CPI Card Group Inc.
For the period ended Dec 31, 2025. Filed Mar 5, 2026.
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A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2025 · Filed Mar 5, 2026
What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-03-04.
0001558370-25-002098
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2025-12-31; filed 2026-03-05.
0001104659-26-023812
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 120 previous paragraphs and 124 current paragraphs.
52 unchanged; 31 reworded; 40 added; 35 removed; 2 previous and 1 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 7 previous and 10 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (40)
Current report
Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2025, we revised our financial statement presentation to better reflect the integrated nature of the services and solutions provided in connection with our product offerings. Accordingly, we no longer present “Products” and “Services” separately within revenue and cost of goods sold, and prior period amounts have been revised to conform the prior period presentation to the current period presentation.
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Revenue
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Cost of Goods Sold
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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
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Other Expense, net
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Revenue increased $62.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, primarily due to contributions of $42.8 million, or 7.9% of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2025, from the acquisition of Arroweye as well as increased volumes of contactless cards, partially offset by decreased revenue in our Prepaid Debit segment.
Current report
The decrease in revenue in the Prepaid Debit segment for the year ended December 31, 2025 was primarily attributable to a change in accounting in the second quarter of 2025 resulting in reduced revenue recognition related to work-in-process orders as discussed in Part II, Item 8,Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.” Excluding the change in accounting, the increase in consolidated revenue would have been $73.0 million, or 15.3%.
Current report
Gross profit and gross profit margin decreased for the year ended December 31, 2025, primarily due to unfavorable sales mix and increased production costs, including increased depreciation and tariff expenses, partially offset by benefits of operating leverage from increased revenue.
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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses:
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Selling, general and administrative expenses increased for the year ended December 31, 2025, primarily due to increased professional service fees and other costs of $6.0 million associated with the acquisition and integration of Arroweye.
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Other Expense, net:
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Other expense, net was relatively consistent for the year ended December 31, 2025.
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Revenue for Debit and Credit increased for the year ended December 31, 2025, primarily due to contributions from the Arroweye acquisition, higher volumes of contactless cards, including metal cards, and increased Card@Once instant issuance sales, partially offset by decreased sales of other cards and personalization services.
Current report
Gross profit increased for Debit and Credit for the year ended December 31, 2025, primarily due to the increase in revenue discussed above.
Current report
Gross profit margin decreased for Debit and Credit for the year ended December 31, 2025, primarily due to unfavorable sales mix and increased production costs, including increased depreciation and tariff expenses, partially offset by benefits of operating leverage from increased revenue.
Current report
Income from operations for Debit and Credit decreased for the year ended December 31, 2025, primarily due to increased selling, general and administrative expenses driven by increased compensation-related expenses resulting from increased headcount due to the Arroweye acquisition, and increased technology costs; partially offset by increased gross profit.
Current report
Revenue for Prepaid Debit decreased $12.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, primarily due to a change in accounting in the second quarter of 2025 resulting in reduced revenue recognition for work-in-process orders. Excluding the change in accounting, the decrease in revenue would have been $3.3 million, or 3.3%. The prior year period benefited from significant sales of higher-priced packaging solutions to existing customers.
Current report
Gross profit and gross profit margin for Prepaid Debit decreased for the year ended December 31, 2025, primarily due to decreased revenue, including the impact of the change in accounting that was implemented in the second quarter resulting in reduced revenue recognition for work-in-process orders.
Current report
Selling, general and administrative expenses:
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Other selling, general and administrative expenses decreased for the year ended December 31, 2025, primarily due to decreased compensation-related expenses, including employee performance-based incentive compensation and prior year costs associated with the prior-CEO retention agreement; partially offset by increased professional service fees related to acquisition and integration costs associated with the acquisition of Arroweye.
Current report
2026 Changes in Reportable Segments
Current report
In connection with our increased strategic focus on expanding and developing additional proprietary integrated technological solutions for our customer base, we will implement a new segment structure to assess performance and allocate resources, beginning in the first quarter of 2026. The changes in our segment structure primarily relate to the separation of our proprietary integrated technological related operations into a separate segment from the Debit and Credit segment. A summary of how the segments will be structured follows:
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Cash Flows from Investing Activities
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Arroweye Acquisition
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On May 6, 2025, we acquired Arroweye for a final purchase price of $45.8 million. The net cash consideration paid was $44.2 million, which reflects cash acquired of $1.6 million. The acquisition was funded through a combination of cash on hand and our available capacity under the ABL Revolver. Refer to Part II, Item 8,Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 4, “Acquisition” for information regarding the acquisition.
Current report
Equity Method Investment
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On October 7, 2025, we acquired a 20% equity interest in Gift Card Co Pty Ltd, doing business as “Karta,” a digital card technology company and prepaid program manager based in Australia. Total consideration for the transaction was $10.0 million, with $2.5 million paid in cash upon closing and the remaining $7.5 million was recorded as a contingent consideration, which is included in “Other long-term liabilities” on our consolidated balance sheet. We also retain an option to purchase an additional 31% of Karta prior to early April 2027. Additionally, we incurred $0.3 million in related costs. As of December 31, 2025, the value of the investment was $10.2 million and is included in “Other assets” on our consolidated balance sheet.
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Cash Flows from Financing Activities
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Senior Notes
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On July 15, 2025, the Company used available capacity under the ABL Revolver (defined below) to redeem $20.0 million of its outstanding $285.0 million aggregate principal amount Senior Notes. The redemption was made pursuant to the terms of the indenture governing the Senior Notes, at a redemption price of 103.000% of par plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption.
