15.  Share-Based Compensation

At June 30, 2024, the Company’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation provides the Company authority to issue 75,000,000 shares of common stock and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock.

The Company accounts for share-based compensation under the provisions of ASC Topic 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation”, by using the fair value method for expensing stock options, performance-based equity awards, market-based equity awards and stock awards.

Total share-based compensation expense was approximately $2,336,227, $1,003,292, and $1,450,428 for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Compensation expense related to share-based awards is recorded as a component of Cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses.

Amended and Restated 2019 Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plan

The Company’s 2019 Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plan (as amended, the “2019 Plan”) was approved by the Company’s shareholders at the Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on April 2, 2019. The 2019 Plan authorizes the grant of stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, options, performance-based equity awards, and other equity-based awards. Options granted under the 2019 Plan may be either “incentive stock options” as defined in Section 422 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), or nonqualified stock options, as determined by the Compensation Committee.

Subject to an adjustment necessary upon a stock dividend, recapitalization, forward split or reverse split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, combination, repurchase or share exchange, extraordinary or unusual cash distribution, or similar corporate transaction or event, the maximum number of shares of common stock available for awards under the 2019 Plan is 750,000, plus 139,691 shares of common stock that were authorized but unissued under the Company’s 2009 Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plan as of April 2, 2019, the effective date of the 2019 Plan, all of which may be issued pursuant to awards of incentive stock options. On April 18, 2024, the Company amended the 2019 Plan to include an additional 1,950,000 authorized shares available for issuance. As of September 30, 2025, there were 1,375,682 shares of common stock available for awards under the 2019 Plan.

If any award is forfeited, terminates or otherwise is settled for any reason without an actual distribution of shares to the participant, the related shares of common stock subject to such award will again be available for future grant. Any shares tendered by a participant in payment of the exercise price of an option or the tax liability with respect to an award (including, in any case, shares withheld from any such award) will not be available for future grant under the 2019 Plan. If there is any change in the Company’s corporate capitalization, the Compensation Committee must proportionately and equitably adjust the number and kind of shares of common stock which may be issued in connection with future awards, the number and kind of shares of common stock covered by awards then outstanding under the 2019 Plan, the aggregate number and kind of shares of common stock available under the 2019 Plan, any applicable individual limits on the number of shares of common stock available for awards under the 2019 Plan, the exercise or grant price of any award, or if deemed appropriate, make provision for a cash payment with respect to any outstanding award. In addition, the Compensation Committee may make adjustments in the terms and conditions of any awards, including any performance goals, in recognition of unusual or nonrecurring events affecting the Company or any subsidiary, or in response to changes in applicable laws, regulations, or accounting principles. New shares are typically issued upon option exercise, MSO exercise, MSU or RSU vesting.

The 2019 Plan will terminate on April 2, 2029, unless earlier terminated by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Termination will not affect awards outstanding at the time of termination. The Board may amend, alter, suspend, discontinue, or terminate the 2019 Plan without shareholder approval, provided that shareholder approval is required for any amendment which (i) would increase the number of shares subject to the 2019 Plan; (ii) would decrease the price at which awards may be granted; or (iii) would require shareholder approval by law, regulation, or the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system.

Following is a summary of option activity under the 2019 Plan for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, and changes during the periods then ended:

  ​ ​ ​

  ​ ​ ​

Weighted

  ​ ​ ​

Average

Aggregate

Exercise

Intrinsic

Options

Price

Value

Outstanding at September 30, 2023

 

224,374

$

8.19

$

Granted

 

161,613

7.70

 

Exercised

 

 

Cancelled

 

(24,374)

8.21

 

Outstanding at September 30, 2024

361,613

$

7.97

$

Granted

 

Exercised

 

Cancelled

 

Outstanding at September 30, 2025

361,613

$

7.97

$

1,634,724

Options exercisable at September 30, 2025

263,190

$

8.09

$

1,157,539

* No options were granted, exercised or cancelled during fiscal year 2025.

