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TABLE OF CONTENTS
[ALTERNATE PAGE FOR CANADIAN PROSPECTUS] TABLE OF CONTENTS
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 1,4, 2015

Registration No. 333-206218


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Amendment No 1.No. 2
to

Form S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Under
The Securities Act of 1933

CPI Card Group Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 7374
(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)
 26-0344657
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)

CPI Card Group Inc.
10368 West Centennial Road
Littleton, CO 80127
(303) 973-9311

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of Registrant's principal executive offices)

Steven Montross
President and Chief Executive Officer
CPI Card Group Inc.
10368 West Centennial Road
Littleton, CO 80127
(303) 973-9311

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

Please send copies of all communications to:

Steven J. Gavin, Esq.
Andrew J. McDonough, Esq.
Arlene K. Lim, Esq.
Winston & Strawn LLP
35 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60601
(312) 558-5600

 

Christopher J. Cummings, Esq.
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
77 King Street West, Suite 3100
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5K 1J3
(416) 504-0522

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:
As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

          If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act, check the following box:    o

          If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    o

          If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    o

          If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    o

          Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer", "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer ý
(Do not check if a
smaller reporting company)
 Smaller reporting company o

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 
Title of Each Class of Securities
to be Registered

 Proposed Maximum
Aggregate Offering
Price(1)(2)

 Amount of
Registration Fee

 
Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share $100,000,000 $11,620(3)
 
(1)
Estimated solely for the purpose of computing the amount of the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

(2)
Includes additional shares that the underwriters have the option to purchase.

(3)
Previously paid.

          The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission acting pursuant to said Section 8(a) may determine.


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EXPLANATORY NOTE

        This registration statement contains two forms of prospectus: one to be used in connection with the offering of the securities described herein in the United States, which we refer to as the "U.S. Prospectus," and one to be used in connection with the offering of such securities in Canada, which we refer to as the "Canadian Prospectus." The U.S. Prospectus and the Canadian Prospectus are identical except for the cover page, the table of contents and the back page, and except that the Canadian Prospectus includes pages 164166 through 168,169, a "Certificate of the Company" and a "Certificate of the Canadian Underwriters." The form of the U.S. Prospectus is included herein and is followed by the alternate and additional pages to be used in the Canadian Prospectus. Each of the alternate pages for the Canadian Prospectus included herein is labeled "Alternate Page for Canadian Prospectus." Each of the additional pages for the Canadian Prospectus included herein is labeled "Additional Page for Canadian Prospectus."


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The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. Neither we nor the selling stockholders may sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.


PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS  SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED SEPTEMBER 1,4, 2015


                            Shares

LOGO

CPI Card Group Inc.

Common Stock

$           per share


This is the initial public offering of our common stock. We are selling                           shares of our common stock, and the selling stockholders named in this prospectus are selling                           shares of our common stock. We currently expect the initial public offering price to be between $             and $             per share of our common stock. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling stockholders.

Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock. We have applied to list our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "PMTS."

We are an "emerging growth company" as that term is used in the Jumpstart our Business Startups Act of 2012, and as such, have elected to comply with certain reduced public company reporting requirements for this prospectus and future filings. See "Prospectus Summary—JOBS Act."

Investing in our common stock involves risks. See "Risk Factors" beginning on page 18.17.

 
 Per Share
 Total
 

Initial Public Offering Price

 $            $            

Underwriting Discount(1)

 $  $  

Proceeds to Us (before expenses)

 $  $  

Proceeds to the Selling Stockholders (before expenses)

 $  $  
(1)
See "Underwriting" for a description of the compensation payable to the underwriters.

The selling stockholders have granted the underwriters an option to purchase up to                           additional shares of our common stock within 30 days of the closing date of this offering to cover over-allotments.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The underwriters expect to deliver the shares to purchasers on or about                                        , 2015 through the book-entry facilities of The Depository Trust Company.


BMO Capital Markets Goldman, Sachs & Co. CIBC


BairdWilliam BlairRaymond JamesScotiabankGMP Securities


Prospectus dated                           , 2015


GRAPHIC


GRAPHIC


GRAPHIC


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[ALTERNATE PAGE FOR CANADIAN PROSPECTUS]

A copy of this amended and restated preliminary prospectus has been filed with the securities regulatory authority in each of the provinces and territories of Canada, but has not yet become final for the purpose of the sale of securities. Information contained in this amended and restated preliminary prospectus may not be complete and may have to be amended. The securities may not be sold until a receipt for the prospectus is obtained from the securities regulatory authorities.

This prospectus has been filed under procedures in each of the provinces and territories of Canada that permit certain information about these securities to be determined after the prospectus has become final and that permit the omission of that information from this prospectus. The procedures require the delivery to purchasers of a supplemented PREP prospectus containing the omitted information within a specified period of time after agreeing to purchase any of these securities.

All of the information contained in the supplemented PREP prospectus that is not contained in the base PREP prospectus will be incorporated by reference into this base PREP prospectus as of the date of the supplemented PREP prospectus.

No securities regulatory authority has expressed an opinion about any information contained herein and it is an offence to claim otherwise. This preliminary prospectus constitutes a public offering of these securities only in those jurisdictions where they may be lawfully offered for sale and only by persons permitted to sell those securities.

We have filed a registration statement on Form S-1 with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to these securities.

Second Amended and Restated Preliminary Base
PREP Prospectus dated September 1,4, 2015,
amending and restating the Amended and Restated Preliminary
Base PREP Prospectus dated August 12,September 1, 2015

Initial Public Offering
And Secondary Offering

 
September 1,4, 2015

LOGO

US$

Common Stock

This preliminary base PREP prospectus (the "Prospectus") qualifies the distribution (the "Offering") of an aggregate of                         shares of common stock (the "Common Shares") of CPI Card Group Inc. (the "Company" or "CPI"). We expect the public offering price to be between US$            and US$            per Common Share (the "Offering Price").

The Common Shares are being offered for sale concurrently in Canada under this Prospectus and in the United States under a registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The Common Shares are being offered in Canada by BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., Goldman Sachs Canada Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc., Raymond James Ltd., Scotia Capital Inc. and GMP Securities L.P. (the "Canadian Underwriters") and in the United States by BMO Capital Markets Corp., Goldman, Sachs & Co., CIBC World Markets Corp. and��, Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated, William Blair & Company, L.L.C., Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Scotia Capital (USA) Inc. and Griffiths McBurney Corp. (the "US Underwriters," and together with the Canadian Underwriters, the "Underwriters").                        Common Shares are being offered by the Company and                        Common Shares are being offered by selling stockholders named in this Prospectus. See "Principal and Selling Stockholders."

Affiliates of each of BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., BMO Capital Markets Corp., Goldman Sachs Canada Inc., Goldman, Sachs & Co., CIBC World Markets Inc. and, CIBC World Markets Corp., Scotia Capital Inc. and Scotia Capital (USA) Inc. are lenders to the Company under its credit facility. Another affiliate of CIBC World Markets Inc. and CIBC World Markets Corp. is a limited partner of Tricor Pacific Capital Partners (Fund IV), Limited Partnership, one of the selling stockholders named in this Prospectus. Consequently, the Company may be considered a "connected issuer" to each of BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., BMO Capital Markets Corp., Goldman Sachs Canada Inc., Goldman, Sachs & Co., CIBC World Markets Inc. and, CIBC World Markets Corp., Scotia Capital Inc. and Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., and such selling stockholder may be considered a "connected issuer" to CIBC World Markets Inc. and CIBC World Markets Corp., in each case within the meaning of National Instrument 33-105—Underwriting Conflicts of the Canadian Securities Administrators. See "Underwriting—Conflicts of Interest".

  
 
  

 

 

Price: US$            per Common Share

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 


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 Price to the
Public(1)
 Underwriters'
Commission(2)(3)
 Net Proceeds
to CPI(2)(4)
 Net Proceeds
to Selling
Stockholders(3)(5)

Per Common Share

 US$ US$ US$ US$

Total

 US$ US$ US$ US$

Notes:

(1)
The Offering Price for the Common Shares has been determined by negotiation between the Company and the Underwriters.

(2)
The Underwriters will receive a commission (the "Commission") of        % of the gross amount raised in the Offering, payable in cash from the proceeds of the sale of the Common Shares. See "Underwriting" for a description of compensation payable to the Underwriters.

(3)
The selling stockholders under this offering are the following: Tricor Pacific Capital Partners (Fund IV), Limited Partnership, Tricor Pacific Capital Partners (Fund IV) US, Limited Partnership, Steven Montross, Robert Pearce, Robert Clarke, Hayley C. Clarke 2008 Imagine Trust, McKenzie A. Clarke 2008 Imagine Trust, Tyler L. Clarke 2008 Imagine Trust, James Galliher, Jerry Dreiling, Nicholas Cahn, Paul Boge, Docia Myer, William Dinker, Mary Martinez, Andrew Sappenfield, 9074-1448 Quebec Inc., Diane Jackson, David Ogonowski, Eric Savoy, Katherine Nevill, and Tom Hedrich. The selling stockholders have granted to the Underwriters an option (the "Over-Allotment Option"), exercisable in whole or in part at any time until 30 days following the Closing Date (as hereinafter defined), to purchase at the Offering Price up to         % of the number of Common Shares purchased under the Offering to cover over-allotments, if any and for market stabilization purposes. If the Over-Allotment Option is exercised in full, the total Price to the Public, Underwriters' Commission, Net Proceeds to the Company and Net Proceeds to selling stockholders will be US$            , US$            , US$            and US$            , respectively. See "Underwriting" and ""Principal and Selling Stockholders."Stockholders." This Prospectus qualifies the grant of the Over-Allotment Option and the distribution of the additional Common Shares by the selling stockholders upon exercise of the Over-Allotment Option. A purchaser who acquires Common Shares forming part of the Underwriters' over-allocation position acquires those Common Shares under this Prospectus, regardless of whether the over-allocation position is ultimately filled through the exercise of the Over-Allotment Option or secondary market purchases. See "Underwriting."

(4)
After deducting the Commission but before deducting the Offering expenses (the "Expenses"), estimated at US$            .

(5)
The selling stockholders will pay the Underwriters' discounts and commissions in respect of the Common Shares sold by the selling stockholders. The portion of the Expenses that will be borne by the selling stockholders is $            .

The Canadian Underwriters, as principals, conditionally offer the Common Shares qualified under this Prospectus, subject to prior sale, if, as and when issued by CPI and accepted by the Canadian Underwriters in accordance with the conditions contained in the underwriting agreement referred to under "Underwriting" and subject to the approval of certain legal matters on behalf of CPI by Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, as to matters of Canadian law, and by Winston & Strawn LLP, as to matters of U.S. law, and on behalf of the Underwriters by Stikeman Elliott LLP, as to matters of Canadian law, and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, as to matters of U.S. law.

Underwriters' position
 Maximum size or number of
securities available
 Exercise period or
acquisition date
 Exercise price or average
acquisition price

Over-Allotment Option

 Option to acquire up to Common Shares Exercisable for a period of 30 days after the closing date of this Offering US$

In connection with this Offering, the Underwriters may, subject to applicable laws, overallot or effect transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the Common Shares at levels other than those which otherwise might prevail on the open market. Such transactions, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.The Underwriters may offer the Common Shares at a lower price than stated above. See "Underwriting."


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There is currently no market through which the Common Shares may be sold and purchasers may not be able to resell the Common Shares purchased under this Prospectus. This may affect the pricing of the Common Shares in the secondary market, the transparency and availability of trading prices, the liquidity of the securities and the extent of issuer regulation. See "Risk Factors".

Subscriptions for the Common Shares will be received subject to rejection or allotment in whole or in part and the right is reserved to close the subscription books at any time without notice. The Common Shares to be issued or sold in this Offering will be issued in registered form to CDS Clearing and Depositary Services Inc. ("CDS") or the Depositary Trust Company ("DTC"), and deposited with CDS or DTC on the closing date of this Offering which is expected to occur on or about                        , 2015 or such later date as the Company and the Underwriters may agree, but in any event not later than                        , 2015 (the "Closing Date"). A purchaser of the Common Shares in Canada will receive only a customer confirmation from a registered dealer that is a participant in CDS through which the Common Shares are purchased, unless such purchaser requests from the Company the issuance of a certificate evidencing such Common Shares.

Any "template version" of any "marketing materials" (as such terms are defined under Canadian securities laws) that are utilized by the Canadian Underwriters in connection with the Offering are not part of this prospectus to the extent that the contents of the template version of the marketing materials have been modified or superseded by a statement contained in this prospectus. Any template version of any marketing materials that has been, or will be, filed under the Company's profile on www.sedar.com before the termination of the distribution under the Offering (including any amendments to, or an amended version of, any template version of any marketing materials) is deemed to be incorporated into this prospectus.

The Company, the Company's auditor, Tricor Pacific Capital Partners (Fund IV) US, Limited Partnership, and each of Bradley Seaman, Nicholas Peters, Steven Montross and David Brush (collectively, the "Non-Canadian Directors and Signatories"), are incorporated, continued or otherwise organized under the laws of a foreign jurisdiction or resides outside of Canada. The Company, the Company's auditor, Tricor Pacific Capital Partners (Fund IV) US, Limited Partnership and the Non-Canadian Directors and Signatories have appointed the following agent for service of process:

Name of Person or Company
 Name and Address of Agent

CPI Card Group Inc. 

 Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLPBlakes Vancouver Services Inc.
595 Burrard Street, P.O. Box 49314
Suite 2600, Three Bentall Centre
Vancouver, BC, V7X 1L3
Canada

KPMG LLPTricor Pacific Capital Partners (Fund IV) US, Limited Partnership

 

Blakes Vancouver Services Inc.
595 Burrard Street, P.O. Box 49314
Suite 2600, Three Bentall Centre
Vancouver, BC, V7X 1L3
Canada

Tricor Pacific Capital Partners (Fund IV) US, Limited Partnership

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
595 Burrard Street, P.O. Box 49314
Suite 2600, Three Bentall Centre
Vancouver, BC, V7X 1L3
Canada

Non-Canadian Directors and Signatories

 

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLPBlakes Vancouver Services Inc.
595 Burrard Street, P.O. Box 49314
Suite 2600, Three Bentall Centre
Vancouver, BC, V7X 1L3
Canada

Purchasers are advised that it may not be possible for investors to enforce judgments obtained in Canada against any person or company that is incorporated, continued or otherwise organized under the laws of a


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foreign jurisdiction or resides outside of Canada, even if the party has appointed an agent for service of process.

INVESTMENT IN THE COMMON SHARES INVOLVES SIGNIFICANT RISKS. INVESTORS SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE RISKS REFERRED TO UNDER THE HEADING "RISK FACTORS" STARTING ON PAGE 1817 IN THIS PROSPECTUS.


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        We are responsible for the information contained in this prospectus and in any free-writing prospectus we have authorized. Neither we, the selling stockholders nor the underwriters have authorized anyone to provide you with different information, and neither we, the selling stockholders nor the underwriters take responsibility for any other information others may give you. Neither we, the selling stockholders nor the underwriters are making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than its date.




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 Page 

Prospectus Summary

  1 

Risk Factors

  1817 

Forward-Looking Statements

  4039 

Industry and Market Data

  4241 

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information

  4342 

Trademarks

  4443 

Glossary of Industry Terms

  4544 

Use of Proceeds

  4746 

Dividend Policy

  4847 

Capitalization

  4948 

Dilution

  5150 

Selected Consolidated Financial Data

  5352 

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

  5655 

Industry

  9594 

Business

  103102 

Management

  115114 

Executive Compensation

  123122 

Structure and Formation of Our Company

  130 

Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions

  131 

Principal and Selling Stockholders

  135 

Description of Certain Indebtedness

  137138 

Description of Capital Stock

  138139 

Shares Eligible for Future Sale

  143144 

Underwriting

  144146 

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations to Non-U.S. Holders

  152154 

Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations for Holders of Our Common Stock

  157159 

Notice to Investors Regarding U.S. GAAP

  162164 

Legal Matters

  162164 

Experts

  162164 

Change in Independent Accountant

  162164 

Where You Can Find More Information

  163165 

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

  F-1 

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information

  P-1 

i


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[ALTERNATE PAGE FOR CANADIAN PROSPECTUS]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
 Page 

Prospectus Summary

  1 

Risk Factors

  1817 

Forward-Looking Statements

  4039 

Industry and Market Data

  4241 

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information

  4342 

Trademarks

  4443 

Glossary of Industry Terms

�� 4544 

Use of Proceeds

  4746 

Dividend Policy

  4847 

Capitalization

  4948 

Dilution

  5150 

Selected Consolidated Financial Data

  5352 

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

  5655 

Industry

  9594 

Business

  103102 

Management

  115114 

Executive Compensation

  123122 

Structure and Formation of Our Company

  130 

Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions

  131 

Principal and Selling Stockholders

  135 

Description of Certain Indebtedness

  137138 

Description of Capital Stock

  138139 

Shares Eligible for Future Sale

  143144 

Underwriting

  144146 

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations to Non-U.S. Holders

  152154 

Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations for Holders of Our Common Stock

  157159 

Notice to Investors Regarding U.S. GAAP

  162164 

Legal Matters

  162164 

Experts

  162164 

Change in Independent Accountant

  162164 

Where You Can Find More Information

  163165 

Prior Sales

  164166 

Audit Committee

  165167 

ii


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 Page 

Material Contracts

  166168 

Purchaser's Statutory Rights of Recission

  166168 

Exemptions

  166168 

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

  F-1 

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information

  P-1 

Certificate of the Company

  C-1 

Certificate of the Canadian Underwriters

  C-2 

iii


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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

        This summary highlights certain significant aspects of our business and this offering. This is a summary of information contained elsewhere in this prospectus, is not complete and does not contain all of the information that you should consider before making your investment decision. You should carefully read the entire prospectus, including the information presented under the sections entitled "Risk Factors," "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto, before making an investment decision. This summary contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ significantly from future results contemplated in any forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors such as those set forth in the sections entitled "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Statements." Unless the context otherwise requires, references to the "Company," "CPI," "us," "we" or "our" refer to CPI Card Group Inc. and its subsidiaries. References to "pro forma net sales" or "pro forma Adjusted EBITDA" mean after giving effect to our acquisition of EFT Source, Inc. as if such acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2014. References to "LTM" or the "LTM Period" refer to the twelve months ended June 30, 2015. LTM financial data is derived by adding financial data for the year ended December 31, 2014 to financial data for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and subtracting financial data for the six months ended June 30, 2014. See "Summary Consolidated Historical Financial Data." Refer to "Glossary of Industry Terms" on page 45 of this prospectus for the definitions of industry and other terms not otherwise defined herein. This prospectus contains information from a report we commissioned from First Annapolis Consulting, Inc. ("First Annapolis"), a leading advisory firm to the payments industry, in May 2015. See "Industry and Market Data."

Our Business

        We are a leading provider of comprehensive Financial Payment Card solutions in North America. We define Financial Payment Cards as credit, debit and Prepaid Debit Cards issued on the networks of the Payment Card Brands (Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover) and Interac (in Canada). In 2014, we produced over 360 million Financial Payment Cards, provided integrated card services to over 3,200 card-issuing banks and Prepaid Debit Card issuers and personalized more than 130 million Financial Payment Cards. We have established a leading position in the Financial Payment Card market through more than 20 years of experience and are focused primarily on this growing subsector of the financial technology market. Our customers are primarily leading national and regional banks, independent community banks, credit unions, managers of prepaid debit programs, Group Service Providers and card processors. We serve a diverse set of over 4,000 direct and indirect customers, including many of the largest North American issuers of debit and credit cards such as JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, American Express and Wells Fargo, the largest global managers of Prepaid Debit Card programs, including InComm, Green Dot, Blackhawk Network and American Express, as well as thousands of independent community banks, credit unions, Group Service Providers and card processors.

        We serve our customers through a network of nine production and card services facilities, including seven high-security facilities in North America that are each certified by one or more of the Payment Card Brands and Interac (in Canada) and, where required by our customers, the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council. We have the largest such network of high-security production facilities in North America, allowing us to optimize our solutions offerings to serve the needs of our diverse and long-term customer base.

        We estimate that we produce approximately 35% of all Financial Payment Cards in the United States, which we believe gives us the #1 market position by unit volume. We believe we have:

 


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        We have grown our business significantly over the past decade, both organically and through acquisitions. Over that time period, we have completed six acquisitions, significantly increasing our geographic and market coverage, solutions offerings and capacity. On March 9, 2010, we purchased certain assets of Premier Card Solutions, a leading provider of Financial Payment Cards, data personalization services and tamper-evident security packaging for Prepaid Debit Cards that utilize the payment networks of the Payment Card Brands. The Premier Card Solutions transaction significantly enhanced our offering to Prepaid Debit Card customers. On September 2, 2014, we acquired EFT Source, Inc. ("EFT Source"), a recognized leader in the financial technology industry that was named to American Banker and BAI's FinTech Forward 100 in both 2013 and 2014. The acquisition of EFT Source significantly enhanced our card services offering, added Card@Once® to our instant issuance card offering and expanded our end-to-end Financial Payment Card solutions.

        In addition to our seven North American facilities, we have two facilities in the United Kingdom that produce retail cards, such as gift and loyalty cards that are not issued on the networks of the Payment Card Brands, and provide personalization services. For further information on our business, see "Business."

        For the LTM Period, we generated net sales of $338.1 million, net income from continuing operations of $30.5 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $81.5 million, representing net income from continuing operations and Adjusted EBITDA margins of 9.0% and 24.1%, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2014, we generated $261.0 million of net sales, which represented an increase of 32.9% as compared to the prior year, $16.0 million of net income from continuing operations, which represented an increase of 42.6% as compared to the prior year, and $54.2 million of Adjusted EBITDA, which represented an increase of 41.3% as compared to the prior year, and net income from continuing operations and Adjusted EBITDA margins of 6.1% and 20.8%, respectively. Our 2014 and LTM results include four and ten months of results from EFT Source, respectively. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are financial measures not presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). For a definition of Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income from continuing operations, the most comparable GAAP measure, see "Summary Consolidated Historical Financial Data."

EMV Conversion in the United States

        As a leading provider of integrated Financial Payment Card solutions in North America, we are well-positioned to capitalize on the U.S. market conversion to EMV. The EMV standard for Financial Payment Cards, which is named after Europay, MasterCard and Visa, is a technologically advanced high security protocol that features a Financial Payment Card with an embedded microprocessor, commonly known as a "chip card." Depending on the features required by the issuer, EMV cards may sell for 5 to 10 times the average selling price of the magnetic stripe cards they are replacing. We estimate based on our experience that the industry-wide average selling prices per card, exclusive of services, are approximately as follows: magnetic stripe—$0.20 per card; Contact EMV—$1.00 per card; and Dual-Interface EMV—$2.00 per card. Comparing our costs to selling prices, we achieve similar gross margin percentages across these three card types. Actual per card pricing and margins will vary significantly depending on issuer size, order size, card features, finishes and EMV chip features selected by the issuer. According to First Annapolis, on a dollar basis, the U.S. Financial Payment Card market (excluding services) more than doubled from $180 million in 2013 to $371 million in 2014, and the conversion of U.S. Financial Payment Cards to the EMV standard is expected to further increase this

 


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market size by more than three-fold to $1.2 billion by 2019. A number of factors have precipitated the ongoing conversion of Financial Payment Cards in the United States to the EMV standard:

        EMV cards issued in the United States to date primarily have been Contact EMV cards. Globally, Dual-Interface EMV cards, which also enable contactless payment, are gaining popularity among card issuers, primarily because of the speed and convenience they offer to cardholders. For example, in Canada, we believe that the majority of all credit cards currently being issued are Dual-Interface EMV cards. Dual-Interface EMV cards are more complex to produce than Contact EMV cards and typically sell at a significantly higher price point. We believe that as the U.S. market migrates to the EMV standard, Dual-Interface EMV cards issued in the United States will gain share relative to Contact EMV cards, further expanding the dollar value of our market opportunity.

Our Market

        Consumer payments in the United States and globally have shifted over the last several decades from paper-based media such as cash and checks to card-based media such as credit, debit and Prepaid Debit Cards, and electronic methods such as pre-authorized payments through ACH. The Nilson Report estimates that card-based payments have increased from 38.3% of U.S. transactions in 2005 to

 


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56.5% in 2013, and electronic payments have increased from 4.3% to 7.2% over the same period. By 2018, card-based payments are projected to comprise 69.2% of U.S. transactions, with cash and checks accounting for 21.4% and electronic payments representing the remaining 9.4%. We believe that this long-term trend of card-based and electronic payments replacing cash and checks will continue.

        According to First Annapolis, 976 million Financial Payment Cards were produced for the U.S. market in 2014 and this number is estimated to grow to 1.2 billion cards by 2019, representing a compound annual growth rate ("CAGR") of 4.3%. The primary driver of growth is an increasing adoption of Prepaid Debit Cards, along with steady growth in debit and credit cards. On a dollar basis, the U.S. Financial Payment Card market (excluding services) was $371 million in 2014 (up from $180 million in 2013) and is anticipated to grow to $1.2 billion by 2019, driven by the EMV conversion and unit volume growth. This market can be divided as follows:

        According to First Annapolis, the demand for bank debit and general purpose credit cards has been predictable and recurring in nature, with 88% of cards issued in 2014 directly replacing existing cards. This includes the regular renewal of cards (53% of 2014 issuances, which are generally renewed every three to five years due to fixed expiration dates), cards lost, stolen or replaced due to fraudulent usage (19% of 2014 issuances) and portfolio churn (16% of 2014 issuances, when cardholders move from one card program to another). The remaining demand is the issuance of cards in conjunction with net new account growth (12% of 2014 issuances). The issuance of Prepaid Debit Cards has represented a similarly predictable and recurring source of demand, as a majority of Prepaid Debit Cards have an average estimated card life of less than twelve months.

        In addition, according to First Annapolis, outsourced card data personalization services for Financial Payment Cards represented a $417 million market in the United States in 2014 and is

 


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estimated to grow to $604 million by 2019, representing a 7.7% CAGR. The process of personalization involves assigning unique identification numbers and encrypting authentication data (such as a cardholder's account number, name and other data) onto cards, embossing and encoding personal information onto the cards and distributing personal identification numbers ("PINs") and fully packaged cards to individual cardholders. We believe the value of the market for personalization services will grow over the next several years due to the growth of overall cards in circulation and the U.S. EMV conversion, which is expected to increase revenues for service providers as personalizing EMV cards incorporates higher value added services than the process for non-EMV cards.

Our Products and Services

        Our leading market position is supported by our comprehensive end-to-end Financial Payment Card solutions offering which meets the stringent security requirements of the Payment Card Brands and our customers. This comprehensive offering of end-to-end solutions drives deep customer integration and long-term trusted relationships with our customers, many of which we have served for decades.

 


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Our Competitive Strengths

 


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Our Growth Strategy

        The key components of our strategy include:

 


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Risks Associated with our Business

        As part of your evaluation of our company, you should take into consideration the risks described under "Risk Factors," including the following risks that we face in implementing or executing on our growth strategies and maintaining our profitability:

        See "Risk Factors" beginning on page 1817 of this prospectus.

Recent Developments

New Credit Facility

        On August 17, 2015, we entered into a first lien credit agreement (the "New Credit Agreement") with a syndicate of lenders providing for a $40 million revolving credit facility (the "New Revolving Credit Facility") with a five year maturity and a $435 million first lien term loan facility (the "New Term Loan Facility" and, together with the New Revolving Credit Facility, the "New Credit Facility") with a seven year maturity. Interest rates under the New Credit Facility are based, at our election, on either a Eurodollar rate plus a margin of 4.50% or a base rate plus a margin of 3.50%. See "Description of Certain Indebtedness." Upon the closing of the New Credit Facility, we drew down the full amount of the New Term Loan Facility and used the net proceeds therefrom to repay

 


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$142.1 million of existing indebtedness, effect the Partial Preferred Redemption as described below, and pay related transaction fees and expenses.

Preferred Stock Redemption

        On August 17, 2015, we redeemed 62,140 shares of our outstanding preferred stock on a pro rata basis (the "Partial Preferred Redemption") using borrowings under the New Term Loan Facility, for which we are liable. In connection with the Partial Preferred Redemption, we paid an aggregate of $276.3 million in return of capital and accrued dividends to holders of our preferred stock, net of the repayment of certain employee loans. We expect to redeem the remaining 2,576 shares of outstanding preferred stock using approximately $11.5 million of the proceeds from this offering. We also expect to use $             million of the proceeds from this offering to repay borrowings under the New Term Loan Facility incurred in connection with the Partial Preferred Redemption. See "Use of Proceeds."

Principal Equityholder

        Tricor Pacific Capital Partners (Fund IV), Limited Partnership and Tricor Pacific Capital Partners (Fund IV) US, Limited Partnership (collectively, the "Tricor Funds"), both investment funds managed by an affiliate of Tricor Pacific Capital, Inc. ("Tricor"), currently collectively own approximately 90.9% of our outstanding preferred stock and 82.6% of our fully diluted common stock. Following this offering, all of our preferred stock will be redeemed, and the Tricor Funds will collectively own approximately         % of our fully diluted common stock. Tricor is a private equity firm with offices in Lake Forest, Illinois and Vancouver, British Columbia that has managed over $1.2 billion of investor capital to date. Since its founding in 1996, Tricor's investment funds have invested in the United States and Canada across a broad spectrum of industries, including the specialty manufacturing, business services and value-added distribution sectors.

JOBS Act

        We are an "emerging growth company," as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012. We will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier to occur of (1) the last day of the fiscal year (a) following the fifth anniversary of the completion of this offering, (b) in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.0 billion or (c) in which we become a large accelerated filer, which means that we have been public for at least 12 months, have filed at least one annual report and the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the last day of our then most recently completed second fiscal quarter and (2) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during the prior three-year period. We refer to the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 as the "JOBS Act," and references to "emerging growth company" have the meaning given to such term in the JOBS Act.

        An emerging growth company may take advantage of specified exemptions from various requirements that are otherwise generally applicable to public companies in the United States. These provisions include:

        We have availed ourselves in this prospectus of the reduced reporting requirements described above with respect to selected financial data. As a result, the information that we are providing to you may be less comprehensive than what you might receive from other public companies.

 


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        In addition, the JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company may delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until such time as those standards apply to private companies. We have irrevocably elected not to avail ourselves of this exemption and, therefore, we will be subject to the same new or revised accounting standards as other public companies that are not emerging growth companies.

Corporate Information

        CPI Card Group Inc. is a Delaware corporation. We were initially formed as CPI Holdings I, Inc. in June 2007 and changed our name to CPI Card Group Inc. in August 2015. Our principal executive offices are located at 10368 West Centennial Road, Littleton, CO 80127, and our telephone number is (303) 973-9311. Our website is www.cpicardgroup.com. Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and such information should not be considered to be part of this prospectus.

 


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THE OFFERING

Common stock offered by us

              shares

Common stock offered by the selling stockholders

 

             shares

Common stock to be outstanding after this offering

 

             shares

Underwriters' option to purchase additional shares

 

The selling stockholders have granted the underwriters an option to purchase up to            additional shares of common stock within 30 days of the closing date of this offering. See "Underwriting."

Use of proceeds

 

We estimate that our net proceeds from the sale of the common stock that we are offering will be approximately $            , assuming an initial public offering price of $            per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of common stock by the selling stockholders.

 

We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to redeem the remaining outstanding shares of our preferred stock, to terminate our phantom stock plan and to satisfy all liabilities due thereunder and to repay outstanding indebtedness under our New Credit Facility incurred in connection with the Partial Preferred Redemption. See "Use of Proceeds."

Exchange Listing

 

It is a condition to the completion of this offering that our common stock be listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market and the Toronto Stock Exchange. We have applied to list our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "PMTS."

Risk Factors

 

You should read the "Risk Factors" section of this prospectus for a discussion of facts to consider carefully before deciding to invest in shares of our common stock.

        Unless otherwise indicated, all information in this prospectus relating to the number of shares of common stock:


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SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA

        The following tables set forth our summary consolidated historical financial data. You should read the information set forth below in conjunction with "Use of Proceeds," "Capitalization," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the consolidated historical financial statements and notes thereto of CPI included elsewhere in this prospectus. The historical statements of income data for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 and the balance sheet data as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The historical statements of income data for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 and the balance sheet data as of June 30, 2015 are derived from our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. Results of interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for a full year or for future periods. The historical statement of income data for the twelve months ended June 30, 2015 are derived by adding data from our audited statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2014 to data from our unaudited statement of income for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and subtracting data from our unaudited statement of income for the six months ended June 30, 2014. Results for the twelve months ended June 30, 2015 include ten months of results from EFT Source, which we acquired in September 2014. See "Index to Consolidated Financial Statements."