Current report
The Company has obligations to make an offer to repay the Senior Notes, requiring prepayment in advance of the maturity date, upon the occurrence of certain events including a change of control and certain asset sales.
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ABL Revolver
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On July 2, 2025, the Company, the Borrower, and JPMorgan entered into Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement (the “Amendment”), which amends the ABL Revolver to, among other things, increase the available borrowing capacity from $75.0 million to $100.0 million. The Amendment did not modify the maturity date of the ABL Revolver nor the interest rate.
Current report
As of December 31, 2025, we had $25.0 million of outstanding borrowings on the ABL Revolver. Borrowings of $67.0 million in 2025 under the ABL Revolver were primarily utilized to fund the Arroweye acquisition and redeem a portion of the Senior Notes, partially offset by subsequent payments of $42.0 million made throughout the year.
Current report
Amounts borrowed and outstanding under the ABL Revolver and Senior Notes are required to be repaid in full, together with any accrued and unpaid interest, no later than July 15, 2029 and may be subject to earlier mandatory prepayment upon certain events.
Current report
During the second quarter of 2025, the Company reassessed certain aspects of its revenue recognition practices under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606,Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”), and the legal enforceability of certain contract terms based on evolving business practices where the Company and a customer deviate from contract terms after an order is placed but before it is shipped. This assessment highlights the Company’s approach relating to goods that are in production but have not yet shipped, reflecting its emphasis on maintaining long-term customer relationships.
Current report
Such deviations may impact the legal enforceability of payment terms for goods that are in the process of being produced but have not shipped. As a result, the Company concluded that certain contracts no longer meet the criteria for over-time revenue recognition under ASC 606. Effective prospectively beginning in the second quarter of 2025, the Company began recognizing revenue for these contracts at a point in time, typically upon shipment or customer acceptance. Additionally, in connection with the acquisition and integration of Arroweye during the second quarter of 2025, the Company assessed Arroweye’s customer contracts and determined that Arroweye revenue should also be recognized at point-in-time*.*
Current report
As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company recorded $2.5 million and $2.1 million, respectively, in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets”, and $8.1 million and $11.1 million, respectively, in “Other assets” related to capitalized contract costs. Amortization of these costs, recorded as a reduction of revenue, totaled $2.6 million and $1.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
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Business Combinations
Current report
The Company accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting, which requires that most assets (both tangible and intangible) and liabilities are recognized at fair value at the date of acquisition. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets is recognized as goodwill. Critical estimates used in valuing certain intangible assets include but are not limited to the amount and timing of future cash flows, future revenue growth, customer retention rates, expected use of acquired assets, and the determination of royalty and discount rates. A high degree of judgment is required to estimate the fair value of the long-lived assets. We may use quoted market prices, prices for similar assets, present value techniques and other valuation techniques to prepare these estimates. To assist us in making these fair value determinations, we may engage third-party valuation specialists. Due to the high degree of judgment involved in our estimation techniques, any value ultimately derived from our long-lived assets may differ from our estimate of fair value. Our estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions we believe to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain. Certain adjustments to the assessed fair values of the assets and liabilities made subsequent to the acquisition date, but within the measurement period, which is one year or less, are recorded as adjustments to goodwill.
Removed paragraphs (35)
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Net Sales
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Cost of Sales
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Operating Expenses
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Other (Expense) Income, net
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Net sales increased for the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily due to higher Services net sales in our Prepaid Debit segment and higher personalization services net sales in our Debit and Credit segment.
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Net sales were negatively impacted by reduced demand from some of our customers for debit and credit card products during 2023 and the first half of 2024, which we believe was the result of economic concerns and supply chain-related purchase timing, whereby certain customers increased their inventory of our products during 2022 amid product availability concerns and then focused on reducing their inventory levels in subsequent periods.
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Gross profit and gross profit margin increased for the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily due to higher net sales described above and the resulting operating leverage.
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Operating Expenses:
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Operating expenses increased for the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily due to increased compensation-related expenses, including employee performance-based incentive compensation related to stronger 2024 company performance compared to 2023 and salary expenses.
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Other (Expense) Income, net:
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Other (expense) income, net increased for the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily due to expenses incurred related to a secondary offering of our common stock. See Part II, Item 8,Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 12, “Stockholders’ Deficit” of the consolidated financial statements for further information.
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Net sales for Debit and Credit increased for the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily due to increased Services net sales. The increase in Services net sales was driven by higher personalization and Card@Once services. Products net sales were relatively consistent, as higher volumes of contactless cards were offset by volume declines in contact-only and other cards.
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Gross profit for Debit and Credit was relatively consistent and gross profit margin decreased for the year ended December 31, 2024 as the increase in net sales was offset by a higher volume of lower margin products sold compared to the prior year period.
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Income from operations for Debit and Credit decreased for the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily due to increased employee performance-based incentive compensation related to stronger 2024 company performance compared to 2023 and salary expenses.
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Net sales for Prepaid Debit increased for the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily due to increased sales to existing customers of higher-priced packaging solutions and healthcare payment cards.
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Gross profit and gross profit margin for Prepaid Debit increased for the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily due to higher net sales discussed above and the resulting operating leverage.
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Operating Expenses:
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Other operating expenses increased for the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily due to an increase in compensation-related expenses, including the factors discussed in consolidated “Operating Expenses” above.
