CompoSecure Inc
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Mar 5, 2025.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2024 · Filed Mar 5, 2025
GPGI$15.35+8.0%Stored close · as of Nov 9, 2026
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-03-12.
0001823144-24-000002
Item 1A. Risk FactorsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-03-05.
0001823144-25-000004
Item 1A. Risk FactorsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 213 previous paragraphs and 225 current paragraphs.
118 unchanged; 68 reworded; 33 added; 12 removed; 15 previous and 6 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 0 previous and 0 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (33)
Current report
◦Any failure by us to identify, manage, integrate and complete acquisitions and other significant transactions successfully could harm our financial results, business and prospects.
Current report
◦Our Arculus Authenticate solutions may not achieve widespread market acceptance or may not provide sufficient protection.
Current report
◦We are a controlled company following the completion of the Resolute Transaction, and are subject to the significant influence of Resolute, which may result in conflicts of interest and limit the governance protections available to other shareholders.
Current report
◦Our reliance on Resolute Holdings for management services under the Management Agreement exposes us to risks including those related to Resolute Holdings' substantial influence over our business, operations, and strategy.
Current report
◦The warrants, each of which entitles the registered holder to purchase one share of the Company’s Class A Common Stock at a price of $7.97 per share (as adjusted effective February 28, 2025) (the "Warrants") may not remain in the money, and they may expire worthless.
Current report
Any failure by us to identify, manage, integrate and complete acquisitions and other significant transactions successfully could harm our financial results, business and prospects.
Current report
As part of our business strategy, we may from time to time seek to acquire businesses or interests in businesses, including non-controlling interests, or form joint ventures or create strategic alliances. The due diligence we undertake with respect to potential targets may not reveal or highlight all relevant facts that are necessary or helpful in evaluating the potential target, and we will incur expenses in connection with performing such due diligence whether or not an acquisition is ultimately completed. Whether we realize the anticipated benefits from such activities may depend, in part, upon the successful integration between the businesses involved, the performance and development of the underlying products, capabilities or technologies, our correct assessment of assumed liabilities and the management of the operations. Accordingly, our financial results could be adversely affected by unanticipated performance and liability issues, our failure to achieve synergies and other benefits we expected to obtain, transaction-related charges, amortization related to intangibles, and charges for impairment of long-term assets.
Current report
Our ability to realize the expected synergies and benefits of an acquisition may be subject to, among other things, our ability to complete the timely integration of operations and systems, standards, controls, procedures, policies and technologies, difficulties in achieving anticipated cost savings, synergies, business opportunities and growth prospects from the combination, and difficulties in managing the expanded operations of a significantly larger and more complex combined business.
Current report
The occurrence of adverse market events, such as bankruptcies of prominent digital asset entities (like FTX), may increase regulatory scrutiny and may prompt new compliance requirements that could adversely affect our ability to develop and offer digital asset-related services and products, such as the Arculus Cold Storage Wallet, or impose significant costs on the Company.
Current report
In the U.S., the legal and regulatory landscape applicable to digital assets remains uncertain, with overlapping authority existing between and among various U.S. federal agencies, including the CFTC and SEC. This regulatory overlap contributes to ongoing legal and regulatory ambiguity, particularly concerning whether and, if so, when certain transactions in digital assets constitute transactions in securities.
Current report
While actions taken by President Trump following his January 2025 inauguration have appeared to signal the beginning of a much more favorable U.S. governmental approach to digital assets, legal and regulatory uncertainty remains, including concerning the regulatory characterization and treatment of various digital asset-related products, services, platforms, markets and activities, including NFTs, decentralized finance (“DeFi”) and decentralized autonomous organizations (“DAOs”), all of which have drawn regulatory attention in recent years.
Current report
December 2024, the U.S. Treasury finalized a rule requiring digital asset brokers, including non-custodial brokers, to report additional user information, although such rule is the subject of ongoing litigation.
Current report
In addition to a lack of clarity at the U.S. federal level, the various U.S. states and the District of Columbia take a variety of differing approaches to digital asset regulation and legislation, which may not be consistent with the positions of other U.S. states or other jurisdictions, or with the U.S. federal government’s approach. For that reason, even if the U.S. federal government under the Trump administration takes a more crypto-friendly stance to digital asset regulations, that does not necessarily mean that U.S. states or other jurisdictions will adopt a consistent or similar approach.
Current report
Risks Related to the Resolute Holdings Management Agreement
Current report
Our business is managed for a fee by Resolute Holdings, which has substantial influence over our business, operations and strategy and upon which our business is heavily reliant.
Current report
Pursuant to the Management Agreement between Holdings and Resolute Holdings, Resolute Holdings exercises substantial influence over our business, including being responsible for, among other things: establishing and monitoring business objectives, financing activities and operating performance; selecting and overseeing the management team and their operating performance; reviewing and approving compensation and benefit plans, programs, policies and agreements, including with respect to any grants of equity awards to persons providing services; devising capital allocation strategies, plans and policies; setting budget parameters and expense guidelines and monitoring compliance therewith; identifying, analyzing and overseeing the consummation of business opportunities and potential acquisitions, dispositions and other business combinations; originating and recommending opportunities to form or acquire, and structuring and managing, any joint ventures; leading or overseeing negotiations with potential participants in any business opportunity under consideration and determining (or delegating to any officer of Holdings the decision to determine) if and when to proceed; engaging and supervising independent contractors and third-party service providers; reviewing and approving compensation and benefit plans, programs, policies and agreements; communicating with the holders of any securities (i) as required to satisfy any reporting and other requirements of any governmental authority having jurisdiction over Holdings and (ii) to maintain effective relations with such holders; overseeing all claims, disputes or controversies (including all litigation, arbitration, settlement or other proceedings or negotiations) (other than with Resolute Holdings or its affiliates); counselling Holdings in connection with decisions required by Delaware law to be made by the Company's Board; and performing such other services from time to time in connection with the management of the business and affairs of Holdings and its activities as the Company's Board shall reasonably request and/or Resolute Holdings shall deem appropriate under the particular circumstances, in each case to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, federal securities laws, the Nasdaq listing rules and any other applicable rules and regulations.
Current report
Determinations by Resolute Holdings with respect to these matters will impact our day-to-day business and operations, our strategy, and the manner in which we present our results and operations to our stockholders, all of which may change at the discretion of Resolute Holdings. We have also delegated by resolution of the Company's Board authority to approve issuances of our equity for M&A and equity awards, and we have agreed to issue the Company's equity pursuant to those delegations, which could result in existing holders of our Class A Common Stock experiencing dilution.
Current report
The success of our business depends on the ability of Resolute Holdings to effectively manage our business and operations. We rely heavily on the skill and expertise of Resolute Holdings and its management team, particularly David Cote and Thomas Knott. The extent and nature of the experience of Mr. Cote, Mr. Knott and Resolute Holdings’ other personnel and the nature of the relationships they have with external contacts, although not guarantees of positive results, are critical to the success of our business. Personnel of Resolute Holdings, including its directors and executive officers, can be replaced or added over time or be required to recuse themselves or otherwise be restricted from participating in their duties, which may impact Resolute Holdings' performance when managing our business and operations. Additionally, while we believe that Resolute Holdings has access to the resources, relationships, and expertise necessary to manage our business, there can be no assurance that such resources, relationships, and expertise will be available in the future.
Current report
The Management Agreement does not create a mutually exclusive relationship between Holdings and Resolute Management.
Current report
The Management Agreement and the obligations thereunder to provide Holdings with management services does not create a mutually exclusive relationship between Resolute Holdings, on the one hand, and any of the companies that Resolute Holdings manages, including Holdings, on the other. The allocation of Resolute Holdings’ resources is within Resolute Holdings’ sole discretion, and the resources of Resolute Holdings are not required to be, nor are they, fully dedicated to our business and operations. Resolute Holdings is responsible for its own business activities and, as a result, not all of the business time of Resolute Holdings’ personnel will be devoted to our business. Furthermore, we expect that Resolute Holdings will from time to time pursue new business activities, including the management of additional businesses. Accordingly, in addition to the management of Holdings, Resolute Holdings may alternatively focus its efforts on the business(es) of one or more of its other managed companies, the pursuit of additional management agreements with additional managed companies, other strategies, or a combination thereof, each of which could require Resolute Holdings to divert some of its personnel's time and attention away from the management of our business.
Current report
The Management Agreement may be terminated by Resolute Holdings or Holdings, and a termination fee may be payable in certain circumstances.