 


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 Six Months
Ended
June 30,
  
  
  
  
  Six Months
Ended
June 30,
  
  
  
  
 

 Twelve Months
Ended
June 30,
2015
 Year Ended December 31,  Twelve Months
Ended
June 30,
2015
 Year Ended December 31, 
Statement of Income Data:
 2015 2014 2014 2013 2012  2015 2014 2014 2013 2012 

 (unaudited)
 (unaudited)
  
  
  
  (unaudited)
 (unaudited)
  
  
  
 

 (in thousands except share and per share data)
  (in thousands except share and per share data)
 

Net sales

                          

Products

 $112,771 $58,905 $213,086 $159,220 $101,360 $98,969  $112,771 $58,905 $213,086 $159,220 $101,360 $98,969 

Services

 60,075 36,862 124,999 101,786 95,010 84,817  60,075 36,862 124,999 101,786 95,010 84,817 

Total net sales

 172,846 95,767 338,085 261,006 196,370 183,786  172,846 95,767 338,085 261,006 196,370 183,786 

Cost of sales

 111,503 69,969 220,813 179,279 136,874 130,897  111,503 69,969 220,813 179,279 136,874 130,897 

Gross profit

 61,343 25,798 117,272 81,727 59,496 52,889  61,343 25,798 117,272 81,727 59,496 52,889 

Operating expenses

 29,959 16,262 60,952 47,255 33,347 32,985  29,959 16,262 60,952 47,255 33,347 32,985 

Income from operations

 31,384 9,536 56,320 34,472 26,149 19,904  31,384 9,536 56,320 34,472 26,149 19,904 

Other income (expense)

                          

Interest, net

 (3,505) (3,444) (7,569) (7,508) (7,838) (5,765) (3,505) (3,444) (7,569) (7,508) (7,838) (5,765)

Foreign currency gain (loss)

 149 (211) 236 (124) (142) (279) 149 (211) 236 (124) (142) (279)

Loss on debt modification and early extinguishment

   (476) (476)      (476) (476)   

Gain on purchase of ID Data

      604       604 

Other income (expense)

 61 19 (59) (101) 18 171  61 19 (59) (101) 18 171 

Income before income taxes

 28,089 5,900 48,452 26,263 18,187 14,635  28,089 5,900 48,452 26,263 18,187 14,635 

Provision for income taxes

 (9,974) (2,334) (17,931) (10,291) (6,988) (5,909) (9,974) (2,334) (17,931) (10,291) (6,988) (5,909)

Net income from continuing operations

 18,115 3,566 30,521 15,972 11,199 8,726  18,115 3,566 30,521 15,972 11,199 8,726 

Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes(1)

 (606) (2,763) (513) (2,670) (2,612) (3,796) (606) (2,763) (513) (2,670) (2,612) (3,796)

Gain on sale of discontinued operation, net of taxes(1)

 887  887     887  887    

Net income

 $18,396 $803 $30,895 $13,302 $8,587 $4,930  $18,396 $803 $30,895 $13,302 $8,587 $4,930 

Net income (loss) per share:(2)

                          

Basic and Diluted—Continuing Operations

 $(3.86)$(9.32)$(9.77)$(15.22)$(12.89)$(14.73) $(0.18)$(0.42)$(0.45)$(0.69)$(0.59)$(0.67)

Basic and Diluted—Discontinued Operations

 0.15 (1.48) 0.20 (1.43) (1.40) (2.02) 0.01 (0.07) 0.01 (0.07) (0.06) (0.09)

Total

 $(3.71)$(10.80)$(9.57)$(16.65)$(14.29)$(16.75) $(0.17)$(0.49)$(0.44)$(0.76)$(0.65)$(0.76)

Weighted average shares outstanding:

                          

Basic and Diluted

 1,877,857 1,868,816 1,877,176 1,872,693 1,866,925 1,875,674  41,312,854 41,113,952 41,297,872 41,199,246 41,072,350 41,264,828 

Other Financial Data:

                          

Depreciation and amortization

 $8,040 $5,614 $15,678 $13,252 $11,595 $10,514  $8,040 $5,614 $15,678 $13,252 $11,595 $10,514 

Capital expenditures

 10,390 6,578 19,380 15,568 10,628 9,113  10,390 6,578 19,380 15,568 10,628 9,113 

EBITDA(3)

 39,634 14,958 71,699 47,023 37,620 30,914  39,634 14,958 71,699 47,023 37,620 30,914 

Adjusted EBITDA(3)

 41,897 14,577 81,538 54,219 38,372 30,589  41,897 14,577 81,538 54,219 38,372 30,589 

 

 
  
  
 As Further
Adjusted(5)
  
  
 
 
  
 As Adjusted(4)  
  
 
 
  
 As of December 31, 
 
 As of
June 30,
2015
 As of June 30,
2015
 As of June 30,
2015
 
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:
 2014 2013 
 
 (unaudited)
 (unaudited)
 (unaudited)
  
  
 
 
 (in thousands)
 

Cash and cash equivalents

 $13,007 $8,583 $  $12,941 $9,702 

Total current assets

  107,808  103,384     88,719  65,958 

Net property, equipment and leasehold improvements

  48,431  48,431     44,772  36,650 

Total assets

  287,784  300,568     266,624  171,867 

Total debt

  167,420  444,000     179,424  122,306 

Total stockholders' deficit

  (3,690) (224,762)    (21,694) (36,896)

 


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 Six Months
Ended
June 30,
 Twelve
Months
Ended
June 30,
2015
  
  
  
 
 
 Year Ended December 31, 
Other Data:
 2015 2014 2014 2013 2012 
 
 (in thousands)
 

Financial Payment Card Shipments

                   

EMV

  75,164  13,921  125,088  63,845  6,769  5,015 

Non-EMV

  111,240  157,018  251,607  297,385  297,862  323,817 

Total

  186,404  170,939  376,695  361,230  304,631  328,832 

(1)
We sold our operating segment located in Nevada in January 2015. This operating segment primarily produced retail gift cards that are not issued on the networks of the Payment Card Brands. Accordingly, our consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), and statements of cash flows have been reclassified to present this operating segment as a discontinued operation as of and for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 and the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014. See Note 4 (Discontinued Operation and Disposition) to our audited consolidated financial statements and Note 3 (Discontinued Operation and Disposition) to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, each appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.

(2)
For a computation of historical basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to continuing and discontinued operations, see Note 14 (Earnings per Share) to our audited consolidated financial statements and Note 13 (Earnings per Share) to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, each appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.

(3)
EBITDA is defined as income from continuing operations before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA plus adjustments for foreign currency gain or loss, loss on debt modification and early extinguishment, gain on purchase of ID Data, non-cash compensation expense related to our phantom stock plan that will be terminated in connection with this offering, performance bonuses in connection with the EFT Source acquisition and investment banking and related fees. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures that do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA (collectively, the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures") are the primary measures used by our management to evaluate operating performance. We believe the Non-GAAP Financial Measures are useful to investors because they provide a means to evaluate our operating performance on an ongoing basis using criteria that are used by our internal decision makers and because they are frequently used by investors and other interested parties when comparing companies in our industry that have different financing and capital structures and/or tax rates. We believe the Non-GAAP Financial Measures are meaningful measures because they present a transparent view of our recurring operating performance and allow management to readily view operating trends, perform analytical comparisons and identify strategies to improve operating performance. The Non-GAAP Financial Measures, however, are not measures of our liquidity or financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss), income (loss) from operations, or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP or as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities as a measure of our liquidity. The use of the Non-GAAP Financial Measures instead of net income (loss) has limitations as an analytical tool, including the inability to determine profitability; the exclusion of interest expense, interest income and associated significant cash requirements; and the exclusion of depreciation and amortization, which represent unavoidable operating costs. The Non-GAAP Financial Measures are not necessarily

 


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The following is a reconciliation of net income from continuing operations to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA:

 
 Six Months
Ended
June 30,
  
  
  
  
 
 
 Twelve Months
Ended
June 30,
2015
 Year Ended December 31, 
 
 2015 2014 2014 2013 2012 
 
 (in thousands)
 

Net income from continuing operations

 $18,115 $3,566 $30,521 $15,972 $11,199 $8,726 

Depreciation and amortization

  8,040  5,614  15,678  13,252  11,595  10,514 

Interest, net

  3,505  3,444  7,569  7,508  7,838  5,765 

Provision for income taxes

  9,974  2,334  17,931  10,291  6,988  5,909 

EBITDA

 $39,634 $14,958 $71,699 $47,023 $37,620 $30,914 

Foreign currency (gain) loss

  (149) 211  (236) 124  142  279 

Loss on debt modification and early extinguishment(a)

      476  476     

Gain on purchase of ID Data(b)

            (604)

Non-cash compensation expense(c)

  1,503  (591) 6,628  4,534  610   

EFT Source performance bonuses(d)

  500    500       

Investment banking and related fees(e)

  409    2,471  2,062     

Adjusted EBITDA

 $41,897 $14,577 $81,538 $54,219 $38,372 $30,589 

(a)
Represents loss on the modification of our indebtedness in connection with the acquisition of EFT Source.

(b)
Represents gain on our purchase of certain assets of ID Data, Limited.

(c)
Represents compensation expense incurred in connection with our phantom stock plan. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates—Phantom Stock Plan" and "Executive Compensation—CPI Acquisition, Inc. Phantom Stock Plan."

(d)
Represents performance bonuses earned in connection with the acquisition of EFT Source.

(e)
Includes investment banking, advisory and related professional fees and expenses incurred in connection with the EFT Source acquisition and our consideration of liquidity alternatives.
(4)
The as adjusted balance sheet data gives effect to our entering into the New Credit Agreement, repaying borrowings under our previously outstanding term loan facility and completing the Partial Preferred Redemption. See "Prospectus Summary—Preferred Stock Redemption."

(5)
The as further adjusted balance sheet data gives further effect to (i) the issuance of             shares of common stock in this offering and (ii) our application of the estimated net proceeds from the sale of shares of common stock offered by us in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $            per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover of this prospectus, after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. See "Use of Proceeds." The as further adjusted information discussed above is illustrative only and will change based on the actual initial public offering price and other terms of this offering.

 


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RISK FACTORS

        An investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk and many uncertainties. You should carefully consider the specific factors listed below together with the other information included in this prospectus before purchasing our common stock in this offering. If any of the possibilities described as risks below actually occurs, our operating results and financial condition would likely suffer and the trading price of our common stock could fall, causing you to lose some or all of your investment. The following is a description of what we consider the key challenges and material risks to our business and an investment in our common stock.

Risks Related to Our Business

Material breaches in the security of our systems may have a significant effect on our business.

        The reliability and security of our information technology (IT) infrastructure and our ability to protect sensitive and confidential information for our customers, which include many financial institutions, is critical to our business. Our handling of sensitive cardholder data, including cardholder names, account numbers and similar information, makes us a potential target of cyber attacks and threats to our secure IT systems. We may face attempts by others to penetrate our computer systems and networks to misappropriate this information or interrupt our business. Any system or network disruption could result in a loss of our intellectual property, the release of sensitive cardholder information, customer or employee personal data, or the loss of production capabilities at one or more of our production facilities. The protective measures we have in place may not prevent system or network disruptions and may be insufficient to prevent or limit the damage from any future security breaches.

        In addition, our encryption systems are at risk of being breached or decoded. Smart cards are equipped with keys that encrypt and decode messages in order to secure transactions and maintain the confidentiality of data. The security afforded by this technology depends on the integrity of the encryption keys and the complexity of the algorithms used to encrypt and decode information. Any significant advances in technology that enable the breach of cryptographic systems, malicious software infiltration or allow for the exploitation of weaknesses in such systems, could result in a decline in the security we are able to provide through this technology. Any material breach of our secured systems could harm our competitive position, result in a loss of customer trust and confidence, and cause us to incur significant costs to remedy the damages caused by system or network disruptions, whether caused by cyber attacks, security breaches or otherwise, which could ultimately have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, as these threats continue to evolve, we may be required to invest significant additional resources to modify and enhance our information security and controls or to investigate and remediate any security vulnerabilities.

New and developing technology solutions and products could make our existing technology solutions and products obsolete or irrelevant, and if we are unable to introduce new products and services in a timely manner, our business could be adversely affected.

        The markets for our products and services are subject to technological changes, frequent introductions of new products and services and evolving industry standards. In particular, the rise in the adoption in wireless payment systems or mobile payments may make physical cards less attractive as a method of payment. Although to date we have not seen any reduction in card-based payments resulting from the emergence of mobile payment applications, mobile payments offer consumers an alternative method to make purchases without the need to carry a physical card and could, if widely adopted, reduce the number of Financial Payment Cards issued to consumers. In addition, other new and developing technology solutions and products could make our existing technology solutions and products obsolete or irrelevant.


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        Our ability to enhance our current products and services and to develop and introduce innovative products and services that address the increasingly sophisticated needs of our customers will significantly affect our future success. We may not be successful in developing, marketing or selling new products and services that meet these changing demands. In addition, we may experience difficulties that could delay or prevent the successful development, introduction or marketing of these services, or our new services and enhancements may not adequately meet the demands of the marketplace or achieve market acceptance. We continually engage in significant efforts to innovate and upgrade our products and services. If we are unsuccessful in completing or gaining market acceptance of new products, services and technologies, it would likely have a material adverse effect on our ability to retain existing customers or attract new ones.

        Our ability to develop and deliver new products and services successfully will depend on various factors, including our ability to:

        Opportunities to bundle or package products and service offerings and the ability to cross-sell products and services are critical to remaining competitive in our industry. As a result, part of our business strategy is to develop new products and services that may be used in conjunction with or in addition to our existing offerings. If we are unable to identify adequate opportunities to cross-sell our products and services, our financial condition could be negatively impacted. Furthermore, if we are unable to develop and introduce new and innovative products in a cost-effective and timely manner, our product and service offerings could be rendered obsolete, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The adoption of EMV technology and dual-interface capability in the United States may not be as rapid or widespread as we anticipate, which could adversely affect our growth.

        We have made significant investments in our North American EMV production capabilities. In particular, in 2014, we opened a 50,000 square foot technology center in Colorado dedicated to EMV production and personalization and enhanced our EMV capabilities across our network. Our ability to grow depends significantly on whether U.S. card issuing banks incorporate EMV technology as part of their new technological standards and, following the initial conversion to EMV, whether such banks issue Dual-Interface EMV cards. Banks may be delayed in transitioning to the issuance of EMV cards or Dual-Interface EMV cards due to increased costs and other factors. If these entities do not continue to deploy EMV and Dual-Interface EMV technology or deploy such technology less quickly and/or completely than we expect, the consequence could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our business could suffer from production problems.

        We produce our products using processes that are highly complex, require advanced and costly equipment and must continually be modified to improve yields and performance. Difficulties in the production process can reduce yields or interrupt production and, as a result of such problems, we may on occasion not be able to deliver products or do so in a timely or cost-effective manner. As the complexity of both our products and our technological processes has become more advanced,


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production tolerances have been reduced and requirements for precision have become more demanding. We may suffer disruptions in our production, either due to production difficulties, such as machinery or technology failures, or as a result of external factors beyond our control, such as interruption of our electrical service or a natural disaster. Any such event could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may experience software defects, which could harm our business and reputation and expose us to potential liability.

        Our services are based on sophisticated software and computing systems, and the software underlying our services may contain undetected errors or defects when first introduced or when new versions are released. In addition, we may experience difficulties in installing or integrating our technology on systems used by our clients. Defects in our software, errors or delays in the processing of electronic transactions or other difficulties could result in the interruption of business operations, delays in market acceptance, additional development and remediation costs, diversion of technical and other resources, loss of clients, negative publicity or exposure to liability claims. Although we attempt to limit our potential liability through disclaimers and limitation of liability provisions in our license and client agreements, we cannot be certain that these measures will successfully limit our liability.

Our failure to operate our business in accordance with the standards of the PCI Security Standards Council or other industry standards applicable to our customers, such as Payment Card Brand certification standards, could have a material adverse effect on our business.

        Many of our customers issue their cards on the networks of the Payment Card Brands that are subject to the standards of the PCI Security Standards Council or other standards and criteria relating to service providers' and manufacturers' facilities, products and physical and logical security which we must satisfy in order to be eligible to supply products and services to these customers. Most of our contractual arrangements with our customers may be terminated if we fail to comply with these standards and criteria.

        We make significant investments to our network of seven North American and one European high-security facilities in order to meet these standards and criteria, including investments required to satisfy changes adopted from time to time in their respective standards and criteria. Further investments may be costly, and if we are unable to continue to meet these standards and criteria, we may become ineligible to provide products and services that have constituted in the past an important part of our revenues and profitability. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the vast majority of the products we produced and services we provided were subject to certification with one or more of the Payment Card Brands. If we were to lose our certification from one or more of the Payment Card Brands, Interac (in Canada) or PCI certification for one or more of our facilities, we may lose the ability to produce cards for or provide services to banks issuing credit or debit cards on the networks of the Payment Card Brands. If we are not able to produce cards for or provide services to any or all of the issuers issuing debit or credit cards on such networks, we could lose a substantial number of our customers and our financial condition and results of operations would be adversely affected.

The continued adoption of EMV technology may cause our customers to extend their expiration cycles, which could reduce the volume of cards they purchase from us.

        We estimate that, on average, bank debit cards and general purpose credit cards have historically been renewed every three years due to fixed expiration dates, and this regular renewal cycle is a significant driver of demand for Financial Payment Cards. As card issuers continue to adopt EMV technology, First Annapolis estimates that certain issuers of bank debit cards and general purpose credit cards will extend the length of time that each card may be active prior to expiration from three years to four or five years in order to reduce the costs associated with issuing more expensive EMV cards. As a result of this longer reissuance cycle, we may experience a decreased demand for bank


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debit cards and general purpose credit cards. If the reissuance cycle is significantly extended beyond historical averages, demand from our customers for our products may decrease significantly and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Demand for credit cards may be adversely impacted by U.S. and global market and economic conditions.

        For the foreseeable future, we expect to continue to derive most of our revenue from products and services we provide to the financial services industry. Given this concentration, we are exposed to the economic conditions affecting the financial services industry in North America and Europe. In particular, prolonged economic downturns typically have resulted in significant reductions in the demand for general purpose credit cards due to tightening credit conditions. A prolonged poor economic environment could result in significant decreases in demand by current and potential customers for our products and services, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Failure to identify, attract and retain new customers or a failure to maintain our relationships with our major customers could adversely affect our business.

        Our business is dependent upon our ability to identify, attract and retain new customers and to maintain our relationships with our existing customers. A decline in the business of our large customers or a failure to retain such customers may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        A substantial portion of our net sales is derived from several large customers. Our top five customers as of December 31, 2014 accounted for approximately 33.9% of our pro forma net sales (37.8% of our reported net sales) for the year ended December 31, 2014, and our top customer accounted for approximately 10.1% of our pro forma net sales (11.3% of our reported net sales) for the same period. Our continued business relationship with these customers, and the renewal of key contracts by major customers, may be impacted by several factors beyond our control, including more attractive product offerings from our competitors, pricing pressures or the financial health of these customers. Many of our key customers operate in competitive businesses, and their demand and market positions may vary considerably. These customers depend on favorable macroeconomic conditions and are impacted by the availability of affordable credit and capital, the level and volatility of interest rates, inflation, employment levels and consumer confidence, among other factors.

        With most of our key customers, we enter into long-term master agreements that govern the general terms and conditions of our commercial relationships. We then enter into purchase order or other short-term agreements that define the prices and the quantities of products to be delivered. Usually, our contractual arrangements include neither exclusivity clauses nor commitments from our customers to order any given quantities of products on a medium-term or longer basis.

        Therefore, we may not be able to maintain our market share with our key customers, which in turn could affect the revenue streams upon which we currently rely. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that we will be able to renew or win significant contracts in a given year. If we were to lose important programs for our products with any of our key customers, or if any key customer were to reduce or change its contract, seek alternate suppliers, increase its product returns or become unable or otherwise fail to meet its payment obligations, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

Our outstanding indebtedness may impact our business and may restrict our growth and results of operations.

        As of August 17, 2015, we had $444.0 million of total indebtedness outstanding, including $435.0 million outstanding under our New Term Loan Facility. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources" and "Description of Certain Indebtedness."


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        We may incur additional indebtedness in the future to help fund the growth of our business, subject to market and other conditions. Our substantial indebtedness and interest expense could have important consequences to us, including:

        The limitations described above could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, prospects, and ability to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness.

We may be required to defend against alleged infringement of the intellectual property rights of others and/or may be unable to adequately protect or enforce our own intellectual property rights.

        Companies in our industry aggressively protect and pursue their intellectual property rights. Our products may contain technology provided to us by other parties such as suppliers or customers. We may have little or no ability to determine in advance whether such technology infringes the intellectual property rights of a third party. From time to time, we receive notices that claim we have infringed upon, misappropriated or misused other parties' proprietary rights. Additionally, we receive notices that challenge the validity of our patents. Intellectual property litigation can be expensive, time consuming and distracting to management. An adverse determination in any of these types of disputes could prevent us from producing or offering some of our products and services or could prevent us from enforcing our intellectual property rights. Furthermore, settlements can involve royalty or other payments that could reduce our profit margins and adversely affect our financial results. Our suppliers, customers and licensors may not be required to indemnify us in the event that a claim of infringement is asserted against us, or they may be required to indemnify us only up to a maximum amount, above which we would be responsible for any further costs or damages. Any of these claims or litigation may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        We may also be required to indemnify some customers and strategic partners under our agreements if a third party alleges or if a court finds that our products or activities have infringed upon, misappropriated or misused another party's proprietary rights. Indemnification provisions may, in some circumstances, extend our liability beyond the products we provide and may include consequential damages and/or lost profits. Even if claims or litigation against us are not valid or successfully asserted,


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these claims could result in significant costs and the diversion of the attention of management and other key employees to defend.

        Furthermore, our success and future revenue growth will depend, in part, on our ability to protect our intellectual property. We depend significantly on patents and other intellectual property rights to protect our products, proprietary designs and technological processes against misappropriation by others. We may in the future have difficulty obtaining patents and other intellectual property protection, and the patents and intellectual property rights that we receive may be insufficient to provide us with meaningful protection or commercial advantage. Effective patent, trademark, service mark, copyright and trade secret protection may not be available in every country in which our services are made available. It is possible that competitors or other unauthorized third parties may obtain, copy, use or disclose our technologies and processes, or confidential employee, customer or supplier data. Any of our existing or future patents may be challenged, invalidated or circumvented. We engage in litigation to enforce or defend our intellectual property rights, protect our trade secrets and determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others, including our customers. We also enter into confidentiality agreements with our consultants and strategic partners and control access to and distribution of our technologies, documentation and other proprietary information; however, such agreements may not be enforceable or provide us with an adequate remedy. Despite these efforts, internal or external parties may attempt to copy, disclose, obtain or use our products, services or technology without our authorization. If we cannot adequately protect our technology, our competitors may be able to offer certain products and/or services similar to ours.

        Our software may be derived from open source software, which is generally made available to the public by its authors and/or other third parties. Open source software is often made available under licenses, which impose certain obligations in the event we distribute derivative works of the open source software. These obligations may require us to make source code for the derivative works available to the public and/or license such derivative works on terms different from those customarily used to protect our intellectual property. With respect to our proprietary software, we generally license such software under terms that prohibit combining it with open source software. Despite these restrictions, parties may combine our proprietary software with open source software without our authorization, in which case we might nonetheless be required to release the source code of our proprietary software. In addition to risks related to license requirements, usage of open source software can lead to greater risks than the use of third-party commercial software, as open source licensors generally do not provide warranties, controls on the origin or development of the software, or remedies against the licensors. Many of the risks associated with usage of open source software cannot be eliminated and could adversely affect our business.

        Our efforts to prevent the misappropriation or infringement of our intellectual property or the intellectual property of our customers may not succeed. Although we actively seek to protect our proprietary rights, nevertheless, unauthorized parties may attempt to copy aspects of our products or technologies or to obtain and use information that we regard as proprietary. Identifying unauthorized use of our products and technologies is difficult and time consuming. The initiation of litigation as a result of the misappropriation or infringement of our intellectual property may adversely affect our relationships and agreements with certain customers that have a stake in the outcome of the litigation proceedings. Litigation is very expensive and may divert the attention of management and other key employees from the operation of our business, all of which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

If we fail to meet customer demands in a timely manner, we could lose certain critical business relationships.

        Our ability to provide products and services and meet very high quality standards in a timely manner is critical to our business success. For example, one of the key services that we offer our customers is the prompt and timely production and delivery of replacement bank cards. Orders for replacement bank cards are often placed on short notice and may require personalization. If we are


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unable to offer these and our other products and services in a timely manner or due to software malfunction, logistical impediments at any of our facilities or economic, social, political or other challenges impacting the industry as a whole, our relationships with our customers may be adversely affected and we may lose major contracts, all of which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We face competition that may result in a loss of our market share and/or a decline in our profitability.

        We expect our marketplace to continue to be highly competitive as new product markets develop, industry standards become well known and other competitors attempt to enter the markets in which we operate. In addition, we expect to encounter further consolidation in the markets in which we operate.

        Some of our competitors have longer operating histories, and, when viewed globally, larger customer bases and significantly greater financial, sales and marketing, manufacturing, distribution, technical and other capabilities than we do. These competitors may be able to adapt more quickly to new or emerging technological requirements and changes in customer and/or regulatory requirements. They may also be able to devote greater resources to the promotion and sale of their products and services. We also face competition from newly established competitors, suppliers of products and customers who choose to develop their own products and services.

        Existing or new competitors may develop products, technologies or services that more effectively address our markets with enhanced features and functionality, greater levels of integration and/or lower cost. Additionally, mobile payment technology could develop to replace the products and services we offer, which could render our offerings dated or obsolete, or existing alternative standards of secured mobile payment technology could gain widespread market acceptance, which could have an adverse impact on our business. As the technological sophistication of our competitors and the size of the market increase, competing low-cost producers could emerge and grow stronger. If our customers prefer low-cost alternatives to our products, our revenues and profitability could be adversely affected. Increased competition has historically resulted in, and is likely to continue to result in, declining average selling prices and reduced gross margins in certain of our businesses and the loss of market share in certain markets. We may not be able to continue to compete successfully against current or new competitors. If we fail to compete successfully, we may lose market share in our existing markets, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The financial payment card industry may be subject to price erosion, which could have an adverse effect on our business.

        One of the results of the rapid innovation in the financial payment card industry is that pricing pressure can be intense, in particular for large credit and debit card issuers and large card processors. Our large credit and debit card issuer customers face continued competitive pressure. As these issuers seek to reduce their expenses, we, in turn, may experience a decline in the prices at which our products can be sold and at which such services can be offered. In such instances, in order to continue to supply these products and services at competitive prices, we must reduce our production costs. Typically, we are able to accomplish this through leveraging our scale and production efficiencies. However, if we cannot continue to improve our efficiencies to a degree sufficient for maintaining the required margins, we may no longer be able to make a profit from the sale of these products and services. Moreover, we may not be able to cease production of such products, either due to our ongoing contractual obligations or the risk of losing our existing customer relationships, and as a result may be required to bear a loss on such products. Further competition in our core product and service markets may lead to price erosion, lower revenue growth rates and lower margins in the future. Should reductions in our production costs fail to keep pace with reductions in market prices for the products we sell, there could be an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.


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Our business may be adversely affected by costs relating to product defects, and we could be faced with product liability and warranty claims.

        We offer highly complex services and products and, accordingly, there is a risk that defects may occur in any of our services or products. Such defects can give rise to significant costs, including expenses relating to recalling products, replacing defective items, writing down defective inventory and the loss of potential sales. In addition, the occurrence of such defects may give rise to product liability and warranty claims, including liability for damages caused by such defects. If we release defective products in the market, our reputation could suffer and we may lose sales opportunities and incur liability for damages, including damage claims from customers in excess of the amounts they pay us for our products, including consequential damages. In addition, our customers may recall their products if they prove to be defective or make compensatory payments in accordance with industry or business practice or in order to maintain good customer relationships. If such a recall or payment is caused by a defect in one of our products, our customers may seek to recover all or a portion of their losses from us. If any of these risks materialize, our reputation would be harmed and there could be an adverse effect to our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We rely on licensing arrangements in production and other fields, and actions taken by any of our licensing partners could adversely affect our business.

        Many of our products integrate third-party technologies that we license or otherwise obtain the right to use, including software relating to smart card operating systems used in products such as EMV cards. As part of our strategy, we have entered into licensing agreements with other leading industry participants that provide us, among other benefits, with access to technology owned by third parties. For example, we license Java card technology from Oracle and Multos card technology from Multos International, a subsidiary of a competitor, for use in certain of our products, including in EMV cards. This Java and Multos card technology provides a secure environment for applications on smart cards and other devices with limited memory and processing capabilities, and we rely on our commercial arrangements with Oracle and Multos International for the continued use of the Java and Multos platforms, respectively. Oracle and Multos International may not continue to renew their licenses with us on similar terms or at all, which could negatively impact our net sales. We have also entered into cross-licensing agreements with certain of our competitors that provide for an exchange of intellectual property, including the sharing of certain patent rights in our respective portfolios. If we are unable to continue to successfully renew these agreements we may lose our access to certain technologies that we rely upon to develop certain of our products, which could adversely affect our operations.

All of our facilities are leased, in whole or in part, and our inability to renew our leases on commercially acceptable terms or at all may adversely affect our results of operations.

        Each of our nine facilities, in whole or in part, is located on leased property. We may be unable to renew such leases on commercially acceptable terms or at all. Our inability to renew our leases, or a renewal of our leases with a rental rate higher than the prevailing rate under the applicable lease prior to expiration, may have an adverse impact on our operations, including disrupting our operations or increasing our cost of operations. In addition, in the event of non-renewal of any of our leases, we may be unable to locate suitable replacement properties for our facilities or we may experience delays in relocation that could lead to a disruption in our operations. Any disruption in our operations could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operation.

The smart card systems developed by our competitors may put us at a competitive disadvantage.

        Certain of our competitors have internally developed their own smart card operating systems. Ownership of these internal operating systems may give our competitors a cost advantage over us, as we utilize JavaCard and Multos systems in our EMV cards, which we must license from the owners of such technology. If our competitors are able to reduce the prices of their products and services as a result of the cost savings they might realize from using their own internally developed operating system,


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our profitability may be adversely affected. Additionally, customers may prefer the operating systems of our competitors over the operating systems that we utilize in our EMV cards. If customers are more attracted to our competitors' internally developed operating systems, demand for our products and services may be reduced, thereby adversely affecting our results of operations.

Interruptions in our IT systems could adversely affect our business.

        We rely on the efficient and uninterrupted operation of complex IT applications, systems and networks to operate our business. The reliability of our IT infrastructure and software, and our ability to expand and continually update technologies in response to our changing needs, are critical to our business. Any significant interruption in our business applications, systems or networks, including, but not limited to, new system implementations, facility issues or energy blackouts, could have a material adverse impact on our operations, sales and operating results.

        Not only would we suffer damage to our reputation in the event of a system outage or data loss or interruption, but we may also be liable to third parties. Some of our contractual agreements with financial institutions require the payment of penalties if our systems do not meet certain operating standards. In addition, to successfully operate our business, we must be able to protect our processing and other systems from interruption, including from events that may be beyond our control. The protective measures we have adopted to avoid system or network disruptions may be insufficient to prevent or limit the damage from any future disruptions, and any such disruption could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our business depends on the continued viability of the card networks of the Payment Card Brands.

        The vast majority of cards we produce and the services we provide are associated with one of the Payment Card Brands. As a result, we depend on the continued viability of the card networks of the Payment Card Brands, including their authorization, clearing and settlement systems. If one or more of the Payment Card Brands were to discontinue their services or otherwise experience a decline in the volume of cards bearing their brands, our results of operations could be adversely affected.

The terms of our New Credit Facility restrict, and covenants contained in agreements governing indebtedness in the future may restrict, our ability to operate our business and to pursue our business strategies.

        Our New Credit Facility contains, and any future indebtedness of ours may contain, a number of restrictive covenants that impose customary operating and financial restrictions on us. Our New Credit Facility limits our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries, among other things, to:

        In addition, as of the last day of any fiscal quarter, if the amount we have drawn under the New Revolving Credit Facility is greater than 50% of the aggregate principal amount of all commitments of the lenders thereunder, we are required to maintain a first lien net leverage ratio not in excess of 7.0x. Our failure to comply with any of these covenants could result in an event of default which, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of all of our indebtedness under the New Credit Facility.


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We are dependent on key executives, the loss of whom could adversely affect our business.

        Our future success depends to a significant extent on the efforts of our senior management. We believe there are only a limited number of available and qualified executives with substantial experience in our industry. Accordingly, the loss of the services of one or more of the members of our senior management could delay or prevent us from fully implementing our business strategy and, consequently, significantly and negatively affect our business.

        If any member of senior management dies or becomes incapacitated, or leaves the company to pursue employment opportunities elsewhere, we would need to locate an adequate replacement. To the extent that we are unable to locate an adequate replacement or are unable to do so within a reasonable period of time, our business may be significantly and negatively affected.

We rely on the timely supply of materials and products and our business could suffer if our suppliers fail to meet their delivery obligations or raise their prices.

        Our production operations depend on deliveries of microchips and other materials in a timely manner and, in some cases, on a just-in-time basis. From time to time, suppliers may extend lead times, limit the amounts supplied to us or increase prices due to capacity constraints or other factors. We may not be able to meet the demands of our customers in a timely manner, or at all, due to shortages in the supply of critical materials. Additionally, certain product materials required in our production operations are only available from a limited number of suppliers, and we may not be able to find an adequate replacement for such materials if our suppliers are unable to meet their delivery obligations to us. In particular, we rely on a small group of suppliers for the provision the EMV microchips that we use in our Financial Payment Cards. For the year ended December 31, 2014, we obtained approximately 96.1% of our total purchased EMV microchips from five main suppliers. If any one of these EMV microchip suppliers, or any supplier of our other raw materials, fails to deliver our requirements, our production could be disrupted. In addition, as a result of a shortage, we may be compelled to delay shipments of our products, or devote additional resources to maintaining higher levels of inventory. Consequently, we may experience substantial period-to-period fluctuations in our cost of revenues and, therefore, in our future results of operations. If we are unable to obtain adequate supplies of quality materials in a timely manner or if there are significant increases in the cost of these materials, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

We are required to comply with laws and regulations in other countries and are exposed to business risks associated with our international operations.