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Financing
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2029 Senior Notes
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The 2029 Senior Notes mature on July 15, 2029. Interest is payable on the 2029 Senior Notes on January 15 and July 15 of each year, beginning on January 15, 2025. The 2029 Senior Notes are guaranteed by us and our domestic subsidiaries (other than the Issuer), and are secured by substantially all of the assets of the Issuer and the guarantors, subject to customary exceptions. We may be required to make an offer to repurchase the 2029 Senior Notes, upon the occurrence of certain events including a change of control or certain asset sales.
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2029 ABL Revolver
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As of the Closing Date, the Borrower had $4.0 million of outstanding borrowings under a prior Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. entered into in March 2021 (the “2026 ABL Revolver”). The Company used initial borrowings under the 2029 ABL Revolver, together with cash on hand and proceeds under the notes, to repay in full and terminate the 2026 ABL Revolver and to pay related fees and expenses, and will use future borrowings for general corporate purposes.
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As of December 31, 2024, there were no outstanding borrowings on the 2029 ABL Revolver.
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Cash Priorities
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During 2023, we commenced work on relocating and modernizing our production facility in Indiana. Capital expenditures, net for this project are anticipated to increase cash used in investing activities and assets acquired under lease arrangements in 2025.
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Share Repurchase Authorization and Activity
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On November 2, 2023, our board of directors approved a share repurchase plan authorizing us to repurchase up to $20.0 million of our common stock, par value $0.001 per share. This authorization expired on December 31, 2024 with a remaining unused authorized amount of$11.2 million.
Previous report
During the year ended December 31, 2024, we repurchased 473,284 shares of our common stock at an average price of $18.16 per share, excluding commissions, or $8.6 million in aggregate, on a trade date basis. This amount includes 364,848 shares purchased from one of our significant stockholders at an average price of $18.09 per share, in accordance with the stock repurchase agreements entered into with Tricor Pacific Capital Partners (Fund IV) US, LP (“Parallel49”).
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In February 2024, we entered into a build-to-suit lease agreement to relocate and modernize our operations at our Fort Wayne, Indiana production facility, which is set to commence the later of: (i) the landlord’s delivery of
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exclusive possession of the premises and (ii) March 1, 2025. Under this lease agreement, we will pay an annual base rent of $0.9 million subject to an annual rent increase of 2.0%. The lease is for 10 years and includes two consecutive options to extend the term of the lease by five years for each such option.
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Included in the above amounts, during 2023, we entered into a capacity reservation agreement with one of our chip suppliers to reserve production supply capacity due to the current global supply shortage environment. Under the agreement, we agreed to pay certain fees in exchange for the supplier’s commitment to reserve capacity to produce a set quantity of chips from 2023 through 2026, subject to certain conditions, and we have committed to purchase those chips. The total value of the minimum non-cancellable commitment is approximately $190.0 million over the term of the agreement. As of December 31, 2024, the remaining commitment was $62.0 million, of which $49.9 million is expected to be paid in the next 12 months. In the event that the supplier is unable to deliver the specified quantity of chips, it will be subject to liquidated damages of 10% of the price of any non-delivered products.
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*Products Net Sales: “*Products” net sales are recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract with a customer are satisfied. In most instances, this occurs over time as cards are produced for specific customers and have no alternative use and the Company has an enforceable right to payment for work performed. For work performed but not completed and unbilled, we estimate net sales by taking actual costs incurred and applying historical margins for similar types of contracts. Margins across each business with similar contracts have been relatively consistent and we have not made changes to our methods and assumptions during 2024. Items included in “Products” net sales are produced payment cards, including contact, contactless, eco-focused, and magnetic stripe cards, private label credit cards and retail gift cards. Card@Once hardware and consumables are also included in “Products” net sales, and their associated revenues are recognized at the time of shipping.
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*Serv**ices Net Sales:*Net sales are recognized for “Services” as the services are performed. Items included in “Services” net sales include the personalization and fulfillment of payment cards, providing tamper-evident secure packaging and fulfillment services to prepaid program managers, and SaaS-based personalization of instant issuance debit and credit cards. For work performed but not completed and billed, we estimate revenue by taking actual costs incurred and applying historical margins for similar types of contracts. Margins across each business with similar contracts have been relatively consistent and we have not made changes to our methods and assumptions during 2024.
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*Customer Contracts:*The Company often enters into Master Services Agreements (“MSAs”) with its customers. Generally, enforceable rights and obligations for goods and services occur only when a customer places a purchase order or statement of work to obtain goods or services under an MSA. Usually our contractual arrangements include neither exclusivity clauses nor commitments from our customers to order any given quantities of products on a medium or long-term basis. The contract term as defined by the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606,Revenue from Contracts with Customers, is the length of time it takes to deliver the goods or services promised under the purchase order or statement of work. As such, the Company's contracts are generally short term in nature.
Reworded paragraphs (31)
Previous wording
CPI is a payments technology company providing a comprehensive range of payment cards and related digital solutions. We are a leader in several areas of the U.S. payment card solutions market, including debit and credit card production, personalization, and Software-as-a-Service-based (“SaaS-based”) instant issuance services. We are also a market leader in the production of “Prepaid Debit Cards,” which we define as debit cards issued on the networks of the “Payment Card Brands” (Visa, Mastercard®, American Express® and Discover®) but not linked to a traditional bank account, and related secure packaging solutions. We serve thousands of customers through direct and indirect sales channels and have maintained long-standing relationships with our top customers.