Current report
The Management Agreement has an initial term of 10 years, following which it will be subject to automatic renewal for successive 10-year periods. Resolute Holdings may terminate the Management Agreement for any reason upon 180 days’ notice before the last day of the initial term or a renewal term, and no termination fee would be payable upon such termination. Each of Holdings and Resolute Holdings may terminate the Management Agreement upon the occurrence of certain other limited events, and in connection with certain of these limited events, Resolute Holdings has the right to require Holdings to pay a termination fee. The termination fee that may become payable by us in connection with these events could be significant and may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, or if paid all or partially in shares of our Class A Common Stock, could result in significant dilution to the holders of our Class A Common Stock. We can offer no assurance that Resolute Holdings will continue to manage our business and provide services to us in the future or that we will continue to have access to Resolute Holdings’ personnel. The loss of services or departure of one or more members of Resolute Holdings’ management team could adversely affect our financial performance, business, and results of operations. See “Business — Recent Developments.”
Current report
Resolute Holdings maintains a contractual as opposed to a fiduciary relationship with Holdings, and has limited liability under the Management Agreement for which they may be indemnified.
Current report
The Management Agreement does not impose on Resolute Holdings an express or implied fiduciary duty to Holdings, any of its controlled affiliates or any holders of equity or voting interests in Holdings or such controlled affiliates, and under the Management Agreement, Resolute Holdings does not assume any responsibility other than to render to Holdings the services called for thereunder in good faith. Under the terms of the Management Agreement, Resolute Holdings and its affiliates and their respective directors, officers, employees, managers, trustees, control persons, partners, stockholders and equity holders (collectively, the “Resolute Holdings Indemnified Parties”) are not liable to Holdings, us or our stockholders for any acts or omissions performed in accordance with and pursuant to, or in furtherance of, the Management Agreement. Holdings has agreed to indemnify the Resolute Holdings Indemnified Parties with respect to all expenses, losses, damages, liabilities, demands, charges and claims of any nature whatsoever (excluding certain limited documented and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with investigating, preparing or defending any acts or omissions by Holdings or its officers, employees or affiliates performed in accordance with, pursuant to or in furtherance of the Management Agreement) arising from any acts or omissions performed in good faith in accordance with, pursuant to, or in furtherance of the Management Agreement and not constituting bad faith, fraud, willful misconduct, gross negligence or reckless disregard of duties, performed or not performed in good faith in accordance with and pursuant to the Management Agreement. Accordingly, under the management of Resolute Holdings, our business may experience poor performance or losses or incur expenses for which Resolute Holdings will not be liable.
Current report
We may have conflicts of interest with Resolute Holdings and its other affiliates.
Current report
In addition to providing management services to Holdings, Resolute Holdings may provide management services to other companies, including those that are in the same or similar lines of business as ours. Moreover, some of our executive officers and/or directors, including David Cote and Thomas Knott, are also executive officers and/or directors of Resolute Holdings and may serve in similar positions at other companies managed by Resolute Holdings. As a result, certain of our directors may have duties to Resolute Holdings which duties could conflict with the duties they owe to us, which could require them to recuse themselves from certain determinations, and could result in action or inaction that is detrimental to our business. In addition, we may from time to time have conflicts of interest with Resolute Holdings in its management of our business as operated through Holdings, which may arise primarily from the involvement of Resolute Holdings and its affiliates in other activities that may conflict with our business, including conflicts between our business activities as operated through Holdings and the business activities of other companies managed by Resolute Holdings. Under the Management Agreement, Resolute Holdings and its affiliates are permitted to engage in such activities, and Resolute Holdings and its affiliates' engagement in such activities may not be favorable to us and may be contrary to our interests. These and other potential conflicts of interest between us and Resolute Holdings and its affiliates could have an adverse effect on the operation of our business.
Current report
We are a "controlled company" within the meaning of the Nasdaq listing rules and, as a result, qualify for and rely on certain exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements.
Current report
Because Resolute holds a majority of our Class A Common Stock and accordingly has the ability to control us, including the ability to control any action requiring the general approval of our stockholders, including the election of our Board, the adoption of amendments to our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and the approval of any merger or sale of all or substantially all of our assets, we are a "controlled company" under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Nasdaq listing rules. A controlled company does not need its board of directors to have a majority of independent directors or to form an independent compensation or nominating and corporate governance committee. We currently comply with the requirements for a majority of independent directors; however our Board may from time to time elect to rely on the exemption from such requirement. As a controlled company, we will remain subject to rules of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Nasdaq listing rules that require us to have an audit committee composed entirely of independent directors.
Current report
If at any time we cease to be a controlled company, we will take all actions necessary to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Nasdaq listing rules, including ensuring that we have a compensation committee and nominating and governance committee each composed entirely of independent directors, subject to a permitted "phase-in" period.
Current report
◦our reliance on Resolute Holdings for management services under the Management Agreement exposes us to risks related to their substantial influence over our business, operations, and strategy;
Current report
Additionally, following the Spin-Off, our business, which we operate through Holdings, is managed by Resolute Holdings, a separate public company that is party to the Management Agreement with Holdings. Pursuant to the Management Agreement, Resolute Holdings has substantial influence over our business, operations and strategy. See "Risks Related to the Resolute Holdings Management Agreement."
Removed paragraphs (12)
Previous report
While the SEC staff has stated that bitcoin is not a security, the Staff has asserted that certain other digital assets are securities subject to the SEC’s substantive and antifraud authority. Further, derivatives on these digital assets, tokens that represent certain derivatives, and certain leveraged transactions on digital assets, may be subject to substantive regulation by the CFTC and/or SEC.
Previous report
Similarly, U.S. legislators and multiple regulators have expressed concerns of systemic risk potentially posed by stablecoins, which has led to the introduction of new potential U.S. federal legislation, in addition to enforcement actions against stablecoin issuers, including the ongoing SEC v. Terraform Labs/Do Kwon case. Additionally, questions concerning whether, and under what circumstances, certain staking as a service models may involve the offer or sale of an investment contracts, remain at issue before the courts.
Previous report
In certain circumstances, Holdings will be required to make pro rata distributions to both the Class A and Class B unit holders with respect to the taxes of its holders, and the distributions that Holdings will be required to make may be substantial and in excess of our tax liabilities and obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement. To the extent we do not distribute such excess cash to the holders of our Class A Common Stock or contribute such excess cash to Holdings in exchange for the issuance of additional Class A Units and a corresponding stock dividend of Class A Common Stock to the holders of our Class A Common Stock, the holders of Class B Units of Holdings would benefit from any value attributable to such cash balances as a result of their ownership of Class A Common Stock following an exchange of their Class B Units.
Previous report
Holdings is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, as such, is not subject to any entity-level U.S. federal income tax. Instead, taxable income is allocated to holders of Holdings’ equity interests, including us. Accordingly, we incur income taxes on our allocable share of any net taxable income of Holdings. Under the Holdings Second Amended and Restated LLC Agreement, Holdings is generally required from time to time to make pro rata distributions in cash to us and the holders of Class B Units of Holdings in amounts that are intended to be sufficient to cover the taxes on our and the other holders of Class B Units of Holdings respective allocable shares of the taxable income of Holdings, based on certain assumptions contained in the Holdings Second Amended and Restated LLC Agreement. As a result of (i) potential differences in the amount of net taxable income allocable to us and the holders of Class B Units of Holdings, (ii) the lower tax rate applicable to corporations as compared to individuals and (iii) the favorable tax benefits that we anticipate receiving from acquisitions of Class B Units in connection with taxable exchanges of Class B Units for shares of our Class A Common Stock, we expect that these tax distributions will be in amounts that exceed our tax liabilities and obligations to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement. Our Board will determine the appropriate uses for any excess cash so accumulated, which may include, among other uses, any potential dividends, the payment of obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement and the payment of other expenses. We have no obligation to distribute such cash (or other available cash other than any declared dividend) to our stockholders. No adjustments to the exchange ratio of Class B Units for shares of Class A Common Stock will be made as a result of either (i) any cash distribution by Holdings or (ii)
Previous report
any cash that we retain and do not distribute to our stockholders. To the extent that we do not distribute such excess cash as dividends on our Class A Common Stock or contribute such excess cash to Holdings in exchange for the issuance of additional Class A Units and a corresponding stock dividend of Class A Common Stock to the holders of our Class A Common Stock, and instead, for example, hold such cash balances or lend them to Holdings, the holders of Class B Units of Holdings would benefit from any value attributable to such cash balances as a result of their ownership of Class A Common Stock following an exchange of their Class B Units.
