have achieved
rapid growth and industry leadership through our understanding of the industries in which our
clients operate, our focus on operational excellence, and a senior management team with significant
experience in the global outsourcing industry. Our revenue is characterized by client, industry,
geographic and service diversity, which we believe offers us a sustainable business model.
Industry Overview
Businesses globally are outsourcing a growing proportion of their business processes to streamline
their organizations, focus on core operations, create flexibility, benefit from best-in-class
process execution and thereby increase shareholder returns. More significantly, many of these
businesses are outsourcing to offshore locations such as India to access a high quality and
cost-effective workforce. We are a pioneer in the offshore business process outsourcing industry
and are well positioned to benefit from the combination of the outsourcing and offshoring trends.
The global business process outsourcing industry is large and growing rapidly. According to
International Data Corporation, or IDC, the global business process outsourcing market was $420.7
billion in 2006 and is projected to grow at a 10.0% compound annual growth rate from 2007 through
2011 to $677.2 billion. In comparison, IDC forecasts the information technology services market
(excluding business process outsourcing) to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.8% over this
same period, from $495.1 billion to $619.5 billion.
The offshore business process outsourcing industry is growing at a significantly faster rate than
the overall global business process outsourcing industry. A joint report, or the NASSCOM-McKinsey
report, published by NASSCOM and McKinsey & Company, in December 2005, estimates that the offshore
business process outsourcing market will grow at a 37.0% compound annual growth rate, from $11.4
billion in revenue in fiscal 2005 to $55.0 billion in revenue in fiscal 2010. The same report
estimates that the total value of business processes that could have been provided by offshore
business process outsourcing providers in fiscal 2006 represents an addressable market of
approximately $120.0 billion to $150.0 billion. Accordingly, we believe that offshore business
process outsourcing has significant growth potential because we believe it constitutes less than
10.0% of the current addressable market described above. NASSCOM has identified retail banking,
insurance, travel and hospitality and automobile manufacturing as the industries with the greatest
potential for offshore outsourcing. We provide industry-focused business process outsourcing
services to the majority of these industries.
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The following charts set forth the relative growth rate and size of the global business process
outsourcing industry and the global information technology industry, in addition to the expected
growth rate of the Indian offshore business process outsourcing industry:
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Source: IDC |
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Source: NASSCOM Everest India BPO Study (January 2008) |
Note: Years ending December 31 |
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Note: Years ending March 31 |
We believe that India is widely considered to be the most attractive destination for offshore
business process outsourcing. According to the NASSCOM-McKinsey report, India-based players account
for 45.0% of offshore business process outsourcing revenue in fiscal 2006, and India will retain
its position as the most favored offshore business process outsourcing destination for the
foreseeable future. In addition, according to a joint report, or the NASSCOM-Everest India BPO
Study, published by NASSCOM and Everest Research Institute in January 2008, the Indian business
process outsourcing market is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate of more than
38% over the next two years to an estimated $21.0 billion by 2010 and result in the creation of
over two million direct jobs in India. The key factors for Indias predominance include its large,
growing and highly educated English-speaking workforce coupled with a business and regulatory
environment that is conducive to the growth of the business process outsourcing industry.
While a limited number of global corporations such as General Electric, British Airways (through
our subsidiary, WNS Global) and American Express set up in-house business process outsourcing
facilities in India in the mid-1990s, offshore business process outsourcing growth only accelerated
significantly from 2000 onwards with the emergence of third party providers. This has been followed
by a shift in focus from largely call center related outsourcing in areas such as tele-marketing
and client service to a wider range of business processes such as finance and accounting, insurance
claims administration and market research analysis. This shift in focus has given rise to an
India-based offshore industry capable of providing a wide range of complex services.
Offshore business process outsourcing is typically a long-term strategic commitment for companies.
The processes that companies outsource are frequently complex and integrated with their core
operations. These processes require a high degree of customization and, often, a multi-stage
offshore transfer program. Clients would therefore incur high switching costs to transfer these
processes back to their home locations or to other business process outsourcing providers. As a
result, once an offshore business process outsourcing provider gains the confidence of a client,
the resulting business relationship is usually characterized by multi-year contracts with
predictable annual revenue.
Given the long-term, strategic nature of these engagements, companies undertake a highly rigorous
process in evaluating their offshore business process outsourcing provider. We believe a client
typically seeks the following key attributes in a potential offshore business process outsourcing
provider:
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established reputation and industry leadership; |
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demonstrated ability to execute a diverse range of mission-critical and often complex
business processes; |
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capability to scale employees and infrastructure without a diminution in quality of
service; and |
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ability to innovate, add new operational expertise and drive down costs. |
As the offshore business process outsourcing industry evolves further, we believe that scale,
reputation and leadership will become more important factors in this selection process.
Competitive Strengths
We believe that we have the following seven competitive strengths necessary to maintain and enhance
our position as a leading provider of offshore business process outsourcing services:
Offshore business process outsourcing market leadership
We have received recognition as an industry leader from various industry bodies or publications.
For example:
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The International Association of Outsourcing Professionals which developed The Global
Outsourcing 100, in conjunction with neoIT, an industry consultant, named us the Best
Performing Finance and Accounting Outsourcing Provider in 2007 and the leading insurance
outsourcer in 2008; |
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KLM Dutch Royal Airlines recognized us with the Partners in Innovation Challenge Award in
2008; |
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The Auto Body Professionals Club, a UK automobile repair trade organization, ranked us as
the best accident management company in 2007; |
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The Global Six Sigma experts and practitioners ranked us the best achievement of Six Sigma
in Outsourcing in 2007; |
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FAO Research Inc., an independent research firm worldwide, recognized us for Outstanding
Finance and Accounting Best Practices on two client engagements in 2007; |
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The Institute of Directors, an association promoting the development of Indian business
leadership, recognized us with the Golden Peacock Innovation Award in 2007; and |
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NASSCOM named us among the top two India-based offshore business process outsourcing
companies in terms of revenue in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. |
We have provided leadership to the offshore business process outsourcing industry as demonstrated
by our anticipation of key industry trends. For example, since our emergence as a focused third
party business process outsourcing provider, we have proactively targeted two of the most
attractive industry sectors, BFSI and travel. In addition, we have recently established a team to
focus on the industrial and infrastructure industry sectors as we expect greater demand in these
industry sectors for offshore BPO services. We have also focused our service portfolio on complex
processes, avoiding services that are less integral to our clients operations, such as
telemarketing and technical helpdesks, which characterized the offshore business process
outsourcing industry at that time.
We believe our early differentiation from other players and the substantial length of our working
relationship with many industry-leading clients has significantly contributed to our reputation as
a trusted provider of offshore business process outsourcing services. We believe that this
reputation is a key differentiator in our attracting and winning clients.
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Deep industry expertise
We have established expertise in the industries we target. We have developed our business by
creating focused business units that provide industry-specific services. Our industry-focused
strategy allows us to retain and enhance expertise thereby enabling us to:
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offer a suite of services that can deliver a comprehensive industry-focused business
process outsourcing program; |
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leverage our existing capabilities to win additional clients and identify new
industry-specific service offerings; |
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cultivate client relationships that may involve few processes upon initial engagement to
develop deeper engagements ultimately involving a number of integrated processes; |
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provide proprietary technology platforms for use in niche areas in specific sectors such as
auto insurance and travel; |
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recruit and retain talented employees by offering them industry-focused career paths; and |
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achieve market leadership in several of the industries we target. |
Experience in transferring processes offshore and running them efficiently
Many of the business processes that are outsourced by clients to us are mission critical and core
to their operations, requiring substantial project management expertise. We have developed a
sophisticated program management methodology intended to ensure smooth transfer of business
processes from our clients facilities to our delivery centers. For example, our highly experienced
program management team has transferred over 500 distinct business processes for over 195
significant clients in the last six years.
We focus on managing our client processes effectively on an ongoing basis. Our process delivery is
managed by independent empowered teams and measured regularly against pre-defined operational
metrics. We have also invested in a 380-person quality assurance team that satisfies the
International Standard Organization, or ISO, 9001:2000 standards for quality management systems,
and applies Six Sigma, a statistical methodology for improving consistent quality across processes,
and other process re-engineering methodologies to further improve our process delivery.
The composition of our revenue enables us to continuously optimize the efficiency of our operations
to achieve higher asset utilization. This is driven by our combination of data and voice services
across the different time zones of North America and Europe.
Diversified client base across multiple industries and geographic locations
We have a large, diversified client base of over 195 significant clients across Europe and North
America, including clients who are market leaders within their respective industries. We have
clients across the multiple sectors of the travel and BFSI industries as well as other industries
such as manufacturing, logistics, retail, utilities and professional services. To date, many of our
clients have transferred a limited number of their business processes offshore. We believe,
therefore, that we have a significant opportunity to increase the revenue we generate from these
clients in the future as they decide to expand their commitment to offshore business process
outsourcing.
Industry-recognized leadership in human capital development
We are recognized as a leader in human resources management among offshore business process
outsourcing companies. We have won a number of awards, including being ranked number one in human
capital development in 2005 by neoIT and being ranked number one in the Asia Pacific region for
excellence in human resources by Indias National Institute of Personnel Managers in 2006. Our
market leadership and organizational culture enables us to attract and retain high quality
employees.
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Our extensive recruiting process utilizes sophisticated tools such as the Predictive Index, a
psychometric tool we use to help us screen candidates on multiple parameters and to appropriately
match employees to the most suitable positions. We have established the WNS Learning Academy which
provides ongoing training to our employees for the purpose of continuously improving their
leadership and professional skills. We seek to promote our team leaders and operations managers
from within, thereby offering internal advancement opportunities and clear long-term career paths.
Ability to manage the rapid growth of our organization
We have invested significant management effort toward ensuring that our organization is positioned
to continuously scale to meet the robust demand for offshore business process outsourcing services.
We are capable of evaluating over 10,000 potential employees and recruiting, hiring and training over
1,000 employees each month, enabling us to rapidly expand and support our clients. We have also
established a highly scalable operational infrastructure in multiple locations supported by a
world-class information technology and communications network infrastructure.
Experienced management team
We benefit from the effective leadership of a global management team with diverse backgrounds
including extensive experience in outsourcing. Most of our core senior management team members have
been with us since fiscal 2003, and have successfully executed the growth strategy that has
increased our client base from 14 clients as of May 2002 to over 195 significant clients as of
March 31, 2008 and increased our revenue from $202.8 million in fiscal 2006 to $459.9 million in
fiscal 2008 and our revenue less repair payments from $147.9 million in fiscal 2006 to $290.7
million in fiscal 2008. Moreover, we believe that our management has successfully guided our rapid
expansion while increasing client satisfaction, as demonstrated by our in-house customer feedback
surveys. In addition to our senior management team, our middle management team provides us with the
critical leadership depth needed to manage our rapid growth.
Business Strategy
Our objective is to strengthen our position as a leading offshore business process outsourcing
provider. To achieve this, we will seek to expand our client base and further develop our industry
expertise, enhance our brand to attract new clients, develop organically new business services and
industry-focused operating units and make selective acquisitions. The key elements of our strategy
are described below.
Drive rapid growth through penetration of our existing client base
We have a large and diverse existing client base that includes many leading global corporations,
most of whom have transferred only a limited number of their business processes offshore. We intend
to leverage our expertise in providing comprehensive process solutions by seeking to identify
additional processes that can be transferred offshore, cross-selling new services, adding
technology-based offerings, and expanding and deepening our existing relationships. We have
dedicated account managers tasked with maintaining a thorough understanding of our clients
outsourcing roadmaps as well as identifying and advocating new offshoring opportunities. As a
result of this strategy, we have a strong track record of extending the scope of our client
relationships over time.
Enhance awareness of the WNS brand name
Our reputation for operational excellence among our clients has been instrumental in attracting and
retaining new clients as well as talented and qualified employees. We believe we have benefited
from strong word-of-mouth brand equity in the past to scale our business. However, as the size and
the complexity of the offshore business process outsourcing market grows, we are increasing our
efforts to enhance awareness of the WNS brand in our target markets and among potential employees.
To accomplish this, we have recently established a dedicated global marketing team comprised of
experienced industry talent and created a new position of chief marketing officer to lead the team
in our marketing efforts. We are also focusing on building market awareness of our industry
expertise through exposure in industry publications and participation in industry events and
conferences. In addition, we are aggressively targeting BPO industry analysts, general management
consulting firms, and boutique outsourcing firms, who are usually
retained by prospective clients
to provide strategic advice, act as intermediaries in the sourcing processes, develop scope
specifications and aid in the partner selection process.
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Reinforce leadership in existing industries and penetrate new industry sectors
We have a highly successful industry-focused operating model through which we have established a
leading offshore business process outsourcing practice in the travel and BFSI sectors. We intend to
leverage our in-depth knowledge of these industries to penetrate additional sectors within these
industries. For example, in the travel sector, we believe that there are potential opportunities we
can exploit in the hotel, cruise-liner and car rental sectors. In addition, we have recently
established a dedicated team to focus specifically on the industrial and infrastructure industries
such as the manufacturing, logistics and utilities industry sectors. We also intend to leverage our
existing expertise in emerging businesses to develop our practice in the consumer products, retail,
professional services, pharmaceutical and media and entertainment sectors. We intend to leverage
our finance and accounting services and knowledge services, which are applicable across multiple
industries, to first penetrate these targeted industries and thereafter build specific industry
expertise to achieve scale with an objective of establishing new industry-focused business units.
Broaden industry expertise and enhance growth through selective acquisitions
Our acquisition strategy is focused on adding new capabilities and industry expertise. Our
acquisition track record demonstrates our ability to integrate, manage and develop the specific
capabilities we acquire. Our intention is to continue to pursue targeted acquisitions in the future
and to rely on our integration capabilities to expand the growth of our business.
Business Process Outsourcing Service Offerings
We offer our services to four main categories of clients through industry-focused business units.
First, we serve clients in the travel industry, including airlines, travel intermediaries and other
related service providers, for whom we perform services such as customer service and revenue
accounting. Second, we serve clients in the BFSI industry, for whom we perform services such as
loan processing and insurance claims management. Third, we serve clients in the industrial and
infrastructure industry, including manufacturing, logistics and utilities. Fourth, we serve clients
in several other industries, including consumer products, retail, professional services,
pharmaceutical and media and entertainment, which we refer to as emerging businesses. In addition
to industry-specific services, we offer a range of services across multiple industries, in the
areas of finance and accounting services and market, business and financial research and analytical
services, which we collectively refer to as finance and accounting services and knowledge services,
respectively.
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This structure is depicted in the graphic below:
To achieve in-depth understanding of our clients industries and provide industry-specific
services, each business unit is staffed by a dedicated team of managers and employees engaged in
providing business process outsourcing client solutions, and has its own operations, sales,
finance, human resources and training teams. In addition, each business unit draws upon common
support services from our information technology, corporate communications, corporate finance, risk
management and legal departments, which we refer to as our corporate-enabling units.
Travel Services
We believe that we currently have the largest and most diverse service offering among offshore
business process outsourcing service providers in the travel domain.
Our service portfolio includes processes that support air, car, hotel, marine and packaged travel
services offered by our clients. The key travel industry sectors we serve include:
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airlines; |
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travel intermediaries; and |
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others such as global distribution systems and network providers. |
We serve a diverse client base in this business unit that included Air Canada, British Airways,
Virgin Atlantic Airways, SITA and Travelocity in fiscal 2008. During fiscal 2008, we served 24
airlines and 18 travel intermediaries. As of March 31, 2008, we had approximately 7,037 employees
in this business unit, several hundred of whom have International Air Transport Association, or
IATA, certifications. In fiscal 2008 and 2007, this business unit represented 22.5% and 22.8% of
our revenue, and 35.6% and 36.6% of our revenue less repair payments, respectively.
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The following graphic illustrates the key areas in which we provide services to clients in this
business unit:
Case Study. We were retained by a major airline client that was faced with increasing competitive
pressure from low-cost carriers and needed to reduce its costs. We worked with this client to
develop an offshore business process outsourcing strategy to fundamentally alter its service
delivery model with the goal of increasing its cost efficiency. We initially started providing
business process outsourcing services to this client with 12 employees handling a single process.
As of March 31, 2008, approximately 1,182 employees were executing over 85 different processes for
this client, which included a variety of complex processes. We categorize these processes into six
broad areas:
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customer interaction: customer complaint resolution, loyalty program management; |
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passenger revenue accounting: refunds, fare audit, ticket coupon matching, sales
accounting; |
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cargo operations and accounting: scheduling, booking, flight planning, mail revenue
accounting; |
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revenue management: seat allocation, processing meal requests, yield maximization through
inventory management, fare filing, fare construction and quotation; |
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reporting and analytics: aircraft load factor, costs, market share, revenue and competition
reports; and |
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other miscellaneous services: updating employee records, calculation of medical leave and
overtime for staff. |
We believe that by transferring these processes to us, the client has achieved significant cost
savings, and increased its levels of end-customer satisfaction. These benefits are in addition to
process-specific productivity improvements such as higher quality and accuracy levels.
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BFSI Services
We were ranked as the leading insurance outsourcer in India by the International Association of
Outsourcing Professionals in The Global Outsourcing 100 list for 2008. We also have growing
expertise in the retail and mortgage banking, and asset management sectors.
The key BFSI industry sectors we serve are:
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integrated financial institutions; |
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commercial and retail banks; |
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mortgage banks and investors in mortgage-backed securities; |
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asset managers and financial advisory service providers; |
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life, property and casualty, and health insurers; |
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insurance brokers and loss assessors; and |
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self-insured auto fleet owners. |
We serve a diverse client base in this business unit that included AVIVA, Indymac, Marsh, SAGA and
Liverpool in fiscal 2008. We also serve a large US-based financial advisory provider, a top ten UK
auto insurer, a large insurance loss adjuster, several self-insured fleet owners and several
mortgage-related companies. As of March 31, 2008, we had approximately 4,690 employees working in
this business unit. In fiscal 2008 and 2007, revenue from this business unit represented 57.4% and
61.8% of our revenue and revenue less repair payments from this business unit represented 32.7% and
38.7% of our revenue less repair payments, respectively.
In April 2008, we acquired Chang Limited, an auto insurance claims processing services provider in
the UK through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Call 24/7. Call 24/7 provides comprehensive end-to-end
solutions to the UK insurance industry by leveraging cost efficient claims processing, technology,
and engineering and collision repair expertise to deliver quality service to its insurer clients
through the accident management process. Call 24/7 offers a comprehensive suite of back-office
insurance claims services, including first notification of loss, third party claims handling,
replacement vehicle provisioning and repair management through a national network of approved body
shops.
29
The following graphic illustrates the key areas in which we provide services to clients in
this business unit:
In the areas of retail banking, consumer lending and commercial banking, we offer an integrated
service delivery solution called Digital Loan Management, or DLM, which combines automated mortgage
processing with offshore delivery. Our BFSI business unit also includes our auto claims business,
branded WNS Assistance, which is comprised of our WNS Auto Claims BPO segment. WNS Assistance
offers a blended onshore-offshore delivery model that enables us to handle the entire automobile
insurance claims cycle. We offer comprehensive accident management services to our clients where we
arrange for repair of automobiles through a network of repair centers. We also offer claims
management services where we process accident insurance claims for our clients. Our employees
receive telephone calls reporting automobile accidents, generate electronic insurance claim forms
and arrange for automobile repairs in cases of automobile damage. We also provide third party
claims handling services including the administration and settlement of property and bodily injury
claims while providing repair management and rehabilitation services to our insured and
self-insured fleet clients and the end-customers of our insurance company clients. Our service for
uninsured losses focuses on recovering repair costs and legal expenses directly from negligent
third parties. See Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects Results by Reportable
Segment.
Case Study. A Fortune 300 US financial planning and investment services company was undergoing a
spin-off which would result in the client losing its brand name. The client retained us to
transform its operating model and improve its baseline performance so as to ensure that it
continued to deliver enhanced services to its customers and retain the confidence of its
distribution network following the spin-off and the loss of its brand name. To accomplish this, we
established a complex operation involving 450 employees across three delivery locations to manage
32 processes. Our
30
efforts allowed the company to better manage variable volumes, improve customer service and reduce
payout due to adverse claims from customers. The services performed for this client include:
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sales and marketing support activities such as broker and advisor support; |
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customer account set-up and maintenance processes such as application processing,
application verification, credit evaluation and customer care; |
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trading and securities operations such as order entry, reconciliation, reporting and
exceptions research; and |
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portfolio administration services including net asset value calculation, trade
reconciliation and settlements. |
We also delivered significant reduction in the clients operational costs by changing their
fixed-cost structure to a fully variable-pricing model that enabled them to manage volumes in a
predictable way.
Industrial and Infrastructure Services
Our industrial and infrastructure services business unit used to be part of our emerging business
unit. In April 2008, we created a new industrial and infrastructure services business unit to focus
specifically on the needs of the manufacturing, logistics and utilities industries.
We serve a diverse client base that included Centrica, Fedex and Armstrong Industries in fiscal
2008. Our industrial and infrastructure services business unit will be considered as a separate
business unit from fiscal 2009.
The following graphic illustrates the key areas in which we provide services to clients in this
business unit:
Case Study. A leading global gas utility, which is also a Fortune 100 company, retained us in
January 2006 for the outsourcing of its transaction processing and finance and accounting services.
The client selected us based on our reputation for operational excellence, process improvement,
process migration expertise and our global footprint. Our dedicated transition team conducted a
detailed evaluation of their existing processes and successfully transferred their back office and
financial and accounting processes, as well as their correspondence, house and voice processes
which enables them to communicate with their customers and respond to their queries and complaints
via written communications, emails and on the telephone, on a new enterprise resource planning
platform to our facilities in India
31
within three months. In April 2006, the first process went live in Mumbai and we ramped up the
process across multiple locations in a span of six months. Today, there are approximately 1,500
agents across two cities. During the transition period, a dedicated Six Sigma process improvement
team worked hand in hand with the operations team in stabilizing the processes, thereby reducing
the learning curve and enabling faster delivery of key metrics.
Emerging Businesses
Prior to April 2008, our emerging businesses unit addressed the needs of the manufacturing,
logistics, utilities, consumer products, retail, professional services, pharmaceutical and media
and entertainment industries. In April 2008, we created a new industrial and infrastructure
services business unit to focus specifically on the needs of the manufacturing, logistics and
utilities industries. We believe these industries are at a nascent stage of offshore business
process outsourcing adoption, and therefore present significant opportunities for growth.
We serve a diverse client base that included GfK in fiscal 2008. In fiscal 2008, we had
approximately 5,466 employees in this business unit. In fiscal 2008 and 2007, this business unit
represented 20.1% and 15.4% of our revenue and 31.8% and 24.7% of our revenue less repair payments.
This includes revenue from our newly created industrial and infrastructure business unit which will
be reported as a separate business unit from fiscal 2009.
Our strategy for the emerging businesses unit is to nurture and develop emerging industry-specific
capabilities up to a point of critical mass from which new industry-focused operating units may
emerge. We utilize two core service capabilities to penetrate emerging businesses. These
capabilities are broadly classified as:
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Finance and Accounting Services, focused on finance and accounting services; and |
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Knowledge Services, focused on market, business and financial research and analytical
services. |
Finance and Accounting Services
In our finance and accounting services area, we offer critical finance and accounting services to
our clients. The following graphic illustrates the key finance and accounting services we provide:
Case Study. A large media and entertainment conglomerate sought to reduce the responsibilities of
its overburdened internal treasury services department that was in charge of providing treasury
support services such as foreign exchange hedging, providing financial advice and financial
reporting for its affiliated companies. After a rigorous process of security-related due diligence,
the client chose us as its partner to enhance its treasury services capabilities
32
and reduce operational costs while maintaining a high standard in regulatory compliance. The
services we provided fell into the following five categories:
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Planning services providing daily updates of current and future cash flows of the
clients 150 affiliated companies; |
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Back office services managing core treasury functions; |
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Middle office services providing processes such as credit monitoring, and hedging
analysis; |
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Accounting service providing end-to-end accounting services in enterprise resource
planning including book closing, account reconciliation and budget preparation; and |
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Treasury operations services providing reports on hedging positions, outstanding balance
and money market dividend. |
By engaging us to perform critical treasury support services with a strong focus on process
integrity and regulatory compliance, the client achieved a substantial reduction in operational
costs in fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007 and compliance with internal controls audit
pursuant to the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Knowledge Services
In the knowledge services area, we offer market, business and financial research and analytical
services. Our services include complex and high-end analytics which require specialized skill sets.
Many of our employees in this area have graduate degrees in statistics, management or accounting,
which we believe enables us to secure higher rates for their services as compared to the rates for
our other processes.
In May 2007, we acquired Marketics, a provider of offshore analytics services. Over the last three
years, Marketics has developed a wide range of technology-enabled analytic services, primarily
targeting the sales and marketing organizations of consumer-centric companies. Marketics value
proposition is focused on enhancing business decision making through the use of complex analytics
such as predictive modeling to understand consumer behavior patterns and sales data analytics to
support inventory allocation.
The following graphic illustrates the key knowledge services we provide:
33
Case Study. A leading UK-based market research firm retained us in 2000 to outsource its data
processing requirements. This relationship commenced with a two-member team collating and
tabulating market research data using sophisticated statistical analysis. In 2003, we expanded our
relationship with this client to provide similar services for its North American operations. In
2004, we further expanded our service offerings to include data collection and telephone interviews
to collect questionnaire responses. We also started providing research support services which are
designed to assist the clients research staff by undertaking tasks such as desk research, checking
the quality of the outputs from various internal functions, graphically representing the data, data
interpretation and advanced statistical analysis. As of March 31, 2008, we had over 166 employees
working on such market research projects for this client. We believe that our services have enabled
the client to compete more effectively in its market.
Sales and Marketing
The offshore business process outsourcing services sales cycle is time consuming and complex in
nature. The extended sales cycle generally includes initiating client contact, submitting requests
for information and proposals for client business, facilitating client visits to our operational
facilities, performing diagnostics studies and conducting pilot implementations to test our
delivery capabilities. Due to the complex nature of our sales cycle, we have organized our sales
teams by business units and staffed them with professionals who have specialized industry
knowledge. This industry focus enables our sales teams to better understand the prospective
clients business needs and offer appropriate industry-focused solutions.
As of March 31, 2008, we had 109 sales and sales support professionals, with 22 based in the UK, 51
based in the US, five based in Romania and 31 based in India. Our sales teams work closely with our
sales support team in India, which provides critical analytical support throughout the sales cycle.
Our front-line sales teams are responsible for identifying and initiating discussions with
prospective clients, and selling services in new areas to existing clients. We have strategically
recruited our sales teams primarily from the US and the UK.
We also assign dedicated account managers to each of our key clients. These managers work
day-to-day with the client and our service delivery teams to address the clients needs. More
importantly, by using the detailed understanding of the clients business and outsourcing
objectives gained through this close interaction, our account managers actively identify and target
additional processes that can be outsourced to us. Through this methodology, we have developed a
strong track record of increasing our sales to existing clients over time.
Clients
As of March 31, 2008, we had a diverse client base of over 195 significant clients across a variety
of industries and process types, including companies that we believe are among the leading players
in their respective industries. We define significant clients as those who represent an ongoing
business commitment to us, which includes substantially all of our clients within our WNS Global
BPO segment and some of our clients within our WNS Auto Claims BPO segment. These clients offer
only occasional business to us because of the small size of their automobile fleets and the
consequent infrequent requirement of our auto claims services.
We believe the diversity in our client profile differentiates us from our competitors. See Item 5.
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects Overview Revenue for additional information on
our client base.
In fiscal 2008, the following were among our top 25 clients (including their affiliates) by
revenue:
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Air Canada |
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Liverpool |
AVIVA |
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Marsh |
British Airways |
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SAGA |
Centrica |
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SITA |
Fedex |
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Travelocity |
GfK |
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Virgin Atlantic Airways |
Indymac |
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34
The table below sets forth the number of our clients by revenue less repair payments for the
periods indicated. We believe that the growth in the number of clients who generate more than $1
million of annual revenue less repair payments indicates our ability to extend the depth of our
relationships with existing clients over time.
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Year Ended March 31, |
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2008 |
|
2007 |
Below $1.0 million |
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145 |
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115 |
$1.0 million to $5.0 million |
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36 |
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30 |
$5.0 million to $10.0 million |
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8 |
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3 |
More than $10.0 million |
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6 |
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6 |
Competition
Competition in the business process outsourcing services industry is intense and growing steadily.
See Item 3. Key Information D. Risk Factors Risks Related to Our Business We face
competition from onshore and offshore business process outsourcing companies and from information
technology companies that also offer business process outsourcing services. Our clients may also
choose to run their business processes themselves, either in their home countries or through
captive units located offshore. We compete primarily with:
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focused business process outsourcing service companies based in offshore locations like
India, such as Genpact Limited, or Genpact, Firstsource Solutions Ltd., or Firstsource, and
ExlService Holdings, Inc., or ExlService; |
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business process outsourcing divisions of numerous information technology service companies
located in India such as Infosys BPO Ltd (formerly Progeon Ltd) owned by Infosys Technologies
Limited, or Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services Limited, or Tata Consultancy, and Wipro BPO,
owned by Wipro Technologies Limited; and |
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global companies such as Accenture Ltd., Affiliated Computer Services Inc., Electronic Data
Systems Corporation, and International Business Machines Corporation, or IBM, which provide an
array of products and services, including broad-based information technology, software,
consulting and business process outsourcing services. |
In addition, departments of certain companies may choose to perform their business processes
in-house, in some cases via an owned and operated facility in an offshore location such as India.
Their employees provide these services as part of their regular business operations.
While companies such as Infosys (through its business process outsourcing subsidiary, Infosys BPO
Ltd) and Tata Consultancy can offer clients integrated information technology and business
outsourcing services, we believe these companies focus on information technology as their core
business. Global companies such as Accenture and IBM have significant client relationships and
information technology capabilities, but we believe these companies are at a disadvantage in the
offshore business process outsourcing business on account of their relatively limited offshore
focus.
We compete against other offshore business process outsourcing-focused entities like Genpact,
Firstsource and ExlService by seeking to provide industry-focused services with an offshore focus
and building on our track record of operational excellence.
Intellectual Property
We use a combination of our clients software systems, third-party software platforms and systems
and, in some cases, our own proprietary software and platforms to provide our services. Our
principal proprietary software includes our platform for passenger revenue accounting called JADE,
which we use in our travel business unit. In addition, we have an exclusive license to use an auto
claims software platform called Claimsflo in the insurance market until 2012. Our proprietary and
licensed software allows us to market our services with an integrated solution that combines a
technology platform with our core business process outsourcing service offering.
35
We customarily enter into licensing and non-disclosure agreements with our clients with respect to
the use of their software systems and platforms. Our contracts usually provide that all
intellectual property created for the use of our clients will be assigned to them. Our employees
are also required to sign confidentiality agreements as a condition to their employment.
We have registered the trademark WNS and WNS-Extending Your Enterprise in the US and India (in
certain relevant categories) and have applied to register these trademarks in the European Union,
or the EU.
Technology
We have a dedicated team of technology experts who support clients at each stage of their
engagement with us. The team conducts diagnostic studies for prospective clients and designs and
executes technology solutions to enable offshore execution and management of the clients business
processes. We also have wireless-area-network, or WAN, local-area-network, or LAN, and desktop
teams that focus on creating and maintaining our large pool of approximately 11,653 workstations
and seek to ensure that our associates face minimal loss in time and efficiency in their work
processes.
We have a well-developed international telecommunications infrastructure. We use a global wide area
network, which we refer to as the WNSNet to connect our clients data centers in the UK, Europe,
North America and Asia with our delivery centers. WNSNet has extensive security and virus
protection capabilities built in to protect the privacy of our clients and their customers and to
protect against computer virus attacks. We believe our telecommunications network is adaptable to
our clients legacy systems as well as to new and emerging technologies. Our telecommunications
network is supported by a 24/7 network management system. Our network is designed to eliminate any
single-point-of-failure in the delivery of services to clients.
Process and Quality Assurance and Risk Management
Our process and quality assurance compliance programs are critical to the success of our
operations. We have an independent quality assurance team to monitor, analyze, provide feedback on
and report process performance and compliance. Our company-wide quality management system, which
employs over 870 quality assurance analysts, focuses on managing our client processes effectively
on an ongoing basis. Our process delivery is managed by independent empowered teams and measured
regularly against pre-defined operational metrics. We also have a 870-person quality assurance team
that satisfies the ISO 9001:2000 standards for quality management systems. We apply the Six Sigma &
Lean philosophy, which are statistical methodologies for improving consistent quality across
processes as well as quality management principles for improving the operation of our clients
processes and providing a consistent level of service quality to our clients. As of March 31, 2008,
more than 180 of our projects were run according to the Six Sigma principles. We also apply other
process re-engineering methodologies to further improve our process delivery and undertake periodic
audits of both our information systems policy and implemented controls.
Our risk management framework focuses on two important elements: business continuity planning and
information security.
Our approach to business continuity planning involves implementation of an organization-wide
business continuity management framework which includes continual self-assessment, strategy
formulation, execution and review. Our business continuity strategy leverages our expanding network
of delivery centers for operational and technological risk mitigation in the event of a disaster.
To manage our business continuity planning program, we employ a dedicated team of experienced
professionals. A customized business continuity strategy is developed for key clients, depending on
their specific requirements. For mission-critical processes, operations are typically split across
multiple delivery centers in accordance with client-approved customized business continuity plans.
Our approach to information security involves implementation of an organization-wide information
security management system, or ISMS, which complies with the ISO 27001:2005 for optimal
implementation of systems to manage organizational information security risks. These standards seek
to ensure that sensitive company information remains secure. Currently, information security
systems at nine delivery centers are ISO 27001:2005 certified, and we
36
expect to seek similar certifications in our other delivery centers. In addition, we comply with
the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, which is a multifaceted security standard aimed
at helping companies proactively protect cardholder data or sensitive authentication data through
the adoption of 12 security requirements.
In addition, our clients may be governed by several regulations specific to their industries or in
the jurisdictions where they operate or where their customers are domiciled or in their home
jurisdictions which may require them to comply with certain process-specific requirements. As we
serve a large number of clients globally and across various industries, we rely on our clients to
identify the process-specific compliance requirements and the measures that need to be implemented
in order to comply with their regulatory obligations. We assist our clients to maintain compliance
in their business processes by implementing control and monitoring procedures and providing
training to our clients employees. The control and monitoring procedures defined by this function
are separate from and in addition to our periodic internal audits.
Human Capital
As of March 31, 2008, we had 18,104 employees, of whom approximately 13,767 were employees who
execute client operations, whom we refer to as associates. Approximately 13,633 associates are
based in India, with approximately 38, 11, and 85 associates in Sri Lanka, Romania, and the UK,
respectively. Most of our associates hold university degrees. As of March 31, 2007 and 2006, we had
15,084 and 10,433 employees, respectively. Our employees are not unionized and we have not
experienced any work stoppages except for an eight-hour work stoppage at our delivery center at
Nashik in April 2008 arising from minor employee grievances which have been resolved. We believe
that our employee relations are good. We focus heavily on recruiting, training and retaining our
employees.
Recruiting and Retention
We believe that we have developed effective human resource strategies and a strong track record in
recruiting. As part of our recruiting strategy, we encourage candidates to view joining our
organization as choosing a long-term career in the field of travel, BFSI or another specific
industry or service area. We use a combination of recruitment from college campuses and
professional institutes, via recruitment agencies, job portals, advertisements and walk-in
applications. In addition, a significant number of our applicants are referrals by existing
employees. We currently recruit an average of 1,100 employees per month.
In fiscal 2008, our overall attrition rate for all associates, following a six-month probationary
period, was approximately 38.4%. We believe this rate is broadly in line with our peers in the
offshore business process outsourcing industry.
Training and Development
We devote significant resources to the training and development of our associates. Our training
typically covers modules in leadership and client processes, including the functional aspects of
client processes such as quality and transfer. Training for new associates may also include
behavioral and process training as well as culture, voice and accent training, as required by our
clients. We have established the WNS Learning Academy where we offer specialized skills
development, such as interviewing, coaching and presentation skills, and leadership development
programs for associates as they move up the corporate hierarchy. The WNS Learning Academy is
staffed with over 44 full-time trainers and content designers. We customize our training programs
according to the nature of the clients business, the country in which the client operates and the
services the client requires. By offering such training programs, we seek to ensure that associates
who assume leadership positions within our organization are equipped with the necessary skills.
Further, the WNS Learning Academy has an in-house e-learning unit which creates computer or
web-based learning modules to support ongoing learning and development. The WNS Learning Academy
also caters to our knowledge management.
In addition to the training and development of our associates, we also place an emphasis on the
learning and development of our team leaders and managers. In fiscal 2008, we implemented a
specially designed five day leadership program focused on professional and leadership skills and
process improvement for approximately 880
37
team leaders and managers. A similar program has also been implemented for our full-time and
part-time trainers to enhance their performance.
Regulations
Due to the industry and geographic diversity of our operations and services, our operations are
subject to a variety of rules and regulations, and several Indian, Sri Lankan, UK, Europe and US
federal and state agencies regulate various aspects of our business. See Item 3. Key Information
D. Risk Factors Risks Related to our Business Failure to adhere to the regulations that
govern our business could result in us being unable to effectively perform our services. Failure to
adhere to regulations that govern our clients businesses could result in breaches of contract with
our clients.
Regulation of our industry by the Indian government affects our business in several ways. We
benefit from certain tax incentives promulgated by the Indian government, including a tax holiday
from Indian corporate income taxes for the operation of most of our Indian facilities which will
expire in stages from April 1, 2009 through April 1, 2010 for our delivery centers located in
Mumbai, Pune, Gurgaon, Bangalore and Nashik except for the tax holiday enjoyed by two of our
delivery centers located in Mumbai and Nashik which expired on April 1, 2007 and April 1, 2008,
respectively. As a result of these incentives, our operations have been subject to lower Indian tax
liabilities. In May 2007, the Indian Finance Act, 2007 was adopted, with the effect of subjecting
Indian companies that benefit from a holiday from Indian corporate income taxes to the MAT at the
rate of 11.33% in the case of profits exceeding Rs. 10 million and 10.3% in the case of profits not
exceeding Rs. 10 million with effect from April 1, 2007. As a result of this amendment to the tax
regulations, we became subject to MAT and are required to pay additional taxes commencing fiscal
2008. To the extent MAT paid exceeds the actual tax payable on the taxable income, we would be able
to set off such MAT credits against tax payable in the succeeding seven years, subject to the
satisfaction of certain conditions. In addition to this tax holiday, our Indian subsidiaries are
also entitled to certain benefits under relevant state legislation/regulations. These benefits
include preferential allotment of land in industrial areas developed by the state agencies,
incentives for captive power generation, rebates and waivers in relation to payments for transfer
of property and registration (including for purchase or lease of premises) and commercial usage of
electricity. Our subsidiaries in India are also subject to certain currency transfer restrictions.
See Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects Critical Accounting Policies Income
Taxes and Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report
for more details regarding foreign currency translations.
Enforcement of Civil Liabilities
We are incorporated in Jersey, Channel Islands. Most of our directors and executive officers reside
outside of the US. Substantially all of the assets of these persons and substantially all of our
assets are located outside the US. As a result, it may not be possible for investors to effect
service of process on these persons or us within the US, or to enforce against these persons or us,
either inside or outside the US, a judgment obtained in a US court predicated upon the civil
liability provisions of the federal securities or other laws of the US or any state thereof. A
judgment of a US court is not directly enforceable in Jersey, but constitutes a cause of action
which will be enforced by Jersey courts provided that:
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the court which pronounced the judgment has jurisdiction to entertain the case according to
the principles recognized by Jersey law with reference to the jurisdiction of the US courts; |
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the judgment is final and conclusive it cannot be altered by the courts which pronounced
it; |
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there is payable pursuant to the judgment a sum of money, not being a sum payable in
respect of tax or other charges of a like nature or in respect of a fine or other penalty; |
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the courts of the US have jurisdiction in the circumstances of the case; |
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the judgment can be enforced by execution in the jurisdiction in which the judgment is
given; |
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the person against whom the judgment is given does not benefit from immunity under the
principles of public international law; |
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there is no earlier judgment in another court between the same parties on the same issues
as are dealt with in the judgment to be enforced; |
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the judgment was not obtained by fraud, duress and was not based on a clear mistake of
fact; and |
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the recognition and enforcement of the judgment is not contrary to public policy in Jersey,
including observance of the principles of natural justice which require that documents in the
US proceeding were properly served on the defendant and that the defendant was given the right
to be heard and represented by counsel in a free and fair trial before an impartial tribunal. |
It is the policy of Jersey courts to award compensation for the loss or damage actually sustained
by the person to whom the compensation is awarded. Although the award of punitive damages is
generally unknown to the Jersey legal system, that does not mean that awards of punitive damages
are not necessarily contrary to public policy. Whether a judgment is contrary to public policy
depends on the facts of each case. Exorbitant, unconscionable, or excessive awards will generally
be contrary to public policy. Moreover, if a US court gives a judgment for multiple damages against
a qualifying defendant, the amount which may be payable by such defendant may be limited by virtue
of the Protection of Trading Interests Act 1980, an Act of the UK extended to Jersey by the
Protection of Trading Interests Act 1980 (Jersey) Order, 1983, which provides that such qualifying
defendant may be able to recover such amount paid by it as represents the excess of such multiple
damages over the sum assessed as compensation by the court that gave the judgment. A qualifying
defendant for these purposes is a citizen of the UK and Colonies, a body corporate incorporated in
the UK, Jersey or other territory for whose international relations the United Kingdom is
responsible or a person carrying on business in Jersey.
Jersey courts cannot enter into the merits of the foreign judgment and cannot act as a court of
appeal or review over the foreign courts. It is doubtful whether an original action based on US
federal securities laws can be brought before Jersey courts. A plaintiff who is not resident in
Jersey may be required to provide security for costs in the event of proceedings being initiated in
Jersey.
There is uncertainty as to whether the courts of India would, and Mourant du Feu & Jeune, our
counsel as to Jersey law, have advised us that there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of
Jersey would:
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recognize or enforce judgments of US courts obtained against us or our directors or
officers predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the US or
any state in the US; or |
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entertain original actions brought in each respective jurisdiction against us or our
directors or officers predicated upon the federal securities laws of the US or any state in
the US. |
Section 44A of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (India), or the Civil Code, as amended, provides
that where a foreign judgment has been rendered by a superior court in any country or territory
outside India which the Indian government has by notification declared to be a reciprocating
territory, such foreign judgment may be enforced in India by proceedings in execution as if the
judgment had been rendered by the relevant superior court in India. Section 44A of the Civil Code
is applicable only to monetary decrees not being in the nature of amounts payable in respect of
taxes or other charges of a similar nature or in respect of fines or other penalties and does not
include arbitration awards. The US has not been declared by the Indian government to be a
reciprocating territory for the purposes of Section 44A of the Civil Code.
A judgment of a foreign court may be enforced in India only by a suit upon the judgment, subject to
Section 13 of the Civil Code and not by proceedings in execution. This section, which is the
statutory basis for the recognition of foreign judgments, states that a foreign judgment is
conclusive as to any matter directly adjudicated upon except:
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where the judgment has not been pronounced by a court of competent jurisdiction; |
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where the judgment has not been given on the merits of the case; |
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where the judgment appears on the face of the proceedings to be founded on an incorrect
view of international law or a refusal to recognize the law of India in cases where such law
is applicable; |
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where the proceedings in which the judgment was obtained were opposed to natural justice; |
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where the judgment has been obtained by fraud; or |
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where the judgment sustains a claim founded on a breach of any law in force in India. |
The suit must be brought in India within three years from the date of the judgment in the same
manner as any other suit filed to enforce a civil liability in India. Generally, there are
considerable delays in the disposal of suits by Indian courts. It is unlikely that a court in India
would award damages on the same basis as a foreign court if an action is brought in India.
Furthermore, it is unlikely that an Indian court would enforce foreign judgments if it viewed the
amount of damages awarded as excessive or inconsistent with Indian practice. A party seeking to
enforce a foreign judgment in India is required to obtain prior approval from the Reserve Bank of
India under the Indian Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999, to repatriate any amount recovered
pursuant to such execution. Any judgment in a foreign currency would be converted into Indian
rupees on the date of judgment and not on the date of payment.
40
C. Organizational Structure
The following diagram illustrates our companys organizational structure and the place of
organization of each of our subsidiaries as of the date hereof. Unless otherwise indicated, each of
our subsidiary is 100% owned, directly or indirectly, by WNS (Holdings) Limited.
41
|
|
|
Notes: |
|
(1) |
|
Our joint venture company set up with Advanced Contact Solutions, Inc. which has a 35.0%
ownership interest in WNS Philippines Inc. |
|
(2) |
|
Formerly known as Flovate Technologies Limited.
|
|
(3) |
|
Formerly known as Flovate Software Technologies India Private Limited. |
|
(4) |
|
All the shares except one share are owned by WNS (Mauritius) Limited, or WNS Mauritius. The
remaining one share is owned by WNS Global Services (UK) Limited, or WNS UK, to satisfy the
regulatory requirement to have two shareholders for each company. |
|
(5) |
|
75.1% of the share capital of Marketics was transferred to us
in May 2007 and the remaining 24.9% of
the share capital was held in an escrow account to be transferred to us upon payment of a
contingent earn-out consideration for the acquisition of Marketics.
In July 2008, we made payment of the earn-out consideration. Pursuant
thereto, the remaining 24.9% of the share capital of Marketics is in
the process of being transferred to us. |
|
(6) |
|
Aviva Global has exercised its call option to acquire Noida Customer Operations Private Limited, a
company incorporated in India, from a
third party BPO provider. Completion of the transfer is expected to take place in August 2008. |
D. Property, Plant and Equipment
As of June 30, 2008, we have an installed capacity of approximately 11,653 workstations, or seats,
that can operate on an uninterrupted 24/7 basis and can be staffed on a three-shift per day basis.
We lease all of our properties, and most of our leases are renewable at our option. We also have
one sales office each in the US, Romania and the UK. The following table describes each of
our delivery centers and sales offices, including centers under construction, and sets forth our
lease expiration dates:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Space |
|
Total Number of |
|
|
|
|
Location |
|
(square feet) |
|
Workstations/Seats |
|
Lease Expiration |
|
Extendable Until(1) |
India: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mumbai |
|
478,425 |
|
3,553 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plant 10 |
|
|
|
|
|
February 12, 2011 |
|
May 15, 2011 |
Plant 11 (old) |
|
|
|
|
|
May 31, 2010/ |
|
February 28, 2013/ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
January 31, 2011 |
|
February 28, 2013 |
Plant 11 |
|
|
|
|
|
January 23, 2009 |
|
July 23, 2014 |
Raheja (Units 001/902) |
|
|
|
|
|
January 29, 2009 |
|
January 29, 2015 |
Raheja (Unit 101) |
|
|
|
|
|
April 30, 2009 |
|
April 30, 2015 |
Raheja (Units 002/201) |
|
|
|
|
|
April 30, 2009 |
|
April 30, 2015 |
Plant 5 |
|
|
|
|
|
February 28, 2010 |
|
August 31, 2015 |
Airoli Phase I(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
October 31, 2013 |
|
October 31, 2018 |
Airoli Phase II(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
April 30, 2014 |
|
April 30, 2019 |
Airoli Phase III(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
October 31, 2014 |
|
October 31, 2019 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gurgaon |
|
293,255 |
|
1,897 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Towers A & B |
|
|
|
|
|
October 31, 2009/ |
|
April 30, 2014/ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 30, 2009 |
|
May 31, 2014 |
Tower C |
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, 2010 |
|
March 31, 2015 |
Building 6 (Phase I) |
|
|
|
|
|
March 15, 2012 |
|
September 15, 2017 |
Building 6 (Phase II)(3) |
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2012 |
|
September 30, 2017 |
Building 6 (Phase III)(3) |
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2012 |
|
December 31, 2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pune |
|
606,728 |
|
3,972 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sofotel |
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2011 |
|
N/A |
NTrance |
|
|
|
|
|
March 9, 2014/ |
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 5, 2014 |
|
N/A |
Level 1(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
February 2, 2012 |
|
N/A |
Level 2(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
August 30, 2011 |
|
N/A |
Level 4(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
February 2, 2011 |
|
N/A |
Weikfield(5) |
|
|
|
|
|
August 14, 2013 |
|
August 14, 2017 |
Marisoft(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
February 28, 2009 |
|
June 30, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nashik |
|
109,741 |
|
827 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unity(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
January 31, 2010 |
|
January 31, 2010 |
Shreeniketan |
|
|
|
|
|
June 30, 2010 |
|
December 30, 2009 |
Vascon(6) |
|
|
|
|
|
See footnote(7) |
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bangalore |
|
19,468 |
|
287 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prestige Garnet |
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2010 |
|
Option to renew for further term of 3 years |
Koddihelli |
|
|
|
|
|
November 24, 2010 |
|
Option to renew for a further term of 11 months |
Indiranagar |
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, 2008 |
|
Option to renew on mutually agreed terms |
42
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Space |
|
Total Number of |
|
|
|
|
Location |
|
(square feet) |
|
Workstations/Seats |
|
Lease Expiration |
|
Extendable Until(1) |
Sri Lanka: |
|
11,521 |
|
170 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Colombo (WTC) |
|
|
|
|
|
November 30, 2008 |
|
Option to renew for a further term of 1 to 3 years |
Colombo (HNB) |
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, 2008 |
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
UK: |
|
27,159 |
|
414 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ipswich WNSA |
|
|
|
|
|
August 26, 2012 |
|
N/A |
Ipswich(SFH)-WNSA |
|
|
|
|
|
October 31, 2009 |
|
N/A |
Ipswich-WNSWT |
|
|
|
|
|
August 26, 2012 |
|
N/A |
Marple-Call-24-7 |
|
|
|
|
|
April 3, 2013 |
|
N/A |
The Lodge-WNS UK Sales |
|
|
|
|
|
December 15, 2009 |
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
US: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New York |
|
3,149 |
|
N/A |
|
May 31, 2009 |
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Romania: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bucharest |
|
13,971 |
|
133 |
|
January 1, 2013 |
|
N/A(8) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Philippines: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Superstone |
|
76,900 |
|
400 |
|
December 31, 2010 |
|
N/A |
|
|
|
Notes: |
|
N/A means not applicable. |
|
(1) |
|
Reflects the expiration date if each of our applicable extension options are exercised. |
|
(2) |
|
Delivery centers are under construction and we are in the process of carrying out interior
fit out works. We expect to move into these office premises over a period of 18 months
commencing in the second quarter of fiscal 2009. The estimated capital expenditure for the
interior fit out works for the delivery centers at Airoli Phases I, II and III is $13.1
million. We estimate that we will have a total of 4,000 seats
upon completion. The leases in respect of the delivery centers at Airoli Phase II and III include options to lease an additional 220,225 square feet of space at the same premises. |
|
(3) |
|
Delivery centers are under construction and we are in the process of carrying out interior
fit out works. We expect to move into these office premises over a period of 18 months
commencing from March 2009. The estimated capital expenditure for the interior fit out works
for the delivery centers at Building 6 Phases II and III is $3.0 million. We estimate that we will have a total of 1,243 seats upon completion. |
|
(4) |
|
These delivery centers are scheduled to be closed in the second half of fiscal 2009. |
|
(5) |
|
Delivery center is under construction and we are in the process of carrying out interior fit
out works. We expect to move into these office premises over a period of six months commencing from July 2008. The estimated capital expenditure for the interior fit out
works for the delivery center is $9.6 million, of which $6.0 million has been spent. We
estimate that we will have a total of 2,819 seats upon completion. |
|
(6) |
|
Delivery center is under construction and we are in the process of carrying out interior fit
out works. We expect to move into these office premises in the third quarter of fiscal 2009.