        For the six months ended June 30, 2015 and the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, we derived 12.9%, 24.7% and 31.0%, respectively, of our net sales from outside the United States, primarily in Canada and the United Kingdom. As a result, we are subject to numerous evolving and complex laws and regulations which apply, among other things, to financial reporting standards, corporate governance, data privacy, tax, trade regulations, export controls, competitive practices, and labor and health and safety laws and regulations in each jurisdiction in which we operate. We are also required to obtain environmental permits and other authorizations or licenses from governmental authorities for certain of our operations and must protect our intellectual property worldwide. In the jurisdictions in which we operate, we need to comply with various standards and practices of different regulatory, tax, judicial and administrative bodies.

        There are a number of risks associated with international business operations, including political instability (e.g., the threat of war, terrorist attacks or civil unrest), inconsistent regulations across jurisdictions, unanticipated changes in the regulatory environment, and import and export restrictions. Any of these events may affect our employees, reputation, business or financial results as well as our ability to meet our objectives, including the following international business risks:


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        We may not be in full compliance at all times with the laws and regulations to which we are subject. Likewise, we may not have obtained or may not be able to obtain the permits and other authorizations or licenses that we need. If we violate or fail to comply with laws, regulations, permits, health and safety regulations or other authorizations or licenses, we could be fined or otherwise sanctioned by regulators. In such a case, or if any of these international business risks were to materialize, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Changes in laws, regulations and enforcement activities relating to the financial services industry may adversely affect the products, services and markets in which we operate.

        We and our customers are subject to laws and regulations that affect the financial services industry in the many countries in which our products and services are used. In particular, our customers are subject to numerous laws and regulations applicable to banks, financial institutions and card issuers in the United States, Europe and other regions. The U.S. Government, for instance, has increased its scrutiny of a number of credit and debit card practices, from which some of our customers derive significant revenue. Regulation of the payments industry, including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Dodd-Frank Act"), privacy and data security regulations such as the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (the "GLBA"), and other regulations applicable to us and our customers, has increased significantly in recent years. Our failure to comply with the laws and regulations applicable to our business may result in the suspension or revocation of our licenses or registrations, the limitation, suspension or termination of our services, and/or the imposition of consent orders or civil and criminal penalties, including fines, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Environmental, health and safety laws and regulations expose us to liability and any such liability may adversely affect our business.

        We are subject to environmental, health and safety laws and regulations in each jurisdiction in which we operate. Such regulations govern, among other things, emissions of pollutants into the air, wastewater discharges, waste disposal, the investigation and remediation of soil and groundwater contamination, and the health and safety of our employees. For example, our products and the raw materials we use in our production processes are subject to numerous environmental laws and regulations. We are also required to obtain environmental permits from governmental authorities for certain of our operations. We may not have been, nor may we be able to be at all times, in full compliance with such laws, regulations and permits. If we violate or fail to comply with these laws, regulations or permits, we could be fined or otherwise sanctioned by regulators.

        As with other companies engaged in similar activities or that own or operate real property, we face inherent risks of environmental liability at our current and historical production facilities. Certain environmental laws impose strict and, in certain circumstances, joint and several liability on current or previous owners or operators of real property for the cost of the investigation, removal or remediation of hazardous substances as well as liability for related damages to natural resources. In addition, we


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may discover new facts or conditions that may change our expectations or be faced with changes in environmental laws or their enforcement that would increase our liabilities. Furthermore, our costs of complying with current and future environmental and health and safety laws, or our liabilities arising from past or future releases of, or exposure to, regulated materials, may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        The scientific examination of, political attention to, and rules and regulations on issues surrounding the existence and extent of climate change may result in an increase in our cost of production due to increases in the price of energy and/or the introduction of energy or carbon taxes. A variety of regulatory developments have been introduced that focus on restricting or managing the emission of carbon dioxide, methane and other greenhouse gasses. Companies such as ours may need to purchase at higher costs new equipment or raw materials with lower carbon footprints. These developments and further legislation that is likely to be enacted could negatively affect our operations. Changes in environmental regulations could increase our production costs, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Certain natural disasters, such as flooding, earthquakes, nuclear disasters, certain weather conditions and other catastrophic events, such as fire, may negatively impact our business.

        The occurrence of severe weather events, such as rain, snow, wind, storms, hurricanes or other natural disasters, such as flooding, earthquakes, nuclear disasters, fire or a combination thereof, may negatively impact our business. If certain natural disasters, extreme weather conditions or other events such as fire were to directly damage, destroy or disrupt our production facilities, it could disrupt our operations, delay new production and shipments of existing inventory or result in costly repairs, replacements or other costs, all of which would negatively impact our business. Even if our production facilities are not directly damaged, a large natural disaster or fire may result in disruptions in distribution channels or supply chains and significantly increase the prices of the raw materials we use in our production processes. The impact of any such natural disasters, weather changes or other disasters such as fire depends on the specific geographic circumstances but could be significant, and we cannot predict the economic impact, if any, of natural disasters or climate change. Any such disruptions could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our revenue may be adversely affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates.

        A portion of our revenues, costs, assets and liabilities are denominated in foreign currencies, including the Canadian Dollar and the British Pound Sterling. However, we report our financial condition and results of operations in U.S. dollars. As a result, our results of operations and, in some cases, cash flows may in the future be adversely affected by certain movements in exchange rates. In particular, the exchange rate from the U.S. dollar to the Canadian Dollar has fluctuated substantially in the past and may continue to do so in the future. Though we may choose to hedge our exposure to foreign currency exchange rate changes in the future, there is no guarantee such hedging, if undertaken, will be successful.

Our insurance may be inadequate to cover future liabilities and our insurance premiums may increase substantially.

        We may be subject to significant losses from claims, liabilities, hazards and disasters. While we currently maintain insurance which we believe is adequate and consistent with industry practice, we may experience losses in excess of our insurance coverage or claims not covered by our insurance. Furthermore, we may not be able to obtain insurance coverage in the future on acceptable terms, or at all. Any such losses not covered by insurance may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.


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We face risks associated with our acquisition strategy.

        Our future success may depend on acquiring businesses and technologies, making investments or forming joint ventures that complement, enhance or expand our current portfolio or otherwise offer us growth opportunities. The expansion of our business through acquisitions allows us to complement our existing product offerings and enhance our technological capabilities.

        We face a number of challenges associated with our acquisition strategy that could disrupt our ongoing business and distract our management team, including:

        Acquisitions can result in increased debt or contingent liabilities. Acquisitions can also result in adverse tax consequences, warranty or product liability exposure related to acquired assets, additional stock-based compensation expense, the write-up of acquired inventory to fair value, and the recording and later amortization of amounts related to certain purchased intangible assets, all of which can adversely affect our reported results. In addition, we have in the past and may in the future record goodwill and other purchased intangible assets in connection with an acquisition and incur impairment charges.

        A failure to implement our acquisition strategy, obtain sufficient financing or integrate acquired businesses successfully could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets represent a significant portion of our total assets, and we may never realize the full value of our intangible assets.

        We have recorded a significant amount of goodwill. Total goodwill, which reflects, among other things, our market share and assembled workforce, our ability to develop future innovative technologies and seize business opportunities, was $73.8 million as of June 30, 2015, or 25.6% of our total assets.

        We perform goodwill impairment testing on an annual basis on October 1 of each year. If we were to conclude that a future write-down of our goodwill is necessary, we would have to record the appropriate charge, which could result in a material adverse effect on our results of operations. A write-down of our goodwill may result from, among other things, deterioration in our performance and a decline in expected future cash flows and could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The ability to recruit, retain and develop qualified personnel is critical to our success and growth.

        Our business functions are complex and require wide-ranging expertise and intellectual capital. For us to successfully compete and grow, we must retain, recruit and develop personnel who can provide the needed expertise across the entire spectrum of our intellectual capital needs. In addition, we must develop our personnel to provide succession plans capable of maintaining continuity in the midst of the inevitable unpredictability of human capital. However, the market for qualified personnel is competitive and we may not succeed in recruiting additional personnel or may fail to effectively replace current personnel who depart with qualified or effective successors. Our efforts to retain and develop personnel may also result in significant additional expenses, which could adversely affect our profitability. Our key personnel may not continue to be employed or we may be unable to attract and retain qualified


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personnel in the future. Such a failure to retain or attract key personnel could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our operating results may vary significantly from quarter to quarter and annually, and may differ significantly from our expectations or guidance.

        Our operating results are affected by a wide variety of factors that could materially and adversely affect revenues and profitability or lead to significant variability in our operating results. These factors include, among others, the cyclicality of the financial card and electronic payment industries, capital requirements, inventory management, the availability of funding, competition, new product developments, technological changes and production problems. For example, if anticipated sales or shipments do not occur when expected, expenses and inventory levels in a given quarter can be disproportionately high, and our results of operations for that quarter, and potentially for future quarters, may be adversely affected. In addition, our effective tax rate currently takes into consideration certain favorable tax rates and incentives which, in the future, may not be available to us.

        A number of other factors could lead to fluctuations in quarterly and annual operating results, including:

        Unfavorable changes related to certain of the above factors have in the past and any of the above factors may in the future adversely affect our operating results. Furthermore, in periods of industry overcapacity or when our key customers encounter difficulties in their end-markets, orders are more exposed to cancellations, reductions, price renegotiations or postponements, which in turn reduce our management's ability to forecast the next quarter or full-year production levels, net sales and margins. For these reasons, our net sales and operating results may differ materially from our expectations or guidance as visibility is reduced and have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.


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Consolidations in the banking and financial services industry could eliminate existing or potential clients.

        Failures, mergers and consolidations of financial institutions may reduce the number of our clients and potential clients, which could adversely affect our net sales. Further, if our clients fail, merge with or are acquired by other entities that are not our clients, or that use fewer of our services, they may discontinue or reduce their use of our services. It is also possible that the larger financial institutions that result from mergers or consolidations would have greater leverage in negotiating terms with us or could decide to perform in-house some or all of the services which we currently provide or could provide. Any of these developments could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We are subject to the credit risk that our customers may be unable to satisfy their obligations to us.

        A significant portion of our net sales are on an open credit basis, with typical payment terms of up to 60 days in some cases, and we are subject to the credit risk of our customers being unable to make payments to us. If any of our customers experience a bankruptcy or are otherwise unable to satisfy their payment obligations to us, any related losses, if incurred, could harm our business and have an adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition if they significantly exceed our reserve for losses on our balance sheet.

Our business depends upon our ability to obtain specialized equipment from third-party suppliers, and we may be subject to delayed deliveries and future price increases.

        Our production processes depend on specialized equipment that we purchase and/or lease from third party suppliers. At times during the business cycle, there may be high demand for such equipment, with extended lead times to obtain such equipment. Further, there are a limited number of suppliers that manufacture and service the equipment we use. Should our current suppliers be unable or unwilling to provide the necessary equipment or otherwise fail to deliver or service such equipment in a timely manner, any resulting delays in our production processes could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations. In addition, the prices of the equipment we use may rise in the future, and any future price increases for this type of equipment could negatively impact our ability to purchase new equipment or to service existing equipment.

We have identified a material weakness in our internal controls over financial reporting. If we are unable to implement and maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting in the future, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and the market price of our common stock may be negatively affected.

        As a public company, we will be required to maintain internal controls over financial reporting and to report any material weaknesses in such internal controls. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of a company's annual or interim financial statements will not be presented or detected on a timely basis. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the "Sarbanes-Oxley Act") requires that we evaluate and determine the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting and, beginning with our annual report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016, provide a management report on the internal controls over financial reporting. We are in the process of designing and implementing internal controls over financial reporting required to comply with this obligation, which process will be time consuming, costly and complicated. Such report must also be attested to by our independent registered public accounting firm to the extent we are no longer an "emerging growth company," as defined by the JOBS Act. We do not expect to have our independent registered public accounting firm attest to our management report on our internal controls over financial reporting for so long as we are an emerging growth company.


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        In connection with our preparation for this offering, we recently identified a material weakness in our internal controls over financial reporting related to a current lack of finance expertise that could result in a failure to properly account for non-routine and complex transactions in accordance with GAAP. With the oversight of senior management, we are taking steps to remediate the underlying causes of this material weakness, primarily through the hiring of additional finance personnel and through the development and implementation of formal policies and improved processes. Although we plan to complete this remediation process as quickly as possible, we cannot at this time estimate how long it will take, and our initiatives may not prove to be successful in remediating this material weakness.

        If we are unable to remediate this material weakness, or if we identify other material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting, we may not detect errors on a timely basis and our financial statements may be materially misstated. In addition, if we are unable to comply with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in a timely manner, if we are unable to assert that our internal controls over financial reporting are effective, or if our independent registered public accounting firm is not required to express an opinion due to the provisions of the JOBS Act or is unable to express an opinion as to the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and the market price of our common stock could be negatively affected, and we could become subject to investigations by the stock exchange on which our common stock is listed, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), or other regulatory authorities, which could require additional financial and management resources.

We will incur significantly increased costs and devote substantial management time as a result of operating as a public company.

        As a public company, we will incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company. For example, we will be subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and will be required to comply with the applicable requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, as well as rules and regulations subsequently implemented by the SEC, the Canadian Securities Administrators, the TSX and the NASDAQ Global Select Market, including the establishment and maintenance of effective disclosure and financial controls and changes in corporate governance practices, including the establishment and maintenance of a majority independent board of directors and required committees. In addition, depending on the composition of our board of directors and stockholder base, we may become subject to additional periodic reporting requirements under Canadian securities laws. We expect that compliance with these requirements will increase our legal and financial compliance costs and will make some activities more time consuming and costly. In addition, our management team and board of directors have limited experience implementing public company compliance requirements, and therefore we expect that our management and other personnel will need to divert attention from operational and other business matters to devote substantial time to such efforts. In particular, we expect to incur significant expenses and devote substantial management effort toward ensuring compliance with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which will increase when we are no longer an emerging growth company, as defined in the JOBS Act. We will need to hire additional accounting and financial staff with appropriate public company experience and technical accounting knowledge and may need to establish an internal audit function. We cannot predict or estimate the amount of additional costs we may incur as a result of becoming a public company or the timing of such costs. We also expect that operating as a public company will make it more difficult and significantly more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance.


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We are an "emerging growth company" and we cannot be certain if the reduced disclosure and other requirements applicable to emerging growth companies will make our common stock less attractive to investors.

        We are an "emerging growth company," as defined in the JOBS Act, and we intend to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not "emerging growth companies" including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act with respect to our internal control over financial reporting, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We may take advantage of these provisions for up to five years or such earlier time that we are no longer an "emerging growth company." We would cease to be an emerging growth company upon the earliest to occur of (i) the last day of the fiscal year (a) following the fifth anniversary of the completion of this offering, (b) in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.0 billion or (c) in which we become a large accelerated filer, which means that we have been public for at least 12 months, have filed at least one annual report and the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the last day of our then most recently completed second fiscal quarter and (ii) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during the prior three-year period. We may choose to take advantage of some but not all of these reduced reporting and other burdens. To the extent we take advantage of any of the reduced reporting burdens in this prospectus or in future filings, the information that we provide our security holders may be different than the information such holders might get from other public companies in which they hold equity interests. We cannot predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive because we may rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our stock price may be more volatile.

        In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that an "emerging growth company" can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. Stated another way, an "emerging growth company" can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We are choosing to "opt out" of such extended transition period, however, and, as a result, we will comply with new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for non-emerging growth companies. Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that our decision to opt out of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards is irrevocable.

Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock

There is no existing market for our common stock, and we do not know if one will develop to provide you with adequate liquidity to sell our common stock at prices equal to or greater than the price you paid in this offering.

        Prior to this offering, there has not been a public market for our common stock. We cannot predict the extent to which investor interest in our company will lead to the development of an active trading market on the NASDAQ Global Select Market or otherwise or how liquid that market might become. If an active trading market does not develop, you may have difficulty selling any of our common stock that you buy. The initial public offering price for the common stock will be determined by negotiations between us and the representatives of the underwriters and may not be indicative of prices that will prevail in the open market following this offering. Consequently, you may not be able to sell our common stock at prices equal to or greater than the price you paid in this offering, or at all.


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The price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly, and you could lose all or part of your investment.

        Volatility in the market price of our common stock may prevent you from being able to sell your shares at or above the price you paid for them. The market price for our common stock could fluctuate significantly for various reasons, including:

        In addition, in recent years, the stock market has regularly experienced significant price and volume fluctuations. This volatility has had a significant impact on the market price of securities issued by many companies, including companies in our industry. The changes frequently appear to occur without regard to the operating performance of the affected companies. Hence, the price of our common stock could fluctuate based upon factors that have little or nothing to do with us and these fluctuations could materially reduce our share price.

Our majority stockholders will have the ability to control significant corporate activities after the completion of this offering.

        After the consummation of this offering, the Tricor Funds will collectively beneficially own approximately        % of our common stock, assuming the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional shares (or        % if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares). As a result of its ownership, the Tricor Funds, so long as they hold a majority of our outstanding shares, will have the ability to control the outcome of matters submitted to a vote of stockholders and, through our board of directors, the ability to control decision-making with respect to our business direction and policies.


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        Matters over which the Tricor Funds will, directly or indirectly, exercise control following this offering include:

Conflicts of interest may arise because directors who are principals of our largest stockholder constitute a majority of our board of directors.

        Messrs. Seaman, Peters and Rowntree, who are officers or affiliates of Tricor, serve on our board of directors. The Tricor Funds, our majority stockholders (prior to and after giving effect to this offering), are funds controlled by Tricor and its affiliates. Tricor and entities controlled by it may in the future hold equity interests in entities that directly or indirectly compete with us, and companies in which it currently invests may begin directly or indirectly competing with us. As a result of these relationships, when conflicts between the interests of Tricor, on the one hand, and of other stockholders, on the other hand, arise, these directors may not be disinterested. Although our directors and officers have a duty of loyalty to us under Delaware law and our certificate of incorporation, transactions that we enter into in which a director or officer has a conflict of interest are generally permissible so long as (1) the material facts relating to the director's or officer's relationship or interest as to the transaction are disclosed to our board of directors and a majority of our disinterested directors approves the transaction, (2) the material facts relating to the director's or officer's relationship or interest as to the transaction are disclosed to our stockholders and a majority of our disinterested stockholders approve the transaction or (3) the transaction is otherwise fair to us. Our certificate of incorporation also provides that any principal, officer, member, manager and/or employee of Tricor or any entity that controls, is controlled by or under common control with Tricor (other than any company that is controlled by us) or any investment funds managed by Tricor will not be required to offer any transaction opportunity of which they become aware to us and could take any such opportunity for themselves or offer it to other companies in which they have an investment, unless such opportunity is offered to them solely in their capacities as our directors. See "Description of Capital Stock—Corporate Opportunity."

If you purchase shares of our common stock in our initial public offering, you will experience substantial and immediate dilution.

        If you purchase shares of our common stock in our initial public offering, you will experience substantial and immediate dilution in the pro forma net tangible book value per share because the price that you pay will be substantially greater than the pro forma net tangible book value per share of the common stock that you acquire. This dilution is due in large part to the fact that our earlier investors paid substantially less than the initial public offering price when they purchased their shares of our capital stock. You will experience additional dilution upon exercise of options to purchase common stock under our equity incentive plans, upon vesting of options to purchase common stock under our equity incentive plans, if we issue restricted stock to our employees under our equity incentive plans, or if we otherwise issue additional shares of our common stock.


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Our ability to pay regular dividends to our stockholders is subject to the discretion of our board of directors and may be limited by our holding company structure and applicable provisions of Delaware law.

        We intend to pay regular cash dividends on our common stock. However, our board of directors may, in its sole discretion, change the amount or frequency of dividends or discontinue the payment of dividends entirely. In addition, because we are a holding company with no material direct operations, we are dependent on dividends and other payments from our operating subsidiaries to generate the funds necessary to pay dividends on our common stock. We expect to cause our subsidiaries to make distributions to us in an amount sufficient for us to pay dividends. However, their ability to make such distributions will be subject to their operating results, cash requirements and financial condition, the applicable provisions of Delaware law that may limit the amount of funds available for distribution and our ability to pay cash dividends, compliance with covenants and financial ratios related to existing or future indebtedness and other agreements with third parties. In addition, each of the companies in our corporate chain must manage its assets, liabilities and working capital in order to meet all of its cash obligations, including the payment of dividends or distributions. As a consequence of these various limitations and restrictions, we may not be able to make, or may have to reduce or eliminate, the payment of dividends on our common stock. Any change in the level of our dividends or the suspension of the payment thereof could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

Future sales of our common stock, or the perception in the public markets that these sales may occur, may depress our stock price.

        Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market after this offering, or the perception that these sales could occur, could adversely affect the price of our common stock and could impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional shares. Upon completion of this offering, there will be                 shares of our common stock outstanding. Of these, the                shares being sold in this offering (or                shares if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full) will be freely tradable immediately after this offering (except for any shares purchased by affiliates, if any) and approximately                shares may be sold upon expiration of lock-up agreements 180 days after the date of this prospectus (subject in some cases to volume limitations).

        We also intend to register all common stock that we may issue under the Omnibus Plan or pursuant to outstanding options under the CPI Holdings I, Inc. Amended and Restated 2007 Stock Option Plan (the "Option Plan"), as described in "Executive Compensation—Incentive Plans—CPI Card Group Inc. Omnibus Incentive Plan." Effective upon the completion of this offering, an aggregate of                        shares of our common stock will be reserved for future issuance under the Omnibus Plan and                shares of common stock will be issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options under the Option Plan. Once we register these shares, which we plan to do shortly after the completion of this offering, they can be freely sold in the public market upon issuance, subject to the lock-up agreements referred to above. If a large number of these shares are sold in the public market, the sales could reduce the trading price of our common stock.

Certain provisions of our organizational documents and other contractual provisions may make it difficult for stockholders to change the composition of our board of directors and may discourage hostile takeover attempts that some of our stockholders may consider to be beneficial.

        Certain provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws may have the effect of delaying or preventing changes in control if our board of directors determines that such changes in control are not in the best interests of us and our stockholders. The provisions in our


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amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws will include, among other things, the following:

        In connection with this offering, we will enter into a Director Nomination Agreement (the "Director Nomination Agreement") with the Tricor Funds that provides the Tricor Funds the right to designate nominees for election to our board of directors for so long as the Tricor Funds collectively beneficially own 5% or more of the total number of shares of our common stock then outstanding. The number of nominees that the Tricor Funds are entitled to designate under the Director Nomination Agreement will bear the same proportion to the total number of members of our board of directors as the number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by the Tricor Funds bears to the total number of shares of common stock outstanding, rounded up to the nearest whole number. In addition, the Tricor Funds shall be entitled to designate the replacement for any of its board designees whose board service terminates prior to the end of such designee's term regardless of the Tricor Funds' beneficial ownership at such time. The Tricor Funds shall also have the right to have their designees participate on committees of our board of directors, subject to compliance with applicable law and stock exchange rules. The Director Nomination Agreement will terminate at such time as the Tricor Funds collectively own less than 5% of our outstanding common stock.

        We will elect in our certificate of incorporation not to be subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL"), an anti-takeover law. In general, Section 203 prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a business combination, such as a merger, with a person or group owning 15% or more of the corporation's voting stock for a period of three years following the date the person became an interested stockholder, unless (with certain exceptions) the business combination or the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder is approved in a prescribed manner. Accordingly, we will not be subject to any anti-takeover effects of Section 203. However, our certificate of incorporation will contain provisions that have the same effect as Section 203, except that they will provide that the Tricor Funds, their affiliates (including any investment funds managed by Tricor) and any person that becomes an interested stockholder as a result of a transfer of 5% or more of our voting stock by the forgoing persons to such person are excluded from the "interested stockholder" definition in our certificate of incorporation and are therefore not subject to the restrictions set forth therein that have the same effect as Section 203.


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        While these provisions have the effect of encouraging persons seeking to acquire control of our company to negotiate with our board of directors, they could enable the board of directors to hinder or frustrate a transaction that some, or a majority, of our stockholders might believe to be in their best interests and, in that case, may prevent or discourage attempts to remove and replace incumbent directors.

        In addition, these provisions may frustrate or prevent any attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management by making it more difficult for stockholders to replace members of our board of directors, which is responsible for appointing the members of our management. For more information regarding these provisions, see "Description of Capital Stock."

Any issuance of preferred stock could make it difficult for another company to acquire us or could otherwise adversely affect holders of our common stock, which could depress the price of our common stock.

        Upon completion of this offering, our board of directors will have the authority to issue preferred stock and to determine the preferences, limitations and relative rights of shares of preferred stock and to fix the number of shares constituting any series and the designation of such series, without any further vote or action by our stockholders. Our preferred stock could be issued with voting, liquidation, dividend and other rights superior to the rights of our common stock. The potential issuance of preferred stock may delay or prevent a change in control of us, discouraging bids for our common stock at a premium over the market price, and adversely affect the market price and the voting and other rights of the holders of our common stock.

Our business and stock price may suffer as a result of our lack of public company operating experience. In addition, if securities or industry analysts do not publish research or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price and trading volume could decline.

        We are a privately-held company. Our lack of public company operating experience may make it difficult to forecast and evaluate our future prospects. If we are unable to execute our business strategy, either as a result of our inability to effectively manage our business in a public company environment or for any other reason, our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations may be harmed. In addition, as a new public company we do not currently have and may never obtain research coverage by securities and industry analysts. If no securities or industry analysts commence coverage of our company, the trading price for our stock would be negatively impacted. If we obtain securities or industry analyst coverage and if one or more of the analysts who covers us downgrades our stock or publishes inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts ceases coverage of us or fails to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our stock could decrease, which could cause our stock price and trading volume to decline.


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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        This prospectus contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, such as statements about our plans, objectives, expectations, assumptions or future events. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as "anticipate," "estimate," "plan," "project," "continuing," "ongoing," "expect," "believe," "intend," "may," "will," "should," "could" and similar expressions. Examples of forward-looking statements include, without limitation:

        Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which such performance or results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time those statements are made or management's good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to, factors discussed under the headings "Risk Factors," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Business."

        Forward-looking statements involve estimates, assumptions, known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any future results, performances, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks include, but are not limited to, those listed below and those discussed in greater detail under the heading "Risk Factors" above:


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        Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions made in light of management's perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, which may prove to be incorrect. Certain assumptions have been made with respect to the following, among others:

While we believe our assumptions are reasonable, we caution that it is very difficult to predict the impact of known factors, and we may not be able to anticipate all factors that could affect our actual results.

        The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and, except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. In addition, we cannot assess the impact of each factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Consequently, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.


INDUSTRY AND MARKET DATA

        This prospectus includes industry data, forecasts and information that we have prepared based, in part, upon data, forecasts and information obtained from independent industry publications and surveys and other information available to us. In particular, this prospectus includes statistical data extracted from a market research report prepared by First Annapolis Consulting, Inc. ("First Annapolis"), which


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was commissioned by us and was issued in May 2015. First Annapolis provides consulting and investment banking services with a focus on payments-based industries. Unless otherwise indicated, all industry and market data presented in this prospectus is derived from data estimated and reported by First Annapolis or estimated by us using such data as the primary source. Additionally, certain data in this prospectus is derived from The Nilson Report, a publication covering global payment systems. The data presented in this prospectus, including data provided by First Annapolis and The Nilson Report, involves a number of assumptions and limitations and contains projections and estimates of the future performance of the industry in which we operate that are subject to a high degree of uncertainty. We caution you not to give undue weight to such projections, assumptions and estimates. Some data contained in this prospectus is also based on our good faith estimates, which are derived from management's knowledge of the industry and independent sources. Industry publications, surveys and forecasts generally state that the information contained therein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable; however, we have not independently verified any of the data from third-party sources nor have we ascertained the underlying economic assumptions relied upon therein. In addition, statements as to our market position and projections, assumptions and estimates of our future performance and the future performance of our industry are based on data currently available to us, and such estimates involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors, including those discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in this prospectus.


USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION

        In this prospectus, we present EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin (calculated as Adjusted EBITDA divided by total net sales) (collectively, the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures"), as supplemental measures of our operating performance. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are non-GAAP financial measures that do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by U.S. GAAP and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. EBITDA is defined as income from continuing operations before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA plus adjustments for foreign currency gain or loss, loss on debt modification and early extinguishment, gain on purchase of ID Data, non-cash compensation expense related to our phantom stock plan that will be terminated in connection with this offering, performance bonuses earned in connection with the EFT Source acquisition and investment banking and related fees. The Non-GAAP Financial Measures are the primary measures used by our management to evaluate operating performance. We believe the Non-GAAP Financial Measures are useful to investors because they provide a means to evaluate our operating performance on an ongoing basis using criteria that are used by our internal decision makers and because they are frequently used by investors and other interested parties when comparing companies in our industry that have different financing and capital structures and/or tax rates. We believe the Non-GAAP Financial Measures are meaningful measures because they present a transparent view of our recurring operating performance and allow management to readily view operating trends, perform analytical comparisons and identify strategies to improve operating performance.

        The Non-GAAP Financial Measures have limitations as analytical tools, and you should not consider them in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our operating results or cash flows as reported under GAAP. Some of these limitations are:


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        Because of these limitations, the Non-GAAP Financial Measures should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss), income (loss) from operations, or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP or as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities as a measure of our liquidity. We compensate for these limitations by relying primarily on our GAAP results and using the Non-GAAP Financial Measures only for supplemental purposes. Please see our consolidated financial statements contained elsewhere in this prospectus. Our measures of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are not necessarily comparable to other similarly titled captions of other companies due to potential inconsistencies in the methods of calculation. Our presentation of the Non-GAAP Financial Measures should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or nonrecurring items.

        For a reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to net income from continuing operations, the most comparable GAAP measure, see "Summary Consolidated Historical Financial Data."


TRADEMARKS

        This prospectus contains references to our trademarks and service marks. Solely for convenience, trademarks and trade names referred to in this prospectus may appear without the ® orTM symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that we will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, our rights or the rights of the applicable licensor to these trademarks and trade names. In addition, this prospectus contains trade names, trademarks and service marks of other companies, which we do not own. We do not intend our use or display of other companies' trade names, trademarks or service marks to imply a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship of us by, these other companies.


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GLOSSARY OF INDUSTRY TERMS

        Set forth below is a glossary of industry and other terms used in this prospectus:

        "Automated Clearing House" ("ACH") is an electronic clearing and settlement system for electronic financial transactions among participating U.S. commercial banks and depository institutions.

        "Card Personalization" is the process of preparing a Financial Payment Card for the cardholder, including the encoding, programming and embossing of the card with the account-specific information and related data (such as an account number). In certain cases, this will also include the cardholder's name.

        "Card-Not-Present Fraud" is the unauthorized use of Financial Payment Card or Private Label Credit Card information to make transactions without physically swiping or inserting a card into a POS terminal, often when the card and its information cannot be visually verified by a merchant. This type of fraud can be conducted over the Internet, by phone, by fax or by mail, or by manually inputting card information into a POS terminal.

        "Card-Present Fraud" occurs when a Financial Payment Card or Private Label Credit Card is used to make an unauthorized transaction in a face-to-face setting, such as a retail store checkout lane. This type of fraud may involve the use of the actual stolen card or a fraudulent duplicated card made using card and cardholder information.

        "Contact EMV" represents a Financial Payment Card with an embedded microprocessor, which interfaces with an EMV payment terminal over a contact plate on the surface of the card when inserted into the terminal. These cards are commonly referred to as "chip cards."

        "Contactless Cards" are Financial Payment Cards with an RFID antenna, allowing transactions to be completed using Near Field Communication in proximity to an NFC-enabled payment terminal without having to physically insert the card into the terminal.

        "Dual-Interface EMV" refers to cards which contain both "contact" and "contactless" EMV technology and functionalities.

        "EMV" or "EMV standard," named for the original organizations that developed the standard (Europay, MasterCard and Visa), is a technologically advanced high-security protocol designed to reduce the fraud to which magnetic stripe cards are susceptible. The EMV standard for Financial Payment Cards utilizes an embedded microprocessor that, when paired with an EMV payment terminal, dynamically authenticates cardholder debit and credit card transactions using a cryptographic process that results in a significantly more secure payment transaction environment.

        "Financial Payment Cards" are credit, debit and Prepaid Debit Cards issued on the network of one of the Payment Card Brands.

        "General Purpose Reloadable Cards" ("GPR Cards") are a type of open-loop Prepaid Debit Card generally acquired through retail channels, both in-store and online. The user of a GPR card registers the card with the issuing bank or licensed money transmitter, determines the card's spending limit by adding money directly to the account and can reload the card with additional funds as needed. These cards lack the account requirements typically needed for a traditional debit or credit card (such as a credit check).

        "Group Service Provider" is an organization that assists small issuers, such as credit unions, with managing their credit and debit card programs, including managing the Financial Payment Card issuance process.

        "Large Issuer" is defined as the top 20 U.S. debit and credit card issuers, including financial institutions such as JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, American Express and Wells Fargo.


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        "Liability Shift" is an agreement among the Payment Card Brands that, effective October 1, 2015, the party that caused a non-EMV transaction to occur (i.e., either the card issuer or the merchant) will be held financially liable for any resulting counterfeit fraud losses.

        "Near Field Communications" ("NFC") is a wireless technology that uses radio waves to enable communication over short distances (e.g., 4 cm), such as between a Contactless Card and a point of sale terminal.

        "Net Promoter Score" ("NPS") is a measure of customer loyalty calculated from customer surveys conducted by an independent research firm. Respondents judge how likely they would be willing to recommend a particular company to a colleague, answering on a scale of one to ten. NPS is calculated by taking the respondents who are enthusiastic promoters (a nine or a ten rating) and subtracting the percentage who are detractors (a one through six rating).