Current wording
CPI is a payments technology company providing a comprehensive range of physical and digital payment solutions for U.S. financial institutions, processors, fintechs, prepaid program managers, and more. We are a leader in several areas of the U.S. payment card solutions market, including debit and credit card production, personalization, and Software-as-a-Service-based (“SaaS-based”) instant issuance services. We are also a market leader in the production of “Prepaid Debit Cards,” defined as debit cards issued on the networks of the “Payment Card Brands” (Visa, Mastercard®, American Express® and Discover®) but not linked to a traditional bank account, and related secure packaging solutions. We serve thousands of customers through direct and indirect sales channels and have maintained long-standing relationships with our top customers.
Previous wording
than contact-only cards. We also generate product revenue from the sale of our Card@Once® instant issuance system and consumables, private label credit cards and retail gift cards. Services net sales include revenue from the personalization and fulfillment of payment cards, tamper-evident secure packaging, fulfillment services, SaaS-based personalization of instant issuance payment cards and other digital offerings. See Part II, Item 8,Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” and Part II, Item 7,Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates—Revenue Recognition” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information and timing of revenue recognition for net sales. We include gross shipping and handling revenue in net sales.
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Revenue is generated from the sale to our customers, including the design and production of contact and contactless payment cards, which includes our eco-focused cards. Contactless cards have additional technology to process contactless transactions and generally have a higher selling price than contact-only cards. We also generate revenue from the sale of our Card@Once® instant issuance system and consumables, private label credit cards and retail gift cards, the personalization and fulfillment of payment cards, tamper-evident secure packaging, fulfillment services, SaaS-based personalization of instant issuance payment cards and other digital offerings. See Part II, Item 8,Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” and Part II, Item 7,Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates—Revenue Recognition” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information and timing of revenue recognition for net sales. We include revenue from gross shipping and handling in revenue.
Previous wording
Cost of sales includes the direct and indirect costs of the products we sell and the services that we provide. Product costs include the cost of raw materials, including microchips for all applicable cards and antennas for contactless cards, labor costs, equipment and facilities costs, operation overhead, depreciation and amortization, leases and transport costs. Product costs also include Card@Once instant issuance hardware and consumable product costs. Services costs include the cost of labor, raw materials in the case of tamper-evident secure packaging, equipment and facilities costs, operation overhead, depreciation and amortization, leases and transport costs. Cost of sales can be impacted by many factors, including volume, operational efficiencies, procurement costs, promotional activity, and employee relations. We include the costs of shipping and handling related to customer sales in cost of sales.
Current wording
Cost of goods sold includes the direct and indirect costs of the products we sell and the related services that we provide. Costs include the cost of raw materials, including microchips for all applicable cards and antennas for contactless cards, labor costs, equipment and facilities costs, operation overhead, depreciation and amortization, leases and transport costs. These costs also include Card@Once instant issuance hardware and consumable product costs. Additionally, costs include the cost of labor, raw materials in the case of tamper-evident secure packaging, equipment and facilities costs, operation overhead, depreciation and amortization, leases and transport costs. Cost of goods sold can be impacted by many factors, including volume, operational efficiencies, procurement costs, promotional activity, and employee relations. We include the costs of shipping and handling related to customer sales in cost of goods sold.
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Gross profit consists of our net sales less our cost of sales. Gross margin is gross profit as a percentage of net sales.
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Gross profit consists of our revenue less our cost of goods sold. Gross margin is gross profit as a percentage of revenue.
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Operating expenses are primarily comprised of selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) which generally consist of expenses for executive, finance, sales, marketing, legal and compliance, information technology, procurement, customer service, human resources, research and development and administrative personnel, including payroll, benefits and stock-based compensation expense, bad debt expense and outside legal and other advisory fees, including consulting, accounting, and software related fees. Operating expense also includes depreciation and amortization expense and may include impairment charges on tangible and intangible assets, when necessary.
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Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) primarily consist of expenses for executive, finance, sales, marketing, legal and compliance, information technology, procurement, customer service, human resources, research and development and administrative personnel, including payroll, benefits and stock-based compensation expense, bad debt expense and outside legal and other advisory fees, including consulting, accounting, and software related fees. Selling, general and administrative expenses also includes depreciation and amortization expense and may include impairment charges on tangible and intangible assets, when necessary.
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Income from operations consists of our gross profit less our net operating expenses. Operating margin is income from operations as a percentage of net sales.
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Income from operations consists of our gross profit less our net selling, general and administrative expenses. Operating margin is income from operations as a percentage of revenue.
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Other (expense) income, net consists primarily of interest expense and other non-operating items.
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Other expense, net consists primarily of interest expense and other non-operating items.
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Interest expense increased for the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily due to payment of an early redemption premium of $5.8 million related to the redemption of the $267.9 million 8.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 (the “2026 Senior Notes”), as well as impacts from higher interest rates on the 10.000% Senior Secured Notes due 2029 (defined below) entered into on July 11, 2024.
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Interest expense decreased for the year ended December 31, 2025, primarily due to payment in the prior year period of an early redemption premium of $5.8 million related to the redemption in full of the $267.9 million 8.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 (the “2026 Senior Notes”), as compared to payment in the current period of a $0.6 million premium related to the redemption of $20.0 million of our 10.000% Senior Secured Notes due 2029. The decrease was partially offset by impacts of higher average borrowings on the Senior Notes due 2029 and ABL Revolver (defined below) for the year ended December 31, 2025.