The estimated capital expenditure for the interior fit out works for the delivery center is
$2.0 million. We estimate that we will have a total of 741 seats
upon completion. |
|
(7) |
|
The lease will be for a term of five years commencing from the date of completion of the interior fit out works which
is expected to be in the third quarter of 2009. |
|
(8) |
|
No option to renew unless mutually agreed by the parties in writing. |
Our delivery centers are equipped with fiber optic connectivity and have backups to their power
supply designed to achieve uninterrupted operations. In fiscal 2009, we intend to open new delivery
centers in Mumbai, Nashik, Gurgaon and Pune.
ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
43
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
The following discussion on the financial condition and results of operations of our company should
be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included
elsewhere in this annual report. Some of the statements in the following discussion contain
forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. See Special Note Regarding
Forward-Looking Statements. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in
these forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including, but not limited to,
those described below and elsewhere in this annual report, particularly in the risk factors
described in Item 3 . Key Information D. Risk Factors.
Overview
We are a leading provider of offshore business process outsourcing, or BPO, services. We provide
comprehensive data, voice and analytical services to our clients, which are typically companies
located in Europe and North America. As of March 31, 2008, we had 18,104 employees across all our
delivery centers. According to NASSCOM, we were among the top two India-based offshore business
process outsourcing companies in terms of revenue in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.
Although we typically enter into long-term contractual arrangements with our clients, these
contracts can usually be terminated with or without cause by our clients and often with short
notice periods. Nevertheless, our client relationships tend to be long-term in nature given the
scale and complexity of the services we provide coupled with risks and costs associated with
switching processes in-house or to other service providers. We structure each contract to meet our
clients specific business requirements and our target rate of return over the life of the
contract. In addition, since the sales cycle for offshore business process outsourcing is long and
complex, it is often difficult to predict the timing of new client engagements. As a result, we may
experience fluctuations in growth rates and profitability from quarter to quarter, depending on the
timing and nature of new contracts. Our focus, however, is on deepening our client relationships
and maximizing shareholder value over the life of a clients relationship with us.
Our revenue is generated primarily from providing business process outsourcing services. We have
two reportable segments for financial statement reporting purposes WNS Global BPO and WNS Auto
Claims BPO. In our WNS Auto Claims BPO segment, we provide claims handling and accident management
services, where we arrange for automobile repairs through a network of third party repair centers.
In our accident management services, we act as the principal in our dealings with the third party
repair centers and our clients. The amounts we invoice to our clients for payments made by us to
third party repair centers is reported as revenue. Since we wholly subcontract the repairs to the
repair centers, we evaluate our financial performance based on revenue net of payments to third
party repair centers which is a non-GAAP measure. We believe that revenue less repair payments
reflects more accurately the value addition of the business process services that we directly
provide to our clients. See Results by Reportable Segment. The presentation of this non-GAAP
information is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for our financial results
prepared in accordance with US GAAP. Our revenue less repair payments may not be comparable to
similarly titled measures reported by other companies due to potential differences in the method of
calculation.
Between fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2008, our revenue grew from $202.8 million to $459.8 million,
representing a compound annual growth rate of 50.6%, and our revenue less repair payments grew from
$147.9 million to $290.7 million, representing a compound annual growth rate of 40.2%. During this
period, we grew both organically and through acquisitions.
44
The following table reconciles our revenue (a GAAP measure) to revenue less repair payments (a
non-GAAP measure) for the periods indicated:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(US dollars in millions) |
|
Revenue |
|
$ |
459.9 |
|
|
$ |
352.3 |
|
|
$ |
202.8 |
|
Less: Payments to repair centers |
|
$ |
169.2 |
|
|
$ |
132.6 |
|
|
$ |
54.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue less repair payments |
|
$ |
290.7 |
|
|
$ |
219.7 |
|
|
$ |
147.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recent Developments
In July 2008, we entered into a transaction with AVIVA consisting of a share sale and purchase
agreement and the AVIVA master services agreement.
Pursuant to the share sale and purchase agreement with AVIVA, we acquired all the shares of Aviva
Global, which acquisition was completed in July 2008. Aviva Global was the business process
offshoring subsidiary of AVIVA with facilities in Bangalore, India, and Colombo, Sri Lanka. Since
2004, we have provided BPO services to AVIVA pursuant to build-operate-transfer, or BOT, contracts
from facilities in Pune, India, and Colombo, Sri Lanka. The Sri Lanka facility was transferred to
Aviva Global in July 2007. With our acquisition of Aviva Global, we have assumed control of this
Sri Lanka facility as well as Aviva Globals Bangalore, India, facilities. The Pune facility will
remain with us. In addition, there are two facilities in Chennai and Pune, India, which are
operated by third party BPO providers for Aviva Global under similar BOT contracts. Aviva Global
has exercised its option to require the third party BPO providers to transfer these facilities to
Aviva Global. The completion of the transfer of the Chennai facility occurred in July 2008.
Completion of the transfer of the Pune facility is expected to occur in August 2008.
Pursuant to the AVIVA master services agreement, we will provide BPO services to AVIVAs UK and
Canadian businesses for a term of eight years and four months. Under the terms of the agreement,
we will provide a comprehensive spectrum of life and general insurance processing functions to
AVIVA MS, including policy administration and settlement, along with finance and accounting, customer
care and other support services. In addition, we have the exclusive right to provide certain
services such as finance and accounting, insurance back-office, customer interaction and analytics
services to AVIVAs UK and Canadian businesses for the first five years, subject to the rights and
obligations of the AVIVA group under their existing contracts with other providers. As part of the
agreement, we also expect to benefit from Aviva Globals proposed contract with AVIVAs Irish subsidiary,
Hibernian. We expect Aviva Global to provide insurance back-office
services to Hibernian under this proposed contract.
The total consideration for the transaction was
approximately £115 million (approximately $229 million based on the noon buying rate as of June 30,
2008), subject to adjustments for cash, debt and the enterprise values of the companies holding the
Chennai and Pune facilities which will be determined on their respective transfer dates to Aviva
Global. We incurred a bank loan of $200 million to fund, together with cash in hand, the consideration for the transaction. For more information on the bank loan, see Outstanding Loans.
Our History and Milestones
We began operations as an in-house unit of British Airways in 1996, and became a focused
third-party business process outsourcing service provider in fiscal 2003. The following are the key
milestones in our operating history since Warburg Pincus acquired a controlling stake in our
company from British Airways in May 2002 and inducted a new senior management team.
|
|
In fiscal 2003, we acquired Town & Country Assistance Limited (which we subsequently
rebranded as WNS Assistance and which constitutes WNS Auto Claims BPO, our reportable segment
for financial statement purposes), a UK-based automobile claims handling company, thereby
extending our service portfolio beyond the travel industry to include insurance-based
automobile claims processing. |
|
|
|
In fiscal 2003, we invested in capabilities to begin providing enterprise services and
knowledge services to address the requirements of emerging industry segments in the offshore
outsourcing context. |
45
|
|
In fiscal 2003 and 2004, we invested in our infrastructure to expand our service portfolio
from data-oriented processing to include complex voice and blended data/voice service
capabilities, and commenced offering comprehensive processes in the travel and banking,
financial services and insurance, or BFSI, industries. |
|
|
|
In fiscal 2004, we acquired the health claims management
business of Greensnow Inc. |
|
|
|
In fiscal 2005, we opened facilities in Gurgaon, India, and Colombo, Sri Lanka, thereby
expanding our operating footprints across India, Sri Lanka and the UK. |
|
|
|
In fiscal 2006, we acquired Trinity Partners (which we subsequently merged into our
subsidiary, WNS North America Inc.), a provider of business process outsourcing services to
financial institutions, focusing on mortgage banking. |
|
|
|
In fiscal 2007, we expanded our facilities in Pune, Gurgaon
and Mumbai. |
|
|
|
In fiscal 2007, we acquired the fare audit services business of PRG Airlines and the
financial accounting business of GHS. |
|
|
|
In May 2007, we acquired Marketics, a provider of
offshore analytics services. |
|
|
|
In June 2007, we acquired Flovate, a company engaged in the development and maintenance of
software products and solutions, which we subsequently renamed as WNS Workflow Technologies
Limited. |
|
|
|
In July 2007, we completed the transfer of our delivery
center in Sri Lanka to AVIVA. |
|
|
|
In January 2008, we launched a 133-seat facility in
Bucharest, Romania. |
|
|
|
In April 2008, we opened a facility in Manila, the
Philippines. |
|
|
|
In April 2008, we acquired Chang Limited, an auto insurance claims processing services
provider in the UK through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Call 24/7. |
|
|
|
In June 2008, we acquired BizAps, a provider of SAP solutions to optimize the enterprise
resource planning functionality for our finance and accounting processes. |
|
|
|
In July 2008, we entered into the transaction with AVIVA consisting of a share sale and
purchase agreement pursuant to which we acquired from AVIVA all the shares of Aviva Global and
the AVIVA master services agreement pursuant to which we will provide BPO services to AVIVAs
UK and Canadian businesses, as described under
Recent Developments above. |
As a result of these acquisitions and other corporate developments, our financial results in
corresponding periods may not be directly comparable. Since fiscal 2003, the primary driver of our
revenue growth has been organic business development, supplemented to a lesser extent by strategic
acquisitions.
Revenue
We generate revenue by providing business process outsourcing services to our clients. In fiscal
2008, our revenue was $459.9 million as compared to $352.3 million in fiscal 2007, representing an
increase of 30.5%. In fiscal 2008, our revenue less repair payments was $290.7 million as compared
to $219.7 million in fiscal 2007, representing an increase of 32.3%.
We believe that we have been successful in achieving strong revenue growth due to a number of
factors, including our understanding of our clients industries, our focus on operational
excellence and our world-class management team with significant experience in the global
outsourcing industry. We have been successful in adding new clients who are
46
diversified across industries and geographies to our existing large client base. Our client
base grew from 14 clients in May 2002 to more than 195 significant clients as of March 31, 2008
(for our definition of significant clients, see Item 4. Information on the Company B.
Business Overview Clients). In fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, we added 45, 25 and 47 significant
clients, respectively.
Our revenue is characterized by client, industry and geographic diversity, as the analysis below
indicates.
Revenue by Top Clients
Since the time of the Warburg Pincus investment in our company, we have increased our client base
and significantly reduced our client concentration. Prior to this investment, our largest client
contributed over 90% of our revenue. In comparison, during fiscal 2008, our largest client
contributed 22.1% of our revenue and 12.1% of our revenue less repair payments.
The following table sets forth the percentage of revenue and revenue less repair payments that we
derived from our largest clients for the periods indicated:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
|
Revenue Less Repair Payments |
|
|
Year Ended March 31, |
|
Year Ended March 31, |
|
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
Top five clients |
|
|
57.3 |
% |
|
|
55.2 |
% |
|
|
41.0 |
% |
|
|
42.2 |
% |
|
|
45.7 |
% |
|
|
52.8 |
% |
Top ten clients |
|
|
68.2 |
% |
|
|
70.1 |
% |
|
|
58.5 |
% |
|
|
56.0 |
% |
|
|
61.9 |
% |
|
|
65.5 |
% |
Top 20 clients |
|
|
77.8 |
% |
|
|
79.3 |
% |
|
|
73.0 |
% |
|
|
70.7 |
% |
|
|
74.7 |
% |
|
|
78.1 |
% |
In fiscal 2008, we had two clients that individually contributed more than 10% of our revenue
SAGA and Liverpool, which collectively contributed 37.3% of our revenue in fiscal 2008. We also had
two clients that individually contributed more than 10% of our revenue less repair payments
Travelocity and Centrica, which collectively contributed 23.1% of our revenue less repair payments
in fiscal 2008.
Revenue by Industry
For financial statement reporting purposes, we aggregate several of our operating segments, except
for WNS Auto Claims BPO (which we market under the WNS Assistance brand) as it does not meet the
aggregation criteria under GAAP. See Results by Reportable Segment.
To achieve in-depth domain expertise and provide industry-specific services to our clients, we
organize our business delivery along industry-focused business units. These business units seek to
leverage our domain expertise to deliver industry-specific services to our clients. Accordingly,
our industry-focused business units are:
|
|
travel; |
|
|
|
BFSI (which includes our WNS Auto Claims BPO segment); |
|
|
|
emerging businesses (which serves the consumer products, retail, professional services,
pharmaceutical and media and entertainment industries using core service capabilities provided
by our Finance and Accounting Services and Knowledge Services capabilities); and |
|
|
|
industrial and infrastructure which was spun off from emerging business to become a
separate business unit in April 2008. |
47
In May 2002, when Warburg Pincus acquired a majority stake in our business, we were primarily
providing business process outsourcing services to airlines. Since then we have expanded our
service portfolio across the travel industry and have also established significant operations in
BFSI and other industries, which we include in our emerging businesses business unit. Our revenue
and revenue less repair payments are diversified along these business units in the proportions and
for the periods set forth in the table below:
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
|
Revenue Less Repair Payments |
|
|
Year Ended March 31, |
|
Year Ended March 31, |
Business Units |
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
Travel |
|
|
22.5 |
% |
|
|
22.8 |
% |
|
|
33.1 |
% |
|
|
35.6 |
% |
|
|
36.6 |
% |
|
|
45.4 |
% |
BFSI |
|
|
57.4 |
% |
|
|
61.8 |
% |
|
|
55.6 |
% |
|
|
32.7 |
% |
|
|
38.7 |
% |
|
|
39.1 |
% |
Emerging businesses |
|
|
20.1 |
% |
|
|
15.4 |
% |
|
|
11.3 |
% |
|
|
31.7 |
% |
|
|
24.7 |
% |
|
|
15.5 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue by Geography
The majority of our clients are located in Europe (primarily the UK) and North America (primarily
the US). Since the time of the Warburg Pincus investment in our company in fiscal 2003, we have
invested in establishing a sales and marketing presence in North America, which has resulted in an
increasing proportion of our revenue coming from North America. The share of our revenue from North
America was 24.7% in fiscal 2008, which was essentially level compared to 24.2% in fiscal 2006. The
share of our revenue less repair payments from North America has grown to 39.1% in fiscal 2008 from
33.2% in fiscal 2006. We expect the share of our revenue less repair payments from North America to
continue to grow in the future.
The following table sets forth the composition of our revenue and revenue less repair payments
based on the location of our clients in our key geographies for the periods indicated:
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|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
|
Revenue Less Repair Payments |
|
|
Year Ended March 31, |
|
Year Ended March 31, |
Locations |
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
UK |
|
|
49.1 |
% |
|
|
53.9 |
% |
|
|
62.6 |
% |
|
|
50.3 |
% |
|
|
50.5 |
% |
|
|
49.6 |
% |
Europe (excluding UK) |
|
|
25.4 |
% |
|
|
22.4 |
% |
|
|
12.5 |
% |
|
|
9.4 |
% |
|
|
11.5 |
% |
|
|
16.3 |
% |
North America
(primarily US) |
|
|
24.7 |
% |
|
|
22.9 |
% |
|
|
24.2 |
% |
|
|
39.1 |
% |
|
|
36.8 |
% |
|
|
33.2 |
% |
Rest of World |
|
|
0.8 |
% |
|
|
0.8 |
% |
|
|
0.7 |
% |
|
|
1.2 |
% |
|
|
1.2 |
% |
|
|
0.9 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
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|
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|
Our Contracts
We provide our services under contracts with our clients, the majority of which have terms ranging
between three and five years, with some being rolling contracts with no end dates. Typically, these
contracts can be terminated by our clients with or without cause and with notice periods ranging
from three to six months. However, we tend to have long-term relationships with our clients given
the complex and comprehensive nature of the business processes executed by us, coupled with the
switching costs and risks associated with relocating these processes in-house or to other service
providers.
Our clients customarily provide one to three month rolling forecasts of their service requirements.
Our contracts with our clients do not generally provide for a committed minimum volume of business
or committed amounts of revenues, except for our contract with one of our top five clients based on
revenue less repair payments in fiscal 2008, and the AVIVA master services agreement that we
entered into in July 2008 as described under Recent Developments above. Under the terms of our
agreement with one of our top five clients, the annual forecasted revenue to be provided to us
amounts to $38.7 million, $39.9 million and $41.1 million for calendar years 2008, 2009 and 2010,
respectively. In the event actual revenue provided to us in any year is less than 75% of the annual
forecasted revenue for that year, or the Annual Minimum Revenue Commitment, the client has agreed to
pay us 65% of the difference between the Annual Minimum Revenue Commitment and the actual revenue provided
for that year after certain deductions. However, notwithstanding
these minimum revenue commitments,
there are also termination at will provisions which permit
48
the client to terminate the individual statements of work without cause with 180 days notice upon payment of a termination fee. These termination provisions dilute the impact of the minimum revenue
commitment. In the case of the AVIVA master services agreement, AVIVA MS has agreed to provide a
minimum volume of business, or Minimum Volume Commitment, to us during the term of the contract. The
Minimum Volume Commitment is calculated as 3,000 billable full time employees, where one billable full time employee is the
equivalent of a production employee engaged by us to perform our obligations under the contract for
one working day of at least nine hours for 250 days a year. In the event the mean average monthly
volume of business in any rolling three month period does not reach the Minimum Volume Commitment,
AVIVA MS has agreed to pay us a minimum commitment fee as liquidated
damages. Notwithstanding the Minimum Volume Commitment, there are termination at will provisions which permit AVIVA MS to terminate the AVIVA master services agreement without cause at any time after the expiry of 24 months from October 9, 2008, except in the case of the Chennai facility which was transferred to Aviva Global in July 2008, 24 months from September 19, 2008 and
in the case of the Pune facility which is currently operated by a third party BPO provider, 24 months after 60 days from the date of completion of the transfer of the Pune facility, in each case, with six months notice upon payment of a termination fee. Under the terms of the
AVIVA master services agreement, we are also granted an exclusive right to provide certain services
such as finance and accounting, insurance back-office, customer interaction and analytics services
to AVIVAs UK and Canadian businesses for the first five years, subject to the rights and
obligations of the AVIVA group under their existing contracts with other providers.
Each client contract has different terms and conditions based on the scope of services to be
delivered and the requirements of that client. Occasionally, we may incur significant costs on
certain contracts in the early stages of implementation, with the expectation that these costs will
be recouped over the life of the contract to achieve our targeted returns. Each client contract has
corresponding service level agreements that define certain operational metrics based on which our
performance is measured. Some of our contracts specify penalties or damages payable by us in the
event of failure to meet certain key service level standards within an agreed upon time frame.
When we are engaged by a client, we typically transfer that clients processes to our delivery
centers over a two to six-month period. This transfer process is subject to a number of potential
delays. Therefore, we may not recognize significant revenue until several months after commencing a
client engagement.
In the WNS Global BPO segment, we charge for our services primarily based on three pricing models
per full-time-equivalent; per transaction; or cost-plus as follows:
|
|
per full-time-equivalent arrangements typically involve billings based on the number of
full-time employees (or equivalent) deployed on the execution of the business process
outsourced; |
|
|
|
per transaction arrangements typically involve billings based on the number of transactions
processed (such as the number of e-mail responses, or airline coupons or insurance claims
processed); and |
|
|
|
cost-plus arrangements typically involve billing the contractually agreed direct and
indirect costs and a fee based on the number of employees deployed under the arrangement. |
Our prior contract with one of our major clients, British Airways, would have expired in March
2007. In July 2006, we entered into a definitive contract with British Airways to replace the prior
contract. The new contract will expire in May 2012. Under the new contract the parties have agreed
to change the basis of pricing for a portion of the contracted services over a transition period
from a per full time equivalent basis to a per unit transaction basis. This change could have
the effect of reducing the amount of revenue that we receive under this contract for the same level
of services. The change to a per unit transaction price basis also allows us to share benefits
from increases in efficiency in performing services under this contract. In fiscal 2008, this
change in the basis of pricing resulted in a decrease in the amount of revenue for the same level
of services provided by us but an increase in profitability due to increases in efficiency.
Our prior contracts with another major client, AVIVA, granted Aviva Global, which was AVIVAs
business process offshoring subsidiary, the option to require us to transfer our facilities at Sri
Lanka and Pune to Aviva Global. On January 1, 2007, Aviva Global exercised its call option
requiring us to transfer the Sri Lanka facility to Aviva Global effective July 2, 2007. Effective
July 2, 2007, we transferred the Sri Lanka facility to Aviva Global and we lost the revenues
generated by the Sri Lanka facility. From April 1, 2007 through July 2, 2007, the Sri Lanka
facility contributed $2.0 million of revenue and for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006,
the Sri Lanka facility accounted for 1.8% and 2.7% of our revenue, respectively, and 2.8% and 3.1%
of our revenue less repair payments, respectively. In fiscal 2007 and 2006, the Sri Lanka facility
accounted for 1.9% and 3.3% of our revenue, respectively, and 3.0% and 4.5% of our revenue less
repair payments, respectively. The Sri Lanka facility was transferred at book
49
value and did not result in a material gain or loss. With the transaction that we entered into
with AVIVA in July 2008 described above, we have, through the acquisition of Aviva Global, resumed
control of the Sri Lanka facility and we will continue to retain ownership of the Pune facility and
we expect these facilities to continue to generate revenues for us under the AVIVA master services
agreement. However, we may in the future enter into contracts with other clients with similar call
options that may result in the loss of revenue that may have a material impact on our business,
results of operations, financial condition and cash flows, particularly during the quarter in which
the option takes effect.
FMFC, a US mortgage lender, was one of our major clients from November 2005 to August 2007. FMFC
was a major client of Trinity Partners, which we acquired in November 2005 from the First Magnus
Group. In August 2007, FMFC filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the US
Bankruptcy Code. For the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, FMFC accounted for 3.7% and
6.5% of our revenue, and 6.0% and 7.5% of our revenue less repair payments, respectively. In fiscal
2007, FMFC accounted for 4.3% of our revenue and 6.8% of our revenue less repair payments.
Contractually, FMFC was obligated to provide us with annual minimum revenues, or pay the shortfall,
through fiscal 2011. We have filed claims in FMFCs Chapter 11 case both for the payment of unpaid
invoices for services rendered to FMFC before FMFC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, for our
entitlement under FMFCs annual minimum revenue commitment, and for administrative expenses. The
amount of outstanding claims filed totaled $15.6 million; however, the realizability of these claims cannot
be determined at this time. We have provided an allowance for doubtful accounts for the entire
amount of accounts receivable from FMFC for fiscal 2008 and 2007.
A small part of our revenue is comprised of reimbursements of out-of-pocket expenses incurred by us
in providing services to our clients.
In our WNS Auto Claims BPO segment, we earn revenue from claims handling and accident management
services. For claims handling, we charge on a per claim basis or a fixed fee per vehicle over a
contract period. For automobile accident management services, where we arrange for the repairs
through a network of repair centers that we have established, we invoice the client for the amount
of the repair. When we direct a vehicle to a specific repair center, we receive a referral fee from
that repair center.
Overall, we believe that we have established a sustainable business model over a substantial
portion of our business. We have done so by:
|
|
developing a broad client base which has resulted in limited reliance on any particular
client; |
|
|
|
seeking to balance our revenue base by targeting industries that offer significant offshore
outsourcing potential; |
|
|
|
addressing the largest markets for offshore business process outsourcing services, which
provide geographic diversity across our client base; and |
|
|
|
focusing our service mix on diverse data, voice and analytical processes, resulting in
enhanced client retention. |
Expenses
The majority of our expenses is comprised of cost of revenue and operating expenses. The key
components of our cost of revenue are payments to repair centers, employee costs and
infrastructure-related costs. Our operating expenses include SG&A and amortization of intangible
assets. Our non-operating expenses include interest expenses, other income and other expenses.
Cost of Revenue
Our WNS Auto Claims BPO segment includes automobile accident management services, where we arrange
for repairs through a network of repair centers. The payments to repair centers represent the
largest component of cost of revenue. The value of these payments in any given period is primarily
driven by the volume of accidents and the amount of the repair costs related to such accidents.
50
Our next most significant component of cost of revenue is employee costs. In addition to employee
salaries, employee costs include costs related to recruitment, training and retention.
Historically, our employee costs have increased primarily due to increases in number of employees
to support our growth and, to a lesser extent, to recruit, train and retain employees. Salary
levels in India and our ability to efficiently manage and retain our employees significantly
influence our cost of revenue. See Item 4. Information on the Company B. Business Overview
Human Capital. We expect our employee costs to increase as we continue to increase our headcount
to service additional business and as wages continue to increase in India. See Item. 3. Key
Information. D. Risk Factors Risks Related to Our Business Wage increases in India may
prevent us from sustaining our competitive advantage and may reduce our profit margin. We seek to
mitigate these cost increases through improvements in employee productivity, employee retention and
asset utilization.
Our infrastructure costs are comprised of depreciation, lease rentals, facilities management and
telecommunication network cost. Most of our leases for our facilities are long-term agreements and
have escalation clauses which provide for increases in rent at periodic intervals commencing
between three and five years from the start of the lease. Most of these agreements have clauses
that cap escalation of lease rentals.
We create capacity in our operational infrastructure ahead of anticipated demand as it takes six to
nine months to build up a new site. Hence, our cost of revenue as a percentage of revenue may be
higher during periods in which we carry such additional capacity.
Once we are engaged by a client in a new contract, we normally have a transition period to transfer
the clients processes to our delivery centers and accordingly incur costs related to such
transfer. Therefore, our cost of revenue in relation to our revenue may be higher until the
transfer phase is completed, which may last for two to six months.
We entered into a particular contract with a new major client in January 2004 for the outsourcing
of their back-office and contact center operations, in which we were required to bear the cost of
the clients resources located in North America that were used by us to provide the business
process outsourcing services during a transfer period of approximately one year. The payments for
such client resources decreased over the transfer period, which was substantially completed by
December 2004. The payment for use of these resources amounted to $19.2 million during fiscal 2005,
which was a significant component of our cost of revenue during fiscal 2005. We may, from time to
time, enter into similar contracts in the future.
SG&A Expenses
Our SG&A expenses are primarily comprised of corporate employee costs for sales and marketing,
general and administrative and other support personnel, travel expenses, legal and professional
fees, share-based compensation expense, brand building expenses, and other general expenses not
related to cost of revenue.
SG&A expenses as a proportion of revenue were 15.8% in fiscal 2008 as compared with 14.9% for
fiscal 2007. SG&A expenses as a proportion of revenue less repair payments were 25.0% in fiscal
2008 as compared with 23.9% for fiscal 2007. However, we expect SG&A expenses as a proportion of
revenue less repair payments to decline over the next few years.
We expect our corporate employee costs for general and administrative and other support personnel
to increase in fiscal 2009 but at a lower rate than the increase in our revenue less repair
payments.
We expect the employee costs associated with sales and marketing and related travel costs to
increase in fiscal 2009. See Item 4. Information on the Company B. Business Overview
Business Strategy Enhance awareness of the WNS brand name. Our sales team is compensated based
on achievement of business targets set at the beginning of each fiscal year. Accordingly, we expect
this variable component of the sales team costs to increase in line with overall business growth.
Prior to April 1, 2006, we accounted for our employee share-based compensation plan using the
intrinsic value method of accounting prescribed by the Accounting Principles Board, or APB, Opinion
No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees and related interpretations, as permitted by
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, or SFAS,
51
No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, or SFAS 123. Effective April 1, 2006, we adopted the SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004),
Share-Based Payment, or SFAS 123(R), which is based on the fair value of the equity instruments
of an enterprise issued in exchange for employee services, using the prospective transition method.
As a result, our income before income taxes and net income for fiscal 2007 were lower by $0.7
million and $0.3 million, respectively, than if we had continued to account for share-based
compensation under APB Opinion No. 25. Basic and diluted earnings per share for fiscal 2007 would
remain unchanged if we had continued to account for share-based compensation under APB Opinion No.
25. See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report
for more details.
Under the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan, awards may be granted below fair market value with the
approval of our board of directors and we have granted awards below fair market value. For periods
prior to our initial public offering in July 2006, the fair value of our ordinary shares was
determined at the time of grant of the stock options. The intrinsic value of these awards was
recognized as stock compensation expense in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25. In fiscal 2006, we issued stock
options under the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan with exercise prices as follows:
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
Weighted |
|
Weighted |
|
|
Number of |
|
average |
|
average fair |
|
average intrinsic |
Grants made during the quarter ended |
|
options granted |
|
exercise price |
|
value per share |
|
value per share |
June 30, 2005 |
|
|
160,500 |
|
|
$ |
5.44 |
|
|
$ |
5.65 |
|
|
$ |
0.21 |
|
September 30, 2005 |
|
|
828,100 |
|
|
|
6.27 |
|
|
|
6.27 |
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2005 |
|
|
45,479 |
|
|
|
6.07 |
|
|
|
6.07 |
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2006 |
|
|
447,400 |
|
|
|
11.72 |
|
|
|
11.99 |
|
|
|
0.27 |
|
The intrinsic value method was used to recognize the stock compensation expense over the vesting
period of those options.
We applied a methodology that considered a set of factors to determine the fair value of our shares
at the time we granted the stock options to our employees. Because we were a private company at the
time of the grants and were in a growth phase, such methodology considered a range of factors that
we believe impacted the value of our shares. If available, we considered recent sales of stock to
third parties to be a strong form of evidence of the fair value of our shares. In the absence of
contemporaneous third party sales of stock, we believe that historical and projected revenue
provided a reliable and relevant measure to determine the fair value of our company as a whole,
which was then used to compute the per share fair value. Other factors considered in determining
fair value included:
|
|
Achievement of major milestones by us, such as key new client wins and acquisitions; |
|
|
|
Public company comparables and private market transactions for sale of equity; |
|
|
|
The absence of a public trading market for our shares; |
|
|
|
Our recent operating results at the time of a grant; |
|
|
|
The fact that we are majority owned by a single shareholder; and |
|
|
|
The likelihood of us selling our shares to the public in the future. |
We consistently applied a valuation methodology on a contemporaneous basis. Our valuation did not
change significantly during the quarters ended June 30, 2005 and September 30, 2005, as there were
no significant milestones beyond our last significant milestone of having completed the migration
of a significant contract in February 2005.
On November 16, 2005, we completed our acquisition of Trinity Partners and began to integrate its
operations into our company. We also had client wins in December 2005 that revised our projected
revenues. We estimated the fair value of our ordinary shares at December 31, 2005 to be $9.50 to
take into consideration these factors as well as the appointment of advisors in preparation for an
initial public offering. We used the fair value of our ordinary shares at December 31, 2005 to
determine the intrinsic value of 35,000 options granted in early January 2006. In February 2006,
52
we granted 412,400 options with an exercise price of $12.20. We determined the fair value of our
ordinary shares in February 2006 to be $12.20 taking into consideration the new client wins in
January and February 2006, substantial progress with respect to the Trinity Partners integration
and the commencement of diligence and other preparations for an initial public offering.
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Amortization of intangible assets is associated with our acquisitions of Trinity Partners in
November 2005 (see Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this
annual report for more details), PRG Airlines fare audit services business in August 2006, GHS
financial accounting business in September 2006, Marketics in May 2007 and Flovate in June 2007.
Other Income, Net
Other income, net is comprised of interest expenses, other expenses and other income. Other
expenses and other income include interest income and foreign exchange gains or losses. Interest
expense primarily relates to interest charges arising from short-term note payable which is paid
prior to each fiscal year end.
Operating Data
Our profit margin is largely a function of our asset utilization and the rates we are able to
recover for our services. One of the most significant components of our asset utilization is our
seat utilization rate which is the average number of work shifts per day, out of a maximum of
three, for which we are able to utilize our work stations. Generally, an improvement in the seat
utilization rate will improve our profitability unless there are other factors which increase our
costs such as an increase in lease rentals, large ramp-ups to build new seats, and increases in
costs related to repairs and renovations to our existing or used seats. In addition, an increase in
seat utilization rate as a result of an increase in the volume of work will generally result in a
lower cost per seat and a higher profit margin as the total fixed costs of our built up seats
remain the same while each seat is generating more revenue.
The following table presents certain operating data as of the dates indicated:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of March 31, |
|
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
Total headcount |
|
|
18,104 |
|
|
|
15,084 |
|
|
|
10,433 |
|
Built up seats (1) |
|
|
11,062 |
|
|
|
8,794 |
|
|
|
6,534 |
|
Used seats (1) |
|
|
8,559 |
|
|
|
7,769 |
|
|
|
5,004 |
|
Seat utilization rate (2) |
|
|
1.6 |
|
|
|
1.7 |
|
|
|
1.6 |
|
|
|
|
Notes: |
|
(1) |
|
Built up seats refer to the total number of production seats (excluding support functions
like Finance, Human Resource and Administration) that are set up in any premises. Used seats
refer to the number of built up seats that are being used by employees. The remainder would be
termed vacant seats. The vacant seats would get converted into used seats when we acquire a
new client or increase headcount. |
|
(2) |
|
The seat utilization rate is calculated by dividing the total headcount by the number of
built up seats to show the rate at which we are able to utilize our built up seats. |
Foreign Exchange
Exchange Rates
Although a substantial portion of our revenue and revenue less repair payments is denominated in
pound sterling (70.8% and 53.8%, respectively, in fiscal 2008, 71.5% and 54.4%, respectively, in
fiscal 2007, and 70.2% and 59.1%, respectively, in fiscal 2006) and US dollars (25.6% and 40.5%,
respectively, in fiscal 2008, 24.8% and 39.8%, respectively, in fiscal 2007, and 24.4% and 33.4%,
respectively, in fiscal 2006), most of our expenses (net of payments to repair centers) (72.0% in
fiscal 2008, 86.0% in fiscal 2007 and 77.5% in fiscal 2006) are incurred and paid in Indian rupees.
The exchange rates between the Indian rupee and the US dollar and between the pound sterling and
the US dollar have changed substantially in recent years and may fluctuate substantially in the
future. We report our financial results in US dollars and our results of operations may be
adversely affected if the pound sterling depreciates against
53
the US dollar or the Indian rupee appreciates against the US dollar. See Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About
Market Risk B. Risk Management Procedures Components of Market Risk Exchange Rate Risk.
In addition, we carry current assets and current liabilities such as accounts receivable and
accounts payable in foreign currencies on our balance sheet. The translation of such balance sheet
accounts denominated in foreign currencies into US dollars (which is our reporting currency) is at
the rate in effect at the balance sheet date. Adjustments resulting from the translation of our
financial statements from functional currency to reporting currency are accumulated and reported as
other comprehensive income (loss), which is a separate component of shareholders equity. Foreign
currency transaction gains and losses are recorded as other income or expense.
Currency Regulation
Our Indian subsidiary, WNS Global, is registered as an exporter of business process outsourcing
services with the Software Technology Parks of India, or STPI. According to the prevailing foreign
exchange regulations in India, an exporter of business process outsourcing services registered with
the STPI is required to receive its export proceeds in India within a period of 12 months from the
date of such exports in order to avail itself of the tax and other benefits associated with STPI
status. Units which are not registered with STPI are required to receive these proceeds within six
months. In the event that such a registered exporter has received any advance against exports in
foreign exchange from its overseas customers, it is required to render the requisite services so
that such advances are earned within a period of 12 months from the date of such receipt. If WNS
Global does not meet these conditions, it will be required to obtain permission from the Reserve
Bank of India to receive and realize such foreign currency earnings.
A majority of the payments we receive from our clients are denominated in pound sterling, US
dollars and Euros. For most of our clients, our operating subsidiaries in the UK and the US enter
into contractual agreements directly with our clients for the provision of business process
outsourcing services by WNS Global. WNS Global holds the foreign currency it receives in an export
earners foreign currency account. All foreign exchange requirements, such as for the import of
capital goods, expenses incurred during overseas travel by employees and discharge of foreign
exchange expenses or liabilities, can be met using the foreign currency in the export earners
foreign currency account in India. As and when funds are required by us, the funds in the export
earners foreign currency account may be transferred to an ordinary rupee-denominated account in
India.
There are currently no Jersey, UK or US foreign exchange control restrictions on the payment of
dividends on our ordinary shares or on the conduct of our operations.
Income Taxes
We operate in multiple tax jurisdictions including India, Sri Lanka, Romania, the Philippines, the
UK and the US. As a result, our effective tax rate will change from year to year based on recurring
factors such as the geographical mix of income before taxes, state and local taxes, the ratio of
permanent items to pretax book income and the implementation of various global tax strategies, as well as
non-recurring events.
Our Indian operations are eligible to claim income tax exemption with respect to profits earned
from export revenue by various delivery centers registered with STPI. This benefit used to be
available from the date of commencement of operations to March 31, 2009, subject to a maximum of
ten years. In May 2008, the government of India passed the Indian Finance Act, 2008, which extended
the tax holiday period by an additional year through fiscal 2010. We have 14 such delivery centers
in India in fiscal 2008 and ten such delivery centers in fiscal 2007 and 2006. The tax benefits of
these delivery centers will expire in stages: on April 1, 2009 for one of our delivery centers
located in Pune and on April 1, 2010 for our other delivery centers located in Mumbai, Pune,
Gurgaon, Bangalore and Nashik, except for the tax benefits enjoyed by two of our delivery centers
located in Mumbai and Nashik which expired on April 1, 2007 and April 1, 2008, respectively.
Our Sri Lankan operations are also eligible to claim income tax exemption with respect to profits
earned from export revenue by our delivery centers registered with the Board of Investment, Sri
Lanka. This tax holiday is available for five years from the year of assessment in which our Sri
Lankan subsidiary commences to make profits or any year of
54
assessment not later than two years from the date of commencement of operations, whichever is the earlier. This tax holiday expires in the
year of assessment 2010. Thereafter, income tax will be leviable at the rate of 15% on the first
Sri Lankan rupees 5 million of income and at the rate of 35% on income exceeding Sri Lankan rupees
5 million.
As a result of the tax benefits described above, our income derived from our business process
outsourcing service operations are not subject to corporate tax in India and Sri Lanka. The
additional income tax expense we would otherwise have had to pay at the statutory rates in India
and Sri Lanka, if the tax exemption was not available, would have been approximately $11.5 million
for fiscal 2008, $8.7 million for fiscal 2007 and $4.7 million for fiscal 2006. When our tax
holiday expires or is withdrawn by Indian tax authorities, our tax expense will materially
increase. In the absence of a tax holiday, income derived from India would be taxed up to a maximum
of the then prevailing annual tax rate which, as of March 31, 2008, was 33.99%. We have not
recognized a deferred tax asset on carried forward losses as there is uncertainty regarding the
availability of such operating losses in subsequent years.
In May 2007, the Indian Finance Act, 2007 was adopted, with the effect of subjecting Indian
companies that benefit from a holiday from Indian corporate income taxes to the MAT at the rate of
11.33% in the case of profits exceeding Rs. 10 million and 10.3% in the case of profits not
exceeding Rs. 10 million with effect from April 1, 2007. To the extent MAT paid exceeds the actual
tax payable on the taxable income, such companies would be able to set off such MAT credits against
tax payable in the succeeding seven years, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. As a
result of this amendment to the tax regulations, we became subject to MAT and are required to pay
additional taxes commencing fiscal 2008. To the extent MAT paid exceeds the actual tax payable on
our taxable income, we would be able to set off such MAT credits against tax payable in the
succeeding seven years, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. We expect to be able to
set off our MAT payments against our increased tax liability based on taxable income when our tax
holiday expires or is withdrawn by the Indian tax authorities.
In addition, in May 2007, the government of India implemented a fringe benefit tax on the allotment
of shares pursuant to the exercise or vesting, on or after April 1, 2007, of options and RSUs
granted to employees. The fringe benefit tax is payable by the employer at the current rate of
33.99% on the difference between the fair market value of the options and RSUs on the date of
vesting of the options and RSUs and the exercise price of the options and the purchase price (if
any) for the RSUs, as applicable. In October 2007, the government of India published its guidelines
on how the fair market value of the options and RSUs should be determined. The new legislation
permits the employer to recover the fringe benefit tax from the employees. Accordingly, we have
amended the terms of our 2002 Stock Incentive Plan and the 2006 Incentive Award Plan to allow us to
recover the fringe benefit tax from all our employees in India except those expatriate employees
who are resident in India. In respect of these expatriate employees, we are seeking clarification
from the Indian and foreign tax authorities on the ability of such expatriate employees to set off
the fringe benefit tax from the foreign taxes payable by them. If they are able to do so, we intend to recover the fringe benefit tax from such expatriate
employees in the future.
In 2005, the government of India implemented the SEZ legislation with the effect that taxable
income of new operations established in designated special economic zones, or SEZs, may be eligible
for tax exemption equal to (i) 100% of their profits or gains derived for the first five years from
the commencement of operations; (ii) 50% of those profits or gains for the next five years; and
(iii) 50% of those profits or gains for a further five years, subject to satisfying certain capital
investment requirements.
We may establish one or more new operations centers in designated SEZs that would be eligible for
the benefits of the SEZ legislation, subject to the receipt of requisite governmental and
regulatory approvals. In fiscal 2008, we established an operation center in a designated SEZ in
Gurgaon that is eligible for the benefits of the SEZ legislation. The Ministry of Finance in India
has however expressed concern about the potential loss of tax revenues as a result of the
exemptions under the SEZ legislation. The SEZ legislation has been criticized on economic grounds
by the International Monetary Fund and may be challenged in courts by certain non-governmental
organizations. It is possible that, as a result of such political pressures, the procedure for
obtaining the benefits of the SEZ legislation may become more onerous, the types of land eligible
for SEZ status may be further restricted or the SEZ legislation may be amended or repealed.
Moreover, there is continuing uncertainty as to the governmental and regulatory approvals required
to establish operations in the SEZs or to qualify for the tax benefit. This uncertainty may delay
the establishment of additional operations in the SEZs.
55
Critical Accounting Policies
The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our
consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report which have been prepared
in accordance with US GAAP. Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in
this annual report describes our significant accounting policies and is an essential part of our
consolidated financial statements.
We believe the following to be critical accounting policies. By critical accounting policies, we
mean policies that are both important to the portrayal of our financial condition and financial
results and require critical management judgments and estimates. Although we believe that our
judgments and estimates are appropriate, actual future results may differ from our estimates.
Revenue Recognition
We generate revenue by providing business process outsourcing services to our clients. Business
process outsourcing services involve providing back-office administration, data management, contact
center management and automobile claims handling services. We recognize revenue when we have
persuasive evidence of an arrangement, services have been rendered, the fee is determinable and
collectibility is reasonably assured. We conclude that we have persuasive evidence of an
arrangement when we enter into an agreement with our clients with terms and conditions that
describe the service and the related payments and are legally enforceable. We consider revenue to
be determinable when the services have been provided in accordance with the agreement. When the
terms of the agreement specify service level parameters that must be met, we monitor such service
level parameters and determine if there are any service credits or penalties that we need to
account for. Revenue is recognized net of any service credits that are due to a client. A
substantial portion of our revenue is from large companies, where we do not believe we have a
significant credit risk.
We generally do not have minimum commitment arrangements. In the limited instances where we have
entered into such arrangements, the contracts either provide for a minimum revenue commitment on an
annual basis or a cumulative basis over multiple years, stated in terms of annual minimum amounts.
In such minimum commitment arrangements where a minimum commitment is specific to an annual period,
any revenue shortfall is invoiced and recognized at the end of this period. When the shortfall in a
particular year can be offset with revenue received in excess of minimum commitments in a
subsequent year, we recognize deferred revenue for the shortfall which has been invoiced and received. To the
extent we have sufficient experience to conclude that the shortfall will not be satisfied by excess
revenue in a subsequent period, the deferred revenue will be recognized as revenue in that period.
In order to determine whether we have sufficient experience, we consider several factors which
include (i) the historical volume of business done with a client as compared with initial
projections of volume as agreed to by the client and us; (ii) the length of time for which we have
such historical experience; (iii) future volume expected based on projections received from the
client; and (iv) our internal expectations of the ongoing volume with the client. Otherwise the
deferred revenue will remain until such time we can conclude that it will not receive revenues in
excess of the minimum commitment. For certain agreements, we have retroactive discounts related to
meeting agreed volumes. In such situations, we record revenue at the discounted rate, although we
initially bill at the higher rate, unless we can determine that the agreed volumes will not be met.
We invoice our clients depending on the terms of the arrangement, which include billing based on a
per employee, per transaction or cost-plus basis. Amounts billed or payments received, where all
the conditions for revenue recognition have not been met, are recorded as deferred revenue and are
recognized as revenue when all recognition criteria have been met. However, the costs related to
the performance of such work are recognized in the period the services are rendered. For certain of
our clients, we perform process transition activities upon execution of the contract with such
client. We defer the revenue and the cost attributable to certain process transition activities
with respect to our clients where such activities do not represent the culmination of a separate
earning process. Such revenue and cost are subsequently recognized ratably over the period in which
the related services are performed. The deferment of cost is limited to the amount of the deferred
revenue. Any cost in excess of the deferred revenue will be recognized during the period it was
incurred.
Certain contracts allow us to invoice our clients for out-of-pocket expenses incurred to render
services to our clients and we recognize such reimbursements as revenue.
56
We provide automobile claims handling services, which include claims handling and administration,
or claims handling, and arranging for repairs with repair centers across the UK and the related
payment processing for such repairs, or accident management. With respect to claims handling, we
enter into contracts with our clients to process all their claims over the contract period, where
the fees are determined either on a per claim basis or is a fixed payment for the contract period.
Where our contracts are on a per claim basis, we invoice the client at the inception of the claim
process. We estimate the processing period for the claims and recognize revenue over the estimated
processing period. This processing period generally ranges between one to two months. The
processing time may be greater for new clients and the estimated service period is adjusted
accordingly. The processing period is estimated based on historical experience and other relevant
factors, if any. Where the fee is a fixed payment for the contract period, revenue is recognized on
a straight line basis over the period of the contract. In certain cases, the fee is contingent upon
the successful recovery of a claim by the client. In these circumstances, the revenue is not
recognized until the contingency is resolved.
In order to provide automobile accident management services, we negotiate with and set up a network
of repair centers where vehicles involved in an accident can be repaired. We are the principal in
these transactions between the repair center and the client. The repair centers bill us for the
negotiated costs of the repair and we invoice such costs to the client. We recognize the amounts
invoiced to the client as revenue as we have determined that we meet the criteria established by
Emerging Issues Task Force, or EITF, No. 99-19, Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal
versus Net as an Agent. Factors considered in determining that we are the principal in the
transaction include whether (i) we negotiate the labor rates with repair centers; (ii) we determine
which repair center should be used; (iii) we are responsible for timely and satisfactory completion
of repairs; and (iv) we bear the credit risk. In certain circumstances, a portion of the repair
costs may be insured. In such situations, the payment received from the insurance company is not
recognized as revenue or cost of revenue. We invoice the repair center for referral fees and
recognize it as revenue.
Share-based Compensation
We provide share-based awards such as stock options and RSUs to our employees, directors and
executive officers through various equity compensation plans. In December 2004, the Financial
Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued the SFAS 123(R) that addressed the accounting of
share-based payment transactions in which a company receives employee services in exchange for
equity instruments of the company or liabilities that are based on the fair value of the companys
equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of such equity instruments. Prior to
April 1, 2006, we accounted for our employee share-based compensation plan using the intrinsic
value method of accounting prescribed by APB Opinion No. 25 and related Interpretations, as permitted by
SFAS 123. Effective from April 1, 2006, we adopted SFAS 123(R) and used the prospective transition
method of accounting to account for our employee share-based compensation plan. Under that
transition method, non-public entities that used the minimum-value method (whether for financial
statement recognition or for pro forma disclosure purposes) continue to account for non-vested
equity awards outstanding at the date of adoption of SFAS 123(R) in the same manner as they had
been accounted for prior to adoption.
In accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123(R), share-based compensation for all awards granted,
modified or settled on or after April 1, 2006 that we expect to vest is recognized on a straight
line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period of the award.
SFAS 123(R) requires the use of a valuation model to calculate the fair value of share-based
awards. We elected to use the Black-Scholes-Merton pricing model to determine the fair value of
share-based awards on the date of grant. RSUs are measured based on the fair market value of the
underlying shares on the date of grant.
In determining the fair value of share-based awards using the Black-Scholes option pricing model,
we are required to make certain estimates of the key assumptions that include expected term,
expected volatility of our shares, dividend yield and risk free interest rate. Estimating these
key assumptions involves judgment regarding subjective future expectations of market prices and
trends. The assumptions for expected term and expected volatility have the most significant effect
on calculating the fair value of our stock options. We have estimated the expected term to be 3.5
years in the case of stock options and two years in the case of RSUs. As we have less than two
years of trading history, we have analyzed the volatility of certain listed peer companies to
estimate the volatility in stock prices SFAS 123(R) also requires forfeitures to be estimated at
the date of grant. Our estimate of forfeitures is based on our historical activity and past trends,
which we believe is indicative of expected forfeitures. In subsequent
periods, if the actual rate of forfeitures differs from our estimate, the forfeiture rates will be revised, as necessary.
57
Business Combinations
Our acquisitions have been accounted under the purchase method of accounting. We identify tangible
and intangible assets that we have acquired and estimate the fair values on the date of the
acquisition. We determine the fair values of the acquired assets taking into consideration
information supplied by the management of the acquired entities, external valuations and other
relevant information. We primarily determine the valuations based on an estimate of the future
discounted cash flow projections. We also estimate the useful lives of the assets acquired to
determine the period over which we will depreciate or amortize the assets. Where there are
significant differences between the tax bases and book bases of the assets acquired or liabilities
assumed, we also create deferred tax assets or liabilities at the date of the acquisition. The
determination of fair values requires significant judgment both by management and by outside
specialists engaged to assist in this process. The remainder of the purchase price, if any, is
recorded as goodwill.
Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Property and Equipment
We determine reporting units based on our analysis of segments and estimate the goodwill to be
allocated to each reporting unit.
The goodwill impairment test is a two-step process, which requires us to make judgments in
determining what assumptions to use in the calculation. The first step of the process consists of
estimating the fair value of each of our reporting units, based on a discounted cash flow model, using revenue and
profit forecasts and comparing those estimated fair values with the carrying values which include
the allocated goodwill. If the estimated fair value is less than the carrying value, a second step
is performed to compute the amount of the impairment by determining the implied fair value of
goodwill. The determination of a reporting units implied fair value of goodwill requires the
allocation of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to the assets and liabilities of the
reporting unit. Any unallocated fair value representing the implied fair value of goodwill is then
compared to its corresponding carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds the implied fair value
of goodwill, the difference is recognized as an impairment charge.
The implied fair value of reporting units is determined by our management and is generally based
upon future cash flow projections for the reporting unit, discounted to present value. We consider
external valuations when management considers it appropriate to do so.
We amortize intangible assets with definite lives over the estimated useful lives and review them
for impairment, if indicators of impairment arise. We estimate the useful lives of intangible
assets after consideration of historical results and anticipated results based on our current
plans.
We initially record purchased property and equipment, which includes amounts recorded under capital
leases, at cost. Advances paid towards the acquisition of property and equipment and the cost of
property and equipment not put to use before the balance sheet date are reported under the caption
capital work-in-progress. Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment are computed
using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. We estimate the
useful lives of intangible assets after consideration of historical results and anticipated results
based on our current plans.
We perform impairment reviews of intangible assets and property and equipment when events or
circumstances indicate that the value of the assets may be impaired. Indicators of impairment
include operating or cash flow losses, significant decreases in market value or changes in the
physical condition of the property and equipment. When indicators of impairment are present, the
evaluation of impairment is based upon a comparison of the carrying amount of the intangible asset
or property and equipment to the estimated future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be
generated by the asset. If estimated future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying
amount of the asset, the asset is considered impaired. The impairment expense is determined by
comparing the estimated fair value of the intangible asset or property and equipment to its
carrying value, with any shortfall from fair value recognized as an expense in the current period.
The estimate of undiscounted cash flows and the fair value of assets require several assumptions
and estimates.
58
We cannot predict the occurrence of future events that might adversely affect the reported value of
goodwill, intangible assets or property and equipment. Such events include, but are not limited to,
strategic decisions made in response to economic and competitive conditions, the impact of the
environment on our customer base, and material negative change in relationship with significant
customers.