        "Payment Card Brands" are the operators of the debit and credit financial payment networks: Visa; MasterCard; American Express and Discover.

        "Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council" ("PCI") is an open global forum, launched in 2006, that is responsible for the development, management, education and awareness of the PCI Security Standards, including the Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), Payment Application Data Security Standard (PA-DSS) and PIN Transaction Security (PTS) requirements.

        "Prepaid Debit Cards" share many of the functional features and conveniences of traditional bank debit cards; they are issued on the network of a Payment Card Brand and usable in the same manner as a bank debit card. However, these cards are not linked to a traditional bank account, are easier to acquire (they do not require a credit check) and require cardholders to load money onto the card in advance of any transaction. Prepaid debit cards are sometimes referred to as "open-loop cards" to denote their acceptance on a network of the Payment Card Brands and to contrast them to retail gift or loyalty cards that are referred to as "closed-loop cards" and can only be used at a merchant whose brand such card carries (e.g. a Starbucks card).

        "Private Label Credit Cards" are credit cards that an individual merchant issues for exclusive use in its own stores. Such cards are generally not issued on the network of a Payment Card Brand and therefore do not constitute Financial Payment Cards.

        "Point of Sale ("POS")Terminals" are physical hardware installed in merchant locations that enables the electronic processing of card payments by transmitting account information and sales data through a payment network operated by one of the Payment Card Brands (and often facilitated by a merchant acquirer and/or card processor) to the issuing institution of the Financial Payment Card. POS Terminals acquire cardholder account information by reading the data stored on a card's magnetic stripe, contactless chip, or EMV-enabled microprocessor or, alternatively, by manual entry.

        "Radio-Frequency Identification" ("RFID") is a technology that uses electronic tags placed on objects to relay identifying information to an electronic reader by means of radio waves.

        "Small Issuer" is defined as all issuers other than the Large Issuers, including financial institutions such as regional banks, independent community banks and credit unions that issue Financial Payment Cards.

        "Trusted Service Manager" ("TSM") is a role within the ecosystem of NFC payments, acting as a neutral broker that coordinates the technical and business relationships of the various participants, including mobile network operators and service providers such as card-issuing banks. Trusted Service Managers can act either within a secure element, such as an embedded microprocessor, or in the cloud, via host card emulation technology.

        "unbanked" refers to households or persons that do not hold an account at an institution insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC").

        "underbanked" refers to households or persons that hold an account at an institution insured by the FDIC and have also used at least one of the following alternative financial services from non-bank providers in the last 12 months: money orders, check cashing, remittances, payday loans, refund anticipation loans, rent-to-own services, pawn shops loans or auto title loans.


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USE OF PROCEEDS

        We estimate that the net proceeds from our issuance and sale of               shares of common stock in this offering will be approximately $               million, assuming an initial public offering price of $            per share, which is the midpoint of the price range listed on the cover page of this prospectus, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses payable by us. The selling stockholders expect to receive net proceeds of approximately $             million, assuming an initial public offering price of $            per share, which is the midpoint of the price range listed on the cover page of this prospectus, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses payable by the selling stockholders (or if the underwriters exercise in full their over-allotment option, we estimate that the selling stockholders will receive net proceeds of approximately $             million). Of the proceeds going to the selling stockholders, the Tricor Funds expect to receive net proceeds of approximately $                million. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling stockholders.

        A $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $            per share would increase (decrease) our net proceeds from this offering by approximately $             million, assuming that the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses payable by us.

        We intend to use approximately $11.5 million of the net proceeds from this offering to redeem the remaining outstanding shares of our preferred stock, approximately $             million of the net proceeds to terminate our phantom stock plan and to satisfy all liabilities due thereunder and the remainder of the net proceeds to repay outstanding indebtedness under our New Term Loan Facility incurred in connection with the Partial Preferred Redemption. As of August 17, 2015, an aggregate of approximately $435.0 million of borrowings were outstanding under our New Term Loan Facility. The interest rate on the $435.0 million of borrowings outstanding under our New Term Loan Facility at August 17, 2015 was 5.5%. Our New Term Loan Facility matures on August 17, 2022. Borrowings under our New Credit Facility have been used to fund the Partial Preferred Redemption and to repay indebtedness under our previously outstanding term loan facility, and we expect to use our New Credit Facility in the future to fund capital expenditures, for acquisition activity and for general corporate purposes.

        Redeeming the remaining outstanding shares of our preferred stock, terminating our phantom stock plan and repaying outstanding borrowings under our New Term Loan Facility will achieve the objective of optimizing our capital structure in connection with the offering. Subject to the use of the net proceeds described herein, we may use any remaining net proceeds for general corporate and working capital purposes.


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DIVIDEND POLICY

        Following the consummation of this offering, we expect to pay quarterly cash dividends on our common stock, subject to the sole discretion of our board of directors and the considerations discussed below. We intend to fund any future dividends from distributions made by our operating subsidiaries from their available cash generated from operations.

        Future cash dividends, if any, will be at the discretion of our board of directors and the amount of cash dividends per share will depend upon, among other things, our future operations and earnings, capital requirements and surplus, general financial condition, contractual restrictions, number of shares of common stock outstanding and other factors our board of directors may deem relevant. The timing and amount of future dividend payments will be at the discretion of our board of directors.

        In addition, because we are a holding company with no material direct operations, we are dependent on loans, dividends and other payments from our operating subsidiaries to generate the funds necessary to pay dividends on our common stock. We may be restricted from paying cash dividends on our common stock in certain circumstances, including by the covenants in our New Credit Facility, and may be further restricted by the terms of future debt or preferred securities. See "Risk Factors—Risks Related to Ownership of our Common Stock—Our ability to pay regular dividends to our stockholders is subject to the discretion of our board of directors and may be limited by our holding company structure and applicable provisions of Delaware law" and "Description of Certain Indebtedness."

        Our dividend policy entails certain risks and limitations, particularly with respect to liquidity. Although we expect to pay dividends according to our dividend policy, we may not pay dividends according to our policy, or at all, if, among other things, we do not have the cash necessary to pay our intended dividends. By paying cash dividends rather than saving or investing that cash, we risk, among other things, slowing the pace of our growth and having insufficient cash to fund our operations or unanticipated capital expenditures.


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CAPITALIZATION

        The following table sets forth our cash and cash equivalents and capitalization as of June 30, 2015:

        This information should be read in conjunction with "Use of Proceeds," "Selected Consolidated Financial Data," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the historical consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.


 As of June 30, 2015  As of June 30, 2015 

 Actual As Adjusted As Further
Adjusted(1)
  Actual As Adjusted As Further
Adjusted(1)
 

 (in thousands except share data)
  (in thousands except share data)
 

Cash and cash equivalents

 $13,007 $8,583 $   $13,007 $8,583 $  
��

Debt:

              

Long-term debt (including current portion)(2)

 $158,420 $435,000 $   $158,420 $435,000 $  

EFT Sellers Note(3)

 9,000 9,000    9,000 9,000   

Total debt

 167,420 444,000    167,420 444,000   

Commitments and contingencies:

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 

Series A preferred stock; par value $0.001 per share; 64,716 shares outstanding with liquidation preference of $281,005 on an actual basis; 2,576 shares outstanding with liquidation preference of $11,185 on an as adjusted basis and 0 shares outstanding on an as further adjusted basis(4)

 57,880 2,304    57,880 2,304   

Stockholders' deficit:

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 

Common stock, par value $0.001 per share; 2,600,000 authorized shares, 1,885,278 shares outstanding on an actual and as adjusted basis and shares outstanding on an as further adjusted basis(5)

 2 2   

Common stock, par value $0.001 per share; 75,000,000 authorized shares, 41,476,116 shares outstanding on an actual and as adjusted basis and shares outstanding on an as further adjusted basis(5)

 2 2   

Additional paid-in capital

 (24,848) (245,590)    (24,848) (245,590)   

Accumulated earnings

 24,194 23,756    24,194 23,756   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 (2,930) (2,930)    (2,930) (2,930)   

Employee notes receivable

 (108)     (108)    

Total stockholders' deficit

 (3,690) (224,762)    (3,690) (224,762)   

Total capitalization

 $221,610 $221,542 $   $221,610 $221,542 $  

(1)
A $1.00 increase or decrease in the assumed initial public offering price of $            per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover of this prospectus, would result in an approximately $             million increase or decrease in each of cash and cash equivalents, additional paid-in capital, total stockholders' equity and total capitalization, assuming that the number of shares offered by us set forth on the cover of this prospectus remains the same, and after deducting the underwriting discounts

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(2)
Actual long-term debt as of June 30, 2015 consists of borrowings under the Company's previously outstanding term loan facility, which was repaid in connection with our entering into the New Credit Agreement. As Adjusted long-term debt consists of borrowings under the New Term Loan Facility, which were used to repay the Company's previous term loan facility, effect the Partial Preferred Redemption, and pay related transaction fees and expenses. As Further Adjusted long-term debt gives effect to the repayment of $          of borrowings under the New Term Loan Facility using a portion of the net proceeds of this offering. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources" and "Description of Certain Indebtedness."

(3)
As partial consideration for the Company's acquisition of EFT Source, the Company issued a $9 million subordinated promissory note bearing interest at 5% per annum, which matures on the earlier of (i) September 2, 2016, (ii) twelve months following the consummation of an initial public offering or (iii) the occurrence of certain change of control events.

(4)
As of June 30, 2015, 1,970 shares of Series A Preferred Stock were subject to a put, where employees holding these shares upon termination of their employment have the option to require us to purchase the shares at the then current liquidation preference. As of June 30, 2015, the liquidation preference of the Series A Preferred Stock had a value of approximately $4,342.12 per outstanding share for a total aggregate cumulative liquidation value of $281.0 million. On August 17, 2015, we effected the Partial Preferred Redemption in which we redeemed 62,140 shares of preferred stock.

(5)
Numbers of shares of common stock on an actual and adjusted basis does notoutstanding reflect the -for-one22-for-1 stock split which will be effected prioron September 3, 2015. In connection with the stock split, we amended our certificate of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock to 75,000,000. In connection with the consummation of this offering. Numberoffering, we will adopt an amended and restated certificate of incorporation in which we will further increase the number of authorized shares outstanding on a further adjusted basis gives effectof common stock to such stock split.100,000,000. See "Description of Capital Stock."

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DILUTION

        If you purchase our common stock in this offering, your ownership interest will be immediately diluted to the extent of the difference between the initial public offering price per share of our common stock and the net tangible book value per share of our common stock after this offering. Dilution results from the fact that the initial public offering price per share of our common stock is substantially in excess of the book value per share of common stock attributable to the existing stockholders for the currently outstanding shares of common stock.

        Our pro forma net tangible book value as of              was $             million, or $            per share of common stock after giving effect to the Partial Preferred Redemption and the -for-one22-for-1 stock split effected on ,September 3, 2015. Net tangible book value per share represents the amount of our total tangible assets less total liabilities, divided by the basic weighted average number of shares of common stock that will be outstanding immediately prior to the completion of the offering.

        After giving effect to the sale of the               shares of common stock offered by us in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $            per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover of this prospectus, less estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, our pro forma net tangible book value as of              would have been approximately $             million, or $            per share of common stock after giving effect to this offering. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value to our existing stockholders of $            per share and an immediate dilution to purchasers in this offering of $            per share. The following table illustrates this pro forma per share dilution in net tangible book value to purchasers.

 

Assumed initial public offering price per share

 $  
 

Pro forma net tangible book value (deficit) per share as of            

    
 

Increase per share attributable to purchasers in this offering

    
 

Pro forma net tangible book value per share after giving effect to this offering

    
 
 

Dilution in pro forma net tangible book value per share to purchasers in this offering

 $  
 
 
 

        A $1.00 increase or decrease in the assumed initial public offering price of $            per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover of this prospectus, would increase or decrease pro forma net tangible book value by $             million, or $            per share, and would increase or decrease the dilution per share to purchasers in this offering by $            , based on the assumptions set forth above.

        The following table summarizes as of              , on an as adjusted basis, the number of shares of common stock purchased, the total consideration paid and the average price per share paid by purchasers in this offering, based upon an assumed initial public offering price of $            per share, the midpoint of the initial public offering price range on the cover page of this prospectus, and before deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us:

 
  
  
 Total
consideration
  
 
 
 Shares purchased  
 
 
 Average price
per share
 
 
 Number Percent Amount Percent 

Existing stockholders

                  %$                %$         

New investors

                

Total

     100%    100%          

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        Except as otherwise indicated, the discussion and tables above assume no exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares and no exercise of any outstanding options. If the


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underwriters' option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full, our existing stockholders would own approximately        % and purchasers in this offering would own approximately         % of the total number of shares of our common stock outstanding after this offering. If the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full, the pro forma net tangible book value per share after this offering would be $            per share, and the dilution in the pro forma net tangible book value per share to purchasers in this offering would be $            per share.

        The tables and calculations above are based on               shares of common stock outstanding as of              and assume no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase up to an additional               shares from us. This number excludes, as of              , an aggregate of               shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the Omnibus Plan that we intend to adopt in connection with this offering and               shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options under the Option Plan.


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SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

        The following tables set forth our selected consolidated historical financial data. You should read the information set forth below in conjunction with "Use of Proceeds," "Capitalization," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our consolidated historical financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus. The statements of income data for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 and the balance sheet data as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The statements of income data for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 and the balance sheet data as of June 30, 2015 are derived from our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this propectus. See "Index to Consolidated Financial Statements." Results of interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for a full year or for future periods.


 Six Months Ended
June 30,
 Year Ended December 31,  Six Months Ended
June 30,
 Year Ended December 31, 

 2015 2014 2014 2013 2012  2015 2014 2014 2013 2012 

 (unaudited)
  
  
  
  (unaudited)
  
  
  
 

 (in thousands, except share and per share data)
  (in thousands, except share and per share data)
 

Statement of Income Data:

                      

Net sales

                      

Products

 $112,771 $58,905 $159,220 $101,360 $98,969  $112,771 $58,905 $159,220 $101,360 $98,969 

Services

 60,075 36,862 101,786 95,010 84,817  60,075 36,862 101,786 95,010 84,817 

Total net sales

 172,846 95,767 261,006 196,370 183,786  172,846 95,767 261,006 196,370 183,786 

Cost of sales

 111,503 69,969 179,279 136,874 130,897  111,503 69,969 179,279 136,874 130,897 

Gross profit

 61,343 25,798 81,727 59,496 52,889  61,343 25,798 81,727 59,496 52,889 

Operating expenses

 29,959 16,262 47,255 33,347 32,985  29,959 16,262 47,255 33,347 32,985 

Income from operations

 31,384 9,536 34,472 26,149 19,904  31,384 9,536 34,472 26,149 19,904 

Other income (expense)

                      

Interest, net

 (3,505) (3,444) (7,508) (7,838) (5,765) (3,505) (3,444) (7,508) (7,838) (5,765)

Foreign currency gain (loss)

 149 (211) (124) (142) (279) 149 (211) (124) (142) (279)

Loss on debt modification and early extinguishment

   (476)      (476)   

Gain on purchase of ID Data

     604      604 

Other income (expense)

 61 19 (101) 18 171  61 19 (101) 18 171 

Income before taxes

 28,089 5,900 26,263 18,187 14,635  28,089 5,900 26,263 18,187 14,635 

Provision for income taxes

 (9,974) (2,334) (10,291) (6,988) (5,909) (9,974) (2,334) (10,291) (6,988) (5,909)

Net income from continuing operations

 18,115 3,566 15,972 11,199 8,726  18,115 3,566 15,972 11,199 8,726 

Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes(1)

 (606) (2,763) (2,670) (2,612) (3,796) (606) (2,763) (2,670) (2,612) (3,796)

Gain on sale of discontinued operation, net of taxes(1)

 887      887     

Net income

 $18,396 $803 $13,302 $8,587 4,930  $18,396 $803 $13,302 $8,587 4,930 

Net income (loss) per share:(2)

                      

Basic and Diluted—Continuing Operations

 $(3.86)$(9.32)$(15.22)$(12.89) (14.73) $(0.18)$(0.42)$(0.69)$(0.59) (0.67)

Basic and Diluted—Discontinued Operations

 0.15 (1.48) (1.43) (1.40) (2.02) 0.01 (0.07) (0.07) (0.06) (0.09)

Total

 $(3.71)$(10.80)$(16.65)$(14.29)$(16.75) $(0.17)$(0.49)$(0.76)$(0.65)$(0.76)

Weighted average shares outstanding:

                      

Basic and Diluted

 1,877,857 1,868,816 1,872,693 1,866,925 1,875,674  41,312,854 41,113,952 41,199,246 41,072,350 41,264,828 

Other Financial Data:

                      

Depreciation and amortization

 $8,040 $5,614 $13,252 $11,595 $10,514  $8,040 $5,614 $13,252 $11,595 $10,514 

Capital expenditures

 10,390 6,578 15,568 10,628 9,113  10,390 6,578 15,568 10,628 9,113 

EBITDA(3)

 39,634 14,958 47,023 37,620 30,914  39,634 14,958 47,023 37,620 30,914 

Adjusted EBITDA(3)

 41,897 14,771 54,219 38,372 30,589  41,897 14,577 54,219 38,372 30,589 

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 As of December 31, 
 
 As of
June 30,
2015
 
 
 2014 2013 
 
 (unaudited)
  
  
 
 
 (in thousands)
 

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:

          

Cash and cash equivalents

 $13,007 $12,941 $9,702 

Total current assets

  107,808  88,719  65,958 

Net property, equipment and leasehold improvements

  48,431  44,772  36,650 

Total assets

  287,784  266,624  171,867 

Total debt

  167,420  179,424  122,306 

Total stockholders' deficit

  (3,690) (21,694) (36,896)

(1)
We sold our operating segment located in Nevada in January 2015. This operating segment primarily produced retail gift cards that are not issued on the networks of the Payment Card Brands. Accordingly, the Company's consolidated balance sheets, and statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), and statements of cash flows have been reclassified to present this operating segment as a discontinued operation as of and for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 and the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014. See Note 4 (Discontinued Operation and Disposition) to our audited consolidated financial statements and Note 3 (Discontinued Operation and Disposition) to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, each appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.

(2)
For a computation of historical basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to continuing and discontinued operations, see Note 14 (Earnings per Share) to our audited consolidated financial statements and Note 13 (Earnings per Share) to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, each appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.

(3)
EBITDA is defined as income from continuing operations before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA plus adjustments for foreign currency gain or loss, loss on debt modification and early extinguishment, gain on purchase of ID Data, non-cash compensation expense related to our phantom stock plan that will be terminated in connection with this offering, performance bonuses earned in connection with the EFT Source acquisition and investment banking and related fees. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are Non-GAAP Financial Measures that do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. The Non-GAAP Financial Measures are the primary measures used by our management to evaluate operating performance. The Non-GAAP Financial Measures are the primary measures used by our management to evaluate operating performance. We believe the Non-GAAP Financial Measures are useful to investors because they provide a means to evaluate our operating performance on an ongoing basis using criteria that are used by our internal decision makers and because they are frequently used by investors and other interested parties when comparing companies in our industry that have different financing and capital structures and/or tax rates. We believe the Non-GAAP Financial Measures are meaningful measures because they present a transparent view of our recurring operating performance and allow management to readily view operating trends, perform analytical comparisons and identify strategies to improve operating performance. The Non-GAAP Financial Measures, however, are not measures of our liquidity or financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss), income (loss) from operations, or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP or as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities as a measure of our liquidity. The use of the Non-GAAP Financial Measures instead of net income (loss) has limitations as an analytical tool, including the inability to determine profitability; the exclusion of interest expense, interest income and associated significant cash requirements; and the exclusion of depreciation and amortization, which represent unavoidable operating costs. The Non-GAAP Financial Measures are not necessarily comparable to other similarly titled captions of other companies due to potential inconsistencies in the methods of calculation.

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The following is a reconciliation of net income from continuing operations to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA:


 Six Months
Ended
June 30,
 Year Ended December 31,  Six Months
Ended
June 30,
 Year Ended December 31, 

 2015 2014 2014 2013 2012  2015 2014 2014 2013 2012 

 (in thousands)
  (in thousands)
 

Net income from continuing operations

 $18,115 $3,566 15,972 11,199 $8,726  $18,115 $3,566 15,972 11,199 $8,726 

Depreciation and amortization

 8,040 5,614 13,252 11,595 10,514  8,040 5,614 13,252 11,595 10,514 

Interest, net

 3,505 3,444 7,508 7,838 5,765  3,505 3,444 7,508 7,838 5,765 

Provision for income taxes

 9,974 2,334 10,291 6,988 5,909  9,974 2,334 10,291 6,988 5,909 

EBITDA

 39,634 14,958 47,023 37,620 30,914  39,634 14,958 47,023 37,620 30,914 

Foreign currency (gain) loss

 (149) 211 124 142 279  (149) 211 124 142 279 

Loss on debt modification and early extinguishment(a)

   476      476   

Gain on purchase of ID Data(b)

     (604)     (604)

Non-cash compensation expense(c)

 1,503 (398) 4,534 610   1,503 (591) 4,534 610  

EFT Source performance bonuses(d)

 500      500     

Investment banking and related fees(e)

 409  2,062    409  2,062   

Adjusted EBITDA

 $41,897 $14,771 $54,219 $38,372 $30,589  $41,897 $14,577 $54,219 $38,372 $30,589 

(a)
Represents loss on the modification of our indebtedness in connection with the acquisition of EFT Source.

(b)
Represents gain on our purchase of certain assets of ID Data, Limited.

(c)
Represents compensation expense incurred in connection with the Company's phantom stock plan. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates—Phantom Stock Plan" and "Executive Compensation—CPI Acquisition, Inc. Phantom Stock Plan."

(d)
Represents performance bonuses earned in connection with the acquisition of EFT Source.

(e)
Includes investment banking, advisory and related professional fees and expenses incurred in connection with the EFT Source acquisition and our consideration of liquidity alternatives.

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MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

        The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is intended to help prospective investors understand our business, results of operations, liquidity and capital resources and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including, but not limited to, those which are not within our control. See "Forward-Looking Statements." Our 2014 reported results include four months of results from EFT Source, and references to pro forma results give effect to our acquisition of EFT Source as if such acquisition occurred on January 1, 2014.

Company Overview

        We are a leading provider of comprehensive Financial Payment Card solutions in North America. We define Financial Payment Cards as credit, debit and Prepaid Debit Cards issued on the networks of the Payment Card Brands (Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover) and Interac (in Canada). In 2014, we produced over 360 million Financial Payment Cards, provided integrated card services to over 3,200 card-issuing banks and Prepaid Debit Card issuers and personalized more than 130 million Financial Payment Cards. We have established a leading position in the Financial Payment Card market through more than 20 years of experience and are focused primarily on this growing subsector of the financial technology market. Our customers are primarily leading national and regional banks, independent community banks, credit unions, managers of prepaid debit programs, Group Service Providers and card processors. We serve a diverse set of over 4,000 direct and indirect customers, including many of the largest North American issuers of debit and credit cards such as JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, American Express and Wells Fargo, the largest global managers of Prepaid Debit Card programs, including InComm, Green Dot, Blackhawk Network and American Express, as well as thousands of independent community banks, credit unions, Group Service Providers and card processors.

        We serve our customers through a network of nine production and card services facilities, including seven high-security facilities in North America that are each certified by one or more of the Payment Card Brands and Interac (in Canada) and, where required by our customers, the PCI Security Standards Council. We have the largest such network of high-security production facilities in North America, allowing us to optimize our solutions offerings to serve the needs of our diverse and long-term customer base.

        In addition to our seven North American facilities, we have two facilities in the United Kingdom that produce retail cards, such as gift and loyalty cards that are not issued on the networks of the Payment Card Brands, as well as provide personalization services.

        For the six months ended June 30, 2015, we generated net sales of $172.8 million, which represented an increase of 80.5% as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2014, net income from continuing operations of $18.1 million, which represented an increase of 408.0% compared to the six months ended June 30, 2014 and Adjusted EBITDA of $41.9 million, which represented an increase of 183.6% compared to the six months ended June 30, 2014, representing net income from continuing operations and Adjusted EBITDA margins of 10.5% and 24.2%, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2014, we generated $261.0 million of net sales, which represented an increase of 32.9% as compared to the prior year, $16.0 million of net income from continuing operations, which represented an increase of 42.6% as compared to the prior year, and $54.2 million of Adjusted EBITDA, which represented an increase of 41.3% as compared to the prior year, and net income from continuing operations and Adjusted EBITDA margins of 6.1% and 20.8%, respectively. Our 2014


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reported results include four months of results from EFT Source. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are Non-GAAP Financial Measures. For a definition of Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income from continuing operations, the most comparable GAAP measure, see "—Key Performance Indicators—EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin."

Segment Overview

        Our business consists of three reportable segments: the U.S. Debit and Credit segment, the U.S. Prepaid Debit segment and the U.K. Limited segment.

U.S. Debit and Credit Segment

        Our U.S. Debit and Credit segment primarily produces Financial Payment Cards and provides integrated card services to card-issuing banks in the United States. Products manufactured by this segment primarily include EMV and non-EMV credit cards, debit cards and Prepaid Debit Cards issued on the networks of the Payment Card Brands, Private Label Credit Cards that are not issued on the networks of the Payment Cards Brands and instant issuance systems. This segment also provides a variety of integrated card services, including card personalization and fulfillment services and instant issuance services. The U.S. Debit and Credit segment includes our operations in Colorado, Indiana and Tennessee, which are each certified by multiple global Payment Card Brands and, where required by our customers, the PCI Security Standards Council.

U.S. Prepaid Debit Segment

        Our U.S. Prepaid Debit segment primarily provides integrated card services to Prepaid Debit Card issuers in the United States. Services provided include tamper-evident security packaging services and card personalization and fulfillment services. This segment also produces Financial Payment Cards issued on the networks of the Payment Card Brands that are included in the tamper-evident security packages mentioned above. The U.S. Prepaid Debit segment includes our operation in Minnesota which is certified by multiple global Payment Card Brands and the PCI Security Standards Council.

U.K. Limited Segment

        Our U.K. Limited segment primarily produces retail gift and loyalty cards for customers in the United Kingdom and continental Europe. This segment also provides card personalization and fulfillment services. The U.K. Limited segment includes our operations in Colchester, United Kingdom and Liverpool, United Kingdom. Neither of our operations in this segment is certified by any of the Payment Card Brands, nor are they PCI certified.

Other

        Our operations in Ontario, Canada and Petersfield, United Kingdom are not included in the three reportable segments listed above due to not meeting the materiality thresholds set forth in ASC 280. In July 2015, we ceased operations at our Petersfield facility. The Petersfield facility is not material to our business. These two operations comprise the "other" category in the discussion below. Also, our corporate headquarters is not included in our three reportable segments as required by ASC 280. See Note 19 (Segment Reporting) to our audited consolidated financial statements for certain additional information regarding our operating segments.


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Trends and Key Factors Affecting our Financial Performance

Shift to Card-Based and Other Forms of Electronic Payments

        Consumer payments in the United States and globally have shifted over the last several decades from paper-based media such as cash and checks to card-based media such as credit, debit and Prepaid Debit Cards, and electronic methods such as pre-authorized payments through Automated Clearing House ("ACH"). The Nilson Report estimates that card-based payments have increased from 38.3% of U.S. transactions in 2005 to 56.5% in 2013, and electronic payments have increased from 4.3% to 7.2% over the same period. By 2018, card-based payments are projected to comprise 69.2% of U.S. transactions, with cash and checks accounting for 21.4% and electronic payments representing the remaining 9.4%.

EMV Conversion in the United States

        Our net sales are impacted by the changing technological trends in our industry and our ability to respond to such trends. In particular, issuers in the United States have begun the process of converting from the issuance of magnetic stripe Financial Payment Cards to the issuance of EMV Financial Payment Cards. The shift to EMV technology has been precipitated by a number of factors, including an impending shift of liability to the party in a transaction not utilizing EMV technology, escalating card fraud in the United States, the enhanced security offered by EMV cards, the recent occurrence of high-profile data breaches and the desire for global interoperability of the acceptance network. See "Business—EMV Conversion in the United States." In preparation for the EMV conversion, we have invested significantly in our network of facilities, technological infrastructure and human capital resources. In particular, during 2014 we opened a dedicated secure facility in Colorado for EMV production and personalization and made significant information technology and equipment upgrades across our network of facilities.

        During the six months ended June 30, 2015, we produced and shipped 75.2 million EMV cards, as compared to 13.9 million during the six months ended June 30, 2014. During 2014, we produced and shipped 63.8 million EMV cards, as compared to 6.8 million during 2013. Of the 63.8 million EMV cards we shipped in 2014 (17.7% of the total Financial Payment Cards we shipped in 2014), over 50 million were shipped in the second half of 2014. We believe that demand for EMV cards increased sharply in the second half of 2014 primarily as a result of, among other things, the impending Liability Shift and occurrence of high-profile data breaches. See "Industry—EMV Conversion in the United States." We anticipate that this trend will continue and that an increasing number and proportion of the Financial Payment Cards that we ship in the future will be EMV Cards. The upgrade by our customers from magnetic stripe and contactless Financial Payment Cards to EMV Financial Payment Cards has resulted in significant changes to our financial profile including, but not limited to, the following:


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        Our ability to offer technologically relevant products and services and to remain responsive to the evolving demands of our customers are, we believe, key to maintaining our leading market position.

Acquisition of EFT Source, Inc.

        On September 2, 2014, we acquired 100% of the stock of EFT Source. EFT Source provides data personalization services and instant issuance systems and services to issuers of Financial Payment Cards in the United States. Total consideration for EFT Source was $68.9 million. We paid cash consideration of $54.9 million and non-cash consideration consisting of a subordinated unsecured promissory note (the "EFT Sellers Note") of $9.0 million and the issuance of $5.0 million of our preferred and common stock. We also incurred additional indebtedness to fund the cash portion of the purchase price. The EFT Sellers Note bears interest at a rate of 5.0% per annum, payable quarterly in arrears and matures on September 2, 2016. The financial results of EFT Source from September 2, 2014 through December 31, 2014 are included in our 2014 financial results.

Card Expiration Cycle

        An important driver of demand for bank debit cards and general purpose credit cards, which comprised approximately 71.7% of the U.S. market for Financial Payment Cards in 2014, is the length of time that cards are active prior to expiration. Approximately 53% of the demand for bank debit cards and general purpose credit cards in 2014 resulted from this regular renewal cycle. We estimate that bank debit and general purpose credit cards historically have been replaced on average every three years. However, First Annapolis believes that certain issuers of bank debit cards and general purpose credit cards have recently extended the expiration dates on their cards which may be due, in part, to the higher cost of EMV cards. This longer card expiration cycle would result in lower demand for bank debit cards and general purpose credit cards in the United States, and First Annapolis has taken this into consideration in estimating the growth rates of these markets. First Annapolis now estimates that bank debit and general purpose credit cards in the United States will be replaced on average every four years.

Discontinued Operation and Disposition

        On January 12, 2015, we sold our operating segment in Nevada under an asset purchase agreement for $5.0 million in cash (the "Nevada Sale"). Assets classified as a discontinued operation include inventory and plant and equipment and leasehold improvements of $3.0 million and $2.9 million, respectively. We recognized a pre-tax loss of $4.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, which is included in Loss from discontinued operation, net of taxes in our consolidated statement of


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operations for that period. After the Nevada Sale, we retained no continuing involvement in the operations in Nevada other than obligations under a 180-day transition services agreement.

Key Performance Indicators

        To evaluate the performance of our business, in addition to our results of operations, we utilize a variety of financial and performance measures that we refer to as key performance indicators. These key performance indicators include Financial Payment Card Shipments by card type (EMV and non-EMV), Net sales—Services, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin.

Financial Payment Card Shipments

        Financial Payment Card Shipments represent the total number of Financial Payment Cards we ship during the period, and we further divide this into the following card types: EMV and non-EMV. We expect Financial Payment Card shipments to increase due to the growth in the market for Financial Payment Cards and non-EMV cards to be upgraded on an increasing basis to EMV cards due to the U.S. EMV Conversion. See "—Shift to Card-Based and Other Forms of Electronic Payments" and "—EMV Conversion in the United States."

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin

        We use EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin as a supplemental measure of our performance. Adjusted EBITDA is also the basis for financial performance evaluation under our executive compensation programs. EBITDA is defined as income from continuing operations before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA plus adjustments for foreign exchange gain or loss, loss on debt modification and early extinguishment, gain on purchase of ID Data, non-cash compensation expense related to our phantom stock plan that will be terminated in connection with this offering, performance bonus earned in connection with the EFT Source acquisition and investment banking and related fees. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is an appropriate measure of operating performance because it eliminates the impact of expenses that do not relate to ongoing business performance. We also evaluate Adjusted EBITDA margin, which is Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net sales. We use Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin measures to benchmark our performance versus prior periods and our annual operating plan.

        EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are Non-GAAP Financial Measures. The Non-GAAP Financial Measures as presented in this prospectus are supplemental measures of our performance that are neither required by, nor presented in accordance with, GAAP. The Non-GAAP Financial Measures should not be considered as a substitute for GAAP metrics such as net income or any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP. Also, in the future we may incur expenses or charges such as those added back to calculate Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA


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margin. Our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or nonrecurring items.