** Table excludes MSOs activity, which is disclosed separately.

The following table summarizes information about stock options under the 2019 Plan at September 30, 2025:

Options Outstanding

Options Exercisable

Outstanding

Weighted-

As of

Average

Weighted-

As of

Weighted-

Range of Exercise

September 30, 

Remaining

Average

 September 30,

Average

Prices

  ​ ​ ​

2025

  ​ ​ ​

Contractual Life

  ​ ​ ​

Exercise Price

  ​ ​ ​

2025

  ​ ​ ​

Exercise Price

$7.06 - $8.19

 

361,613

 

7.8

$

7.97

 

263,190

$

8.09

Fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Options are exercisable over a maximum term of ten years from date of grant and vest typically over periods of three to five years from the grant date. The expected term of options represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding and is based on historical experience and the expected turnover rate of the employees receiving the options. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility of the Company’s stock. The risk free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasuries with maturities consistent with the expected life of the options in effect at the time of grant. Compensation expense for employee stock options is recognized ratably over the vesting term. Forfeitures are recognized when incurred.

Below are the fair value assumptions used to record stock option compensation expense, related to the 2019 Plan, for the following periods identified:

  ​ ​ ​

Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 

 

  ​ ​ ​

2025

  ​ ​ ​

2024

  ​ ​ ​

2023

 

Expected dividend rate

 

 

Expected volatility

%  

52.5

%  

55.1

%

Weighted average risk-free interest rate

%  

4.3

%  

3.7

%

Expected lives (years)

 

6.0

 

5.3

* No options were granted, exercised or cancelled during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025

The Company granted 0, 161,613 and 224,374 options in fiscal years ended September 30, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Total compensation expense associated with stock option awards to employees under the 2019 Plan was approximately $143,511, $301,000, and $756,000 for fiscal years ended September 30, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

As of September 30, 2025, unrecognized compensation expense of $409,527, net of forfeitures, related to non-vested stock options under the 2019 Plan, will be recognized.

Restricted Stock Units

2024 RSU Bonus Grants

On February 19, 2025, the Board authorized grants of 71,754 in Restricted Stock Units (“2024 RSU Bonus Grants”) to key employees under the terms and conditions of the 2019 Plan as part of the Company’s initiatives to align employee compensation with Total Shareholder Return. The Restricted Stock awards vest 50% on the one-year anniversary from date of grant and 50% on the two-year anniversary from date of grant, subject to the terms of the 2019 Plan.

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, the Board approved grants of RSUs to the non-employee directors on the Board as compensation for their services from the beginning of calendar year 2025 to vest on the date of the Company’s 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. After the 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the Board approved grants of RSUs to the non-employee directors on the Board as compensation for their services. Under the terms of the awards, the RSUs will vest on the first anniversary of the grant date. At the time of vesting, the RSUs will be settled in shares of the Company’s common stock at a rate of one share of stock for each unit, provided that, if a director resigns from the Board prior to the vesting date, such director shall only receive a pro rata portion of such award for time served.

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, the Board approved grants of RSUs to both the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer that vest 25% after one year and the remainder vesting quarterly over a three-year period.

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, the Board approved grants of RSUs to the non-employee directors on the Board as compensation for their services from the beginning of calendar year 2024 to vest on the date of the Company’s 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. After the 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the Board approved grants of RSUs to the non-employee directors on the Board as compensation for their services. Under the terms of the awards, the RSUs will vest on the first anniversary of the grant date. At the time of vesting, the RSUs will be settled in shares of the Company’s common stock at a rate of one share of stock for each unit, provided that, if a director resigns from the Board prior to the vesting date, such director shall only receive a pro rata portion of such award for time served.

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, the Board approved grants of RSUs to both the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and the former Chief Financial Officer. Certain RSUs to the Chief Executive Officer vested immediately, and the remainder will vest quarterly over a three-year period. The approved grants of the RSUs to the Chief Financial Officer will vest over a four-year period. The approved grants of the RSUs to the former Chief Financial Officer would have vested over a four-year period. On November 8, 2023, the Chief Financial Officer of Innovative Solutions and Support, Inc., notified the Company of his resignation from all of his positions with the Company, effective immediately, which resulted in the forfeiture of 11,503 RSUs.

As of September 30, 2025, there were 311,094 restricted stock units outstanding under the 2019 Plan. As of September 30, 2024, and September 30, 2023 there were 242,080 and 101,968 respectively, unvested restricted stock units outstanding under the 2019 Plan.