Income Taxes
We apply the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes as described in SFAS No.
109, Accounting for Income Taxes, or SFAS 109. Under this method, deferred tax assets and
liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the
financial statements carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax
bases and operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are
measured using tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary
differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and
liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the
enactment date. We recognize valuation allowances to reduce the deferred tax assets to an amount
that is more likely than not to be realized. In assessing the likelihood of realization, we
consider estimates of future taxable income.
Effective April 1, 2007, we adopted the provisions of the Financial
Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting
for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB
Statement No. 109, or FIN 48. FIN 48 clarifies the
accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprises financial statements
described by SFAS 109 and prescribes a recognition threshold of more likely than not to be
sustained upon examination. As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, we recognized the effect
of unrecognized tax obligations related to tax positions taken in prior periods which was $1.3
million. The required amount of provisions for contingencies of any type may change in the future
due to new developments.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth certain financial information as a percentage of revenue and revenue
less repair payments:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
|
Revenue Less Repair Payments |
|
|
Year Ended March 31, |
|
Year Ended March 31, |
|
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unaudited |
|
Unaudited |
|
Unaudited |
Cost of revenue |
|
|
79.0 |
% |
|
|
77.0 |
% |
|
|
71.9 |
% |
|
|
66.8 |
% |
|
|
63.1 |
% |
|
|
61.4 |
% |
Gross profit |
|
|
21.0 |
% |
|
|
23.0 |
% |
|
|
28.1 |
% |
|
|
33.2 |
% |
|
|
36.9 |
% |
|
|
38.6 |
% |
Operating expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SG&A |
|
|
15.8 |
% |
|
|
14.9 |
% |
|
|
17.9 |
% |
|
|
25.0 |
% |
|
|
23.9 |
% |
|
|
24.6 |
% |
Amortization of intangibles assets |
|
|
0.6 |
% |
|
|
0.5 |
% |
|
|
0.4 |
% |
|
|
1.0 |
% |
|
|
0.9 |
% |
|
|
0.6 |
% |
Impairment of goodwill,
intangibles and other assets |
|
|
3.4 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.3 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income |
|
|
1.2 |
% |
|
|
7.6 |
% |
|
|
9.8 |
% |
|
|
1.9 |
% |
|
|
12.1 |
% |
|
|
13.4 |
% |
Other income, net |
|
|
2.0 |
% |
|
|
0.7 |
% |
|
|
0.0 |
% |
|
|
3.2 |
% |
|
|
1.1 |
% |
|
|
0.0 |
% |
Provision for income taxes |
|
|
(1.1 |
)% |
|
|
(0.7 |
)% |
|
|
(0.8 |
)% |
|
|
(1.8 |
)% |
|
|
(1.2 |
)% |
|
|
(1.1 |
)% |
Net income |
|
|
2.1 |
% |
|
|
7.6 |
% |
|
|
9.0 |
% |
|
|
3.3 |
% |
|
|
12.0 |
% |
|
|
12.3 |
% |
The following table reconciles revenue (a GAAP measure) to revenue less repair payments (a non-GAAP
measure) across our business:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended March 31, |
|
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
Revenue |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
Less: Payments to repair centers |
|
|
36.8 |
% |
|
|
37.6 |
% |
|
|
27.1 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue less repair payments |
|
|
63.2 |
% |
|
|
62.4 |
% |
|
|
72.9 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
59
Fiscal 2008 Compared to Fiscal 2007
Revenue. Revenue in fiscal 2008 was $459.9 million as compared to $352.3 million in fiscal 2007,
representing an increase of $107.6 million, or 30.5%. This increase in revenue of $107.6 million
was primarily attributable to an increase in revenue from existing clients of $92.6 million on
account of an increase in capacity, an expansion of the number of processes that we executed for
these clients, and an increase in volumes for the existing processes, and an increase in revenue
from new clients of $15.0 million (including $9.0 million and $0.1 million in revenue from new
clients as a result of our acquisitions of Marketics in May 2007 and Flovate in June 2007,
respectively). Revenue from the UK, Europe (excluding the UK) and North America (primarily the US)
accounted for $225.9 million, $116.9 million and $113.7 million, respectively, of our revenue for
fiscal 2008, representing an increase of 19.0%, 48.0% and 40.8%, respectively, from fiscal 2007.
Revenue Less Repair Payments. Revenue less repair payments in fiscal 2008 was $290.7 million, an
increase of 32.3% over our revenue less repair payments of $219.7 million in fiscal 2007. This
increase in revenue less repair payments of $71.0 million was primarily attributable to an increase
in revenue less repair payments from existing clients of $56.6 million on account of an increase in
capacity, an expansion of the number of processes that we executed for these clients and an
increase in volumes for the existing processes. The increase in revenue less repair payments from
new clients was $14.4 million (including $9.0 million and $0.1 million in revenue less repair
payments from new clients as a result of our acquisitions of Marketics in May 2007 and Flovate in
June 2007, respectively). Contract prices across the various types of processes remained substantially stable over this period. Revenue less
repair payments from the UK, Europe (excluding the UK) and North America (primarily the US)
accounted for $146.2 million, $27.4 million and $113.7 million, respectively, of our revenue in
fiscal 2008, representing increases of 31.8%, 8.5% and 40.8%, respectively, from fiscal 2007. We
realized an increase in revenue less repair payments across all our business units in fiscal 2008,
most significantly in our emerging businesses unit, followed by our travel services business unit
and, to a lesser degree, in our BFSI business units.
Cost of Revenue. Cost of revenue in fiscal 2008 was 79.0% of revenue as compared to 77.0% of
revenue in fiscal 2007. Cost of revenue in fiscal 2008 was $363.3 million, an increase of $92.1
million or 34.0% over our cost of revenue of $271.2 million in fiscal 2007. Payments made to repair
centers increased by $36.6 million to $169.2 million in fiscal 2008 from $132.6 million in fiscal
2007 mainly due to increased business from existing clients. Operating employee compensation
increased by $42.1 million due to an increase in headcount and wages which were partially offset by
a decrease in travel costs by $0.8 million. In addition, infrastructure costs increased by $11.0
million and depreciation cost increased by $3.2 million due to the opening of new delivery centers,
one each in Mumbai, Pune, Gurgaon and Bangalore. Share-based compensation cost included in
operating employee compensation increased by $1.4 million in fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal
2007.
Gross Profit. Gross profit in fiscal 2008 was $96.5 million, or 21.0% of revenue, as compared to
$81.1 million, or 23.0% of revenue, in fiscal 2007. Gross profit as a percentage of revenue less
repair payments was 33.2% in fiscal 2008 compared to 36.9% in fiscal 2007. Gross profit as a
percentage of revenue less repair payments decreased by approximately 3.7% in fiscal 2008 as
compared to fiscal 2007 primarily on account of the loss of FMFC, a mortgage services client and an
increase in cost of revenue of $92.1 million as discussed above.
SG&A Expenses. SG&A expenses in fiscal 2008 were $72.7 million, an increase of 38.6% over our SG&A
expenses of $52.5 million in fiscal 2007. Non-operating employee compensation was higher by $5.0
million and related travel expenses were higher by $0.7 million largely on account of our increased
marketing efforts and the expansion of our management team. Share-based compensation costs, which
are included in non-operating employee compensation, increased by $1.7 million in fiscal 2008 as
compared to fiscal 2007. Other SG&A cost elements such as (i) professional fees increased by $3.4
million partially on account of legal expenses incurred in relation to our claims filed in FMFCs
voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in August 2007, (ii) other
employee related costs such as recruitment and training costs increased by $1.5 million due to our
continued expansion and increase in headcount, (iii) provision for bad debts increased by $1.4
million on account of the provision for doubtful accounts for the accounts receivable from FMFC for
services through June 2007, (iv) the recently introduced fringe benefit tax payable by us on the
allotment of shares pursuant to the exercise or vesting, on or after April 1, 2007, of options and
RSUs granted to employees of $2.5 million, (v) facilities costs increased by $1.5 million due
primarily to the setting up of new delivery centers, one each in Mumbai, Pune, Gurgaon and
Bangalore, (vi) fringe benefit tax on other expenses increased by $1.2 million, (vii) depreciation
cost increased by $0.5 million
60
due to the opening of new delivery centers, one each in Mumbai,
Pune, Gurgaon and Bangalore, and (viii) other administration related expenses such as
communication costs, computer maintenance cost and marketing cost increased by $2.5 million. SG&A
expenses as a percentage of revenue was 15.8% in fiscal 2008 as compared to 14.9% in fiscal 2007.
SG&A expenses as a percentage of revenue less repair payments was 25.0% in fiscal 2008 as compared
to 23.9% in fiscal 2007.
Amortization of Intangible Assets. Amortization of intangible assets was $2.9 million in fiscal
2008, an increase of 51.3% over $1.9 million in fiscal 2007. The increase was primarily on account
of amortization of intangible assets acquired through our acquisitions of Marketics in May 2007 and
Flovate in June 2007 which was partially offset by a decrease in amortization charge on account of
the impairment of intangible assets acquired through our acquisition of Trinity Partners arising
from FMFCs voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the US Bankruptcy Code in August
2007.
Impairment of Goodwill, Intangibles and Other Assets. We performed impairment reviews of goodwill
and intangible assets when FMFC filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the US Bankruptcy Code in August 2007. Based on the impairment review, all unamortized goodwill and
intangible assets acquired in connection with the acquisition of Trinity Partners in November 2005
was impaired in August 2007. We had $15.5 million of impairment of goodwill, intangibles and other
assets in fiscal 2008 consisting of impairment of $9.1 million of goodwill recognized and an
impairment of $6.4 million of intangible and other assets acquired with the acquisition of Trinity
Partners in November 2005. We had no impairment of goodwill, intangibles and other assets in fiscal
2007.
Operating Income. Income from operations in fiscal 2008 was $5.5 million compared to $26.8 million
in fiscal 2007, due to the reasons discussed above. Income from operations as a percentage of
revenue was 1.2% in fiscal 2008 as compared to 7.6% in fiscal 2007. Income from operations as a
percentage of revenue less repair payments was 1.9% in fiscal 2008 as compared to 12.1% in fiscal
2007.
Other Income, Net. Other income, net in fiscal 2008 was $9.2 million as compared to $2.5 million in
fiscal 2007, an increase of $6.7 million, primarily on account of an increase in interest income by
$1.8 million to $5.3 million in fiscal 2008 as compared to $3.5 million in fiscal 2007, and a
foreign exchange gain of $2.9 million in fiscal 2008 as compared to a foreign exchange loss of $1.4
million in fiscal 2007.
Interest Expense. We had no interest expense in fiscal 2008 compared to an interest expense of
$0.1 million in fiscal 2007.
Provision for Income Taxes. Provision for income taxes in fiscal 2008 was $5.2 million, an
increase of 101.8% over our provision for income taxes of $2.6 million in fiscal 2007. This
increase is primarily on account of higher profits in our WNS Auto Claims BPO segment resulting in
higher tax expense. Profits earned from our WNS Auto Claims BPO segment are generated from our
operations in UK while profits earned from our WNS Global BPO segment are primarily generated from
our operations in India which are eligible for tax exemptions with respect to profits earned from
export revenue by various delivery centers that benefit from a tax holiday. Tax as a percentage of
net income before tax was 35.3% in fiscal 2008 as compared to 8.8% in fiscal 2007.
Net Income. Net income in fiscal 2008 was $9.5 million as compared to $26.6 million in fiscal
2007. Net margin was 2.1% in fiscal 2008 as compared to 7.5% in fiscal 2007. Net margins as
percentage of revenue less repair payments was 3.3% in fiscal 2008 as compared to 12.1% in fiscal
2007.
Fiscal 2007 Compared to Fiscal 2006
Revenue. Revenue in fiscal 2007 was $352.3 million, an increase of 73.7% over revenue of $202.8
million in fiscal 2006. This increase in revenue of $149.5 million was primarily attributable to an
increase in revenue from existing clients of $76.6 million on account of an expansion of the number
of processes that we executed for these clients and an increase in volumes for the existing
processes. The increase in revenue from new clients was $72.9 million. Revenue from the UK, Europe
(excluding the UK) and North America (primarily the US) accounted for $189.9 million, $79.0 million
and $80.8 million, respectively, of our revenue for fiscal 2007, representing an increase of 49.6%,
210.8% and 64.4%, respectively, from fiscal 2006.
61
Revenue Less Repair Payments. Revenue less repair payments in fiscal 2007 was $219.7 million, an
increase of 48.5% over our revenue less repair payments of $147.9 million in fiscal 2006. This
increase in revenue less repair payments of $71.8 million was primarily attributable to an increase
in revenue less repair payments from existing clients of $50.3 million on account of an expansion
of the number of processes that we executed for these clients and an increase in volumes for the
existing processes. The increase in revenue less repair payments from new clients was $21.5
million. Contract prices across the various types of processes remained substantially stable over
this period. Revenue less repair payments from the UK, Europe (excluding the UK) and North America
(primarily the US) accounted for $110.9 million, $25.3 million and $80.8 million, respectively, of
our revenue in fiscal 2007, representing increases of 51.3%, 5.0% and 64.4%, respectively, from
fiscal 2006. We realized increases in revenue less repair payments across each of our business
units in fiscal 2007, most significantly in our emerging businesses unit, followed by our BFSI
business unit and to a lesser degree, in our travel business unit.
Cost of Revenue. Cost of revenue in fiscal 2007 was 77.0% of revenue as compared to 71.9% of
revenue in fiscal 2006. Cost of revenue in fiscal 2007 was $271.2 million, an increase of 86.1%
over our cost of revenue of $145.7 million in fiscal 2006. Payments made to repair centers
increased by $77.7 million to $132.6 million in fiscal 2007 from $54.9 million in fiscal 2006 due
to the addition of a new client which accounted for $51.4 million of the increase and increased
business from existing clients which accounted for the balance of $26.3 million of the increase.
Operating employee compensation increased by $26.9 million and travel costs increased by $2.7
million over this period due to an increase in headcount. In addition, infrastructure costs
increased by $18.1 million due to the opening of two new delivery centers, one each in Pune and
Mumbai, and the expansion of existing centers. Share-based compensation costs included in operating
employee compensation increased by $0.9 million in fiscal 2007 as compared to fiscal 2006.
Gross Profit. Gross profit in fiscal 2007 was $81.1 million, or 23.0% of revenue, as compared to
$57.1 million, or 28.1% of revenue, in fiscal 2006. Gross profit as a percentage of revenue less
repair payments was 36.9% in fiscal 2007 compared to 38.6% in fiscal 2006. Gross profit as a
percentage of revenue less repair payments decreased by approximately 1.7% in fiscal 2007 as
compared to fiscal 2006 primarily on account of $2.4 million of revenue recognized during fiscal
2006 that had been deferred from fiscal 2005, an increase in employee costs of $26.9 million and an
increase of infrastructure costs of $18.1 million as discussed above.
SG&A Expenses. SG&A expenses in fiscal 2007 were $52.5 million, an increase of 44.3% over our SG&A
expenses of $36.3 million in fiscal 2006. Non-operating employee compensation was higher by $6.7
million and related travel expenses were higher by $2.4 million largely on account of our increased
marketing efforts and the expansion of our management team. Share-based compensation costs, which
are included in non-operating employee compensation, increased by $0.9 million in fiscal 2007 as
compared to fiscal 2006. Other SG&A cost elements such as (i) facilities costs increased by $5.5
million due primarily to the setting up of two new delivery centers, one each in Pune and Mumbai,
and the expansion of existing delivery centers, (ii) professional fees increased by $1.3 million,
and (iii) depreciation increased by $0.3 million in fiscal 2007 as compared to fiscal 2006. SG&A
expenses as a percentage of revenue was 14.9% in fiscal 2007 as compared to 17.9% in fiscal 2006.
SG&A expenses as a percentage of revenue less repair payments was 23.9% in fiscal 2007 as compared
to 24.6% in fiscal 2006, as our revenue less repair payments grew more rapidly than our SG&A
expenses.
Amortization of Intangible Assets. Amortization of intangible assets was $1.9 million in fiscal
2007, an increase of 121.5% over $0.9 million in fiscal 2006. The increase was primarily on account
of intangible assets acquired through our acquisition of Trinity Partners in November 2005.
Operating Income. Income from operations in fiscal 2007 was $26.8 million compared to $19.9 million
in fiscal 2006, due to the reasons discussed above. Income from operations as a percentage of
revenue was 7.6% in fiscal 2007 as compared to 9.8% in fiscal 2006. Income from operations as a
percentage of revenue less repair payments was 12.1% in fiscal 2007 as compared to 13.4% in fiscal
2006. We had recognized $2.4 million of revenue during fiscal 2006 that had been deferred from
fiscal 2005, as all revenue recognition criteria had not been met at the end of fiscal 2005.
Other Income, Net. Other income, net in fiscal 2007 was $2.5 million as compared to $0.5 million in
fiscal 2006, an increase of $2.0 million, primarily on account of interest income earned on our net
proceeds from our initial public offering which are held in term deposits and demand deposits.
Interest income was $3.5 million in fiscal 2007 as compared to $0.4 million in fiscal 2006. The
increase in income was partially offset by foreign exchange loss. We
62
recorded a foreign exchange loss of $1.4 million in fiscal 2007 as compared to a foreign exchange
loss of $0.4 million in fiscal 2006.
Interest Expense. Interest expense in fiscal 2007 was $0.1 million, a decrease from $0.4 million
in fiscal 2006.
Provision for Income Taxes. Provision for income taxes in fiscal 2007 was $2.6 million, an
increase of 63.5% over our provision for income taxes of $1.6 million in fiscal 2006. Tax as a
percentage of net income before tax was 8.8% in fiscal 2007 as compared to 7.9% in fiscal 2006.
Net Income. Net income in fiscal 2007 was $26.6 million as compared to $18.3 million in fiscal
2006. Net margins were 7.5% in fiscal 2007 as compared to 9.0% in fiscal 2006. Net margins as
percentage of revenue less repair payments were 12.1% in fiscal 2007 as compared to 12.3% in fiscal
2006.
Results by Reportable Segment
For purposes of evaluating operating performance and allocating resources, we have organized our
company by operating segments. See Note 15 to our consolidated financial statements included
elsewhere in this annual report. For financial statement reporting purposes, we aggregate the
segments that meet the criteria for aggregation as set forth in SFAS No. 131, Disclosures about
Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information, or SFAS 131. We have separately reported our
auto claims segment (or WNS Assistance), as it does not meet the aggregation criteria under SFAS
131. Accordingly, pursuant to SFAS 131, we have two reportable segments: WNS Global BPO and WNS
Auto Claims BPO.
WNS Global BPO is primarily delivered out of our offshore delivery centers in India and Sri Lanka.
This segment includes all of our business activities with the exception of WNS Auto Claims BPO. WNS
Auto Claims BPO is our automobile claims management business called WNS Assistance, which is
primarily based in the UK and is part of our BFSI business unit. See Item 4. Information on the
Company B. Business Overview Business Process Outsourcing Service Offerings. We report WNS
Auto Claims BPO as a separate segment for financial statement reporting purposes since a
substantial part of our reported revenue in this business consists of amounts invoiced to our
clients for payments made by us to automobile repair centers, resulting in lower long-term gross
margins when measured on the basis of revenue, relative to the WNS Global BPO segment.
Amounts we invoice our clients for the automobile repair costs that we pay to repair centers is
recognized as revenue because we act as principal in our dealings with the repair centers and our
clients in our WNS Auto Claims BPO business. We are responsible for the repairs, including
determining the repair center to be used and negotiating labor rates with such repair centers. We
also bear the credit risk of recovery of these payments from our clients beyond certain advance
payments from our clients. However, since we wholly subcontract the repairs to the repair centers,
we evaluate our business performance based on our revenue net of these payments to repair centers,
which we call revenue less repair payments. Though a non-GAAP measure, we believe that revenue less
repair payments reflects more accurately the value of our services to our clients, and we use
revenue less repair payments as the primary measure to allocate resources and evaluate segmental
performance. We also use segment operating income (loss), which is defined as segment income (loss)
before unallocated costs, as a secondary measure to evaluate segment performance during a period.
Operating margins in our WNS Auto Claims BPO segment, when calculated on the basis of revenue less
repair payments, are comparable to operating margins in our WNS Global BPO segment.
Our management allocates resources based on segment revenue less repair payments and measures
segment performance based on revenue less repair payments and to a lesser extent on segment
operating income. The accounting policies of our reportable segments are the same as those of our
company. See Critical Accounting Policies. We may in the future change our reportable segments
based on how our business evolves.
63
The following table shows revenue and revenue less repair payments for our two reportable segments
for the periods indicated:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended March 31, 2008 |
|
|
Year Ended March 31, 2007 |
|
|
Year Ended March 31, 2006 |
|
|
|
WNS Global |
|
|
WNS Auto |
|
|
WNS Global |
|
|
WNS Auto |
|
|
WNS Global |
|
|
WNS Auto |
|
|
|
BPO |
|
|
Claims BPO |
|
|
BPO |
|
|
Claims BPO |
|
|
BPO |
|
|
Claims BPO |
|
|
|
(US dollars in millions) |
|
Segment revenue(1) |
|
$ |
261.2 |
|
|
$ |
199.7 |
|
|
$ |
195.0 |
|
|
$ |
158.8 |
|
|
$ |
125.2 |
|
|
$ |
79.6 |
|
Less: Payments to repair centers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
169.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
132.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
54.9 |
|
Revenue less repair payments(1) |
|
|
261.2 |
|
|
|
30.6 |
|
|
|
195.0 |
|
|
|
26.2 |
|
|
|
125.2 |
|
|
|
24.7 |
|
Cost of revenue(2) |
|
|
181.7 |
|
|
|
11.1 |
|
|
|
122.1 |
|
|
|
17.0 |
|
|
|
76.8 |
|
|
|
15.9 |
|
Other costs(3) |
|
|
63.3 |
|
|
|
5.0 |
|
|
|
45.6 |
|
|
|
4.2 |
|
|
|
30.9 |
|
|
|
3.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment operating income |
|
$ |
16.2 |
|
|
$ |
14.5 |
|
|
$ |
27.3 |
|
|
$ |
5.1 |
|
|
$ |
17.5 |
|
|
$ |
5.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes: |
|
(1) |
|
Segment revenue and revenue less repair payments include inter-segment revenue of $1.1
million for fiscal 2008, $1.5 million for fiscal 2007 and $2.0 million for fiscal 2006. |
|
(2) |
|
Cost of revenue includes inter-segment expenses of $1.1 million for fiscal 2008, $1.5 million
for fiscal 2007 and $2.0 million for fiscal 2006, and excludes stock-based compensation
expenses of $2.4 million for fiscal 2008, $1.0 million for fiscal 2007 and $0.1 million for
fiscal 2006, which are not allocable between our segments. |
|
(3) |
|
Excludes stock-based compensation expenses of $4.4 million for fiscal 2008, $2.7 million for
fiscal 2007 and $1.8 million for fiscal 2006, which are not allocable between our segments.
SG&A expenses comprise other costs and stock-based compensation expenses. |
In fiscal 2008, WNS Global BPO accounted for 56.6% of our revenue and 89.5% of our revenue less
repair payments, as compared to 54.9% of our revenue and 88.1% of our revenue less repair payments
in fiscal 2007.
WNS Global BPO
Segment Revenue. Revenue in the WNS Global BPO segment increased by 34.0% to $261.2 million in
fiscal 2008 from $195.0 million in fiscal 2007. This increase was primarily driven by an increase
in the volume of transactions executed for existing clients, which contributed $54.3 million of the
increase, and an increase in revenue from new clients, which contributed $11.9 million of the
increase (including $9.0 million of revenue contributed by Marketics which we acquired in May
2007).
Revenue in the WNS Global BPO segment increased by 55.7% to $195.0 million in fiscal 2007 from
$125.2 million in fiscal 2006. This increase was primarily driven by an increase in the volume of
transactions executed for existing clients, which contributed $56.3 million of the increase, and an
increase in revenue from new clients, which contributed $13.5 million of the increase.
Contract prices across the various types of processes remained substantially stable over these
periods.
Segment Operating Income. Segment operating income in the WNS Global BPO segment decreased by
40.6% to $16.2 million in fiscal 2008 from an operating income of $27.3 million in fiscal 2007. The
decrease was primarily attributable to higher cost of revenue and other costs.
The key components of our cost of revenue are employee costs (which comprise employee salaries and
costs related to recruitment, training and retention), infrastructure-related costs (which comprise
depreciation charges, lease rentals, facilities management costs and telecommunication network
costs), and travel related costs. Employee related costs represent the largest component of our
cost of revenue for the WNS Global BPO segment. Our cost of revenue increased by $59.6 million to
$181.7 million in fiscal 2008 from $122.1 million in fiscal 2007, primarily on account of an
increase in employee costs and wages by $42.9 million due to the increase in headcount. In
addition, infrastructure costs increased by $13.4 million and depreciation costs increased by $3.9
million due to the opening of new delivery centers, one each in Mumbai, Pune, Gurgaon and
Bangalore, which was partially offset by a decrease in travel cost by $0.7 million.
The key components of our other costs are corporate employee costs for sales and marketing, general
and administrative and other support personnel, travel expenses, legal and professional fees, brand
building expenses, and other general expenses not related to cost of revenue. Our other costs
increased by $17.7 million to $63.3 million in fiscal 2008 from $45.6 million in fiscal 2007. The
increase in other costs was primarily on account of an increase in
64
non-operating employee compensation by $3.3 million, an increase in travel expenses by $0.7 million
and an increase in professional fees by $3.5 million due to an increase in our marketing efforts
and the expansion of our management team. In addition, administration costs increased by $10.2
million primarily due to (i) the recently introduced fringe benefit tax payable by us on the
allotment of shares pursuant to the exercise or vesting, on or after April 1, 2007, of options and
RSUs granted to employees of $2.5 million, (ii) an increase in fringe benefit tax on other expenses
by $1.2 million, (iii) an increase in bad debts provision of $1.4 million, (iv) an increase in
infrastructure cost of $1.3 million and depreciation cost of $0.4 million due to the opening of new
delivery centers, one each in Mumbai, Pune, Gurgaon and Bangalore, (v) an increase in other
employee related costs such as recruitment and training cost of $1.5 million, and (vi) an increase
in other administrative expense of $1.8 million. Segment operating margin for fiscal 2008 decreased
by 7.8% to 6.2% of revenue as compared to fiscal 2007.
Segment operating income in the WNS Global BPO segment increased by 55.7% to $27.3 million in
fiscal 2007 from $17.5 million in fiscal 2006. This change was primarily attributable to an
increase in revenue in fiscal 2007. The increase in revenue was partially offset by higher cost of
revenue and other costs. Our cost of revenue increased by $45.3 million to $122.1 million in fiscal
2007 from $76.8 million in fiscal 2006, primarily on account of an increase in employee costs by
$27.6 million and an increase in travel costs by $2.6 million due to the increase in headcount. In
addition, infrastructure costs increased by $11.3 million and depreciation cost increased by $3.8
million due to the opening of two new delivery centers, one each in Pune and Mumbai, and the
expansion of existing centers.
Our other costs increased by $14.7 million to $45.6 million in fiscal 2007 from $30.9 million in
fiscal 2006. The increase in other costs was primarily on account of an increase in non-operating
employee compensation by $5.7 million, an increase in travel expenses by $2.3 million and an
increase in professional fees by $1.0 million due to an increase in our marketing efforts and the
expansion of our management team. In addition, administration costs increased by $5.7 million
primarily due to (i) an increase in facility cost by $1.2 million and an increase in depreciation
cost by $0.3 million due to the setting up of two new delivery centers, one each in Pune and
Mumbai, and the expansion of existing delivery centers, (ii) an increase in other employee related
costs such as recruitment and training cost by $0.8 million, and (iii) an increase in other
administrative expense by $3.4 million. Segment operating margin for fiscal 2007 remained unchanged
at 14.0% of revenue as compared to fiscal 2006.
WNS Auto Claims BPO
Segment Revenue. Revenue in the WNS Auto Claims BPO segment increased by 25.8% to $199.7 million
in fiscal 2008 from $158.8 million in fiscal 2007, primarily due to an increase in the volume of
transactions executed for our existing clients, which contributed $37.9 million of the increase,
and an increase in revenue from new clients, which contributed $3.0 million of the increase
(including $0.1 million of revenue contributed by Flovate which we acquired in June 2007). Payments
made to repair centers in fiscal 2008 were $169.2 million, an increase of 27.6% from $132.6 million
in fiscal 2007. This was primarily due to an increase in the volume of transactions executed for
our new clients and the addition of new clients. Revenue less repair payments in this segment
increased by 16.8% to $30.6 million in fiscal 2008 from $26.2 million in fiscal 2007 due to
additional revenue from existing and new clients of $2.0 million and $2.4 million, respectively.
Revenue in the WNS Auto Claims BPO segment increased by 99.5% to $158.8 million in fiscal 2007 from
$79.6 million in fiscal 2006, primarily due to the addition of a significant new client, which
contributed $59.1 million of the increase, and the assumption of the role as principal in our
dealings with third party repair centers for our accident management services for an existing
significant client, which contributed $52.7 million of the increase. This increase in revenue was
partially offset by a decrease in revenues from existing clients of $32.6 million. Payments made to
repair centers in fiscal 2007 were $132.6 million, an increase of 141.5% from $54.9 million in
fiscal 2006. This was primarily due to the addition of a significant new client, which contributed
$51.4 million of the increase, and our assumption of the role as principal in our dealings with
third party repair centers for accident management services for an existing significant client,
which contributed $53.6 million of the increase. This increase in revenue was partially offset by a
decrease in revenues from existing clients of $27.3 million. Revenue less repair payments in this
segment increased by 6.1% to $26.2 million in fiscal 2007 from $24.7 million in fiscal 2006, due to
the addition of a significant new client. Contract prices across the various types of processes
remained substantially stable over these periods.
65
Segment Operating Income. Segment operating income increased by 184.3% to $14.5 million in fiscal
2008 from $5.1 million in fiscal 2007. This increase of 184.3% was primarily on account of an
increase in revenue which was partially offset by an increase in our cost of revenue and other
costs. As claims management revenue is recognized over the period that claims are processed, a
portion of such revenue is deferred at the end of a period. Our processing period generally ranges
between one to two months. Claims management revenue deferred at March 31, 2007 was higher than
claims management revenue deferred at March 31, 2008 by $0.3 million. Our cost of revenue
increased by $30.6 million to $180.2 million in fiscal 2008 from $149.6 million in fiscal 2007. The
largest component of our cost of revenue is payments to repair centers as part of our automobile
management services where we arrange for repairs through a network of repair centers. Other primary
components of our cost of revenue are employee costs (which comprise employee salaries and costs
related to recruitment, training and retention), infrastructure-related costs (which comprise
depreciation charges, lease rentals, facilities management costs and telecommunication network
costs), and travel related costs. The increase in cost of revenue was primarily on account of an
increase in payments to repair centers by $36.5 million to $169.1 million in fiscal 2008 from
$132.6 million in fiscal 2007 due to the addition of new clients. This increase was partially
offset by a decrease in our employee costs by $2.6 million, a decrease in infrastructure related
costs by $2.4 million, a decrease in depreciation cost by $0.7 million and a decrease in travel
costs by $0.2 million. The key components of our other costs are non-operating employee
compensation, travel costs, professional expenses and administration related costs. Our other costs
increased by $0.8 million to $5.0 million in fiscal 2008 from $4.2 million in fiscal 2007 due to an
increase in administration costs by $0.9 million which was partially offset by a decrease in our
professional expenses by $0.1 million. Our travel costs and employee costs remained stable during
this period. Segment operating margin for fiscal 2008 increased by 4.0% to 7.2% of revenue as
compared to 3.2% in fiscal 2007. Segment operating income as a percentage of revenue less repair
was 47.3% in fiscal 2008 as compared to 19.4% in fiscal 2007.
Segment operating income decreased by 1.4% to $5.07 million in fiscal 2007 from $5.14 million in
fiscal 2006. This decrease of 1.4% was mainly on account of a ramp up for a significant customer.
Claims management revenue deferred at March 31, 2006 was higher than claims management revenue
deferred at March 31, 2007 by $0.2 million. In addition, our increase in revenue in fiscal 2007 was
offset by an increase in our cost of revenue and other costs. Our cost of revenue increased by
$78.8 million to $149.6 million in fiscal 2007 from $70.8 million in fiscal 2006. The increase in
cost of revenue was primarily on account of an increase in payments to repair centers by $77.7
million to $132.6 million in fiscal 2007 from $54.9 million in fiscal 2006 due to the addition of a
new client which accounted for $51.4 million of the increase and an increase in business from
existing clients which accounted for the balance of $26.3 million, an increase in infrastructure
related costs by $1.1 million and an increase in travel costs by $0.1 million. This increase was
partially offset by a decrease in our employee costs by $0.1 million. Our other costs increased by
$0.6 million to $4.2 million in fiscal 2007 from $3.6 million in fiscal 2006 due to an increase in
non-operating employee compensation by $0.3 million and an increase in our professional expenses by
$0.2 million as a result of our increased marketing efforts and the expansion of our management
team. In addition, our administration costs increased by $0.1 million. Our travel costs remained
stable during this period. Segment operating margin for fiscal 2007 decreased by 3.2% to 3.2% of
revenue as compared to 6.4% in fiscal 2006. Segment operating income as a percentage of revenue
less repair payments was 19.4% in fiscal 2007 as compared to 20.8% in fiscal 2006.
66
Quarterly Results
The following table presents unaudited quarterly financial information for each of our last eight
fiscal quarters on a historical basis. We believe the quarterly information contains all
adjustments necessary to fairly present this information. As a business process outsourcing
services provider, we anticipate and respond to demand from our clients. Accordingly, we have
limited control over the timing and circumstances under which our services are provided. Typically,
we show a decrease in our first-quarter margins as a result of salary increases. For these and
other reasons, we can experience variability in our operating results from quarter to quarter. The
operating results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results for any future
period.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal 2008 |
|
Fiscal 2007 |
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
March |
|
December |
|
September |
|
June |
|
March |
|
December |
|
September |
|
June |
|
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2007 |
|
2007 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2006 |
|
2006 |
|
|
(Unaudited, US dollars in millions) |
Revenue(1) |
|
$ |
116.1 |
|
|
$ |
115.6 |
|
|
$ |
115.6 |
|
|
$ |
112.5 |
|
|
$ |
110.7 |
|
|
$ |
102.0 |
|
|
$ |
86.6 |
|
|
$ |
53.0 |
|
Cost of revenue |
|
|
88.8 |
|
|
|
91.9 |
|
|
|
92.5 |
|
|
|
90.2 |
|
|
|
85.2 |
|
|
|
81.3 |
|
|
|
67.3 |
|
|
|
37.4 |
|
Gross profit |
|
|
27.3 |
|
|
|
23.8 |
|
|
|
23.1 |
|
|
|
22.3 |
|
|
|
25.5 |
|
|
|
20.7 |
|
|
|
19.3 |
|
|
|
15.6 |
|
Operating expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SG&A(2) |
|
|
21.4 |
|
|
|
17.8 |
|
|
|
18.8 |
|
|
|
14.7 |
|
|
|
16.3 |
|
|
|
14.0 |
|
|
|
12.1 |
|
|
|
10.1 |
|
Amortization of intangibles assets |
|
|
0.7 |
|
|
|
0.9 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
0.8 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
Impairment of goodwill,
intangibles and other assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income (loss) |
|
|
5.3 |
|
|
|
5.1 |
|
|
|
(11.6 |
) |
|
|
6.8 |
|
|
|
8.7 |
|
|
|
6.2 |
|
|
|
6.7 |
|
|
|
5.0 |
|
Other income (loss), net |
|
|
2.2 |
|
|
|
2.0 |
|
|
|
2.2 |
|
|
|
2.7 |
|
|
|
1.3 |
|
|
|
1.3 |
|
|
|
(0.1 |
) |
|
|
(0.1 |
) |
(Provision) for income taxes |
|
|
(1.4 |
) |
|
|
(1.7 |
) |
|
|
(1.0 |
) |
|
|
(1.0 |
) |
|
|
(1.2 |
) |
|
|
(0.5 |
) |
|
|
(0.6 |
) |
|
|
(0.3 |
) |
Net income (loss) |
|
|
6.1 |
|
|
|
5.5 |
|
|
|
(10.5 |
) |
|
|
8.4 |
|
|
|
8.8 |
|
|
|
7.0 |
|
|
|
6.0 |
|
|
|
4.6 |
|
The following table sets forth for the periods indicated selected consolidated financial data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal 2008 |
|
Fiscal 2007 |
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
March |
|
December |
|
September |
|
June |
|
March |
|
December |
|
September |
|
June |
|
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2007 |
|
2007 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2006 |
|
2006 |
|
|
(Unaudited) |
Gross profit as a
percentage of
revenue |
|
|
23.5 |
% |
|
|
20.6 |
% |
|
|
20.0 |
% |
|
|
19.8 |
% |
|
|
23.1 |
% |
|
|
20.3 |
% |
|
|
22.2 |
% |
|
|
29.4 |
% |
Operating income
(loss) as a
percentage of
revenue |
|
|
4.5 |
% |
|
|
4.4 |
% |
|
|
(10.1 |
)% |
|
|
6.0 |
% |
|
|
7.9 |
% |
|
|
6.2 |
% |
|
|
7.7 |
% |
|
|
9.4 |
% |
Gross profit as a
percentage of
revenue less repair
payments |
|
|
36.4 |
% |
|
|
32.1 |
% |
|
|
32.2 |
% |
|
|
32.0 |
% |
|
|
39.8 |
% |
|
|
36.3 |
% |
|
|
36.4 |
% |
|
|
34.3 |
% |
Operating income
(loss) as a
percentage of
revenue less repair
payments |
|
|
7.0 |
% |
|
|
6.9 |
% |
|
|
(16.2 |
)% |
|
|
9.7 |
% |
|
|
13.7 |
% |
|
|
11.0 |
% |
|
|
12.6 |
% |
|
|
11.0 |
% |
The following table reconciles our revenue (a GAAP measure) to revenue less repair payments (a
non-GAAP measure):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal 2008 |
|
|
Fiscal 2007 |
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
|
March |
|
|
December |
|
|
September |
|
|
June |
|
|
March |
|
|
December |
|
|
September |
|
|
June |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
Revenue |
|
$ |
116.1 |
|
|
$ |
115.6 |
|
|
$ |
115.6 |
|
|
$ |
112.5 |
|
|
$ |
110.7 |
|
|
$ |
102.0 |
|
|
$ |
86.6 |
|
|
$ |
53.0 |
|
Less: Payments to repair centers |
|
|
41.0 |
|
|
|
41.6 |
|
|
|
43.8 |
|
|
|
42.8 |
|
|
|
46.7 |
|
|
|
44.8 |
|
|
|
33.6 |
|
|
|
7.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue less repair payments |
|
$ |
75.1 |
|
|
$ |
74.1 |
|
|
$ |
71.7 |
|
|
$ |
69.8 |
|
|
$ |
64.0 |
|
|
$ |
57.2 |
|
|
$ |
53.0 |
|
|
$ |
45.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes: |
|
(1) |
|
The financial information for the quarters from and including the quarter ended June 2007
reflects the acquisitions of Marketics in May 2007 and Flovate in June 2007. |
|
(2) |
|
Our SG&A expenses for the three months period ended September 30, 2007 include a provision
for bad debts of $1.4 million towards accounts receivable from FMFC, one of our mortgage
services customer that filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the US Bankruptcy Code in August 2007. We have filed our claims with the bankruptcy court for the
unpaid invoices, lost profit on the minimum revenue commitment and certain administrative
claims. |
67
Contractual Obligations
Our principal commitments consist of obligations under operating leases for office space, which
represent minimum lease payments for office space, purchase obligations for property and equipment
and capital leases for computers. The following table sets out our total future contractual
obligations as of March 31, 2008 on a consolidated basis:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments Due By Period |
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
Less than 1 Year |
|
|
2-3 Years |
|
|
4-5 Years |
|
|
More than 5 Years |
|
|
|
(US dollars in thousands) |
|
Operating leases |
|
$ |
74,652 |
|
|
$ |
15,820 |
|
|
$ |
23,932 |
|
|
$ |
12,794 |
|
|
$ |
22,106 |
|
Purchase obligations |
|
$ |
1,826 |
|
|
$ |
1,826 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital lease obligations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
76,478 |
|
|
$ |
17,646 |
|
|
$ |
23,932 |
|
|
$ |
12,794 |
|
|
$ |
22,106 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements or obligations.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Historically, our sources of funding have principally been from cash flow from operations
supplemented by equity and short-term debt financing as required. Our capital requirements have
principally been for the establishment of operations facilities to support our growth and
acquisitions.
In fiscal 2008 and 2007, our net income was $9.5 million and $26.6 million, respectively. By
implementing our growth strategy (see Item 4. Information on the Company B. Business Overview
Business Strategy), we intend to generate higher revenue in the future in an effort to maintain
our profitable position.
As of March 31, 2008, we had cash and cash equivalents of $102.7 million. We typically seek to
invest our available cash on hand in bank deposits or short-term money market accounts. As of March
31, 2008, we had an unused line of credit of Rs. 361.8 million ($9.0 million) from the Hong Kong
and Shanghai Banking Corporation, Mumbai Branch.
In July 2008, we incurred a bank loan of $200 million to fund, together with cash in hand, the
consideration for the transaction with AVIVA described under Overview Recent Developments
above. For more information on the bank loan, see Outstanding Loans.
In May 2007, we completed the acquisition of Marketics. The consideration for the acquisition is an
initial payment of $30.0 million in May 2007 and a contingent
earn-out consideration of $33.7 million calculated based on the performance and results of operations of Marketics for its fiscal year
ended March 31, 2008 which was paid in July 2008. 75.1% of
the share capital of Marketics was transferred to us in May 2007 and
the remaining 24.9% of the share capital of Marketics is in the
process of being transferred to us pursuant to the payment of the contingent earn-out consideration. We
paid the initial $30.0 million payment from our cash and cash equivalents (including the net proceeds
to us from our initial public offering) in May 2007 and the
$33.7 million contingent earn-out consideration also from our cash
and cash equivalents in July 2008. We have consolidated 100% of the
results of operation of Marketics from May 1, 2007.
In June 2007, we completed the acquisition of Flovate (which we subsequently renamed as WNS
Workflow Technologies Limited). We paid £3.3 million in
cash in June 2007 and deposited into an escrow account an
additional retention amount of £0.7 million, which has since been paid to
the selling shareholders.
68
In April 2008, we completed the acquisition of Chang Limited. The consideration for the acquisition
is an initial payment of $16.0 million and a contingent earn-out consideration of up to $3.2 million
to be calculated based on the performance and results of operations of Chang Limited for its fiscal
year ending March 31, 2009 payable in April 2009. We paid
the initial $16.0 million payment, and we intend to pay the
contingent earn-out consideration, from cash
generated from operating activities and existing cash and cash equivalents.
In June 2008, we completed the acquisition of BizAps. The consideration for the acquisition is an
initial payment of $10.0 million and a contingent earn-out
consideration of up to $9.0 million to be
calculated based on the performance and results of operations of BizAps for its fiscal years ending
June 30, 2009 and 2010 payable in July 2010. We paid the
initial $10.0 million payment, and we intend to pay the
contingent earn-out consideration, from cash generated
from operating activities and existing cash and cash equivalents.
In July 2008, we entered into the transaction with AVIVA consisting of the share sale and purchase
agreement pursuant to which we acquired all the shares of Aviva Global and the AVIVA master
services agreement pursuant to which we will provide BPO services to AVIVAs UK and Canadian
businesses, as described under Overview Recent Developments above. The total consideration
for the transaction was approximately £115 million (approximately $229 million based on the noon
buying rate as of June 30, 2008), subject to adjustments for cash, debt and the enterprise values
of the companies holding the Chennai and Pune facilities which will be determined on their
respective transfer dates to Aviva Global. We incurred a bank loan of $200 million to
fund, together with cash in hand, the consideration for the transaction.
Our business strategy requires us to continuously expand our delivery capabilities. We expect to
incur capital expenditures on setting up new delivery centers or expanding existing delivery
centers and setting up related technology to enable offshore execution and management of clients
business processes. We expect our capital expenditures needs in fiscal 2009 to be approximately
$35.0 million. As of March 31, 2008, we had material commitments for capital expenditures of $18.0
million relating to the purchase of property and equipment for our delivery centers. We believe
that our anticipated cash generated from operating activities and, cash and cash equivalents in
hand will be sufficient to meet out estimated capital expenditures for fiscal 2009.
We may in the future consider making acquisitions which we expect to be able to finance partly or
fully from cash generated from operating activities. If we have significant growth through
acquisitions or require additional operating facilities beyond those currently planned to service
new client contracts, we may need to obtain further financing. We cannot assure you that additional
financing, if needed, will be available on favorable terms or at all.
Outstanding Loans
In July 2008, we entered into a secured 4.5 year term loan facility of $200 million to finance our
transaction with AVIVA described under Overview
Recent Developments above. We drew down the full amount of
$200 million under the facility in July 2008. The rate of
interest payable on the facility is US dollar LIBOR plus 3% per annum. However, this interest rate is subject to change as we have agreed that the arrangers for the bank
loan have the right at any time prior to the completion of the syndication of the bank loan to
change the pricing of the bank loan if any such arranger determines that such change is necessary
to ensure a successful syndication of the bank loan. We expect the syndication of the bank loan to
be completed by March 31, 2009.
The interest period for the
loan is three months or such other period as we may select. We are currently paying interest on a
three-month basis under this loan. The loan is repayable in eight semi-annual installments with the first
installment falling due on July 10, 2009.
Under this
facility, we are subject to change of control covenants and financial covenants as to gearing (the ratio of total
borrowings to tangible net worth), borrowings (ratio of total borrowings to earnings before
interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA), debt service coverage (ratio of EBITDA
to debt service), and the ratio of the aggregate outstanding under the
facility to the value of Avival
Global. As of the date hereof, we are in compliance
with all of these covenants.
The facility is secured by, among other things, guarantees provided by us and certain of our
subsidiaries, namely, WNS Capital Investment Limited, WNS UK and WNS North America Inc., a fixed
and floating charge over the assets of WNS UK, share pledges over WNS Capital Investment Limited,
WNS UK, WNS North America Inc. and WNS Mauritius, and charges over certain bank accounts.
69
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Cash flows provided by operating activities were $41.1 million for fiscal 2008 and $39.3 million
for fiscal 2007. The increase in cash flows from operating activities in fiscal 2008 as compared
to fiscal 2007 was attributable to an increase by $7.9 million in net income as adjusted for
impairment, depreciation, amortization, share-based compensation, allowance for doubtful accounts
and deferred income taxes. This increase was partially offset by an increase of $6.2 million in
working capital. The increase in working capital was primarily attributable to a decrease in
deferred revenue by $13.0 million in our WNS Auto Claims BPO segment arising from advance billing
by us for projects that have not been completed which was partially offset by a decrease in
accounts receivable by $4.1 million, a decrease in prepaid income tax by $1.4 million due to an
increase in MAT payable in fiscal 2008 and an increase in accounts payable by $1.3 million due to
an increase in the volume of business.
Cash flows provided by operating activities were $39.3 million for fiscal 2007 and $34.8 million
for fiscal 2006. The increase in cash flows from operating activities in fiscal 2007 as compared to
fiscal 2006 was attributable to an increase by $12.0 million in net income as adjusted for
depreciation, amortization, share-based compensation, allowance for doubtful accounts and deferred
income taxes. This increase was partially offset by an increase of $7.5 million in working capital.
The increase in working capital was primarily attributable to an increase in accounts receivable by
$7.0 million on account of increased revenues, an increase in prepaid expenses of $1.4 million
primarily on account of an option premium paid on our foreign exchange hedging contracts, an
increase in advances of $5.8 million primarily due to service tax paid that was recoverable from
the government of India and higher corporate tax paid by our UK subsidiary, a decrease in accounts
payable by $5.7 million and an increase in excess tax benefits from share based compensation
aggregating to $5.7 million. The increase was partially offset by an increase in accounts payable
and accruals by $6.8 million due to an increase in the volume of work, an increase in deferred
revenue by $10.3 million arising primarily from advance billing by us for projects which have not
been completed and a decrease in deposits by $1.0 million.
Accounts receivables as of March 31, 2008 and 2007 represented 10.4% and 11.5% of our revenue in
fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007, respectively. The lower receivable as a percentage of our annual
revenue in fiscal 2008 was primarily due to better collections of accounts receivables.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Cash flows used in investing activities were $58.5 million in fiscal 2008 as compared with $38.6
million in fiscal 2007. The increase in cash flows used in investing activities in fiscal 2008
from fiscal 2007 was primarily on account of higher acquisition cost of $35.2 million paid towards
the acquisitions of Marketics and Flovate as compared to the acquisition cost of $0.9 million for
PRG Airlines fare audit services business and GHSs financial accounting business in fiscal 2007,
an increase in capital expenditure by $0.7 million incurred for leasehold improvements, purchase of
computers, furniture, fixtures and other office equipment associated with expanding the capacity of
our delivery centers, and lower proceeds from the sale of our computers and office equipment by
$1.7 million. The increase in outflow is partially offset by net inflow from maturity of bank
deposits and marketable securities of $15.9 million and net proceeds of $1.6 million received on
account of our transfer of the Sri Lanka facility to AVIVA.
Cash flows used in investing activities were $38.6 million in fiscal 2007 as compared with $18.7
million used in fiscal 2006. The increase in cash flows used in investing activities in fiscal 2007
from fiscal 2006 was primarily attributable to an increase in capital expenditures by $12.6
million, the placement of $12.0 million in bank deposits, cash payments aggregating $0.9 million as
part of the purchase consideration for the acquisition of the fare audit services business of PRG
Airlines, which was partially offset by the receipt of proceeds from the sale of computers and
office equipment of $1.8 million. The increased capital expenditures in fiscal 2007 were primarily
for leasehold improvements, purchase of computers, furniture and other office equipment associated
with expanding the capacity of our delivery centers. Cash flows used in investing activities in
fiscal 2006 included a cash payment of $3.9 million towards the acquisition of Trinity Partners.
70
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Cash inflow from financing activities were $5.6 million in fiscal 2008 as compared to $91.0 million
in fiscal 2007 primarily due to receipt of the net proceeds from our initial public offering in
July 2006 of $78.8 million in fiscal 2007, a decrease in the proceeds from the exercise of employee
stock options by $2.5 million and a decrease in excess tax benefits from share-based compensation
expense by $4.1 million.
Cash inflow from financing activities were $91.0 million in fiscal 2007 as compared with cash
outflow of $6.4 million in fiscal 2006 primarily because of the receipt of our net proceeds from
our initial public offering in July 2006 of $78.8 million and an increase in proceeds received from
the exercise of employee stock options by $2.7 million. In
accordance with SFAS 123(R), we
classified excess tax benefits from share-based compensation expense of $5.7 million as cash flows
from financing activities rather than cash flows from operating activities for the fiscal 2007. We
repaid a loan of $10.0 million in fiscal 2006.
We believe that our cash flow from operating activities will be sufficient to meet our estimated
capital expenditures, working capital and other cash needs until at least March 31, 2009, the end
of fiscal 2009.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, or SFAS 157. SFAS 157
defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a
liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. SFAS 157
provides guidance for the determination of fair value, and establishes a fair value hierarchy for
assessing the sources of information used in fair value measurements. SFAS 157 became effective for
us on April 1, 2008. We do not believe that the adoption of this accounting standard will have a
significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and
Financial Liabilities Including an amendment of FASB
Statement No. 115, or SFAS 159, which permits entities to choose to measure many financial
instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at
fair value. SFAS 159 became effective for us on April 1, 2008. We do not believe that the adoption
of this accounting standard will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial
statements.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised), Business Combinations, or SFAS 141(R).