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During the year ended December 31, 2024, we recorded a loss on debt extinguishment relating to unamortized deferred financing costs in connection with the redemption of the 2026 Senior Notes and the refinancing of our ABL Revolver Credit Agreement in July 2024.
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During the year ended December 31, 2024, we recorded a $3.0 million loss on debt extinguishment relating to the unamortized deferred financing costs in connection with the redemption of the 2026 Senior Notes and the refinancing of our ABL Revolver in July 2024.
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Our effective tax rates on pre-tax income were 22.0% and 30.4% for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2024 benefited from increased deductibility of stock-based compensation realized upon certain stock option exercises and restricted stock unit vesting, and benefits recognized due to the lapse of the statute of limitations related to specific uncertain tax benefit positions. The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2023 was impacted by limitation of executive compensation deductibility related to the former Chief Executive Officer’s (“CEO’s”) retention agreement.
Current wording
Our effective tax rates on pre-tax income were 30.6% and 22.0% for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The increase in the Company’s effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2025 related to non-deductible acquisition-related costs and increased state tax expenses related to the acquisition of Arroweye. The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2024 was impacted by the increased deductibility of stock-based compensation realized upon certain stock option exercises and restricted stock unit vesting.
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Income from operations for Prepaid Debit increased for the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily due to the factors discussed in “Gross Profit and Gross Profit Margin” above, partially offset by increased employee performance-based incentive compensation related to stronger 2024 company performance compared to 2023 and salary expenses.
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Income from operations for Prepaid Debit decreased for the year ended December 31, 2025, primarily due to the factors discussed in “Gross Profit and Gross Profit Margin” above.
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As the Other segment is comprised entirely of corporate expenses, income from operations for Other consists of operating expenses shown below.
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As the Other segment is comprised entirely of corporate expenses, income from operations for Other consists of selling, general and administrative expenses shown below.
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At December 31, 2024, we had $33.5 million of cash and cash equivalents. Our primary source of liquidity has been cash generated from our operating activities, which has been driven from net income and fluctuations in working capital. Our working capital fluctuates primarily due to the timing of tax payments, timing of receipts from customers, inventory purchases, payments of employee incentive programs and interest payments on our outstanding Senior Notes, with the interest payments being due in the first and third quarters of the year.
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At December 31, 2025, we had $21.7 million of cash and cash equivalents. Our primary source of liquidity has been cash generated from our operating activities, which has been driven by net income and fluctuations in working capital. Our working capital fluctuates primarily due to timing and size of tax payments, collections from customers, inventory purchases, payments of employee incentive programs, and interest payments on our outstanding Senior Notes, with the interest payments being due in the first and third quarters of the year.
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Our ability to make investments in and grow our business, service our debt and improve our debt leverage ratios, while maintaining strong liquidity, depends on our ability to generate excess operating cash flows through our operating subsidiaries. Although we can provide no assurances, we believe that our cash flows from operations, combined with our current cash levels, and our senior secured revolving credit facility (the “2029 ABL Revolver”) with available borrowing capacity of $72.8 million as of December 31, 2024, will be adequate to fund debt service requirements and provide cash, as required, to support our ongoing operations, capital expenditures, lease obligations, and working capital needs. Our future cash flows could be impacted by a variety of factors, some of which are beyond our control. Factors include, but are not limited to, demand from some of our customers for certain products and services, changes in economic conditions, especially those impacting our customers, and the pricing, terms and availability of goods and services that we purchase, and financings that we enter into.
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Our ability to make investments in and grow our business, service our debt, and improve our debt leverage ratios, while maintaining strong liquidity, depends on our ability to generate excess operating cash flows. Although we can provide no assurances, we believe that our cash flows from operations, combined with our current cash levels and our senior secured revolving credit facility (the “ABL Revolver”) with available borrowing capacity of $74.7 million as of December 31, 2025, will be adequate to fund debt service requirements and provide cash, as required, to support our ongoing operations, capital expenditures, lease obligations and working capital needs. Our future cash flows could be impacted by a variety of factors, some of which are beyond our control. Factors include, but are not limited to, demand from some of our customers for certain products and related services; changes in economic conditions, especially those impacting our customers; the pricing, terms and availability of goods and services that we purchase; and financings that we enter into.
Previous wording
Cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased to $43.3 million from $34.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, primarily due to higher net income excluding debt refinancing costs and changes in working capital. Working capital changes included lower employee performance-based incentive compensation payments in 2024 related to 2023 performance as compared to those made in 2023 related to 2022 performance and lower cash paid for interest on our Senior Notes due to the timing of the refinancing, partially offset by payments for incentives related to a customer contract entered into in the first quarter of 2024, a $5.0 million payment pursuant to an agreement entered into on June 2, 2023 with the Company’s prior CEO, and deposits made on machinery and equipment yet to be placed in service. Working capital was also significantly impacted in 2024 by the timing of collections from customers and payments to our vendors.
Current wording
Cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2025 increased to $59.5 million from $43.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily due to reduced working capital usage. Working capital benefited from increased collections on accounts receivable, lower inventory purchases and timing of payments, and lower payments related to the prior-CEO retention agreement, partially offset by incentive payments related to a customer contract originally entered into in the first quarter of 2024, higher employee performance-based incentive compensation payments in 2025, and higher cash paid for interest on our Senior Notes.
Previous wording
We primarily use cash in investing activities for capital expenditures. During the year ended December 31, 2024, capital expenditures, including investments to support the business, such as machinery and information technology equipment, totaled $9.3 million.
