Group 1: Investment Strategy - The combination of high free cash flow yield and dividends is a powerful investment strategy that has been proven over 30 years of data across multiple market cycles [2][26][27] - From 1990 to 2016, stocks in the top quintile for both dividend yield and free cash flow yield generated an annual excess return of 6.03% compared to the market [3][16] - High dividend yield stocks without free cash flow produced only a 0.10% excess return, while high free cash flow yield stocks without dividends achieved 3.57% [4][16] Group 2: Importance of Free Cash Flow - Free cash flow is a more reliable indicator than earnings, as it reflects actual cash available for dividends [8][10] - Companies that generate strong free cash flow but do not pay dividends often waste cash on unproductive projects, which can destroy shareholder value [9][10] - High free cash flow dividend payers have shown superior characteristics, including lower leverage and higher returns on equity [10][11] Group 3: Payout Ratios and Dividend Growth - The optimal payout ratio for dividends is around 40 to 50% of free cash flow, allowing for sustainable dividend growth [12][13] - Companies with a 40 to 50% payout ratio can maintain dividends during economic downturns, while those with higher ratios are at risk of cuts [15][21] - The Pacer Cash Cows Index, focusing on high free cash flow yield companies, has delivered annual dividend growth of 9.2% while maintaining a sustainable payout ratio [13][18] Group 4: Performance During Market Cycles - High free cash flow dividend payers recover faster from market downturns, averaging 15 months compared to 28 months for non-payers [11][22] - The S&P study from 1990 to 2017 found that the top quintile combining dividend yield and free cash flow yield outperformed 75% of the time [16] - During bear markets, this strategy provided meaningful downside protection, outperforming 50% of the time [16] Group 5: Company Examples - Archer-Daniels-Midland (ADM) has a dividend yield of 3.4% and a payout ratio of 24%, demonstrating stability and strong free cash flow generation [28][31] - HNI Corp. has a dividend yield of approximately 3.3% with a payout ratio of 43 to 45%, showing resilience despite market uncertainties [33][37] - OneSpan operates in digital security with a dividend yield of 4.03% and a low payout ratio under 8%, indicating strong cash flow and growth potential [39][41] - Luxfer Holdings has a dividend yield of approximately 4.3% and a payout ratio of 43%, focusing on high-performance materials with steady demand [45][48]

Core Insights - Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank (SuMiTB) has partnered with SCSK and OneSpan to enhance mobile banking security through the implementation of a cloud-based FIDO authentication solution [1][2][3] Group 1: Security Enhancement - The collaboration aims to combat phishing-related fraud and account takeover, addressing significant projected losses of approximately Y690bn ($4.4bn) in 2025 due to account takeover fraud in Japan [2] - The Financial Services Agency (FSA) in Japan has proposed amendments requiring financial institutions to adopt phishing-resistant authentication methods, aligning with regulatory changes [2] Group 2: Technological Implementation - OneSpan's CEO highlighted the importance of this project, emphasizing the company's leadership in Japan's FIDO market and its commitment to delivering secure authentication solutions that meet regulatory standards [3] - SuMiTB plans to extend the use of FIDO authentication beyond login verification to secure mobile banking transactions, enhancing the overall security framework [3][4] Group 3: Strategic Goals - The bank's strategy focuses on reducing account impersonation risks and providing a secure digital banking environment, protecting customers from advanced phishing attempts and account takeover attacks [4] - SCSK expressed its commitment to supporting SuMiTB in deploying advanced authentication solutions, showcasing the strength of their partnership with OneSpan [5]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated net sales for Q1 2025 were essentially flat at $103.9 million compared to the prior year [16] - Consolidated gross margin decreased to 52.5% from 53.1% in the same quarter of the prior year [16] - Pro forma adjusted EBITDA decreased by 2% to $33.7 million, driven by higher general and administrative expenses [17] - Adjusted net income increased by 21% to $28.4 million, with adjusted diluted EPS rising to $0.25 from $0.24 [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Payment Card and Arculus business started the year in line with expectations, with program activity remaining strong [10] - Arculus delivered record results for the quarter, contributing positively with new vertical industry wins [10][14] - Domestic net sales decreased by $3.3 million or 4%, while international net sales increased by $3.1 million or 28% [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The metal payment card market continues to show strong issuer adoption and end-user preference, with demand strengthening in Q2 [13] - The company is seeing momentum building in both Payment Cards and Arculus, anticipating sustained growth through the remainder of the year [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth through the implementation of the CompoSecure Operating System (COS) to enhance operational excellence [11][24] - The strategy includes evaluating M&A opportunities that align with the company's growth profile and create long-term value [25] - The company aims to maintain a disciplined approach to capital allocation, balancing organic growth, M&A, and potential buybacks [84] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains optimistic about the company's positioning and growth trajectory despite macroeconomic headwinds such as rising labor costs and economic uncertainty [25] - The company is reaffirming its full-year 2025 guidance, expecting mid-single-digit growth in both consolidated net sales and pro forma adjusted EBITDA [24] Other Important Information - The company is now required to report results using the equity method of accounting following the spin-off of Resolute Holdings, which affects how financial results are presented [19] - Non-GAAP financial measures are provided to help investors understand the underlying economics of the business [4][19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is the guidance maintained due to macro environment conservatism? - Management indicated that the guidance reflects expected mid-single-digit growth, with momentum building into Q2 and beyond [30] Question: What areas are the biggest focus for acquisition? - The company is looking at opportunities within its current space and along the value chain, maintaining a broad remit for potential acquisitions [32] Question: How is the remainder of the year expected to unfold in terms of revenue growth? - Management expects growth to tick up in Q2 and continue building through Q3 and Q4, with no signs of macroeconomic impacts affecting client activity [39][42] Question: What traction is being seen with Arculus among legacy issuers? - The company is seeing traction in traditional banks, fintechs, and gaming sectors, with a focus on moving towards passkey technology [75] Question: How is the M&A pipeline looking amid recent tariffs? - The M&A pipeline remains healthy, with the company positioned as an attractive acquirer in the market [77]