Previous report
Our guarantees of indebtedness and liabilities could limit the cash flow available for our operations, expose us to risks that could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and impair our ability to satisfy our obligations.
Previous report
Holdings' notes are exchangeable into shares of our Class A Common Stock at an effective conversion price of $11.50 per share. The exchangeable notes are guaranteed by CompoSecure, L.L.C. Our guarantees of indebtedness could have significant negative consequences for our security holders, equity holders and our business, results of operations and financial condition by, among other things:
Previous report
•requiring the dedication of a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to service our guarantees of indebtedness, which reduces the amount of cash available for other purposes;
Previous report
•diluting the interests of our stockholders as a result of the issuance shares of our Class A Common Stock upon conversion of the exchangeable notes; and
Previous report
Our business may not generate sufficient funds, and we may otherwise be unable to maintain sufficient cash reserves, to pay amounts that may become due under our guarantees of indebtedness, including in connection with the exchangeable notes, and our cash needs may increase in the future. In addition, any future indebtedness or guarantees of indebtedness that we may incur may contain financial and other restrictive covenants that limit our ability to operate our business, raise capital or make payments under our other indebtedness. If we fail to comply with these covenants or to make payments under our guarantees of indebtedness if and when due, then we could be in default under those guarantees of indebtedness, which could, in turn, result in that and our other indebtedness becoming immediately payable in full.
Previous report
The future exercise of registration rights may adversely affect the market price of our securities.
Previous report
Sales of a substantial number of shares of common stock in the public market could occur at any time. In addition, certain registration rights holders can request underwritten offerings to sell their securities. These sales, or the perception in the market that the holders of a large number of securities intend to sell securities, could reduce the market price of our securities.
Reworded paragraphs (68)
Previous wording
Our future growth may depend upon our ability to develop, introduce, manufacture and commercialize new products, which can be a lengthy and complex process. If we are unable to introduce new products and services in a timely manner, our business could be materially adversely affected.
Current wording
◦Our future growth may depend upon our ability to develop and commercialize new products, and we may be unable to introduce new products and services in a timely manner.
Previous wording
◦We have limited experience in the digital assets industry and may not succeed in fully commercializing the products and solutions derived from the Arculus platform.
Current wording
◦We have limited experience in the digital assets industry and may not succeed in fully commercializing the products and solutions derived from the Arculus technology.
Previous wording
Security markets, including the market for authentication solutions, are rapidly evolving to address increasing and challenging cyber threats, including identity theft, and the Company's Arculus Authenticate solutions may not achieve widespread market acceptance. In addition, there is a risk that the Arculus Authenticate solutions may not provide protection against all or a sufficient amount of the ever-changing security vulnerabilities, exploits or cyber attacks.
Current wording
◦Security markets, including the market for authentication solutions, are rapidly evolving to address increasing and challenging cyber threats, including identity theft, and the Company's Arculus Authenticate solutions may not achieve widespread market acceptance.
Previous wording
◦Upon the occurrence of an event of default relating to the Company's credit facility, the lenders could elect to accelerate payments due and terminate all commitments to extend further credit.
Current wording
◦Upon the occurrence of an event of default in our credit facility, the lenders could elect to accelerate payments due and terminate all commitments to extend further credit.
Previous wording
◦Our only significant asset is our ownership of CompoSecure Holdings, L.L.C. ("Holdings"). If the business of Holdings is not profitably operated, we may be unable to pay us dividends or make distributions to enable us to pay any dividends on our common stock or satisfy our other financial obligations.
Current wording
◦Our only significant asset is our ownership of Holdings. If the business of Holdings is not profitably operated, Holdings may be unable to make distributions to enable us to satisfy our financial obligations.
Previous wording
◦Provisions in our charter and Delaware law may inhibit a takeover of us, which could limit the price investors might be willing to pay in the future for our common stock and could entrench management.
Current wording
◦Provisions in our charter (the "Charter") and Delaware law may inhibit a takeover of us, which could limit the price investors might be willing to pay in the future for our common stock and could entrench management.
Previous wording
U.S. and international markets and, in particular, the rapidly evolving digital assets industry, are experiencing uncertain and volatile economic conditions, including from the after-effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Russian aggression in Ukraine, the evolving conflict in Israel, Gaza and the surrounding areas, inflation, threats or concerns of recession, and supply chain disruptions. These conditions make it extremely difficult for us and our suppliers to accurately forecast and plan future business activities. Additionally, a significant downturn in the domestic or global economy may cause our existing customers to pause or delay orders and prospective customers to defer new projects. Together, these circumstances create an environment in which it is challenging for us to predict future operating results, particularly for our new Arculus business. If these uncertain business, macroeconomic or political conditions continue or further decline, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
Current wording
U.S. and international markets and, in particular, the rapidly evolving digital assets industry, are experiencing uncertain and volatile economic conditions, including from the after-effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, the conflict in Israel, Gaza and the surrounding areas, inflation, threats or concerns of recession, and supply chain disruptions. These conditions make it extremely difficult for us and our suppliers to accurately forecast and plan future business activities. Additionally, a significant downturn in the domestic or global economy may cause our existing customers to pause or delay orders and prospective customers to defer new projects. Together, these circumstances create an environment in which it is challenging for us to predict future operating results, particularly for our Arculus products and services. If these uncertain business, macroeconomic or political conditions continue or further decline, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
Previous wording
We may not continue to achieve sales growth in the future and you should not consider our sales growth in fiscal 2023 as indicative of future performance. It is also possible that our growth rate may slow in future periods due to a number of factors, which may include slowing demand for our products, increased competition, decreasing growth of its overall market, or inability to engage and retain customers. If we are unable to maintain consistent sales or continue our sales growth, it may be difficult for us to maintain profitability.
Current wording
We may not continue to achieve sales growth in the future and you should not consider our sales growth in fiscal 2024 as indicative of future performance. It is also possible that our growth rate may slow in future periods due to a number of factors, which may include slowing demand for our products, increased competition, decreasing growth of the overall market, or inability to engage and retain customers. If we are unable to maintain consistent sales or continue our sales growth, it may be difficult for us to maintain profitability.
Previous wording
Our two largest customers are American Express and JPMorgan Chase. Together, these customers represented approximately 71% and 67% of our net sales for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. Our ability to meet our customers’ high-quality standards in a timely manner is critical to our business success. If we are unable to provide our products and services at high quality and in a timely manner, our customer relationships may be adversely affected, which could result in the loss of customers.
Current wording
Our two largest customers are JPMorgan Chase and American Express. Together, these customers represented approximately 63% and 71% of our net sales for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Our ability to meet our customers’ high-quality standards in a timely manner is critical to our business success. If we are unable to provide our products and services at high quality and in a timely manner, our customer relationships may be adversely affected, which could result in the loss of customers.
Previous wording
Our ability to maintain relationships with our customers or attract new customers may be impacted by several factors beyond our control, including more attractive product offerings from our competitors, widespread industry disruptions such as recent disruptions in the digital assets industry, pricing pressures or the financial health of these customers, many of whom operate in competitive businesses and depend on favorable macroeconomic conditions. In addition, we may also be limited in the products we can offer and the pricing we can receive for such products due to restrictions present in certain of our customer contracts, which may negatively impact our ability to retain existing customers or attract new customers. If we experience difficulty retaining customers and attracting new customers, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
Current wording
Our ability to maintain relationships with our customers or attract new customers may be affected by several factors beyond our control, including more attractive product offerings from our competitors, widespread industry disruptions (such as adverse crypto market disruptions, adoption or enactment of new legislation or agency rules and the outcomes of regulatory enforcement actions and other major litigation), pricing pressures or the financial health of these customers, many of whom operate in competitive businesses and depend on favorable macroeconomic conditions. In addition, we may also be limited in the products we can offer and the pricing we can receive for such products due to restrictions present in certain of our customer contracts, which may negatively impact our ability to retain existing customers or attract new customers. If we experience difficulty retaining customers and attracting new customers, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
Previous wording
A substantial portion of our manufacturing capacity is located at our primary production facility. Any serious disruption at such facility could impair our ability to manufacture enough products to meet customer demand, and could increase our costs and expenses and adversely affect our revenues. Our other facilities may not have the requisite equipment or sufficient capacity, may have higher costs and expenses, or may experience significant delays to adequately increase production to satisfactorily meet our customers’ expectations or requirements. Long-term production disruptions may cause our customers to modify their payment card programs to use plastic cards or to seek alternative supply of metal cards. Any such production disruptions could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Current wording
A substantial portion of our manufacturing capacity is located at our primary production facility. Any serious disruption at such facility could impair our ability to manufacture enough products to meet customer demand, and could increase our costs and expenses and adversely affect our revenues. Our other facilities may not have the requisite equipment or sufficient capacity, may have higher costs and expenses, or may experience significant delays to adequately increase production to satisfactorily meet our customers’ expectations or requirements. Long-term production disruptions may cause our customers to modify their payment card programs to use plastic cards or to seek an alternative supply of metal cards. Any such production disruptions could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Previous wording
As a company engaged in manufacturing and distribution, we are subject to the risks inherent in such activities, including disruptions or delays in supply chain or information technology, product quality control, as well as other external factors over which we have no control. Some of the key components used in the manufacture of our products are metals, NFC-enabled and EMV chips, which we source from several key suppliers. We obtain our components from multiple suppliers located in the United States and abroad, on a purchase order basis. Changes in the financial or business condition of our suppliers and/or development partners could subject us to losses or adversely affect our ability to bring products to market. Additionally, the failure of our suppliers and/or development partners to comply with applicable standards, perform as expected, and deliver goods and services in a timely manner in sufficient quantities could adversely affect our customer service levels and overall business. Any increases in the costs of goods and services for our business may also adversely affect our profit margins particularly if we are unable to achieve higher price increases or otherwise increase cost or operational efficiencies to offset the higher costs.