Current wording
During the year ended December 31, 2025, capital expenditures, including investments to support the business, such as machinery and information technology equipment, totaled $18.2 million, primarily related to our new production facility in Indiana.
Previous wording
On July 11, 2024 (the “Closing Date”), we completed a private offering by our wholly-owned subsidiary, CPI CG Inc. (the “Issuer”), of $285.0 million aggregate principal amount of 10.000% Senior Secured Notes due 2029 (the “2029 Senior Notes”) and related guarantees at an issue price of 100%. The notes and related guarantees were offered and sold in a private transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act and outside the United States to certain non-U.S. persons in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities Act.
Current wording
On July 11, 2024 (the “Closing Date”), we completed a private offering by our wholly-owned subsidiary, CPI CG Inc. (the “Issuer”), of $285.0 million aggregate principal amount of 10.000% Senior Notes due 2029 (the “Senior Notes”) and related guarantees at an issue price of 100%. The Senior Notes mature on July 15, 2029 and interest is payable on January 15 and July 15 of each year. The notes and related guarantees were offered and sold in a private transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act and outside the United States to certain non-U.S. persons in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities Act.
Previous wording
Net proceeds from the 2029 Senior Notes, together with cash on hand, were used to redeem the entire principal balance of $267.9 million on the 2026 Senior Notes as of the Closing Date, and to pay related fees, an early redemption premium of 2.156%, and other expenses. The early redemption premium paid is recorded in “Interest, net” on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Current wording
Net proceeds from the Senior Notes, together with cash on hand, were used to redeem the entire principal balance of $267.9 million of the 8.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 (the “2026 Senior Notes”) as of the Closing Date, and to pay related fees, an early redemption premium of 2.156%, and other expenses. The early redemption premium paid is recorded in “Interest, net” on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Previous wording
On the Closing Date, the Company and CPI CG Inc. as borrower (the “Borrower”), entered into a credit agreement (the “ABL Credit Agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as lender, administrative agent and collateral agent, providing for an asset-based, senior secured revolving credit facility (the “2029 ABL Revolver”) of up to $75.0 million (the “Maximum Revolver Amount”). The 2029 ABL Revolver is guaranteed by us and our subsidiaries (other than excluded subsidiaries (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement)), and is secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company, the Borrower and their subsidiaries, (other than excluded subsidiaries (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement)).
Current wording
On the Closing Date, the Company and CPI CG Inc. as borrower (the “Borrower”), entered into a credit agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as lender, administrative agent and collateral agent (“JPMorgan”), providing for an asset-based, senior secured revolving credit facility (the “ABL Revolver”) of up to $75.0 million. We primarily utilize our ABL Revolver to provide general liquidity and to support shorter term financing requirements.
Previous wording
The 2029 ABL Revolver consists of revolving loans, letters of credit and swing line loans provided by lenders, with a sublimit on letters of credit outstanding at any time of $10.0 million. The 2029 ABL Revolver also includes an uncommitted accordion feature whereby the Borrower may increase the 2029 ABL Revolver commitment by an aggregate amount not to exceed $25.0 million, subject to certain conditions. The 2029 ABL Revolver matures on the earliest to occur of July 11, 2029 and the date that is 91 days prior to the maturity of the 2029 Senior Notes.
Current wording
ABL Revolver also includes an uncommitted accordion feature whereby the Borrower may increase the ABL Revolver commitment by an aggregate amount not to exceed $25.0 million, subject to certain conditions. The ABL Revolver matures on the earliest to occur of July 11, 2029 and the date that is 91 days prior to the maturity of the Senior Notes.
Previous wording
Borrowings under the 2029 ABL Revolver bear interest at a rate per annum that ranges based on the applicable term secured overnight financing rate (“SOFR”) as administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York plus 1.50% to 1.75% (subject, in each case, to a credit spread adjustment of 0.10%), based on the average daily borrowing capacity under the 2029 ABL Revolver over the most recently completed month. The unused portion of the 2029 ABL Revolver commitment accrues a commitment fee, which ranges from 0.375% to 0.50% per annum, based on the average daily excess availability under the 2029 ABL Revolver over the immediately preceding month.
Current wording
Borrowings under the ABL Revolver bear interest at a rate per annum that ranges based on the applicable term secured overnight financing rate as administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York plus 1.50% to 1.75% (subject, in each case, to a credit spread adjustment of 0.10%), based on the average daily borrowing capacity under the ABL Revolver over the most recently completed month. The unused portion of the ABL Revolver commitment accrues a commitment fee, which ranges from 0.375% to 0.50% per annum, based on the average daily excess availability under the ABL Revolver over the immediately preceding month.
Previous wording
The 2029 Senior Notes and the 2029 ABL Revolver contain covenants limiting the ability of the Company, the Borrower and the Company’s restricted subsidiaries to, among other things, incur or guarantee additional debt or issue disqualified stock or certain preferred stock; create or incur liens; pay dividends, redeem stock or make other distributions; make certain investments; create restrictions on the ability of the Borrower and its restricted subsidiaries to pay dividends to the Company or make other intercompany transfers; transfer or sell assets; merge or consolidate; and enter into certain transactions with affiliates, subject to a number of important exceptions and qualifications as set forth in the indenture governing the 2029 Senior Notes and the ABL Credit Agreement.