 Six Months
Ended
June 30,
 Year Ended
December 31,
  Six Months
Ended
June 30,
 Year Ended
December 31,
 

 2015 2014 2014 2013  2015 2014 2014 2013 

 (in thousands)
  (in thousands)
 

Financial Payment Card Shipments

                  

EMV

 75,164 13,921 63,845 6,769  75,164 13,921 63,845 6,769 

Non-EMV

 111,240 157,018 297,385 297,862  111,240 157,018 297,385 297,862 

Total

 186,404 170,939 361,230 304,631  186,404 170,939 361,230 304,631 

EBITDA(1)

 $39,634 $14,958 $47,023 $37,620  $39,634 $14,958 $47,023 $37,620 

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

 41,897 14,771 54,219 38,372  41,897 14,577 54,219 38,372 

Adjusted EBITDA margin

 24.2% 15.4% 20.8% 19.5% 24.2% 15.2% 20.8% 19.5%

(1)
The following is a reconciliation of net income from continuing operations to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA.

 
 Six Months
Ended
June 30,
 Year Ended
December 31,
 
 
 2015 2014 2014 2013 
 
 (in thousands)
 

Net income from continuing operations

 $18,115 $3,566 $15,972 $11,199 

Depreciation and amortization

  8,040  5,614  13,252  11,595 

Interest, net

  3,505  3,444  7,508  7,838 

Provision for income taxes

  9,974  2,334  10,291  6,988 

EBITDA

  39,634  14,958  47,023  37,620 

Foreign currency (gain) loss

  (149) 211  124  142 

Loss on debt modification and early extinguishment(a)

      476   

Non-cash compensation expense(b)

  1,503  (591) 4,534  610 

EFT performance bonuses(c)

  500       

Investment banking and related fees(d)

  409    2,062   

Adjusted EBITDA

 $41,897 $14,577 $54,219 $38,372 

(a)
Represents loss on the modification of the Company's indebtedness in connection with the acquisition of EFT Source.

(b)
Represents compensation expense incurred in connection with the Company's phantom stock plan. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates—Phantom Stock Plan" and "Executive Compensation—CPI Acquisition, Inc. Phantom Stock Plan."

(c)
Represents performance bonuses earned in connection with the acquisition of EFT Source.

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(d)
Includes investment banking, advisory and related professional fees and expenses incurred in connection with the EFT Source acquisition and the Company's consideration of liquidity alternatives.

Key Components of Results of Operations

        Set forth below is a brief description of key line items of our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.

Net Sales

        Net sales reflect our revenue generated from the sale of products and services. Product net sales include the design and production of Financial Payment Cards in Contact EMV, Dual-Interface EMV, contactless and magnetic stripe formats. We also generate product revenue from the sale of our Card@Once® instant issuance systems, Private Label Credit Cards and retail gift cards. Services net sales include revenue from the personalization and fulfillment of Financial Payment Cards, the provision of tamper-evident security packaging, providing fulfillment services to Prepaid Debit Card program managers, and software as a service personalization of instant issuance debit cards. We also generate service revenue from personalizing retail gift cards (primarily in Canada and the United Kingdom) and from click-fees generated from our patented MYCA™ software.

        Generally, we recognize net sales related to products upon shipment and services upon the provision of the service, when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the fee is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. See "—Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates—Revenue Recognition."

Cost of Sales

        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 microchip assemblies in the case of EMV cards and, additionally, RFID assemblies in the case of Dual-Interface EMV cards, labor costs, material costs, equipment and facilities costs, operation overhead, depreciation, leases and rental charges and transport costs. Product costs also include desktop card personalization terminals in the case of Card@Once® instant issuance system sales. Services costs include the cost of labor, raw materials in the case of tamper-evident security packaging, and equipment and facilities costs, operation overhead, depreciation, leases and rental charges and transport costs. Cost of sales can be impacted by many factors, including volume, operational efficiencies, promotional activity and employee relations.

Gross Profit and Gross Margin

        Gross profit consists of our net sales less our cost of sales. Gross margin is gross profit as a percentage of net sales.

Operating Expenses

        Operating expenses are primarily comprised of selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") which generally consist of expenses for executive, finance, sales, marketing, legal, human resources and administrative personnel, including payroll, benefits and stock-based compensation expense, and outside legal and other advisory fees. Operating expense also includes depreciation and amortization expense, including the amortization of tangible and intangible assets. We anticipate increases in SG&A as we incur the costs of compliance associated with being a public company, including audit and consulting fees.


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Income from Operations and Operating Margin

        Income from operations consists of our gross profit less our operating expenses. Operating margin is income from operations as a percentage of net sales.

Other Income (Expense)

        Other income (expense) consists primarily of interest expense and foreign currency gains and losses.

Net Income from Continuing Operations

        Net income from continuing operations consists of our income from operations plus / less other income or expense and provision for income tax.

Results of Operations

Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 Compared With Six Months Ended June 30, 2014

        The table below presents our results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared with the six months ended June 30, 2014:

 
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
  
  
 
 
 2015 2014 $ Change % Change 
 
 (dollars in thousands)
 

Net sales:

             

Products

 $112,771 $58,905 $53,866  91.4%

Services

  60,075  36,862  23,213  63.0%

Total net sales

  172,846  95,767  77,079  80.5%

Cost of sales

  111,503  69,969  41,534  59.4%

Gross profit

  61,343  25,798  35,545  137.8%

Operating expenses

  29,959  16,262  13,697  84.2%

Income from operations

  31,384  9,536  21,848  229.1%

Other income (expense):

             

Interest, net

  (3,505) (3,444) (61) 1.8%

Foreign currency gain (loss)

  149  (211) 360  (170.6)%

Other income

  61  19  42  221.1%

Income before taxes

  28,089  5,900  22,189  376.1%

Provision for income taxes

  (9,974) (2,334) (7,640) 327.3%

Net income from continuing operations

  18,115  3,566  14,549  407.9%

Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes

  (606) (2,763) 2,157  78.1%

Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of taxes

  887    887   

Net income

 $18,396 $803 $17,593  2,190.9%

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Net Sales

 
 Six Months Ended June 30,  
  
 
 
 2015 2014 $ Change % Change 
 
 (dollars in thousands)
 

Net sales by segment:

             

U.S Debit and Credit segment—Products

 $103,161 $46,727 $56,434  120.8%

U.S Debit and Credit segment—Services

  20,244  2,543  17,701  696.1%

U.S Debit and Credit segment—Total

  123,405  49,270  74,135  150.5%

U.S. Prepaid Debit segment—Products

  
  
  
  
 

U.S. Prepaid Debit segment—Services

  29,823  23,298  6,525  28.0%

U.S. Prepaid Debit segment—Total

  29,823  23,298  6,525  28.0%

U.K. Limited segment—Products

  
9,231
  
11,142
  
(1,911

)
 
(17.2

)%

U.K. Limited segment—Services

  4,687  5,188  (501) (9.7)%

U.K. Limited segment—Total

  13,918  16,330  (2,412) (14.8)%

Other—Products

  
4,818
  
5,177
  
(359

)
 
(6.9

)%

Other—Services

  5,104  6,006  (902) (15.0)%

Other—Total

  9,922  11,183  (1,261) (11.3)%

Inter-company eliminations

  (4,222) (4,314) 92  (2.1)%

Total

 $172,846 $95,767 $77,079  80.5%

        Net sales for the six months ended June 30, 2015 increased $77.1 million, or 80.5%, to $172.8 million compared to $95.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. The increase in net sales during the six months ended June 30, 2015 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2014 was due to growth in net sales of 150.5% and 28.0% in our U.S. Debit and Credit segment and U.S. Prepaid Debit segment, respectively, offset by a 14.8% decline in our U.K. Limited segment as compared to the same period in the prior year.

        Net sales for the U.S. Debit and Credit segment for the six months ended June 30, 2015 increased $74.1 million, or 150.5%, to $123.4 million compared to $49.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. The increase in net sales was driven by an increase in EMV related revenue of $59.0 million, a $15.5 million increase in card services revenue and a $7.3 million increase in instant issuance revenue, offset in part by a decline in magnetic stripe card revenue of $13.7 million. The increase in EMV revenue of $59.0 million was driven by our card issuing bank customers or end-users adopting EMV technology for debit and credit cards. For the six months ended June 30, 2015, we sold 74.7 million EMV cards at an Average Selling Price ("ASP") of $0.98 compared to 13.0 million EMV cards at an ASP of $1.08 for the six months ended June 30, 2014. The increase in card services revenue of $15.5 million was driven primarily by the impact of our acquisition of EFT Source on September 2, 2014. Likewise, the $7.3 million growth in instant issuance revenue was also driven by the acquisition of EFT Source, as well as continued growth of Card@Once® during the quarter. The $13.7 million decline in magnetic stripe revenue was primarily driven by our card issuing bank customers upgrading from magnetic stripe cards to EMV cards.

        Net sales for the U.S. Prepaid Debit segment for the six months ended June 30, 2015 increased $6.5 million, or 28.0%, to $29.8 million compared to $23.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. The increase was driven primarily by our largest customer for this segment refreshing its packaging designs, combined with growth in the overall market segment.


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        Net sales for the U.K. Limited segment for the six months ended June 30, 2015 declined $2.4 million, or 14.8%, to $13.9 million compared to $16.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. The decrease in net sales was primarily driven by a decrease in retail gift and loyalty card product and services net sales.

Cost of Sales


 Six Months Ended
June 30,
  
  
  Six Months Ended
June 30,
  
  
 

 2015 2014 $ Change % Change  2015 2014 $ Change % Change 

 (dollars in thousands)
  (dollars in thousands)
 

Cost of sales by segment:

                  

U.S Debit and Credit segment

 78,098 35,010 43,088 123.1% $78,098 $35,010 $43,088 123.1%

U.S. Prepaid Debit segment

 18,526 16,220 2,306 14.2% 18,526 16,220 2,306 14.2%

U.K. Limited segment

 10,550 12,955 (2,405) (18.6)% 10,550 12,955 (2,405) (18.6)%

Other

 7,955 8,869 (914) (10.3)% 7,955 8,869 (914) (10.3)%

Eliminations

 (3,626) (3,085) (541) 17.5% (3,626) (3,085) (541) 17.5%

Total

 111,503 69,969 41,534 59.4% $111,503 $69,969 $41,534 59.4%

        Cost of sales for the six months ended June 30, 2015 increased $41.5 million, or 59.4%, to $111.5 million compared to $70.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. Cost of sales for the U.S. Debit and Credit segment for the six months ended June 30, 2015 increased $43.1 million, or 123.1%, to $78.1 million compared to $35.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. The increase in cost of sales was driven by a $19.0 million increase in technology materials (primarily EMV chip assemblies), a $7.0 million increase in other materials, a $13.3 million increase in overhead, a $1.6 million increase in labor and benefits costs and a $0.5 million increase in depreciation and amortization expense. The $19.0 million increase in technology materials was driven by the increased number of EMV cards shipped as noted above and is a direct result of U.S. card issuing banks upgrading to EMV debit and credit cards, which include an integrated circuit chip assembly, and in certain cases may also include an RFID inlay assembly. The $7.0 million increase in other materials and $13.3 million increase in overhead expenses were driven primarily by the EFT Source acquisition and, to a lesser extent, by new secure EMV production and card services capacity that became operational in the second quarter of 2014. The $1.6 million increase in labor and benefits costs was driven by the acquisition of EFT Source and additional labor costs associated with the production of EMV cards, which have a higher labor cost component due to their complexity. Finally, increases in depreciation and amortization expense were driven by the EFT Source acquisition and the new secure EMV production and card services capacity noted above.

        Cost of sales for the U.S. Prepaid Debit segment for the six months ended June 30, 2015 increased $2.3 million, or 14.2%, to $18.5 million compared to $16.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. The increase in cost of sales was driven by the increased level of net sales referenced above, partially offset by more efficient production.

        Cost of sales for the U.K. Limited segment for the six months ended June 30, 2015 decreased $2.4 million, or 18.6%, to $10.6 million compared to $13.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. The decrease in cost of sales was driven by the decreased level of net sales referenced above and more efficient production.


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Gross Profit and Gross Profit Margin

 
 Six Months Ended June 30,  
  
 
 
 2015 % of
net sales
 2014 % of
net sales
 $ Change % Change 
 
 (dollars in thousands)
 

Gross profit by segment:

                   

U.S Debit and Credit segment

 $45,307  36.7%$14,260  28.9%$31,047  217.7%

U.S. Prepaid Debit segment

  11,297  37.9% 7,078  30.4% 4,219  59.6%

U.K. Limited segment

  3,368  24.2% 3,375  20.7% (7) (0.2)%

Other

  1,371  24.1% 1,085  15.8% 286  26.4%

Total

 $61,343  35.5%$25,798  26.9%$35,545  137.8%

        Gross profit for the six months ended June 30, 2015 increased $35.5 million, or 137.8%, to $61.3 million compared to $25.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. Gross profit margin for the six months ended June 30, 2015 increased to 35.5% compared to 26.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2014. Gross profit for the U.S. Debit and Credit segment for the six months ended June 30, 2015 increased $31.0 million, or 217.7%, to $45.3 million compared to $14.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. Gross profit margin for the U.S. Debit and Credit segment for the six months ended June 30, 2015 increased to 36.7% compared to 28.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2014. Increases in gross profit were driven by the increased level of net sales referenced above and an $11.1 million increase from the EFT Source acquisition.

        Gross profit for the U.S. Prepaid Debit segment for the six months ended June 30, 2015 increased $4.2 million, or 59.6%, to $11.3 million compared to $7.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. The increase in gross profit was primarily driven by the increased level of net sales referenced above and improved production efficiencies. Gross profit margin for the U.S. Prepaid Debit segment for the six months ended June 30, 2015 increased to 37.9% compared to 30.4% for the six months ended June 30, 2014.

        Gross profit for the U.K. Limited segment for the six months ended June 30, 2015 decreased 0.2% to $3.4 million. Gross profit margin for the U.K. Limited segment for the six months ended June 30, 2015 increased to 24.2% compared to 20.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2014. The decrease in gross profit was driven by decreases in retail gift and loyalty card product and services net sales, partially offset by more efficient production.

Operating Expenses

 
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
  
  
 
 
 2015 2014 $ Change % Change 
 
 (dollars in thousands)
 

Operating expenses by segment:

             

U.S Debit and Credit segment

 $12,191 $4,923 $7,268  147.6%

U.S. Prepaid Debit segment

  2,773  2,519  254  10.1%

U.K. Limited segment

  2,932  3,199  (267) (8.3)%

Other

  3,254  2,653  601  22.7%

Corporate

  8,809  2,968  5,841  196.8%

Total

 $29,959 $16,262 $13,697  84.2%

        Operating expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2015 increased $13.7 million, or 84.2%, to $30.0 million compared to $16.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. Excluding a charge of


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$1.5 million and a benefit of $0.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, related to our phantom stock plan, $0.4 million of transaction costs for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and $0.5 million of accrued performance bonus charges in connection with the EFT Source acquisition in the six months ended June 30, 2015, operating expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2015 increased $10.7 million, or 65.5%. The increase in operating expenses was driven primarily by a $7.3 million increase in the U.S. Debit and Credit segment and a $5.8 million increase in our corporate expenses. The $3.8 million increase in the U.S. Debit and Credit segment was driven by a $3.2 million increase related to the EFT Source acquisition and the remaining increase was primarily attributable to additional salary and benefit expenses related to the elevated levels of segment net sales discussed above. The $5.8 million increase in corporate expenses was primarily driven by the $2.1 million increase in charges related to our phantom stock plan, $0.4 million of transaction costs, $0.5 million related to accrued performance bonus in connection with the EFT Source acquisition, a $2.5 million increase in depreciation and amortization expense and a $0.6 million increase in corporate salaries.

Income from Operations and Operating Margin

 
 Six Months Ended June 30,  
  
 
 
 2015 % of
net sales
 2014 % of
net sales
 $ Change % Change 
 
 (dollars in thousands)
 

Income from operations by segment:

                   

U.S Debit and Credit segment

 $33,116  26.8%$9,337  19.0%$23,779  254.7%

U.S. Prepaid Debit segment

  8,524  28.6% 4,559  19.6% 3,965  87.0%

U.K. Limited segment

  436  3.1% 176  1.1% 260  147.7%

Other

  (1,883) (19.0)% (1,568) (14.0)% (315) 20.1%

Corporate

  (8,809)    (2,968)    (5,841)   

Total

 $31,384  18.2%$9,536  10.0%$21,848  229.1%

        Income from operations for the six months ended June 30, 2015 increased $21.8 million, or 229.1%, to $31.4 million compared to $9.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. Excluding a charge of $1.5 million and a benefit of $0.6 million, for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, related to our phantom stock plan, $0.4 million of transaction costs for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and $0.5 million of accrued performance bonuses in connection with the EFT Source acquisition in the six months ended June 30, 2015, income from operations for the six months ended June 30, 2015 increased $24.8 million, or 278.1%, relative to the six months ended June 30, 2014. Operating margins for the six months ended June 30, 2015 increased to 18.2% compared to 10.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2014. Excluding the charges related to our phantom stock plan and the EFT Source acquisition performance bonus charge discussed above, operating margins for the six months ended June 30, 2015 increased to 19.9% compared to 10.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2014.

        Income from operations for the U.S. Debit and Credit segment for the six months ended June 30, 2015 increased $23.8 million, or 254.7%, to $33.1 million compared to $9.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. Operating margins for the six months ended June 30, 2015 increased to 26.8% compared to 19.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2014. Income from operations for the U.S. Prepaid Debit segment for the six months ended June 30, 2015 increased $4.0 million, or 87.0%, to $8.5 million compared to $4.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. Operating margins for the six months ended June 30, 2015 increased to 28.6% compared to 19.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2014. Income from operations for the U.K. Limited segment for the six months ended June 30, 2015 increased $0.2 million, or 147.3%, to $0.4 million compared to $0.2 million for the six


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months ended June 30, 2014. Operating margins for the six months ended June 30, 2015 increased to 3.1% compared to 1.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2014.

        Interest income (expense).    Interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2015 increased $0.1 million, or 1.8%, to $3.5 million compared to $3.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. The increase in interest expense was driven by incremental indebtedness incurred in September 2014 in connection with the acquisition of EFT Source, partially offset by repayments of debt during the period.

        Provision for income taxes.    The provision for income taxes for the six months ended June 30, 2015 increased $7.7 million to $10.0 million compared to $2.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, driven by the increase in income before taxes of $22.2 million.

Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 Compared With Three Months Ended June 30, 2014

        The table below presents our results of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2015 compared with the three months ended June 30, 2014:

 
 Three Months Ended June 30,  
  
 
 
 2015 2014 Change % Change 
 
 (dollars in thousands)
 

Net Sales

             

Products

 $67,757 $33,574 $34,183  101.8%

Services

  27,779  19,662  8,117  41.3%

Total net sales

  95,536  53,236  42,300  79.5%

Cost of sales

  59,701  37,682  22,019  58.4%

Gross profit

  35,835  15,554  20,281  130.4%

Operating expenses

  16,148  8,685  7,463  85.9%

Income from operations

  19,687  6,869  12,818  186.6%

Other income (expense):

             

Interest — net

  (1,616) (1,761) 145  (8.2)%

Foreign currency gain/(loss)

  27  (33) 60  (181.8)%

Other income (expense)

  73  23  50  217.4%

Income before taxes

  18,171  5,098  13,073  256.4%

Provision for income taxes

  (6,016) (2,028) (3,988) 196.6%

Net income from continuing operations, net of taxes

  12,155  3,070  9,085  295.9%

Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes

    (1,167) 1,167  (100.0)%

Net income

 $12,155 $1,903 $10,252  538.7%

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Net Sales

 
 Three Months Ended June 30,  
  
 
 
 2015 2014 Change % Change 
 
 (dollars in thousands)
 

Net sales by segment:

             

U.S Debit and Credit segment — Products

 $62,829 $27,291 $35,538  130.2%

U.S Debit and Credit segment — Services

  10,525  1,292  9,233  714.6%

U.S Debit and Credit segment — Total

  73,354  28,583  44,771  156.6%

U.S. Prepaid Debit segment — Products

        0.0%

U.S. Prepaid Debit segment — Services

  12,392  13,015  (623) (4.8)%

U.S. Prepaid Debit segment — Total

  12,392  13,015  (623) (4.8)%

U.K. Limited segment — Products

  5,139  6,632  (1,493) (22.5)%

U.K. Limited segment — Services

  2,540  2,584  (44) (1.7)%

U.K. Limited segment — Total

  7,679  9,216  (1,537) (16.7)%

Other — Products

  2,924  2,403  521  21.7%

Other — Services

  2,895  2,839  56  2.0%

Other — Total

  5,819  5,242  577  11.0%

Inter-company eliminations

  (3,708) (2,820) (888) 31.5%

Total

 $95,536 $53,236 $42,300  79.5%

        Net sales for the three months ended June 30, 2015 increased $42.3 million, or 79.5%, to $95.5 million compared to $53.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014. The increase in net sales during the three months ended June 30, 2015 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2014 was due to growth in net sales of 156.6% in our U.S. Debit and Credit segment, offset by a 4.8% and 16.7% decline in our U.S. Prepaid Debit segment and U.K. Limited segment, respectively, as compared to the same period in the prior year.

        Net sales for the U.S. Debit and Credit segment for the three months ended June 30, 2015 increased $44.8 million, or 156.6%, to $73.4 million compared to $28.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014. The increase in net sales was driven by an increase in EMV related revenue of $38.6 million, a $8.7 million increase in card services revenue and a $2.9 million increase in instant issuance revenue, offset in part by a decline in magnetic stripe card revenue of $9.3 million. The increase in EMV revenue of $38.6 million was driven by our card issuing bank customers or end-users adopting EMV technology for debit and credit cards. For the three months ended June 30, 2015, we sold 49.8 million EMV cards at an ASP of $0.96 compared to 10.7 million EMV cards at an ASP of $0.94 for the three months ended June 30, 2014. The increase in card services revenue of $8.7 million was driven primarily by the impact of our acquisition of EFT Source on September 2, 2014. Likewise, the $2.9 million growth in instant issuance revenue was also driven by the acquisition of EFT Source, as well as continued growth of Card@Once® during the quarter. The $9.3 million decline in magnetic stripe revenue was primarily driven by our card issuing bank customers upgrading from magnetic stripe cards to EMV cards.

        Net sales for the U.S. Prepaid Debit segment for the three months ended June 30, 2015 decreased $0.6 million, or 4.8%, to $12.4 million compared to $13.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014. The decrease was driven by our largest customer for this segment refreshing its packaging designs in 2014, which resulted in unusually large sales which did not reoccur at the same levels in 2015. The decrease was partially offset by growth in 2015 net sales for the rest of the U.S. Prepaid Debit segment.


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        Net sales for the U.K. Limited segment for the three months ended June 30, 2015 declined $1.5 million, or 16.7%, to $7.7 million compared to $9.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014. The decrease in net sales was primarily driven by a decrease in retail gift and loyalty card product and services revenue.

Cost of Sales

 
 Three Months Ended June 30,  
  
 
 
 2015 2014 Change % Change 
 
 (dollars in thousands)
 

Cost of sales by segment:

             

U.S Debit and Credit segment

 $44,842 $20,361 $24,481  120.2%

U.S. Prepaid Debit segment

  7,784  8,372  (588) (7.0)%

U.K. Limited segment

  5,638  6,929  (1,291) (18.6)%

Other

  4,476  3,598  878  24.4%

Eliminations

  (3,039) (1,578) (1,461) 92.6%

Total

 $59,701 $37,682 $22,019  58.4%

        Cost of sales for the three months ended June 30, 2015 increased $22.0 million, or 58.4%, to $59.7 million compared to $37.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014. The increases in cost of sales were driven by a $12.1 million increase in technology materials (primarily EMV chip assemblies), a $1.5 million increase in other materials, a $6.9 million increase in overhead, and a $0.2 million increase in depreciation and amortization expense. The $12.1 million increase in technology materials was driven by the increased number of EMV cards produced as noted above and is a direct result of U.S. card issuing banks upgrading to EMV debit and credit cards which include an integrated circuit chip assembly, and in certain cases, may also include an RFID inlay assembly. The $1.5 million increase in other materials and $6.9 million increase in overhead expenses was driven primarily by the EFT Source acquisition. Finally, increases in depreciation and amortization expense were driven by the EFT Source acquisition and the new secure EMV production and card services capacity noted above.

        Cost of sales for the U.S. Debit and Credit segment for the three months ended June 30, 2015 increased $24.5 million, or 120.2%, to $44.8 million compared to $20.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, driven by increased net sales as referenced above.

        Cost of sales for the U.S. Prepaid Debit segment for the three months ended June 30, 2015 decreased $0.6 million, or 7.0%, to $7.8 million compared to $8.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014. The decrease in cost of sales was primarily driven by the decreased level of net sales referenced above.

        Cost of sales for the U.K. Limited segment for the three months ended June 30, 2015 decreased $1.3 million, or 18.6%, to $5.6 million compared to $6.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014. The decrease in cost of sales was driven by the decreased level of net sales referenced above and more efficient production.


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Gross Profit and Gross Profit Margin

 
 Three Months Ended June 30,  
  
  
  
 
 
 2015 % of net sales 2014 % of net sales Change % Change 
 
 (dollars in thousands)
 

Gross profit by segment:

                   

U.S Debit and Credit segment

 $28,512  38.9%$8,222  28.8%$20,290  246.8%

U.S. Prepaid Debit segment

  4,608  37.2% 4,644  35.7% (36) (0.8)%

U.K. Limited segment

  2,041  26.6% 2,287  24.8% (246) (10.8)%

Other

  674  31.9% 402  16.6% 272  67.7%

Total

 $35,835  37.5%$15,555  29.2%$20,280  130.4%

        Gross profit for the three months ended June 30, 2015 increased $20.3 million, or 130.4%, to $35.8 million compared to $15.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014. Gross profit margin for the three months ended June 30, 2015 increased to 37.5% compared to 29.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2014. Gross profit for the U.S. Debit and Credit segment for the three months ended June 30, 2015 increased $20.3 million, or 246.8%, to $28.5 million compared to $8.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014. The increase in gross profit for the U.S. Debit and Credit segment was primarily a result of increased EMV revenues combined with the EFT Source acquisition. Gross profit margin for the U.S. Debit and Credit segment for the three months ended June 30, 2015 increased to 38.9% compared to 28.8% for the three months ended June 30, 2014.

        Gross profit for the U.S. Prepaid Debit segment for the three months ended June 30, 2015 of $4.6 million was flat as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2014, with improved production efficiencies offsetting decreased net sales. Gross profit margin for the U.S. Prepaid Debit segment for the three months ended June 30, 2015 increased to 37.2% compared to 35.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2014.

        Gross profit for the U.K. Limited segment for the three months ended June 30, 2015 decreased 10.8% to $2.0 million. Gross profit margin for the U.K. Limited segment for the three months ended June 30, 2015 increased to 26.6% compared to 24.8% for the three months ended June 30, 2014. Increases in gross profit was driven more efficient production partially offset by decreases in retail gift and loyalty card product and services net sales.

Operating Expenses

 
 Three Months Ended June 30,  
  
 
 
 2015 2014 Change % Change 
 
 (dollars in thousands)
 

Operating expenses by segment:

             

U.S Debit and Credit segment

 $6,372 $2,582 $3,790  146.8%

U.S. Prepaid Debit segment

  1,396  1,316  80  6.1%

U.K. Limited segment

  1,555  1,688  (133) (7.9)%

Other

  1,799  1,422  377  26.5%

Corporate

  5,026  1,677  3,349  199.7%

Total

 $16,148 $8,685 $7,463  85.9%

        Operating expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2015 increased $7.5 million, or 85.9%, to $16.1 million compared to $8.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014. The increase in operating expenses was driven primarily by a $3.8 million increase in the U.S. Debit and Credit


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segment and a $3.3 million increase in our corporate expenses. The $3.8 million increase in the U.S. Debit and Credit segment was driven by a $3.2 million increase related to the EFT Source acquisition and the remaining increase was primarily attributable to additional salary and benefit expenses related to the elevated levels of segment net sales discussed above. The $3.3 million increase in corporate expenses was primarily driven by the $1.1 million increase in charges related to our phantom stock plan, $0.3 million related to accrued performance bonus in connection with the EFT Source acquisition, a $0.7 million increase in depreciation and amortization expense, a $0.2 million increase in corporate salaries and a $0.9 million increase in other general and administrative expenses.

Income from Operations and Operating Margin

 
 Three Months Ended June 30,  
  
  
  
 
 
 2015 % of net sales 2014 % of net sales Change % Change 
 
 (dollars in thousands)
 

Income from operations by segment:

                   

U.S Debit and Credit segment

 $22,140  30.2%$5,640  19.7%$16,500  292.6%

U.S. Prepaid Debit segment

  3,212  25.9% 3,327  25.6% (115) (3.5)%

U.K. Limited segment

  486  6.3% 599  6.5% (113) (18.9)%

Other

  (1,125) (19.3)% (1,020) (19.5)% (105) 10.3%

Corporate

  (5,026)    (1,677)    (3,349)   

Total

 $19,687  20.6%$6,869  12.9%$12,818  186.6%

        Income from operations for the three months ended June 30, 2015 increased $12.8 million, or 186.6%, to $19.7 million compared to $6.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014. Excluding charges of $0.9 million and a benefit of $0.2 million, for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, related to our phantom stock plan and $0.3 million of accrued performance bonuses in connection with the EFT Source acquisition in the three months ended June 30, 2015, income from operations for the three months ended June 30, 2015 increased $14.2 million, or 213.2%, relative to the three months ended June 30, 2014. Operating margins for the three months ended June 30, 2015 increased to 20.6% compared to 12.9% for the three months ended June 30, 2014. Excluding the charges related to our phantom stock plan and the EFT Source acquisition performance bonus charge discussed above, operating margins for the three months ended June 30, 2015 increased to 21.9% compared to 12.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2014.

        Income from operations for the U.S. Debit and Credit segment for the three months ended June 30, 2015 increased $16.5 million, or 292.6%, to $22.1 million compared to $5.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014. Operating margins for the three months ended June 30, 2015 increased to 30.2% compared to 19.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2014. Income from operations for the U.S. Prepaid Debit segment for the three months ended June 30, 2015 decreased $0.1 million, or 3.5%, to $3.2 million compared to $3.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014. Operating margins for the three months ended June 30, 2015 increased to 25.9% compared to 25.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2014. Income from operations for the U.K. Limited segment for the three months ended June 30, 2015 decreased $0.1 million, or 18.9%, to $0.5 million compared to $0.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014. Operating margins for the three months ended June 30, 2015 decreased to 6.3% compared to 6.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2014.

        Interest income (expense).    Interest expense for the three months ended June 30, 2015 decreased $0.1 million, or 8.2%, to $1.6 million compared to $1.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014 as a result of decreased debt levels.


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        Provision for income taxes.    The provision for income taxes for the three months ended June 30, 2015 increased $4.0 million to $6.0 million compared to $2.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, driven by the increase in income before taxes of $13.1 million.

Year Ended December 31, 2014 Compared With Year Ended December 31, 2013

        The table below presents our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:

 
 Year Ended
December 31,
  
  
 
 
 2014 2013 $ Change % Change 
 
 (dollars in thousands)
 

Net sales:

             

Products

 $159,220 $101,360 $57,860  57.1%

Services

  101,786  95,010  6,776  7.1%

Total net sales

  261,006  196,370  64,636  32.9%

Cost of sales

  179,279  136,874  42,405  31.0%

Gross profit

  81,727  59,496  22,231  37.4%

Operating expenses

  47,255  33,347  13,908  41.7%

Income from operations

  34,472  26,149  8,323  31.8%

Other income (expense):

             

Interest, net

  (7,508) (7,838) 330  4.2%

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

  (124) (142) 18  12.7%

Loss on debt modification and early extinguishment

  (476)   (476)  

Other (expense) income

  (101) 18  (119) (661.1)%

Income before taxes

  26,263  18,187  8,076  44.4%

Provision for income taxes

  (10,291) (6,988) (3,303) (47.3)%

Net income from continuing operations

  15,972  11,199  4,773  42.6%

Loss from discontinued operations

  (2,670) (2,612) (58) (2.2)%

Net income

 $13,302 $8,587 $4,715  54.9%

Table of Contents

 
 Year Ended
December 31,
  
  
 
 
 2014 2013 $ Change % Change 
 
 (dollars in thousands)
 

Net sales by segment:

             

U.S. Debit and Credit segment—Products

 $132,975 $86,302 $46,673  54.1%

U.S. Debit and Credit segment—Services

  20,040  5,324  14,716  276.4%

U.S. Debit and Credit segment—Total

  153,015  91,626  61,389  67.0%

U.S. Prepaid Debit segment—Products

  
  
  
  
 

U.S. Prepaid Debit segment—Services

  59,271  65,895  (6,624) (10.1)%

U.S. Prepaid Debit segment—Total

  59,271  65,895  (6,624) (10.1)%

U.K. Limited segment—Products

  
24,623
  
22,238
  
2,385
  
10.7

%

U.K. Limited segment—Services

  10,540  11,004  (464) (4.2)%

U.K. Limited segment—Total

  35,163  33,242  1,921  5.8%

Other—Products

  
11,682
  
10,907
  
775
  
7.1

%

Other—Services

  12,226  13,771  (1,545) (11.2)%

Other—Total

  23,908  24,678  (770) (3.1)%

Inter-company eliminations

  
(10,351

)
 
(19,071

)
 
8,720
  
(45.7

)%

Total

 $261,006 $196,370 $64,636  32.9%

        Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased $64.6 million, or 32.9%, to $261.0 million compared to $196.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase in net sales during 2014 was due to growth in net sales of 67.0% and 5.8% in our U.S. Debit and Credit segment and U.K. Limited segment, respectively, offset by a 10.1% decline in our U.S. Prepaid Debit segment as compared to 2013.