Current wording
As a company engaged in manufacturing and distribution, we are subject to the risks inherent in such activities, including disruptions or delays in supply chain or information technology, product quality control, as well as other external factors over which we have no control. Some of the key components used in the manufacture of our products are metals, NFC-enabled chips and EMV chips, which we source from several key suppliers. We obtain our components from multiple suppliers located in the United States and abroad, on a purchase order basis. Changes in the financial or business condition of our suppliers and/or development partners could subject us to losses or adversely affect our ability to bring products to market. Additionally, the failure of our suppliers and/or development partners to comply with applicable standards, perform as expected, and deliver goods and services in a timely manner in sufficient quantities could adversely affect our customer service levels and overall business. Any increases in the costs of goods and services for our business may also adversely affect our profit margins particularly if we are unable to achieve higher price increases or otherwise increase cost or operational efficiencies to offset the higher costs.
Previous wording
Additionally, we partner with third-party partners to offer certain Arculus-related services to our customers. If any of these third parties experiences operational interference or disruptions, fails to perform its obligations and meet our expectations, experiences a cybersecurity incident, fails to comply with applicable regulatory and/or licensing requirements which may evolve over time, or is subject to regulatory enforcement proceedings concerning their operations, the operations of the Arculus solutions could be disrupted or otherwise adversely affected.
Current wording
Additionally, we partner with third-party providers to offer certain Arculus-related services to our customers. If any of these third parties experiences operational interference or disruptions, fails to perform its obligations and meet our expectations, experiences a cybersecurity incident, fails to comply with applicable regulatory and/or licensing requirements which may evolve over time, or is subject to regulatory enforcement proceedings concerning their operations, the operations of the Arculus solutions could be disrupted or otherwise adversely affected.
Previous wording
As digital assets have grown in both popularity and market size, governments around the world have reacted differently to digital assets, with certain governments deeming them illegal and others allowing their use and trade under certain circumstances. Currently, there is no uniformly applicable legal or regulatory regime governing digital assets in most jurisdictions, including the U.S. Governments or regulatory authorities may impose new or additional licensing, registration or other compliance requirements on participants in the digital asset industry. Ongoing and future regulatory actions may impact our ability of to develop and offer products involving the use of digital assets, including the Arculus Cold Storage Wallet, or may impose additional costs, which may be material, on us in connection with such products, and such impact may be material and adverse. For example, the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) has designated bitcoin, a form of digital asset that frequently is referred to as a commodity, and as such, trades in bitcoin are subject to the CFTC’s antifraud authority. Nevertheless, digital assets that are commodities also may be considered to be securities by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), or may have been offered or sold in transactions that the SEC deems to be investment contracts and, therefore, securities. In the U.S., regulators, courts and lawmakers alike are grappling with these questions, and the legal landscape remains uncertain.
Current wording
As digital assets have grown in both popularity and market size, the regulatory approach by governments worldwide has varied significantly, with some deeming them illegal and others permitting their use and trade under specified conditions. Currently, there is no uniformly applicable legal or regulatory regime governing digital assets in most jurisdictions, including in the U.S.
Previous wording
While the SEC has brought multiple enforcement actions against digital asset projects, including trading platforms that the SEC believes were operating, among other things, as unregistered exchanges, thus far, such cases have not resolved the legal uncertainty in the U.S. concerning digital assets, including the secondary trading market. Several of such recent enforcement actions are court cases that remain ongoing and, to the extent that courts have rendered opinions, for example, in the SEC v. Ripple and SEC v. Terraform Labs/Do Kwon cases, those opinions, and the reasoning in support of them, have not necessarily been consistent with one another. The SEC’s 2023 settlements with NFT issuers could signal the SEC’s interest in regulating the broader NFT market, including NFT trading platforms, to the extent that the SEC determines that certain NFTs are securities.
Current wording
While the SEC has brought multiple enforcement actions against digital asset projects, including trading platforms that the SEC believes were operating, among other things, as unregistered exchanges, thus far, such cases have not resolved the legal uncertainty in the U.S. concerning digital assets, including questions concerning the very application of the U.S. federal securities laws to digital assets and digital asset-related activities, including in the secondary trading market. Several of such recent enforcement actions are court cases that remain ongoing and, to the extent that courts have rendered opinions, those opinions, and the reasoning in support of them, have not necessarily been consistent with one another.
Previous wording
In addition to a continued focus on digital asset issuers and centralized digital asset trading platforms, regulators and private plaintiffs alike have initiated actions against decentralized finance (“DeFi”) projects, including decentralized autonomous organizations (“DAOs”), under various theories of liability. Among other things, DAOs have been characterized by certain plaintiffs as unincorporated associations or general partnerships, with some plaintiffs asserting that liability should be assigned to participants in DAO governance, while others have sought to establish joint and several liability for DAO members generally, including on negligence theories of liability. The CFTC has announced a commitment to pursue DeFi protocols operating unregistered platforms that allow U.S. persons to trade digital asset derivatives and, in 2023, settled charges against three different DeFi platforms for offering, or making available for trading, contracts based on various digital assets, including swaps and other derivatives, without registering with the CFTC. The SEC similarly appears focused on DeFi and has brought enforcement actions against DeFi projects in 2024. In addition to the SEC’s proposed rule change that would expand the definition of “exchange” to potentially include certain DeFi-related activities (see discussion under the heading "Regulatory Risks of Operating as an Unregistered Exchange or as Part of an Unregistered Exchange Mechanism" below), in 2023, SEC staff served as lead drafter of the International Organization of Securities Commissions' (“IOSCO”) proposed policy recommendations concerning DeFi. The terms “DeFi” and “DAO” may be interpreted broadly to encompass a wide variety of projects, services and participants, and if a regulator or private plaintiff were to claim that Arculus is deemed to have participated in or facilitated DeFi- or DAO-related activities that were in violation of applicable law, there may be significant associated risks, including the potential for joint and several liability.
Current wording
In particular, as a result of actions by private plaintiffs and regulators alike, under various theories of liability, among other things, DAOs have been characterized by certain plaintiffs as unincorporated associations or general partnerships, with some plaintiffs asserting that liability should be assigned to participants in DAO governance, while others have sought to establish joint and several liability for DAO members generally, including on negligence theories of liability. The terms “DeFi” and “DAO” may be interpreted broadly to encompass a wide variety of projects, services and participants, and if a regulator or private plaintiff were to claim that Arculus is deemed to have participated in or facilitated DeFi- or DAO-related activities that were in violation of applicable law, there may be significant associated risks, including the potential for joint and several liability.
Previous wording
Moreover, given recent geopolitical conflict and instability, certain U.S. legislators and regulators have signaled heightened concerns about national security and the importance of “know your customer” (“KYC”), anti-money laundering (“AML”), counter financing of terrorism (“CFT”) and sanctions checks and compliance, including concerns about potential use by certain terrorist groups of digital assets to fund their operations or evade U.S. sanctions. In addition to the introduction of potential digital asset-focused legislation in Congress aimed at addressing such concerns, regulators have focused on enforcement. In 2022 and 2023, OFAC, sanctioned digital assets market participants alleged to have supported sanctioned countries and/or terrorist operations, and, in 2023, the U.S. Treasury’s FinCEN, pursuant seldom-used powers granted to it under Section 311 of the USA PATRIOT Act, designated an entire class of transactions, namely transactions associated with digital asset mixers, as being of primary money laundering concern. In addition, the U.S. Treasury, the IRS and other agencies also continue to propose new rules and guidance applicable to digital assets.