  ​ ​ ​

Non-vested

  ​ ​ ​

Weighted Average

Stock Awards

Share Price

Balance at September 30, 2023

 

101,968

$

7.84

Granted

 

207,226

 

7.34

Issued

 

(55,611)

 

7.63

Cancelled

 

(11,503)

 

7.33

Balance at September 30, 2024

 

242,080

$

7.49

Granted

 

201,512

 

7.77

Issued

 

(128,208)

 

7.38

Cancelled

 

(4,290)

 

8.45

Balance at September 30, 2025

 

311,094

$

7.70

Total share-based compensation expense associated with the annual grant of restricted stock awards under the 2019 Plan was approximately $1,340,197, $702,000 and $694,000 for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Compensation expense for restricted stock units is recognized ratably over the vesting term. Forfeitures are recognized when incurred

As of September 30, 2025, unrecognized compensation expense of $1,524,952, net of forfeitures, related to non-vested stock awards under the 2019 Plan, will be recognized.

Market-Based Restricted Stock Units

During the quarter ended December 31, 2024, to better align executive compensation with the Company’s Total Shareholder Return, the Board approved a special one-time grant of 201,000 market-based restricted stock units (“MSUs”) to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer under the terms and conditions of the 2019 Plan. The MSU is a restricted stock unit containing vesting terms conditional upon the attainment of both 1) continued service to vesting and 2) stock price appreciation targets indexed against the Company’s actual stock price performance over a specified measurement period. Under the terms of the 2019 Plan, no MSUs are eligible for vesting prior to the first anniversary of the date of grant of the award, with the exception of accelerated vesting permitted under certain conditions subject to the plan provisions. Subject to the terms of the 2019 Plan, under the terms of the grant, the MSU will vest as follows:

1) an initial one-third (1/3rd) of the MSUs shall vest on the first trading date after the shares of the Company’s common stock have traded at a price equal to or greater than ten dollars ($10.00) per share for twenty (20) consecutive trading days or as provided in the provisions of the second succeeding paragraph below;

2)an additional one-third (1/3rd) of the MSUs shall vest on the first trading date after shares of the Company’s common stock have traded at a price equal to or greater than twelve dollars ($12.00) per share for twenty (20) consecutive trading days; and

3)the remaining MSUs shall vest on the first trading date after the shares of the Company’s common stock have traded at a price equal to or greater than fourteen dollars ($14.00) per share for twenty (20) consecutive trading days.

Additionally, if the tranche of MSUs subject to vesting pursuant to (1) above does not vest on or before November 20, 2027, then, with respect to such MSUs, the target trading price for the Company’s common stock will be increased to twelve dollars ($12.00) per share, such that the MSUs subject to (1) above will vest on the first trading date after shares of the Company’s common stock have traded at a price equal to or greater than twelve dollars ($12.00) per share for twenty (20) consecutive trading days.

Any MSUs that have not vested on or before the fourth anniversary of the grant date are immediately forfeited. Compensation expense for MSUs is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award was, in-substance, multiple awards using the graded vesting attribution method. Forfeitures are recognized when incurred

With respect to each MSU that becomes vested in accordance with the terms of the award agreement, the Grantee will be entitled to receive one share of common stock upon the settlement of the MSUs.

The Company estimated both the grant-date fair value of the MSUs and the derived vesting periods using a Monte Carlo simulation with the following input assumptions:

Number of MSUs Granted

201,000

Grant Date

11/20/24

Grant Date Stock Price

$ 7.72

Expected Dividend Rate

0%

Expected Volatility

48%

Weighted average risk-free interest rate

4.27%

Contractual Term

4 years

Utilizing Monte Carlo simulation, the MSUs grant date fair value was estimated to be $1,109,340 with a $5.52 weighted average grant date fair value per award and the derived vesting periods were estimated to be between 1.2 years and 1.7 years.

For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2025, 2024 and 2023 the Company recognized $684,183, $0 and $0, respectively, of compensation expense related to MSU awards.

As of September 30, 2025, unrecognized compensation expense of $425,157 associated with non-vested MSUs will be recognized in future periods under the 2019 Plan. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, no MSUs vested or were forfeited.

On February 13, 2025, the market performance condition for 67,000 units of MSUs granted November 20, 2024 to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer was met, these shares will vest according to the Company’s Amended and Restated 2019 Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plan.

On July 10, 2025, the market performance condition for an additional 67,000 units of MSUs granted November 20, 2024 to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer was met, these shares will vest according to the Company’s Amended and Restated 2019 Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plan.

On August 8, 2025, the market performance condition for the final 67,000 units of MSUs granted November 20, 2024 to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer was met, these shares will vest according to the Company’s Amended and Restated 2019 Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plan.