        Net sales for the U.S. Debit and Credit segment for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased $61.4 million, or 67.0%, to $153.0 million compared to $91.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase in net sales was driven by an increase in EMV related revenue of $58.2 million, a $14.7 million increase in card services revenue, a $7.4 million increase in instant issuance revenue and various other items, offset by declines in magnetic stripe card revenue of $12.0 million and contactless card revenue of $2.4 million. The increase in EMV revenue of $58.2 million was driven by our card issuing bank customers or end-users adopting EMV technology for debit and credit cards. For the year ended December 31, 2014, we sold 62.5 million EMV cards (approximately 5.7% of which were Dual-Interface EMV) at an average selling price of $1.06 per card compared to 5.6 million EMV cards (approximately 12.7% of which were Dual-Interface EMV) at an average selling price of $1.28 per card for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase in card services revenue of $14.7 million was driven primarily by the impact of our acquisition of EFT Source on September 2, 2014, including new personalization customers coming onto our acquired service platform and services related to debit and credit cards reissued in response to data breaches at large U.S. retailers. Likewise, the $7.4 million growth in instant issuance revenue was also driven by the acquisition of EFT Source, as well as continued growth of Card@Once® in 2014. The $12.0 million decline in magnetic stripe revenue and the $2.4 million decline in contactless revenue were primarily driven by our card issuing bank customers upgrading from magnetic stripe cards and contactless cards to EMV cards.


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        Net sales for the U.S. Prepaid Debit segment for the year ended December 31, 2014 decreased $6.6 million, or 10.1%, to $59.3 million compared to $65.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The decline was driven primarily by our largest customer for this segment drawing down inventory levels.

        Net sales for the U.K. Limited segment for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased $1.9 million, or 5.8%, to $35.2 million compared to $33.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase in sales was primarily driven by a $1.9 million increase in retail gift and loyalty card product and services revenue.

 
 Year Ended
December 31,
  
  
 
 
 2014 2013 $ Change % Change 
 
 (dollars in thousands)
 

Cost of sales by segment:

             

U.S. Debit and Credit segment

 $103,555 $66,585 $36,970  55.5%

U.S. Prepaid Debit segment

  38,249  43,010  (4,761) (11.1)%

U.K. Limited segment

  26,992  25,576  1,416  5.5%

Other

  20,926  21,718  (792) (3.6)%

Eliminations

  (10,443) (20,015) 9,572  47.8%

Total

 $179,279 $136,874 $42,405  31.0%

        Cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased $42.4 million, or 31.0%, to $179.3 million compared to $136.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Cost of sales for the U.S. Debit and Credit segment for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased $37.0 million, or 55.5%, to $103.6 million compared to $66.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increases in cost of sales were driven by a $21.2 million increase in technology materials (primarily EMV chip assemblies), a $4.4 million increase in other materials, a $6.8 million increase in overhead, a $5.3 million increase in labor and benefits costs and a $1.1 million increase in depreciation and amortization. The $21.2 million increase in technology materials was driven by the increased number of EMV cards shipped as noted above and is a direct result of U.S. card issuing banks upgrading debit and credit cards to EMV which include an integrated circuit chip assembly and in certain cases may also include an RFID inlay assembly. The $6.8 million increase in overhead expenses and the $4.4 million increase in other materials was driven primarily by the EFT Source acquisition and to a lesser extent by our new secure EMV production and card services facility that became operational in 2014. The $5.3 million increase in labor costs was driven by the acquisition of EFT Source and additional labor costs associated with the production of EMV cards which are more complex than non-EMV cards and therefore have a higher labor component. Finally, increases in depreciation and amortization expense were driven by the EFT Source acquisition and the new secure EMV production and card services facility noted above.

        Cost of sales for the U.S. Prepaid Debit segment for the year ended December 31, 2014 decreased $4.8 million, or 11.1%, to $38.2 million compared to $43.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The decrease in cost of sales was driven by the reduced level of net sales referenced above and more efficient production, partially offset by increased depreciation from elevated levels of capital investment during 2013 and 2014 to expand our tamper-evident security packaging capacity.

        Cost of sales for the U.K. Limited segment for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased $1.4 million, or 5.5%, to $27.0 million compared to $25.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Increases in cost of sales was driven by a $0.9 million increase in labor costs and a $0.7 million increase in materials costs which were partially offset by a decrease in depreciation and amortization.


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The increase in labor and material expense was driven by the increased level of net sales in 2014, as compared to 2013, noted above.

 
 Year Ended December 31,  
  
 
 
 2014 % of
net sales
 2013 % of
net sales
 $ Change % Change 
 
 (dollars in thousands)
 

Gross profit by segment:

                   

U.S. Debit and Credit segment

 $49,460  32.3%$25,041  27.3%$24,419  97.5%

U.S. Prepaid Debit segment

  21,022  35.5% 22,885  34.7% (1,863) (8.1)%

U.K. Limited segment

  8,171  23.2% 7,666  23.1% 505  6.6%

Other

  3,074  12.9% 3,904  15.8% (830) (21.3)%

Total

 $81,727  31.3%$59,496  30.3%$22,231  37.4%

        Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased $22.2 million, or 37.4%, to $81.7 million compared to $59.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Gross profit margin for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased to 31.3% compared to 30.3% for the year ended December 31, 2013. Gross profit for the U.S. Debit and Credit segment for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased $24.4 million, or 97.5%, to $49.5 million compared to $25.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Gross profit margin for the U.S. Debit and Credit segment for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased to 32.3% compared to 27.3% for the year ended December 31, 2013. Increases in gross profit were driven by a $14.0 million contribution from increased EMV volumes (net of reduced gross profit from non-EMV cards) and a $10.5 million increase from the EFT Source acquisition.

        Gross profit for the U.S. Prepaid Debit segment for the year ended December 31, 2014 decreased $1.9 million, or 8.1%, to $21.0 million compared to $22.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The decrease in gross profit was primarily driven by a reduced level of net sales referenced above, partially offset by the improved production efficiencies at this segment. Gross profit margin for the U.S. Prepaid Debit segment for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased to 35.5% compared to 34.7% for the year ended December 31, 2013.

        Gross profit for the U.K. Limited segment for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased $0.5 million, or 6.6%, to $8.2 million compared to $7.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Gross profit margin for the U.K. Limited segment for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased to 23.2% compared to 23.1% for the year ended December 31, 2013. Increases in gross profit were driven by increased retail gift and loyalty card product and services revenue which drove a $0.5 million increase in gross profit.


Table of Contents

 
 Year Ended
December 31,
  
  
 
 
 2014 2013 $ Change % Change 
 
 (dollars in thousands)
 

Operating expenses by segment:

             

U.S. Debit and Credit segment

 $15,053 $9,730 $5,323  54.7%

U.S. Prepaid Debit segment

  5,266  4,976  290  5.8%

U.K. Limited segment

  6,396  6,301  95  1.5%

Other

  5,457  5,549  (92) (1.7)%

Corporate

  15,083  6,791  8,292  122.1%

Total

 $47,255 $33,347 $13,908  41.7%

        Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased $13.9 million, or 41.7%, to $47.2 million compared to $33.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Excluding charges of $4.5 million and $0.6 million, in 2014 and 2013, respectively, related to our phantom stock plan and investment banking, advisory and related professional fees in 2014 of $2.1 million, operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased $7.9 million, or 24.1%. The increase in operating expenses was driven primarily by a $5.3 million increase in the U.S. Debit and Credit segment and a $8.3 million increase in our corporate expenses. The $5.3 million increase in the U.S. Debit and Credit segment was driven by a $4.1 million increase related to the EFT Source acquisition and the remaining increase was primarily attributable to additional selling, salary and other expenses related to the elevated levels of segment net sales discussed above. The $8.3 million increase in corporate expenses was primarily driven by the $4.5 million charge related to our phantom stock plan, $2.1 million related to investment banking, advisory and related professional fees, and a $1.3 million increase in corporate salaries and management incentive payments.

 
 Year Ended December 31,  
  
 
 
 2014 % of
net sales
 2013 % of
net sales
 $ Change % Change 
 
 (dollars in thousands)
 

Income from operations by segment:

                   

U.S. Debit and Credit segment

 $34,407  22.5%$15,311  16.7%$19,096  124.7%

U.S. Prepaid Debit segment

  15,756  26.6% 17,909  27.2% (2,153) (12.0)%

U.K. Limited segment

  1,775  5.0% 1,365  4.1% 410  30.0%

Other

  (2,383) (10.0)% (1,645) (6.7)% (738) (44.9)%

Corporate

  (15,083)    (6,791)          (8,292)         

Total

 $34,472  13.2%$26,149  13.3%$8,323  31.8%

        Income from operations for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased $8.3 million, or 31.8%, to $34.5 million compared to $26.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Excluding the 2014 and 2013 charges of $4.5 million and $0.6 million, respectively, related to our phantom stock plan and investment banking, advisory and related professional fees in 2014 of $2.1 million, income from operations for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased $14.3 million, or 53.3%, relative to the year ended December 31, 2013. Operating margins for the year ended December 31, 2014 decreased to 13.2% compared to 13.3% for the year ended December 31, 2013. Excluding the 2014 and 2013 charges related to our phantom stock plan and investment banking, advisory and related professional fees discussed above, operating margins for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased to 15.7% compared to 13.6% for the year ended December 31, 2013.


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        Income from operations for the U.S. Debit and Credit segment for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased $19.1 million, or 124.7%, to $34.4 million compared to $15.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Operating margins for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased to 22.5% compared to 16.7% for the year ended December 31, 2013. Income from operations for the U.S. Prepaid Debit segment for the year ended December 31, 2014 decreased $2.2 million, or 12.0%, to $15.8 million compared to $17.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Operating margins for the year ended December 31, 2014 decreased to 26.6% compared to 27.2% for the year ended December 31, 2013. Income from operations for the U.K. Limited segment for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased $0.4 million, or 30.0%, to $1.8 million compared to $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Operating margins for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased to 5.0% compared to 4.1% for the year ended December 31, 2013.

        Interest income (expense).    Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 decreased $0.3 million, or 4.2%, to $7.5 million compared to $7.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The decrease in interest expense was driven by a reduction in borrowing rates negotiated with our lenders in September 2014 which was partially offset by additional interest expense related to incremental indebtedness incurred in September 2014 in connection with the acquisition of EFT Source.

        Loss on debt modification and early extinguishment.    Loss on debt modification and early extinguishment for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $0.5 million driven by a write-off of capitalized debt expense in connection with the debt modification described above.

        Provision for income taxes.    The provision for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased $3.3 million, to $10.3 million, compared to $7.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 driven by the increase in income before taxes of $8.1 million.

Fourth Quarter

        Our fourth quarter net sales performance has historically been strong. Net sales for our U.S. Debit & Credit segment grew by 186.3% in the fourth quarter of 2014 versus a decline of 5.3% in the fourth quarter of 2013, compared to the prior year. Net sales for our U.S. Prepaid Debit segment declined by 14.8% in the fourth quarter of 2014 and 33.1% in the fourth quarter of 2013, compared to the prior year. Net sales for our U.K. Limited segment grew by 11.3% in the fourth quarter of 2014 and 0.4% in the fourth quarter of 2013, compared to the prior year.

        Adjusted EBITDA margins in the fourth quarter of 2014 continued to improve over the fourth quarter of 2013 due to increased operating leverage driven by increased net sales. The increases in net sales have been primarily driven by an increase in the shipment of EMV Financial Payment Cards, which generally have higher selling prices and gross profits than the non-EMV Financial Payment Cards that they are replacing.

        The fourth quarter of 2014 benefited from the EFT Source acquisition on September 2, 2014, which became part of our U.S. Debit and Credit segment. The fourth quarter of 2014 also benefited from a sharp increase in the shipment of EMV Financial Payment Cards as U.S. debit and credit card issuers began the process of upgrading non-EMV Financial Payment Cards to EMV Financial Payment Cards.


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Year Ended December 31, 2013 Compared With Year Ended December 31, 2012

        The table below presents our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:

 
 Year Ended December 31,  
  
 
 
 2013 2012 $ Change % Change 
 
 (dollars in thousands)
 

Net Sales

             

Products

 $101,360 $98,969 $2,391  2.4%

Services

  95,010  84,817  10,193  12.0%

Total net sales

  196,370  183,786  12,584  6.8%

Cost of sales

  136,874  130,897  5,977  4.6%

Gross profit

  59,496  52,889  6,607  12.5%

Operating expenses

  33,347  32,985  362  1.1%

Income from operations

  26,149  19,904  6,245  31.4%

Other income (expense):

             

Interest, net

  (7,838) (5,765) (2,073) 36.0%

Foreign currency gain (loss)

  (142) (279) 137  (49.1)%

Gain on purchase of ID Data

    604  (604) (100.0)%

Other income

  18  171  (153) (89.5)%
���

Income before taxes

  18,187  14,635  3,552  24.3%

Provision for income taxes

  (6,988) (5,909) (1,079) 18.3%

Net income from continuing operations

  11,199  8,726  2,473  28.3%

Loss from discontinued operations

  (2,612) (3,796) 1,184  (31.2)%

Net income

 $8,587 $4,930 $3,657  74.2%

Net Sales

 
 Year Ended December 31,  
  
 
 
 2013 2012 $ Change % Change 
 
 (dollars in thousands)
 

Net sales by segment:

             

U.S. Debit and Credit segment—Products

 $86,302 $79,266 $7,036  8.9%

U.S. Debit and Credit segment—Services

  5,324  2,336  2,988  127.9%

U.S. Debit and Credit segment—Total

  91,626  81,602  10,024  12.3%

U.S. Prepaid Debit segment—Products

          

U.S. Prepaid Debit segment—Services

  65,895  64,624  1,271  2.0%

U.S. Prepaid Debit segment—Total

  65,895  64,624  1,271  2.0%

U.K. Limited segment—Products

  22,238  22,162  76  0.3%

U.K. Limited segment—Services

  11,004  11,973  (969) (8.1)%

U.K. Limited segment—Total

  33,242  34,135  (893) (2.6)%

Other—Products

  10,907  11,215  (308) (2.7)%

Other—Services

  13,771  7,277  6,494  89.2%

Other—Total

  24,678  18,492  6,186  33.5%

Inter-company eliminations

  (19,071) (15,067) (4,004) 26.6%

Total

 $196,370 $183,786 $12,584  6.8%

Table of Contents

        Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased $12.6 million, or 6.8%, to $196.4 million compared to $183.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase in net sales during the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012 was primarily due to growth in net sales of 12.3% in our U.S. Debit and Credit segment and 33.5% in our other operating segments.

        Net sales for the U.S. Debit and Credit segment for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased $10.0 million, or 12.3%, to $91.6 million compared to $81.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase in net sales was primarily driven by increases in Contactless Card related net sales of $7.0 million and card services net sales of $3.0 million.

        Net sales for the U.S. Prepaid Debit segment for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased $1.3 million, or 2.0%, to $65.9 million compared to $64.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase in net sales was due to increased demand for tamper-evident security packaging for Prepaid Debit Card customers.

        Net sales for the U.K. Limited segment for the year ended December 31, 2013 declined $0.9 million, or 2.6%, to $33.2 million compared to $34.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The decrease in net sales was primarily due to the strengthening U.S. dollar.

        Net sales for the other operating segments for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased $6.2 million, or 33.5%, to $24.7 million compared to $18.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase in net sales was primarily driven by the full-year impact of the ID Data acquisition.

Cost of Sales

 
 Year Ended December 31,  
  
 
 
 2013 2012 $ Change % Change 
 
 (dollars in thousands)
 

Cost of sales by segment:

             

U.S. Debit and Credit segment

 $66,585 $60,280 $6,305  10.5%

U.S. Prepaid Debit segment

  43,010  43,310  (300) (0.7)%

U.K. Limited segment

  25,576  26,001  (425) (1.6)%

Other

  21,718  16,146  5,572  34.5%

Eliminations

  (20,015) (14,840) (5,175) 34.9%

Total

 $136,874 $130,897 $5,977  4.6%

        Cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased $6.0 million, or 4.6%, to $136.9 million compared to $130.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Cost of sales for the U.S. Debit and Credit segment for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased $6.3 million, or 10.5%, to $66.6 million compared to $60.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase in cost of sales was primarily driven by an increase in technology materials (primarily RFID inlay assemblies), as well as increases in labor and overhead related to the elevated level of Contactless Card net sales referenced above. The increase was also driven by costs associated with the increased levels of card services net sales.

        Cost of sales for the U.S. Prepaid Debit segment for the year ended December 31, 2013 decreased $0.3 million, or 0.7%, to $43.0 million compared to $43.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The decrease in cost of sales was driven by more efficient production.

        Cost of sales for the U.K. Limited segment for the year ended December 31, 2013 decreased $0.4 million, or 1.6%, to $25.6 million compared to $26.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The decrease in cost of sales was driven by the decreased level of net sales referenced above.


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        Cost of sales for the other operating segments for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased $5.6 million, or 34.5%, to $21.7 million compared to $16.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase in cost of sales was primarily driven by the full-year impact of the ID Data acquisition.

Gross Profit and Gross Profit Margin

 
 Year Ended December 31,  
  
  
  
 
 
 2013 % of
net sales
 2012 % of
net sales
 $ Change % Change 
 
 (dollars in thousands)
  
  
 

Gross profit by segment:

                   

U.S. Debit and Credit segment

 $25,041  27.3%$21,322  26.1%$3,719  17.4%

U.S. Prepaid Debit segment

  22,885  34.7% 21,314  33.0% 1,571  7.4%

U.K. Limited segment

  7,666  23.1% 8,134  23.8% (468) (5.8)%

Other

  3,904  15.8% 2,119  11.5% 1,785  84.2%

Total

 $59,496  30.3%$52,889  28.8%$6,607  12.5%

        Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased $6.6 million, or 12.5%, to $59.5 million compared to $52.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Gross profit margin for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased to 30.3% compared to 28.8% for the year ended December 31, 2012. Gross profit for the U.S. Debit and Credit segment for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased $3.7 million, or 17.4%, to $25.0 million compared to $21.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Gross profit margin for the U.S. Debit and Credit segment for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased to 27.3% compared to 26.1% for the year ended December 31, 2012. Increases in U.S. Debit and Credit segment gross profit were driven by an increased level of net sales referenced above.

        Gross profit for the U.S. Prepaid Debit segment for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased $1.6 million, or 7.4%, to $22.9 million compared to $21.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase in gross profit was primarily driven by the increased level of net sales referenced above and improved production efficiencies. Gross profit margin for the U.S. Prepaid Debit segment for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased to 34.7% compared to 33.0% for the year ended December 31, 2012.

        Gross profit for the U.K. Limited segment for the year ended December 31, 2013 decreased 5.8% to $7.7 million compared to $8.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Gross profit margin for the U.K. Limited segment for the year ended December 31, 2013 decreased to 23.1% compared to 23.8% for the year ended December 31, 2012. The declines in gross profit were driven by the decrease in net sales referenced above.

        Gross profit for the other operating segment for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased $1.8 million, or 84.2%, to $3.9 million compared to $2.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase in gross profit was primarily driven by the full-year impact of the ID Data acquisition.


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Operating Expenses

 
 Year Ended December 31,  
  
 
 
 2013 2012 $ Change % Change 
 
 (dollars in thousands)
 

Operating expenses by segment:

             

U.S. Debit and Credit segment

 $9,730 $9,455 $275  2.9%

U.S. Prepaid Debit segment

  4,976  4,643  333  7.2%

U.K. Limited segment

  6,301  5,989  312  5.2%

Other

  5,549  5,001  548  11.0%

Corporate

  6,791  7,897  (1,106) (14.0)%

Total

 $33,347 $32,985 $362  1.1%

        Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased $0.4 million, or 1.1%, to $33.3 million compared to $33.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Excluding a charge of $0.6 million for the year ended 2013 related to our phantom stock plan, operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2013 decreased $0.3 million, or 0.8%, to $32.7 million compared to $33.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Income from Operations and Operating Margin

 
 Year Ended December 31,  
  
  
  
 
 
 2013 % of
net sales
 2012 % of
net sales
 $ Change % Change 
 
 (dollars in thousands)
  
  
 

Income from operations by segment:

                   

U.S. Debit and Credit segment

 $15,311  16.7%$11,867  14.5%$3,444  29.0%

U.S. Prepaid Debit segment

  17,909  27.2% 16,671  25.8% 1,238  7.4%

U.K. Limited segment

  1,365  4.1% 2,145  6.3% (780) (36.4)%

Other

  (1,645) (6.7)% (2,882) (15.6%) 1,237  (42.9)%

Corporate

  (6,791)    (7,897)    1,106    

Total

 $26,149  13.3%$19,904  10.8%$6,245  31.4%

        Income from operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased $6.2 million, or 31.4%, to $26.1 million compared to $19.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Operating margins for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased to 13.3% compared to 10.8% for the year ended December 31, 2012.

        Excluding charges of $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 related to our phantom stock plan, income from operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased $6.8 million, or 34.4%, to $26.7 million compared to $19.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Excluding the charge related to our phantom stock plan discussed above, operating margins for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased to 13.6% compared to 10.8% for the year ended December 31, 2012.

        Income from operations for the U.S. Debit and Credit segment for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased $3.4 million, or 29.0%, to $15.3 million compared to $11.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Operating margins for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased to 16.7% compared to 14.5% for the year ended December 31, 2012. Income from operations for the U.S. Prepaid Debit segment for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased $1.2 million, or 7.4%, to $17.9 million compared to $16.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Operating margins for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased to 27.2% compared to 25.8% for the year ended December 31, 2012. Income from operations for the U.K. Limited segment for the year ended


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December 31, 2013 decreased $0.8 million, or 36.4%, to $1.4 million from $2.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Operating margins for the year ended December 31, 2013 decreased to 4.1% compared to 6.3% for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Interest income (expense)

        Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased $2.1 million, or 36.0%, to $7.8 million compared to $5.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase in interest expense was driven by incremental indebtedness incurred in November 2012 in connection with a redemption of preferred stock.

Provision for income taxes

        The provision for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased $1.1 million to $7.0 million compared to $5.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 driven by the increase in income before taxes of $3.6 million.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

        As of June 30, 2015, we had $13.0 million of cash and cash equivalents. Of this amount, $1.9 million was held in accounts outside of the United States.

        On August 17, 2015, we and certain of our wholly-owned subsidiaries entered into the New Credit Agreement with a syndicate of lenders providing for the New Credit Facility, consisting of the $435 million New Term Loan Facility and the $40 million New Revolving Credit Facility. The New Term Loan Facility and New Revolving Credit Facility mature on August 17, 2022 and August 17, 2020, respectively. We used proceeds from the New Term Loan Facility to effect the Partial Preferred Redemption and to refinance our previously outstanding credit facility.

        Interest rates under our New Credit Facility are based, at the company's election, on either a Eurodollar rate plus a margin of 4.50% or a base rate plus a margin of 3.50%. Letters of credit are subject to a 0.125% fronting fee payable to the issuing bank and a fee payable to the revolving lenders equal to the margin applicable to Eurodollar revolving loans. In addition, we are required to pay an unused commitment fee ranging from 0.50% per annum to 0.375% per annum of the average unused portion of the revolving commitments. The unused commitment fee is determined on the basis of a grid that results in a lower unused commitment fee as our total net leverage ratio declines.

        Our New Credit Facility contains customary covenants, including among other things, restrictions on indebtedness, issuance of liens, investments, dividends, redemptions and other distributions to equityholders, asset sales, certain mergers or consolidations, sales, transfers, leases or dispositions of substantially all of our assets, and affiliate transactions. See "Description of Certain Indebtedness."

        We expect to use approximately $         million of the proceeds from this offering to repay indebtedness under the New Term Loan Facility incurred in connection with the Partial Preferred Redemption. Following this offering and the use of proceeds therefrom, we expect to have approximately $         million of availability under our New Credit Facility to fund working capital and other liquidity needs.

        As of August 17, 2015, we were in compliance with all covenants under the New Credit Facility. As of August 17, 2015, we had no amounts drawn under the New Revolving Credit Facility and $435.0 million of outstanding borrowings under the New Term Loan Facility.

        On August 17, 2015, we redeemed 62,140 shares of Series A Preferred Stock and paid an aggregate of $276.3 million in return of capital and accrued dividends, net of the repayment of certain employee loans. Following the Partial Preferred Redemption, we had 2,576 shares of Series A Preferred Stock outstanding. The Series A Preferred Stock has an initial liquidation preference equal to $1,000 per outstanding share. In addition, the Series A Preferred Stock liquidation preference accrues a


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dividend of 20% per share per annum, payable when declared by the board of directors. Such dividends accrue on each share from the date of original issuance and accrue on a daily basis, whether or not declared. Such dividends are cumulative so that if such dividend in respect of any previous or current annual dividend period, at the annual 20% rate, has not been paid, the deficiency shall first be fully paid before any dividend or other distribution shall be paid or declared and set apart for the Common Stock. As of August 17, 2015, the liquidation preference of Series A Preferred Stock had a value of approximately $4,446.70 per outstanding share. We expect to use approximately $11.5 million of the proceeds from this offering to redeem the remaining outstanding shares of our preferred stock.

        We believe that our cash flows from operations, combined with our current cash levels and available borrowing capacity, 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 for at least the next 12 months.

        Cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was $18.9 million, compared to $1.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. Cash provided by operating activities increased during the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same period in the prior year primarily as a result of a $21.5 million increase in cash operating net income (net income adjusted for changes in non-cash charges related to our phantom stock plan of $2.1 million, depreciation and amortization expense of $0.8 million and loss on sale of discontinued operation of $1.0 million), which was driven primarily by strong performance in our U.S. Debit and Credit and U.S. Prepaid segments, partially offset by increases in corporate spending. The increase in cash operating net income was reduced by a $7.0 million increase in cash used to pay taxes, offset by a $3.9 million net decrease in working capital investments.

        Cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $26.6 million, compared to $23.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Cash provided by operating activities increased during the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily due to a $12.7 million increase in cash operating income (operating income from continuing and discontinued operations as adjusted for changes in non-cash charges related to our phantom stock plan of $3.9 million and depreciation and amortization expense of $0.5 million) which was primarily driven by the significant increase in operating income of the U.S. Debit and Credit segment and partially offset by decreases in operating income of the U.S. Prepaid Debit segment and increases in corporate spending. The increase in cash operating income was partially offset by a $3.2 million increase in current income tax expense driven by increased profit before tax and a $6.6 million increase in working capital and other non-significant items.

        Cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $23.6 million, compared to $21.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Cash provided by operating activities increased during the year ended December 31, 2013 primarily due to a $10.4 million increase in cash operating income (operating income from continuing and discontinued operations as adjusted for changes in non-cash charges related to our phantom stock plan of $0.6 million and depreciation and amortization expense of $1.6 million) which was primarily driven by the increase in operating income of the U.S. Debit and Credit segment and to a lesser extent the increases in operating income of the U.S. Prepaid Debit segment, the other operating segments and decreases in operating losses from our discontinued operation in Nevada and corporate expenses as further explained above. The increase in cash operating income was partially offset by a $1.5 million increase in current income tax expense driven by increased profit before tax, a $2.0 million increase in interest expense driven by increased debt level, and a $4.2 million increase in working capital and other non-significant items.

        Cash used in investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was $5.5 million, compared to $8.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. Cash used by investing activities


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decreased by $2.6 million due to $5.0 million of cash provided from the sale of a discontinued operation during the six months ended June 30, 2015, partially offset by a $2.4 million increase in acquisition of plant, equipment and leasehold improvements for the six months ended June 30, 2015 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2014. The increase in acquisition of plant, equipment and leasehold improvements primarily related to elevated capital spending to prepare for the U.S. EMV conversion. As of June 30, 2015, we had $5.5 million in commitments to make capital expenditures.

        Cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $71.8 million, compared to $9.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Cash used in investing activities increased by $54.9 million primarily due to the EFT Source acquisition, and $7.7 million due to increased acquisition of plant, equipment and leasehold improvements primarily related to elevated capital spending to prepare for the U.S. EMV conversion. As of December 31, 2014, we had $7.9 million in commitments to make capital expenditures.

        Cash used by investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $9.2 million, compared to $12.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Cash used by investing activities decreased $1.8 million due to reduced acquisition of plant, equipment and leasehold improvements for the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012. Cash used for investing activities was also $1.2 million lower for the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012 due to the acquisition of ID Data, Limited. which occurred during the year ended December 31, 2012 and had no effect on the year ended December 31, 2013.

        Cash used in financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was $13.3 million, compared to $3.0 million of cash provided by financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2014. The $16.3 million decrease in cash provided by financing activities was comprised of a $4.5 million increase in cash used to repay long-term debt, $10.8 million in borrowings being repaid under our previously outstanding credit facility, $0.6 million of cash paid for costs associated with the anticipated issuance of stock and $0.4 million of cash used for the redemption of preferred and common stock.

        Cash provided from financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $48.5 million, compared to $12.1 million of cash used by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase in cash provided from financing activities of $60.6 million was funded by $60.0 million of long-term debt borrowings.

        Cash used for financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $12.1 million, compared to $20.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The $8.5 million decrease in cash used financing activities was comprised of a $36.2 million reduction in cash provided by indebtedness and $44.7 million reduction in cash used for the redemption of preferred and common stock and stockholder dividends.

        Our working capital as of June 30, 2015 was $61.5 million compared to $45.5 million as of December 31, 2014. The $16.0 million increase in working capital during the six months ended June 30, 2015 was the result of recognizing a $10.5 million income tax benefit related to the write-off of tax deductible goodwill and intangible assets associated with our Nevada operation, which was recorded as a current tax receivable amount as of June 30, 2015. Additionally, the net of accounts receivable, inventories, accounts payable and accrued expenses increased $11.2 million during the six month period, reflecting an increase in the growth in the net sales of the Company. Offsetting these increases was a $5.8 million decrease in the current assets of discontinued operation, resulting from the sale of our Nevada operation during the period.


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        Our working capital as of December 31, 2014 was $45.5 million compared to $28.1 million as of December 31, 2013. The $17.4 million increase in working capital was driven by a $7.2 million increase in investment in working capital from operating activities, $7.6 million of working capital acquired in the EFT Source acquisition and a $2.9 million increase from the reclassification of fixed assets to current assets of a discontinued operation.

Bad Debt Expense

        The allowance for bad debts and returns activity for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is summarized as follows:

Balance as of December 31, 2012

 $1,034 

Bad debt expense

  650 

Write-off of uncollectible accounts

  (320)

Currency translation adjustments

  1 

Balance as of December 31, 2013

  1,365 

Bad debt expense

  (100)

Write-off of uncollectible accounts

  (986)

Currency translation adjustments

  (7)

Balance as of December 31, 2014

  272 

Bad debt expense

  407 

Currency translation adjustments

  (5)

Balance as of June 30, 2015

 $674 

        The Company reserves for bad debts and customer credits on the specific identification method and assesses the amount of the required reserve for the period by an account-by-account analysis to determine which past due accounts may not be collected.

        For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company had reserved for several specific past due accounts attributable to its discontinued operations that were disputed by the customer. The disputed accounts were written off against the reserve during the year ended December 31, 2014. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recognized $(0.1) million of bad debt expense as compared to $0.7 million of bad debt expense in the year ended December 31, 2013. The reduction in bad debt expense was the result of lower reserve requirements for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2013 as a result of an account-by-account analysis to determine which past due accounts may not be collected. For the six months ended June 30, 2015, the Company increased its reserve for bad debt to $0.7 million due to specific accounts of its discontinued operations that were retained in the sale of the discontinued operations on January 12, 2015. The Company determined that certain retained accounts may not be collected as a result of the sale.

Contractual Obligations

        The following table summarizes our material contractual obligations as of December 31, 2014:

 
 Payments due by period—December 31, 2014
(in thousands)
 
 
 Total Less than
1 year
 1 - 3 Years 3 - 5 Years More than
5 Years
 

Long-term debts

 $179,866 $6,547 $173,319 $ $ 

Capital lease obligations

  133  82  51     

Operating leases

  9,813  2,885  3,673  1,947  1,308 

Total contractual obligations

 $189,812 $9,514 $177,043 $1,947 $1,308 

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        Additionally, as of June 30, 2015, 1,970 shares of our Preferred Stock are subject to a put, where the employees holding these preferred shares have the option upon leaving the Company to have the Company purchase the preferred shares at the then current liquidation preference. As of June 30, 2015, the aggregate liquidation preference of such shares was $8.4 million. See Note 11 (Series A Preferred Stock) to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Cyclical and Seasonal Nature of Business

        Financial Payment Cards and Private Label Credit Cards are generally influenced by broader cyclical changes in the economy, with economic downturns resulting in decreases in the demand for our products and services. In particular, prolonged economic downturns typically have resulted in significant reductions in the demand for general purpose credit cards due to tightening credit conditions. Additionally, we generate slightly higher net sales in the third and fourth quarters of the year, as our sales of Prepaid Debit Card solutions and retail gift cards 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.

Taxation

        We account for income taxes using an asset and liability approach to financial accounting and reporting for income taxes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed annually for differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income.

        We account for uncertain income tax positions in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes. ASC 740 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement standard for the financial statement recognition and measurement of an income tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Only tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold at the effective date may be recognized or continue to be recognized upon adoption. In addition, ASC 740 provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition.

        We have analyzed our filing positions in all of the jurisdictions where we are required to file income tax returns, as well as all open tax years in these jurisdictions, and based upon our review, determined there are no unrecognized tax liabilities as of June 30, 2015.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

        We had no off-balance sheet arrangements at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

        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 revenues, 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


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prolonged period of time. Because the use of estimates is inherent in the financial reporting process, actual results could differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition

        Generally, we recognize revenue related to sales of our products upon shipment, when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the fee is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. A provision for payment discounts, product return allowances and uncollectable accounts, which is estimated based upon our historical performance, management's experience and current economic trends, is recorded as a reduction of sales in the same period that the revenue is recognized.