Current wording
Moreover, given recent geopolitical conflict and instability, certain U.S. legislators and regulators have signaled heightened concerns about national security and the importance of “know your customer” (“KYC”), anti-money laundering (“AML”), counter financing of terrorism (“CFT”) and sanctions checks and compliance, including concerns about potential use by certain terrorist groups of digital assets to fund their operations or evade U.S. sanctions. In addition to the introduction of potential digital asset-focused legislation in Congress aimed at addressing such concerns, regulators have focused on enforcement. In 2022 and 2023, OFAC sanctioned digital assets market participants alleged to have supported sanctioned countries and/or terrorist operations, and, in 2023, the U.S. Treasury’s FinCEN, pursuant to seldom-used powers granted to it under Section 311 of the USA PATRIOT Act, designated an entire class of transactions, namely transactions associated with digital asset mixers, as being of primary money laundering concern. At present, as a result of ongoing litigation concerning the virtual currency mixer known as Tornado Cash, uncertainty exists concerning the ability of OFAC to impose sanctions in the digital asset space, particularly in the case of immutable smart contracts.
Previous wording
In sum, these federal regulators and courts, and various U.S. state and non-U.S. regulators, are still developing their frameworks for regulating digital assets. If we are found to have supported purchase and swap transactions in the Arculus Cold Storage Wallet for digital assets which are subsequently determined to be securities, it is possible that we could be viewed as inadvertently acting as an unlicensed broker-dealer which could subject us to, among other things, regulatory enforcement actions, censure, monetary fines, restrictions on the conduct of the Arculus business operations and/or rescission/damages claims by customers who use the Arculus Cold Storage Wallet. Our failure to comply with applicable laws or regulations, or the costs associated with defending any action alleging our noncompliance with applicable laws or regulations, could materially and adversely affect us, our business and our results of operations.
Current wording
In sum, the U.S. federal regulators and courts, and various U.S. state and non-U.S. regulators, are still developing their frameworks for regulating digital assets. If we are found to have supported purchase and swap transactions in the Arculus Cold Storage Wallet for digital assets which subsequently are determined to be securities, it is possible that we could be viewed as inadvertently acting as an unlicensed broker-dealer which could subject us to, among other things, regulatory enforcement actions, censure, monetary fines, restrictions on the conduct of our Arculus activities and/or rescission/damages claims by customers who use the Arculus Cold Storage Wallet. Our failure to comply with applicable laws or regulations, or the costs associated with defending any action alleging our noncompliance with applicable laws or regulations, could materially and adversely affect us, our business and our results of operations.
Previous wording
In order to determine whether a particular digital asset is a security prior to supporting purchase and swap transactions on the Arculus Cold Storage Wallet in such digital asset, we rely upon legal and regulatory analysis of legal counsel with expertise in the digital asset industry. While the methodology we have used, and expect to continue to use, to determine if purchase and swap transactions in a digital asset will be supported in the Arculus Cold Storage Wallet is ultimately a risk-based assessment, it does not preclude legal or regulatory action based on the presence of a security.
Current wording
In order to determine whether a particular digital asset is a security (or whether transactions in such digital assets would constitute an offer or sale of a security), prior to supporting purchase and swap transactions on the Arculus Cold Storage Wallet in such digital asset, we rely upon legal and regulatory analysis of legal counsel with expertise in the digital asset industry. While the methodology we have used, and expect to continue to use, to determine if purchase and swap transactions in a digital asset will be supported in the Arculus Cold Storage Wallet is ultimately a risk-based assessment, it does not preclude legal or regulatory action based on the presence of a security.
Previous wording
Because the Arculus Cold Storage Wallet may facilitate purchase and swap transactions in digital assets that could be classified as “securities,” our business may be subject to additional risk because such digital assets are subject to heightened scrutiny including under customer protection, anti-money laundering, counter terrorism financing and sanctions regulations. To the extent the Arculus Cold Storage Wallet supports purchase and swap transactions in any digital assets that are deemed to be securities under any of the laws of the U.S. or another jurisdiction, or in a proceeding in a court of law or otherwise, it may have adverse consequences. To counter such risks, we may have to remove Arculus Cold Storage Wallet support for purchase and swap transactions in certain digital assets if and when such digital assets are designated as securities, which could hurt our business. Alternatively, we may be required to partner with third-party registered securities broker/dealers to facilitate securities trading by Arculus customers, and we may be unsuccessful in efforts to establish such a partnership.
Current wording
Because the Arculus Cold Storage Wallet may facilitate purchase and swap transactions in digital assets that could be classified as “securities,” our business may be subject to additional risk because such digital assets are subject to heightened scrutiny, including under customer protection, anti-money laundering, counter terrorism financing and sanctions regulations. To the extent the Arculus Cold Storage Wallet supports purchase and swap transactions in any digital assets that are deemed to be securities under any of the laws of the U.S. or another jurisdiction, or in a proceeding in a court of law or otherwise, it may have adverse consequences. To counter such risks, we may have to remove Arculus Cold Storage Wallet support for purchase and swap transactions in certain digital assets if and when such digital assets are designated as securities, which could hurt sales of our Arculus products and services. Alternatively, we may be required to partner with third-party registered securities broker/dealers to facilitate securities trading by Arculus customers, and we may be unsuccessful in efforts to establish such a partnership.
Previous wording
In addition, we do not presently intend to effect or otherwise facilitate trading in securities by our Arculus customers through the use of our Arculus Cold Storage Wallet if such activities would require the use of a registered broker-dealer or investment adviser. Although we are establishing policies and procedures to ensure that our Arculus business activities do not result in us inadvertently acting as an unregistered broker-dealer or investment adviser, there can no assurance that such policies and procedures will be effective. If we are found by relevant regulatory agencies to have inadvertently acted as an unregistered broker-dealer with respect to purchase and swap transactions in particular digital assets, we would expect to immediately cease supporting purchase and swap transactions in those digital assets unless and until either the digital asset at issue is determined by the SEC or a judicial ruling to not be a security or we partner with a third-party registered broker-dealer or investment adviser, acquire a registered broker-dealer or investment adviser or register the Company as a securities broker-dealer or investment adviser, any of which we may elect not to do or may not be successful in doing. For any period of time during which we are found to have inadvertently acted as an unregistered broker-dealer or investment adviser, we could be subject to, among other things, regulatory enforcement actions, monetary fines, censure, restrictions on the conduct of our Arculus business operations and/or rescission/damages claims by customers who use the Arculus Cold Storage Wallet. Our failure to comply with applicable laws or regulations, or the costs associated with defending any action alleging our noncompliance with applicable laws or regulations, could materially and adversely affect us, our business and our results of operations.
Current wording
In addition, we do not currently intend to effect or otherwise facilitate trading in securities by our Arculus customers through the use of our Arculus Cold Storage Wallet if such activities would require the use of a registered broker-dealer or investment adviser. Despite implementing policies and procedures to monitor compliance with relevant laws, with a goal of ensuring that our Arculus activities do not result in us inadvertently acting as an unregistered broker-dealer or investment advisor, we cannot assure that these measures will be completely effective. Should regulators challenge our stance regarding our non-obligations under various securities regulations, this could have a material and adverse impact on our operations. If we are found by relevant regulatory agencies to have inadvertently acted as an unregistered broker-dealer with respect to purchase and swap transactions in particular digital assets, we would expect to immediately cease supporting purchase and swap transactions in those digital assets unless and until either the digital asset at issue is determined by the SEC or a judicial ruling to not be a security, or we partner with a third-party registered broker-dealer or investment adviser, acquire a registered broker-dealer or investment adviser or register the Company as a securities broker-dealer or investment adviser, any of which we may elect not to do or may not be successful in doing. For any period of time during which we are found to have inadvertently acted as an unregistered broker-dealer or investment adviser, we could be subject to, among other things, regulatory enforcement actions, monetary fines, censure, restrictions on the conduct of our Arculus activities and/or rescission/damages claims by customers who use the Arculus Cold Storage Wallet. Our failure to comply with applicable laws or regulations, or the costs associated with defending any action alleging our noncompliance with applicable laws or regulations, could materially and adversely affect us, our business and our results of operations.