Current wording
The Senior Notes and the ABL Revolver contain covenants limiting the ability of the Company, the Borrower and the Company’s restricted subsidiaries to, among other things, incur or guarantee additional debt or issue disqualified stock or certain preferred stock; create or incur liens; pay dividends, redeem stock or make other distributions; make certain investments; create restrictions on the ability of the Borrower and its restricted subsidiaries to pay dividends to the Company or make other intercompany transfers; transfer or sell assets; merge or consolidate; and enter into certain transactions with affiliates, subject to a number of important exceptions and qualifications as set forth in the indenture governing the Senior Notes and the ABL Credit Agreement.
Previous wording
Borrowing Base is further reduced by credit line reserves and letters of credit, as well as the loan ledger balance outstanding on the ABL Revolver. Additionally, commencing with the month immediately following a date on which borrowing capacity is below the greater of $7.5 million and 10% of the Maximum Revolver Amount and until such time that borrowing capacity equals or exceeds the greater of $7.5 million and 10% of the Maximum Revolver Amount for 30 consecutive days, the Company must maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement) of at least 1.00 to 1.00, calculated for the trailing 12 months, in order to borrow under the ABL Revolver.
Current wording
The ABL Revolver includes limitations on the Borrower’s ability to borrow in certain situations, including limitations based on the calculation of borrowing capacity and further limitations that are triggered if the amount available to borrow under the ABL Revolver is less than the greater of $7.5 million and 10% of the Maximum Revolver Amount. The borrowing capacity represents the net availability under the ABL Revolver and is calculated as the lesser of a) the total of certain eligible assets, including cash, accounts receivable and inventories, further reduced by stated contribution percentages and adjustments (the “Borrowing Base”) and b) the Maximum Revolver Amount. The Borrowing Base is further reduced by credit line reserves and letters of credit, as well as the loan ledger balance outstanding on the ABL Revolver. Additionally, commencing with the month immediately following a date on which borrowing capacity is below the greater of $7.5 million and 10% of the Maximum Revolver Amount and until such time that borrowing capacity equals or exceeds the greater of $7.5 million and 10% of the Maximum Revolver Amount for 30 consecutive days, the Company must maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement) of at least 1.00 to 1.00, calculated for the trailing 12 months, in order to borrow under the ABL Revolver.
Previous wording
As of December 31, 2024, the total projected principal and interest payments on our borrowings are $429.7 million, primarily related to the 2029 Senior Notes, of which $29.2 million of interest is expected to be paid in the next 12 months.
Current wording
As of December 31, 2025, the total projected principal and interest payments on our borrowings are $392.7 million, primarily related to the Senior Notes, of which $28.5 million of interest is expected to be paid in the next 12 months.
Previous wording
The remaining interest payments are expected to be paid over the remaining term of the 2029 Senior Notes, which mature in 2029, and the principal is due upon maturity. We have estimated our future interest payments assuming no additional borrowings under the 2029 ABL Revolver, no early redemptions of principal on the 2029 Senior Notes, and no debt issuances or renewals upon the maturity dates of our notes. However, we may borrow additional amounts under the 2029 ABL Revolver, redeem principal on the 2029 Senior Notes early or refinance all or a portion of our borrowings in future periods.
Current wording
The remaining interest payments are expected to be paid over the remaining term of the Senior Notes, which mature in 2029, and the principal is due upon maturity. We have estimated our future interest payments assuming no additional borrowings under the ABL Revolver, no early redemptions of principal on the Senior Notes, and no debt issuances or renewals upon the maturity dates of our notes. However, we may borrow additional amounts under the ABL Revolver, redeem principal on the Senior Notes early, or refinance all or a portion of our borrowings in future periods.
Previous wording
A purchase obligation is an agreement to purchase goods or services that is enforceable, legally binding, and specifies all significant terms. As of December 31, 2024, we had approximately $78.9 million of outstanding purchase obligations, of which approximately $66.5 million is expected to be paid in the next 12 months.
Current wording
A purchase obligation is an agreement to purchase goods or services that is enforceable, legally binding, and specifies all significant terms. As of December 31, 2025, we had approximately $62.2 million of outstanding purchase obligations, nearly all of which is expected to be paid in the next 12 months.
Previous wording
Payment cards are generally influenced by broader cyclical changes in the economy, with economic downturns potentially resulting in decreases in the demand for our products and services and economic upturns potentially resulting in increases in demand. In particular, prolonged economic downturns typically have resulted in significant reductions in the production demand for general purpose credit cards due to tightening credit conditions. Our net sales are also influenced by changes in customer behavior such as altering inventory management practices, payment card renewal cycles and demand for new products, such as contactless cards. Additionally, we historically have generated higher net sales in the third and fourth quarters of the year, as our sales of Prepaid Debit Card solutions are more heavily weighted toward the second half of the year when consumers tend to purchase more of these products and services in anticipation of the holiday season in the United States and timing related to the production of health insurance and health savings account cards.
Current wording
Payment cards are generally influenced by broader cyclical changes in the economy, with economic downturns potentially resulting in decreases in the demand for our products and related services and economic upturns potentially resulting in increases in demand. In particular, prolonged economic downturns typically have resulted in significant reductions in the production demand for general purpose credit cards due to tightening credit conditions. Our revenue is also influenced by changes in customer behavior such as altering inventory management practices, payment card renewal cycles and demand for new products, such as contactless cards. Additionally, we historically have generated higher revenue in the third and fourth quarters of the year, as our sales of Prepaid Debit Card solutions are more heavily weighted toward the second half of the year when consumers tend to purchase more of these products and other integrated prepaid card services in anticipation of the holiday season in the United States and timing related to the production of health insurance and health savings account cards.