The standard changes the way companies account for business combinations including requiring the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction, establishing the acquisition-date fair value as the measurement objective for all assets acquired and liabilities assumed and requiring the acquiring entity to disclose information needed by investors to understand the nature and financial effect of the
business combination. SFAS 141(R) is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, with early adoption prohibited. We are
currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of SFAS 141(R) on our consolidated financial
statements.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial
Statements an amendment of ARB No. 51, or SFAS 160. SFAS 160 requires an entity to classify
noncontrolling financial interests in its subsidiaries as a separate component of equity.
Additionally, transactions between an entity and its noncontrolling interests are required to be
treated as equity transactions. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December
15, 2008, with early adoption prohibited. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS 160 to have a
material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities an amendment of FASB
Statement No. 133, or SFAS 161. This standard changes the disclosure requirements for derivative
instruments and hedging activities. Entities are required to provide enhanced disclosures about (a)
how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related
hedged items are accounted for under Statement 133 and its related interpretations, and (c) how
derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entitys financial position, financial
performance, and cash flows. This standard is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal
years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008 with early adoption permitted. We are
currently evaluating its impact on our financial statements.
In April 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) No. Financial Accounting Standard 142-3,
Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets, or FSP No. FAS 142-3. FSP No. FAS 142-3
amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to
determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other
Intangible Assets. We are required to adopt FSP No. FAS 142-3 for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2008. We are evaluating the impact of the adoption of FSP No. FAS 142-3 on our
financial statements.
In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles, or SFAS 162. SFAS 162 identifies the sources of accounting principles and the
framework for selecting the principles used in the preparation of financial statements that are
presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. SFAS 162 will become
effective 60 days after the Commissions approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
amendments to Auditing Standards (AU) Section 411, The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity
With Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS 162 to have
a material impact on our financial statements.
71
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
A.
Directors and Executive Officers
Our board of directors consists of seven directors.
The following table sets forth the name, age (as of June 30, 2008) and position of each of our
directors and executive officers as of the date hereof.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Age |
|
Designation |
Directors |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ramesh N. Shah
|
|
|
60 |
|
|
Chairman of the Board |
Neeraj Bhargava
|
|
|
44 |
|
|
Director and Group Chief Executive Officer |
Jeremy Young
|
|
|
43 |
|
|
Director |
Eric B. Herr(1)(2)(3)
|
|
|
60 |
|
|
Director |
Deepak S. Parekh(3)(4)(5)
|
|
|
63 |
|
|
Director |
Richard O. Bernays(1)(4)(6)
|
|
|
65 |
|
|
Director |
Anthony Armitage Greener(1)(3)(4)(7)
|
|
|
68 |
|
|
Director |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Executive Officers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ramesh N. Shah
|
|
|
60 |
|
|
Chairman of the Board |
Neeraj Bhargava
|
|
|
44 |
|
|
Group Chief Executive Officer |
Alok Misra(8)
|
|
|
41 |
|
|
Group Chief Financial Officer |
Anup Gupta(9)
|
|
|
36 |
|
|
Group Chief Operating Officer |
J.J. Selvadurai(10)
|
|
|
49 |
|
|
Managing Director of European Operations |
|
|
|
Notes: |
|
(1) |
|
Member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. |
|
(2) |
|
Chairman of the Audit Committee. |
|
(3) |
|
Member of the Compensation Committee. |
|
(4) |
|
Member of the Audit Committee. |
|
(5) |
|
Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. |
|
(6) |
|
Chairman of the Compensation Committee. Mr. Bernays was appointed as Chairman of the
Compensation Committee in place of Mr. Shah with effect from July 2007. |
|
(7) |
|
Appointed as a director in June 2007. Sir Anthony was appointed as a member of the Audit
Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee with
effect from July 2007. |
|
(8) |
|
Appointed as Group Chief Financial Officer in place of Mr. Zubin Dubash with effect from
February 18, 2008. |
|
(9) |
|
Formerly the Chief Executive Officer Travel Services. Promoted to Group Chief Operating
Officer with effect from September 10, 2007. |
|
(10) |
|
On October 1, 2007, Mr. J.J. Selvadurai assumed the position of Managing Director of WNS UK
in place of Mr. Alan Stephen Dunning. At the same time, the position of Managing Director of
WNS UK became an executive level position and was renamed as Managing Director of European
Operations. Mr. Dunning has since undertaken a senior advisory role to help us further
expand our UK and European businesses. |
In September 2007, we reorganized our corporate structure pursuant to which Anup Gupta, our Group
Chief Operating Officer, assumed the overall responsibility of performing the policy-making
functions in respect of all our business units and became in charge of all our business units,
except WNS Assistance, with the assistance of the respective Chief Executive Officer of each
business unit whose roles were correspondingly reduced as compared to their roles prior to the
management reorganization. Ramesh N. Shah remains in charge of, and retains overall responsibility of performing the
policy-making functions of, WNS Assistance. The Chief Executive Officers for our Travel Services,
BFSI, WNS Assistance, Industrial and Infrastructure Services, Finance and Accounting Services and
Knowledge Services business units are Ambreesh Mahajan, Arjun Singh, Bernard Donoghue, Manish
Sinha, Sulakshana Patankar and Anish Nanavaty, respectively. Summarized below is relevant biographical information covering at least the past five years for
each of our directors and executive officers.
72
Directors
Ramesh N. Shah is our Chairman and was appointed to our board of directors in July 2005. Mr. Shah
is based in New York. In addition to his role as Chairman of our board of directors, he mentors our
North American sales team and manages key external stakeholder relationships. Prior to WNS, he was
the chief executive officer for the retail banking division at GreenPoint Bank and has held senior
positions at American Express, Shearson and Natwest. Mr. Shah received a Master of Business
Administration from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bates College. The
business address for Mr. Shah is 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 2515, New York, New York 10170, USA.
Neeraj Bhargava is our co-founder and Group Chief Executive Officer and was appointed to our board
of directors in May 2004. Mr. Bhargava is based in Mumbai, India. Mr. Bhargavas responsibilities
as Group Chief Executive Officer include executing our business strategy and managing the overall
performance and growth of our organization. Mr. Bhargava served as our President and Group Chief
Financial Officer from 2002 until May 2004 when he became our Group Chief Executive Officer. Mr.
Bhargava received a Master of Business Administration from the Stern School of Business, New York
University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from St. Stephens College, Delhi
University. The business address for Mr. Bhargava is Gate 4, Godrej & Boyce Complex, Pirojshanagar,
Vikhroli West, Mumbai 400 079, India.
Jeremy Young was appointed to our board of directors as a nominee of Warburg Pincus in May 2004.
Mr. Young is based in London. He held various positions at Baxter Healthcare International, Booz,
Allen & Hamilton International and Cellular Transplant/Cytotherapeutics before he joined Warburg
Pincus in 1992. He received a Master of Arts degree in English from Cambridge University and a
Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School. He focuses on business services and
is also a director of Fibernet Communications, Warburg Pincus Roaming II S.A and e-Verger Limited.
The business address for Mr. Young is Warburg Pincus International LLC, Almack House, 28 King
Street, St. James, London SW1Y 6QW, England.
Eric B. Herr was appointed to our board of directors in July 2006. Mr. Herr is based in the United
States. He currently serves as the Chairman of the board of directors for Workscape Inc. (since
2005) and on the board of directors of Taleo Corporation (since 2002). He also serves as the
Chairman of the audit committee of Taleo Corporation. From 1992 to 1997, Mr. Herr served as Chief
Financial Officer of Autodesk, Inc. Mr. Herr received a Master of Arts degree in Economics from
Indiana University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Kenyon College. The business
address for Mr. Herr is P.O. Box 719, Bristol, NH 03222, USA.
Deepak S. Parekh was appointed to our board of directors in July 2006. Mr. Parekh is based in
Mumbai, India. He currently serves as the Chairman (since 1993) and Chief Executive Officer of
Housing Development Finance Corporation Limited, a housing finance company in India which he joined
in 1978. Mr. Parekh is the non-executive Chairman (since 1994) of one of our clients,
GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Mr. Parekh is also a director of several Indian public
companies such as Siemens Ltd. (since 2003), HDFC Chubb General Insurance Co. Ltd. (since 2002),
HDFC Standard Life Insurance Co. Ltd. (since 2000), HDFC Asset Management Co. Ltd (since 2000),
Housing Development Finance Corporation Ltd (since 1985), Castrol India Ltd. (since 1997),
GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (since 1994), Infrastructure Development Finance Co. Ltd
(since 1997), Hindustan Lever Ltd. (since 1997), Hindustan Oil Exploration Corporation Ltd. (since
1994), Mahindra & Mahinda Ltd. (since 1990) and The Indian Hotels Co. Ltd. (since 2000). Mr. Parekh
received a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the Bombay University and holds a Financial Chartered
Accountant degree from England and Wales. The business address for Mr. Parekh is Housing
Development Finance Corporation Limited, Ramon House, H.T. Parekh Marg, 169 Backbay Reclamation,
Churchgate, Mumbai 400020, India.
Richard O. Bernays was appointed to our board of directors in November 2006 and is based in London.
Prior to his retirement in 2001, Mr. Bernays held various senior positions at Old Mutual, plc, a
London-based international financial services company, and most recently served as Chief Executive
Officer of Old Mutual International. Prior to that, he was with Jupiter Asset Management in 1996,
Hill Samuel Asset Management from 1991 to 1996, and Mercury Asset Management from 1971 to 1992. Mr.
Bernays currently serves in several board roles, including as non-executive chairman of Hermes
Pensions Management and as the non-executive director of Throgmorton Trust plc, Gartmore Global
Trust plc, Impax Environmental Markets Trust plc, Martin Curie Income and Growth Trust, Majid Al
Futaim Trust and Charter European Trust plc. Mr. Bernays is also a member of the Supervisory Board
of the
73
National Provident Life. He received a Masters of Arts degree from Trinity College, Oxford
University. The business address of Mr. Bernays is Lloyds Chambers, 1 Portsoken Street, London E1
8H2, England.
Sir Anthony Armitage Greener was appointed to our board of directors in June 2007. Sir Anthony is
based in London and is the Chairman of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority. He was the
Deputy Chairman of British Telecom from 2001 to 2006 and the Chairman of Diageo plc from 1997 to
2000. Prior to that, Sir Anthony was the Chairman and Chief Executive of Guinness plc from 1992 to
1997 and the Chief Executive Officer of Dunhill Holdings from 1974 to 1986. Sir Anthony is
presently a director of Williams Sonoma. Sir Anthony was honored with a knighthood in 1999 for his
services to the beverage industry. Sir Anthony is a Fellow Member of the Chartered Institute of
Management Accountants, and Vice-President of the Chartered Institute of Marketing. The business
address of Sir Anthony is 83, Piccadilly, London W1J 8QA, England.
Executive Officers
Ramesh N. Shah is the Chairman of our board of directors. Please see Directors above for Mr.
Shahs biographical information.
Neeraj Bhargava is our Group Chief Executive Officer. Please see Directors above for Mr.
Bhargavas biographical information.
Alok Misra serves as our Group Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Misra is based in Mumbai, India and
joined WNS in February 2008. Mr. Misras responsibilities as Group Chief Financial Officer include
finance and accounting, legal and regulatory compliance and risk management. Prior to joining WNS,
Mr. Misra was group chief financial officer at MphasiS (part of Electronic Data Systems) and
financial controller at ITC Limited. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in
India. Mr. Misra received an honors degree in commerce from Calcutta University. The business
address for Mr. Mistra is Gate 4, Godrej & Boyce Complex, Pirojshanagar, Vikhroli West, Mumbai 400
079, India.
Anup Gupta serves as Group Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Gupta is based in Mumbai and is responsible
for managing the performance of our business units and enabling units which are our non-business
support units such as risk management, facilities procurement, administration and human resource.
Prior to his appointment as our Group Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Gupta served as the Chief
Executive Officer of our travel services business unit, and has led many new initiatives since
joining our company in 2002. Prior to that, Mr. Gupta was a Principal at eVentures India, a News
Corp. and SoftBank backed-venture fund, where he developed many companies in the offshore services
areas. Previously, Mr. Gupta was a management consultant with Booz Allen & Hamilton. Mr. Gupta
received a Masters of Business Administration from the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta and
a Bachelor of Technology from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur where he graduated at
the top of his class. The business address for Mr. Gupta is Gate 4, Godrej & Boyce Complex,
Pirojshanagar, Vikhroli West, Mumbai 400 079, India.
J.J. Selvadurai is Managing Director of European Operations. Prior to that, he was the Chief
Executive Officer of our enterprise services business unit until September 2007. Mr. Selvadurai is
a business process outsourcing industry specialist with over 20 years of experience in offshore
outsourcing. He pioneered such services in Sri Lanka and set up and managed many processing centers
in the Philippines, India, Pakistan and the UK. Mr. Selvadurai is a certified electronic data
management and processing trainer. Prior to joining WNS in 2002, Mr. Selvadurai was Asia Managing
Director (Business Process Outsourcing services) of Hays plc, a FTSE 100 B2B services company. Mr. Selvadurai is certified in data management and is a member of the data processing institute. The
business address for Mr. Selvadurai is Ash House, Fairfield Avenue, Staines, Middlesex, TW18 4AN,
England.
74
B. Compensation
Our Compensation Philosophy and Practice
The following contains a description and analysis of the compensation arrangements and decisions we
made for our executive officers and other managers for fiscal 2008 and 2007. Other managers refer
to our officers who are holding positions of Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President or
their equivalent.
General Philosophy
A combination of base salary, performance-based bonus and equity awards (as long-term incentives)
is used to compensate our executive officers and other managers. The compensation for our executive
officers and other managers is designed (a) to be competitive with compensation packages of
comparable information technology and IT-enabled services, or ITES, companies in India,
particularly ITES companies in the BPO sector as we compete directly with these companies for the
same talent-pool to provide services to similar clients; and (b) to retain and attract talent from
the US and Europe which is required to meet our needs as a global BPO company, particularly as all
of our clients are based outside of India.
The information technology and BPO sectors have been leading growth sectors in India in the recent
years and compete with each other for managerial talent required to drive their growth. We, in
turn, routinely adjust our compensation levels in order to attract and retain employees with the
requisite managerial skills and background. We also routinely review compensation packages offered
by peer companies in the countries where our executive officers and other managers are located to
assess our competitiveness. In particular, to serve the needs of our clients in the UK and the US,
we set our compensation levels with a view to be in a competitive position to actively recruit
senior management talent based in these two countries.
In general, at the beginning of each fiscal year, our board of directors sets individual and group
performance targets for our executive officers and other managers. For our executive officers, the
incentive awards, consisting of performance-based bonus and equity award, are linked primarily to
our growth for earnings (net income excluding stock compensation and amortization charges) and
revenue less repair payments and other strategically important targets. For other managers, the
incentive awards are linked primarily to the achievement of the operational goals for the areas of
operations managed by them and, to a lesser extent, to our overall annual performance.
Determination of Compensation
The compensation committee is provided with the primary authority to determine and approve the
compensation package, as well as the individual elements of the compensation package, of our
executive officers. Consistent with the last two fiscal years, an independent global human resource
consulting firm, Mercer Human Resource Consulting, or Mercer, was retained by the compensation
committee to assist it in the determination of the key elements of our compensation package. To aid
the compensation committee in making its determination, our Chairman of the Board, our Group Chief
Executive Officer, and our Chief People Officer, who is the head of our human resource department,
provide recommendations to the compensation committee regarding the compensation of our executive
officers based upon Mercers recommendations as well as their own analyses. To determine the
compensation of our executive officers, the compensation committee, in turn, reviews the
performance of these executive officers, and participates in discussions with the Chairman of the
Board and the Group Chief Executive Officer, and considers their recommendations in the light of
Mercers compensation survey findings of comparable companies and recommendations to determine and
approve our executive officers compensations. For other managers, the compensation committee
determines the maximum equity awards to be granted and the guidelines for making such grants and
authorizes the Group Chief Executive Officer, in consultation with the Chairman of the Board, to
determine the awards to be granted to these members of the management team subject to the maximum
number of awards and guidelines. In addition, our Group Chief Executive Officer, our Chairman of
the Board and our Chief People Officer, in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer of each of
our business units and the head of each of our enabling units, determine the base salary and bonus
of our other managers.
75
Target Overall Compensation
We set our overall compensation targets in close consultation with Mercer. In fiscal 2006, in
conjunction with our preparation for our initial public offering in July 2006, Mercers work
included conducting a survey of the prevailing compensation practices within the information
technology and ITES/BPO industries in India and the US to advise the compensation committee on
compensation structures and appropriate amounts and nature of compensation for our executive
officers and other managers to ensure that our compensation package is competitive in our markets.
The companies selected by Mercer for its survey for benchmarking our executive officers
compensation also included companies in similar industries and size that were recently listed in
the US at that time. The selected peer group of companies included SynTel, LLC and Convergys
Corporation from the data processing, outsourced services and telecommunication services
industries, and Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation, Covansys Corp. and Kanbay, Inc. from
the information technology consulting and other services industries.
The Mercer survey provided us with a starting point in the determination of our overall
compensation targets. In addition, we considered factors which from our experience have been
important in the retention of our employees and the feedback received from our employees as well as
potential employees during recruitment to determine the overall compensation targets. In the case
of our Group Chief Executive Officer, we also considered our overall performance under his
leadership and the opportunity cost of finding a suitable replacement for him. Based upon Mercers
recommendations and the other considerations discussed above, the compensation committee determined
and approved the fiscal 2008 target overall compensation for our executive officers.
Allocation Among Compensation Components
The compensation package for our executive officers and other managers comprises a base salary, a
cash bonus and the grant of equity awards in the form of stock options and RSUs linked to
performance. The mix of compensation components varies based on the seniority level of the
executive officer. We typically allocate proportionately more performance-based compensation for
the more senior levels of management to ensure that their total compensation reflects our overall
success or failure and to motivate these senior management team members to meet appropriate
performance measures, thereby maximizing total return to shareholders. Correspondingly, the weight
of the base salary component in the overall compensation is greater for lower levels of management.
Each vested option is exercisable into one ordinary share and each vested RSU entitles the holder
of such RSU to receive one ordinary share. In fiscal 2008, only employees holding the positions of
Executive Vice President and above were granted stock options and RSUs. Senior Vice Presidents and
Vice Presidents were granted RSUs. The value of three stock options is equivalent to the value of
one RSU and the mix of equity awards between stock options and RSUs granted to our Executive Vice
Presidents and above were in the ratio of 3 to 2.
Base Salary. We pay a base salary to our executive officers and other managers to enable them to
maintain a standard of living in keeping with their professional standing and background within
their communities. Data from Mercers survey of our peer group of companies was a significant
factor in determining the salary levels. We also relied heavily on our recruiting experience for
senior executive level positions. It is our experience that base salary levels are considered to be
more important in attracting the right candidates for our Senior Vice President level positions and
below than for more senior management level positions and we set base salaries accordingly to
compete for the right talent at each level.
Cash Bonus. Cash performance bonuses are awarded at the end of each fiscal year based upon the
achievement of individual and group performance targets. The cash performance bonuses payable are
accrued every month. Statutorily applicable taxes and contributions payable on these amounts are
deducted before payment. Our executive officers and other managers have a diverse set of measurable
goals that are designed to promote the interests of our three key constituencies, namely,
shareholders, customers and employees, and includes building our organization capabilities as well
as other strategically important initiatives. These goals reflect their key responsibilities during
the year, which range from sales targets to operational goals, and are typically listed as each
individuals key performance indicators. The key performance indicators are identified during the
individuals annual performance review process. The key performance indicators include the
following key financial metrics:
76
|
|
group profit after taxes, plus share-based compensation expenses plus amortization of
intangible assets; |
|
|
|
operating margins; |
|
|
|
annual revenue less repair payments; and |
|
|
|
exit revenue less repair payments, which is the average monthly revenue less repair
payments earned calculated based on the last two months of the fiscal year. |
In addition, for fiscal 2008 and 2007, the key performance indicators included the following
additional performance targets for the following executive officers:
|
|
Chairman of the Board achievement of specified revenue targets in the US; |
|
|
|
Group Chief Executive Officer retention of key managers holding a position of Assistant
Vice President and above and the successful completion of our initial public offering; |
|
|
|
Group Chief Financial Officer achievement of profit after tax targets, acquisition
targets and statutory compliance; and |
|
|
|
Managing Director of European Operations achievement of specified revenue targets in the
UK and Europe. |
Further, the Mercer study, which benchmarked peer group companies, was used to set bonus targets as
a percentage of the base salary for our executive officers and other managers.
Equity Awards. SFAS 123(R), which requires stock options granted to be recognized as an accounting
expense, became effective for us on April 1, 2006. As a result, RSUs, as a compensation tool,
became as attractive as stock options and we decided to grant RSUs together with stock options in
the equity award component of compensation. We believe that RSUs provide as much incentive as stock
options to motivate employees to perform at a high level. An added attraction of RSUs for a growing
company like ours is that fewer RSUs need to be granted to provide equivalent value as compared to
stock options, thereby reducing the dilutive impact to shareholders.
In determining equity compensation, our board of directors first determines the maximum equity
dilution that may result from equity awards and the maximum amount of equity-based compensation
expense that may be incurred for the fiscal year. Thereafter, based upon the recommendations of our
human resource department, we determine the proportion of stock options and RSUs to be granted for
each level of our executive officers and other managers. Finally, with the approval of our
compensation committee, we determine the total number of stock options and RSUs to be granted to
each level of our executive officers and other managers based on the fair market value of the
options on the grant date. The grant of these awards is based upon an individuals performance and
typically occurs after the end of the fiscal year as a part of the annual performance appraisal
process. However, for fiscal 2007, most of the grants were made in July 2006. For fiscal 2008, most
of the grants were made in April 2007 in respect of services rendered in fiscal 2007. The existing
or vested equity holdings of an employee or the number of prior awards granted are not taken into
consideration in determining the number of awards to be granted.
The performance goals for the award of equity awards to our executive officers and other managers
are the same as the performance goals to be considered for cash performance bonus payments. Both
stock options and RSUs typically vest over a period of three years in equal installments from the
date of grant. Under the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan, an individual must remain in our employment and
must not have resigned prior to the date of vesting. Under the 2006 Incentive Award Plan, an
individual must remain in our employment prior to the date of vesting even if he has resigned prior
to the date of vesting. The share-based compensation expenses are amortized over the vesting
period.
Mercer has recommended regular annual equity grants to our executive officers and other managers at
the levels of Senior Vice Presidents and above. Based on Mercers recommendation, we use a tiered
approach that denominates award values as a percentage of salary. These awards vest in equal
installments over a period of three years on each
77
anniversary of the date of grant. In fiscal 2008, we granted RSUs to our executive officers and
other managers at the levels of Vice Presidents and above.
Retirement Benefits
We maintain retirement benefit plans in the form of certain statutory and incentive plans for our
executive officers and other managers. The features and benefits of these plans are largely
governed by applicable laws and market practices in the countries in which we operate and,
accordingly, vary from country to country in which we operate. For more information, see
Employee Benefit Plans.
Perquisites and Other Benefits
The perquisites and benefits granted to our executive officers and other managers are designed to
comply with the tax regulations of the applicable country and therefore vary from country to
country in which we operate. To the extent consistent with the tax regulations of the applicable
country, the benefits include:
|
|
medical insurance; |
|
|
|
leave travel assistance; |
|
|
|
telephone expenses reimbursement; |
|
|
|
food coupons; |
|
|
|
company car schemes; |
|
|
|
petrol and maintenance for cars; |
|
|
|
health clubs; |
|
|
|
accident and life insurance (based on the level of seniority); |
|
|
|
leased residential accommodation; and |
|
|
|
relocation benefits (individually negotiated). |
We review and adjust our benefits based upon the competitive practices in the local industry,
inflation rates, and tax regulations every fiscal year. Our underlying philosophy is to provide the
benefits that are ordinarily required by our employees for their well-being in their daily lives
and to negotiate group-level discounted rates so that all of our employees will be able to pay less
than what they would otherwise pay as individuals for the same level of benefits, and maximize the
overall value of their compensation package.
In countries where it is not possible or it does not make economic sense to provide the same level
of benefits that may be provided in other locations, we pay equivalent cash compensation to our
employees.
Severance Benefits
Under each of our employment agreements with our Group Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of Board
and Group Chief Financial Officer, if we terminated their employment without cause or if they
terminated their employment with us for good reasons, such as a material decrease in their role and
responsibilities or in their salary or bonuses opportunity), they would be entitled to receive the
severance benefits described at Employment Agreements of Certain Directors below.
78
Under each of our employment agreements with our other executive officers, if we terminated their
employment without cause or if the executive officer resigned for good reason, such executive
officer will be entitled to receive a lump sum severance payment in an amount ranging between three
to 12 months of their base salary, and in some cases, up to one years target bonus, and an
acceleration of vesting of stock options and RSUs.
Change in Control Arrangements
In the event of a change in control, all granted but unvested stock options and RSUs under the 2006
Incentive Award Plan would immediately vest and become exercisable by our executive officers
subject to certain conditions set out in the applicable stock option plans.
Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers
The aggregate compensation (including contingent or deferred payment) paid to our directors and
executive officers for services rendered in fiscal 2008 was $3.3 million, which comprised of $2.0
million paid towards salary, $1.0 million paid towards bonus and $0.3 million paid towards social
security, medical and other benefits. This included compensation paid to Mr. Alan Stephen Dunning
for services rendered during the first half of fiscal 2008 when he served as the Managing Director
of WNS UK and to Mr. J.J. Selvadurai for services rendered during the second half of fiscal 2008 as
the Managing Director of WNS UK, which became an executive officer level position and was renamed
as Managing Director of European Operations on October 1, 2007. The total compensation paid to
our most highly compensated executive in fiscal 2008 was $0.9 million (which was comprised of $0.5
million paid towards salary, $0.3 million paid towards bonus payments and $68,431 paid towards
social security, medical and other benefits).
The following table sets forth the total fiscal 2008 compensation paid to our executive officers in
fiscal 2008 who were holding such positions as of March 31, 2008. The individual compensation of
Alok Misra and Anup Gupta are disclosed in the statutory annual accounts of our subsidiary, WNS
Global, filed with the Registrar of Companies in the state of India where
its registered office is located. We are voluntarily disclosing the individual compensation of our
other executive officers.
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As of March 31, 2008 |
Name |
|
Salary |
|
Bonus |
|
Other Benefits |
Ramesh N. Shah |
|
$ |
400,000 |
|
|
$ |
185,000 |
|
|
$ |
51,608 |
|
Neeraj Bhargava |
|
|
480,000 |
|
|
|
325,000 |
|
|
|
68,431 |
|
Alok Misra(1) |
|
|
41,691 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,172 |
|
Anup Gupta(2) |
|
|
393,747 |
|
|
|
148,920 |
|
|
|
20,438 |
|
J.J. Selvadurai (3) |
|
|
180,265 |
|
|
|
70,968 |
|
|
|
76,234 |
|
|
|
|
Notes: |
|
(1) |
|
Appointed as Group Chief Financial Officer in place of Mr. Zubin Dubash with effect from February 18, 2008. |
|
(2) |
|
Promoted to Group Chief Operating Officer with effect from September 10, 2007. |
|
(3) |
|
Promoted to Managing Director of European Operations with effect from October 1, 2007. |
The aggregate compensation paid to our non-executive directors in fiscal 2008 was $279,874 which
comprised of sitting fees.
Our directors and executive officers were granted an aggregate 125,018 options and 161,233 RSUs
under the 2006 Incentive Award Plan in fiscal 2008.
Under the 2006 Incentive Award Plan, our independent directors each received options to purchase
14,000 shares initially and an option to purchase 7,000 shares upon reelection to our board of
directors at each annual meeting of shareholders thereafter. On August 7, 2007, our board of
directors adopted an amendment to the 2006 Incentive Award Plan to eliminate the provision for
fixed grants of options to our directors. The number of awards to be granted to our independent
directors will instead be determined by our board of directors or our compensation committee.
Pursuant to this, our board of directors and our compensation committee determined that each
independent director will be granted 2,000 options and 2.500 RSUs for fiscal 2008. The options
granted to independent directors will be non-qualified options with a per share exercise price
equal to 100% of the fair market value of a share on the date that
79
the option is granted. Options granted to independent directors will become exercisable in
cumulative annual installments of 33 1/3% on each of the first, second and third
anniversaries of the date of grant.
Employment Agreements of Certain Directors
The employment agreement we have entered into with Mr. Neeraj Bhargava in July 2006 to serve as our
Group Chief Executive Officer for a three-year term will renew automatically for additional
one-year increments, unless either we or Mr. Bhargava elect not to renew the term. Under the
agreement, Mr. Bhargava is entitled to receive compensation, health and other benefits and
perquisites commensurate with his position. In addition, pursuant to the agreement, in April 2007,
Mr. Bhargava was granted stock options and RSUs to purchase an aggregate of 65,600 shares that will
vest over a three-year period, subject to his continued employment with us. If Mr. Bhargavas
employment is terminated by us without cause (as defined in the employment agreement), he will be
entitled to receive his base salary for a period of 12 months after the date of such termination,
in addition to all accrued and unpaid salary, accrued and unused vacation and any unreimbursed
expenses. Mr. Bhargava would also be entitled to health benefits during those 12 months to the
extent permitted under our health plans.
If Mr. Bhargavas employment is terminated by us without cause or by Mr. Bhargava for good reason
(each as defined in the employment agreement) and Mr. Bhargava executes a general release and
waiver of claims against us, subject to his continued compliance with certain non-competition and
confidentiality obligations, Mr. Bhargava will be entitled to receive severance payments and
benefits from us as follows: (i) 24 months of base salary and healthcare benefits from his date of
termination; (ii) a lump sum payment equal to twice his effective target bonus; and (iii)
accelerated vesting of the stock options and RSUs granted under this employment agreement through
the end of the month of termination. If we experience a change in control while Mr. Bhargava is
employed under this agreement, all of the stock options and RSUs granted to Mr. Bhargava under this
employment agreement will vest and the stock options will become exercisable on a fully accelerated
basis.
The employment agreement we have entered into with Mr. Ramesh Shah in July 2006 to serve as our
chairman for a three-year term will renew automatically for additional one-year increments, unless
either we or Mr. Shah elect not to renew the term. Under the agreement, Mr. Shah is entitled to
receive compensation, health and other benefits and perquisites commensurate with his position. In
addition, pursuant to the agreement, in April 2007, Mr. Shah was granted stock options and RSUs to
purchase an aggregate of 54,688 shares that will vest over a three-year period, subject to his
continued employment with us. If Mr. Shahs employment is terminated by us without cause (as
defined in the employment agreement), he will be entitled to receive his base salary for 12 months
after the termination, in addition to all accrued and unpaid salary, earned bonus, accrued and
unused vacation and all benefits as set out in the employment agreement.
If Mr. Shahs employment is terminated by us without cause or by Mr. Shah for good reason (each as
defined in the employment agreement) and Mr. Shah executes a general release and waiver of claims
against us, subject to his continued compliance with certain non-competition and confidentiality
obligations, Mr. Shah will be entitled to receive severance payments and benefits from us as
follows: (i) 24 months of base salary and healthcare benefits from his date of termination; (ii) a
lump sum payment equal to twice his effective target bonus; and (iii) accelerated vesting of the
stock options and RSUs granted under this employment agreement through the end of the month of
termination. If we experience a change in control while Mr. Shah is employed under this agreement,
all of the stock options and RSUs granted to Mr. Shah under this employment agreement will vest and
the stock options will become exercisable on a fully accelerated basis.
80
Options and Restricted Share Units Granted
The following table sets forth information concerning options and RSUs granted to our directors and
executive officers in fiscal 2008 on the following terms:
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Number of |
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|
|
|
|
|
Ordinary Shares Underlying |
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Options Granted |
|
RSUs Granted |
|
Exercise Price Per Share(1) |
|
Expiration Date |
Directors |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ramesh N. Shah |
|
|
21,875 |
|
|
|
32,813 |
|
|
$ |
27.75 |
|
|
April 5, 2017 |
Neeraj Bhargava |
|
|
26,250 |
|
|
|
39,350 |
|
|
$ |
27.75 |
|
|
April 5, 2017 |
Jeremy Young |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Eric B. Herr |
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
|
2,500 |
|
|
$ |
22.98 |
|
|
August 7, 2017 |
Deepak S. Parekh |
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
|
2,500 |
|
|
$ |
22.98 |
|
|
August 7, 2017 |
Richard O. Bernays |
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
|
2,500 |
|
|
$ |
22.98 |
|
|
August 7, 2017 |
Anthony Armitage Greener(2) |
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
|
2,500 |
|
|
$ |
22.98 |
|
|
August 7, 2017 |
|
|
|
14,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
28.48 |
|
|
June 15, 2017 |
Executive Officers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alok Misra(3) |
|
|
13,260 |
|
|
|
16,620 |
|
|
$ |
15.32 |
|
|
February 17, 2018 |
Anup Gupta(4) |
|
|
8,203 |
|
|
|
12,305 |
|
|
$ |
27.75 |
|
|
April 5, 2017 |
|
|
|
8,000 |
|
|
|
12,000 |
|
|
$ |
15.68 |
|
|
December 20, 2017 |
J.J. Selvadurai(5) |
|
|
8,227 |
|
|
|
12,340 |
|
|
$ |
27.75 |
|
|
April 5, 2017 |
|
|
|
Notes: |
|
(1) |
|
Applicable in respect of options granted. There is no exercise price for RSUs. |
|
(2) |
|
Appointed as a director in June 2007. The information in this table excludes options to
purchase 14,000 shares granted to Sir Anthony Armitage Greener in June 2007. |
|
(3) |
|
Appointed as Group Chief Financial Officer in place of Mr. Zubin Dubash with effect from February 18, 2008. |
|
(4) |
|
Promoted to Group Chief Operating Officer with effect from September 10, 2007. |
|
(5) |
|
Promoted to Managing Director of European Operations with effect from October 1, 2007. |
Employee Benefit Plans
We maintain employee benefit plans in the form of certain statutory and incentive plans covering
substantially all of our employees. As of March 31, 2008, the amount set aside or accrued by us to
provide pension, retirement or similar benefits was $2.2 million.
Provident Fund
In accordance with Indian and Sri Lankan laws, all of our employees in India and Sri Lanka are
entitled to receive benefits under the Provident Fund, a defined contribution plan to which both we
and the employee contribute monthly at a pre-determined rate (currently 12% of the employees base
salary). These contributions are made to the Government Provident Fund and we have no further
obligation under this fund apart from our monthly contributions. We contributed an aggregate of
$5.1 million in fiscal 2008, $3.2 million in fiscal 2007 and $1.8 million in fiscal 2006 to the
Government Provident Fund.
US Savings Plan
Eligible employees in the US participate in a savings plan, or the US Savings Plan, pursuant to
Section 401(k) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code. The US
Savings Plan allows our employees to defer a portion of their annual earnings on a pre-tax basis
through voluntary contributions thereunder. The US Savings Plan provides that we can make optional
contributions up to the maximum allowable limit under the Code.
UK Pension Scheme
Eligible employees in the UK contribute to a defined contribution pension scheme operated in the
UK. The assets of the scheme are held separately from ours in an independently administered fund.
The pension expense represents contributions payable to the fund by us.
81
Gratuity
In accordance with Indian and Sri Lankan laws, we provide for gratuity pursuant to a defined
benefit retirement plan covering all our employees in India and Sri Lanka. Our gratuity plan
provides for a lump sum payment to eligible employees on retirement death, incapacitation or on
termination of employment in an amount based on the employees salary and length of service with us
(subject to a maximum of approximately $8,000 per employee in India). In India, we provide the
gratuity benefit of two Indian subsidiaries through actuarially determined contributions pursuant
to a non-participating annuity contract administered and managed by the Life Insurance Corporation
of India, or LIC, and AVIVA Life Insurance Company Pvt. Ltd., or AVIVA Life Insurance. Under this
plan, the obligation to pay gratuity remains with us although LIC and AVIVA Life Insurance
administer the plan. We contributed an aggregate of $0.1 million, $0.1 million and $0.2 million in
fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, to LIC and AVIVA Life Insurance. Our Sri Lanka subsidiary
and five of our Indian subsidiaries have unfunded gratuity obligations.
Compensated Absence
Our liability for compensated absences is determined on an accrual basis for the entire unused
vacation balance standing to the credit of each employee as at year-end and were charged to income
in the year in which they accrue.
2002 Stock Incentive Plan
We adopted the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan on July 3, 2002 to help attract and retain the best
available personnel to serve us and our subsidiaries as officers, directors and employees. We
terminated the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan upon our adoption of the 2006 Incentive Award Plan
effective upon the pricing of our initial public offering as described below. Upon termination of
the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan, the shares that would otherwise have been available for the grant
under the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan were effectively rolled over into the 2006 Incentive Award
Plan, and any awards outstanding remain in full force and effect in accordance with the terms of
the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan.
Administration. The 2002 Stock Incentive Plan is administered by our board of directors, which may
delegate its authority to a committee (in either case, the Administrator). The Administrator has
complete authority, subject to the terms of the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan and applicable law, to
make all determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of the 2002 Stock Incentive
Plan.
Eligibility. Under the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan, the Administrator was authorized to grant stock
options to our officers, directors and employees, and those of our subsidiaries, subject to the
terms and conditions of the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan.
Stock Options. Stock options vest and become exercisable as determined by the Administrator and
set forth in individual stock option agreements, but may not, in any event, be exercised later than
ten years after their grant dates. In addition, stock options may be exercised prior to vesting in
some cases. Upon exercise, an optionee must tender the full exercise price of the stock option in
cash, check or other form acceptable to the Administrator, at which time the stock options are
generally subject to applicable income, employment and other withholding taxes. Stock options may,
in the sole discretion of the Administrator as set forth in applicable award agreements, continue
to be exercisable for a period following an optionees termination of service. Shares issued in
respect of exercised stock options may be subject to additional transfer restrictions. Any grants
of stock options under the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan to US participants were in the form of
non-qualified stock options. Optionees, other than optionees who are employees of our subsidiaries
in India, are entitled to exercise their stock options for shares or ADSs in the company.
Corporate Transactions. If we engage in a merger or similar corporate transaction, except as may
otherwise be provided in an individual award agreement, outstanding stock options will be
terminated unless they are assumed by a successor corporation. In addition, the Administrator has
broad discretion to adjust the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan and any stock options thereunder to
account for any changes in our capitalization.
Amendment. Our board of directors may amend or suspend the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan at any time,
provided that any such amendment or suspension must not impact any holder of outstanding stock
options without such holders consent.
82
Transferability of Stock Options. Each stock option may be exercised during the optionees
lifetime only by the optionee. No stock option may be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated,
transferred or disposed of by an optionee other than by express permission of the Administrator
(only in the case of employees of non-Indian subsidiaries), by will or by the laws of descent and
distribution.
Number of Shares Authorized; Outstanding Options. As of the date of termination of the 2002 Stock
Incentive Plan on July 25, 2006, the day immediately preceding the date of pricing of our initial
public offering, an aggregate of 6,082,042 of our ordinary shares had been authorized for grant
under the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan, of which options to purchase 2,116,266 ordinary shares were
issued and exercised and options to purchase 3,875,655 ordinary shares were issued and outstanding.
Of the options to purchase 3,875,655 ordinary shares, options to purchase 2,516,425 ordinary shares
have been exercised and options to purchase 1,143,528 ordinary shares remain outstanding as of June
30, 2008. In addition, as of June 30, 2008, options under the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan to purchase
an aggregate of 413,336 ordinary shares were held by all our directors and executive officers as a
group. The exercise prices of these options range from £0.9970 to £7.0000. The expiration dates of
these options range from July 1, 2012 to February 21, 2016. Options granted under the 2002 Stock
Incentive Plan that are forfeited, lapsed or canceled, settled in cash, that expire or are
repurchased by us at the original purchase price would have been available for grant under the 2002
Stock Incentive Plan and would be effectively rolled over into the 2006 Incentive Award Plan.
2006 Incentive Award Plan
We adopted the 2006 Incentive Award Plan on June 1, 2006. The purpose of the 2006 Incentive Award
Plan is to promote the success and enhance the value of our company by linking the personal
interests of the directors, employees and consultants of our company and our subsidiaries to those
of our shareholders and by providing these individuals with an incentive for outstanding
performance. The 2006 Incentive Award Plan is further intended to provide us with the ability to
motivate, attract and retain the services of these individuals.
Shares Available for Awards. Subject to certain adjustments set forth in the 2006 Incentive Award
Plan, the maximum number of shares that may be issued or awarded under the 2006 Incentive Award
Plan is equal to the sum of (x) 3,000,000 shares, (y) any shares that remain available for grant
under the Stock Incentive Plan, and (z) any shares subject to awards under the Stock Incentive Plan
which terminate, expire or lapse for any reason or are settled in cash on or after the effective
date of the 2006 Incentive Award Plan. The maximum number of shares which may be subject to awards
granted to any one participant during any calendar year is 500,000 shares and the maximum amount
that may be paid to a participant in cash during any calendar year with respect to cash-based
awards is $10,000,000. To the extent that an award terminates or is settled in cash, any shares
subject to the award will again be available for the grant. Any shares tendered or withheld to
satisfy the grant or exercise price or tax withholding obligation with respect to any award will
not be available for subsequent grant. Except as described below with respect to independent
directors, no determination has been made as to the types or amounts of awards that will be granted
to specific individuals pursuant to the 2006 Incentive Award Plan.
Administration. The 2006 Incentive Award Plan is administered by our board of directors, which may
delegate its authority to a committee. We anticipate that the compensation committee of our board
of directors will administer the 2006 Incentive Award Plan, except that our board of directors will
administer the plan with respect to awards granted to our independent directors. The plan
administrator will determine eligibility, the types and sizes of awards, the price and timing of
awards and the acceleration or waiver of any vesting restriction, provided that the plan
administrator will not have the authority to accelerate vesting or waive the forfeiture of any
performance-based awards.
Eligibility. Our employees, consultants and directors and those of our subsidiaries are eligible
to be granted awards, except that only employees of our company and our qualifying corporate
subsidiaries are eligible to be granted options that are intended to qualify as incentive stock
options under Section 422 of the Code.
Awards
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|
Options. The plan administrator may grant options on shares. The per share option exercise
price of all options granted pursuant to the 2006 Incentive Award Plan will not be less than
100% of the fair market value of a share on the date of grant. No incentive stock option may
be granted to a grantee who owns more than 10% of our |
83
|
|
outstanding shares unless the exercise price is at least 110% of the fair market value of a
share on the date of grant. To the extent that the aggregate fair market value of the shares
subject to an incentive stock option become exercisable for the first time by any optionee
during any calendar year exceeds $100,000, such excess will be treated as a non-qualified
option. The plan administrator will determine the methods of payment of the exercise price of an
option, which may include cash, shares or other property acceptable to the plan administrator
(and may involve a cashless exercise of the option). The term of options granted under the 2006
Incentive Award Plan may not exceed ten years from the date of grant. However, the term of an
incentive stock option granted to a person who owns more than 10% of our outstanding shares on
the date of grant may not exceed five years. |
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|
Under the 2006 Incentive Award Plan, our independent directors each received options to purchase
14,000 shares initially and an option to purchase 7,000 shares upon reelection to our board of
directors at each annual meeting of shareholders thereafter. On August 7, 2007, our board of
directors adopted an amendment to the 2006 Incentive Award Plan to eliminate the provision for
fixed grants of options to our directors. The number of awards to be granted to our independent
directors will instead be determined by our board of directors or our compensation committee.
Pursuant to this, our board of directors and our compensation committee determined that each
independent director will be granted 2,000 options and 2,500 RSUs for fiscal 2008. The options
granted to independent directors will be non-qualified options with a per share exercise price
equal to 100% of the fair market value of a share on the date that the option is granted.
Options granted to independent directors will become exercisable in cumulative annual
installments of 33 1/3% on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the
date of grant. |
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|
Restricted Shares. The plan administrator may grant shares subject to various
restrictions, including restrictions on transferability, limitations on the right to vote
and/or limitations on the right to receive dividends. |
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|
Share Appreciation Rights. The plan administrator may grant share appreciation rights
representing the right to receive payment of an amount equal to the excess of the fair market
value of a share on the date of exercise over the fair market value of a share on the date of
grant. The term of share appreciation rights granted may not exceed ten years from the date of
grant. The plan administrator may elect to pay share appreciation rights in cash, in shares or
in a combination of cash and shares. |
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Performance Shares and Performance Shares Units. The plan administrator may grant awards
of performance shares denominated in a number of shares and/or awards of performance share
units denominated in unit equivalents of shares and/or units of value, including dollar value
of shares. These awards may be linked to performance criteria measured over performance
periods as determined by the plan administrator. |
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|
Share Payments. The plan administrator may grant share payments, including payments in the
form of shares or options or other rights to purchase shares. Share payments may be based upon
specific performance criteria determined by the plan administrator on the date such share
payments are made or on any date thereafter. |
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|
Deferred Shares. The plan administrator may grant awards of deferred shares linked to
performance criteria determined by the plan administrator. Shares underlying deferred share
awards will not be issued until the deferred share awards have vested, pursuant to a vesting
schedule or upon the satisfaction of any vesting conditions or performance criteria set by the
plan administrator. Recipients of deferred share awards generally will have no rights as
shareholders with respect to such deferred shares until the shares underlying the deferred
share awards have been issued. |
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Restricted Share Units. The plan administrator may grant RSUs, subject to various vesting
conditions. On the maturity date, we will transfer to the participant one unrestricted, fully
transferable share for each vested RSU scheduled to be paid out on such date. The plan
administrator will specify the purchase price, if any, to be paid by the participant for such
shares. |
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|
Performance Bonus Awards. The plan administrator may grant a cash bonus payable upon the
attainment of performance goals based on performance criteria and measured over a performance
period determined appropriate by the plan administrator. Any such cash bonus paid to a
covered employee within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code may be a performance-based
award as described below. |
84
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|
Performance-Based Awards. The plan administrator may grant awards other than options and
share appreciation rights to employees who are or may be covered employees, as defined in
Section 162(m) of the Code, that are intended to be performance-based awards within the
meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code in order to preserve the deductibility of these awards
for federal income tax purposes. Participants are only entitled to receive payment for
performance-based awards for any given performance period to the extent that pre-established
performance goals set by the plan administrator for the period are satisfied. The plan
administrator will determine the type of performance-based awards to be granted, the
performance period and the performance goals. Generally, a participant will have to be
employed by us on the date the performance-based award is paid to be eligible for a
performance-based award for any period. |
Adjustments. In the event of certain changes in our capitalization, the plan administrator has
broad discretion to adjust awards, including without limitation, (i) the aggregate number and type
of shares that may be issued under the 2006 Incentive Award Plan, (ii) the terms and conditions of
any outstanding awards, and (iii) the grant or exercise price per share for any outstanding awards
under such plan to account for such changes. The plan administrator also has the authority to cash
out, terminate or provide for the assumption or substitution of outstanding awards in the event of
a corporate transaction.
Change in Control. In the event of a change in control of our company in which outstanding awards
are not assumed by the successor, such awards will generally become fully exercisable and all
forfeiture restrictions on such awards will lapse. Upon, or in anticipation of, a change in
control, the plan administrator may cause any awards outstanding to terminate at a specific time in
the future and give each participant the right to exercise such awards during such period of time
as the plan administrator, in its sole discretion, determines.
Vesting of Full Value Awards. Full value awards (generally, any award other than an option or
share appreciation right) will vest over a period of at least three years (or, in the case of
vesting based upon attainment of certain performance goals, over a period of at least one year).
However, full value awards that result in the issuance of an aggregate of up to 5% to the total
issuable shares under the 2006 Incentive Award Plan may be granted without any minimum vesting
periods. In addition, full value awards may vest on an accelerated basis in the event of a
participants death, disability, or retirement, or in the event of our change in control or other
special circumstances.
Non-transferability. Awards granted under the 2006 Incentive Award Plan are generally not
transferable.
Termination or Amendment. Unless terminated earlier, the 2006 Incentive Award Plan will remain in
effect for a period of ten years from its effective date, after which no award may be granted under
the 2006 Incentive Award Plan. With the approval of our board of directors, the plan administrator
may terminate or amend the 2006 Incentive Award Plan at any time. However, shareholder approval
will be required for any amendment (i) to the extent required by applicable law, regulation or
stock exchange rule, (ii) to increase the number of shares available under the 2006 Incentive Award
Plan, (iii) to permit the grant of options or share appreciation rights with an exercise price
below fair market value on the date of grant, (iv) to extend the exercise period for an option or
share appreciation right beyond ten years from the date of grant, or (v) that results in a material
increase in benefits or a change in eligibility requirements. Any amendment or termination must not
materially adversely affect any participant without such participants consent.
Outstanding Awards. As of June 30, 2008, options or RSUs to purchase an aggregate of 2,370,479
ordinary shares were outstanding, out of which options or restricted share units to purchase
1,033,170 ordinary shares were held by all our directors and executive officers as a group. The
exercise prices of these options range from $15.32 to $30.31 and the expiration dates of these
options range from July 25, 2016 to April 7, 2018. The weighted average grant date fair value of
RSUs granted during the years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 were $21.68 and $22.26 per ADS,
respectively. There were no grants of RSUs during the years ended March 31, 2006 and 2005. There is
no purchase price for the RSUs.
85
Fringe Benefit Tax
In May 2007, the government of India implemented a fringe benefit tax on the allotment of shares
pursuant to the exercise or vesting, on or after April 1, 2007, of options and RSUs granted to
employees. The fringe benefit tax is payable by the employer at the rate of 33.99% on the
difference between the fair market value of the options and the RSUs on the date of vesting of the
options and the RSUs and the exercise price of the options and the purchase price (if any) for the
RSUs, as applicable. In October 2007, the government of India published its guidelines on how the
fair market value of the options and RSUs should be determined. The new legislation permits the
employer to recover the fringe benefit tax from the employees. Accordingly, we have amended the
terms of our 2002 Stock Incentive Plan and the 2006 Incentive Award Plan to allow us to recover the
fringe benefit tax from all our employees in India except those expatriate employees who are
resident in India. In respect of these expatriate employees, we are seeking clarification from the
Indian and foreign tax authorities on the ability of such expatriate employees to set off the
fringe benefit tax from the foreign taxes payable by them. If they are able to do so, we intend to
recover the fringe benefit tax from such expatriate employees in the future.
C. Board Practices
Composition of the Board of Directors
Our Memorandum and Articles of Association provide that our board of directors consists of not less
than three directors, and such maximum number as our directors may determine from time to time. Our
board of directors currently consists of seven directors. Messrs. Herr, Parekh, Bernays and Sir
Anthony satisfy the independence requirements of the NYSE rules.
All directors hold office until the expiry of their term of office, their resignation or removal
from office for gross negligence or criminal conduct by a resolution of our shareholders or until
they cease to be directors by virtue of any provision of law or they are disqualified by law from
being directors or they become bankrupt or make any arrangement or composition with their creditors
generally or they become of unsound mind. The term of office of the directors is divided into three
classes:
|
|
Class I, whose term will expire at the annual general meeting to be held in July 2010; |
|
|
|
Class II, whose term will expire at the annual general
meeting to be held in September 2008;
and |
|
|
|
Class III, whose term will expire at the annual general meeting to be held in 2009. |
Our directors for fiscal 2008 are classified as follows:
|
|
Class I: Sir Anthony Armitage Greener and Mr. Richard O. Bernays; |
|
|
|
Class II: Mr. Ramesh N. Shah and Mr. Neeraj Bhargava; and |
|
|
|
Class III: Mr. Jeremy Young, Mr. Eric B. Herr and Mr. Deepak S. Parekh. |
The appointments of Messrs. Ramesh N. Shah and Neeraj Bhargava will expire at the next annual
general meeting to be held in September 2008. We will seek shareholders approval for the re-election
of Mr. Shah and Mr. Bhargava at the next annual general meeting.