Previous wording
We do not believe the storage and peer-to-peer/send & receive functionality provided by the Arculus Cold Storage Wallet involves purchases, sales or other transactions effected by us (or any party other than the sender and the recipient). Further, we are not compensated for such user-directed activities. However, it is possible that regulators may determine that user-directed peer-to-peer transfers using the Arculus Cold Storage Wallet would require registration and compliance with broker-dealer and/or securities exchange regulations.
Current wording
We believe the storage and peer-to-peer/send & receive functionality provided by the Arculus Cold Storage Wallet does not involve any purchase, sale or other transaction effected by us (or any party other than the sender and the recipient). Further, we are not compensated for such user-directed activities. However, regulators may determine that user-directed peer-to-peer transfers using the Arculus Cold Storage Wallet, or other Arculus-related activities would require registration and compliance with broker-dealer and/or securities exchange regulations.
Previous wording
Any venue that brings together purchasers and sellers of digital assets that are characterized as securities in the United States is generally subject to registration as a national securities exchange, or must qualify for an exemption, such as by being operated by a registered broker-dealer as an alternative trading system (or ATS). To the extent that any venue accessed via the Arculus Cold Storage Wallet is not so registered (or appropriately exempt), we may be unable to permit continued support for purchase and swap transactions for digital assets that become subject to characterization as securities and due to operation of an unregistered exchange or as part of an unregistered exchange mechanism, we could be subject to significant monetary penalties, censure or other actions that may have a material and adverse effect on us. While we do not believe that the Arculus Cold Storage Wallet, which facilitates purchase and swap transactions in certain digital assets, is itself a securities exchange or ATS or is part of an unregistered exchange mechanism, regulators may determine that this is the case, and we would then be required to register as a securities exchange or qualify and register as an ATS, either of which could cause us to discontinue our purchase and swap support for such digital assets or otherwise limit or modify Arculus Cold Storage Wallet functionality or access. In September 2022, the SEC proposed a rule change concerning the definition of “exchange.” While it is not yet clear whether or in what form such proposed rule change may be adopted, it is possible that a change to the definition of “exchange” could result in regulators determining that the Arculus Cold Storage Wallet is functioning as a securities exchange or ATS or is part of an unregistered exchange mechanism, in which case, the potential registration requirements, or cessation, limitation or other modifications contemplated above could become necessary or advisable. Any such discontinuation, limitation or other modification could negatively impact our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Current wording
Any venue that brings together purchasers and sellers of digital assets that are characterized as securities in the United States is generally subject to registration as a national securities exchange, or must qualify for an exemption, such as by being operated by a registered broker-dealer as an alternative trading system (or ATS). To the extent that any venue accessed via the Arculus Cold Storage Wallet is not so registered (or appropriately exempt), we may be unable to permit continued support for purchase and swap transactions for digital assets that become subject to characterization as securities and due to operation of an unregistered exchange or as part of an unregistered exchange mechanism, we could be subject to significant monetary penalties, censure or other actions that may have a material and adverse effect on us. While we do not believe that the Arculus Cold Storage Wallet, which facilitates purchase and swap transactions in certain digital assets, is itself a securities exchange or ATS or is part of an unregistered exchange mechanism, regulators may determine that this is the case, and we would then be required to register as a securities exchange or qualify and register as an ATS, either of which could cause us to discontinue our purchase and swap support for such digital assets or otherwise limit or modify Arculus Cold Storage Wallet functionality or access.
Previous wording
Our patents, trade secrets and other intellectual property rights are critical to our business. Our ability to safeguard our proprietary product designs and production processes against misappropriation by third parties is necessary to maintain our competitive position within our industry. Therefore, we routinely enter into confidentiality agreements with our employees, consultants and strategic partners to limit access to, and distribution of, our proprietary information in an effort to safeguard our proprietary rights and trade secrets. However, such efforts may not adequately protect our intellectual property against infringement and misappropriation by unauthorized third parties. Such third parties could interfere with our relationships with customers if successful in attempts to misappropriate our proprietary information or copy our products designs, or portions thereof. Additionally, because some of our customers purchase products on a purchase order basis and not pursuant to a detailed written contract, where we do not have the benefit of written protections with respect to certain intellectual property terms beyond standard terms and conditions, we may be exposed to potential infringement of our intellectual property rights. Enforcing our intellectual property rights against unauthorized use may be expensive and cause us to incur significant costs, all of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. There is no assurance that our existing or future patents will not be challenged, invalidated or otherwise circumvented. The patents and intellectual property rights we obtain, including our intellectual property rights which are formally registered in the United States and abroad, may be insufficient to provide meaningful protection or commercial advantage. Moreover, we may have difficulty obtaining additional patents and other intellectual property protections in the future. Effective patent, trademark, service mark, copyright and trade secret protection may not be available in every country in which we provide our products or services. Any of the foregoing factors may have a material adverse effect on our business.
Current wording
Our patents, trade secrets and other intellectual property rights are critical to our business. Our ability to safeguard our proprietary product designs and production processes against misappropriation by third parties is necessary to maintain our competitive position within our industry. Therefore, we routinely enter into confidentiality agreements with our employees, consultants and strategic partners to limit access to, and distribution of, our proprietary information in an effort to safeguard our proprietary rights and trade secrets. However, such efforts may not adequately protect our intellectual property against infringement and misappropriation by unauthorized third parties. Such third parties could interfere with our relationships with customers if successful in attempts to misappropriate our proprietary information or copy our products designs, or portions thereof. Additionally, because some of our customers purchase products on a purchase order basis and not pursuant to a detailed written contract, where we do not have the benefit of written protections with respect to certain intellectual property terms beyond standard terms and conditions, we may be exposed to potential infringement of our intellectual property rights.
Previous wording
Our industry is highly competitive and we expect it to remain highly competitive as competitors cut production costs, new product markets develop, and other competitors attempt to enter the markets in which we operate or new markets in which we may enter. Some of our existing competitors have more sales, greater marketing, more specialized manufacturing, and highly efficient distribution processes. We may also face competition from new competitors that may enter our industry or specific product market. Such current or new competitors may develop technologies, processes or products that are better suited to succeed in the marketplace as a result of enhanced features and functionality at lower costs, particularly as technological sophistication of such competitors and the size of the market increase. These factors could lower our average selling prices and reduce gross margins. If we cannot sufficiently reduce our production costs or develop innovative technologies or products, we may not be able to compete effective in our product markets and maintain market share, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Current wording
Our industry is highly competitive and we expect it to remain highly competitive as competitors cut production costs, new product markets develop, and other competitors attempt to enter the markets in which we operate or new markets in which we may enter. Some of our existing competitors have more sales, greater marketing, more specialized manufacturing, and highly efficient distribution processes. We may also face competition from new competitors that may enter our industry or specific product market. Such current or new competitors may develop technologies, processes or products that are better suited to succeed in the marketplace as a result of enhanced features and functionality at lower costs, particularly as technological sophistication of such competitors and the size of the market increase. These factors could lower our average selling prices and reduce gross margins. If we cannot sufficiently reduce our production costs or develop innovative technologies or products, we may not be able to compete effectively in our product markets and maintain market share, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Previous wording
Our long-lived assets recorded as of December 31, 2023 were $32.7 million, representing approximately 16% of our total assets, of which we have recorded plant, equipment and leasehold improvements of $25.2 million, as our operations require significant investments in machinery and equipment.
Current wording
Our long-lived assets recorded as of December 31, 2024 were $28.9 million, representing approximately 6.1% of our total assets, of which we have recorded plant, equipment and leasehold improvements of $23.4 million, as our operations require significant investments in machinery and equipment.