        In certain cases, at the customer's request, we enter into bill-and-hold transactions whereby title transfers to the customer, but the product does not ship until a specified later date. We recognize revenue associated with bill-and-hold arrangements when the product is complete and ready to ship, hold criteria have been met, the amount due from the customer is fixed, and collectability of the related receivable is reasonably assured. All of the foregoing requires us to apply our judgment. Bill-and-hold arrangements most often occur when customers request that we ship complete tamper-evident security packages containing a Prepaid Debit Card to our secure fulfillment center until they provide us further instructions at a later date to ship those packages to numerous individual retail locations or distribution centers.

Multiple-Element Arrangements

        We enter into warehouse, fulfillment and distribution service agreements with several customers, where we are engaged to store and handle completed cards and tamper-evident security packages on their behalf. For the sales arrangements that contain multiple deliverables, the arrangement is split into separate units of accounting and individually delivered elements have value to the customer on a standalone basis. When separate units of accounting exist, revenue is allocated to each element based on our best estimate of competitive market prices. At the point in which completed cards and packages are shipped to our warehouse, the product is billed and the revenue is recognized in accordance with our revenue recognition policy. Warehousing services are recognized monthly based on volume and handling requirements; fulfillment services are recognized when the product is handled in the manner specified by the customer for a unit or handling fee. All of the foregoing requires us to apply our judgment. Multiple-element arrangements most often occur when customers request that we ship complete tamper-evident security packages containing a Prepaid Debit Card to our secure fulfillment center until they provide us further instructions at a later date to ship those packages to numerous individual retail locations or distribution centers.

Impairment Assessments of Goodwill and Long-Lived Assets

        A component of our growth strategy has been to acquire and integrate businesses that complement our existing operations. We account for business combinations using the acquisition method and allocate the acquisition price of acquired companies to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair values at the acquisition date. The difference between the acquisition price and the fair value of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill.

        In determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations and for determining fair values in impairment tests, we use one of the following recognized valuation methods: the income approach (including discounted cash flows), the market approach or the cost approach. Our significant estimates in those fair value measurements include identifying business factors such as size, growth, profitability, risk and return on investment and assessing comparable revenue and earnings multiples. Further, when measuring fair value based on discounted cash flows, we


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make assumptions about risk adjusted discount rates, future price levels, rates of increase in revenue, cost of revenue and operating expenses, weighted average cost of capital, rates of long term growth and income tax rates. Valuations are performed by management or third party valuation specialists under management's supervision, where appropriate. We believe that the estimated fair values assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and for determining fair value in business combinations and impairment tests are based on reasonable assumptions that marketplace participants would use. However, such assumptions are inherently uncertain and actual results could differ from those estimates. Goodwill is allocated to our reporting units at the date the goodwill is initially recorded. Once goodwill has been allocated to the reporting units, it no longer retains its identification with a particular acquisition and becomes identified with the reporting unit in its entirety. Accordingly, the fair value of the reporting unit as a whole is available to support the recoverability of its goodwill.

        We evaluate goodwill for impairment annually on October 1 or more frequently when an event occurs or circumstances change that indicates the carrying value may not be recoverable. We have the option to assess goodwill for impairment by first performing a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If we determine that it is not more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the two-step goodwill impairment test is not required to be performed. If we determine that it is more likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, or if we do not elect the option to perform an initial qualitative assessment, we perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. In the first step, the fair value of the reporting unit is compared to its book value including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit is in excess of its book value, the related goodwill is not impaired and no further analysis is necessary. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its book value, there is an indication of potential impairment and a second step is performed. When required, the second step of testing involves calculating the implied fair value of goodwill for the reporting unit. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as goodwill recognized in a business combination, which is the excess of the fair value of the reporting unit determined in step one over the fair value of its net assets and identifiable intangible assets as if the reporting unit had been acquired. If the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. For reporting units with a negative book value (i.e., excess of liabilities over assets), we evaluate qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test. As of June 30, 2015, the goodwill on our balance sheet was $73.8 million.

        Long-lived assets, such as property, equipment and software, and intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. Plant, equipment, and leasehold improvements are recorded at cost. Accumulated depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the lesser of the estimated useful life of the related assets (generally 3 to 10 years for equipment, furniture, and leasehold improvements) or, when applicable, the lease term. Maintenance and repairs that do not extend the useful life of the respective assets are charged to expense as incurred. If circumstances require that a long-lived asset or asset group be tested for possible impairment, we first compare the undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by that long-lived asset or asset group to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the long-lived asset or asset group is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds its fair value.

        Future changes in our assumptions or the interrelationship of those assumptions may negatively impact future valuations. In future measurements of fair value, adverse changes in assumptions could result in an impairment of goodwill or long-lived assets that would require a non-cash charge to the consolidated statements of operations and may have a material effect on our financial condition and operating results.


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Inventory Valuation

        Raw materials, work-in-process and finished goods inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined using a weighted average method. Cost is calculated based upon the price paid for an item at the time it is received by us, and also includes the capitalization of labor, overhead and other expenses in the case of work-in-process and finished goods inventory. This net inventory cost is recognized through cost of sales when the inventory is sold. It is impractical for us to assign specific allocated overhead costs to individual units of inventory. As such, to match net inventory costs against the related revenues, we estimate the net inventory costs to be deferred and recognized each period as the inventory is sold. Also, we must exercise significant judgment in the case of work-in-process inventory to allocate the appropriate costs to this unfinished product.

Phantom Stock Plan

        We maintain the CPI Acquisition, Inc. Phantom Stock Plan, a deferred compensation plan that provides incentive compensation to certain key employees based on the value of our preferred stock. Under the terms of the plan agreement, holders of an award are entitled to a cash payment upon redemption equal to the increase in value of phantom units in CPI Acquisition, Inc. above a certain base amount. All awards vest on the defined Redemption Date or earlier fixed date pursuant to each award agreement. The Redemption Date is defined as the earlier of a Change-in-Control or seven years from grant. Unvested awards expire upon the participant's termination of service. Total authorized units under the plan are 100,000. At June 30, 2015, there were 81,156 units issued and outstanding under the terms of the plan, of which 13,088 were fully vested. As these awards must be settled in cash, we account for them as liabilities. As a non-public company, we have elected to measure the liability at intrinsic value, with changes in the intrinsic value of the liability recognized as expense each year in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). There was $1.5 million, $4.5 million and $0.6 million of compensation expense recognized for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, related to this plan. Upon the filing of the registration statement, there will be a change in accounting policy in subsequent periods and vested units will be recorded at fair value, with the change in value recognized as expense in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

        Because prior to this offering we have been privately held and there was no public market for our Preferred Stock, which is a key determinant of the value of the awards under the phantom stock plan, we were required to exercise significant judgment in valuing the awards under this plan. The fair value of our equity was historically estimated by our management and approved by our board. In estimating the fair value of our preferred stock, management and the board considered factors it believed were material to the valuation process including our actual and projected financial results, the principal amount of our indebtedness, net of cash, and the trading multiples of comparable companies. In connection with the offering, we intend to terminate this phantom stock plan and satisfy all liabilities due under the plan.

Stock Option Plan

        We maintain the 2007 Stock Option Plan under which stock options have been granted to employees. We recognize compensation expense for option awards based on the fair value of the award on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the award based on the estimated portion of the award that is expected to vest. The fair value of the award is based on the valuation of our common stock on the date of grant. We include the expense in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income. Because prior to this offering, there was no public market for our common stock, we were required to exercise significant judgment in valuing the fair value of the awards under this plan. The fair value of our equity was historically


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estimated by our management and approved by our board. In estimating the fair value of our common stock, management and the board considered factors it believed were material to the valuation process including the process, rights, preferences and privileges of our preferred stock relative to the common stock, our actual and projected financial results, current business conditions and projections, the principal amount of our indebtedness, net of cash and the trading multiples of comparable companies.

Income Taxes

        We record income tax expense using the liability method for taxes and are subject to income tax in many jurisdictions, including the United States, various states and localities, the United Kingdom, and Canada. A current tax asset or liability is recognized for the estimated taxes refundable or payable on the tax returns for the current year and a deferred tax asset or liability is recognized for the estimated future tax effects attributable to temporary differences and carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted income tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates is recognized as income or expense in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets unless it is more likely than not that such assets will be realized. In evaluating our ability to realize our deferred tax asset, we considered the following sources of future taxable income:

        Our evaluation regarding whether a valuation allowance is required or should be adjusted also considers, among other things, the nature, frequency and severity of recent losses, forecasts of future profitability and the duration of statutory carryforward periods. Our forecast of future profitability represents our best estimate of these future events. After conducting this assessment, the valuation allowance recorded, net of federal benefit, against our deferred tax assets was $4.1 million, $4.1 million and $4.8 million as of June 30, 2015, December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. If actual results differ from estimated results, or if we adjust these assumptions in the future, we may need to adjust our deferred tax assets or liabilities, which could impact our effective tax rate.

        The amount of income taxes we pay could be subject to possible audits in the taxing jurisdictions in which we operate. In the event of these possible audits, the taxing authorities might challenge items on our tax returns. Because the tax matters challenged by tax authorities are typically complex, the ultimate outcome of these challenges is uncertain. We recognize tax benefits for uncertain positions only to the extent that we believe it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained. Our future results may include favorable or unfavorable adjustments to our unrecognized tax benefits due to closure of income tax audits, new regulatory or judicial pronouncements, or other relevant events. As a result, our effective tax rate may fluctuate significantly on a quarterly and annual basis.

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

        Assessing our staffing and training procedures to improve our internal control over financial reporting is an ongoing process. We are not currently required to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and are therefore not required to make a formal assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. As a result, our management did not perform an evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014. Further, our independent registered public accounting firm has not been engaged to express, nor have they expressed, an opinion on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. However, we


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recently identified a material weakness related to a lack of finance expertise that could result in a failure to properly account for non-routine and complex transactions. With the oversight of senior management, we are taking steps to remediate the underlying causes of this material weakness, primarily through the hiring of additional finance personnel, as well as the development and implementation of formal policies and improved processes. Although we plan to address this material weakness as promptly as possible, we cannot estimate when the remediation process will be completed. See "Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business—We have identified a material weakness in our internal controls over financial reporting. If we are unable to implement and maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting in the future, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and the market price of our common stock may be negatively affected."

        For the year ending December 31, 2016, pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, management will be required to deliver a report that assesses the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Under current SEC rules, our independent registered public accounting firm will eventually be required to deliver an attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting when we no longer qualify as an emerging growth company. We may qualify as an emerging growth company for as long as five years, although we may lose that status under certain circumstances. See "Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business—We are an "emerging growth company" and we cannot be certain if the reduced disclosure and other requirements applicable to emerging growth companies will make our common stock less attractive to investors."

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Key Input Price Risks

        Our profitability is dependent on, among other things, our ability to anticipate and react to changes in the costs of key operating resources, including EMV microchips, polyvinyl chloride ("PVC"), energy and other commodities. We have been able to offset cost increases, which have historically not been significant, by increasing our selling prices, as well as, making other operational adjustments that increase productivity. However, substantial increases in costs and expenses could impact our operating results to the extent that such increases cannot be offset by selling price increases.

Labor and Benefits Costs

        We are exposed to inflation in wage and benefits costs which represented 31.6% of net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014. Due to the high-security nature of our business, the availability of potential applicants is limited by the security and other requirements of the Payment Card Brands and applicants are required to undergo a rigorous background screening process. Due to these factors, we have historically provided a starting wage that is above the minimum wage in place for the particular states or provinces in which we do business to attract qualified applicants. We further believe that this enables us to attract a higher caliber employee and this translates directly to higher quality and productivity. There can be no assurance that we will generate sales growth in an amount sufficient to offset increases in minimum wage or other inflationary pressures.

Interest Rate Risk

        We are exposed to interest rate risk through fluctuations in interest rates on our Term Loan obligations. Our New Revolving Credit Facility and New Term Loan Facility carry interest at a floating rate. We seek to manage exposure to adverse interest rate changes through our normal operating and financing activities. As of August 17, 2015, we had $435.0 million in outstanding floating rate debt obligations under our New Term Loan Facility. Each quarter point increase or decrease in the interest rate on our New Term Loan Facility would change our annual interest expense by approximately


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$1.1 million. If our New Revolving Credit Facility was fully-drawn, each quarter point increase or decrease in the interest rate on our New Revolving Credit Facility would change our annual interest expense by approximately $0.1 million.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

        We are not currently subject to significant foreign currency exchange risk. While we have foreign currency risks related to our revenue and operating expenses denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, primarily the British Pound Sterling and the Canadian Dollar, historically we have not been impacted materially by the changes in exchange rates. We have experienced and will continue to experience fluctuations in our consolidated statement of operations as a result of transaction gains or losses related to revaluing certain current asset and current liability balances that are denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the entities in which they are recorded. Risk can be estimated by measuring the impact of a near-term adverse movement of 10% in foreign currency rates against the U.S. Dollar. If foreign currency exchange rates were 10% higher or lower at December 31, 2014, there would not have been a material adverse impact on our net income from continuing operations or financial position.

Pricing Risk

        While we have been able to partially offset historical pricing pressure and other changes in the price of our products and services by offering higher-value added products and services, cross-selling additional products and services, selectively implementing pricing increases, coupled with more efficient purchasing practices, productivity improvements and greater economies of scale, there can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to do so in the future. From time to time, competitive conditions could limit our pricing flexibility and macroeconomic conditions could increase pricing pressure. There can be no assurance that future pricing pressure can be offset by our ability to reduce our costs. In addition, there can be no assurance that we will generate sales growth in an amount sufficient to offset pricing pressures.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

        The FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, in May 2014. ASU 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. An entity should also disclose sufficient quantitative and qualitative information to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The new standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We will implement the provisions of ASU 2014-09 as of January 1, 2018. We are in the process of determining the method of adoption and assessing the impact of ASU 2014-09 on our results of operations, financial position and consolidated financial statements.

        The FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Interest—Imputation of Interest, in April 2015. ASU 2015-03 requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability to be presented on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the debt liability, similar to the presentation of debt discounts. The new standard is effective for public entities annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. We will implement the provisions of ASU 2015-03 as of January 1, 2016. The adoption of ASU 2015-03 will require us to reclassify deferred loan costs as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of debt on our balance sheet. We do not expect any material impact to our balance sheet from this change.

        The FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Inventory—Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory, in July 2015. ASU 2015-11 requires that inventory be at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net


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realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable cost of completion, disposal, and transportation. The new standard is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. We will implement the provisions of ASU 2015-11 as of January 1, 2017. We are in the process of assessing the impact of ASU 2015-11 on our results of operations, financial position and consolidated financial statements.


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INDUSTRY

Overview

        Consumer payments in the United States and globally have shifted over the last several decades from paper-based media such as cash and checks to card-based media such as credit, debit and Prepaid Debit Cards, and electronic methods such as pre-authorized payments through ACH. The Nilson Report estimates that card-based payments have increased from 38.3% of U.S. transactions in 2005 to 56.5% in 2013, and electronic payments have increased from 4.3% to 7.2% over the same period. By 2018, card-based payments are projected to comprise 69.2% of U.S. transactions, with cash and checks accounting for 21.4% and electronic payments representing the remaining 9.4%. We believe that this long-term trend of card-based and electronic payments replacing cash and checks will continue.

Financial Payment Card Production and Service

        Our primary market is production of and services for Financial Payment Cards, which are cards issued on the networks of the Payment Card Brands (Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover) and Interac (in Canada), that require high levels of security throughout the card production and issuance process. According to First Annapolis, 976 million Financial Payment Cards were produced for the U.S. market in 2014 and this number is estimated to grow to 1.2 billion cards by 2019, representing a CAGR of 4.3%. The primary driver of growth is predicted to be an increasing adoption of Prepaid Debit Cards, along with anticipated steady growth in debit and credit cards. On a dollar basis, the U.S. Financial Payment Card market (excluding services) was $371 million in 2014 (up from $180 million in 2013), and is anticipated to grow to $1.2 billion by 2019, driven by the EMV conversion and unit volume growth.


Annual U.S. Financial Payment Card Production                      (number of cards in millions)

GRAPHIC


Source: First Annapolis

        According to First Annapolis, the demand for bank debit and general purpose credit cards has been predictable and recurring in nature, with 88% of cards issued in the United States in 2014 directly replacing existing cards. This includes:


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        The remaining demand for general purpose credit and bank debit cards is the issuance of cards in conjunction with net new account growth (12%). The issuance of Prepaid Debit Cards has represented a similarly predictable and recurring source of demand, as a majority of Prepaid Debit Cards have an average estimated card life of less than twelve months.

        We estimate that bank debit and general purpose credit cards historically have been replaced on average every three years. First Annapolis estimates that certain issuers of bank debit cards and general purpose credit cards may extend the expiration dates on their cards which may be due, in part, to the higher cost of EMV cards. This longer card expiration cycle would result in lower demand for bank debit cards and general purpose credit cards in the United States, and First Annapolis has taken this into consideration in estimating the growth rates of these markets.

        Our market can be divided as follows: bank debit cards, general purpose credit cards and Prepaid Debit Cards.

Bank debit cards

        Bank debit cards generally are issued by financial institutions to their customers as a convenient way to access funds under the custody of the issuer. Bank debit cards are issued on the networks of the Payment Card Brands and Interac (in Canada) or similar debit networks and are usable anywhere on the card network to withdraw cash from ATMs or pay merchants for goods and services. There are over 10,000 banks, credit unions and other organizations that issue such cards in the United States.

        First Annapolis estimates that the market for bank debit card production for the U.S. will grow from 368 million cards in 2014 to 396 million cards by 2019, which represents a compounded annual growth rate of 1.5% over this period. First Annapolis believes the primary drivers of demand in this market over this period will be the automatic renewal of cards at expiration (59% of annual issuance), portfolio churn (21%), cards lost, stolen or replaced due to fraudulent usage (15%) and net new account growth (5%). Demand from portfolio churn is generated primarily from cardholders exchanging one card for another, which often occurs due to the competitive nature of the personal banking market, such as banks competing to offer the most attractive card benefits or promotions. Demand from the opening of net new accounts has historically been tied to population and Gross Domestic Product growth. The shift from magnetic stripe cards to EMV cards is expected to reduce card fraud, which currently affects nearly 1% of cards in an issuer's portfolio every month. By 2017 First Annapolis expects that nearly all new bank debit cards issued in the United States will be EMV-enabled, with larger issuers leading the conversion.

General purpose credit cards

        General purpose credit cards are issued by financial institutions, as well as certain Payment Card Brands including American Express and Discover. All general purpose credit cards are issued on the networks of the Payment Card Brands and usable anywhere on the card network to pay merchants for goods and services or to withdraw cash from ATMs, as opposed to Private Label Credit Cards, which are not issued on the networks of the Payment Card Brands. There are over 4,800 banks, credit unions, card networks and other organizations that issue such cards in the United States.

        First Annapolis estimates that the market for general purpose credit card production for the U.S. market will grow from 332 million cards in 2014 to 403 million cards by 2019, which represents a compounded annual growth rate of 4.0% over this period. The primary drivers of demand in this market over this period are expected to be the automatic renewal of cards at expiration (65% of annual issuance), portfolio churn (12%), cards lost, stolen or replaced due to fraudulent usage (15%) and net new account growth (9%). Demand from portfolio churn is generated primarily from cardholders exchanging one card for another, which often occurs due to the competitive nature of the market for personal credit cards, such as rewards cards that appeal to consumers with specific purchasing habits,


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balance transfer offers to lower interest rates and changes in co-branded agreements between card networks and large merchants. The opening of net new accounts has historically been tied to population growth and the strength of the consumer credit markets. The shift from magnetic stripe cards to EMV cards is expected to reduce card fraud, which currently affects nearly 1% of cards in an issuers' portfolio every month. By 2017, we expect that nearly all new general purpose credit cards issued in the United States will be EMV-enabled, with larger issuers leading the conversion.

Prepaid debit cards

        Prepaid debit cards share many of the functional features and conveniences of traditional bank debit cards; they are issued on the network of a Payment Card Brand and usable in the same manner as a bank debit card. However, these cards are not linked to a traditional bank account, are easier to acquire (they do not require a credit check) and require cardholders to load money onto the card in advance of any transaction. Prepaid Debit Cards are often issued for use as gift cards (in place of a cash or check gift), for payroll purposes (as an alternative to paper payroll checks), or by employers and government agencies for benefits or incentives. Additionally, GPR Cards, which are registered by the cardholder with the issuing bank or licensed money transmitter in order to reload the card's monetary value, have emerged as an important part of the Prepaid Debit Card market, particularly the unbanked and underbanked populations, as well as for low-income and younger consumers. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") estimates that in 2013, 7.7% and 20.0% of U.S. households were classified as unbanked and underbanked, respectively.

        As described in the table below, the prepaid debit market can be divided into six segments based on distribution channel, related characteristics and use:

Prepaid Category
 Distribution Model Key Distribution Channels Funding 2014 - 2019E
CAGR
 

General Purpose Reloadable

 Direct to Consumer · Retail
· Check cashing
· Tax preparation
· Bank branches
· Internet
 Reloadable  16%

Gift

   

· Retail
· Internet

 

Single load

  
5

%

Payroll

 

Enterprise (B2B)

 

· Employers
· Payroll providers
· Bank resellers

 

Reloadable

  
11

%

Government Disbursement

   

· Government agencies

 

Reloadable

  
5

%

Incentive

   

· B2B
· Internet

 

Usually single load

  
5

%

Employee Benefits

   

· Plan administrators
· Employers

 

Reloadable

  
19

%

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Annual U.S. Prepaid Debit Card Production                      (number of cards in millions)

GRAPHIC


Source: First Annapolis

        The Prepaid Debit Card market is expected to experience the highest annual growth rate from 2014-2019 as adoption across Prepaid Debit Card products increases. First Annapolis estimates that the U.S. market for Prepaid Debit Card manufacturing will grow from 276 million cards in 2014 to 405 million cards by 2019, which represents a CAGR of 8.0% over this period. Unlike other Financial Payment Card subsets where many cards are replaced at expiration (generally three to five year cycles), Prepaid Debit Cards generally have shorter use periods, with many cards discarded when the funds have been depleted, specifically single load cards, which composed approximately two thirds of the prepaid market in 2014. Growth in this subset is driven by new card issuance as consumers increase adoption and additional financial institutions introduce new products. Consumers increasingly have adopted Prepaid Debit Cards and, according to the Federal Reserve, spent approximately $100 billion on open-loop cards in 2012, up from $40 billion in 2009, which represents a 36% CAGR over the period. New entrants to the prepaid market, particularly large bank debit and credit card issuers such as JPMorgan Chase and American Express, have driven further adoption in GPR Cards, particularly by consumers that also use traditional bank services. We believe that certain subsets of Prepaid Debit Cards, particularly cards that are reloadable, including government disbursement, payroll, employee benefits, and many GPR cards, will be substantially converted to the EMV standard by 2017.

Private Label Credit Card Production

        Private Label Credit Cards are credit cards that an individual merchant issues for exclusive use in its own stores. They are generally not issued on the network of a Payment Card Brand. While Private Label Credit Cards are not our primary market, we believe they represent another possible growth opportunity, as issuers of these cards are increasingly demanding the high levels of security and certification prevalent in the market for Financial Payment Cards, and certain merchants have already begun implementing EMV-enabled cards for their captive card programs following high profile data breaches.

        First Annapolis estimates that the market for Private Label Credit Card production in the U.S. will grow from 174 million cards in 2014 to 220 million cards by 2019, which represents a compounded annual growth rate of 4.8% over this period. The primary drivers of demand in this market over this period are expected to be automatic renewal of cards at expiration (68% of annual issuance), portfolio churn (21%), cards lost, stolen or replaced due to fraudulent usage (4%) and net new account growth (7%). We believe that growth in this market is sensitive to economic conditions, and account growth is


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primarily tied to the strength of the consumer credit markets. Private Label Credit Cards experience lower instances of fraud than bank debit and general purpose credit cards as they are less attractive targets for fraud given their limited acceptance. We believe that Private Label Credit Cards will convert to EMV cards at a slower rate than bank debit and general purpose credit cards, but will ultimately convert to avoid negative consumer perceptions and to fit into the issuing merchant's payment terminal strategy.

Card Data Personalization and Card Services

        According to First Annapolis, outsourced card data personalization services for Financial Payment Cards represented a $417 million market in the United States in 2014 and is estimated to grow to $604 million by 2019, representing a 7.7% CAGR. The process of personalization involves assigning unique identification numbers and encrypting authentication data (such as a cardholder's account number, name and other data) onto cards, embossing and encoding personal information onto the cards and distributing PINs and fully packaged cards to individual cardholders. We believe the value of the market for personalization services will grow over the next several years due to the growth of overall cards in circulation and the U.S. EMV conversion, which is expected to increase revenues for service providers as personalizing EMV cards incorporates higher value added services than the process for non-EMV cards.

Instant Card Issuance Systems and Services

        Instant card issuance refers to card issuing banks providing their customers with a new debit card, issued on the network of one of the Payment Card Brands, within the bank branch upon demand. When a debit card is "instantly issued", it is personalized within the bank branch and handed to the customer on the spot. This debit card can be issued in connection with the cardholder opening a new deposit account or to replace a card that has been lost or stolen. Instant card issuance has emerged primarily as a method for card issuing banks to provide an enhanced level of service to their cardholders. Additionally, instant card issuance allows card issuing banks to immediately begin capturing interchange revenue as the cardholder does not have to wait for the new card to be sent in the mail. Finally, instant issuance eliminates the problem of cardholders not activating their cards, a persistent challenge for card issuers, as the cards are automatically activated when they are delivered through the instant issuance model.

        Instant issuance can be facilitated by either temporary cards, or systems and solutions that can be used to issue permanent cards. Temporary cards have a short expiration, are generally only intended for use until a permanent card is fulfilled through a central issuance process and are personalized only to the extent needed to link the physical card to the cardholder's account (i.e., are not embossed with a cardholder's name). Permanent instant issuance systems and solutions also enable the immediate use of cards, but offer a superior customer experience by providing a permanent, fully-personalized card that is encoded and embossed on a desktop terminal in a bank branch. Permanent instant issued cards look similar to and carry the same length of expiration as a centrally issued card. This permanent card avoids the confusion of having to replace a temporary card at a later date and any related complications of using a temporary card (e.g., without a cardholder name POS security verification is not possible).

        The Aite Group, an advisory firm to the financial services industry, estimates that in 2014, approximately 14,000 bank branches have deployed instant issuance systems, with this number expected to grow to over 37,000 by 2018, which represents a 27.7% CAGR. This growth is driven primarily by the growing number of financial institutions adopting this product offering and the ability to offer permanent Financial Payment Cards, including EMV cards, through instant issuance.


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EMV Conversion in the United States

        The EMV standard for Financial Payment Cards, which is named after Europay, MasterCard and Visa, is a technologically advanced high security protocol that features a Financial Payment Card with an embedded microprocessor, commonly known as a "chip card." Depending on the features desired by the issuer, EMV cards may sell for 5 to 10 times the average selling price of the magnetic stripe cards they are replacing. We estimate based on our experience that the industry-wide average selling prices per card, exclusive of services, are approximately as follows: magnetic stripe—$0.20 per card; Contact EMV—$1.00 per card; and Dual-Interface EMV—$2.00 per card. Actual per card pricing will vary significantly depending on issuer size, order size, card features, finishes, and EMV chip features selected by the issuer. According to First Annapolis, the conversion of U.S. Financial Payment Cards to the EMV standard is expected to increase the size (measured in dollars) of the Financial Payment Card market (excluding services) by more than three-fold to $1.2 billion by 2019.

        The conversion of U.S. Financial Payment Cards from magnetic stripe technology to the EMV standard began in earnest in the second half of 2014 and is expected to continue over the next several years, with full adoption in the credit and traditional debit card markets largely complete by 2017 and increasing levels of adoption of Prepaid Debit Cards and Private Label Credit Cards beyond 2017. EMVCo, an industry organization overseen by six financial institutions, estimates that at the end of 2014, only 7.3% of Financial Payment Cards in circulation in the United States were EMV-enabled. The following table sets forth the estimated mix of EMV and non-EMV Financial Payment Cards and Private Label Credit Cards produced in the United States on a unit basis annually for the periods specified:

 
 2013 2014 2015E 2016E 2017E 2018E 2019E 

EMV Cards

  2% 17% 42% 59% 69% 70% 71%

Non-EMV Cards

  98% 83% 58% 41% 31% 30% 29%

Source: First Annapolis

        A number of factors have precipitated the ongoing conversion of Financial Payment Cards in the United States to the EMV standard:

The Liability Shift

        In August 2011, Visa announced a plan for the U.S. market to adopt the EMV standard for security on credit and debit cards. A key feature of Visa's announcement, which later became a coordinated effort among all of the Payment Card Brands, was a card fraud liability shift effective October 1, 2015. After the October 1, 2015 deadline, the party that caused a non-EMV transaction to occur (i.e., either the non-EMV card issuer or the merchant that does not have an EMV compatible POS system) will be the one held financially liable for any resulting counterfeit fraud losses.

Escalating U.S. Card Fraud

        According to The Nilson Report, the United States represents about one half of global Financial Payment Card and Private Label Credit Card fraudulent transactions (more than $5.3 billion annually), despite accounting for only about one quarter of total card transactions. While a number of factors contribute to this imbalance, we believe counterfeit card fraud has migrated to countries that have lower EMV adoption rates such as the United States, which is the last of the G-20 nations to begin to transition Financial Payment Cards from magnetic stripe technology to the more secure EMV standard.


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Enhanced Security

        EMV cards feature an embedded microprocessor that, when paired with an EMV payment terminal, dynamically authenticates cardholder debit and credit card transactions using a cryptographic process that results in a significantly more secure payment transaction environment. Card fraud and, in particular, Card-Present Fraud, has declined significantly in nations that have adopted the EMV standard. For example, in the U.K., counterfeit card fraud has been reported to have dropped 75% from its peak in 2008 to 2013, according to Financial Fraud Action UK, with other countries experiencing similar levels of fraud reduction following EMV adoption.

High-Profile Data Breaches

        In the last few years, a number of large U.S. merchants, such as Target and Home Depot, and banks have reported major customer or client data breaches and other fraudulent activities, which have heightened awareness of data security and increased demand for higher security solutions in payments systems, including accelerating the adoption of EMV. As a result, combating such data breaches and card fraud has become a board of director level issue among many of the nation's largest merchants, card issuers and Payment Card Brands and has garnered significant attention from the U.S. Government. For example, Congress held hearings regarding financial data privacy in response to the Target and similar breaches and in January 2014, U.S. Senator Al Franken (Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology and the Law) requested that major issuers of Financial Payment Cards (Bank of America, Capital One, Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo), as well as the Payment Card Brands submit in writing their EMV conversion plans and timing. President Obama signed an executive order in October 2014 directing that all Financial Payment Cards issued by or on the behalf of the U.S. Government be EMV-enabled.

Desire for Global Interoperability of the Acceptance Network

        EMV is increasingly becoming the global standard for Financial Payment Cards outside the United States. The coordinated efforts of the Payment Card Brands to implement the liability shift in the United States reflect, in part, their desire to standardize payment systems technology globally to ensure cardholders' cards will be accepted by merchants anywhere on their global network and to provide a predictable and consistent experience for the cardholder. EMVCo, an industry group overseen by the Payment Card Brands, estimates that in Europe Zone I (which represents the Single Euro Payments Area, or "SEPA") 96.6% of the card present transactions processed in the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 were completed on both EMV-enabled cards and terminals. Over the same period, EMVCo estimates that 85.4% of transactions processed in the Americas (excluding the United States) were EMV enabled and only 0.12% of U.S. transactions were EMV-enabled.

        EMV cards issued in the United States to date primarily have been Contact EMV cards. Globally, Dual-Interface EMV cards, which also enable contactless payment, are gaining popularity among card issuers, primarily because of the speed and convenience they offer to cardholders. For example, in Canada, we believe that the majority of all credit cards currently being issued are Dual-Interface EMV cards. Dual-Interface EMV cards are more complex to produce than Contact EMV cards and typically sell at a significantly higher price point. We believe that as the U.S. market migrates to the EMV standard, Dual-Interface EMV cards issued in the United States will gain share relative to Contact EMV cards, further expanding the dollar value of our market opportunity.

Mobile Payments

        A trend in the financial technology industry over the past decade has been the emergence of mobile payment solutions enabled on smart phones. While mobile payment products have been around for some time, they gained more visibility in recent years beginning with Starbucks' launch of its


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popular captive mobile payments application in 2011. In the same year Google introduced Google Wallet, usable on NFC-enabled terminals accepting MasterCard and Visa, and these mobile payment products gained further visibility in 2013 with the release of Softcard, developed as a joint venture between AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon. Today, a broad array of organizations has developed varying and competing mobile payment technologies, leading to a fragmented landscape. Apple Pay, introduced by Apple into the United States in October of 2014, utilizes an iPhone's NFC technology to wirelessly transmit a user's secure transaction information to a POS terminal. Merchant Customer Exchange, a consortium of U.S. merchants such as CVS and Walmart, developed CurrentC, a mobile offering which utilizes a Quick Response code on the consumer's mobile phone that can be scanned by a merchant's bar code reader. LoopPay, which was acquired by Samsung in February of 2015 and subsequently rebranded as Samsung Pay, employs Magnetic Secure Transmission technology, which generates changing magnetic fields in a user's mobile phone that can be read by a magnetic stripe reader and, to date, is not EMV compliant.