On November 20, 2025, the service condition for all 201,000 units of MSUs granted November 20, 2024 to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer was met. The market condition for all 201,000 units of MSU’s was met during fiscal year ended September 30, 2025. Consequently, on November 20, 2025, all 201,000 MSU’s vested according to the Company’s Amended and Restated 2019 Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plan. The unvested compensation expense as of the one-year anniversary date of grant will be immediately expensed and recorded as compensation expense in the first fiscal 2026 quarter ended December 31, 2025.

Time Based Stock Options with market-based exercisability conditions

During the quarter ended March 31, 2025, in a continuing effort to more closely correlate executive compensation with the Company’s Total Shareholder Return, the Board approved a grant of 72,062 time vested stock options with a market based exercise price condition (“MSOs”) to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and 33,259 MSOs to the Company’s Chief Financial Officer under the terms and conditions of the Amended and Restated 2019 Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plan.

The MSOs are similar to traditional time vested stock options and vest over four years, with 25% vesting on the first anniversary of the grant date (February 19, 2026) and the remaining shares vesting quarterly at 6.25% on the last business day of May, August, November and February of calendar years two, three and four from the date of grant. However, the MSOs only become exercisable if the Company's share price reaches or exceeds the date of grant closing stock price of $8.59 plus a targeted market threshold of 15%, or $9.88 for 20 consecutive trading days at any time during the four-year vesting period. Once this market threshold is met, the vested shares can be exercised according to the vesting schedule and the terms and conditions set forth in the 2019 Plan.

No MSOs are eligible for vesting or exercise prior to the first anniversary of the date of grant of the award, with the exception of accelerated vesting permitted under certain conditions subject to the plan provisions. Compensation expense for MSOs is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award was, in-substance, multiple awards using the graded vesting attribution method. Forfeitures are recognized when incurred

With respect to each MSO that becomes exercised in accordance with the terms of the award agreement, the Grantee will be entitled to receive one share of common stock upon the settlement of the MSOs.

The Company estimated the grant-date fair value of the MSOs awards using a Monte Carlo simulation with the following input assumptions:

Number of MSOs granted

105,321

Grant Date

02/18/25

Grant Date Stock Price

$ 8.27

Expected Dividend Rate

0%

Expected Volatility

47%

Weighted average risk-free interest rate

4.29%

Exercise price

$ 8.59

Contractual Term

10 years

Utilizing Monte Carlo simulation, the aggregate MSOs grant date fair value was estimated to be $474,998 with a $4.51 weighted average grant date fair value per option and vesting periods were estimated to be between 1 years and 4 years with a 10 year contractual term.

For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2025, 2024 and 2023 the Company recognized $168,336, $0 and $0 of compensation expense, respectively, related to the MSO awards.

As of September 30, 2025, unrecognized compensation expense of $306,664 associated with non-vested MSOs will be recognized in future periods under the 2019 Plan. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, no MSOs vested or were forfeited.

On June 16, 2025, the Company’s closing share price exceeded the $9.88 MSOs targeted market threshold condition for 20 consecutive trading days for the MSOs granted February 18, 2025, thus meeting the market condition for exercisability subject to the vesting schedule and terms and conditions set forth in the Company’s Amended and Restated 2019 Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plan.

The following table shows share-based compensation expense by line item within our Consolidated Statement of Operations:

For the fiscal year ended September 30,

  ​ ​ ​

2025

2024

2023

Cost of sales

$

134,448

$

56,280

$

-

Research and development

180,607

63,859

-

Selling, general and administrative

2,021,172

883,153

1,450,428

Total

$

2,336,227

$

1,003,292

$

1,450,428

Historical Timeline

Fiscal YearFiled
2025Dec 23, 2025Showing above
2024Dec 30, 2024
2023Jan 12, 2024
2015Jan 14, 2016

About Stock Compensation Disclosures

Stock-based compensation disclosures detail the equity awards granted to employees and executives — including stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), and performance shares — along with the valuation methods and assumptions used to expense them. This section reveals the true cost of talent retention and the alignment between management incentives and shareholder interests.

Key signals: total unrecognized compensation expense and its expected recognition period signal future earnings headwinds from already-granted awards. For stock options, examine Black-Scholes assumptions — expected volatility, risk-free rate, and expected term — as understating any of these reduces reported compensation expense. Compare stock compensation expense as a percentage of revenue against peers to assess dilution cost. Watch vesting schedules for acceleration clauses tied to change-of-control events. Performance-based awards with undemanding targets may indicate weak governance. Add back stock compensation to operating cash flow to calculate a more conservative free cash flow figure.