Previous wording
We make significant investments to our facilities in order to meet these industry standards, including investments required to satisfy changes adopted from time to time in industry standards. We may become ineligible to provide products and services to our customers if we are unable to continue to meet these standards. Many of the products we produce and services we provide are subject to certification with one or more of the payment networks. We may lose the ability to produce cards for or provide services to banks issuing credit or debit cards on the payment networks if we were to lose our certification from one or more of the payment networks or payment card industry certification for one or more of our facilities. 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 payment networks, we could lose a substantial number of our customers, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Current wording
We make significant investments in our facilities in order to meet these industry standards, including investments required to satisfy changes adopted from time to time in industry standards. We may become ineligible to provide products and services to our customers if we are unable to continue to meet these standards. Many of the products we produce and services we provide are subject to certification with one or more of the payment networks. We may lose the ability to produce cards for or provide services to banks issuing credit or debit cards on the payment networks if we were to lose our certification from one or more of the payment networks or payment card industry certification for one or more of our facilities. 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 payment networks, we could lose a substantial number of our customers, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Previous wording
A portion of the raw materials used by us to manufacture our products are obtained, directly or indirectly, from companies located outside of the United States. Recently, tariffs have been imposed on imports from certain countries outside of the United States. As a result, further trade restrictions and/or tariffs may be forthcoming. Certain international trade agreements may also be at risk, as the current U.S. administration has voiced some opposition in respect thereof. These factors may stagnate the economy, impact relationships with and access to suppliers, and/or materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. These and future tariffs, as well as any other global trade developments, bring with them uncertainty. We cannot predict future changes to imports covered by tariffs or which countries will be included or excluded from such tariffs. The reactions of other countries and resulting actions on the United States and similarly situated companies could negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Current wording
A portion of the raw materials used by us to manufacture our products are obtained, directly or indirectly, from companies located outside of the United States. There is currently significant uncertainty about the future relationship between the U.S. and various other countries with respect to trade policies and tariffs. Recently, tariffs have been imposed on imports from certain countries outside of the United States. For example, the Trump administration has instituted substantial changes to U.S. foreign trade policy with respect to China and other countries, including a significant increase in tariffs on goods imported into the U.S., and has signaled possibly imposing further restrictions on international trade. As a result, further trade restrictions and/or tariffs may be forthcoming. Certain international trade agreements may also be at risk, as the current U.S. administration has voiced some opposition in respect thereof. These factors may stagnate the economy, impact relationships with and access to suppliers, increase the costs of certain raw materials we purchase, and/or materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. These and future tariffs, as well as any other global trade developments, bring with them uncertainty. We cannot predict future changes to imports covered by tariffs or which countries will be included or excluded from such tariffs. The reactions of other countries and resulting actions on the United States and similarly situated companies could negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Previous wording
During each of 2023 and 2022, we derived 18% and 22% of our revenue from sales to customers located outside the U.S. Our ability to convince customers to expand their use of our products or renew their agreements with us are directly correlated to our direct engagement with such customers. To the extent that we are unable to engage with non-U.S. customers effectively, we may be unable to grow sales to international customers to the same degree we have experienced in the past.
Current wording
During each of 2024 and 2023, we derived 18% of our revenue from sales to customers located outside the U.S. Our ability to convince customers to expand their use of our products or renew their agreements with us are directly correlated to our direct engagement with such customers. To the extent that we are unable to engage with non-U.S. customers effectively, we may be unable to grow sales to international customers to the same degree we have experienced in the past.
Previous wording
Our international operations subject it to a variety of risks and challenges, including:
Current wording
Our international operations subject the Company to a variety of risks and challenges, including:
Previous wording
• fluctuations in currency exchange rates and related effect on our operating results;
Current wording
• fluctuations in currency exchange rates and related effects on our operating results;
Previous wording
• the effects of a widespread outbreak of an illness or disease, or any other public health crisis, such
Current wording
• the effects of a widespread outbreak of an illness or disease, or any other public health crisis, such as a resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic, in each country or region;
Previous wording
• compliance with U.S. laws and regulations imposed by other countries on foreign operations,
Current wording
• compliance with U.S. and foreign laws and regulations imposed by other countries on foreign operations, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act, import and export control laws, tariffs, trade barriers, economic sanctions and other regulatory or contractual limitations on our ability to sell our products in certain foreign markets, and the risks and costs of non-compliance.
Previous wording
We are subject to income and other taxes in the United States. Our effective tax rate in the future could be adversely affected by changes in tax laws. More generally, it is possible that U.S. federal income or other tax laws or the interpretation of tax laws will change. For example, the Biden Administration has proposed an increase in the U.S. corporate income tax rate and a minimum corporate tax based on book income. It is difficult to predict whether and when there will be tax law changes having a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Current wording
We are subject to income and other taxes in the United States. Our effective tax rate in the future could be adversely affected by changes in tax laws. More generally, it is possible that U.S. federal income or other tax laws or the interpretation of tax laws will change. It is difficult to predict whether and when there will be tax law changes having a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Previous wording
Our only significant asset is our ownership interest in Holdings and such ownership may not be sufficient to pay dividends or make distributions or loans to enable us to pay any dividends on our Common Stock or satisfy our other financial obligations, including our obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement.
Current wording
Our only significant asset is our ownership interest in Holdings, and such ownership may not be sufficient to pay dividends or make distributions or loans to enable us to pay any dividends on our Class A Common Stock or satisfy our other financial obligations, including our obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement.
Previous wording
We have no direct operations and no significant assets other than our ownership interest in Holdings. We will depend on Holdings for distributions, loans and other payments to generate the funds necessary to meet our financial obligations, including our expenses as a publicly traded company, to pay any dividends with respect to our Common Stock, and to satisfy our obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement. The financial condition and operating requirements of Holdings may limit our ability to obtain cash from Holdings. The earnings from, or other available assets of, Holdings may not be sufficient to pay dividends or make distributions or loans to enable us to pay any dividends on our Common Stock or satisfy our other financial obligations, including our obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement.
Current wording
We have no direct operations and no significant assets other than our ownership interest in Holdings. We will depend on Holdings for distributions, loans and other payments to generate the funds necessary to meet our financial obligations, including our expenses as a publicly traded company, to pay any dividends with respect to our Class A Common Stock, and to satisfy our obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement. The financial condition and operating requirements of Holdings may limit our ability to obtain cash from Holdings. The earnings from, or other available assets of, Holdings may not be sufficient to pay dividends or make distributions or loans to enable us to pay any dividends on our Class A Common Stock or satisfy our other financial obligations, including our obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement.
Previous wording
We may be required to pay certain Holders for most of the benefits relating to any additional tax depreciation or amortization deductions that we may claim.
Current wording
We may be required to pay certain parties for most of the realized benefits relating to any additional tax depreciation or amortization deductions that we may claim.
Previous wording
In connection with the merger with Roman DBDR Tech Acquisition Corp. ("Roman") completed in December 2021 (the "Business Combination"), we entered into the Tax Receivable Agreement with Holdings and the TRA Parties (as defined therein). The Tax Receivable Agreement provides for the payment by us to certain Holders of 90% of the benefits, if any, that we are deemed to realize (calculated using certain assumptions) as a result of (i) our allocable share of existing tax basis in the assets of Holdings and its subsidiaries acquired (A) in the Business Combination and (B) upon sales or exchanges of Holdings Units pursuant to the Exchange Agreement after the Business Combination, (ii) certain increases in tax basis that occur as a result of (A) the Business Combination and (B) sales or exchanges of Holdings Units pursuant to the Exchange Agreement after the Business Combination, and (iii) certain other tax benefits, including tax benefits attributable to payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement. These tax attributes may increase (for tax purposes) our depreciation and amortization deductions and, therefore, may reduce the amount of tax that we would otherwise be required to pay in the future, although the IRS may challenge all or part of the validity of such tax attributes, and a court could sustain such a challenge. Such tax basis may also decrease gains (or increase losses) on future dispositions of certain capital assets to the extent tax basis is allocated to those capital assets. Actual tax benefits realized by us may differ from tax benefits calculated under the Tax Receivable Agreement as a result of the use of certain assumptions in the Tax Receivable Agreement, including the use of an assumed weighted- average state and local income tax rate to calculate tax benefits. The payment obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement are an obligation of ours, but not of Holdings. We expect to benefit from the remaining 10% of realized cash tax benefits. While the amount of existing tax basis, the anticipated tax basis adjustments, and the actual amount and utilization of tax attributes, as well as the amount and timing of any payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement, will vary depending upon a number of factors, including the timing of exchanges, the price of shares of our Class A Common Stock at the time of exchanges, and the amount and timing of our income, we expect that as a result of the size of the transfers and increases in the tax basis of the tangible and intangible assets of Holdings and our possible utilization of tax attributes, the payments that Holdings, Inc. may make under the Tax Receivable Agreement will be substantial. The payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement are not conditioned upon continued ownership of us by the exchanging holders of Class B Units. See “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions of the Company — Tax Receivable Agreement.”