At each annual general meeting after the initial classification or special meeting in lieu thereof,
the successors to directors whose terms will then expire serve from the time of election until the
third annual meeting following election or special meeting held in lieu thereof. Any additional
directorships resulting from an increase in the number of directors will be distributed among the
three classes so that, as nearly as possible, each class will consist of one-third of the
directors. This classification of the board of directors may have the effect of delaying or
preventing changes in control of management of our company.
86
There are no family relationships among any of our directors or executive officers. The employment
agreements governing the services of two of our directors provide for benefits upon termination of
employment as described above.
Our board of directors held 12 meetings in fiscal 2008.
Committees of the Board
Our board of directors has three standing committees: an audit committee, a compensation committee
and a nominating and corporate governance committee.
Audit Committee
The audit committee comprises four directors: Messrs. Eric Herr (Chairman), Deepak Parekh, Richard
O. Bernays, and Sir Anthony Armitage Greener who replaced Mr. Guy Sochovsky when the latter
resigned as a director in July 2007. Each of Messrs. Herr, Parekh and Bernays and Sir Anthony
satisfies the independence requirements of Rule 10A-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, or the Exchange Act, and the NYSE rules. The principal duties and responsibilities of our
audit committee are as follows:
|
|
to serve as an independent and objective party to monitor our financial reporting process
and internal control systems; |
|
|
|
to review and appraise the audit efforts of our independent accountants and exercise
ultimate authority over the relationship between us and our independent accountants; and |
|
|
|
to provide an open avenue of communication among the independent accountants, financial and
senior management and the board of directors. |
The audit committee has the power to investigate any matter brought to its attention within the
scope of its duties. It also has the authority to retain counsel and advisors to fulfill its
responsibilities and duties. Mr. Herr serves as our audit committee financial expert, within the
requirements of the rules promulgated by the Commission relating to listed-company audit
committees.
The audit committee held five meetings in fiscal 2008.
Compensation Committee
The compensation committee comprises four directors: Messrs Richard O. Bernays (Chairman), Eric
Herr, Deepak Parekh and Sir Anthony Armitage Greener. Each of Messrs. Bernays, Herr and Parekh and
Sir Anthony satisfies the independence requirements of the NYSE listing standards. Sir Anthony
was appointed as a member of our compensation committee in place of Mr. Ramesh Shah in July 2007.
Mr. Bernays was appointed as Chairman of the compensation committee in place of Mr. Ramesh Shah in
July 2007. The scope of this committees duties includes determining the compensation of our
executive officers and other key management personnel. The compensation committee also administers
the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan and the 2006 Incentive Award Plan, reviews performance appraisal
criteria and sets standards for and decides on all employee shares options allocations when
delegated to do so by our board of directors.
The compensation committee held six meetings in fiscal 2008.
87
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
The nominating and corporate governance committee comprises four directors: Messrs. Deepak Parekh
(Chairman), Eric Herr, Richard O. Bernays and Sir Anthony Armitrage Greener. Each of Messrs.
Parekh, Herr and Bernays and Sir Anthony satisfies the independence requirements of the NYSE
listing standards. Sir Anthony was appointed as a member of our nominating and corporate governance
committee in place of Mr. Jeremy Young in July 2007. The principal duties and responsibilities of
the nominating and governance committee are as follows:
|
|
to assist the board of directors by identifying individuals qualified to become board
members and members of board committees, to recommend to the board of directors nominees for
the next annual meeting of shareholders, and to recommend to the board of directors nominees
for each committee of the board of directors; |
|
|
|
to monitor our corporate governance structure; and |
|
|
|
to periodically review and recommend to the board of directors any proposed changes to the
corporate governance guidelines applicable to us. |
The nominating and corporate governance committee held three meetings in fiscal 2008.
D. Employees
For a description of our employees, see Item 4. Information on the Company B. Business Overview
Human Capital.
E. Share Ownership
The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our ordinary
shares as of June 30, 2008 by each of our directors and all our directors and executive
officers as a group. As used in this table, beneficial ownership means the sole or shared power to
vote or direct the voting or to dispose of or direct the sale of any security. A person is deemed
to be the beneficial owner of securities that can be acquired within 60 days upon the exercise of
any option, warrant or right. Ordinary shares subject to options, warrants or rights that are
currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days are deemed outstanding for computing the
ownership percentage of the person holding the options, warrants or rights, but are not deemed
outstanding for computing the ownership percentage of any other person. The amounts and percentages
as of June 30, 2008 are based on an aggregate of 42,460,059 ordinary shares outstanding as of that
date.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Ordinary Shares |
|
|
Beneficially Owned |
Name |
|
Number |
|
Percent |
Directors |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ramesh N. Shah(1) |
|
|
392,395 |
|
|
|
0.924 |
% |
Neeraj Bhargava(2) |
|
|
267,118 |
|
|
|
0.629 |
% |
Jeremy Young(3) |
|
|
21,366,644 |
|
|
|
50.322 |
% |
Eric B. Herr |
|
|
4,667 |
|
|
|
0.011 |
% |
Deepak S. Parekh |
|
|
4,667 |
|
|
|
0.011 |
% |
Richard O. Bernays |
|
|
4,667 |
|
|
|
0.011 |
% |
Anthony Armitage Greener |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Executive Officers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alok Misra |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anup Gupta |
|
|
124,970 |
|
|
|
0.294 |
% |
J.J. Selvadurai(4) |
|
|
267,688 |
|
|
|
0.630 |
% |
All our
directors and executive officers as a group (ten persons)(5) |
|
|
22,432,816 |
|
|
|
52.873 |
% |
|
|
|
Notes: |
|
(1) |
|
Of the 392,395 shares beneficially owned by Ramesh N. Shah, 141,265 shares are indirectly
held via a trust which is controlled by Mr. Shah, and the remainder are held directly. |
|
(2) |
|
Of the 267,118 shares beneficially owned by Neeraj Bhargava, 87,300 shares are indirectly
held via a trust which is controlled by Mr. Bhargava, and the remainder is held directly. |
|
|
|
(3) |
|
Jeremy Young is a director of our company and a Managing Director and member of Warburg
Pincus LLC. All shares indicated as owned by Mr. Young was a result of his affiliation with
the Warburg Pincus entities. Mr. Young disclaims beneficial ownership of all shares held by
the Warburg Pincus entities. |
|
(4) |
|
Of the 267,688 shares beneficially owned by J.J. Selvadurai, 251,666 shares are indirectly
held via a trust which is controlled by Mr. Selvadurai, and the remainder
is held directly by his relatives. |
|
(5) |
|
Includes the shares beneficially owned by Jeremy Young, nominee director of Warburg Pincus,
because of his affiliation with the Warburg Pincus entities. Mr. Young disclaims beneficial
ownership of all shares held by the Warburg Pincus entities. |
88
The following table sets forth information concerning options and RSUs held by our directors and
executive officers as of June 30, 2008 on the following terms:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
RSU Awards |
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
shares |
|
|
|
|
|
shares |
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
Number of |
|
|
underlying |
|
|
|
|
|
underlying |
|
|
|
|
|
shares |
|
shares |
|
|
unexercised |
|
|
|
|
|
unexercised |
|
|
|
|
|
underlying |
|
underlying |
|
|
options |
|
Exercise Price |
|
options |
|
Exercise Price |
|
RSUs held that |
|
RSUs held that |
Name |
|
(Exercisable) |
|
per share |
|
(Unexercisable) |
|
per Share |
|
have vested |
|
have not vested |
Directors |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ramesh N. Shah |
|
|
166,666 |
|
|
£ |
3.50 |
|
|
|
83,334 |
|
|
£ |
3.50 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
151,118 |
|
|
|
|
38,333 |
|
|
$ |
20.00 |
|
|
|
76,667 |
|
|
$ |
20.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,292 |
|
|
$ |
27.75 |
|
|
|
14,583 |
|
|
$ |
27.75 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Neeraj Bhargava |
|
|
1 |
|
|
£ |
0.9971 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
180,324 |
|
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
£ |
3.50 |
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
£ |
3.50 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
45,000 |
|
|
$ |
20.00 |
|
|
|
90,000 |
|
|
$ |
20.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,750 |
|
|
$ |
27.75 |
|
|
|
17,500 |
|
|
$ |
27.75 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jeremy Young |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Eric B. Herr |
|
|
4,667 |
|
|
$ |
20.00 |
|
|
|
9,333 |
|
|
$ |
20.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
$ |
22.98 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deepak S. Parekh |
|
|
4,667 |
|
|
$ |
20.00 |
|
|
|
9,333 |
|
|
$ |
20.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
$ |
22.98 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Richard O. Bernays |
|
|
4,667 |
|
|
$ |
28.87 |
|
|
|
9,333 |
|
|
$ |
28.87 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
$ |
22.98 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anthony Armitage Greener(1) |
|
|
4,667 |
|
|
$ |
28.48 |
|
|
|
9,333 |
|
|
$ |
28.48 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
$ |
22.98 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Executive Officers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alok Misra(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,260 |
|
|
$ |
15.32 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
41,279 |
|
Anup Gupta(3) |
|
|
3,334 |
|
|
£ |
3.0000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,935 |
|
|
|
83,403 |
|
|
|
|
23,334 |
|
|
£ |
3.5000 |
|
|
|
23,333 |
|
|
£ |
3.50 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,667 |
|
|
£ |
7.0000 |
|
|
|
6,667 |
|
|
£ |
7.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,667 |
|
|
$ |
20.00 |
|
|
|
13,333 |
|
|
$ |
20.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,667 |
|
|
$ |
30.31 |
|
|
|
3,333 |
|
|
$ |
30.31 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,734 |
|
|
$ |
27.75 |
|
|
|
5,469 |
|
|
$ |
27.75 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,000 |
|
|
$ |
15.68 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
J.J. Selvadurai(4) |
|
|
6,667 |
|
|
$ |
20.00 |
|
|
|
13,333 |
|
|
$ |
20.00 |
|
|
|
4,946 |
|
|
|
58,639 |
|
|
|
|
1,667 |
|
|
$ |
30.21 |
|
|
|
3,333 |
|
|
$ |
30.21 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,742 |
|
|
$ |
27.75 |
|
|
|
5,485 |
|
|
$ |
27.75 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes: |
|
(1) |
|
Appointed as a director in June 2007. The information in this table excludes the options to
purchase 14,000 shares granted to Sir Anthony in June 2007. |
|
(2) |
|
Appointed as Group Chief Financial Officer with effect from February 18, 2008. |
|
(3) |
|
Promoted to Group Chief Operating Officer with effect from September 10, 2007. |
|
(4) |
|
Promoted to Managing Director of European Operations with effect from October 1, 2007. |
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
A. Major Shareholders
The following table sets forth information regarding beneficial ownership of our ordinary shares as
of June 30, 2008 held by each person who is known to us to have 5.0% or more beneficial share
ownership based on an aggregate of 42,460,059 ordinary shares outstanding as of that date.
Prior to our initial public offering in July 2006, Warburg Pincus owned 64.70%, British Airways
owned 14.61% and Theodore Agnew owned 5.54% of our then outstanding shares. Warburg Pincus sold
1,490,000 of its ordinary shares, British Airways sold its entire shareholding and Theodore Agnew
sold 1,075,925 of his shares in our initial public
89
offering, following which Warburg Pincus owned
53.64% and Theodore Agnew owned 2.21% of our then outstanding shares and British Airways ceased to
be a shareholder.
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the Commission and includes
shares over which the indicated beneficial owner exercises voting and/or investment power or
receives the economic benefit of ownership of such securities. Ordinary shares subject to options
currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days are deemed outstanding for the purposes of
computing the percentage ownership of the person holding the options but are not deemed outstanding
for the purposes of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Beneficial Owner |
|
Number of Shares Beneficially Owned |
|
Percentage Beneficially Owned |
Warburg Pincus(1)
|
|
|
21,366,644 |
|
|
|
50.32 |
% |
FMR LLC(2)
|
|
|
6,285,400 |
|
|
|
14.80 |
% |
Tiger Global Management, L.L.C.(3)
|
|
|
2,246,266 |
|
|
|
5.29 |
% |
Nalanda India Fund Limited(4)
|
|
|
2,210,253 |
|
|
|
5.21 |
% |
|
|
|
Notes: |
|
(1) |
|
Information is based on a report on Schedule 13G jointly filed with the Commission on August
22, 2006 by Warburg Pincus Private Equity VIII, L.P., or WP VIII, Warburg Pincus International
Partners, L.P., or WPIP, Warburg Pincus Netherlands International Partners I, CV, or WP
Netherlands, Warburg, Pincus Partners, LLC, or WPP LLC, Warburg, Pincus & Co., or Warburg
Pincus, and Warburg Pincus LLC, or WP LLC. The sole general partner of each of WP VIII, WPIP
and WP Netherlands is WPP LLC. WPP LLC is managed by Warburg Pincus. WP LLC manages each of WP
VIII, WPIP and WP Netherlands. Charles R. Kaye and Joseph P. Landy are each Managing General
Partners of Warburg Pincus and Co-President and Managing Members of WP LLC. Each of Warburg
Pincus, WPP LLC, WP LLC, Mr. Kaye and Mr. Landy disclaims beneficial ownership of the ordinary
shares except to the extent of any indirect pecuniary interest therein. |
|
(2) |
|
Formerly FMR Corp. Information is based on a report on Amendment No. 1 to Schedule 13G
jointly filed with the Commission on February 14, 2008 by FMR LLC, Edward C. Johnson 3d,
Fidelity Management & Research Company and Fidelity Mid Cap Stock Fund. Edward C. Johnson 3d
is the Chairman of FMR LLC. Fidelity Management & Research Company, a wholly owned subsidiary
of FMR Corp., is the investment adviser to Fidelity Mid Cap Stock Fund. |
|
(3) |
|
Information is based on a report on Schedule 13G jointly filed with the Commission on
September 26, 2006 by Charles P. Coleman, III and Tiger Global Management, L.L.C, or Tiger.
Tiger serves as the management company of two domestic private investment partnerships and the
investment manager of an offshore investment vehicle. Mr. Coleman is the Managing Member of
Tiger. |
|
(4) |
|
Information is based on a report on Schedule 13G filed with the Commission on March 20, 2008
by Nalanda India Fund Limited. |
None of our major shareholders have different voting rights from our other shareholders.
As of June 30, 2008, 21,560,877 of our ordinary shares, representing 50.78% of our outstanding
ordinary shares, were held by a total of 15 holders of record with addresses in the US. As of the
same date, 19,511,553 of our ADSs (representing 19,511,553 ordinary shares), representing 45.95% of
our outstanding ordinary shares, were held by a total of one registered holder of record with
addresses in and outside of the US. Since certain of these ordinary shares and ADSs were held by
brokers or other nominees, the number of record holders in the US may not be representative of the
number of beneficial holders or where the beneficial holders are resident. All holders of our
ordinary shares are entitled to the same voting rights.
Related Party Transactions
In May 2002, we entered into a Registration Rights Agreement, or the Registration Rights Agreement,
pursuant to which we had granted, subject to certain conditions, to our shareholders, Warburg
Pincus and British Airways (so long as British Airways holds not less than 20% of our ordinary
shares on a fully diluted basis), certain demand registration rights which entitled these
shareholders to require us to use our reasonable efforts to prepare and file a registration
statement under the Securities Act. Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, we had also
granted, subject to certain conditions, to Warburg Pincus and British Airways certain piggy-back
registration rights entitling these shareholders to sell their respective ordinary shares in a
registered offering of the company. We had agreed to bear the expenses incurred in connection with
such registrations, excluding underwriting discounts and commissions and certain shareholder legal
fees. We had also agreed, under certain circumstances, to indemnify the underwriters in connection
with such registrations. Our shareholders, Warburg Pincus and British Airways, had agreed to indemnify us and the underwriters in connection with any such registrations
provided that their obligation to indemnify is limited to the amount of sale proceeds received by
them.
Pursuant to the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement, we were prohibited from entering into
any merger, consolidation or reorganization in which the company would not be the surviving
corporation unless the successor
90
corporation agrees to assume the obligations and duties of the
company under the Registration Rights Agreement. We were also prohibited, except with the prior
written consent of Warburg Pincus and British Airways, from entering into similar agreements
granting registration rights to any shareholder or prospective shareholder. Following the
completion of our initial public offering in July 2006, British Airways ceased to be our
shareholder and its rights under the Registration Rights Agreement terminated. The Registration
Rights Agreement expired on May 20, 2007.
In May 2002, we entered into a master services agreement with British Airways, which was a
principal shareholder until it sold its entire shareholding in our initial public offering in July
2006. This agreement provided that we would render business process outsourcing services to British
Airways and its affiliates as per services level agreements agreed between us and British Airways.
The agreement had a term of five years and would have expired in March 2007. In July 2006, we
entered into a contract with British Airways which replaced this 2002 agreement. The renewed
contract will expire in May 2012. In fiscal 2008, British Airways accounted for $18.4 million of
our revenue, representing 4.0% of our revenue and 6.3% of our revenue less repair payments. In
fiscal 2007, British Airways accounted for $15.0 million of our revenue, representing 4.3% of our
revenue and 6.8% of our revenue less repair payments. In fiscal 2006, British Airways accounted for
$14.7 million of our revenue, representing 7.2% of our revenue and representing 9.9% of our revenue
less repair payments.
In fiscal 2003, we entered into agreements with certain affiliates of another of our principal
shareholders, Warburg Pincus, to provide business process outsourcing services. In fiscal 2008,
2007 and 2006, these affiliates in the aggregate accounted for $3.5 million, $2.2 million and $1.6
million, representing 0.8%, 0.6% and 0.8% of our revenue and 1.2%, 1.0% and 1.1% of our revenue
less repair payments. We have also entered into agreements with certain other affiliates of Warburg
Pincus under which we purchase equipment and certain enterprise resource planning services from
them. In fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, these affiliates in the aggregate accounted for $189,000,
$202,087 and $193,000 in expenses.
In fiscal 2004, we entered into an agreement with Flovate, a company in which Edwin Donald Harrell,
who was until April 2006 one of our executive officers, is a majority shareholder, under which we
license certain software. Flovate is engaged in the development and maintenance of software
products and solutions primarily used by WNS Assistance in providing services to its customers. In
fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, payments by us to Flovate pursuant to this agreement amounted to $0.8
million, $4.6 million and $3.1 million in the aggregate.
On June 6, 2007, we entered into an agreement with Edwin Donald Harrell, Theodore Agnew and Clare
Margaret Agnew to purchase all the shares of Flovate for a consideration comprising £3.3 million in
cash and have deposited an additional retention amount of £0.7 million into an escrow account which
has been paid to the selling shareholders.
In fiscal 2006, WP International Holdings II LLC, an affiliate of our majority shareholder, Warburg
Pincus, extended a loan of £74,783 to Edwin Donald Harrell, who was until April 2006 one of our
executive officers. The purpose of this loan was to assist Mr. Harrell to finance the purchase of
our ordinary shares upon exercise of his stock options. The loan was repaid by Mr. Harrell in April
2006.
In fiscal 2006, WP International Holdings II LLC, an affiliate of our majority shareholder, Warburg
Pincus, extended a loan of £139,999 to one of our executive officers, J. J. Selvadurai. The purpose
of this loan was to assist Mr. Selvadurai to finance the purchase of our ordinary shares upon
exercise of his stock options. The loan was repaid by Mr. Selvadurai in March 2006.
On January 1, 2005, we entered into an agreement with Datacap Software Private Limited, or Datacap,
pursuant to which Datacap granted us the license to use its proprietary ITES software program. J.J. Selvadurai, our Managing Director of European Operations, is a principal shareholder of Datacap. In
fiscal 2008, we paid $26,000 for the license under the agreement.
C. Interests of Experts and Counsel
Not applicable.
91
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
Please see Item 18. Financial Statements for a list of the financial statements filed as part of
this annual report.
Legal Proceedings
We are defendants in legal proceedings relating to our leasehold rights for a property on which
part of our operations facility in Nashik, India, is situated. The plaintiffs contend that the
lease is invalid and seek to evict us from this facility. The court has accepted our contention
that the matter should be referred to arbitration and further proceedings have been stayed. No
arbitrator has yet been appointed by the parties. We believe that the suit is without merit and
will vigorously defend it. In the event that our defense is not successful, we expect the direct
financial impact of an unsuccessful defense would be minimal, although an eviction could cause a
disruption to our operations if we are unable to find a suitable alternative location.
On June 6, 2006, we received a notice from the Indian Service Tax Authority requiring us to explain
why they should not recover from us service tax amounting to Rs. 173.12 million for the period
March 1, 2003 to January 31, 2005 in respect of the business process outsourcing services provided
by us to certain clients. In addition, the notice asked us to explain why penalty and interest
should not be levied in connection with this tax. We have been advised by legal counsel that this
tax demand, if levied, is not tenable under Indian law. We have filed our response to the notice.
No final order has been passed by the tax authorities since then. In the meantime, the Indian
Service Tax Authority has requested for, and we have provided, supporting documents and
clarifications in respect of the matter.
Except for the above, as of the date of this annual report, we are not a party to any other legal
proceedings that could reasonably be expected to materially harm our company.
Dividend Policy
Subject to the provisions of the 1991 Law, and our Articles of Association, we may by ordinary
resolution declare annual dividends to be paid to the shareholders according to their respective
rights and interests in our distributable reserves. Any dividends we may declare must not exceed the amount recommended by our board
of directors. Our board may also declare and pay an interim dividend or dividends, including a
dividend payable at a fixed rate, if paying an interim dividend or dividends appears to the board
to be justified by our distributable reserves. See Item 10. Additional Information
B. Memorandum and Articles of Association. We can only declare dividends if our directors who are to authorize the distribution make a prior
statement that, having made full enquiry into our affairs and prospects, they have formed the
opinion that:
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immediately following the date on which the distribution is proposed to be made, we will be
able to discharge our liabilities as they fall due; and |
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having regard to our prospects and to the intentions of our directors with respect to the
management of our business and to the amount and character of the financial resources that
will in their view be available to us, we will be able to continue to carry on business and we
will be able to discharge our liabilities as they fall due until the expiry of the period of
12 months immediately following the date on which the distribution is proposed to be made or
until we are dissolved under Article 150 of the 1991 Law, whichever first occurs. |
We have never declared or paid any dividends on our ordinary shares. Any future determination to
pay cash dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will be dependent upon
our results of operations and cash flows, our financial position and capital requirements, general
business conditions, legal, tax, regulatory and any contractual restrictions on the payment of
dividends and any other factors our board of directors deems relevant at the time.
92
Subject to the deposit agreement governing the issuance of our ADSs, holders of ADSs will be
entitled to receive dividends paid on the ordinary shares represented by such ADSs.
B. Significant Changes
There has been no significant subsequent events following the close of the last fiscal year up to
the date of this annual report that are known to us and require disclosure in this document for
which disclosure was not made in this annual report.
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING
A. Offer and Listing Details
Our ADSs evidenced by American Depositary Receipts, or ADRs, commenced trading on the NYSE, on July
26, 2006 at an initial offering price of $20.00 per ADS. The ADRs evidencing ADSs were issued by
our depositary, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, pursuant to a deposit agreement. The number
of our outstanding ordinary shares (including the underlying shares for ADSs) as of June 30, 2008
was 42,460,059. As of June 30, 2008, there were 19,511,553 ADSs outstanding (representing
19,511,553 ordinary shares).
The high and low last reported sale price per ADS since trading on July 26, 2006 are as shown
below:
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|
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Price per ADS on NYSE |
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High |
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Low |
Fiscal Year: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007(1) |
|
$ |
35.83 |
|
|
$ |
20.79 |
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2008 |
|
$ |
29.85 |
|
|
$ |
12.81 |
|
Financial Quarter: |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Second quarter(1) |
|
$ |
29.85 |
|
|
$ |
20.79 |
|
Third quarter |
|
$ |
34.63 |
|
|
$ |
27.70 |
|
Fourth quarter |
|
$ |
35.83 |
|
|
$ |
28.00 |
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First quarter |
|
$ |
29.85 |
|
|
$ |
24.61 |
|
Second quarter |
|
$ |
28.65 |
|
|
$ |
16.15 |
|
Third quarter |
|
$ |
25.00 |
|
|
$ |
15.31 |
|
Fourth quarter |
|
$ |
17.99 |
|
|
$ |
12.81 |
|
2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First quarter |
|
$ |
20.00 |
|
|
$ |
15.60 |
|
Month: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
January 2008 |
|
$ |
17.48 |
|
|
$ |
12.81 |
|
February 2008 |
|
$ |
17.99 |
|
|
$ |
13.95 |
|
March 2008 |
|
$ |
16.42 |
|
|
$ |
14.20 |
|
April 2008 |
|
$ |
20.00 |
|
|
$ |
15.60 |
|
May 2008 |
|
$ |
19.74 |
|
|
$ |
16.83 |
|
June 2008 |
|
$ |
18.99 |
|
|
$ |
16.70 |
|
|
|
|
Note: |
|
(1) |
|
From July 2006 following the completion of our initial public offering on the NYSE. |
B. Plan of Distribution
Not applicable.
C. Markets
Our ADSs
are listed on the NYSE under the symbol WNS.
93
D. Selling Shareholders
Not applicable.
E. Dilution
Not applicable.
F. Expenses of the Issue
Not applicable.
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A. Share Capital
Not applicable.
B. Memorandum and Articles of Association
General
We were incorporated in Jersey, Channel Islands, as a private limited company (with registered
number 82262) on February 18, 2002 pursuant to the 1991 Law. We converted from a private limited
company to a public limited company on January 4, 2006 when we acquired more than 30 shareholders
as calculated in accordance with Article 17A of the 1991 Law. We gave notice of this to the Jersey
Financial Services Commission, or JFSC, in accordance with Article 17(3) of the 1991 Law on January
12, 2006.
The address of our share registrar and secretary is Capita IRG (Offshore) Limited at Victoria
Chambers, Liberation Square, 1/3 The Esplanade, St. Helier, Jersey JE2 3QA, Channel Islands. Our
registered office and our share register are maintained at the premises of Capita IRA (Offshore)
Limited.
Our activities are regulated by our Memorandum and Articles of Association. We adopted an amended
and restated Memorandum and Articles of Association by special resolution of our shareholders
passed on May 22, 2006. This amended and restated Memorandum and Articles of Association came into
effect immediately prior to the completion of our initial public offering in July 2006. The
material provisions of our amended and restated Memorandum and Articles of Association are
described below. In addition to our Memorandum and Articles of Association, our activities are
regulated by (among other relevant legislation) the 1991 Law. Our Memorandum of Association states
our company name, that we are a public company, that we are a par value company, our authorized
share capital and that the liability of our shareholders is limited to the amount (if any) unpaid
on their shares. Below is a summary of some of the provisions of our Articles of Association. It is
not, nor does it purport to be, complete or to identify all of the rights and obligations of our
shareholders. The summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to our Memorandum and Articles
of Association. See Item 19. Exhibits Exhibit 1.1 and Item 19. Exhibits Exhibit 1.2.
The rights of shareholders described in this section are available only to persons who hold our
certificated shares. ADS holders do not hold our certificated shares and therefore are not directly
entitled to the rights conferred on our shareholders by our Articles of Association or the rights
conferred on shareholders of a Jersey company by the 1991 Law, including, without limitation: the
right to receive dividends and the right to attend and vote at shareholders meetings; the rights
described in Other Jersey Law Considerations Mandatory Purchases and Acquisitions and
Other Jersey Law Considerations Compromises and Arrangements, the right to apply to a Jersey
court for an order on the grounds that the affairs of a company are being conducted in a manner
which is unfairly prejudicial to the interests of its shareholders; and the right to apply to the
JFSC to have an inspector appointed to investigate the affairs of a company. ADS holders are
entitled to receive dividends and to exercise the right to vote only in accordance with the deposit
agreement.
94
Share Capital
As of June 30, 2008, the authorized share capital is £5,100,000 divided into 50,000,000 ordinary
shares of 10 pence each and 1,000,000 preferred shares of 10 pence each. We had 43,363,100 and
42,460,059 ordinary shares outstanding as of March 31, 2008 and June 30, 2008, respectively. There
are no preferred shares outstanding as of March 31, 2008 and June 30, 2008. Pursuant to Jersey law
and our Memorandum and Articles of Association, our board of directors by resolution may establish
one or more classes of preferred shares having such number of shares, designations, dividend rates,
relative voting rights, liquidation rights and other relative participation, optional or other
special rights, qualifications, limitations or restrictions as may be fixed by the board without
any further shareholder approval. Such rights, preferences, powers and limitations as may be
established could also have the effect of discouraging an attempt to obtain control of us. None of
our shares have any redemption rights.
Capacity
Under the 1991 Law, the doctrine of ultra vires in its application to companies is abolished and
accordingly the capacity of a Jersey company is not limited by anything in its memorandum or
articles or by any act of its members.
Changes in Capital or our Memorandum and Articles of Association
Subject to the 1991 Law and our Articles of Association, we may by special resolution at a general
meeting:
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increase our authorized or paid-up share capital; |
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consolidate and divide all or any part of our shares into shares of a larger amount; |
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sub-divide all or any part of our shares into shares of smaller amount than is fixed by our
Memorandum of Association; |
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convert any of our issued or unissued shares into shares of another class; |
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convert all our issued par value shares into no par value shares and vice versa; |
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convert any of our paid-up shares into stock, and reconvert any stock into any number of
paid-up shares of any denomination; |
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convert any of our issued limited shares into redeemable shares which can be redeemed; |
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cancel shares which, at the date of passing of the resolution, have not been taken or
agreed to be taken by any person, and diminish the amount of the authorized share capital by
the amount of the shares so cancelled; |
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reduce our issued share capital; or |
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alter our Memorandum or Articles of Association. |
General Meetings of Shareholders
We may at any time convene general meetings of shareholders. We hold an annual general meeting for
each fiscal year. Under the 1991 Law, no more than 18 months may elapse between the date of one
annual general meeting and the next.
Our
Articles of Association provide that annual general meetings and meetings calling for the passing of a special resolution require 21
days notice of the place, day and time of the meeting in writing to our shareholders. Any other
general meeting requires no less than 14 days notice in writing. Our directors may, at their
discretion, and upon a request made in accordance with the 1991 Law by shareholders holding not
less than one tenth of our total voting rights our directors shall, convene a general
95
meeting. Our business may be transacted at a general meeting only when a quorum of shareholders is present. Two
shareholders entitled to attend and to vote on the business to be transacted (or a proxy for a
shareholder or a duly authorized representative of a corporation which is a shareholder) and
holding shares conferring not less than one-third of the total voting rights, constitute a quorum
provided that if at any time all of our issued shares are held by one shareholder, such quorum
shall consist of the shareholder present in person or by proxy.
The annual general meetings deal with and dispose of all matters prescribed by our Articles of
Association and by the 1991 Law including:
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the consideration of our annual financial statements and report of our directors and
auditors; |
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the election of directors (if necessary); |
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the appointment of auditors and the fixing of their remuneration; |
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the sanction of dividends; and |
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the transaction of any other business of which notice has been given. |
Failure to hold an annual general meeting is an offence by our company and its directors under the
1991 Law and carries a potential fine of up to £5,000 for our company and each director.
Voting Rights
Subject to any special terms as to voting on which any shares may have been issued or may from time
to time be held, at a general meeting, every shareholder who is present in person (including any
corporation present by its duly authorized representative) shall on a show of hands have one vote
and every shareholder present in person or by proxy shall on a poll have one vote for each share of
which he is a holder. In the case of joint holders only one of them may vote and in the absence of
election as to who is to vote, the vote of the senior who tenders a vote, whether in person or by
proxy, shall be accepted to the exclusion of the votes of the other joint holders.
A shareholder may appoint any person (whether or not a shareholder) to act as his proxy at any
meeting of shareholders (or of any class of shareholders) in respect of all or a particular number
of the shares held by him. A shareholder may appoint more than one person to act as his proxy and
each such person shall act as proxy for the shareholder for the number of shares specified in the
instrument appointing the person a proxy. If a shareholder appoints more than one person to act as
his proxy, each instrument appointing a proxy shall specify the number of shares held by the
shareholder for which the relevant person is appointed his proxy. Each duly appointed proxy has the
same rights as the shareholder by whom he was appointed to speak at a meeting and vote at a meeting
in respect of the number of shares held by the shareholder for which the relevant proxy is
appointed his proxy.
For the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of
shareholders or any adjournment thereof or in order to make a determination of shareholders for any
other proper purpose, our directors may fix in advance a date as the record date for any such
determination of shareholders.
Shareholder Resolutions
An ordinary resolution requires the affirmative vote of a simple majority (i.e., more than 50%) of
our shareholders entitled to vote in person (or by corporate representative in case of a corporate
entity) or by proxy at a general meeting.
A special resolution requires the affirmative vote of a majority of not less than two-thirds of our
shareholders entitled to vote in person (or by corporate representative in the case of a corporate
entity) or by proxy at a general meeting.
Our Articles of Association prohibit the passing of shareholder resolutions by written consent to
remove an auditor or to remove a director before the expiry of his term of office.
96
Dividends
Subject to the provisions of the 1991 Law and of the Articles of Association, we may, by ordinary
resolution, declare dividends to be paid to shareholders according to their respective rights and
interests in our distributable reserves. However, no dividend shall exceed the amount
recommended by our directors.
Subject to the provisions of the 1991 Law, we may declare and pay an interim dividend or dividends,
including a dividend payable at a fixed rate, if an interim dividend or dividends appears to us to
be justified by our distributable reserves.
Except as otherwise provided by the rights attached to any shares, all dividends shall be declared
and paid according to the amounts paid up (as to both par and any premium) otherwise than in
advance of calls, on the shares on which the dividend is paid. All dividends unclaimed for a period
of ten years after having been declared or become due for payment shall, if we so resolve, be forfeited and shall
cease to remain owing by us.
We may, with the authority of an ordinary resolution, direct that payment of any dividend declared
may be satisfied wholly or partly by the distribution of assets, and in particular of paid-up
shares or debentures of any other company, or in any one or more of those ways.
We may also with the prior authority of an ordinary resolution, and subject to such conditions as
we may determine, offer to holders of shares the right to elect to receive shares, credited as
fully paid, instead of the whole, or some part, to be determined by us, of any dividend specified
by the ordinary resolution.
For the purposes of determining shareholders entitled to receive a dividend or distribution, our
directors may fix a record date for any such determination of shareholders. A record date for any
dividend or distribution may be on or at any time before any date on which such dividend or
distribution is paid or made and on or at any time before or after any date on which such dividend
or distribution is declared.
Ownership Limitations
Our Articles of Association and the 1991 Law do not contain limits on the number of shares that a
shareholder may own.
Transfer of Shares
Every shareholder may transfer all or any of his shares by instrument of transfer in writing in any
usual form or in any form approved by us. The instrument must be executed by or on behalf of the
transferor and, in the case of a transfer of a share which is not fully paid up, by or on behalf of
the transferee. The transferor is deemed to remain the holder until the transferees name is
entered in the register of shareholders.
We may, in our absolute discretion and without giving any reason, refuse to register any transfer
of a share or renunciation of a renounceable letter of allotment unless:
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it is in respect of a share which is fully paid-up; |
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it is in respect of only one class of shares; |
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it is in favor of a single transferee or not more than four joint transferees; |
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it is duly stamped, if so required; and |
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it is delivered for registration to our registered office for the time being or another
place that we may from time to time determine accompanied by the certificate for the shares to
which it relates and any other evidence as we may reasonably require to prove the right of the
transferor or person renouncing to make the transfer or renunciation.
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97
Share Register
We maintain our register of members in Jersey. It is open to inspection during business hours by
shareholders without charge and by other persons upon payment of a fee not exceeding £5. Any person
may obtain a copy of our register of members upon payment of a fee not exceeding £0.50 per page and
providing a declaration under oath as required by the 1991 Law.
Variation of Rights
If at any time our share capital is divided into different classes of shares, the special rights
attached to any class, unless otherwise provided by the terms of issue of the shares of that class,
may be varied or abrogated with the consent in writing of the holders of the majority of the issued
shares of that class, or with the sanction of an ordinary resolution passed at a separate meeting of the holders of shares
of that class, but not otherwise. To every such separate meeting all the provisions of our Articles
of Association and of the 1991 Law relating to general meetings or to the proceedings thereat shall
apply, mutatis mutandis, except that the necessary quorum shall be two persons holding or
representing at least one-third in nominal amount of the issued shares of that class but so that if
at any adjourned meeting of such holders a quorum as above defined is not present, those holders
who are present in person shall be a quorum.
The special rights conferred upon the holders of any class of shares issued with preferred or other
special rights shall be deemed to be varied by the reduction of the capital paid up on such shares
and by the creation of further shares ranking in priority thereto, but shall not (unless otherwise
expressly provided by our Articles of Association or by the conditions of issue of such shares) be
deemed to be varied by the creation or issue of further shares ranking after or pari passu
therewith. The rights conferred on holders of ordinary shares shall be deemed not to be varied by
the creation, issue or redemption of any preferred or preference shares.
Capital Calls
We may, subject to the provisions of our Articles of Association and to any conditions of
allotment, from time to time make calls upon the members in respect of any monies unpaid on their
shares (whether on account of the nominal value of the shares or by way of premium) provided that
(except as otherwise fixed by the conditions of application or allotment) no call on any share
shall be payable within 14 days of the date appointed for payment of the last preceding call, and
each member shall (subject to being given at least 14 clear days notice specifying the time or
times and place of payment) pay us at the time or times and place so specified the amount called on
his shares.
If a member fails to pay any call or installment of a call on or before the day appointed for
payment thereof, we may serve a notice on him requiring payment of so much of the call or
installment as is unpaid, together with any interest (at a rate not exceeding ten per cent. per
annum to be determined by us) which may have accrued and any expenses which may have been incurred
by us by reason of such non-payment. The notice shall name a further day (not earlier than fourteen
days from the date of service thereof) on or before which and the place where the payment required
by the notice is to be made, and shall state that in the event of non-payment at or before the time
and at the place appointed, the shares on which the call was made will be liable to be forfeited.
Borrowing Powers
Our Articles of Association contain no restrictions on our power to borrow money or to mortgage or
charge all or any part of our undertaking, property and assets.
Issue of Shares and Preemptive Rights
Subject to the provisions of the 1991 Law and to any special rights attached to any shares, we may
allot or issue shares with those preferred, deferred or other special rights or restrictions
regarding dividends, voting, return of capital or other matters as our directors from time to time
determine. We may issue shares that are redeemable or are liable to be redeemed at our option or
the option of the holder in accordance with our Articles of Association. Subject to the provisions
of the 1991 Law, the unissued shares at the date of adoption of our Articles of Association and
shares created thereafter shall be at the disposal of our directors. We cannot issue shares at a
discount to par value. Securities,
98
contracts, warrants or other instruments evidencing any
preferred shares, option rights, securities having conversion or option rights or obligations may
also be issued by the directors without the approval of the shareholders or entered into by us upon
a resolution of the directors to that effect on such terms, conditions and other provisions as are
fixed by the directors, including, without limitation, conditions that preclude or limit any person
owning or offering to acquire a specified number or percentage of shares in us in issue, other
shares, option rights, securities having conversion or option rights or obligations of us or the
transferee of such person from exercising, converting, transferring or receiving the shares, option
rights, securities having conversion or option rights or obligations.
There are no pre-emptive rights for the transfer of our shares either within the 1991 Law or our
Articles of Association.
Directors Powers
Our business shall be managed by the directors who may exercise all of the powers that we are not
by the 1991 Law or our Articles of Association required to exercise in a general meeting.
Accordingly, the directors may (among other things) borrow money, mortgage or charge all of our
property and assets (present and future) and issue securities.
Meetings of the Board of Directors
A director may, and the secretary on the requisition of a director shall, at any time, summon a
meeting of the directors by giving to each director and alternate director not less than 24 hours
notice of the meeting provided that any meeting may be convened at shorter notice and in such
manner as each director or his alternate director shall approve provided further that unless
otherwise resolved by the directors notices of directors meetings need not be in writing.
Subject to our Articles of Association, our board of directors may meet for the conducting of
business, adjourn and otherwise regulate its proceedings as it sees fit. The quorum necessary for
the transaction of business may be determined by the board of directors and unless otherwise
determined shall be three persons, each being a director or an alternate director of whom two shall
not be executive directors. Where more than three directors are present at a meeting, a majority of
them must not be executive directors in order for the quorum to be constituted at the meeting. A
duly convened meeting of the board of directors at which a quorum is present is necessary to
exercise all or any of the boards authorities, powers and discretions.
Our board of directors may from time to time appoint one or more of their number to be the holder
of any executive office on such terms and for such periods as they may determine. The appointment
of any director to any executive office shall be subject to termination if he ceases to be a
director. Our board of directors may entrust to and confer upon a director holding any executive
office any of the powers exercisable by the directors, upon such terms and conditions and with such
restrictions as they think fit, and either collaterally with or to the exclusion of their own
powers and may from time to time revoke, withdraw, alter or vary all or any of such powers.
Remuneration of Directors
Our directors shall be entitled to receive by way of fees for their services as directors any sum
that we may, by ordinary resolution in general meeting from time to time determine. That sum,
unless otherwise directed by the ordinary resolution by which it is voted, shall be divided among
the directors in the manner that they agree or, failing agreement, equally. The remuneration (if
any) of an alternate director shall be payable out of the remuneration payable to the director
appointing him as may be agreed between them.
The directors shall be repaid their traveling and other expenses properly and necessarily expended
by them in attending meetings of the directors or members or otherwise on our affairs.
If any director shall be appointed agent or to perform extra services or to make any special
exertions, the directors may remunerate such director therefor either by a fixed sum or by
commission or participation in profits or otherwise or partly one way and partly in another as they
think fit, and such remuneration may be either in addition to or in substitution for his above
mentioned remuneration.
99
Directors Interests in Contracts
Subject to the provisions of the 1991 Law, a director may hold any other office or place of profit
under us (other than the office of auditor) in conjunction with his office of director and may act
in a professional capacity to us on such terms as to tenure of office, remuneration and otherwise
as we may determine and, provided that he has disclosed to us the nature and extent of any of his
interests which conflict or may conflict to a material extent with our interests at the first
meeting of the directors at which a transaction is considered or as soon as practical after that
meeting by notice in writing to the secretary or has otherwise previously disclosed that he is to
be regarded as interested in a transaction with a specific person, a director notwithstanding his
office (1) may be a party to, or otherwise interested in, any transaction or arrangement with us or
in which we are otherwise interested, (2) may be a director or other officer of, or employed by, or
a party to any transaction or arrangement with, or otherwise interested in, any body corporate
promoted by us or in which we are otherwise interested, and (3) shall not, by reason of his office,
be accountable to us for any benefit which he derives from any such office or employment or from
any such transaction or arrangement or from any interest in any such body corporate and no such
transaction or arrangement shall be liable to be avoided on the ground of any such interest or
benefit.
Restrictions on Directors Voting
A director, notwithstanding his interest, may be counted in the quorum present at any meeting at
which any contract or arrangement in which he is interested is considered and, subject as provided
above, he may vote in respect of any such contract or arrangement. A director, notwithstanding his
interest, may be counted in the quorum present at any meeting at which he is appointed to hold any
office or place of profit under us, or at which the terms of his appointment are arranged, but the
director may not vote on his own appointment or the terms thereof or any proposal to select that
director for re-election.
Number of Directors
Our board shall determine the maximum and minimum number of directors provided that the minimum
number of directors shall be not less than three.
Directors Appointment, Resignation, Disqualification and Removal
Our board is divided into three classes that are, as nearly as possible, of equal size. Each class
of directors (other than initially) is elected for a three-year term of office but the terms are
staggered so that the term of only one class of directors expires at each annual general meeting.
Any additional directorships resulting from an increase in the number of directors will be
distributed among the three classes so that, as nearly as possible, each class will consist of
one-third of the directors. This classification of the board of directors may have the effect of
delaying or preventing changes in control of management of our company. Our board of directors
shall have power (unless they determine that any vacancy should be filled by us in general meeting)
at any time and from time to time to appoint any person to be a director, either to fill any
vacancy or as an addition to the existing directors. A vacancy for these purposes only will be
deemed to exist if a director dies, resigns, ceases or becomes prohibited or disqualified by law
from acting as a director, becomes bankrupt or enters into an arrangement or composition with his
creditors, becomes of unsound mind or is removed by us from office for gross negligence or criminal
conduct by ordinary resolution. A vacancy for these purposes will not be deemed to exist upon the
expiry of the term of office of a director. At any general meeting at which a director retires or
at which a directors period of office expires we shall elect, by ordinary resolution of the
general meeting, a director to fill the vacancy, unless our directors resolve to reduce the number
of directors in office. Where the number of persons validly proposed for election or re-election as
a director is greater than the number of directors to be elected, the persons receiving the most
votes (up to the number of directors to be elected) shall be elected as directors and an absolute
majority of the votes cast shall not be a pre-requisite to the election of such directors.
The directors shall hold office until they resign, they cease to be a director by virtue of a
provision of the 1991 Law, they become disqualified by law or the terms of our Articles of
Association from being a director, they become bankrupt or make any arrangement or composition with
their creditors generally or they become of unsound mind or they are removed from office by us for
gross negligence or criminal conduct by ordinary resolution in general meeting.
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A director is not required to hold any of our shares.
Capitalization of Profits and Reserves
Subject to our Articles of Association, we may, upon the recommendation of our directors, by
ordinary resolution resolve to capitalize any of our undistributed profits (including profits
standing to the credit of any reserve account), any sum standing to the credit of any reserve
account as a result of the sale or revaluation of an asset (other than goodwill) and any sum
standing to the credit of our share premium account or capital redemption reserve.
Any sum which is capitalized shall be appropriated among our shareholders in the proportion in
which such sum would have been divisible amongst them had the same been applied in paying dividends
and applied in (1) paying up the amount (if any) unpaid on the shares held by the shareholders, or
(2) issuing to shareholders, fully paid shares (issued either at par or a premium) or (subject to
our Articles of Association) our debentures.
Unclaimed Dividends
Any dividend which has remained unclaimed for a period of ten years from the date of declaration
thereof shall, if the directors so resolve, be forfeited and cease to remain owing by us and shall
thenceforth belong to us absolutely.
Indemnity, Limitation of Liability and Officers Liability Insurance
Insofar as the 1991 Law allows and, to the fullest extent permitted thereunder, we may indemnify
any person who was or is involved in any manner (including, without limitation, as a party or a
witness), or is threatened to be made so involved, in any threatened, pending or completed
investigation, claim, action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative including, without limitation, any proceeding by or in the right of ours to procure a
judgment in our favor, but excluding any proceeding brought by such person against us or any
affiliate of ours by reason of the fact that he is or was an officer, secretary, servant, employee
or agent of ours, or is or was serving at our request as an officer, secretary, servant, employee
or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against all
expenses (including attorneys fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and
reasonably incurred by him in connection with such proceeding. Such indemnification shall be a
contract right and shall include the right to receive payment in advance of any expenses incurred
by the indemnified person in connection with such proceeding, provided always that this right is
permitted by the 1991 Law.
Subject to the 1991 Law, we may enter into contracts with any officer, secretary, servant, employee
or agent of ours and may create a trust fund, grant a security interest, make a loan or other
advancement or use other means (including, without limitation, a letter of credit) to ensure the
payment of such amounts as may be necessary to effect indemnification as provided in the indemnity
provisions in our Articles of Association.
Our directors are empowered to arrange for the purchase and maintenance in our name and at our
expense of insurance cover for the benefit of any current or former officer of ours, our secretary
and any current or former agent, servant or employee of ours against any liability which is
incurred by any such person by reason of the fact that he is or was an officer of ours, our
secretary or an agent, servant or employee of ours.
Subject to the 1991 Law, the right of indemnification, loan or advancement of expenses provided in
our Articles of Association is not exclusive of any other rights to which a person seeking
indemnification may otherwise be entitled, under any statute, memorandum or articles of
association, agreement, vote of shareholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to
action in his official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office. The
provisions of our Articles of Association inure for the benefit of the heirs and legal
representatives of any person entitled to indemnity under our Articles of Association and are
applicable to proceedings commenced or continuing after the adoption of our Articles of Association
whether arising from acts or omissions occurring before or after such adoption.
If any provision or provisions of our Articles of Association relative to indemnity are held to be
invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (i) the validity, legality and
enforceability of the remaining provisions thereof shall not in any way be affected or impaired;
and (ii) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of our
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Articles of Association relative to indemnity shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent
manifested by the provision held invalid, illegal or unenforceable.
Nothing in our Articles of Association prohibits us from making loans to officers, our secretary,
servants, employees or agents to fund litigation expenses prior to such expenses being incurred.
Distribution of Assets on a Winding-up
Subject to any particular rights or limitations attached to any shares, if we are wound up, our
assets available for distribution among our shareholders shall be applied first in repaying to our
shareholders the amount paid up (as to both par and any premium) on their shares respectively, and
if such assets shall be more than sufficient to repay to our shareholders the whole amount paid up
(as to both par and any premium) on their shares, the balance shall be distributed among our
shareholders in proportion to the amount which at the time of the commencement of the winding up
had been actually paid up (as to both par and any premium) on their shares respectively.
If we are wound up, we may, with the approval of a special resolution and any other sanction
required by the 1991 Law, divide the whole or any part of our assets among our shareholders in
specie and our liquidator or, where there is no liquidator, our directors, may, for that purpose,
value any assets and determine how the division shall be carried out as between our shareholders or
different classes of shareholders. Similarly, with the approval of a special resolution and subject
to any other sanction required by the 1991 Law, all or any of our assets may be vested in trustees
for the benefit of our shareholders.
Other Jersey Law Considerations
Purchase of Own Shares
The 1991 Law provides that we may, with the sanction of a special resolution, purchase any of our
shares which are fully paid, pursuant to a contract approved in advance by the shareholders. No
shareholder whose shares we propose to purchase is entitled to vote on the resolutions sanctioning
the purchase or approving the purchase contract.
We may fund the purchase of our own shares from any source provided that our directors are
satisfied that immediately after the date on which the purchase is made, we will be able to
discharge our liabilities as they fall due and that having regard to (i) our prospects and to the
intentions of our directors with respect to the management of our business and (ii) the amount and
character of the financial resources that will in their view be available to us, we will be able to
(a) continue to carry on our business and (b) discharge our liabilities as they fall due until the
expiry of the period of 12 months immediately following the date on which the purchase was made or
until we are dissolved, whichever occurs first.
We cannot purchase our shares if, as a result of such purchase, only redeemable shares would be in
issue. Any shares that we purchase must be cancelled.
Mandatory Purchases and Acquisitions
The 1991 Law provides that where a person (which we refer to as the offeror) makes an offer to
acquire all of the shares (or all of the shares of any class of shares) other than treasury shares
in a company (other than any shares already held by the offeror at the date of the offer), if the
offeror has by virtue of acceptances of the offer acquired or contracted to acquire not less than
90% in nominal value of the shares (or class of shares) to which the offer relates, the offeror by
notice may compulsorily acquire the remaining shares. A holder of any such shares may apply to the
Jersey court for an order that the offeror not be entitled to purchase the holders shares or that
the offeror purchase the holders shares on terms different to those of the offer.
Where, prior to the expiry of the offer period, the offeror has by virtue of acceptances of the
offer acquired or contracted to acquire not less than 90 per cent. in nominal value of all of the
shares of the target company (other than treasury shares), the holder of any shares (or class of
shares) to which the offer relates who has not accepted the offer may require the offeror to
acquire those shares. In such circumstances, each of the offeror and the holder of the shares
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are entitled to apply to the Jersey court for an order that the offeror purchase the holders
shares on terms different to those of the offer.
Compromises and Arrangements
Where a compromise or arrangement is proposed between a company and its creditors, or a class of
them, or between the company and its shareholders, or a class of them, the Jersey court may on the
application of the company or a creditor or member of it or, in the case of a company being wound
up, of the liquidator, order a meeting of the creditors or class of creditors, or of the
shareholders of the company or class of shareholders (as the case may be), to be called in a manner
as the court directs.