Previous wording
Our management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In preparing our financial statements, we make estimates, assumptions and judgments that can have a significant impact on our reported net sales, results of operations and net income, as well as on the value of certain assets and liabilities on our balance sheet during and as of the reporting periods. These estimates, assumptions and judgments are necessary because future events and their effects on our results and the value of our assets cannot be determined with certainty and are made based on our historical experience and on other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates may change as new events occur or additional information is obtained, and we may periodically be faced with uncertainties, the outcomes of which are not within our control and may not be known for a prolonged period of time. Because the use of estimates is inherent in the financial reporting process, actual results could differ from those estimates.
Current wording
Our management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In preparing our financial statements, we make estimates, assumptions and judgments that can have a significant impact on our reported revenue, results of operations and net income, as well as on the value of certain assets and liabilities on our balance sheet during and as of the reporting periods. These estimates, assumptions and judgments are necessary because future events and their effects on our results and the value of our assets cannot be determined with certainty and are made based on our historical experience and on other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates may change as new events occur or additional information is obtained, and we may periodically be faced with uncertainties, the outcomes of which are not within our control and may not be known for a prolonged period of time. Because the use of estimates is inherent in the financial reporting process, actual results could differ from those estimates.
Previous wording
*Costs to Obtain a Contract with a Customer:*Costs to obtain a contract (“contract costs”) include only those costs incurred to obtain a contract that the Company would not have incurred if the contract had not been obtained. For contracts where the term is greater than one year, these costs are recorded as an asset and amortized consistent with the timing of the related revenue over the life of the contract. To do so, we estimate the amount of the contract costs over the term of the contract as well as the timing of future revenue over the term of the contract to determine the amortization of such costs. The current portion of the asset is included in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” and the noncurrent portion is included in “Other assets” on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. Contract costs incurred but unpaid are included in “Accrued expenses” on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. Contract costs are expensed as incurred when the amortization period is one year or less.
Current wording
Costs to obtain a contract (“contract costs”) include only those costs incurred to obtain a contract that the Company would not have incurred if the contract had not been obtained. For contracts where the term is greater than one year, these costs are recorded as an asset and amortized consistent with the timing of the related revenue over the life of the contract. To do so, we estimate the amount of the contract costs over the term of the contract as well as the timing of future revenue over the term of the contract to determine the amortization of such costs. Contract costs incurred but unpaid are included in “Accrued expenses” on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. Contract costs are expensed as incurred when the amortization period is one year or less. Assets capitalized for contract costs are evaluated for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. No impairments were recorded for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024.
Previous wording
The Company has deferred tax assets and liabilities and maintains valuation allowances where it is more likely than not that all or a portion of deferred tax assets will not be realized. Significant judgment is required in determining any valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets. The determination of the amount of valuation allowance to be provided on recorded deferred tax assets involves consideration of estimates regarding the timing and amount of the reversal of taxable temporary differences and the impact of tax planning strategies. Changes in the relevant facts can significantly impact the judgment or need for valuation allowances. In the event we change our determination as to the amount of deferred tax assets that can be realized, we will adjust our valuation allowance with a corresponding impact to the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made.
Current wording
The Company has deferred tax assets and liabilities and maintains valuation allowances where it is more likely than not that all or a portion of deferred tax assets, including net operating loss carryforwards, will not be realized. Significant judgment is required in determining any valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets. The determination of the amount of valuation allowance to be provided on recorded deferred tax assets involves consideration of estimates regarding the timing and amount of future taxable income by jurisdiction, the reversal of taxable temporary differences and the impact of tax planning strategies. Changes in the relevant facts can significantly impact the judgment or need for valuation allowances. In the event we change our determination as to the amount of deferred tax assets that can be realized, we will adjust our valuation allowance with a corresponding impact to the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made.
Previous wording
The Company’s valuation allowance recorded as of December 31, 2024, relates to certain state net operating losses, which the Company estimates may not be fully utilized. Additionally, other changes to the federal and state tax regulations can lead to variability in allowable deductions, which can impact the Company’s valuation allowance.
Current wording
The Company’s valuation allowance recorded as of December 31, 2025, primarily relates to certain federal and state net operating losses obtained through the Arroweye acquisition that the Company estimates may not be fully utilized. Additionally, other changes to the federal and state tax regulations can lead to variability in allowable deductions, which can impact the Company’s valuation allowance.
Rearranged current paragraphs (1)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Costs to Obtain a Contract with a Customer
Rearranged previous paragraphs (2)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Net sales reflect our revenue generated from the sale of products and services. Product net sales include the design and production of payment cards, including contact and contactless cards, which includes our eco-focused cards. Contactless cards have additional technology to process contactless transactions and generally have a higher selling price
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
The 2029 ABL Revolver includes limitations on the Borrower’s ability to borrow in certain situations, including limitations based on the calculation of borrowing capacity and further limitations that are triggered if the amount available to borrow under the ABL Revolver is less than the greater of $7.5 million and 10% of the Maximum Revolver Amount. The borrowing capacity represents the net availability under the ABL Revolver and is calculated as the lesser of a) the total of certain eligible assets, including cash, accounts receivable and inventories, further reduced by stated contribution percentages and adjustments (the “Borrowing Base”) and b) the Maximum Revolver Amount. The