Current wording
In connection with the merger with Roman DBDR Tech Acquisition Corp. ("Roman DBDR") completed in December 2021 (the "Business Combination"), we entered into the Tax Receivable Agreement with Holdings and the TRA Parties (as defined therein). The Tax Receivable Agreement provides for the payment by us to certain TRA Parties of 90% of the benefits, if any, that we are deemed to realize (calculated using certain assumptions) as a result of (i) our allocable share of existing tax basis in the assets of Holdings and its subsidiaries acquired (A) in the Business Combination and (B) upon sales or exchanges of Holdings Units pursuant to the Exchange Agreement after the Business Combination, (ii) certain increases in tax basis that occurred as a result of (A) the Business Combination and (B) sales or exchanges of Holdings Units pursuant to the Exchange Agreement after the Business Combination, and (iii) certain other tax benefits, including tax benefits attributable to payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement. These tax attributes may increase (for tax purposes) our depreciation and amortization deductions and, therefore, may reduce the amount of tax that we would otherwise be required to pay in the future, although the IRS may challenge all or part of the validity of such tax attributes, and a court could sustain such a challenge. Such tax basis may also decrease gains (or increase losses) on future dispositions of certain capital assets to the extent tax basis is allocated to those capital assets. Actual tax benefits realized by us may differ from tax benefits calculated under the Tax Receivable Agreement as a result of the use of certain assumptions in the Tax Receivable Agreement, including the use of an assumed weighted-average state and local income tax rate to calculate tax benefits. The payment obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement are an obligation of ours, but not of Holdings. We expect to benefit from the remaining 10% of realized cash tax benefits. While the amount of existing tax basis, the anticipated tax basis adjustments, and the actual amount and utilization of tax attributes, as well as the amount and timing of any payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement, will vary depending upon a number of factors, including the timing of exchanges, the price of shares of our Class A Common Stock at the time of exchanges, and the amount and timing of our income, we expect that as a result of the size of the transfers and increases in the tax basis of the tangible and intangible assets of Holdings and our possible utilization of tax attributes, the payments that the Company may make under the Tax Receivable Agreement will be substantial.
Previous wording
Our payment obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement may be accelerated in the event of certain changes of control and will be accelerated in the event it elects to terminate the Tax Receivable Agreement early. The accelerated payments will relate to all relevant tax attributes that would subsequently be available to us. The accelerated payments required in such circumstances will be calculated by reference to the present value (at a discount rate equal to the lesser of (i) 6.5% per annum and (ii) one year LIBOR (as defined below), or its successor rate, plus 100 basis points) of all future payments that holders of Holdings Class B Units or other recipients would have been entitled to receive under the Tax Receivable Agreement, and such accelerated payments and any other future payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement will utilize certain valuation assumptions, including that we will have sufficient taxable income to fully utilize the deductions arising from the increased tax deductions and tax basis and other benefits related to entering into the Tax Receivable Agreement and sufficient taxable income to fully utilize any remaining net operating losses subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement on a straight line basis over the shorter of the statutory expiration period for such net operating losses and the five-year period after the early termination or change of control. In addition, recipients of payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement will not reimburse us for any payments previously made under the Tax Receivable Agreement if such tax basis and our utilization of certain tax attributes is successfully challenged by the IRS (although any such detriment would be taken into account in future payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement). Our ability to achieve benefits from any existing tax basis, tax basis adjustments or other tax attributes, and the payments to be made under the Tax Receivable Agreement, will depend upon a number of factors, including the timing and amount of our future income. As a result, even in the absence of a change of control or an election to terminate the Tax Receivable Agreement, payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement could be in excess of 90% of our actual cash tax benefits.
Current wording
Our payment obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement may be accelerated in the event of certain changes of control and will be accelerated in the event it elects to terminate the Tax Receivable Agreement early. The accelerated payments will relate to all relevant tax attributes that would subsequently be available to us. The accelerated payments required in such circumstances will be calculated by reference to the present value (at a discount rate equal to 15% per annum (as amended in September 2024) of all future payments that TRA Parties would have been entitled to receive under the Tax Receivable Agreement, and such accelerated payments and any other future payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement will utilize certain valuation assumptions, including that we will have sufficient taxable income to fully utilize the deductions arising from the increased tax deductions and tax basis and other benefits related to entering into the Tax Receivable Agreement, as well as sufficient taxable income to fully utilize any remaining net operating losses subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement on a straight line basis over the shorter of the statutory expiration period for such net operating losses and the five-year period after the early termination or change of control. In addition, recipients of payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement will not reimburse us for any payments previously made under the Tax Receivable Agreement if such tax basis and our utilization of certain tax attributes is successfully challenged by the IRS (although any such detriment would be taken into account in future payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement). Our ability to achieve benefits from any existing tax basis, tax basis adjustments or other tax attributes, and the payments to be made under the Tax Receivable Agreement, will depend upon a number of factors, including the timing and amount of our future income. As a result, even in the absence of a change of control or an election to terminate the Tax Receivable Agreement, payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement could be in excess of 90% of our actual cash tax benefits.
Previous wording
We had approximately $340.3 million of indebtedness as of December 31, 2023, consisting of amounts outstanding under our senior secured credit facility and senior notes.
Current wording
We had approximately $197.5 million of indebtedness as of December 31, 2024, consisting of amounts outstanding under our senior secured credit facility.
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Rearranged current paragraphs (6)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
◦Our indebtedness may limit our operating flexibility.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
U.S. regulators, courts and lawmakers alike are grappling with these questions, and the legal landscape remains uncertain.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
In addition, the U.S. Treasury, the IRS and other agencies also continue to propose new rules and guidance applicable to digital assets, such as regulations on tax information reporting and withholding obligations. In
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
In September 2022, the SEC proposed a rule change concerning the definition of “exchange.” Especially in light of the recent political developments in the U.S., it is not yet clear whether or in what form such proposed rule change may be adopted. Nevertheless, it remains possible that a change to the definition of “exchange” could result in regulators determining that the Arculus Cold Storage Wallet is functioning as a securities exchange or ATS or is part of an unregistered exchange mechanism, in which case, the potential registration requirements, or cessation, limitation or other modifications contemplated above could become necessary or advisable. Any such discontinuation, limitation or other modification could negatively affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Enforcing our intellectual property rights against unauthorized use may be expensive and cause us to incur significant costs, all of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. There is no assurance that our existing or future patents will not be challenged, invalidated or otherwise circumvented. The patents and intellectual property rights we obtain, including our intellectual property rights which are formally registered in the United States and abroad, may be insufficient to provide meaningful protection or commercial advantage. Moreover, we may have difficulty obtaining additional patents and other intellectual property protections in the future. Effective patent, trademark, service mark, copyright and trade secret protection may not be available in every country in which we provide our products or services. Any of the foregoing factors may have a material adverse effect on our business.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Our outstanding Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 21,990,179 shares of our Class A Common Stock are exercisable in accordance with the terms of the warrant agreement governing those securities. Each Warrant entitles its holder to purchase one share of our Class A Common Stock at an exercise price of $7.97 per share (as adjusted effective February 28, 2025, subject to further adjustment, and will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York time, on
Rearranged previous paragraphs (15)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
◦Pandemics, or a resurgence of a pandemic such as COVID-19, may adversely affect our business, financial condition, liquidity or results of operations.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
◦Digital asset wallet storage systems, such as the Arculus Cold Storage Wallet, are subject to risks related to a loss of funds due to theft of digital assets, security and cybersecurity risks, system failures and other operational issues, which could cause damage to our reputation and brand.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
◦The Warrants may never be in the money, and they may expire worthless. Investing in our securities involves risks. Before you make a decision to buy our securities, in addition to the risks and uncertainties discussed above under “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” you should carefully consider the specific risks set forth herein. If any of these risks actually occur, it may materially harm our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations. As a result, the market price of our securities could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment. Additionally, the risks and uncertainties described in this report, or in any document incorporated by reference herein, are not the only risks and uncertainties that we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial may become material and adversely affect our business.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
We may not be able to sustain our revenue growth rate in the future.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Disruptions at our primary production facility may adversely affect our business, results of operations and/or financial condition.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Regulatory changes or actions may restrict the use of the Arculus Cold Storage Wallet or digital assets in a manner that adversely affects our business, prospects or operations.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
We are dependent on certain distribution partners for distribution of our products and services. A loss of distribution partners could adversely affect our business.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
We face competition that may result in a loss of our market share and/or a decline in profitability.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
as a resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic, in each country or region;
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act, import and export control laws,
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
tariffs, trade barriers, economic sanctions and other regulatory or contractual limitations on our
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
ability to sell our products in certain foreign markets, and the risks and costs of non-compliance.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
We have a substantial amount of indebtedness, which may limit our operating flexibility and could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
See Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company in this report for additional information.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
•limiting our ability to obtain additional financing;