If a majority in number representing 3/4ths in value of the creditors or class of creditors, or
3/4ths of the voting rights of shareholders or class of shareholders (as the case may be), present
and voting either in person or by proxy at the meeting agree to a compromise or arrangement, the
compromise or arrangement, if sanctioned by the court, is binding on all creditors or the class of
creditors or on all the shareholders or class of shareholders, and also on the company or, in the
case of a company in the course of being wound up, on the liquidator and contributories of the
company.
No Pre-Emptive Rights
Neither our Articles of Association nor the 1991 Law confers any pre-emptive rights on our
shareholders.
No Mandatory Offer Requirements
In some countries, the trading and securities legislation contains mandatory offer requirements
when shareholders have reached certain share ownership thresholds. There are no mandatory offer
requirements under Jersey legislation.
Non-Jersey Shareholders
There are no limitations imposed by Jersey law or by our Articles of Association on the rights of
non-Jersey shareholders to hold or vote on our ordinary shares or securities convertible into our
ordinary shares.
Rights of Minority Shareholders
Under Article 141 of the 1991 Law, a shareholder may apply to court for relief on the ground that
our affairs are being conducted or have been conducted in a manner which is unfairly prejudicial to
the interests of our shareholders generally or of some part of our shareholders (including at least
the shareholder making the application) or that an actual or proposed act or omission by us
(including an act or omission on our behalf) is or would be so prejudicial. What amounts to unfair
prejudice is not defined in the 1991 Law. There may also be common law personal actions available
to our shareholders.
Under Article 143 of the 1991 Law (which sets out the types of relief a court may grant in relation
to an action brought under Article 141 of the 1991 Law), the court may make an order regulating our
affairs, requiring us to refrain from doing or continuing to do an act complained of, authorizing
civil proceedings and providing for the purchase of shares by us or by any of our other
shareholders.
Jersey Law and our Memorandum and Articles of Association
The content of our Memorandum and Articles of Association reflect the requirements of the 1991 Law.
Jersey company law draws very heavily from company law in England and there are various
similarities between the 1991 Law and English company law. However, the 1991 Law is considerably
more limited in content than English company law and there are some notable differences between
English and Jersey company law. There are, for example, no provisions under Jersey law (as there
are under English law):
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controlling possible conflicts of interests between us and our directors, such as loans by
us or directors, and contracts between us and our directors other than a duty on directors to
disclose an interest in any transaction to be entered into by us or any of our subsidiaries
which to a material extent conflicts with our interest; |
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specifically requiring particulars to be shown in our accounts of the amount of loans to
officers or directors emoluments and pensions, although these would probably be required to
be shown in our accounts in conformity to the requirement that accounts must be prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
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requiring us to file details of charges other than charges of Jersey realty; or |
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as regards statutory preemption provisions in relation to further issues of shares. |
Comparison of Jersey Law and Delaware Law
Set forth below is a comparison of certain shareholder rights and corporate governance matters
under Delaware law and Jersey law:
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Corporate Law Issue |
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Delaware Law |
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Jersey Law |
Special Meetings of
Shareholders
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Shareholders of a
Delaware corporation
generally do not have
the right to call
meetings of
shareholders unless
that right is granted
in the certificate of
incorporation or
by-laws. However, if
a corporation fails
to hold its annual
meeting within a
period of 30 days
after the date
designated for the
annual meeting, or if
no date has been
designated for a
period of 13 months
after its last annual
meeting, the Delaware
Court of Chancery may
order a meeting to be
held upon the
application of a
shareholder.
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Under the 1991 Law,
directors shall,
notwithstanding
anything in a Jersey
companys articles of
association, call a
general meeting on a
shareholders
requisition. A
shareholders
requisition is a
requisition of
shareholders holding
not less than
one-tenth of the
total voting rights
of the shareholders
of the company who
have the right to
vote at the meeting
requisitioned.
Failure to call an
annual general
meeting in accordance
with the requirements
of the 1991 Law is a
criminal offense on
the part of a Jersey
company and its
directors. The JFSC
may, on the
application of any
officer, secretary or
shareholder call, or
direct the calling
of, an annual general
meeting. |
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Interested Director Transactions
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Interested director
transactions are not
voidable if (i) the
material facts as to
the interested
directors
relationship or
interests are
disclosed or are
known to the board of
directors and the
board in good faith
authorizes the
transaction by the
affirmative vote of a
majority of the
disinterested
directors, (ii) the
material facts are
disclosed or are
known to the
shareholders entitled
to vote on such
transaction and the
transaction is
specifically approved
in good faith by vote
of the majority of
shares entitled to
vote on the matter or
(iii) the transaction
is fair as to the
corporation as of the
time it is
authorized, approved
or ratified by the
board of directors, a
committee or the
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A director of a
Jersey company who
has an interest in a
transaction entered
into or proposed to
be entered into by
the company or by a
subsidiary which
conflicts or may
conflict with the
interests of the
company and of which
the director is
aware, must disclose
the interest to the
company. Failure to
disclose an interest
entitles the company
or a member to apply
to the court for an
order setting aside
the transaction
concerned and
directing that the
director account to
the company for any
profit. A transaction
is not voidable and a
director is not
accountable
notwithstanding a
failure to disclose
if the transaction is
confirmed by special
resolution and the
nature and extent of
the directors
interest in the
transaction are
disclosed in |
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Corporate Law Issue |
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Delaware Law |
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Jersey Law |
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shareholders.
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reasonable detail in
the notice calling
the meeting at which
the resolution is
passed. Without
prejudice to its
power to order that a
director account for
any profit, a court
shall not set aside a
transaction unless it
is satisfied that the
interests of third
parties who have
acted in good faith
thereunder would not
thereby be unfairly
prejudiced and the
transaction was not
reasonable and fair
in the interests of
the company at the
time it was entered
into. |
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Cumulative Voting
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Delaware law does not
require that a
Delaware corporation
provide for
cumulative voting.
However, the
certificate of
incorporation of a
Delaware corporation
may provide that
shareholders of any
class or classes or
of any series may
vote cumulatively
either at all
elections or at
elections under
specified
circumstances.
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There are no
provisions in the
1991 Law relating to
cumulative voting. |
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Approval of Corporate
Matters by Written Consent
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Unless otherwise
specified in a
Delaware
corporations
certificate of
incorporation, action
required or permitted
to be taken by
shareholders at an
annual or special
meeting may be taken
by shareholders
without a meeting,
without notice and
without a vote, if
consents in writing
setting forth the
action, are signed by
shareholders with not
less than the minimum
number of votes that
would be necessary to
authorize the action
at a meeting. All
consents must be
dated. No consent is
effective unless,
within 60 days of the
earliest dated
consent delivered to
the corporation,
written consents
signed by a
sufficient number of
holders to take
action are delivered
to the corporation.
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Insofar as the
memorandum or
articles of a Jersey
company do not make
other provision in
that behalf, anything
which may be done at
a meeting of the
company (other than
remove an auditor) or
at a meeting of any
class of its
shareholders may be
done by a resolution
in writing signed by
or on behalf of each
shareholder who, at
the date when the
resolution is deemed
to be passed, would
be entitled to vote
on the resolution if
it were proposed at a
meeting. A resolution
shall be deemed to be
passed when the
instrument, or the
last of several
instruments, is last
signed or on such
later date as is
specified in the
resolution. |
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Business Combinations
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With certain
exceptions, a merger,
consolidation or sale
of all or
substantially all the
assets of a Delaware
corporation must be
approved by the board
of directors and a
majority of the
outstanding shares
entitled to vote
thereon.
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A sale or disposal of
all or substantially
all the assets of a
Jersey company must
be approved by the
board of directors
and, only if the
Articles of
Association of the
company require, by
the shareholders in
general meeting. A
merger between two or
more Jersey companies
must be documented in
a merger agreement
which must be
approved by special
resolution of each of
the companies
merging. |
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Corporate Law Issue |
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Delaware Law |
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Jersey Law |
Limitations on Directors Liability
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A Delaware
corporation may
include in its
certificate of
incorporation
provisions limiting
the personal
liability of its
directors to the
corporation or its
shareholders for
monetary damages for
many types of breach
of fiduciary duty.
However, these
provisions may not
limit liability for
any breach of the
duty of loyalty, acts
or omissions not in
good faith or that
involve intentional
misconduct or a
knowing violation of
law, the
authorization of
unlawful dividends,
shares repurchases or
shares barring
redemptions, or any
transaction from
which a director
derived an improper
personal benefit.
Moreover, these
provisions would not
be likely to bar
claims arising under
US federal securities
laws.
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The 1991 Law does not
contain any
provisions permitting
Jersey companies to
limit the liability
of directors for
breach of fiduciary
duty. Any provision,
whether contained in
the articles of
association of, or in
a contract with, a
Jersey company or
otherwise, whereby
the company or any of
its subsidiaries or
any other person, for
some benefit
conferred or
detriment suffered
directly or
indirectly by the
company, agrees to
exempt any person
from, or indemnify
any person against,
any liability which
by law would
otherwise attach to
the person by reason
of the fact that the
person is or was an
officer of the
company is void
(subject to what is
said below). |
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Indemnification of
Directors and Officers
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A Delaware
corporation may
indemnify a director
or officer of the
corporation against
expenses (including
attorneys fees),
judgments, fines and
amounts paid in
settlement actually
and reasonably
incurred in defense
of an action, suit or
proceeding by reason
of his or her
position if (i) the
director or officer
acted in good faith
and in a manner he or
she reasonably
believed to be in or
not opposed to the
best interests of the
corporation and (ii)
with respect to any
criminal action or
proceeding, the
director or officer
had no reasonable
cause to believe his
or her conduct was
unlawful.
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The prohibition
referred to above
does not apply to a
provision for
exempting a person
from or indemnifying
the person against
(a) any liabilities
incurred in defending
any proceedings
(whether civil or
criminal) (i) in
which judgment is
given in the persons
favor or the person
is acquitted, (ii)
which are
discontinued
otherwise than for
some benefit
conferred by the
person or on the
persons behalf or
some detriment
suffered by the
person, or (iii)
which are settled on
terms which include
such benefit or
detriment and, in the
opinion of a majority
of the directors of
the company
(excluding any
director who
conferred such
benefit or on whose
behalf such benefit
was conferred or who
suffered such
detriment), the
person was
substantially
successful on the
merits in the
persons resistance
to the proceedings,
(b) any liability
incurred otherwise
than to the company
if the person acted
in good faith with a
view to the best
interests of the
company, (c) any
liability incurred in
connection with an
application made to
the court for relief
from liability for
negligence, default,
breach of duty or
breach of trust under
Article 212 of the
1991 Law in which
relief is granted to
the person by the
court or (d) any
liability against
which the company
normally maintains
insurance for persons
other than directors. |
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Corporate Law Issue |
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Delaware Law |
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Jersey Law |
Appraisal Rights
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A shareholder of a
Delaware corporation
participating in
certain major
corporate
transactions may,
under certain
circumstances, be
entitled to appraisal
rights pursuant to
which the shareholder
may receive cash in
the amount of the
fair value of the
shares held by that
shareholder (as
determined by a
court) in lieu of the
consideration the
shareholder would
otherwise receive in
the transaction.
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The 1991 Law does not
confer upon
shareholders any
appraisal rights. |
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Shareholder Suits
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Class actions and
derivative actions
generally are
available to the
shareholders of a
Delaware corporation
for, among other
things, breach of
fiduciary duty,
corporate waste and
actions not taken in
accordance with
applicable law. In
such actions, the
court has discretion
to permit the winning
party to recover
attorneys fees
incurred in
connection with such
action.
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Under Article 141 of
the 1991 Law, a
shareholder may apply
to court for relief
on the ground that a
companys affairs are
being conducted or
have been conducted
in a manner which is
unfairly prejudicial
to the interests of
its shareholders
generally or of some
part of its
shareholders
(including at least
the shareholder
making the
application) or that
an actual or proposed
act or omission by
the company
(including an act or
omission on its
behalf) is or would
be so prejudicial.
There may also be
common law personal
actions available to
shareholders. Under
Article 143 of the
1991 Law (which sets
out the types of
relief a court may
grant in relation to
an action brought
under Article 141 of
the 1991 Law), the
court may make an
order regulating the
affairs of a company,
requiring a company
to refrain from doing
or continuing to do
an act complained of,
authorizing civil
proceedings and
providing for the
purchase of shares by
a company or by any
of its other
shareholders. |
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Inspection of Books
and Records
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All shareholders of a
Delaware corporation
have the right, upon
written demand under
oath stating the
purpose thereof, to
inspect or obtain
copies of the
corporations shares
ledger and its other
books and records for
any proper purpose.
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The register of
shareholders and
books containing the
minutes of general
meetings or of
meetings of any class
of shareholders of a
Jersey company must
during business hours
be open to the
inspection of a
shareholder of the
company without
charge. The register
of directors and
secretaries must
during business hours
(subject to such
reasonable
restrictions as the
company may by its
articles or in
general meeting
impose, but so that
not less than two
hours in each
business day be
allowed for
inspection) be open
to the inspection of
a shareholder or
director of the
company without
charge. |
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Corporate Law Issue |
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Delaware Law |
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Jersey Law |
Amendments to Charter
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Amendments to the
certificate of
incorporation of a
Delaware corporation
require the
affirmative vote of
the holders of a
majority of the
outstanding shares
entitled to vote
thereon or such
greater vote as is
provided for in the
certificate of
incorporation; a
provision in the
certificate of
incorporation
requiring the vote of
a greater number or
proportion of the
directors or of the
holders of any class
of shares than is
required by Delaware
corporate law may not
be amended, altered
or repealed except by
such greater vote.
|
|
The memorandum and
articles of
association of a
Jersey company may
only be amended by
special resolution
(being a two-third
majority) passed by
shareholders in
general meeting or by
written resolution
signed by all the
shareholders entitled
to vote. |
Governance Standards for Listed Companies
We are subject to the NYSE listing standards, although, because we are a foreign private issuer,
those standards are considerably different from those applied to US companies. Under the NYSE
rules, we need to only (i) establish an independent audit committee that has specified
responsibilities; (ii) provide prompt certification by our chief executive officer of any material
non-compliance with any corporate governance rules of the NYSE; (iii) provide periodic (annual and
interim) written affirmations to the NYSE with respect to our corporate governance practices, and
(iv) provide a brief description of significant differences between our corporate governance
practices and those followed by US companies.
We are deemed to be a controlled company under the rules of the NYSE, and qualify for the
controlled company exception to the board of directors and committee composition requirements
under the rules of the NYSE. However, we are not relying on this controlled company exception.
Messrs. Eric B. Herr, Richard O. Bernays and Deepak S. Parekh, and Sir Anthony Armitage Greener are
members of our board of directors and they serve on each of our audit committee, compensation
committee and nominating and corporate governance committee. Each of Messrs. Herr, Bernays and
Parekh, and Sir Anthony Armitage Greener satisfies the independence requirements of the NYSE
listing standards and the independence requirements of Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act.
Accordingly, each of our committees are fully independent.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar for our ADSs is Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas.
C. Material Contracts
The following is a summary of each contract that is or was material to us during the last two
years.
Share Sale and Purchase Agreement, dated July 11, 2008, relating to the sale and purchase of shares
in Aviva Global Services Singapore Private Limited between Aviva International Holdings Limited and
WNS Capital Investment Limited.
On
July 11, 2008, our wholly-owned subsidiary, WNS Capital Investment Limited, entered into a share
sale and purchase agreement with AVIVA, pursuant to which WNS Capital Investment Limited acquired
all the shares of Aviva Global. This acquisition is part of a transaction with AVIVA that included
the AVIVA master services agreement described below. We completed the acquisition of Aviva Global
concurrently with the execution of this share sale and purchase agreement. Pursuant to the
agreement, Aviva Global has exercised its option to require third party BPO providers to transfer
to it two facilities in Chennai and Pune, India operated by these third party BPO providers under
BOT contracts with Aviva Global. The completion of the transfer of the Chennai facility occurred
in
108
July 2008. Completion of the Pune facility is expected to occur in August 2008. The total
consideration for the transaction, including the AVIVA master services agreement described below,
was approximately £115 million, subject to adjustments for cash, debt and the enterprise values of
the companies holding the Chennai and Pune facilities which will be determined on their respective
transfer dates to Aviva Global. We incurred a bank loan of $200 million to fund,
together with cash in hand, the consideration for the transaction.
Master Services Agreement, dated July 11, 2008, between Aviva Global Services (Management Services)
Private Limited and WNS Capital Investment Limited.
On July 11, 2008, WNS Capital Investment Limited entered into the AVIVA master services agreement
with Aviva Global Services (Management Services) Private Limited, or
AVIVA MS,
pursuant to which AVIVA MS agrees to appoint us as service provider and prime
contractor to supply certain BPO services to the AVIVA group for a term of eight years and four
months. Under the agreement, AVIVA MS has agreed to provide us a minimum volume of
business, or Minimum Revenue Commitment, during the term of the contract. The
Minimum Revenue Commitment is calculated as 3,000 billable full time
employees, where one billable full time employee is the equivalent of a
production employee engaged by us to perform our obligations under the contract for one working day
of at least nine hours for 250 days a year. In the event the mean average monthly volume of
business in any rolling three month period does not reach the Minimum Revenue Commitment, AVIVA MS has agreed to pay us a minimum commitment fee as liquidated damages. The
agreement may be terminated by AVIVA MS for a variety of reasons, including a
material breach of agreement by us, or at will at any time after the
expiry of 24 months from October 9, 2008, except in the case of
the Chennai facility which was transferred to Aviva Global in July
2008, 24 months from September 19, 2008 and in the case of
the Pune facility which is currently operated by a third party BPO
provider, 24 months after 60 days from the date of
completion of the transfer of the Pune facility, in each case, with
six months notice upon payment
of a termination fee. We may also terminate the agreement for a variety of reasons, including the
failure by AVIVA MS to pay any invoiced amounts where such invoiced amounts are
overdue for a period of at least 30 business days or if it is otherwise in material breach of the
agreement.
Facility
Agreement, dated July 11, 2008, by and among WNS (Mauritius) Limited as
borrower, WNS (Holdings) Limited, WNS Capital Investment Limited, WNS UK and WNS North America Inc.
as guarantors, ICICI Bank UK Plc as lender, arranger and agent, ICICI Bank Canada as lender and
arranger and Morgan Walker Solicitors LLP as security trustee.
On July 11, 2008, we entered into a secured 4.5 year term loan facility of $200 million to finance
our transaction with AVIVA described under Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
Overview Recent Developments above. We drew down the
full amount of $200 million under the facility in July 2008. The rate of interest payable on the facility is US dollar
LIBOR plus 3% per annum. However, this interest rate is subject to change as we have agreed that the arrangers for the bank
loan have the right at any time prior to the completion of the syndication of the bank loan to
change the pricing of the bank loan if any such arranger determines that such change is necessary
to ensure a successful syndication of the bank loan. We expect the syndication of the bank loan to
be completed by March 31, 2009.
The interest period for the loan is three months or such other period as
we may select. We are currently paying interest on a three-month basis under this loan. The loan is repayable in eight
semi-annual installments with the first installment falling due on July 10, 2009.
Under this
facility, we are subject to change of control covenants and financial covenants as to gearing (the ratio of total
borrowings to tangible net worth), borrowings (ratio of total borrowings to earnings before
interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA), debt service coverage (ratio of EBITDA
to debt service), and the ratio of the aggregate outstanding under the
facility to the value of Avival
Global.
The
facility is secured by, among other things, guarantees provided by us and certain of our
subsidiaries, namely, WNS Capital Investment Limited, WNS UK and WNS North America Inc., a fixed
and floating charge over the assets of WNS UK, share pledges over WNS Capital Investment Limited,
WNS UK, WNS North America Inc. and WNS Mauritius, and charges over certain bank accounts.
109
Share Purchase Agreement, dated April 20, 2007, by and among Marketics Technologies (India) Private
Limited, WNS (Mauritius) Limited, Mr. Vinay Mishra, Mr. S. Ramakrishan, Mr. Shankar Maruwada and
the other selling shareholders named therein.
On April 20, 2007, WNS Mauritius entered into a share purchase agreement, or the Share Purchase
Agreement, with all the shareholders of Marketics, including among others, the founders of
Marketics, Mr. Vinay Mishra, Mr. S. Ramakrishan and Mr. Shankar Maruwada, to purchase all the
shares of Marketics. The consideration for the acquisition is an
initial payment of $30 million in May 2007 and
a contingent earn-out consideration of $33.7 million which was
paid in July 2008 and calculated based on the performance
and results of operations of Marketics for fiscal 2008 and determined in accordance with the Share Purchase
Agreement. 75.1% of
the share capital of Marketics was transferred to us in May 2007 and
the remaining 24.9% of the share capital of Marketics was held in an escrow
account and will be transferred to us upon payment of the contingent
earn-out consideration for the acquisition of Marketics.
In July 2008, we made payment of the earn-out consideration. Pursuant
thereto, the remaining 24.9% of the share capital of Marketics is in
the process of being transferred to us. The Share Purchase Agreement will terminate upon the
transfer of 24.9% of the share capital or otherwise by the mutual consent of all
parties thereto.
Lease Deed dated January 25, 2006 between DLF Cyber City and WNS Global Services (Private) Limited.
On January 25, 2006, WNS Global entered into a lease agreement with DLF Cyber City for the leases
of two office spaces in Gurgaon, India, with an aggregate built up area of 51,244 square feet at a
monthly rental of Rs. 30 per square feet. The lease commenced on April 1, 2006 for a term of 54
months from the commencement date with an option to renew for a further term of 54 months. If WNS
Global renews the lease, the rental payable will be at fair market value. In addition, WNS Global
has agreed to pay for all levies, duties, taxes on property, charges, rates, cesses and fees
imposed by the Central or State Government or any other regulatory authority of India. WNS Global
also has agreed to be responsible for power, electricity and water charges. WNS Global is not
entitled to terminate the lease within the first 36 months of each of the leases. Thereafter, WNS
Global may terminate the leases by giving DLF Cyber City six months prior notice in writing.
Lease Deed dated March 10, 2005 between DLF Cyber City and WNS Global Services (Private) Limited.
On March 10, 2005, WNS Global entered into a lease agreement with DLF Cyber City for the leases of
two office spaces in Gurgaon, India, with an aggregate built up area of 90,995 square feet at a
monthly rental of Rs. 30 per square feet. The leases commenced on May 1, 2005 and June 1, 2005,
respectively, for a term of 54 months each from the respective commencement dates with an option to
renew for a further term of 54 months. If WNS Global renews the lease, the rental payable will be
at fair market value. In addition, WNS Global has agreed to pay for all levies, duties, taxes on
property, charges, rates, cesses and fees imposed by the Central or State Government or any other
regulatory authority of India. WNS Global also has agreed to be responsible for power, electricity
and water charges. WNS Global is not entitled to terminate the lease within the first 36 months of
each of the leases. Thereafter, WNS Global may terminate the leases by giving DLF Cyber City six
months prior notice in writing.
Leave and License Agreements dated November 10, 2005 between Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Company
Ltd. and WNS Global Services (Private) Limited with respect to Plant 10.
On November 10, 2005, WNS Global entered into three agreements with Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing
Company Ltd., or GBMC, pursuant to which GBMC granted a license to WNS Global to occupy three
office premises with an aggregate area of 84,429 square feet within the industrial building
constructed by GBMC in Vikhroli, India, known as Plant 10. Each agreement is for a term of 33
months commencing on August 16, 2005 and ended on May 15, 2008. The monthly license fees payable
under each of the three leases are Rs. 592,020, Rs. 8,670 and Rs. 203,600. GBMC has agreed to pay
for all municipal taxes, cess, duties, impositions and levies imposed by the Municipal Corporation
of Greater Mumbai. Any future increases of the municipal taxes and outgoings subsequent to the
first assessment will be borne by WNS Global and GBMC equally. WNS Global has agreed to be
responsible for power and water charges. The agreements may be terminated by the non-defaulting
party giving 30 days prior written notice in the event of a breach of any term of the agreement
unless the breach is remedied within the 30 day period or in the event of insolvency. WNS Global
may terminate the agreement by giving 180 days prior written notice.
Leave and License Agreement dated May 30, 2006 between Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Company Ltd.
and WNS Global Services (Private) Limited with respect to Plant 11.
On May 30, 2006, WNS Global entered into an agreement with GBMC pursuant to which GBMC granted a
license to WNS Global to occupy office premises with an aggregate area of 69,611 square feet within
the industrial building constructed by GBMC in Vikhroli, India, known as Plant 11, for a term of 33
months commencing on April 24, 2006 and renewable for a further term of 33 months at the option of
WNS. The monthly license fee payable is Rs. 663,354. GBMC has agreed to pay for all existing taxes
and outgoings in respect of the licensed premises including all municipal taxes, cess, duties,
impositions and levies imposed by the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai. Any
110
future increases of such municipal taxes and outgoings subsequent to the first assessment will be
borne by WNS Global and GBMC equally. WNS Global has agreed to be responsible for power,
electricity and water charges and minor repair works. The agreement may be terminated by the
non-defaulting party by giving 30 days prior written notice in the event of a breach of any term
of the agreement unless such breach is remedied within the 30 day period or in the event of
insolvency.
Leave and License Agreement dated December 29, 2006 between Sofotel Software Services Private
Limited and WNS Global Services (Private) Ltd.
On December 29, 2006, WNS Global entered into four agreements with Sofotel Software Services
Private Limited, or Sofotel, pursuant to which Sofotel granted a license to WNS Global to occupy
office premises located in the Commercial Office Building with an aggregate area of 142,800 square
feet for a term of 60 months commencing on January 1, 2007. The monthly license fees payable under
each of the four agreements are Rs. 1,661,415, Rs. 1,635,469, Rs. 1,632,738 and Rs. 1,570,378, for
the first 36 months. Thereafter, the license fees will increase by an amount not exceeding 15% by
mutual agreement. The agreements may be terminated by the non-defaulting party by giving 90 days
prior written notice in the event of a breach of a material term of the agreement unless such
breach is remedied within the 90 day period or in the event of insolvency. WNS Global may terminate
each agreement by giving 12 months prior written notice.
D. Exchange Controls
There are currently no Jersey or United Kingdom foreign exchange control restrictions on the
payment of dividends on our ordinary shares or on the conduct of our operations. Jersey is in a
monetary union with the United Kingdom. There are currently no limitations under Jersey law or our
Articles of Association prohibiting persons who are not residents or nationals of United Kingdom
from freely holding, voting or transferring our ordinary shares in the same manner as United
Kingdom residents or nationals.
Exchange Rates
Substantially all of our revenue is denominated in pound sterling or US dollars and most of our
expenses, other than payments to repair centers, are incurred and paid in Indian rupees. We report
our financial results in US dollars. The exchange rates among the Indian rupee, the pound sterling
and the US dollar have changed substantially in recent years and may fluctuate substantially in the
future. The results of our operations are affected as the Indian rupee and the pound sterling
appreciate or depreciate against the US dollar and, as a result, any such appreciation or
depreciation will likely affect the market price of our ADSs in the US.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, information concerning the exchange
rates between Indian rupees and US dollars based on the noon buying rate:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal Year: |
|
Period End(1) |
|
Average(2) |
|
High |
|
Low |
2004 |
|
|
Rs. 43.40 |
|
|
Rs. 45.78 |
|
|
Rs. 47.46 |
|
|
Rs. 43.40 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
43.62 |
|
|
|
44.87 |
|
|
|
46.45 |
|
|
|
43.27 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
44.48 |
|
|
|
44.21 |
|
|
|
46.26 |
|
|
|
43.05 |
|
2007 |
|
|
|
43.10 |
|
|
|
45.06 |
|
|
|
46.83 |
|
|
|
42.78 |
|
2008 |
|
|
|
40.02 |
|
|
|
40.13 |
|
|
|
43.05 |
|
|
|
38.48 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Month: |
|
High |
|
Low |
February 2008 |
|
|
Rs. 40.11 |
|
|
|
Rs. 39.12 |
|
March 2008 |
|
|
40.46 |
|
|
|
39.76 |
|
April 2008 |
|
|
40.45 |
|
|
|
39.73 |
|
May 2008 |
|
|
42.93 |
|
|
|
40.45 |
|
June 2008 |
|
|
42.97 |
|
|
|
42.38 |
|
July 2008 |
|
|
43.29 |
|
|
|
41.10 |
|
|
|
|
Notes: |
|
(1) |
|
The noon buying rate at each period end and the average rate for each period may differ from
the exchange rates used in the preparation of financial statements included elsewhere in this
annual report. |
|
(2) |
|
Represents the average of the noon buying rate on the last day of each month during the
period. |
111
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, information concerning the exchange
rates between the pound sterling and US dollars based on the noon buying rate:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal Year: |
|
Period End(1) |
|
Average(2) |
|
High |
|
Low |
2004 |
|
£ |
0.54 |
|
|
£ |
0.59 |
|
|
£ |
0.65 |
|
|
£ |
0.53 |
|
2005 |
|
|
0.53 |
|
|
|
0.54 |
|
|
|
0.57 |
|
|
|
0.51 |
|
2006 |
|
|
0.57 |
|
|
|
0.56 |
|
|
|
0.58 |
|
|
|
0.52 |
|
2007 |
|
|
0.51 |
|
|
|
0.52 |
|
|
|
0.58 |
|
|
|
0.50 |
|
2008 |
|
|
0.50 |
|
|
|
0.50 |
|
|
|
0.52 |
|
|
|
0.47 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Month: |
|
High |
|
Low |
February 2008 |
|
|
£ 0.52 |
|
|
|
£ 0.50 |
|
March 2008 |
|
|
0.50 |
|
|
|
0.49 |
|
April 2008 |
|
|
0.51 |
|
|
|
0.50 |
|
May 2008 |
|
|
0.51 |
|
|
|
0.50 |
|
June 2008 |
|
|
0.51 |
|
|
|
0.50 |
|
July 2008 |
|
|
0.51 |
|
|
|
0.50 |
|
|
|
|
Notes: |
|
(1) |
|
The noon buying rate at each period end and the average rate for each period may differ from
the exchange rates used in the preparation of financial statements included elsewhere in this
annual report. |
|
(2) |
|
Represents the average of the noon buying rate on the last day of each month during the
period. |
E. Taxation
Jersey Tax Consequences
General
The following summary of the anticipated tax treatment in Jersey in relation to the payments on the
ordinary shares is based on the taxation law in force at the date of this annual report, and does
not constitute legal or tax advice and investors should be aware that the relevant fiscal rules and
practice and their interpretation may change. We encourage you to consult your own professional
advisors on the implications of subscribing for, buying, holding, selling, redeeming or disposing
of ordinary shares (or ADSs) and the receipt of interest and distributions, whether or not on a
winding-up, with respect to the ordinary shares (or ADSs) under the laws of the jurisdictions in
which they may be taxed.
We are an exempt company within the meaning of Article 123A of the Income Tax (Jersey) Law, 1961,
as amended, or the Jersey Income Tax Law, for the calendar year ending December 31, 2008. The
retention of exempt company status is conditional upon the Comptroller of Income Tax being
satisfied that no Jersey resident has a beneficial interest in us, except as permitted by published
concessions granted by the Comptroller from time to time. The Comptroller of Income Tax has
indicated that where more than ten persons are beneficially interested in an exempt company, a
holding by Jersey residents of less than 10% of the share capital shall not be treated as a
beneficial interest.
112
The Comptroller of Income Tax has confirmed to us that no holding of ADSs held by Jersey
residents will be treated as a beneficial interest in shares which would cause us to lose our
exempt company status.
As an exempt company, we will not be liable for Jersey income tax other than on Jersey source
income, except by concession bank deposit interest on Jersey bank accounts. For so long as we are
an exempt company, payments in respect of the shares will not be subject to any taxation in
Jersey, unless the shareholder is resident in Jersey, and no withholding in respect of taxation
will be required on those payments to any holder of shares.
Amendments have been made to the Jersey Income Tax Law that will have the following effects from
January 1, 2009: (i) our exempt company status will cease to be available to us, (ii) we will
either (a) continue to be regarded as non resident in Jersey under the Jersey Income Tax Law and
accordingly, will not be liable to pay Jersey income tax or (b) be regarded as resident in Jersey
under the Jersey Income Tax Law but, being neither a financial
services company nor a specified
utility company under the Jersey Income Tax Law at the date hereof,
will not be liable to pay Jersey income tax, (iii) we will continue to be able to pay dividends on our ordinary shares without
any withholding or deduction for or on account of Jersey tax, and (iv) holders of our ordinary
shares (other than Jersey residents) will not be subject to any Jersey tax in respect of the
holding, sale or other disposition of their ordinary shares.
On May 6, 2008, Jersey introduced a 3% general sales tax on goods and services. We have the benefit
of exemption or end user relief from this charge as we have obtained international services entity
status (for which an annual administrative fee of £100 is payable).
Currently, there is no double tax treaty or similar convention between the US and Jersey.
As part of an agreement reached in connection with the EU Savings Tax Directive income in the form
of interest payments, and in line with steps taken by other relevant third countries, introduced
with effect from July 1, 2005 a retention tax system in respect of payments of interest, or other
similar income, made to an individual beneficial owner resident in an EU Member State by a paying
agent established in Jersey (the terms beneficial owner and paying agent are defined in the EU
Savings Tax Directive). The retention tax system applies for a transitional period prior to the
implementation of a system of automatic communication to EU Member States of information regarding
such payments. The transitional period will only end after all EU Member States apply automatic
exchange of information and EU Member States unanimously agree that the US has committed to
exchange of information upon request. During this transitional period, such an individual
beneficial owner resident in an EU Member State is entitled to request a paying agent not to retain
tax from such payments but instead to apply a system by which the details of such payments are
communicated to the tax authorities of the EU Member State in which the beneficial owner is
resident.
The retention tax system and disclosure arrangements are implemented by means of bilateral
agreements with each of the EU Member States, the Taxation (Agreements with European Union Member
States) (Jersey) Regulations 2005 and Guidance Notes issued by the Policy & Resources Committee of
the States of Jersey. Based on these provisions and the current practice of the Jersey tax
authorities, dividend distributions to shareholders and income realized by shareholders in a Jersey
company upon the sale, refund or redemption of shares do not constitute interest payments for the
purposes of the retention tax system and therefore neither a Jersey company nor any paying agent
appointed by it in Jersey is obliged to levy retention tax in Jersey under these provisions in
respect thereof. However, the retention tax system could apply in the event that an individual
resident in an EU Member State, otherwise receives an interest payment in respect of a debt claim
(if any) owed by a company to the individual.
Taxation of Dividends
Under existing Jersey law, provided that the ordinary shares and ADSs are not held by, or for the
account of, persons resident in Jersey for income tax purposes, payments in respect of the ordinary
shares and ADSs, whether by dividend or other distribution, will not be subject to any taxation in
Jersey and no withholding in respect of taxation will be required on those payments to any holder
of our ordinary shares or ADSs. This will continue to remain the case after the amendments to the
Jersey Income Tax Law become effective on January 1, 2009.
Holders of our ordinary shares or ADSs who are resident in Jersey for Jersey income tax purposes
suffer deduction of tax on payment of dividends by us at the standard rate of Jersey income tax for
the time being in force. From January 1,
113
2009, any individual investor
who is resident in Jersey who, directly or indirectly, owns more than 2% of our ordinary shares or
ADSs may be subject to the deemed dividend or full attribution provisions which seek to tax shareholders or ADS holders
of securities on all or a proportion of our profits in proportion to their shareholdings.
Taxation of Capital Gains and Estate and Gift Tax
Under current Jersey law, there are no death or estate duties, capital gains, gift, wealth,
inheritance or capital transfer taxes. No stamp duty is levied in Jersey on the issue or transfer
of ordinary shares or ADSs. In the event of the death of an individual sole shareholder, duty at
rates of up to 0.75% of the value of the ordinary shares or ADSs held may be payable on the
registration of Jersey probate or letters of administration which may be required in order to
transfer or otherwise deal with ordinary shares or ADSs held by the deceased individual sole
shareholder.
US Federal Income Taxation
The following discussion describes certain material US federal income tax consequences to US
Holders (defined below) under present law of an investment in the ADSs or ordinary shares. This
summary applies only to US Holders that hold the ADSs or ordinary shares as capital assets and that
have the US dollar as their functional currency. This discussion is based on the tax laws of the US
as in effect on the date of this annual report and on US Treasury regulations in effect or, in some
cases, proposed, as of the date of this annual report, as well as judicial and administrative
interpretations thereof available on or before such date. All of the foregoing authorities are
subject to change, which change could apply retroactively and could affect the tax consequences
described below.
The following discussion does not address the tax consequences to any particular investor or to
persons in special tax situations, such as:
|
|
banks; |
|
|
|
certain financial institutions; |
|
|
|
insurance companies; |
|
|
|
broker dealers; |
|
|
|
traders that elect to mark-to-market; |
|
|
|
tax-exempt entities; |
|
|
|
persons liable for alternative minimum tax; |
|
|
|
real estate investment trusts; |
|
|
|
regulated investment companies; |
|
|
|
US expatriates; |
|
|
|
persons holding ADSs or ordinary shares as part of a straddle, hedging, conversion or
integrated transaction; |
|
|
|
persons that actually or constructively own 10% or more of our voting stock; or |
|
|
|
persons holding ADSs or ordinary shares through partnerships or other pass-through
entities. |
In particular, it is noted that we are a controlled foreign corporation, or CFC, for US federal
income tax purposes, and therefore, if you are a US shareholder owning 10% or more of our voting
stock directly, indirectly and/or under the
114
applicable attribution rules, the US federal income tax
consequences to you of owning our ADSs or ordinary shares may be significantly different than those
described below in several respects. If you own 10% or more of our voting stock directly,
indirectly and/or under the applicable attribution rules, you should consult your own tax advisors regarding the US
federal income tax consequences of your investment in our ADSs or ordinary shares.
US HOLDERS OF OUR ADSs OR ORDINARY SHARES ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS ABOUT THE
APPLICATION OF THE US FEDERAL TAX RULES TO THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES AS WELL AS THE STATE AND
LOCAL AND NON-US TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF OUR ADSs OR
ORDINARY SHARES.
The discussion below of the US federal income tax consequences to US Holders will apply to you if
you are a beneficial owner of ADSs or ordinary shares and you are, for US federal income tax
purposes:
|
|
a citizen or resident of the US; |
|
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a corporation (or other entity taxable as a corporation) organized under the laws of the
United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia; |
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an estate whose income is subject to US federal income taxation regardless of its source;
or |
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a trust that (1) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States
and the control of one or more US persons for all substantial decisions of the trust or (2)
has a valid election in effect under applicable US Treasury regulations to be treated as a US
person. |
If you are a partner in a partnership or other entity taxable as a partnership that holds ADSs or
ordinary shares, your tax treatment will depend on your status and the activities of the
partnership.
The discussion below assumes that the representations contained in the deposit agreement are true
and that the obligations in the deposit agreement and any related agreement will be complied with
in accordance with their terms. If you hold ADSs, you should be treated as the holder of the
underlying ordinary shares represented by those ADSs for US federal income tax purposes.
Distributions
Subject to the passive foreign investment company rules discussed below, the gross amount of
distributions made by us with respect to the ADSs or ordinary shares (including the amount of any
taxes withheld therefrom) will be includable in your gross income in the year received (or deemed
received) as dividend income to the extent that such distributions are paid out of our current or
accumulated earnings and profits as determined under US federal income tax principles. We do not
intend to calculate our earnings and profits under US federal income tax principles, therefore, a
US Holder should expect that a distribution will be treated as a dividend. No dividends received
deduction will be allowed for US federal income tax purposes with respect to dividends paid by us.
With respect to non-corporate US Holders, including individual US Holders, for taxable years
beginning before January 1, 2011, under current law dividends may be qualified dividend income
that is taxed at the lower applicable capital gains rate provided that (1) we are not a PFIC (as
discussed below) for either our taxable year in which the dividend is paid or the preceding taxable
year, (2) certain holding period requirements are met, and (3) the ADSs or ordinary shares, as
applicable, are readily tradable on an established securities market in the US. Under US Internal
Revenue Service, or IRS, authority, common shares, or ADSs representing such shares, are considered
to be readily tradable on an established securities market in the US if they are listed on the
NYSE, as our ADSs are. You should consult your own tax advisors regarding the availability of the
lower rate for dividends paid with respect to ADSs or ordinary shares, including the effects of any
change in law after the date of this annual report.
The amount of any distribution paid in pound sterling will be equal to the US dollar value of such
pound sterling on the date such distribution is received by the depositary, in the case of ADSs, or
by you, in the case of ordinary shares,
115
regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into US dollars at that time. Gain or
loss, if any, realized on the sale or other disposition of such pound sterling will be US source
ordinary income or loss, subject to certain exceptions and limitations. The amount of any
distribution of property other than cash will be the fair market value of such property on the date
of distribution.
Subject to certain exceptions, for foreign tax credit purposes, dividends distributed by us with
respect to ADSs or ordinary shares generally will constitute foreign source income. You are urged
to consult your tax advisors regarding the foreign tax credit limitation and source of income rules
with respect to distributions on the ADSs or ordinary shares.
Sale or Other Disposition of ADSs or Ordinary Shares
Subject to the PFIC rules discussed below, upon a sale or other taxable disposition of ADSs or
ordinary shares, you generally will recognize a capital gain or loss for US federal income tax
purposes in an amount equal to the difference between the US dollar value of the amount realized
and your tax basis in such ADSs or ordinary shares. If the consideration you receive for the ADSs
or ordinary shares is not paid in US dollars, the amount realized will be the US dollar value of
the payment received. Your initial tax basis in your ADSs or ordinary shares will equal the US
dollar value of the cost of such ADSs or ordinary shares, as applicable.
Subject to certain exceptions and limitations, capital gain or loss on a sale or other taxable
disposition of ADSs or ordinary shares generally will be US source gain or loss and treated as
long-term capital gain or loss, if your holding period in the ADSs or ordinary shares exceeds one
year. Subject to the passive foreign investment company rules discussed below and other
limitations, if you are a non-corporate US Holder, including an individual US Holder, any long-term
capital gain will be subject to US federal income tax at preferential rates. The deductibility of
capital losses is subject to significant limitations.
Passive Foreign Investment Company
A non-US corporation is considered a PFIC for any taxable year if either:
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at least 75% of its gross income is passive income, or |
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at least 50% of its assets (determined on the basis of a quarterly average) is attributable
to assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income. |
We will be treated as owning our proportionate share of the assets and earning our proportionate
share of the income of any other corporation in which we own, directly or indirectly, 25% or more
(by value) of the stock.
Based on our current and anticipated operations and composition of our assets, we do not believe we
were a PFIC for our current taxable year ended on March 31, 2008. However, as noted in our annual
report for our taxable year ended March 31, 2007, our PFIC status in respect of our taxable year
ended March 31, 2007 was uncertain. If we were treated as a PFIC for any year during which you held
ADSs or ordinary shares, we will continue to be treated as a PFIC for all succeeding years during
which you hold ADS or ordinary shares, absent a special election as discussed below.
If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which you hold ADSs or ordinary shares, you will be
subject to special tax rules with respect to any excess distribution that you receive and any
gain you recognize from a sale or other disposition (including a pledge) of the ADSs or ordinary
shares, unless you make a mark-to-market or qualified electing fund (QEF) election (if
available) as discussed below. Distributions you receive in a taxable year that are greater than
125% of the average annual distributions you received during the shorter of the three preceding
taxable years or your holding period for the ADSs or ordinary shares will be treated as an excess
distribution.
Under these special tax rules:
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the excess distribution or gain will be allocated ratably over your holding period for the
ADSs or ordinary shares, |
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the amount allocated to the current taxable year, and any taxable year prior to the first
taxable year in which we became a PFIC, will be treated as ordinary income, and |
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the amount allocated to each other year will be subject to tax at the highest tax rate in
effect for that year and the interest charge normally applicable to underpayments of tax will
be imposed on the resulting tax attributable to each such year. |
The tax liability for amounts allocated to years prior to the year of disposition or excess
distribution cannot be offset by any net operating losses for such years, and gains (but not
losses) realized on the sale of the ADSs or ordinary shares cannot be treated as capital, even if
you hold the ADSs or ordinary shares as capital assets.
In addition, if we are a PFIC, to the extent any of our subsidiaries are also PFICs, you may be
deemed to own shares in such subsidiaries that are directly or indirectly owned by us in that
proportion which the value of the shares you own so bears to the value of all of our shares, and
may be subject to the adverse tax consequences described above with respect to the shares of such
subsidiaries that you would be deemed to own.
If we are a PFIC, you may avoid taxation under the rules described above by making a QEF election
to include your share of our income on a current basis in any taxable year that we are a PFIC,
provided that we agree to furnish you annually with certain tax information. However, we do not
presently intend to prepare or provide such information.
Alternatively, if the ADSs are marketable stock (as defined below), you can avoid taxation under
the unfavorable PFIC rules described above in respect of the ADSs by making a mark-to-market
election in respect of the ADSs by the due date (determined with regard to extensions) for your tax
return in respect of your first taxable year during which we are treated as a PFIC. If you make a
mark-to-market election for the ADSs or ordinary shares, you will include in income in each of your
taxable years during which we are a PFIC an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market
value of the ADSs or ordinary shares as of the close of your taxable year over your adjusted basis
in such ADSs or ordinary shares. You are allowed a deduction for the excess, if any, of the
adjusted basis of the ADSs or ordinary shares over their fair market value as of the close of the
taxable year. However, deductions are allowable only to the extent of any net mark-to-market gains
on the ADSs or ordinary shares included in your income for prior taxable years. Amounts included in
your income under a mark-to-market election, as well as gain on the actual sale or other
disposition of the ADSs or ordinary shares, are treated as ordinary income. Ordinary loss treatment
also applies to the deductible portion of any mark-to-market loss on the ADSs or ordinary shares,
as well as to any loss realized on the actual sale or disposition of the ADSs or ordinary shares,
to the extent that the amount of such loss does not exceed the net mark-to-market gains previously
included for such ADSs or ordinary shares. Your basis in the ADSs or ordinary shares will be
adjusted to reflect any such income or loss amounts. Further, distributions would be taxed as
described above under Distributions, except that the preferential dividend rates with respect
to qualified dividend income would not apply. You will not be required to recognize
mark-to-market gain or loss in respect of your taxable years during which we were not at any time a
PFIC.
The mark-to-market election is available only for marketable stock, which is stock that is traded
in other than de minimis quantities on at least 15 days during each calendar quarter on a qualified
exchange, including the NYSE, or other market, as defined in the applicable US Treasury
regulations. Our ADSs are listed on the NYSE and consequently, if you hold ADSs the mark-to-market
election would be available to you, provided that the ADSs are traded in sufficient quantities. US
Holders of ADSs or ordinary shares should consult their own tax advisors as to whether the ADSs or
ordinary shares would qualify for the mark-to-market election.
You also generally can make a deemed sale election in respect of any time we cease being a PFIC,
in which case you will be deemed to have sold, at fair market value, your ADSs or ordinary shares
(and shares of our PFIC subsidiaries, if any, that you are deemed to own) on the last day of our
taxable year immediately prior to our taxable year in respect of which we are not a PFIC. If you
make this deemed sale election, you generally would be subject to the unfavorable PFIC rules
described above in respect of any gain realized on such deemed sale, but as long as we are not a
PFIC for future years, you would not be subject to the PFIC rules for those future years.
If you hold ADSs or ordinary shares in any year in which we or any of our subsidiaries are a PFIC,
you would be required to file IRS Form 8621, for each entity that is a PFIC, regarding
distributions received on the ADSs or ordinary
117
shares and any gain realized on the disposition of the ADSs or ordinary shares. You should consult
your own tax advisors regarding the potential application of the PFIC rules to your ownership of
ADSs or ordinary shares and the elections discussed above.
US Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
Dividend payments with respect to ADSs or ordinary shares and proceeds from the sale, exchange or
redemption of ADSs or ordinary shares may be subject to information reporting to the IRS and
possible US backup withholding at a current rate of 28%. Backup withholding will not apply,
however, to a US Holder who furnishes a correct taxpayer identification number and makes any other
required certification or who is otherwise exempt from backup withholding and establishes such
exempt status. US Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the application of the US
information reporting and backup withholding rules.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Amounts withheld as backup withholding may be credited
against your US federal income tax liability, and you may obtain a refund of any excess amounts
withheld under the backup withholding rules by filing the appropriate claim for refund with the IRS
and furnishing any required information.
F. Dividends and Paying Agents
Not applicable.
G. Statement by Experts
Not applicable.
H. Documents on Display
Publicly filed documents concerning our company which are referred to in this annual report may be
inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at 100 F
Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Copies of these materials can also be obtained from the
Public Reference Room at the Commissions principal office, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington D.C.
20549, after payment of fees at prescribed rates.
The Commission maintains a website at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and
information statements and other information regarding registrants that make electronic filings
through its Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval, or EDGAR, system. We have made all
our filings with the Commission using the EDGAR system.
I. Subsidiary Information
For more information on our subsidiaries, please see Item 4. Information on the Company C.
Organizational Structure.
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
A. General
Market risk is attributable to all market sensitive financial instruments including foreign
currency receivables and payables. The value of a financial instrument may change as a result of
changes in the interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices, equity prices and
other market changes that affect market risk sensitive instruments.
Our exposure to market risk is primarily a function of our revenue generating activities and any
future borrowings in foreign currency. The objective of market risk management is to avoid
excessive exposure of our earnings to loss. Most of our exposure to market risk arises from our
revenue and expenses that are denominated in different currencies.
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The following risk management discussion and the estimated amounts generated from analytical
techniques are forward-looking statements of market risk assuming certain market conditions occur.
Our actual results in the future may differ materially from these projected results due to actual
developments in the global financial markets.
B. Risk Management Procedures
We manage market risk through our treasury operations. Our senior management and our board of
directors approve our treasury operations objectives and policies. The activities of our treasury
operations include management of cash resources, implementation of hedging strategies for foreign
currency exposures, implementation of borrowing strategies and monitoring compliance with market
risk limits and policies.
Components of Market Risk
Exchange Rate Risk
Our exposure to market risk arises principally from exchange rate risk. Although substantially all
of our revenue less repair payments is denominated in pound sterling, US dollars and Euros,
approximately 72.0% of our expenses (net of payments to repair centers made as part of our WNS Auto
Claims BPO segment) in fiscal 2008 were incurred and paid in Indian rupees. The exchange rates
among the Indian rupee, the pound sterling and the US dollar have changed substantially in recent
years and may fluctuate substantially in the future. We hedge a portion of our foreign currency
exposures. See Item 5. Operating and Financial Review Prospects Overview Foreign Exchange
Exchange Rates.
Our exchange rate risk primarily arises from our foreign currency-denominated receivables and
payables. Based upon our level of operations in fiscal 2008, a sensitivity analysis shows that a
5.0% appreciation in the pound sterling against the US dollar would have increased revenue in
fiscal 2008 by approximately $16.3 million. Similarly, a 5.0% appreciation in the Indian rupee
against the US dollar would have increased our expenses incurred and paid in Indian rupee in fiscal
2008 by approximately $10.1 million. Based upon our level of operations in fiscal 2008, a
sensitivity analysis shows that a 5.0% appreciation in the pound sterling against the US dollar
would have increased revenue less repair payments in fiscal 2008 by approximately $7.8 million.
Similarly, a 5.0% appreciation in the Indian rupee against the US dollar would have increased our
expenses incurred and paid in Indian rupee in fiscal 2008 by approximately $10.1 million.
To protect against exchange gains (losses) on forecasted inter-company revenue, we have instituted
a foreign currency cash flow hedging program. Our operating entity in India hedges a part of its
forecasted inter-company revenue denominated in foreign currencies with forward contracts and
options.