        History has shown that change in payment technology often takes decades to occur. The concept of a general purpose credit card was first introduced by Diner's Club in 1950. The adoption of these cards has occurred in a steady manner over time; according to the Federal Reserve, bank-issued general purpose credit cards increased from 16% adoption in 1970 to 68% in 1998. According to The Nilson Report, cards represented 38.3% of total transactions in 2005 and continued to rise to 56.5% of total transactions in 2013. Additionally, the adoption of technology within this card-based ecosystem has been slow. Magnetic stripe technology was first introduced in the 1970's, yet most cards in circulation today still have embossed numbering, for the occasional occurrences where a merchant still utilizes the original card acceptance method, taking a mechanical imprint of the card. Conversion to EMV remains in its infancy in the United States, despite the fact that the technology has been available for over 20 years and is already broadly utilized in other developed regions across the world.

        We believe that mobile payments will serve a complementary role in the payments ecosystem, coexisting with Financial Payment Cards. We believe mobile payments will be a particularly relevant payment option for making low-price, high-frequency transactions, such as at quick-service restaurants or vending machines. However, we believe card based payment will still be the primary form of payment utilized given its convenience, ubiquitous acceptance, reliability and security. In order for issuers to discontinue issuing cards, we believe they would need assurance that consumers could utilize mobile payment solutions in a ubiquitous fashion (i.e., able to make mobile payments at all merchants at all times) and consumers must be willing to shift exclusively to mobile payments. Given the absence of uniform technologies and standards as well as user concerns with respect to the ease, benefit, security and technology of exclusive mobile payments, we do not believe such ubiquity is obtainable in the foreseeable future. Even upon broader adoption, simple technical issues, such as a mobile phone's battery limitations, will require issuers to provide cards to consumers as another option, much like the embossed lettering on cards provided today.


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BUSINESS

Overview

        We are a leading provider of comprehensive Financial Payment Card solutions in North America. We define Financial Payment Cards as credit, debit and Prepaid Debit Cards issued on the networks of the Payment Card Brands (Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover) and Interac (in Canada). In 2014, we produced over 360 million Financial Payment Cards, provided integrated card services to over 3,200 card-issuing banks and Prepaid Debit Card issuers and personalized more than 130 million Financial Payment Cards. We have established a leading position in the Financial Payment Card market through more than 20 years of experience and are focused primarily on this growing subsector of the financial technology market. Our customers are primarily leading national and regional banks, independent community banks, credit unions, managers of prepaid debit programs, Group Service Providers and card processors. We serve a diverse set of over 4,000 direct and indirect customers, including many of the largest North American issuers of debit and credit cards such as JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, American Express and Wells Fargo, the largest global managers of Prepaid Debit Card programs, including InComm, Green Dot, Blackhawk Network and American Express, as well as thousands of independent community banks, credit unions, Group Service Providers and card processors.

        We serve our customers through a network of nine production and card services facilities, including seven high-security facilities in North America that are each certified by one or more of the Payment Card Brands and Interac (in Canada) and, where required by our customers, the PCI Security Standards Council. We have the largest such network of high-security production facilities in North America, allowing us to optimize our solutions offerings to serve the needs of our diverse and long-term customer base.

        We estimate that we produce approximately 35% of all Financial Payment Cards in the United States, which we believe gives us the #1 market position by unit volume. We believe we have:

        We have grown our business significantly over the past decade, both organically and through acquisitions. Over that time period, we have completed six acquisitions, significantly increasing our geographic and market coverage, solutions offerings and capacity. On March 9, 2010, we purchased certain assets of Premier Card Solutions, a leading provider of Financial Payment Cards, data personalization services and tamper-evident security packaging for Prepaid Debit Cards that utilize the payment networks of the Payment Card Brands. The Premier Card Solutions transaction significantly enhanced our offering to Prepaid Debit Card customers. On September 2, 2014, we acquired EFT Source, a recognized leader in the financial technology industry that was named to American Banker and BAI's FinTech Forward 100 in both 2013 and 2014. The acquisition of EFT Source significantly enhanced our card services offering, added Card@Once® to our instant issuance card offering and expanded our end-to-end Financial Payment Card solutions.


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        In addition to our seven North American facilities, we have two facilities in the United Kingdom that produce retail cards, such as gift and loyalty cards that are not issued on the networks of the Payment Card Brands, and personalization services.

        For the LTM Period, we generated net sales of $338.1 million, net income from continuing operations of $30.5 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $81.5 million, representing net income from continuing operations and Adjusted EBITDA margins of 9.0% and 24.1%, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2014, we generated $261.0 million of net sales, which represented an increase of 32.9% as compared to the prior year, $16.0 million of net income from continuing operations, which represented an increase of 42.6% as compared to the prior year, and $54.2 million of Adjusted EBITDA, which represented an increase of 41.3% as compared to the prior year and net income from continuing operations and Adjusted EBITDA margins of 6.1% and 20.8%, respectively. Our 2014 and LTM results include four and ten months of results from EFT Source, respectively. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are financial measures not presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). For a definition of Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income from continuing operations, the most comparable GAAP measure, see "Summary Consolidated Historical Financial Data."

Our Competitive Strengths


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Our Growth Strategy

        The key components of our strategy include:


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Our History of Acquisitions, Divestitures and Investments

        Over the last decade, we have completed six acquisitions and heavily invested in our platform to drive organic growth. Our first major phase of growth occurred throughout 2008, during which time we made three acquisitions to enter new markets and gain access to new client bases. In January 2008, we made our first acquisition, purchasing Wm. A. Didier & Sons, Inc., a privately owned Financial Payment Card producer based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, which was a direct competitor within our market. In August 2008, we entered the Western European market with our acquisition of PCC, a card producer and card services provider primarily serving the European retail gift card market with two facilities located in the U.K. Finally in October 2008, we entered the Canadian market by purchasing Metaca, a Toronto-based provider of EMV and Prepaid Debit Cards and card services.

        Our next phase of growth focused on expanding capabilities within these markets. In March 2010, we purchased certain assets of Premier Card Solutions, which strengthened our position in the prepaid debit market, added tamper-evident security packaging solutions to our portfolio of services and added capacity and capabilities in Financial Payment Card production and card services. In May 2012, we acquired certain assets of ID Data, Limited, an operator of a U.K.-based Financial Payment Card production and card services business, in order to bolster our capabilities in Europe. Finally, in September 2014 we expanded our card services offerings with the acquisition of EFT Source, a leading provider of card services for Financial Payment Cards. In addition to its strong card services platform, EFT's Card@Once® instant issuance offering earned it multiple leadership recognitions within the financial technology industry. In April 2015, we completed the consolidation of our Colorado Springs facility, obtained through the EFT Source acquisition, with our Midway facility in order to realize on planned synergies from this acquisition.


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        In addition to these acquisitions, we have made significant investments in our physical infrastructure and equipment platform over the past decade. To prepare for the EMV conversion, we opened a dedicated EMV technology center in Colorado for EMV production and personalization and also made significant information technology, human capital and equipment upgrades across our network of facilities. In Minnesota, we added significant capacity and also opened a secure fulfillment facility.

        In January 2015, we divested our Nevada facility, a unit focused on the production of retail gift cards, to further align our strategy and focus on the Financial Payment Card market in North America.

Our Products and Services

        Our leading market position is supported by our comprehensive end-to-end Financial Payment Card solutions offering which meets the stringent security requirements of the Payment Card Brands and our customers. This comprehensive offering of end-to-end solutions drives deep customer integration and long-term trusted relationships with our customers, many of which we have served for decades.

EMV Financial Payment Cards (Contact and Dual-Interface) (37% of LTM net sales)

        We produce Contact EMV cards, which feature a microprocessor that interfaces with an EMV payment terminal over a contact plate on the surface of the card when inserted into an EMV-enabled payment terminal. We also produce Dual-Interface EMV cards, which feature both the contact EMV technology and a RFID antenna that utilizes near field communications ("NFC") technology to allow transactions to also be processed on a contactless basis when the card is brought within the requisite proximity to a NFC enabled payment terminal.

Non-EMV Financial Payment Cards and Retail Gift Cards (22% of LTM net sales)

        We produce non-EMV cards that utilize magnetic stripes, contactless cards which utilize NFC technology and cards that include both magnetic stripes and NFC technology. In addition, we produce retail gift cards (which are not issued on the network of the Payment Card Brands) primarily in the U.K. and Canada.

Card Data Personalization (18% of LTM net sales)

        We provide data preparation and card data personalization solutions for debit, credit and Prepaid Debit Cards in EMV and non-EMV card formats. Our personalization services are technology-driven and provide a wide range of card customization options, using advanced processes to personalize (encode, program and emboss with data such as cardholder name and account number) and fulfill cards to individual cardholders. In addition, we provide EMV data script development services for our customers and in certain cases generate PIN numbers and mailers on their behalf. We offer patented card design software, known as MYCA™, which provides our customers and their cardholders the ability to design cards on the internet and customize cards with individualized digital images. We also provide consultation and card design services to further assist customers in card customization. We also offer integrated business continuity services to card issuers that provide their own card issuance and personalization services, providing an alternate site to personalize and fulfill cards in the event of a business disruption at their captive sites. Finally, we have the capabilities to provide Trusted Service Manager services, leveraging our existing data connectivity with processors and other customers to offer a trusted, high-security solution for facilitating mobile payments.


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Tamper-Evident Security Packaging Solutions (19% of LTM net sales)

        We offer specialized and innovative tamper-evident security packaging products and services to customers with a Prepaid Debit Card offering that reduce fraud for Prepaid Debit Cards sold through the retail channel. The majority of the tamper-evident security packaging we produce is protected by our patents. In certain cases, we also manage the fulfillment of fully-completed Prepaid Debit Card packages to retail locations on behalf of our customers utilizing this solution.

Instant Card Issuance Systems and Services (4% of LTM net sales)

        We offer Card@Once®, our proprietary and patented instant card issuance system and services, which provide our card issuing bank customers the ability to issue a completely personalized permanent debit card within the bank branch to individual cardholders upon demand. Our instant issuance system is enabled by cloud-based software that securely transfers data from our servers to the card branch to encode and print the card on a small specialized desktop printer in a process which is certified by MasterCard and Visa. Our instant issuance system generates both system sales and recurring revenue from software as a service, card personalization and sales of cards and consumables. As of June 30, 2015, we had over 3,400 instant issuance systems installed in bank and credit union branches across the United States. In addition, we provide instant issuance of debit cards to large financial institutions whereby we provide fully-personalized temporary debit cards which are issued to card holders upon opening a new account, and we manage the fulfillment and replenishment of these fully personalized cards directly to thousands of individual bank branches.

Our Value Proposition

        We provide a strong value proposition to our customers through our comprehensive end-to-end Financial Payment Card solutions that we tailor to meet the specific requirements of each of our customers. The three key components of our value proposition are our:

        The first element of our value proposition is that our card production and services facilities together serve as an integrated network, which is the largest in our industry in North America. All of our North American facilities are certified by one or more of the Payment Card Brands, Interac (in Canada) and, where required by our customers, the PCI Security Standards Council, utilizing integrated and standardized practices, processes and technologies. We believe our highly integrated network of seven facilities allows us to provide a differentiated value proposition to the North American Financial Payment Card market for several reasons. First, our network allows us to provide our customers with a complete solution across a wide variety of card products and services. This allows our customers to choose a single trusted partner to address their card program needs in a cost-effective manner instead of managing multiple suppliers across a complex value chain. Second, our large card production network provides economies of scale that allows us to provide all of our customers with a competitive price point. Third, our network provides us with significant flexibility to move card production and services orders between facilities to provide high levels of service and precise execution. This is valuable to our customers because it allows us to accelerate delivery times and provide a consistent supply. Our customers have told us, directly and through third-party market research that we conduct, that on-time delivery is very important to them and we use our network to maximize our performance in this regard.

        The second element of our value proposition is the high-importance that we place on the customer experience. We are focused across our Company on providing our customers with the highest-level of service in the industry. We have long-standing relationships with our customers, many of whom we have


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served for decades, and provide a differentiated level of service, as evidenced by our strong net promoter score of greater than 60, a customer satisfaction metric developed through customer satisfaction surveys conducted by an independent market research firm. We measure our net promoter score regularly to assess our customers' perception of our service levels and hold ourselves accountable by tying a portion of our incentive compensation to continuous improvement of our service levels.

        The third element of our value proposition is our proprietary products and value-added services. We have developed several proprietary products and services that provide our customers with individually tailored solutions and have fostered a culture of innovation to continue to improve upon our existing, and develop new, solutions. We have developed a patented suite of tamper-evident security packaging options, which we believe leads the industry, and enables our prepaid debit customers to differentiate themselves with a high-level of security performance. The success of this product is evidenced by the fact that our tamper-evident security packaging is used by all of the top five Prepaid Debit Card program managers. Similarly, we have developed our patented instant card issuance platform, Card@Once®, which provides our customers an easy-to-use, software-as-a-service enabled instant issuance solution that allows them to provide their cardholders permanent debit cards without a significant investment of capital or internal resources. The success of this solution is evidenced by the more than 3,400 instant issuance systems installed in bank branches across the United States. Finally, our patented card-design software, MYCA™, is integrated with more than 300 of our customers and allows their cardholders to design customized cards over the internet, including the ability to select personal digital images, that enable our customers to differentiate themselves in their market and become "top of wallet" with their cardholders.

Suppliers

        The most important component of our products is the EMV microchip, which represented approximately 23.4% of our total cost of goods sold for the year ended December 31, 2014, and which we expect to become even more significant as EMV cards comprise an increasing percentage of the cards we ship. While we have developed constructive relationships with our suppliers and, in general, receive a high level of cooperation and support from them, the objective of our procurement strategy is not to depend on any single supplier. We obtain our components from multiple suppliers located in South Korea, France, the United States and Singapore, primarily on a purchase order basis. Our main suppliers of EMV microchips are five leading semiconductor manufacturers: KONA I Co. Ltd, Smart Packaging Solutions, NXP Semiconductors USA, Inc., Inside Secure and Multos International. Approximately 96.1% of our total purchased EMV microchips for the year ended December 31, 2014 came from these five main suppliers. The other key components for our products are substrates (such as PVC), antennas and inlays, which we also source from multiple suppliers. We continuously monitor supply chain risks and evaluate alternative suppliers based on numerous attributes including quality, performance, service, scalability, features, innovation and price.

Customers

        In the United States, we categorize our customers as follows: large issuers, prepaid debit issuers and program managers and small issuers. Our diverse customer base of over 4,000 direct and indirect customers includes many of the largest issuers of credit and debit cards in the United States and the five largest global managers of Prepaid Debit Card programs. Our top five customers represented approximately 33.9% of our pro forma net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014. Our top five customers in 2014, who we have been serving for an average of greater than 10 years, were First Data Corporation, InComm, Wells Fargo, American Express and Green Dot.

        We typically enter into long-term master purchase or service agreements that govern the general terms and conditions of our commercial relationships. We then enter into short-term statements of work to define the prices and the quantities of products to be delivered and services rendered. Usually,


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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.

Production and Services

        Our production and services strategy has several key facets. We have a large network of integrated high-security facilities that we leverage to balance customer orders, expand the array of products and services available to our customers, provide consistent supply and execute short lead times. Our facilities and operating processes are designed to provide a differentiated level of service to each our key customer sets. For example, we have the processes and capabilities to:

        We operate approximately 480,000 square feet of facilities in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, where we focus on Financial Payment Card production and personalization services. See"Facilities" for information on the operations of each facility.

        We rely on secure ground freight to deliver products to our banking customers. Due to the high-security nature of the products we provide to our banking customers, product must be shipped to these customers via a secure method, such as armored vehicle. With respect to customers for whom we fulfill individual and personalized debit and credit cards, we utilize the U.S., Canadian and U.K. postal services to deliver these cards directly to individual cardholders. For other customers, we predominately deliver our products via regular ground and air freight.

Sales and Marketing

        We market our products and services to national and regional banks, independent community banks, credit unions, managers of prepaid programs, Group Service Providers and card processors. We have approximately 30 field-based sales representatives that gives us a wide geographic reach across North America, Western Europe and Canada. Our sales representatives offer a complete end-to-end solution to our customers that incorporates the full spectrum of our products and services from concept to delivery. Our sales and marketing strategy focuses on strengthening our relationships with existing customers, providing a differentiated offer that includes cross-selling expanded services. We leverage the strength of our full-service offerings to attract new customers. Our marketing efforts focus on the needs of our specific types of customers. By tailoring our marketing strategy to different customer groups, we are able to provide relevant targeted solutions to meet their individual needs. We utilize an array of different marketing communications focused on thought leadership that include industry publications, editorial white papers, conferences and trade shows, print and digital advertisements and educational webinars designed to introduce our existing customers and new customers to innovations in the payments market. Through these efforts, we drive customer retention and satisfaction, and have been able to attract new customers.

Competition

        The market for products and services in the payment card industry is highly competitive. Some of our competitors possess substantially greater financial, sales and marketing resources than we do and have substantial flexibility in competing with us, including through the use of integrated product offerings and competitive pricing. Competitive factors for our business include product quality, security,


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service reliability, product line comprehensiveness and integration, timely introduction of new products and features and price. We believe that we compete favorably in each of these categories.

        Our products and services compete with other card manufacturers and card solutions providers. We believe our primary competitors are Oberthur Technologies S.A., Giesecke & Devrient GmbH, Valid S.A. and Gemalto NV. Certain existing and potential financial institution customers also have the ability to personalize Financial Payment Cards in-house. In addition, we compete with customers that offer transaction processing products and services to financial institutions.

Intellectual Property

        We own and control various intellectual property rights, such as patents, trade secrets, confidential information, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights and applications. We are also party to certain patent cross-license arrangements with industry participants and may, from time to time, enter into similar commercial agreements should we consider it necessary or beneficial for our business.

        We rely on a combination of statutory (copyright, trademark and trade secret) and contractual safeguards for intellectual property protection throughout the world. As of August 25, 2015, we had 22 registered U.S. and foreign trademarks, 18 existing U.S. patents, as well as 27 pending U.S. and foreign patent applications. Our patents have an average remaining maturity of 14.5 years, and our trademarks will be due for renewal for additional ten or fifteen-year periods on an ongoing basis over the next 11.5 years.

Environmental Protection

        Our manufacturing operations are subject to environmental protection regulations, including those governing the emissions of pollutants into the air, wastewater discharges, the use and handling of hazardous substances, waste disposal, the investigation and remediation of soil and groundwater contamination. We are also required to obtain environmental permits from governmental authorities for certain of our operations. We believe that we are in material compliance with environmental requirements and that environmental matters will not have a material adverse effect on our business, although resolution of any item in any particular year or quarter could be material to the results of operations or liquidity for that period.

Regulation

Privacy and Data Security

        In the course of our business, we receive personally identifiable information of cardholders from our customers, either from a financial institution or through a card processor on behalf of a financial institution. Such information includes names, addresses, card account numbers and expiration dates. In some cases, we receive a cardholder's social security number and/or PIN number. As a service provider to financial institutions in the United States, we comply with the privacy provisions of the GLBA and its implementing regulations and, as applicable, with various other federal, state and foreign privacy statutes and regulations, and the PCI Security Standards Council's Data Security Standards, each of which is subject to change at any time. We may only use and disclose the personal information we receive on behalf of our customers for the purposes for which it was provided to us and in a manner that is consistent with each financial institution's and processor's own data privacy and security obligations.

        In order to comply with our obligations under the GLBA, applicable state laws and our contractual agreements with our customers, we are required to safeguard and protect the privacy of personally identifiable information we receive. As part of their compliance with these requirements, each of our U.S. customers is expected to have a program in place for responding to unauthorized access to, or use


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of, consumer information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to consumers. A majority of U.S. states have enacted security breach legislation, requiring varying levels of consumer notification in the event of a security breach, which could result in significant costs to us and significant damage to our reputation.

        The interpretation of pending and existing laws and regulations is evolving and, therefore, these laws and regulations may be applied inconsistently. It is possible that our current data protection policies and practices may be deemed inconsistent with new legal requirements or interpretations thereof, and breaches in the security of our systems and technology could result in a violation of these laws and regulations.

        We are also subject to requirements from the Payment Card Brands, which require us to meet certain security standards in order to achieve certification that allows us to produce Financial Payment Cards issued on their networks. These standards include extensive checklists with respect to the physical characteristics of our facilities, as well as our electronic treatment and storage of cardholder data. We believe that we have developed significant expertise in acquiring and maintaining these certifications, and have invested significant capital to obtain and retain these designations, which are regularly verified by both the Payment Card Brands and our customers. We believe the long, complex and costly certification process serves as a significant barrier to new entrants to our market.

Financial Services

        We are generally not directly subject to federal or state regulations specifically applicable to financial institutions such as banks, thrifts and credit unions. However, as a provider of products and services to these financial institutions, our operations may be examined by various state and federal regulatory authorities and representatives of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council, which is a formal inter-agency body empowered to prescribe uniform principles, standards and report forms for the federal examination of financial institutions and to make recommendations to promote uniformity in the supervision of financial institutions. Also, state and federal regulations require our financial institution clients to include certain provisions in their contracts with service providers like us and to conduct ongoing monitoring and risk management for third party relationships. In addition, independent auditors annually review many of our operations to provide internal control evaluations for our clients' auditors.

        In conducting certain of our card services, we are directly subject to various federal and state laws and regulations including those relating to the movement of money. In order to comply with our obligations under applicable laws, we are required, among other things, to comply with licensing and reporting requirements, to implement operating policies and procedures to comply with anti-money laundering laws, to protect the privacy and security of our clients' information and to undergo periodic audits and examinations.

        In 2010, the Dodd-Frank Act was enacted. The Dodd-Frank Act introduced substantial reforms to the supervision and operation of the financial services industry, including introducing changes that: affect the oversight and supervision of financial institutions; provide for a new resolution procedure for large financial companies; introduce more stringent regulatory capital requirements; implement changes to corporate governance and executive compensation practices; and require significant rule-making. The Dodd-Frank Act has generated numerous new regulations that have imposed compliance costs and, in some cases, limited revenue sources for us and our clients. The Dodd-Frank Act established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ("CFPB") which is empowered to conduct rule-making and supervision related to, and enforcement of, federal consumer financial protection laws. The CFPB has issued guidance that applies to "supervised service providers" which the CFPB has defined to include service providers, like us, to CFPB supervised banks and nonbanks. The CFPB has in the past and may in the future issue regulations that may require us to make compliance investments and/or limit our


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fees or other revenue sources. We do not currently anticipate a materially adverse impact on our business, results of operations or financial condition due to these regulations, but it is difficult to predict with certainty the extent to which the Dodd-Frank Act, the CFPB or the resulting regulations will impact our business or the businesses of our current and potential clients over the long term.

Employees

        As of June 30, 2015 we had approximately 1,255 employees, all of whom are full-time employees. We have never experienced any work stoppages or strikes as a result of labor disputes. We consider relations with our employees to be good.

Facilities

        We maintain a network of nine facilities. Information regarding each of our facilities is set forth below.

Location(1)
 Operations Square Footage Owned/Leased

Littleton, Colorado (Centennial)

 Financial Payment Card production and corporate headquarters  65,000 Leased

Littleton, Colorado (Midway)

 

Financial Payment Card production and card personalization services

  
50,000
 

Leased

Roseville, Minnesota (2 facilities)

 

Financial Payment Card production, card personalization services and secure fulfillment center

  
164,000
 

Leased

Fort Wayne, Indiana

 

Financial Payment Card production

  
50,000
 

Leased

Nashville, Tennessee

 

Financial Payment Card personalization services and fulfillment

  
49,000
 

Leased

Toronto, Ontario

 

Financial Payment Card and retail gift card production and card personalization services and fulfillment

  
67,000
 

Leased

Colchester, United Kingdom

 

Retail gift card production

  
37,000
 

Owned and Leased

Liverpool, United Kingdom

 

Retail gift card personalization services

  
30,000
 

Owned and Leased


(1)
We also lease a facility in Petersfield, United Kingdom. In August 2015, we completed the shutdown and closure of our operations at our Petersfield facility.

Legal Proceedings

        We are subject to routine legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business. We believe that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.


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MANAGEMENT

Executive Officers and Directors

        The following table provides information with respect to individuals who will serve as our directors and executive officers at the time of this offering.

Name
 Age Position Residence

Steven Montross

  62 President, Chief Executive Officer and Director Colorado, United States

David Brush

  50 Chief Financial Officer Colorado, United States

Lisa Jacoba

  48 Chief Human Resources Officer Colorado, United States

William Dinker

  60 Executive Vice President CPI EFT Source Tennessee, United States

Anna Rossetti

  55 President—CPI Canada Ontario, Canada

Jerry Dreiling

  53 Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer Colorado, United States

Nicholas Cahn

  51 Managing Director—CPI Europe Surrey, United Kingdom

Bradley Seaman

  55 Chairman of the Board Illinois, United States

Robert Pearce

  60 Director Ontario, Canada

Nicholas Peters

  42 Director Illinois, United States

David Rowntree

  59 Director British Columbia, Canada

Executive Officers

        Steven Montross has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer since January 2009. Prior to joining CPI, Mr. Montross was a founding shareholder and Managing Director of FirstLight Financial Corporation, a business which invests senior debt capital in private-equity owned businesses, from 2007 to 2008. Prior to forming FirstLight, Montross had a 17 year career at General Electric Company where he held positions of increasing responsibility and leadership within GE's financial service businesses, including a business that financed private-equity owned enterprises. Mr. Montross holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Michigan and a Masters of Business Administration from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Mr. Montross brings to the board extensive executive leadership experience, and, through his position as our Chief Executive Officer, he brings to the board management's perspective over a full range of issues affecting the Company.

        David Brush has served as our Chief Financial Officer since 2015. From 2013 to 2015, Mr. Brush managed Idris Capital Partners, a financial and operational advisory firm. From 2012 to 2013, Mr. Brush served as Group Executive and President—Power Transmission of Rexnord Corporation, a global industrial business in process and motion control and water management. From 1994 to 2011, Mr. Brush served in various roles at Pactiv Corporation, a multi-national manufacturer of packaging and consumer products, including Vice President and General Manager, Specialty Packaging from 2005 to 2011, Vice President and Treasurer from 2000 to 2005, Vice President Finance, Protective & Flexible Packaging from 1997 to 1999 and multiple finance positions within Specialty Packaging from 1994 to 1996. Prior to joining Pactiv, Mr. Brush was Audit Manager at Price Waterhouse LLC from 1987 to 1994. Mr. Brush received his Bachelor Degree in Accounting from the University of Northern Iowa.

        Lisa Jacoba has served as our Chief Human Resources Officer since 2015. From 2006 to 2014, Ms. Jacoba served as Senior Vice President at Western Union in the United States and United Kingdom where she held leadership positions in the human resources function. Prior to that, Ms. Jacoba held various human resources leadership positions at First Data Corporation from 1990 to 2006. Ms. Jacoba received her Bachelor of Science in Human Resources from Bellevue University.

        William Dinker has served as our Executive Vice President since August 2015. Prior to that, Mr. Dinker served as the President, CPI EFT Source since the Company's acquisition of EFT in September 2014. Prior to our acquisition of EFT Source, Mr. Dinker served as the President and Chief


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Executive Officer of EFT from 1999 to 2014 and as Vice President of Sales of EFT Source


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from 1989 to 1999. Prior to joining EFT Source, Mr. Dinker held various management positions at Anheuser-Busch working with its distributors. Mr. Dinker holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Middle Tennessee State University and a Masters of Business Administration from Vanderbilt University.

        Anna Rossetti has served as the President of CPI Card Group—Canada since 2008. From 1999 to 2008, Ms. Rossetti held several positions with Giesecke & Devrient (Canada), including President from 2004 to 2008 and Senior Vice President and General Manager from 1999 to 2004. Prior to that, Ms. Rossetti worked with Equifax Canada, Bank of Nova Scotia and Bank of Montreal. Ms. Rossetti received her Bachelor Degree in Economics with Honors from York University.

        Jerry Dreiling has served as our Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer since August 2011 overseeing the Company's audit and budgeting function. From 2000 to 2011, Mr. Dreiling served as Chief Financial Officer of Picosecond Pulse Labs. From 1990 to 2000, he served in several senior financial roles, including Director of Strategic Financial Planning, and business unit Finance Director at Storage Tek. From 1984 to 1990, he served as an officer at United Bank of Denver. Mr. Dreiling received his Bachelor's in Business Administration with honors from the University of Northern Colorado and his Master of Business Administration with honors from Regis University.

        Nicholas Cahn has served as Managing Director of CPI Europe since 2008. From 2000 to 2008, Mr. Cahn was Director of the Card Division for Oakhill plc and then Managing Director of PCC Services Ltd., prior to its acquisition in 2008 by CPI. Prior to this, Mr. Cahn spent 15 years with Group Bull of France, serving as Director of International Sales in their smartcard division in Paris, Smartcard Business Unit Director in London and Vice President of a joint venture with Dai Nippon Printing in Tokyo. Mr. Cahn holds a business studies degree from Thames Valley University and is an alumnus of Bull's Executive Advanced Management Course and the European Executive Training Program in Japan.

Directors

        Bradley Seaman has served on our board of directors since 2007. Mr. Seaman has been employed, since August 1999, by Tricor Pacific Capital, Inc., a private equity firm that makes control investments in lower middle market companies in the United States and Canada. From 1999 through December 2011, Mr. Seaman was Tricor's Managing Director and leader of its U.S. operations, and, since January 2012, has served as its Managing Partner, responsible for leading overall firm operations, strategy, funding and investments. Prior to joining Tricor, and from 1990 through July 1999, Mr. Seaman was employed by GE Capital Corporation where he held a number of increasingly senior positions in GE's Transportation & Industrial Funding and Commercial Finance units, ultimately being promoted to head GE Capital's transactions origination teams in Ohio, Michigan and Missouri. In 1994, Mr. Seaman was selected to be part of a new group that was established to focus GE Capital's debt and equity products on the emerging private equity market, and, in that capacity, headed GE's offices in New York and Chicago. Mr. Seaman is also a member of the board of directors of Steel Dynamics, Inc. (NASDAQ: STLD). Mr. Seaman holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Bowling Green State University and an MBA from the University of Dallas. He brings to the board a comprehensive understanding and experience in the capital markets, management experience, and both operational and corporate governance experience drawn from his involvement in the management and oversight of Tricor's portfolio companies.

        Robert Pearce has served on our board of directors since 2007. Mr. Pearce also serves on the board of directors of Canada Guaranty Mortgage Insurance Company and First American Payments Systems, and as an advisor to NorthCard Inc. Mr. Pearce spent 26 years with BMO Bank of Montreal, from 1980 to 2006, most recently holding the position of Chief Executive Officer and President, Personal and Commercial Client Group. He also served on the board of directors of MasterCard International from 1998 to 2006 and as Chairman of the Canadian Bankers' Association from 2004 to 2006. Mr. Pearce


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holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Victoria and a Master of Business Administration from


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the University of British Columbia. Mr. Pearce brings to the board over 30 years of operational and leadership experience in the financial services industry, including extensive operating experience in credit card, debit card and prepaid cards in both card issuing and merchant acceptance in Canada and the United States.

        Nicholas Peters has served on our board of directors since 2007. Mr. Peters is a Managing Director at Tricor, which he joined in 2002 and also began serving as Tricor's Chief Financial Officer in 2012. Prior to joining Tricor, Mr. Peters was a Senior Manager at Arthur Andersen LLP in Chicago. Mr. Peters is the Chairman of BFG Supply Company LLC and Certified Recycling and has served on the board of several other Tricor investment companies. Mr. Peters holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Dayton in Ohio. He is a Certified Public Accountant and is affiliated with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Ohio Society of CPAs. Mr. Peters brings to the board strong finance and accounting skills, as well as valuable experience from his oversight of the management and operations of several of Tricor's portfolio companies.

        David Rowntree has served on our board of directors since 2007. Mr. Rowntree is the President and Chair of Highland West Capital Ltd., a Vancouver-based merchant bank that he founded in July 2012. Mr. Rowntree is one of the founders of Tricor, where he served as a Managing Director from January 1996 to June 2013. Prior to co-founding Tricor, Mr. Rowntree was a practicing attorney in both public practice and as in-house counsel. Mr. Rowntree is the Chair of Ten Peaks Coffee Co Inc. (TSE:TPK). Mr. Rowntree holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of British Columbia and a Bachelor of Law from the Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, Ontario. Mr. Rowntree brings to the board more than three decades of public and private investment expertise as well as experience in corporate governance, strategic planning and risk mitigation and assessment.

Share Ownership by Directors and Officers

        As at the date of this prospectus, as a group, the Company's directors and executive officers beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, or exercised control over 141,8133,119,886 shares of common stock and 73 shares of preferred stock, representing 7.52% and 2.83%, respectively, of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock and preferred stock of the Company, respectively. The foregoing does not include shares held by the Tricor Funds. Each of Messrs. Seaman, Peters and Rowntree is an officer or member of Tricor and has an indirect pecuniary interest in the shares held by the Tricor Funds through their respective interests in the Tricor Funds.

Corporate Cease Trade Orders, Bankruptcies, Penalties and Sanctions

        No director or executive officer of the Company is, as at the date of this Prospectus, or was within 10 years before the date of this Prospectus, a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer of any company (including the Company), that was subject to a cease trade order, an order similar to a cease trade order, or an order that denied the relevant company access to any exemption under securities legislation that was in effect for a period of more than 30 consecutive days:

        No director or executive officer of the Company, or a stockholder holding a sufficient number of securities of the Company to affect materially the control of the Company:


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