Interest Rate Risk
Our exposure to interest rate risk arises principally from our borrowings under the term loan
facility of $200 million from ICICI Bank UK Plc and ICICI Bank
Canada which has a floating rate of interest linked to US dollar
LIBOR. The costs of floating rate borrowings may be affected by the fluctuations in the interest
rates. We intend to selectively use interest rate swaps, options and other derivative instruments
to manage our exposure to interest rate movements. These exposures will be reviewed by appropriate
levels of management on a monthly basis. We do not enter into hedging instruments for speculative
purposes.
Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist
principally of cash equivalents, accounts receivable from related parties, accounts receivables
from others and bank deposits. By their nature, all such financial instruments involve risk
including the credit risk of non-performance by counter parties. Our cash equivalents, bank
deposits and restricted cash are invested with banks with high investment grade credit ratings.
Accounts receivable are typically unsecured and are derived from revenue earned from clients
primarily based in Europe and North America. We monitor the credit worthiness of our clients to
which we have granted credit terms in
119
the normal course of the business. We believe there is no significant risk of loss in the event of
non-performance of the counter parties to these financial instruments, other than the amounts
already provided for in our financial statements.
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDENDS ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
None.
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
On July 31, 2006, we completed our initial public offering of our ADSs on the NYSE. We sold an
aggregate of 4,473,684 ADSs representing 4,473,684 ordinary shares and the selling shareholders
sold an aggregate of 8,290,024 ADSs, representing 8,290,024 ordinary shares. The price per ADS was
$20.00. The managing underwriters of our initial public offering were Morgan Stanley & Co.
International Limited, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated.
The registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-135590) filed by us in connection with our
initial public offering was declared effective on July 25, 2006. An aggregate of 12,763,708
ordinary shares, each represented by ADSs, were registered and sold pursuant to the registration
statement. The aggregate price of the offering amount registered and sold was $255.3 million.
The amount of expenses incurred by us in connection with the issuance and distribution of the
registered securities totaled $10.8 million, consisting of $5.8 million for underwriting discounts
and commissions, and approximately $5 million for other expenses. The amount of expenses incurred
by the selling shareholders, which were underwriting discounts and commissions, in connection with
the offering totaled $10.8 million. None of the payments were direct or indirect payments to our
directors, officers, general partners of our associates, persons owning 10% or more of any class of
our shares, or any of our affiliates.
The net proceeds from the offering to us, after deduction of fees and expenses, amounted to $78.7
million. Our net offering proceeds have been used as follows: $30.0 million for the initial payment for the acquisition of Marketics in April 2007, $16.0 million for the initial payment for the acquisition of Chang Limited in April 2008, $10.0
million for the initial payment for the acquisition of BizAps in June 2008 and $22.7 million to fund part of the consideration for the transaction with AVIVA in
July 2008, see Item 5. Operating and Financial
Review and Prospects Liquidity and Capital Resources.
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As required by Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Exchange Act, management has evaluated, with the
participation of our Group Chief Executive Officer and Group Chief Financial Officer, the
effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this
report. Disclosure controls and procedures refer to controls and other procedures designed to
ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the
Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in
the rules and forms of the Commission. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without
limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by
us in our reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to
management, including our Group Chief Executive Officer and Group Chief Financial Officer, as
appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding our required disclosure.
Based on the foregoing, our Group Chief Executive Officer and Group Chief Financial Officer have
concluded that, as of March 31, 2008, the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure
controls and procedures were effective.
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Managements Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls over
financial reporting.
Internal controls over financial reporting refers to a process designed by, or under the
supervision of, our Group Chief Executive Officer and Group Chief Financial Officer and effected by
our board of directors, management and other personnel, 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 and includes those policies
and procedures that:
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pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly
reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets |
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provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit
preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with
authorizations of our management and members of our board of directors; and |
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provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized
acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our
financial statements. |
Management recognizes that there are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any system of
internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of human error and the
circumvention or override of internal control. Accordingly, even effective internal control over
financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement
preparation, and may not prevent or detect all misstatements.
Management assessed the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of March 31,
2008 based on the criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. As a result of this assessment,
management concluded that, as of March 31, 2008, our internal control over financial reporting was
effective in providing reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and
the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles. The scope of managements assessment of the effectiveness of internal
control over financial reporting includes all of the Companys consolidated operations except for
the acquired operations of Marketics, WNS Workflow Technologies Limited (formerly known as Flovate
Technologies Limited), and their subsidiaries, or collectively, Marketics and WNS Workflow, which
we acquired in May 2007 and June 2007, respectively. Our total consolidated revenue for the year
ended March 31, 2008 were $459.9 million, of which revenue associated with the acquired Marketics
and WNS Workflow operations represented $11.9 million. Our total consolidated assets as of March
31, 2008 were $346.5 million, of which assets associated with the acquired Marketics and WNS
Workflow operations represented $121.5 million, including $67.5 million of intangible assets and
goodwill recorded as a result of the acquisitions.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2008 has been
audited by Ernst & Young, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their
report set out below:
121
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of WNS (Holdings) Limited.
We have audited WNS (Holdings) Limiteds internal control over financial reporting as of March 31,
2008, based on criteria established in Internal ControlIntegrated Framework issued by the
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). WNS
(Holdings) Limiteds management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over
financial reporting, included in the accompanying Managements Report on Internal Control over
Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the companys internal control
over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was
maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal
control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and
evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk,
and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe
that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A companys internal control over financial reporting is a process 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. A
companys internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1)
pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the
transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that
transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company
are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company;
and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized
acquisition, use, or disposition of the companys assets that could have a material effect on the
financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or
detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are
subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that
the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
As indicated in the accompanying Managements Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting,
managements assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial
reporting did not include the internal controls of Marketics Technologies (India) Private Limited
and Flovate Technologies Limited along with their subsidiaries, or
collectively, Marketics and WNS Workflow, which are included in the 2008
consolidated financial statements of WNS (Holdings) Limited. WNS (Holdings) Limiteds total consolidated revenue for the year ended March 31, 2008 was $459.9
million, of which revenues associated with the acquired Marketics and WNS Workflow operations
represented $11.9 million, and total consolidated assets as of March 31, 2008 were $346.5 million,
of which assets associated with the acquired Marketics and WNS Workflow operations represented
$121.5 million, including $67.5 million of intangible assets and goodwill recorded as a result of
the acquisitions. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of WNS (Holdings)
Limited also did not include an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of
Marketics Technologies (India) Private Limited and Flovate Technologies Limited.
In our opinion, WNS (Holdings) Limited maintained, in all material respects, effective internal
control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2008 based on the COSO criteria.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2008 and 2007, and the
related consolidated statements of income, shareholders equity, and cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended March 31, 2008, of WNS
(Holdings) Limited and our report dated July 29, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Ernst & Young
Mumbai, India
July 29, 2008
122
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management has evaluated, with the participation of our Group Chief Executive Officer and Group
Chief Financial Officer, whether any changes in our internal control over financial reporting that
occurred during our last fiscal year have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to
materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Based on the evaluation we
conducted, management has concluded that no such changes have occurred.
ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
Our audit committee members are Messrs. Eric Herr (Chairman), Deepak Parekh, Richard O. Bernays and
Sir Anthony Armitage Greener. Each of Messrs. Herr, Parekh and Bernays is an independent director
pursuant to the applicable rules of the Commission and the NYSE. Sir Anthony Armitage Greener, who
also satisfies the independence requirements of the NYSE rules and Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange
Act, was appointed as a member of our audit committee in place of Mr. Guy Sochovsky upon his
resignation as our director in July 2007. See Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees
C. Board Practices for the experience and qualifications of the members of the audit committee.
Our board of directors has determined that Mr. Herr qualifies as an audit committee financial
expert as defined in Item 16A of Form 20-F.
ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS
We have adopted a written Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that is applicable to all of our
directors, senior management and employees. We have posted the code on our website at
www.wnsgs.com . Information contained in our website does not constitute a part of this annual
report. We will also make available a copy of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics to any
person, without charge, if a written request is made to our General Counsel at our principal
executive offices at Gate 4, Godrej & Boyce Complex, Pirojshanagar, Vikhroli (W), Mumbai 400 079,
India.
ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Ernst & Young has served as our independent registered public accounting firm since fiscal 2003.
The following table shows the fees we paid or accrued for the audit and other services provided by
Ernst & Young for fiscal 2008 and 2007.
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Fiscal |
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2008 |
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2007 |
Audit fees |
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$ |
770,000 |
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$ |
400,000 |
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Audit-related fees |
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39,000 |
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250,000 |
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Tax fees |
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126,418 |
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327,414 |
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All other fees |
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188,295 |
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224,900 |
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Audit fees. This category consists of fees billed for the audit of financial statements, quarterly
review of financial statements and other audit services, which are normally provided by the
independent auditors in connection with statutory and accounting matters that arose during, or as a
result of, the audit or the review of interim financial statements and include the group audit;
statutory audits required by non-US jurisdictions; comfort letters and consents; attest services;
and assistance with and review of documents filed with the Commission.
Audit-related fees. This category consists of fees billed for assurance and related services that
are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements or
that are traditionally performed by the
external auditor, and include internal control reviews of new systems, program and projects; review
of security controls and operational effectiveness of systems.
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Tax fees. This category includes fees billed for tax compliance services, including the
preparation of original and amended tax returns and claims for refund; tax consultations, such as
assistance and representation in connection with tax audits and appeals, tax advice related to
mergers and acquisitions, transfer pricing, and requests for rulings or technical advice from
taxing authorities and tax planning services.
All other fees. This category includes fees billed for due diligence related to acquisitions,
accounting assistance, audits in connection with proposed or completed acquisitions and employee
benefit plans audits.
Audit Committee Pre-approval Process
Our audit committee reviews and pre-approves the scope and the cost of all audit and permissible
non-audit services performed by the independent auditors, other than those for de minimus services
which are approved by the audit committee prior to the completion of the audit. All of the services
provided by Ernst & Young during the last fiscal year have been approved by the Audit Committee.
ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES
Not applicable
ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
Neither we, nor any affiliated purchaser, made any purchase of our equity securities in fiscal
2008.
PART III
ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
See Item 18 for a list of our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual
report.
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following statements are filed as part of this annual report, together with the report of the
independent registered public accounting firm:
|
|
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
|
|
|
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2008 and 2007 |
|
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended March 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 |
|
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders Equity for the years ended March 31, 2008, 2007
and 2006 |
|
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended March 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 |
|
|
|
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
124
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS
The following exhibits are filed as part of this annual report:
|
|
|
1.1
|
|
Memorandum of Association of WNS (Holdings) Limited, as amended
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registration Statement on
Form F-1 (File No. 333-135590) of WNS (Holdings) Limited, as filed with
the Commission on July 3, 2006. |
|
|
|
1.2
|
|
Articles of Association of WNS (Holdings) Limited, as amended
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Registration Statement on
Form F-1 (File No. 333-135590) of WNS (Holdings) Limited, as filed with
the Commission on July 3, 2006. |
|
|
|
2.1
|
|
Form of Deposit Agreement among WNS (Holdings) Limited, Deutsche Bank
Trust Company Americas, as Depositary, and the holders and beneficial
owners of American Depositary Shares evidenced by American Depositary
Receipts, or ADR, issued thereunder (including the Form of ADR)
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registration Statement on
Form F-1 (File No. 333-135590) of WNS (Holdings) Limited, as filed with
the Commission on July 3, 2006. |
|
|
|
2.2
|
|
Specimen Ordinary Share Certificate of WNS (Holdings) Limited
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the Registration Statement on
Form 8-A (File No. 001-32945) of WNS (Holdings) Limited, as filed with
the Commission on July 14, 2006. |
|
|
|
4.1
|
|
Share Purchase Agreement dated April 20, 2007 among, WNS (Mauritius)
Limited, Marketics Technologies (India) Private Limited and the selling
shareholders named therein incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of
the Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal 2007 (File No. 001-32945) of
WNS (Holdings) Limited, as filed with the Commission on June 26, 2007. |
|
|
|
4.2
|
|
Lease Deed dated January 25, 2006 between DLF Cyber City and WNS Global
Services (Private) Ltd incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the
Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal 2007 (File No. 001-32945) of WNS
(Holdings) Limited, as filed with the Commission on June 26, 2007. |
|
|
|
4.3
|
|
Lease Deed dated March 10, 2005 between M/s DLF Cyber City and WNS Global
Services (Private) Ltd. incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of
the Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-135590) of WNS
(Holdings) Limited, as filed with the Commission on July 3, 2006. |
|
|
|
4.4
|
|
Leave and License Agreement dated November 10, 2005 between Godrej &
Boyce Manufacturing Company Ltd. and WNS Global Services (Private) Ltd.
with respect to the lease of office premises with an aggregate area of
59,202 square feet at Plant 10 incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.5 of the Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-135590) of
WNS (Holdings) Limited, as filed with the Commission on July 3, 2006. |
|
|
|
4.5
|
|
Leave and License Agreement dated November 10, 2005 between Godrej &
Boyce Manufacturing Company Ltd. and WNS Global Services (Private) Ltd.
with respect to the lease of office premises with an area of 4,867 square
feet at Plant 10 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 of the
Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal 2007 (File No. 001-32945) of WNS
(Holdings) Limited, as filed with the Commission on June 26, 2007. |
|
|
|
4.6
|
|
Leave and License Agreement dated November 10, 2005 between Godrej &
Boyce Manufacturing Company Ltd. and WNS Global Services (Private) Ltd.
with respect to the lease of office premises with an aggregate area of
20,360 square feet at Plant 10 incorporated by reference to Exhibit
4.6 of the Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal 2007 (File No.
001-32945) of WNS (Holdings) Limited, as filed with the Commission on
June 26, 2007. |
125
|
|
|
4.7
|
|
Leave and License Agreement dated May 31, 2006 between Godrej & Boyce
Manufacturing Company Ltd. and WNS Global Services (Private) Ltd. with
respect to Plant 11 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 of the
Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-135590) of WNS
(Holdings) Limited, as filed with the Commission on July 3, 2006. |
|
|
|
4.8
|
|
Leave and License Agreement dated December 29, 2006 between Sofotel
Software Services Private Limited and WNS Global Services (Private)
Limited with respect to the lease of office premises with an aggregate
area of 36,500 square feet in the Commercial Office Building
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 of the Annual Report on Form
20-F for fiscal 2007 (File No. 001-32945) of WNS (Holdings) Limited, as
filed with the Commission on June 26, 2007. |
|
|
|
4.9
|
|
Leave and License Agreement dated December 29, 2006 between Sofotel
Software Services Private Limited and WNS Global Services (Private) Ltd
with respect to the lease of office premises with an aggregate area of
35,930 square feet in the Commercial Office Building incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.9 of the Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal
2007 (File No. 001-32945) of WNS (Holdings) Limited, as filed with the
Commission on June 26, 2007. |
|
|
|
4.10
|
|
Leave and License Agreement dated December 29, 2006 between Sofotel
Software Services Private Limited and WNS Global Services (Private) Ltd
with respect to the lease of office premises with an aggregate area of
35,870 square feet in the Commercial Office Building incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.10 of the Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal
2007 (File No. 001-32945) of WNS (Holdings) Limited, as filed with the
Commission on June 26, 2007. |
|
|
|
4.11
|
|
Leave and License Agreement dated December 29, 2006 between Sofotel
Software Services Private Limited and WNS Global Services (Private) Ltd
with respect to the lease of office premises with an aggregate area of
34,500 square feet in the Commercial Office Building incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.11 of the Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal
2007 (File No. 001-32945) of WNS (Holdings) Limited, as filed with the
Commission on June 26, 2007. |
|
|
|
4.12
|
|
WNS (Holdings) Limited 2002 Stock Incentive Plan incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.10 of the Registration Statement on Form F-1
(File No. 333-135590) of WNS (Holdings) Limited, as filed with the
Commission on July 3, 2006. |
|
|
|
4.13
|
|
Form of WNS (Holdings) Limited 2006 Incentive Award Plan incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.11 of the Registration Statement on Form F-1
(File No. 333-135590) of WNS (Holdings) Limited, as filed with the
Commission on July 3, 2006. |
|
|
|
4.14
|
|
Amendment to the WNS (Holdings) Limited 2006 Incentive Award
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Current Report on Form
6-K (File No. 001-32945) of WNS (Holdings) Limited, as filed with the
Commission on August 7, 2007. |
|
|
|
4.15
|
|
Share Sale and Purchase Agreement, dated July 11, 2008, relating to the
sale and purchase of shares in Aviva Global Services Singapore Private
Limited between Aviva International Holdings Limited and WNS Capital
Investment Limited. **# |
|
|
|
4.16
|
|
Master Services Agreement, dated July 11, 2008, between Aviva Global
Services (Management Services) Private Limited and WNS Capital Investment
Limited. **# |
|
|
|
4.17
|
|
Facility Agreement, dated July 11, 2008, by and among WNS
(Mauritius) Limited as borrower, WNS (Holdings) Limited, WNS Capital
Investment Limited, WNS UK and WNS North America Inc. as guarantors,
ICICI Bank UK Plc as lender, arranger and agent, ICICI Bank Canada as
lender and arranger and Morgan Walker Solicitors LLP as security trustee.
**# |
|
|
|
8.1
|
|
List of subsidiaries of WNS (Holdings) Limited. ** |
126
|
|
|
12.1
|
|
Certification by the Chief Executive Officer to 17 CFR 240, 15d-14(a), as
adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. ** |
|
|
|
12.2
|
|
Certification by the Chief Financial Officer to 17 CFR 240, 15d-14(a), as
adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. ** |
|
|
|
13.1
|
|
Certification by the Chief Executive Officer to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. ** |
|
|
|
13.2
|
|
Certification by the Chief Financial Officer to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. ** |
|
|
|
15.1
|
|
Consent of Ernst & Young independent registered public accounting firm. ** |
|
|
|
** |
|
Filed herewith. |
|
# |
|
Certain portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential
treatment filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The omitted portions have been
separately filed with the Commission. |
127
SIGNATURES
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F
and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its
behalf.
Date: August 1, 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Neeraj Bhargava |
|
|
Name: |
Neeraj Bhargava |
|
|
Title: |
Group Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
128
INDEX TO WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITEDS CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of
WNS (Holdings) Limited
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of WNS (Holdings) Limited (the
Company) as of March 31, 2008 and 2007 and the related consolidated statements of income,
shareholders equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31,
2008. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An
audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the
financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material
respects, the consolidated financial position of WNS (Holdings) Limited at March 31, 2008 and 2007,
and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended March 31, 2008, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
As discussed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements, effective April 1, 2007 the
Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for
Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an Interpretation of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard
(SFAS) No. 109 and as discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company
adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 123 (revised
2004), Share-Based Payment using the modified prospective method, effective April 1, 2006 and
SFAS No. 158 Employers Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans,
effective March 31, 2007.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States), WNS (Holdings) Limiteds internal control over financial reporting as of
March 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal ControlIntegrated Framework issued by
the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated July 29, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Mumbai, India
July 29, 2008
F-2
WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
102,698 |
|
|
$ |
112,340 |
|
Bank deposits and marketable securities |
|
|
8,074 |
|
|
|
12,000 |
|
Accounts receivable, net of allowable of $1,784 and $364, respectively |
|
|
47,302 |
|
|
|
40,340 |
|
Accounts receivable related parties |
|
|
586 |
|
|
|
252 |
|
Funds held for clients |
|
|
6,473 |
|
|
|
6,589 |
|
Employee receivables |
|
|
1,179 |
|
|
|
1,289 |
|
Prepaid expenses |
|
|
3,776 |
|
|
|
2,162 |
|
Prepaid income taxes |
|
|
2,776 |
|
|
|
3,225 |
|
Deferred tax assets |
|
|
618 |
|
|
|
701 |
|
Other current assets |
|
|
8,596 |
|
|
|
4,524 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets |
|
|
182,078 |
|
|
|
183,422 |
|
Goodwill |
|
|
87,470 |
|
|
|
37,356 |
|
Intangible assets, net |
|
|
9,393 |
|
|
|
7,091 |
|
Property, plant and equipment, net |
|
|
50,840 |
|
|
|
41,830 |
|
Deferred contract costs non current |
|
|
1,278 |
|
|
|
|
|
Deposits |
|
|
7,391 |
|
|
|
3,081 |
|
Deferred tax assets |
|
|
8,055 |
|
|
|
3,101 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL ASSETS |
|
$ |
346,505 |
|
|
$ |
275,881 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Account payable |
|
$ |
15,562 |
|
|
$ |
18,505 |
|
Accounts payable related parties |
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
246 |
|
Accrued employee costs |
|
|
26,848 |
|
|
|
18,492 |
|
Deferred revenue current |
|
|
7,790 |
|
|
|
9,827 |
|
Income taxes payable |
|
|
1,879 |
|
|
|
88 |
|
Obligation under capital leases current |
|
|
|
|
|
|
13 |
|
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
|
211 |
|
|
|
|
|
Accrual for earn out payment |
|
|
33,699 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other current liabilities |
|
|
25,806 |
|
|
|
16,239 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities |
|
|
111,801 |
|
|
|
63,410 |
|
Deferred revenue non current |
|
|
1,549 |
|
|
|
5,051 |
|
Deferred rent |
|
|
2,627 |
|
|
|
1,098 |
|
Accrued pension liability |
|
|
1,544 |
|
|
|
771 |
|
Deferred tax liabilities non current |
|
|
1,834 |
|
|
|
23 |
|
Commitments and contingencies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES |
|
|
119,355 |
|
|
|
70,353 |
|
Shareholders equity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ordinary
shares, $0.16 (10 pence) par value, authorized: 50,000,000 shares;
Issued and outstanding: 42,363,100 and 41,842,879 shares, respectively |
|
|
6,622 |
|
|
|
6,519 |
|
Additional paid-in capital |
|
|
167,459 |
|
|
|
154,952 |
|
Ordinary shares subscribed: 1,666 and 30,022 shares, respectively |
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
137 |
|
Retained earnings |
|
|
38,839 |
|
|
|
30,685 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
|
|
14,220 |
|
|
|
13,235 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total shareholders equity |
|
|
227,150 |
|
|
|
205,528 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY |
|
$ |
346,505 |
|
|
$ |
275,881 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes.
F-3
WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Third parties |
|
$ |
456,401 |
|
|
$ |
345,216 |
|
|
$ |
186,500 |
|
Related parties |
|
|
3,466 |
|
|
|
7,070 |
|
|
|
16,309 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
459,867 |
|
|
|
352,286 |
|
|
|
202,809 |
|
Cost of revenue (a) |
|
|
363,322 |
|
|
|
271,174 |
|
|
|
145,730 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
|
96,545 |
|
|
|
81,112 |
|
|
|
57,079 |
|
Operating expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selling general and administrative expenses (a) |
|
|
72,699 |
|
|
|
52,461 |
|
|
|
36,347 |
|
Amortization of intangible assets |
|
|
2,869 |
|
|
|
1,896 |
|
|
|
856 |
|
Impairment of goodwill, intangibles and other assets |
|
|
15,464 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income |
|
|
5,513 |
|
|
|
26,755 |
|
|
|
19,876 |
|
Other income, net (a) |
|
|
9,184 |
|
|
|
2,500 |
|
|
|
456 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
(100 |
) |
|
|
(429 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income taxes |
|
|
14,694 |
|
|
|
29,155 |
|
|
|
19,903 |
|
Provision for income taxes |
|
|
(5,194 |
) |
|
|
(2,574 |
) |
|
|
(1,574 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
9,500 |
|
|
$ |
26,581 |
|
|
$ |
18,329 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic income per share |
|
$ |
0.23 |
|
|
$ |
0.69 |
|
|
$ |
0.56 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted income per share |
|
|
0.22 |
|
|
|
0.65 |
|
|
|
0.52 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) Includes the following related party amounts: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of revenue |
|
$ |
236 |
|
|
$ |
1,849 |
|
|
$ |
1,250 |
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
|
|
345 |
|
|
|
793 |
|
|
|
481 |
|
Other income |
|
|
61 |
|
|
|
368 |
|
|
|
250 |
|
See accompanying notes.
F-4
WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 2008, 2007 AND 2006
(Amounts in thousands, except share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retained |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional |
|
|
Ordinary |
|
|
earnings |
|
|
Deferred |
|
|
other |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
Ordinary shares |
|
|
paid-in |
|
|
shares |
|
|
(accumulated |
|
|
share-based |
|
|
comprehensive |
|
|
shareholders |
|
|
|
Number |
|
|
Par value |
|
|
capital |
|
|
subscribed |
|
|
deficit) |
|
|
compensation |
|
|
income |
|
|
equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at March 31, 2005 |
|
|
31,194,553 |
|
|
$ |
4,585 |
|
|
$ |
43,522 |
|
|
$ |
157 |
|
|
$ |
(14,225 |
) |
|
$ |
(288 |
) |
|
$ |
9,200 |
|
|
$ |
42,951 |
|
Shares issued for
exercised options |
|
|
1,710,936 |
|
|
|
286 |
|
|
|
2,901 |
|
|
|
(157 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,030 |
|
Shares issued to a Director |
|
|
150,000 |
|
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
876 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
902 |
|
Shares issued for
acquisition of Trinity
Partners Inc. |
|
|
2,266,022 |
|
|
|
393 |
|
|
|
13,354 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(635 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,112 |
|
Stock options exercised |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10 |
|
Stock options forfeited |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(51 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
51 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred share-based
compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
166 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(166 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of immature
shares and modification
of options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,460 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,460 |
|
Amortization of deferred
share-based compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
456 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
456 |
|
Comprehensive income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,329 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,329 |
|
Foreign currency
translations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,086 |
) |
|
|
(2,086 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,243 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at March 31, 2006 |
|
|
35,321,511 |
|
|
$ |
5,290 |
|
|
$ |
62,228 |
|
|
$ |
10 |
|
|
$ |
4,104 |
|
|
$ |
(582 |
) |
|
$ |
7,114 |
|
|
$ |
78,164 |
|
Shares issued for exercised
options |
|
|
2,047,684 |
|
|
|
398 |
|
|
|
6,147 |
|
|
|
(10 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,535 |
|
Shares issued in initial
public offering (IPO) |
|
|
4,473,684 |
|
|
|
831 |
|
|
|
77,828 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
78,659 |
|
Stock options exercised |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
137 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
137 |
|
Stock options forfeited |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(7 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share-based compensation
charge |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,064 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,064 |
|
Excess tax benefits from
exercise of share-based
options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,692 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,692 |
|
Amortization of deferred
share-based compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
575 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
575 |
|
Cumulative effect of
adoption of SFAS
No. 158 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(138 |
) |
|
|
(138 |
) |
Comprehensive income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,581 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,581 |
|
Change in fair value of
cash flow hedges |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
337 |
|
|
|
337 |
|
Foreign currency
translations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,922 |
|
|
|
5,922 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32,840 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-5
WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY (contd)
YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 2008, 2007 AND 2006
(Amounts in thousands, except share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retained |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional |
|
|
Ordinary |
|
|
earnings |
|
|
Deferred |
|
|
other |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
Ordinary shares |
|
|
paid-in |
|
|
shares |
|
|
(accumulated |
|
|
share-based |
|
|
comprehensive |
|
|
shareholders |
|
|
|
Number |
|
|
Par value |
|
|
capital |
|
|
subscribed |
|
|
deficit) |
|
|
compensation |
|
|
income |
|
|
equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at March 31, 2007 |
|
|
41,842,879 |
|
|
$ |
6,519 |
|
|
$ |
154,952 |
|
|
$ |
137 |
|
|
$ |
30,685 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
13,235 |
|
|
$ |
205,528 |
|
Shares issued for exercised
options and restricted
share units |
|
|
520,221 |
|
|
|
103 |
|
|
|
4,228 |
|
|
|
(137 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,194 |
|
Stock options exercised |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10 |
|
Share-based compensation
charge |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,816 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,816 |
|
Excess tax benefits from
exercise of share-based
options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,613 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,613 |
|
IPO cost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(150 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(150 |
) |
Adjustment to retained
earnings upon adoption
of FIN 48 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,346 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,346 |
) |
Comprehensive income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,500 |
|
Pension Adjustment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(486 |
) |
|
|
(486 |
) |
Change in fair value of
cash flow hedges |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(98 |
) |
|
|
(98 |
) |
Foreign currency
translation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,528 |
|
|
|
5,528 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,444 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reclassification |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Translation loss transferred
to income statement on
sale of subsidiary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
43 |
|
|
|
43 |
|
Cash flow hedges gain
transferred to net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,002 |
) |
|
|
(4,002 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at March 31, 2008 |
|
|
42,363,100 |
|
|
$ |
6,622 |
|
|
$ |
167,459 |
|
|
$ |
10 |
|
|
$ |
38,839 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
14,220 |
|
|
$ |
227,150 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes.
F-6
WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Cash flows from operating activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
9,500 |
|
|
$ |
26,581 |
|
|
$ |
18,329 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
by operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
21,321 |
|
|
|
16,662 |
|
|
|
11,308 |
|
Share-based compensation |
|
|
6,816 |
|
|
|
3,683 |
|
|
|
1,922 |
|
Amortization of deferred financing cost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
125 |
|
Allowance for doubtful accounts |
|
|
1,542 |
|
|
|
(33 |
) |
|
|
101 |
|
Gain (loss) on sale of property and equipment |
|
|
39 |
|
|
|
(57 |
) |
|
|
(32 |
) |
Deferred rent expenses |
|
|
1,339 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Impairment of goodwill, intangibles and other assets |
|
|
15,464 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income accrued on marketable securities |
|
|
(8 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred income taxes |
|
|
(5,387 |
) |
|
|
(4,122 |
) |
|
|
(1,028 |
) |
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation |
|
|
(1,613 |
) |
|
|
(5,692 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net
of effect of acquisitions: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable |
|
|
(5,880 |
) |
|
|
(10,022 |
) |
|
|
(2,976 |
) |
Other current assets |
|
|
(5,334 |
) |
|
|
(6,665 |
) |
|
|
(439 |
) |
Accounts payable |
|
|
(4,685 |
) |
|
|
(5,975 |
) |
|
|
(290 |
) |
Deferred revenue |
|
|
(4,817 |
) |
|
|
8,159 |
|
|
|
(2,193 |
) |
Other liabilities |
|
|
12,754 |
|
|
|
16,800 |
|
|
|
10,019 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash
provided by operating activities |
|
|
41,051 |
|
|
|
39,318 |
|
|
|
34,846 |
|
Cash flows from investing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (See Note 3) |
|
|
(36,121 |
) |
|
|
(938 |
) |
|
|
(3,862 |
) |
Facilities and property cost (See Note 13) |
|
|
(28,134 |
) |
|
|
(27,475 |
) |
|
|
(14,893 |
) |
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment |
|
|
178 |
|
|
|
1,841 |
|
|
|
77 |
|
Transfer of delivery centre to AVIVA |
|
|
1,570 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bank deposits and marketable securities |
|
|
3,969 |
|
|
|
(12,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
|
(58,538 |
) |
|
|
(38,572 |
) |
|
|
(18,678 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from IPO, net of expenses |
|
|
(150 |
) |
|
|
78,787 |
|
|
|
|
|
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation |
|
|
1,613 |
|
|
|
5,692 |
|
|
|
|
|
Ordinary shares issued and subscribed |
|
|
4,204 |
|
|
|
6,672 |
|
|
|
3,942 |
|
Principal payments under capital leases |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(173 |
) |
|
|
(299 |
) |
Repayment of note payable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(10,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
|
|
5,667 |
|
|
|
90,978 |
|
|
|
(6,357 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
2,178 |
|
|
|
2,068 |
|
|
|
(361 |
) |
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
(9,642 |
) |
|
|
93,791 |
|
|
|
9,450 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
|
|
112,340 |
|
|
|
18,549 |
|
|
|
9,099 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
|
$ |
102,698 |
|
|
$ |
112,340 |
|
|
$ |
18,549 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for interest |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
118 |
|
|
$ |
440 |
|
Cash paid for income taxes |
|
|
6,323 |
|
|
|
709 |
|
|
|
2,288 |
|
Shares issued for the acquisition of Trinity Partners Inc. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,747 |
|
See accompanying notes.
F-7
WNS
(HOLDINGS) LIMITED
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2008
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
1. |
|
ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS |
WNS (Holdings) Limited (WNS Holdings), along with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is a global
Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) company with client service offices in New York (US), London
(UK) and delivery centers in the UK, India,Sri Lanka, Romania and the Netherlands. The Companys
clients are primarily in the travel, banking, financial services and insurance industries. WNS
Holdings is incorporated in Jersey, Channel Islands, and is controlled by the Warburg Pincus Group.
2. |
|
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
|
|
|
Basis of preparation |
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of WNS Holdings and its
wholly-owned subsidiaries (the Company or WNS) and are prepared in accordance with U.S.
generally accepted accounting principles (US GAAP). All inter-company balances and transactions
have been eliminated upon consolidation. An acquired business is included in the Companys
consolidated statement of operations with effect from the date of the acquisition.
The Company uses the United States Dollar ($) as its reporting currency.
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with US GAAP requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements
and accompanying notes. The Company bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and
on various other assumptions that it believes are reasonable under the circumstances. The amount of
assets and liabilities reported on the Companys balance sheets and the amounts of revenue and
expenses reported for each of its periods presented are affected by estimates and assumptions,
which are used for, but not limited to, the accounting for revenue recognition, allowance for
doubtful accounts, income taxes, determining impairment on long-lived assets, intangibles and
goodwill, evaluating the effectiveness of currency hedges, share-based compensation and accounting
for defined benefit plans. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
|
|
Foreign currency translation |
The Companys foreign operations use their respective local currency as their functional currency.
Accordingly, assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are
translated into $ at exchange
rates in effect at the balance sheet date, while revenue and expenses are translated at average
exchange rates prevailing during the year. Translation adjustments are reported as a component of
accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders equity.
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are translated into the functional currency at
exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses
are recorded in the consolidated statement of operations within other income.
BPO services comprise back office administration, data management, contact center management and
auto claims handling services provided by subsidiaries in India, Sri Lanka, United States and the
United Kingdom. Depending on the terms of the arrangement, revenue from back office administration,
data management and contact center management is recognized on a per employee, per transaction or
cost-plus basis. Revenue is only recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists,
services have been rendered, the fee is determinable and collectibility is
F-8
WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2008
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
reasonably assured. Amounts billed or payments received, where all the conditions for revenue
recognition have not been met, are recorded as deferred revenue and are recognized as revenue when
all recognition criteria have been met. However, the costs related to the performance of BPO
services unrelated to transition services (see discussion below) are recognized in the period the
services are rendered. An upfront payment received towards future services is recognized ratably
over the period when such services are provided.
The Company has certain minimum commitment arrangements that provide for a minimum revenue
commitment on an annual basis or a cumulative basis over multiple years, stated in terms of annual
minimum amounts. Where a minimum commitment is specific to an annual period, any revenue shortfall
is invoiced and recognized at the end of this period. When the shortfall in a particular year can
be offset with revenue received in excess of minimum commitments in a subsequent year, the Company
recognizes deferred revenue for the shortfall which has been invoiced and received. To the extent
the Company has sufficient experience to conclude that the shortfall will not be satisfied by
excess revenue in a subsequent period, the deferred revenue will be recorded as revenue in that
period. In order to determine whether the Company has sufficient experience, the Company considers
several factors which include (i) the historical volume of business done with a client as compared
with initial projections of volume as agreed to by the client and the Company, (ii) the length of
time for which the Company has such historical experience, (iii) future volume expected based on
projections received from the client, and (iv) the Companys internal expectations of ongoing
volume with the client. Otherwise the deferred revenue will remain until such time when the Company
can conclude that it will not receive revenue in excess of the minimum commitment.
Revenue includes reimbursements of out-of-pocket expenses, with the corresponding out-of-pocket
expenses included in cost of revenue.
For certain BPO customers, the Company performs transition activities at the outset of entering
into a new contract. The Company has determined these transition activities do not meet the
criteria in Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) No. 00-21, Revenue Arrangements with Multiple
Deliverables, to be accounted for as a separate unit of accounting with stand-alone value separate
from the ongoing BPO contract. Accordingly, transition revenue and costs are subsequently
recognized ratably over the period in which the BPO services are performed. Further, the deferral
of costs is limited to the amount of the deferred revenue. Any costs in excess of the deferred
transition revenue are recognized in the period incurred.
Auto claims handling services include claims handling and administration (Claims Handling) and
arranging for repairs with repair centers across the United Kingdom and the related payment
processing for such repairs (Accident Management). With respect to Claims Handling, the Company
receives fees either on a per-claim basis or over a contract period. Revenue is recognized over the
estimated processing period, which currently ranges from one to two months or on a straight line
basis over the period of the contract. In certain cases, the fees is contingent upon the successful
recovery of a claim by the customer. In these circumstances, the revenue is deferred until the
contingency is resolved.
In order to provide Accident Management services, the Company arranges for the repair through a
network of repair centers. The repair costs are invoiced to customers. In determining whether the
receipt from the customers related to payments to repair centers should be recognized as revenue,
the Company considers the criteria established by EITF No. 99-19, Reporting Revenue Gross as a
Principal versus Net as an Agent. When the Company determines that it is the principal in
providing Accident Management services, amounts received from customers are recognized and
presented as third party revenue and the payments to repair centers are recognized as cost of
revenue in the consolidated statement of operations. Factors considered in determining whether the
Company is the principal in the transaction include whether (i) the Company is the primary obligor,
(ii) the Company negotiates labor rates with repair centers, (iii) the Company determines which
repair center should be used, (iv) the Company is responsible for timely and
satisfactory completion of repairs, and (v) the Company bears the risk that the customer may not
pay for the services provided (credit risk). If there are circumstances where the above criteria
are not met and therefore the Company is not the principal in providing Accident Management
services, amounts received from customers are
F-9
WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2008
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
presented net of payments to repair centers in the
consolidated statement of operations. Third party revenue also includes referral fees from repair
centers.
Cost of revenue includes payments to repair centers, salaries and related expenses, facilities
costs including depreciation and amortization on leasehold improvements, communication expenses and
out-of-pocket expenses. Cost of revenue during a transfer period, which includes process set up,
training, systems transfer and other personnel costs, are recognized
as incurred except in respect of transition activities.
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
The Company considers all highly liquid investments including marketable securities with an initial
maturity of up to three months to be cash equivalents.
|
|
Bank deposits and marketable securities |
Bank deposits consist of term deposits with an original maturity of more than three months. The
Companys marketable securities represent highly liquid investments and are acquired principally
for the purpose of generating a profit from short-term fluctuation in prices. Accordingly they are
classified as trading investments. All purchases and sales of such investments are recognized on
the trade date. Investments are initially measured at cost, which is the fair value of the
consideration given for them, including transaction costs. Changes in the fair values of trading
investments are recognized in the consolidated statements of income. Interest and dividend income
are recognized when earned. The market values of investments are assessed on the basis of the
quoted prices as of the balance sheet date. Unrealized gains or losses are not material at the
balance sheet dates.
Some of the Companys agreements allow the Company to temporarily hold funds on behalf of the
client. The funds are segregated from the Companys funds and there is usually a short period of
time between when the Company receives these funds from an insurance company and when the clients
are paid.
Accounts receivable represent trade receivables, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The
allowance for doubtful accounts represents the Companys best estimate of receivables that are
doubtful of recovery based on a specific identification basis.
The changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended March 31, 2008, 2007 and
2006 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Balance at the beginning of the year |
|
$ |
364 |
|
|
$ |
373 |
|
|
$ |
284 |
|
Charged to operations |
|
|
1,602 |
|
|
|
164 |
|
|
|
134 |
|
Write-off, net of collections |
|
|
(126 |
) |
|
|
(132 |
) |
|
|
(20 |
) |
Reversal |
|
|
(61 |
) |
|
|
(65 |
) |
|
|
(13 |
) |
Translation adjustment |
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
(12 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at the end of the year |
|
$ |
1,784 |
|
|
$ |
364 |
|
|
$ |
373 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-10
WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2008
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
Property and equipment, which include amounts recorded under capital leases, are recorded at cost.
Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful
lives of the assets, which are as follows:
|
|
|
Asset description |
|
Asset life (in years) |
Computers and software |
|
3 |
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment |
|
4-5 |
Vehicles |
|
3 |
Leasehold improvements |
|
Lesser of estimated useful life or lease term |
Advances paid towards the acquisition of property and equipment and the cost of property and
equipment not put to use before the balance sheet date are disclosed under the caption capital
work-in-progress in Note 4.
Property and equipment are reviewed for impairment if indicators of impairment arise. The
evaluation of impairment is based upon a comparison of the carrying amount of the property and
equipment to the estimated future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the
property and equipment. If estimated future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying
amount of the property and equipment, the asset is considered impaired. The impairment expense is
determined by comparing the estimated fair value of the property and equipment to its carrying
value, with any shortfall from fair value recognized as an expense in the current period. The fair
value is determined based on valuation techniques such as discounted cash flows or comparison to
fair values of similar assets. There were no impairment charges related to property, plant and
equipment recognized during the years ended March 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.
Software that has been purchased is included in property and equipment and is amortized using the
straight-line method over three years. The cost of internally developed software and product
enhancements, is capitalized in accordance with Statement of Position 98-01, Accounting for the
Costs of Computer Software developed or Obtained for Internal Use. The estimated useful lives of
such assets vary between three years and four years, based on the estimated useful life of each
particular software product.
The Company leases its delivery centers and office facilities under operating lease agreements that
are renewable on a periodic basis at the option of the lessor and the lessee. The lease agreements
contain rent free periods and rent escalation clauses. Lease payments under operating leases are
recognized as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
|
|
Goodwill and intangible assets |
Goodwill is not amortized but is reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if indicators
arise. The evaluation is based upon a comparison of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit
to which the goodwill has been assigned to the sum of the carrying value of the assets and
liabilities for that reporting unit. The fair values used in this evaluation are estimated based
upon discounted future cash flow projections for the reporting unit. These cash flow projections
are based upon a number of estimates and assumptions.
Intangible assets are initially valued at fair market value using generally accepted valuation
methods appropriate for the type of intangible asset. Intangible assets with definite lives are
amortized over the estimated useful lives and are reviewed for impairment, if indicators of
impairment arise. The evaluation of impairment is based upon a comparison of the carrying amount of
the intangible asset to the estimated
future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be
F-11
WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2008
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
generated by the asset. If estimated future
undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, the asset is considered
impaired. The impairment expense is determined by comparing the estimated fair value of the
intangible asset to its carrying value, with any shortfall from fair value recognized as an expense
in the current period. Amortization of the Companys definite lived intangible assets is computed
using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets which are as follows:
|
|
|
Asset description |
|
Asset life (in months) |
Customer contracts |
|
24-60* |
Customer relationship |
|
24-60* |
Intellectual Property rights |
|
36 |
Know-how |
|
24 |
Covenant not-to-compete |
|
24 |
|
|
|
* |
|
The weighted average amortization period for intangibles from the date of purchase is 56 months. |
The Company applies the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes as described in
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes (SFAS
No. 109). Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax
consequences attributable to differences between the financial statements carrying amounts of
existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit
carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using tax rates expected to apply
to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or
settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized
in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are recognized to
reduce the deferred tax assets to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized. In
assessing the likelihood of realization, management considers estimates of future taxable income
and the effect of temporary differences.
|
|
Employee benefits |
|
|
|
Defined contribution plans |
Eligible employees of the Company in India receive benefits from the Provident Fund, administered
by the Government of India, which is a defined contribution plan. Both the employees and the
Company make monthly contributions to the Provident Fund equal to a specified percentage of the
eligible employees salary.
Eligible United States employees of the Company participate in a savings plan (the Plan) under
Section 401(k) of the United States Internal Revenue Code (the Code). The Plan allows for
employees to defer a portion of their annual earnings on a pre-tax basis through voluntary
contributions to the Plan. The Plan provides that the Company can make optional contributions up to
the maximum allowable limit under the Code.
Eligible United Kingdom employees of the Company contribute to a defined contribution pension
scheme operated in the United Kingdom and an equal amount is contributed by the Company. The
pension expense represents contributions payable to the fund by the Company. The assets of the
scheme are held separately from those of the Company in an independently administered fund.
The Company has no further obligation under defined contribution plans beyond the contributions
made under these plans. Contributions are charged to income in the year in which they accrue and
are included in the consolidated statement of operations (See Note 9).
F-12
WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2008
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
Employees in India and Sri Lanka are entitled to benefits under the Gratuity Act, a defined benefit
retirement plan covering eligible employees of the Company. The plan provides for a lump-sum
payment to eligible employees at retirement, death, incapacitation or on termination of employment,
of an amount based on the respective employees salary and tenure of employment (subject to a
maximum of approximately $9 per employee in India). In India contributions are made to funds
administered and managed by the Life Insurance Corporation of India and AVIVA Life Insurance
Company Private Limited (together Fund Administrators) to fund the gratuity liability of two
Indian subsidiaries. Under this scheme, the obligation to pay gratuity remains with the Company,
although the Fund Administrators administer the scheme. Sri Lanka and one Indian subsidiary have
unfunded gratuity obligations.
On March 31, 2007, the Company adopted the recognition, measurement and disclosure provisions of
SFAS No. 158, Employers Accounting for Defined Benefit
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an
amendment of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R)
(SFAS No. 158). SFAS No. 158 requires the Company to recognize the funded status (i.e., the
difference between the fair value of plan assets and the projected benefit obligations) of its
pension plan in the balance sheet as of March 31, 2007, with a corresponding adjustment to
accumulated other comprehensive income. The adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income
at adoption represents the net unrecognized actuarial losses, which was previously netted against
the plans funded status in the Companys statement of financial position pursuant to the
provisions of SFAS No. 87 Employers Accounting for Pensions. This amount will be subsequently
recognized as net periodic pension cost pursuant to the Companys historical accounting policy for
amortizing such amounts. Further, actuarial gains and losses that arise in subsequent periods and
are not recognized as net periodic pension cost in the same periods will be recognized as a
component of other comprehensive income. Those amounts will be subsequently recognized as a
component of net periodic pension cost on the same basis as the amounts recognized in accumulated
other comprehensive income at adoption of SFAS No. 158. The impact of adopting these provisions was
an increase in the accrued pension liability of $138 and a decrease in shareholders equity of $138.
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are included in selling, general and administrative
expenses. Advertising costs for the years ended March 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 were $1,561, $1,440
and $1,013, respectively.
|
|
Derivative financial instruments |
SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, requires companies to
recognize all of its derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in the statement of
financial position at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value (i.e., gains or
losses) of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part
of a hedging relationship and further, on the type of hedging relationship. For those derivative
instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments, a company must designate the
hedging instrument, based upon the exposure being hedged, as a fair value hedge, cash flow hedge or
a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation.
To protect against exchange gains (losses) on forecasted inter-company revenue, the Company has
instituted a foreign currency cash flow hedging program. For derivative instruments that are
designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge (i.e., hedging the exposure to variability in expected
future cash flows that is attributable to a particular risk), the effective portion of the gain or
loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and
reclassified into earnings in the same line item associated with the forecasted transaction in the
same period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The remaining gain or loss on the
derivative instrument in excess of the cumulative change in the present value of future cash flows
of the hedged item, if any, is recognized in other income in current earnings during the period of
change.
F-13
WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2008
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
The operating entity in India hedges a part of its forecasted inter-company revenue denominated in
foreign currencies with forward contracts and options which have a term of upto two years. When the
functional currency of the operating entity strengthens significantly against a currency other than
the operating entitys functional currency, the decline in value of future foreign currency revenue
is offset by gains in the value of the forward contracts designated as hedges. Conversely, when the
functional currency of the operating entity weakens, the increase in the value of future foreign
currency cash flows is offset by losses in the value of the forward contracts. The fair value of
both the foreign currency forward contracts and options are reflected in other assets or other
liabilities as appropriate. The Company does not use forward and option contracts for trading
purposes.
During the year ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, the net gain or loss related to the ineffective
portion of the derivative instruments was immaterial. At March 31, 2008, unrealized loss of $3,763
on derivative instruments included in other comprehensive income is expected to be reclassified to
earnings during the next 18 months. The forecasted inter-company revenue discussed above relates to
cost of revenue of certain non-Indian subsidiaries and is recorded by those subsidiaries in their
functional currency at the time services are provided. The resulting difference upon the
elimination of inter-company revenue with the related cost of revenue is recorded in other income
and amounted to a gain of $4,002 for the year ended March 31, 2008 and a loss of $1,408 for the
year ended March 31, 2007.
Basic income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding
during the year. Diluted income per share is computed by considering the impact of the potential
issuance of ordinary shares, using the treasury stock method, on the weighted average number of
shares outstanding.
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Numerator: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
9,500 |
|
|
$ |
26,581 |
|
|
$ |
18,329 |
|
Denominator: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic weighted average ordinary shares outstanding |
|
|
42,070,206 |
|
|
|
38,608,188 |
|
|
|
32,874,299 |
|
Dilutive impact of stock options |
|
|
874,822 |
|
|
|
2,512,309 |
|
|
|
2,155,467 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted weighted average ordinary shares outstanding |
|
$ |
42,945,028 |
|
|
$ |
41,120,497 |
|
|
$ |
35,029,766 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 123 (revised
2004), Share-Based Payment (SFAS No. 123(R)) that addresses the accounting for share-based
payment transactions in which an enterprise receives employee services in exchange for equity
instruments of the enterprise or liabilities that are based on the fair value of the enterprises
equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of such equity instruments. Prior to
April 1, 2006, the Company accounted for its employee share-based compensation plan using the
intrinsic value method of accounting prescribed by Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No.
25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees and related Interpretations, as permitted by SFAS
No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. Effective April 1, 2006, the Company adopted
SFAS No. 123(R), using the prospective transition method. Under that transition method, non public
entities that used the minimum-value method (whether for financial statement recognition or for pro
forma disclosure purposes) continue to account for non vested equity awards outstanding at the date of adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) in the same manner as they had
been accounted for prior to adoption.
F-14
WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2008
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R) share based compensation for all awards
granted, modified or settled on or after April 1, 2006 that the Company expects to vest is
recognized on a straight line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally the
vesting period of the award.
SFAS No. 123(R) requires the use of a valuation model to calculate the fair value of share-based
awards. The Company elected to use the Black-Scholes-Merton pricing model to determine the fair
value of share-based awards on the date of grant. Restricted Share Units are measured based on the
fair market value of the underlying shares on the date of grant. As a result of adopting SFAS No.
123(R) on April 1, 2006, the Companys income before income taxes and net income for the year ended
March 31, 2007, were lower by $667 and $303, respectively, than if it had continued to account for
share-based compensation under APB Opinion No. 25.
The Company has elected to use the with and without approach as described in EITF Topic No. D-32
in determining the order in which tax attributes are utilized. As a result, the Company only
recognizes tax benefit from share-based awards in additional paid-in capital if an incremental tax
benefit is realized after all other tax attributes currently available to the Company have been
utilized.
|
|
Fair value of financial instruments |
The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts
receivable, employee receivables, other current assets, accounts payable, accrued expenses and
other current liabilities approximate their fair value due to the short-term maturity of these
items.
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist
principally of cash and cash equivalents, bank deposits, marketable securities, funds held for
clients and accounts receivable. By their nature, all such instruments involve risks including
credit risks of non-performance by counterparties. A substantial portion of the Companys cash and
cash equivalents are invested with financial institutions and banks located in the United States
and the United Kingdom having high investment grade credit ratings. A portion of our surplus funds
are also invested in highly rated marketable securities and deposits with banks in India and
abroad.
Accounts receivable are unsecured and are derived from revenue earned from customers in the travel,
banking, financial services, insurance, and healthcare industries based primarily in the United
States and the United Kingdom. The Company monitors the credit worthiness of its customers to whom
it grants credit terms in the normal course of its business. Management believes there is no
significant risk of loss in the event of non-performance of the counter parties to these financial
instruments, other than the amounts already provided for in the consolidated financial statements.
Certain amounts in the prior years financial statements and related notes have been reclassified
to conform to the current years presentation.
|
|
Recently issued accounting standards |
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS No. 157). SFAS
No. 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to
transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. SFAS No. 157 provides guidance for
the determination of fair value, and establishes a fair value hierarchy for assessing the sources
of information used in fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157
became effective for the Company on April
1, 2008. The Company does not believe that adoption of this
accounting standard will have a
significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.
F-15
WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2008
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and
Financial Liabilities Including an amendment of FASB
Statement No. 115 (SFAS No. 159) which permits entities to choose to measure many financial
instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at
fair value. SFAS No. 159 became effective for the Company on April 1, 2008. The Company does not
believe that adoption of this accounting standard will have a significant impact on its
consolidated financial statements.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised), Business Combinations (SFAS No.
141(R)). The standard changes the way companies account for business combinations and requires
the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize assets acquired and liabilities assumed
in the transaction; establishes the acquisition-date fair value as the measurement objective for
all assets acquired and liabilities assumed; and requires the acquirer to disclose information
needed by investors to understand the nature and financial effect of the business combination. SFAS
No. 141(R) is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, with early adoption
prohibited. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this
statement on its consolidated financial
statements.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial
Statements an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51 (SFAS No. 160). This
statement requires an entity to classify noncontrolling financial interests in subsidiaries as a
separate component of equity. Additionally, transactions between an entity and noncontrolling
interests are required to be treated as equity transactions. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 2008, with early adoption prohibited. The Company does not
expect the adoption of this statement to have a material impact on its consolidated financial
statements.
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133. This Statement changes the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and
hedging activities. Entities are required to provide enhanced disclosures about (a) how and why an
entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are
accounted for under Statement 133 and its related interpretations, and (c) how derivative
instruments and related hedged items affect an entitys financial position, financial performance,
and cash flows. This standard is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and
interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008 with early adoption permitted. The Company is
currently evaluating the impact of this statement on its financial statements.
In April 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) No. Financial Accounting Standard 142-3,
Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets (FSP No. FAS 142-3). FSP No. FAS 142-3
amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to
determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other
Intangible Assets. The Company is required to adopt FSP No. FAS 142-3 for fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 2008. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of FSP No. FAS 142-3
on its financial statements.
In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles (SFAS No. 162). SFAS No. 162 identifies the sources of accounting principles and the
framework for selecting the principles used in the preparation of financial statements that are
presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. SFAS No. 162 will become
effective 60 days after the Commissions approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
amendments to Auditing Standards (AU) Section 411, The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity
With Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS
No. 162 to have a material impact on its financial statements.
Marketics Technologies (India) Private Limited
On May 8, 2007, the Company completed the acquisition of Marketics Technologies (India) Private
Limited (Marketics), a provider of offshore analytics services. This acquisition strengthened the
Companys position in this line of business. Among other things, with this acquisition the Company
acquired expertise in offshore analytics, a fast-growing area of the BPO business, which enabled
the Company to gain access to a few prominent clients in the United States. The Company has
accounted for this acquisition from May 1, 2007.
The consideration for the acquisition was an initial cash payment of $30,000 plus direct
transaction costs of $1,400. The initial cash payment of $30,000 was made in May 2007, of which
$2,500 is in escrow to be paid out to the selling shareholders along with a contingent earn-out
payment tied to performance. The Company acquired 75.1% of the equity shares of Marketics and the
remaining 24.9% has been kept in escrow to be transferred to the Company upon payment of the
contingent earn-out payment. The Company has accounted for 100% of the operations from May 1, 2007
as there are no likely conditions that would preclude the transfer of shares held in escrow. The
payment of contingent consideration is the only event required to effect the transfer of the
remaining shares, which is entirely within the control of the Company. The contingent earn-out
payment is $33,699 as of
March 31, 2008 based on the performance and results of the operations of Marketics
for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2008 and has been recorded as additional goodwill.
F-16
WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2008
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
The total estimated cost of acquisition has been preliminarily allocated to the assets acquired and
liabilities assumed based on a determination of their fair value. The following table summarizes
the allocation:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount |
|
Cash |
|
$ |
1,834 |
|
Accounts receivable |
|
|
2,131 |
|
Other assets |
|
|
562 |
|
Property and equipment |
|
|
190 |
|
Intangible (customer relationships) |
|
|
8,960 |
|
Goodwill |
|
|
54,469 |
|
Current liabilities |
|
|
(1,170 |
) |
Deferred tax liability |
|
|
(1,877 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Total purchase consideration |
|
$ |
65,099 |
|
|
|
|
|
The weighted average amortization period for intangibles accounting from the date of purchase is 60
months. The Company has not disclosed pro forma information because the revenue and net income of
Marketics is not material to the revenue and net income of the Company for the years ended March
31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.
Flovate Technologies Limited
On June 11, 2007, the Company acquired the entire share capital of Flovate Technologies Limited
(Flovate), of which the CEO of a division of a UK subsidiary of the Company was a majority
shareholder, for a total cash consideration of $6,159 including $221 of transaction costs. The
Company has also paid $1,384 held in escrow to be released to the selling shareholders of Flovate
by June 2008 upon the software acquired being upgraded as specified in the purchase agreement. Upon
such payment, the Company will record the amount paid as additional cost of the software. Flovate
is a software company and the auto claims handling software of Flovate is used by the Company in
its auto claims business in the UK.
The total purchase consideration has been preliminarily allocated based on a determination of their
fair value as Customer Relationship Intangible of $652, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) of
$1,839 and Net Tangible Assets of $380 with the residual allocated to goodwill of $3,288. The
weighted average amortization period for intangibles accounting from the date of purchase is 42
months.
The Company had pre-existing relationship with Flovate. The Company obtained auto claims handling
software from Flovate. There was no gain or loss recognized on settlement of this relationship.
The Company has not disclosed pro forma information because the revenue and net income of Flovate
is not material to the revenue and net income of the Company for the years ended March 31, 2008,
2007 and 2006.
PRG Airlines Services Limited and GHS Holdings LLC
The Company acquired the business of PRG Airlines Services Limited (PRG) in August 2006 and GHS
Holdings LLC (GHS) in September 2006 for an aggregate amount of $1,145 which included transaction
costs of $110. PRG is in the business of conducting fare audits for airlines to identify
inaccuracies in the fare, class and others with a view to recover revenue leakages from the airline
customer. GHS provides finance and accounting services to restaurants and pizza centers. These
acquisitions were accounted for under the purchase method of accounting in accordance with SFAS No.
141, Business Combinations. The results of operations of the acquisitions have been included in
the Companys Statement of Operations from the respective dates of acquisition. The fair value of
identifiable intangible assets has been determined based on standard valuation techniques. The
Company has recorded $897 of goodwill, $166 of identifiable intangible assets and $82 of net
tangible assets in connection with these acquisitions.
F-17
WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2008
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
Trinity Partners Inc (Refer Note 6)
During the year ended March 31, 2006, the Company acquired the entire share capital of Trinity
Partners Inc. (Trinity) for a total consideration of $19,777, including $175 of transaction
costs. The total purchase consideration comprised of a cash payment of $6,814 and 2,107,901 shares
of WNS (Holdings) Limited.
Trinity, together with its wholly owned subsidiary in India, provides business process outsourcing
services and information technology delivery solutions to customers in the financial services
industry in the United States. The Company recorded $8,889 of goodwill, $9,420 of identifiable
intangible assets and $1,468 of net tangible assets in connection with this acquisition.
The Company granted 104,716 shares to certain selling shareholders of Trinity in consideration for
employment contracts. The fair value of such shares amounting to approximately $678 is recorded as
compensation and has been recognized as compensation expense over the period of the employment
contract, which is one year. Accordingly the Company recorded compensation expense of $433 and $245
for the years ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. An additional 53,405 shares were issued
to another selling shareholder who is a customer. The fair value of these shares amounted to $324
and is being amortized over the term of the customer contract (5 years) and accounted for as a
reduction of revenue.
4. |
|
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT |
The major classes of property and equipment are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Computers and software |
|
$ |
46,937 |
|
|
$ |
37,753 |
|
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment |
|
|
37,675 |
|
|
|
29,217 |
|
Vehicles |
|
|
2,898 |
|
|
|
1,710 |
|
Leasehold improvements |
|
|
24,349 |
|
|
|
17,884 |
|
Capital work-in-progress |
|
|
4,446 |
|
|
|
776 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
116,305 |
|
|
|
87,340 |
|
Accumulated depreciation and amortization |
|
|
(65,465 |
) |
|
|
(45,510 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property and equipment, net |
|
$ |
50,840 |
|
|
$ |
41,830 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation expense, including amortization of assets recorded under capital leases, amounted to
$18,452, $14,766 and $10,452 for the years ended March 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
Capital work-in-progress includes advances for property and equipment of $124 and $45 as at March
31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Computers on capital leases at March 31, 2008 and 2007 were $1,555 and $1,524, respectively. The
related accumulated amortization at March 31, 2008 and 2007 was $1,545 and $1,509, respectively.
F-18
WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2008
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
5. |
|
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES |
The components of intangible assets are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross |
|
|
amortization |
|
|
Net |
|
Customer contracts |
|
$ |
13,792 |
|
|
$ |
13,757 |
|
|
$ |
35 |
|
Customer relationships |
|
|
12,212 |
|
|
|
4,200 |
|
|
|
8,012 |
|
Intellectual Property Rights |
|
|
1,863 |
|
|
|
517 |
|
|
|
1,346 |
|
Know-how |
|
|
343 |
|
|
|
343 |
|
|
|
|
|
Covenant not-to-compete |
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
28,310 |
|
|
$ |
18,917 |
|
|
$ |
9,393 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross |
|
|
amortization |
|
|
Net |
|
Customer contracts |
|
$ |
13,666 |
|
|
$ |
8,369 |
|
|
$ |
5,297 |
|
Customer relationships |
|
|
2,482 |
|
|
|
688 |
|
|
|
1,794 |
|
Know-how |
|
|
316 |
|
|
|
316 |
|
|
|
|
|
Covenant not-to-compete |
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
16,564 |
|
|
$ |
9,473 |
|
|
$ |
7,091 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amortization expenses amounted to $2,869, $1,896 and $856 for the years ended March 31, 2008,
2007 and 2006, respectively. As discussed in Note 6, accumulated amortization included impairment
loss on customer contract and customer relationship amounting to $4,779 and $1,580 respectively for
the year ended March 31, 2008.
The estimated annual amortization expense based on current intangible balances for fiscal years
beginning April 1, 2008 is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Year ending March 31, |
|
Amount |
|
2009 |
|
$ |
2,616 |
|
2010 |
|
|
2,588 |
|
2011 |
|
|
2,059 |
|
2012 |
|
|
1,956 |
|
2013 |
|
|
174 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
9,393 |
|
|
|
|
|
F-19
WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2008
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
The changes in the carrying value of goodwill by segment (refer to note 15) were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
WNS |
|
|
WNS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Global |
|
|
Auto Claims |
|
|
Total |
|
Balance at March 31, 2006 |
|
$ |
12,956 |
|
|
$ |
20,818 |
|
|
$ |
33,774 |
|
Goodwill arising on acquisition |
|
|
897 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
897 |
|
Foreign currency translation |
|
|
84 |
|
|
|
2,601 |
|
|
|
2,685 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at March 31, 2007 |
|
|
13,937 |
|
|
|
23,419 |
|
|
|
37,356 |
|
Goodwill arising on acquisition |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Marketics |
|
|
54,469 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
54,469 |
|
Flovate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,288 |
|
|
|
3,288 |
|
Impairment on Goodwill (Refer Note 6) |
|
|
(8,889 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8,889 |
) |
Foreign currency translation |
|
|
778 |
|
|
|
518 |
|
|
|
1,246 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at March 31, 2008 |
|
$ |
60,245 |
|
|
$ |
27,225 |
|
|
$ |
87,470 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In September 2007, one of WNS clients, First Magnus Financial Corporation (FMFC), a US mortgage
service company, informed WNS that the prevailing business relationship between the two entities
was terminated with effect from August 16, 2007 as FMFC filed a voluntary petition for relief under
Chapter 11 of the US Bankruptcy Code. Revenue from FMFC were classified under the WNS Global BPO
segment. With the acquisition of Trinity in November 2005, WNS had significantly increased its
presence in the mortgage industry. FMFC and its associated companies comprised the bulk of
customers acquired in connection with the acquisition. In addition, the US mortgage market today
continues to be difficult, weak and uncertain and therefore WNS other mortgage clients have also
scaled down their existing operations with the Company. The Company is uncertain when this market
will rebound. As a result of these indicators of impairment, the Company tested the related
goodwill and intangible assets for impairment and concluded that the entire goodwill and
intangibles acquired in the purchase of Trinity were impaired. Accordingly, the Company recorded an
impairment charge of $8,889 for the goodwill, $6,359 for the intangibles and $216 for other assets
in the WNS Global BPO segment. The amount of the claims filed by the Company totaled US$15,575,
however the realizability of these claims cannot be determined at this time.
The Companys provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Current taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Domestic taxes |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Foreign taxes |
|
|
10,581 |
|
|
|
6,696 |
|
|
|
2,602 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,581 |
|
|
|
6,696 |
|
|
|
2,602 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Domestic taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign taxes |
|
|
(5,387 |
) |
|
|
(4,122 |
) |
|
|
(1,028 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
5,194 |
|
|
$ |
2,574 |
|
|
$ |
1,574 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-20
WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2008
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
Domestic taxes are nil as there are no statutory taxes applicable in Jersey, Channel Islands.
Foreign taxes are based on enacted tax rates in each subsidiarys jurisdiction. Income (loss)
before income taxes for the years ended March 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, primarily arose in the
following jurisdictions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Jurisdiction |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
India |
|
$ |
21,962 |
|
|
$ |
19,909 |
|
|
$ |
16,053 |
|
United States |
|
|
1,099 |
|
|
|
1,401 |
|
|
|
(1,163 |
) |
United Kingdom |
|
|
16,541 |
|
|
|
6,517 |
|
|
|
5,821 |
|
Other (a) |
|
|
(24,908 |
) |
|
|
1,328 |
|
|
|
(808 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income taxes |
|
$ |
14,694 |
|
|
$ |
29,155 |
|
|
$ |
19,903 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)
Includes impairment of goodwill and other assets and amortization of
intangible assets amounting to $18,333.
The Companys Indian operations are eligible to claim income-tax exemption with respect to profits
earned from export revenue from an operating unit registered under the Software Technology Parks of
India (STPI). The benefit is available for a period of 10 years from the date of commencement of
operations, but not beyond March 31, 2010. The Company had 14, 10 and 10 delivery centers for the
years ended March 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The benefits expire in stages from April
1, 2006 to April 1, 2010. The Company is also eligible for a tax exemption with respect to the
profits earned from operations in Sri Lanka.
The additional income tax expense at the statutory rate in India and Sri Lanka, if the tax
exemption was not available, would have been approximately $11,511, $9,204 and $4,998 for the years
ended March 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The impact of such additional tax on basic and
diluted income per share for the year ended March 31, 2008 would have been approximately $0.27 and
$0.27, respectively ($0.24 and $0.22, respectively, for the year ended March 31, 2007; $0.15 and
$0.14, respectively, for the year ended March 31, 2006).
The following is a reconciliation of the Jersey statutory income tax rate with the effective tax
rate:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Net income before taxes |
|
$ |
14,694 |
|
|
$ |
29,155 |
|
|
$ |
19,903 |
|
Enacted tax rates in Jersey |
|
|
0 |
% |
|
|
0 |
% |
|
|
0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Statutory income tax |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Provision due to: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign minimum alternative taxes and state taxes |
|
|
75 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Differential foreign tax rates |
|
|
4,997 |
|
|
|
2,138 |
|
|
|
1,454 |
|
Others |
|
|
122 |
|
|
|
436 |
|
|
|
120 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Provision for income taxes |
|
$ |
5,194 |
|
|
$ |
2,574 |
|
|
$ |
1,574 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-21
WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2008
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Deferred tax assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property and equipment |
|
$ |
3,223 |
|
|
$ |
1,941 |
|
Net operating loss carry forward |
|
|
292 |
|
|
|
707 |
|
Accruals deductible on actual payment |
|
|
1,363 |
|
|
|
506 |
|
Share-based compensation |
|
|
1,567 |
|
|
|
673 |
|
Minimum alternate tax |
|
|
2,922 |
|
|
|
673 |
|
Others |
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total deferred tax assets |
|
|
9,380 |
|
|
|
4,079 |
|
Less: Valuation allowances |
|
|
(283 |
) |
|
|
(277 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances |
|
|
9,097 |
|
|
|
3,802 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property and equipment |
|
|
(220 |
) |
|
|
(9 |
) |
Intangibles |
|
|
(2,249 |
) |
|
|
(14 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total deferred tax liabilities |
|
|
(2,469 |
) |
|
|
(23 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net deferred tax assets |
|
$ |
6,628 |
|
|
$ |
3,779 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The classification of deferred tax assets (liabilities) is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Current |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax assets |
|
$ |
618 |
|
|
$ |
701 |
|
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
|
(211 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net current deferred tax assets |
|
$ |
407 |
|
|
$ |
701 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non current |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax assets |
|
$ |
8,338 |
|
|
$ |
3,378 |
|
Less: Valuation allowance (a) |
|
|
(283 |
) |
|
|
(277 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,055 |
|
|
|
3,101 |
|
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
|
(1,834 |
) |
|
|
(23 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net non current deferred tax assets |
|
$ |
6,221 |
|
|
$ |
3,078 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) The change in valuation allowance is the result of exchange rate change between the years ended
March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007
Effective April 1, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board
Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN 48). FIN 48 clarifies
the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprises financial statements
in accordance with SFAS No. 109 and prescribes a recognition threshold of more-likely-than-not to
be sustained upon examination. As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, the Company recognized
a $1,346 increase in the liability for unrecognized tax obligations related to tax positions taken
in prior periods. This increase included an interest cost of $271. This increase was accounted for
as an adjustment to retained earnings in accordance with the provisions of FIN 48.
F-22
WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2008
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
The Company records penalties and interest on tax obligations as income tax expense. For the year
ended March 31, 2008, $63 has been charged as interest cost to the income statement.
The total unrecognized tax benefits as at March 31, 2008 were $17,038. If this unrecognized tax
benefit is recognized, the effective tax rate of the Company would be significantly lower for the period in
which it will be recognized. As at March 31, 2008, no material changes have occurred in the
Companys uncertain tax positions since the adoption of FIN 48 on April 1, 2007.
The following table summarizes the activities related to the Companys unrecognized tax benefits
for uncertain tax positions from April 1, 2007 to March 31, 2008:
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at April 1, 2007 |
|
$ |
15,856 |
|
Increase related to prior year tax positions |
|
|
63 |
|
Effect of exchange rate changes |
|
|
1,119 |
|
Balance at March 31, 2008 |
|
$ |
17,038 |
|
The unrecognized tax benefit is on account of net operating loss carried forward and unabsorbed
depreciation in India for which deferred tax asset has not been recorded. The Company expects to
make that determination after the tax holiday period ends.
The Companys major tax jurisdictions are India, UK and the U.S., though the Company also files tax
returns in some other foreign jurisdictions. In India, the assessment is not yet completed for the
tax year ended March 31, 2005 and onwards.
At March 31, 2008, the Company had a net operating loss carry forward aggregating to $973 in the UK
with no expiration date. At March 31, 2008, the Company had net operating loss carry forward
aggregating to $26,383 in India which expires between 2012 and 2014 and unabsorbed depreciation
carry forward aggregating to $9,376. The Company has not recorded a deferred tax asset for these
carry forward losses as there is uncertainty regarding the availability of such amounts to offset
taxable income in subsequent years. At March 31, 2008, the Company had tax benefits carried
forward pertaining to exercise of options amounting to $12,018 in the US which would expire on
2027.
Deferred income taxes on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries have not been provided as
such earnings are deemed to be permanently reinvested.
Deferred revenue comprises of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Payments in advance of services |
|
$ |
6,728 |
|
|
$ |
10,946 |
|
Advance billings |
|
|
1,601 |
|
|
|
2,743 |
|
Claims handling |
|
|
508 |
|
|
|
795 |
|
Other |
|
|
502 |
|
|
|
394 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
9,339 |
|
|
$ |
14,878 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-23
WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2008
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
9. |
|
RETIREMENT BENEFITS |
|
|
|
Defined contribution plans |
During the years ended March 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, the Company contributed the following amounts
to defined contribution plans:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Provident fund India |
|
$ |
5,107 |
|
|
$ |
3,153 |
|
|
$ |
1,839 |
|
Pension scheme UK |
|
|
569 |
|
|
|
542 |
|
|
|
404 |
|
401(k) plan US |
|
|
601 |
|
|
|
422 |
|
|
|
225 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
6,277 |
|
|
$ |
4,117 |
|
|
$ |
2,468 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Defined benefit plan gratuity |
The reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the projected benefit obligation and the
fair value of plans assets for the years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, and the accumulated benefit
obligation at March 31, 2008 and 2007, as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Change in projected benefit obligations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obligation at beginning of the year |
|
$ |
1,271 |
|
|
$ |
759 |
|
Translation adjustment |
|
|
95 |
|
|
|
21 |
|
Service cost |
|
|
437 |
|
|
|
490 |
|
Interest cost |
|
|
114 |
|
|
|
53 |
|
Benefits paid |
|
|
(119 |
) |
|
|
(75 |
) |
Business combination |
|
|
(24 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Actuarial loss |
|
|
480 |
|
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit obligation at end of the year |
|
$ |
2,254 |
|
|
$ |
1,271 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in plan assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan assets at beginning of the year |
|
$ |
500 |
|
|
$ |
451 |
|
Translation adjustment |
|
|
40 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
Actual return |
|
|
44 |
|
|
|
32 |
|
Actual contributions |
|
|
85 |
|
|
|
83 |
|
Benefits paid |
|
|
(119 |
) |
|
|
(75 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan assets at end of the year |
|
$ |
550 |
|
|
$ |
500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Funded status |
|
$ |
(1,704 |
) |
|
$ |
(771 |
) |
Current |
|
|
(160 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Non-current |
|
|
(1,544 |
) |
|
|
(771 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net amount recognized |
|
|
(1,704 |
) |
|
|
(771 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of the year |
|
$ |
1,577 |
|
|
$ |
747 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-24
WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2008
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Net periodic gratuity cost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Service cost |
|
$ |
437 |
|
|
$ |
490 |
|
|
$ |
205 |
|
Interest cost |
|
|
114 |
|
|
|
53 |
|
|
|
35 |
|
Expected return on plan assets |
|
|
(38 |
) |
|
|
(35 |
) |
|
|
(27 |
) |
Amortization |
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net periodic gratuity cost for the year |
|
$ |
521 |
|
|
$ |
543 |
|
|
$ |
221 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The assumptions used in accounting for the gratuity plan are set out as below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended March 31, |
|
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
Discount rate |
|
7.6-10.25% |
|
9.8% |
|
8.0% |
Rate of increase in compensation levels |
|
11%-15% for 5 years and 7% thereafter |
|
9%-11% for 5 years and 7%-9% thereafter |
|
9%- 11% for 5 years and 7%- 9% thereafter |
Rate of return on plan assets |
|
7.5% |
|
7.5% |
|
7.5% |
The Company evaluates these assumptions annually based on its long-term plans of growth and
industry standards. The discount rates are based on current market yields on government securities
adjusted for a suitable risk premium. Plan assets are invested in lower risk assets, primarily debt
securities.
The Company expects to contribute $1,411 for the year ended March 31, 2009. The expected benefit
payments from the fund as of March 31, 2008 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Year ending March 31, |
|
Amount |
|
2009 |
|
$ |
636 |
|
2010 |
|
|
712 |
|
2011 |
|
|
824 |
|
2012 |
|
|
856 |
|
2013 |
|
|
883 |
|
2014-2018 |
|
|
2,128 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
6,039 |
|
|
|
|
|
The amount included in accumulated other comprehensive income and expected to be recognized in net
periodic pension cost during the year ended March 31, 2009 is $264. No plan assets are expected to
be returned to the Company during the year ended March 31, 2009.
F-25
WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2008
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
10. |
|
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME |
The changes within each classification of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the
years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total accumulated |
|
|
|
Cumulative |
|
|
Changes in fair |
|
|
|
|
|
|
other |
|
|
|
translation |
|
|
value of Cash |
|
|
Pension |
|
|
comprehensive |
|
|
|
adjustment |
|
|
flow hedges |
|
|
adjustments * |
|
|
income |
|
Balance at March 31, 2006 |
|
$ |
7,114 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
7,114 |
|
Change during the year |
|
|
5,922 |
|
|
|
337 |
|
|
|
(138 |
) |
|
|
6,121 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at March 31, 2007 |
|
|
13,036 |
|
|
|
337 |
|
|
|
(138 |
) |
|
|
13,235 |
|
Change during the year |
|
|
5,571 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(486 |
) |
|
|
5,085 |
|
Reclassified to income statement |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,002 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,002 |
) |
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(98 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(98 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at March 31, 2008 |
|
$ |
18,607 |
|
|
$ |
(3,763 |
) |
|
$ |
(624 |
) |
|
$ |
14,220 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
The Pension adjustment for 2006 is the cumulative effect of the adoption of SFAS No. 158 |
WNS Holdings has one class of ordinary shares and the holder of each share is entitled to one vote
per share. Ordinary shares subscribed relates to options exercised as of the year end but the
corresponding shares were not issued at year end.
On July 31, 2006, the Company completed its IPO of American Depositary Shares (ADSs), priced at
US$20 per ADS (one ADS is equivalent to one ordinary share). 12,763,708 ADSs were issued of which
4,473,684 related to new ordinary shares and 8,290,024 related to shares sold by selling
shareholders. The Company received gross proceeds of $89,474 from the IPO and incurred $10,665
towards underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses.
12. |
|
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION |
Share-based compensation expense recognized during the years ended March 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Share-based compensation recorded in |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of revenue |
|
$ |
2,436 |
|
|
$ |
995 |
|
|
$ |
127 |
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
|
|
4,380 |
|
|
|
2,688 |
|
|
|
1,795 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total share-based compensation |
|
$ |
6,816 |
|
|
$ |
3,683 |
|
|
$ |
1,922 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recognized income tax benefit |
|
$ |
(1,574 |
) |
|
$ |
(671 |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
During the year ended March 31, 2006, the Company recorded compensation expense of approximately
$972 related to the purchase of immature shares (shares held by employees for less than six months
after exercise of stock options) by a principal shareholder and approximately $488 relating to
modification of options.
F-26
WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2008
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
The Company has two share-based incentive plans, the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan adopted on July 1,
2002 and the 2006 Incentive Award Plan adopted on June 1, 2006 (collectively referred to as
the Plans). Under the Plans, share based options may be granted to eligible participants. Options
are generally granted for a term of ten years and have a graded vesting period of upto three years.
The Company settles employee share-based option exercises with newly issued ordinary shares. As of
March 31, 2008, the Company had 1,757,569 ordinary shares available for future grants.
A summary of option activity under the Plans as of March 31, 2008, and changes during the year then
ended is presented below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
Weighted average |
|
Aggregate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
average |
|
remaining contract |
|
intrinsic |
|
|
Shares |
|
exercise price |
|
term (in years) |
|
value |
Outstanding at April 1, 2007 |
|
|
2,501,200 |
|
|
$ |
10.86 |
|
|
|
8.5 |
|
|
$ |
45,732 |
|
Granted |
|
|
221,102 |
|
|
|
26.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited |
|
|
(218,622 |
) |
|
|
14.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lapsed |
|
|
(10,999 |
) |
|
|
9.79 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise of options |
|
|
(433,694 |
) |
|
|
4.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at March 31, 2008 |
|
|
2,058,987 |
|
|
$ |
13.46 |
|
|
|
7.86 |
|
|
$ |
4,096 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options vested and expected to vest |
|
|
1,721,313 |
|
|
$ |
13.46 |
|
|
|
7.86 |
|
|
$ |
3,424 |
|
Options exercisable |
|
|
1,062,937 |
|
|
$ |
9.5 |
|
|
|
7.2 |
|
|
$ |
6,276 |
|
The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the
underlying options and the closing stock price of $15.45 of the Companys ADS (one ADS is
equivalent to one ordinary share) on March 31, 2008.
The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended March 31, 2008, 2007 and
2006 was $4,005, $55,466 and $8,661, respectively. The total grant date fair value of options
vested during the years ended March 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was
$4,365, $2,197 and $1,153,
respectively. Total cash received as a result of option exercises during the year ended March 31,
2008 was approximately $4,204. In connection with these exercises, the Company receives tax
benefits in the US and the UK tax jurisdiction which is equal to the difference between the
exercise price and the market price on the date of exercise. Such tax benefit realized by the
Company for the year ended March 31, 2008 was $2,750. The adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) requires cash
flow classification of certain tax benefits received from share option exercises beginning April 1,
2006. Of the total tax benefits realized, the Company classified excess tax benefits from
share-based compensation of $1,613 and $5,692 as cash flows from financing activities rather than
cash flows from operating activities for the year ended
March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
As of March 31, 2008, there was $3,176 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested
outstanding share options, net of forfeitures. This amount is expected to be recognized over a
weighted average period of 1.4 years. To the extent the forfeiture rate is different than what the
Company has anticipated, compensation expense related to these awards will be different from the
Companys expectations.
The fair value of options granted during the year ended March 31, 2008 was estimated on the date of
grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model with the following weighted average
assumptions:
|
|
|
|
|
Expected life |
|
3.5 years |
Risk free interest rates |
|
4.5% |
Volatility |
|
29.9% |
Dividend yield |
|
0% |
F-27
WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2008
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
The expected life of options till March 31, 2007 was based on the mid-point of the vesting and the
contracted term of the options. Effective April 1, 2007, the expected term is based on the
Companys historic exercise pattern because the Company now believes that such historical patterns
are more representative of the expected life of the options. The change in the expected term of the
options from 6 years to 3.5 years has resulted in lower stock compensation charge of approximately
$400 for the year ended March 31, 2008. The impact of such lower stock compensation charge
resulted in higher basic and diluted income per share of $0.01 and
$0.01, respectively for the year
ended March 31, 2008. The volatility is calculated based on the historic volatility of similar
public companies for the expected term of the options. The risk free rate is based on the United
States Federal Reserve rates. The Company will assess expected volatility by reference to the
Companys historical stock price volatility when such data provides a meaningful benchmark to make
such assessment. Forfeitures are estimates based on the Companys historical analysis of actual
stock option forfeitures. The Company does not currently pay cash dividends on its ordinary shares
and does not anticipate doing so in the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the expected dividend
yield is zero. The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the years ended
March 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $7.11, $11.74 and $3.2, respectively.
|
|
Restricted Shares Units (RSUs) |
The Company granted RSUs during the year ended March 31, 2008 and 2007. Each RSU represents the
right to receive one ordinary share and vests in three equal annual installments. The fair value
of RSUs granted during the year ended March 31,2008 was estimated on the date of the grant using
Black Scholes Merton option pricing model. For those employees based in India, the exercise price
includes recovery of Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) . The fair value of RSU is computed after
considering the recovery of fringe benefit tax.
The fair value of RSUs granted during the year ended March 31, 2008 was estimated on the date of
grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model with the following weighted average
assumptions:
|
|
|
|
|
Expected life |
|
2 years |
Risk free interest rates |
|
4.4% |
Volatility |
|
29.1% |
Dividend yield |
|
0.0% |
A summary of RSU activity under the Plan as of March 31, 2008, and changes during the year then
ended is presented below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
Weighted average |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
average |
|
remaining contract |
|
Aggregate |
|
|
Shares |
|
fair value |
|
term (in years) |
|
intrinsic value |
Outstanding at April 1, 2007 |
|
|
298,500 |
|
|
$ |
22.3 |
|
|
|
9.38 |
|
|
$ |
8.698 |
|
Granted |
|
|
456,831 |
|
|
|
21.68 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited |
|
|
(82,498 |
) |
|
|
26.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vested |
|
|
(86,527 |
) |
|
|
21.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at March 31, 2008 |
|
|
586,306 |
|
|
$ |
24.11 |
|
|
|
8.93 |
|
|
$ |
7,311 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RSUs expected to vest |
|
|
499,533 |
|
|
$ |
24.11 |
|
|
|
8.93 |
|
|
$ |
6,229 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RSUs exercisable |
|
|
10,116 |
|
|
$ |
29.65 |
|
|
|
8.6 |
|
|
$ |
156 |
|
The aggregate intrinsic value of RSUs exercised during the year ended March 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
was $1,544, nil and nil, respectively. The total grant date fair value of RSUs vested during the
year ended March 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $2,142, nil and nil, respectively.
F-28
WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2008
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
The weighted average grant date fair value of RSUs granted during the year ended March 31,2008,
2007 and 2006 was $21.68, $22.26 and nil per ADS respectively.
As of March 31, 2008, there was $8,419 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested RSU,
net of forfeitures. This amount is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.0
years. To the extent the forfeiture rate is different than what the Company has anticipated, share
based compensation related to these awards will be different from the Companys expectations.
In May 2007, the Indian government extended its FBT to include stock options issued to employees in
India. A notification dated December 20, 2007 issued by the government of India clarified that FBT
on stock options is applicable to all companies issuing stock options to employees in India,
including those companies not registered under the Companies Act, 1956 of India. Under the new
legislation, on exercise of an option, employers are responsible for a tax equal to the intrinsic
value of an option at its vesting date multiplied by the applicable tax rate. The employer can seek
reimbursement of the tax from the employee, but cannot transfer the obligation to the employee. The
Company recovers the FBT from certain employee option holders.
The FBT on options payable to the government of India amounting to $2,321 is recorded as an
operating expense and the recovery of the FBT on options from the employees is treated as
additional exercise price and recorded in shareholders equity. The options issued subsequent to
the introduction of the FBT are fair valued after considering the FBT as an additional component of
the exercise price at the grant date.
13. |
|
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS |
|
|
|
Name of the related party |
|
Relationship |
Warburg Pincus |
|
Principal shareholder |
British Airways Plc. (up to July 31, 2006) |
|
Principal shareholder and significant customer |
Flovate
Technologies Limited (Flovate) (up to June 10, 2007) (Refer Note 3) |
|
A company of which a member of
management is a principal shareholder |
Datacap Software Private Limited (Datacap) |
|
A company of which a member of
management is a principal shareholder |
The transactions and the balance outstanding with these parties are described below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount receivable (payable) |
|
|
|
Year ended March 31, |
|
|
at March 31, |
|
Nature of transaction/related party |
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
British Airways |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
4,913 |
|
|
$ |
14,663 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
10 |
|
Warburg Pincus and its affiliates |
|
|
3,466 |
|
|
|
2,157 |
|
|
|
1,646 |
|
|
|
586 |
|
|
|
242 |
|
Cost of revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Flovate |
|
|
236 |
|
|
|
1,849 |
|
|
|
1,216 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Datacap |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selling, general and administrative expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Warburg Pincus affiliate |
|
|
189 |
|
|
|
202 |
|
|
|
193 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Flovate |
|
|
130 |
|
|
|
554 |
|
|
|
288 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Datacap |
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
37 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property and equipment additions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Warburg Pincus affliliate |
|
|
702 |
|
|
|
2,112 |
|
|
|
559 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
(17 |
) |
Flovate |
|
|
394 |
|
|
|
2,163 |
|
|
|
1,552 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(95 |
) |
Other income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Warburg Pincus affiliate |
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Flovate |
|
|
36 |
|
|
|
368 |
|
|
|
250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(134 |
) |
F-29
WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2008
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
Other income, net comprises of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Foreign exchange gain (loss), net |
|
$ |
2,943 |
|
|
$ |
(1,388 |
) |
|
$ |
(402 |
) |
Interest income |
|
|
5,254 |
|
|
|
3,468 |
|
|
|
439 |
|
Gain on sale of property and equipment |
|
|
62 |
|
|
|
101 |
|
|
|
32 |
|
Other |
|
|
925 |
|
|
|
319 |
|
|
|
387 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
9,184 |
|
|
$ |
2,500 |
|
|
$ |
456 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Company had several operating segments including travel, insurance, auto claims (WNS
Assistance) and others, including knowledge services and healthclaims.
The Company believes that the business process outsourcing services that it provides to customers
in industries such as travel, insurance, Ntrance and others are similar in terms of services,
service delivery methods, use of technology, and long-term gross profit and hence meet the
aggregation criteria under SFAS No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related
Information (SFAS No. 131). However, WNS Assistance (WNS Auto Claims BPO), which provides
automobile claims handling services, does not meet the aggregation criteria under SFAS No. 131.
Accordingly, the Company has determined that it has two reportable segments WNS Global BPO and
WNS Auto Claims BPO.
In order to provide Accident Management services, the Company arranges for the repair through a
network of repair centers. Repair costs are invoiced to customers. Amounts invoiced to customers
for repair costs paid to the automobile repair centers is recognized as revenue. The Company uses
revenue less repair payments as a primary measure to allocate resources and measure segment
performance. Revenue less repair payments is a non-GAAP measure which is calculated as revenue less
payments to repair centers. The Company believes that the presentation of this non-GAAP measure in
the segmental information provides useful information for investors regarding the segments
financial performance. The presentation of this non-GAAP information is not meant to be considered
in isolation or as a substitute for the Companys financial results prepared in accordance with US
GAAP.
F-30
WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2008
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
WNS |
|
|
WNS |
|
|
Inter |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Global |
|
|
Claims |
|
|
segments (a) |
|
|
Total |
|
Revenue from external customers |
|
$ |
260,146 |
|
|
$ |
199,721 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
459,867 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment revenue |
|
|
261,210 |
|
|
|
199,721 |
|
|
|
(1,064 |
) |
|
|
459,867 |
|
Payments to repair centers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
169,510 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
169,510 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue less repair payments |
|
|
261,210 |
|
|
|
30,571 |
|
|
|
(1,064 |
) |
|
|
290,717 |
|
Depreciation |
|
|
17,071 |
|
|
|
1,381 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,452 |
|
Other costs |
|
|
227,909 |
|
|
|
14,758 |
|
|
|
(1,064 |
) |
|
|
241,603 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment operating income |
|
|
16,231 |
|
|
|
14,431 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,662 |
|
Unallocated share-based compensation
expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,816 |
|
Amortization of intangible assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,869 |
|
Impairment of goodwill, intangibles and
other assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,464 |
|
Other income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(9,184 |
) |
Interest expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,694 |
|
Provision for income taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,194 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
9,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditure |
|
$ |
27,609 |
|
|
$ |
525 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
28,134 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment assets, net of eliminations as at
March 31, 2008 |
|
$ |
269,259 |
|
|
$ |
77,246 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
346,505 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Two customers in the WNS Auto Claims BPO segment accounted for 22% and 15% each of the Companys
total revenue for the year ended March 31, 2008. The receivables from these two customers comprised
15.9% and 14.1% of the Companys total accounts receivables as of March 31, 2008.
(a) This represents invoices raised by WNS Global BPO on WNS Auto Claims BPO at arms length basis
for business process outsourcing services rendered by the former to the latter.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended March 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
WNS |
|
|
WNS |
|
|
Inter |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Global |
|
|
Claims |
|
|
segments (a) |
|
|
Total |
|
Revenue from external customers |
|
$ |
193,518 |
|
|
$ |
158,768 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
352,286 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment revenue |
|
|
194,992 |
|
|
|
158,768 |
|
|
|
(1,474 |
) |
|
|
352,286 |
|
Payments to repair centers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
132,586 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
132,586 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue less repair payments |
|
|
194,992 |
|
|
|
26,182 |
|
|
|
(1,474 |
) |
|
|
219,700 |
|
Depreciation |
|
|
12,782 |
|
|
|
1,984 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,766 |
|
Other costs |
|
|
154,948 |
|
|
|
19,126 |
|
|
|
(1,474 |
) |
|
|
172,600 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment operating income |
|
|
27,262 |
|
|
|
5,072 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32,334 |
|
Unallocated share-based compensation
expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,683 |
) |
Amortization of intangible assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,896 |
) |
Other income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,500 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(100 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
29,155 |
|
Provision for income taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,574 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
26,581 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditure |
|
$ |
24,731 |
|
|
$ |
2,744 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
27,475 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment assets, net of eliminations as at
March 31, 2007 |
|
$ |
206,366 |
|
|
$ |
69,515 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
275,881 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Two customers in the WNS Auto Claims BPO segment accounted for 18% and 17% each of the Companys
total revenue for the year ended March 31, 2007. The receivables from these two customers comprised
6.9% and 5.2% of the Companys total accounts receivables as of March 31, 2007.
(a) This represents invoices raised by WNS Global BPO on WNS Auto Claims BPO for business process
outsourcing services rendered by the former to the latter.
F-31
WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2008
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended March 31, 2006 |
|
|
|
WNS |
|
|
WNS |
|
|
Inter |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Global |
|
|
Claims |
|
|
segments (a) |
|
|
Total |
|
Revenue from external customers |
|
$ |
123,226 |
|
|
$ |
79,583 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
202,809 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment revenue |
|
|
125,229 |
|
|
|
79,583 |
|
|
|
(2,003 |
) |
|
|
202,809 |
|
Payments to repair centers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
54,904 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
54,904 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue less repair payments |
|
|
125,229 |
|
|
|
24,679 |
|
|
|
(2,003 |
) |
|
|
147,905 |
|
Depreciation |
|
|
8,677 |
|
|
|
1,775 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,452 |
|
Other costs |
|
|
99,040 |
|
|
|
17,762 |
|
|
|
(2,003 |
) |
|
|
114,799 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment operating income |
|
|
17,512 |
|
|
|
5,142 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22,654 |
|
Unallocated share-based compensation
expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,922 |
) |
Amortization of intangible assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(856 |
) |
Other income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
456 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(429 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,903 |
|
Provision for income taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,574 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
18,329 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditure |
|
$ |
12,689 |
|
|
$ |
2,204 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
14,893 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment assets, net of eliminations as at
March 31, 2006 |
|
$ |
92,415 |
|
|
$ |
42,388 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
134,803 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
One customer in the WNS Global BPO segment accounted for 13% of the Companys revenue for the year
ended March 31, 2006.
The receivables from this customer comprised 6.0% of the Companys total accounts receivables as on
March 31, 2006
(a) This represents invoices raised by WNS Global BPO on WNS Auto Claims BPO for business process
outsourcing services rendered by the former to the latter.
The Companys revenue by geographic area is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
UK |
|
$ |
225,920 |
|
|
$ |
189,854 |
|
|
$ |
126,866 |
|
North America |
|
|
113,744 |
|
|
|
80,767 |
|
|
|
49,134 |
|
Europe (excludes UK) |
|
|
116,864 |
|
|
|
78,955 |
|
|
|
25,421 |
|
Other |
|
|
3,339 |
|
|
|
2,710 |
|
|
|
1,388 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
459,867 |
|
|
$ |
352,286 |
|
|
$ |
202,809 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-32
WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2008
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
The Companys long-lived assets by geographic area are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
UK |
|
$ |
32,220 |
|
|
$ |
25,852 |
|
India |
|
|
112,056 |
|
|
|
57,084 |
|
US |
|
|
1,967 |
|
|
|
2,382 |
|
Other |
|
|
1,460 |
|
|
|
959 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
147,703 |
|
|
$ |
86,277 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16. |
|
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES |
The Company has entered into various non-cancelable operating lease agreements for certain delivery
centers and offices with original lease periods expiring between 2009 and 2018. The Company is also
required to pay a portion of the related operating expenses under certain of these lease
agreements. These operating expenses are not included in the table below. Certain of these
arrangements have free or escalating rent payment provisions. The Company recognizes rent expense
under such arrangements on a straight line basis.
Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases consisted of the following at
March 31, 2008:
|
|
|
|
|
Year ending March 31, |
|
Operating leases |
|
2009 |
|
$ |
15,820 |
|
2010 |
|
|
14,068 |
|
2011 |
|
|
9,864 |
|
2012 |
|
|
7,477 |
|
2013 |
|
|
5,317 |
|
Thereafter |
|
|
22,106 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total minimum lease payments |
|
$ |
74,652 |
|
|
|
|
|
Rental expenses for operating leases with step rents are recognized on a straight-line basis over
the minimum lease term. Rental expense recognized without a corresponding cash payment is reported
as deferred rent in the consolidated balance sheet. Rental expense for the years ended March 31,
2008, 2007 and 2006 was $14,891, $9,096 and $6,535, respectively.
|
|
Bank guarantees and other |
Certain subsidiaries in India hold bank guarantees aggregating $300 and $294 as at March 31, 2008
and 2007, respectively. These guarantees have a remaining expiry term of approximately one to four
years.
Restricted time deposits placed with bankers as security for guarantees given by them to regulatory
authorities in India, aggregating to $979 and $301 at March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, are
included in other current assets. These deposit represents cash collateral against bank guarantees
issued by the banks on behalf of the Company to third parties.
Amounts payable for commitments to purchase of property and equipment (net of advances), aggregated
to $1,826 and $1,964 as at March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
At March 31, 2008, the Company had an unused line of credit of Rs.361,809 (approximately $9,011).
F-33
WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2008
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
|
|
|
17. |
|
TRANSFER OF DELIVERY CENTRE TO AVIVA |
|
|
Sri Lanka Delivery Center |
WNS had established a wholly owned subsidiary, WNS Customer Solutions Private Limited Sri Lanka
(WNS CS), in June 2004 to provide BPO services
exclusively to AVIVA International Holdings Limited
(AVIVA). As a part of the business
arrangement with AVIVA, WNS had granted an option to AVIVA to purchase the shares of WNS CS from
WNS at the net asset value of WNS CS as on the date of transfer of such WNS CS shares. AVIVA
exercised the option on January 1, 2007. The transfer of shares of WNS CS was completed on July 2,
2007 for a consideration of the net book value of WNS CS as of July 2, 2007 which was determined to
be equal to $2,068. There was no material gain or loss recorded by the Company on transfer of the
business to AVIVA.WNS CS contributed revenue of $6,601 and pre-tax profit of $1,033 for the year
ended March 31, 2007.
WNS had established a wholly owned subsidiary, Ntrance Customer Services Private Limited
(Ntrance), in February 2004 dedicated to providing BPO services exclusively to AVIVA. Ntrance is
based in Pune, India. As a part of the business arrangement with AVIVA, WNS granted an option to
AVIVA to purchase the shares of Ntrance from WNS at the net asset value of Ntrance as on the date
of transfer of the Pune facility and its resources and operations to AVIVA. This option was
exercisable by AVIVA at any time on or after July 1, 2007 with the effective date of transfer not
being earlier than January 1, 2008.
On September 10, 2007, WNS entered into another agreement with AVIVA to amend the existing terms of
exercise of AVIVAs option. Pursuant to this amendment, the earliest date of exercise of the option
had been extended to January 1, 2008, with the effective date of transfer being three months after
the date of exercise of the option. On February 5, 2008, WNS entered into another agreement with
AVIVA to amend the terms of exercise of AVIVAs option. Pursuant to this latest amendment, the
earliest date of exercise of the call option was extended from January 1, 2008 to
April 1, 2008, and the call option notice period was reduced
from three months to one month. This latest amendment also provided that any notice of
exercise of the call option is revocable at any time by AVIVA giving notice to WNS to that effect.
Ntrance contributed
revenue of $22,130 and $18,257 for the years ended March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007, respectively.
In July 2008, the Company entered into a transaction with AVIVA consisting of a share sale and
purchase agreement and the AVIVA master services agreement. The total consideration for the
transaction was approximately £115 million (approximately $229 million based on the noon buying
rate as of June 30, 2008), subject to adjustments for cash, debt and the enterprise values of the
companies holding the Chennai and Pune facilities which will be determined on their respective
transfer dates to Aviva Global Services Singapore Private Limited (Aviva Global).
Pursuant to the share sale and purchase agreement with AVIVA, the Company acquired all the shares
of Aviva Global, which acquisition was completed in July 2008. Aviva Global was the business
process offshoring subsidiary of AVIVA with facilities in Bangalore, India, and Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Since 2004, the Company has provided BPO services to AVIVA pursuant to build-operate-transfer
(BOT) contracts from facilities in Pune, India (Ntrance), and Colombo, Sri Lanka (WNS CS). WNS CS
was transferred to Aviva Global in July 2007. With the Companys acquisition of Aviva Global, the
Company has reassumed control of this Sri Lanka facility as well as Aviva Globals Bangalore, India,
facilities. The Pune facility (Ntrance) will remain with the Company. In addition, there are two
facilities in Chennai and Pune, India, which are operated by third party BPO providers for Aviva
Global under similar BOT contracts. Aviva Global has exercised its option to require the third
party BPO providers to transfer these facilities to Aviva Global. The completion of the transfer
of the Chennai facility occurred in July 2008. Completion of the transfer of the Pune facility is
expected to occur in August 2008.
Pursuant to the AVIVA master services agreement, the Company will provide BPO services to AVIVAs
UK and Canadian businesses for a term of eight years and four months. Under the terms of the
agreement, the Company will provide a comprehensive spectrum of life and general insurance
processing functions to AVIVA, including policy administration and settlement, along with finance
and accounting, customer care and other support services. In addition, the Company has the
exclusive right to provide certain services such as finance and accounting, insurance back-office,
customer interaction and analytics services to AVIVAs UK and Canadian businesses for the first
five years, subject to the rights and obligations of the AVIVA group under their existing contracts
with other providers. As part of the agreement, the Company also expects to benefit from Aviva
Globals proposed contract with AVIVAs Irish subsidiary, Hibernian.
The
transaction with AVIVA was funded in part by $200,000 in borrowings under a 54 month term
loan facility (the Facility). The rate of interest payable on the Facility is US dollar LIBOR
plus 3% per annum. However, this interest rate is subject to change as the Company has agreed that
the arrangers for the Facility have the right at any time prior to the completion of the
syndication of the Facility to change the pricing of the Facility if any such arranger determines
that such change is necessary to ensure a successful syndication of the Facility. We expect the
syndication of the Facility to be completed by March 31, 2009. Borrowings under the Facility are
payable in eight semi-annual installments with the first installment due on July 10, 2009 and are
subject to the Company maintaining certain financial covenants including the ratio of total
borrowings to tangible net worth, ratio of total borrowings to earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, debt service coverage (ratio of EBITDA to debt service),
and the ratio of the aggregate outstanding under the facility to the value of Aviva Global. The
Facility is secured by, among other things, guarantees provided by WNS Holdings and certain of its
subsidiaries.
F-34
WNS (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2008
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
On
April 3, 2008, WNS formed a joint venture with Advanced Contact
Solutions, Inc (ACS), a BPO services and customer care
provider in the Philippines. This joint venture is majority owned by
WNS (65%) and balance by ACS and offers contact center services to global clients across
industries. This joint venture enables WNS to bring a large scale talent pool to help solve
the business challenges of its clients while diversifying the geographic concentration of delivery.
On
April 7, 2008, WNS acquired Chang Limited, an auto insurance
claims processing services provider in the United Kingdom for a total
consideration of approximately $16,000 in cash and a contingent earn
out consideration of up to GBP 1,600 (or approximately $3,200) to be determined based on certain agreed upon performance metrics for
the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009.
On June 16, 2008, WNS acquired Business Applications Associates Ltd (BizAps), a provider of SAP
solutions to optimize ERP functionalty for finance and accounting
processes, for a total consideration of approximately $10,000 in cash
and a contingent earn-out consideration of up to $9,000 to be
determined based on the performance and results of operations of
BizAps for its fiscal years ending June 30, 2009 and 2010. The
earn-out consideration is payable in July 2010. The acquisition of
Bizaps enables WNS to further assist global customers in transforming shares services finance
and accounting functions such as purchase-to-pay and order-to-cash.
F-35