UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
Form 10-K  
 
(Mark One)
 
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.
 
[_] TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from ______ to ________
 
Commission File No. 000-30152
 
PAYMENT DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 
Nevada
98-0190072
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
12500 San Pedro, Ste. 120, San Antonio, TX
78216
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (210) 249-4100  
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
None.
 
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common stock, par value $0.001 per share.
 
(Title of class)
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. [_] Yes [X] No

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. [_] Yes [X] No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. [X] Yes [_] No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). [X]Yes [_] No
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  [_]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer [_]
Accelerated filer [_]
Non-accelerated filer [_] (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company [X]
 
Emerging Growth company [__]
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. [__]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). [_] Yes [X] No

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant on June 30, 2017, was $7,053,731 based on 5,829,530 shares of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates on June 30, 2017 at the closing price of $1.21 per share as reported on the Nasdaq Capital Market. For purposes of this computation, all officers, directors and 10% beneficial owners of the registrant are deemed to be affiliates.
 
As of March 15, 2018, the number of outstanding shares of the registrant's common stock was 15,872,578.
 





DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: Items 10 (as to directors and Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance), 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Part III will incorporate by reference information from the registrant’s proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the registrant’s 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.






Payment Data Systems, Inc.
 
FORM 10-K
For the Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
INDEX
 
 
 
Page
 
Signatures.
 
 
 
FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS
 
This Annual Report on Form 10-K and the documents incorporated herein by reference contain certain forward-looking statements as defined under the federal securities laws. Specifically, all statements other than statements of historical facts included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K regarding our financial performance, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations and any other future events are forward-looking statements and based on our beliefs and assumptions. If used in this report, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," and words or phrases of similar import are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect our current view with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, including, but without limitation, those risks and uncertainties contained in the Risk Factors section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other filings made with the SEC. Although we believe that our expectations are reasonable, we can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Based upon changing conditions, any one or more of these events described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated, expected or intended may not occur. All prior and subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to our Company or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. We do not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this Annual Report to conform these statements to actual results or to changes in our expectations, except as required by law.





PART I
 
ITEM 1. BUSINESS.
 
General
 
Payment Data Systems, Inc. was founded in July 1998 and incorporated in the State of Nevada. We provide integrated payment processing services to merchants and businesses, including all types of Automated Clearing House, or ACH, processing, credit, prepaid card and debit card-based processing services. Through our wholly-owned subsidiary, FiCentive, Inc., we offer prepaid card processing and program management services for various other card programs including incentive cards for clinical trial recipients, consumer gift cards, rebate cards, and various other card programs that can be branded or white labeled. The Akimbo Mastercard, via the domain name www.akimbocard.com, offers prepaid cards to consumers for use as a tool to stay on budget, manage allowances and share money with family and friends. The Akimbo Mastercard program became live on our processing platform in early April 2015. We have further developed our Akimbo platform to include Akimbo Now for businesses, Akimbo Gift for consumers and support for Apple Pay®, Android Pay™ and Samsung Pay™. We introduced a new PIN-less debit product that allows merchants to debit and credit accounts in real-time in October 2016. In our 19-year history, we have created a loyal customer base that relies on us for our convenient, secure, innovative and adaptive services and technology, and we have built long-standing and valuable relationships with premier banking institutions such as Fifth-Third Bank, Sunrise Bank, and Wells Fargo.

On September 1, 2017, we closed the acquisition of Singular Payments, LLC. Singular Payments is a Fintech payments provider that relies upon innovative technology to process payments for merchants in healthcare and other niche markets nationwide. Singular is primarily focused on custom software integrations of their flat rate payment processing offerings and their proprietary, simple to use electronic bill payment presentment and payment platform that allows merchants to streamline the costly and labor intensive process of invoicing and collections. With the Singular Payments acquisition, we bought an existing portfolio of customers with a significant revenue stream and a talented sales force with significant experience in the credit card industry.

Payment Data Systems, Inc. We provide integrated electronic payment processing services to merchants and businesses, including credit and debit card-based processing services and transaction processing via the ACH network. The ACH network is a nationwide electronic funds transfer system that is regulated by the Federal Reserve and NACHA, the electronic payments association, and provides for the clearing of electronic payments between participating financial institutions. Our ACH processing services enable merchants or businesses to both disburse and collect funds electronically using e-checks instead of traditional paper checks. An e-check is an electronic debit to a bank checking account that is initiated at the point-of-sale, on the Internet, over the telephone, or via a bill payment sent through the mail, and e-checks are processed using the ACH network. We are one of two companies that hold the prestigious NACHA certification for Third-Party Senders.
 
Our card-based processing services enable merchants to process both traditional card-present, or "swipe" transactions, as well as card-not-present transactions. A traditional card-present transaction occurs whenever a card holder physically presents a credit or debit card to a merchant at the point-of-sale. A card-not-present transaction occurs whenever the customer does not physically present a payment card at the point-of-sale and may occur over the Internet, mail, fax or telephone.
 
Our electronic payment processing may take place in a variety of forms and situations. For example, our capabilities allow merchants to convert a paper check to an e-check or receive card authorization at the point-of-sale, allow our merchants’ respective customer service representatives to take e-check or card payments from their consumers by telephone, and enable their consumers to make e-check or card payments directly through the use of a web site or by calling an interactive voice response telephone system. In addition, we operate an online payment processing service, under the domain name www.billx.com system, which allows consumers to process online payments to pay any other individual, including family and friends.

FiCentive, Inc. We provide prepaid card processing services for merchants and consumers through our wholly-owned subsidiary, FiCentive, Inc. We offer MasterCard prepaid cards branded with our customers’ corporate logos or trademarks. These prepaid cards can be used for various applications including payroll, corporate incentives, employee incentives, and general use. Some card programs allow the cards to be reloaded with funds, while others do not have that capability. In some cases, the cards can be used at Automatic Teller Machines, or ATMs, to withdraw cash.
 
Through our December 2014 acquisition of the assets of Akimbo Financial, Inc. we also added a highly talented technical staff of industry subject matter experts and an innovative card holder service platform with new and significant prepaid card front-end technology including mobile applications. We offer prepaid cards directly to consumers for use as a tool to stay on budget, manage allowances and share money with family and friends, and businesses use the Akimbo platform to deliver a wide variety of payments from rewards and incentives to regular payroll. The Akimbo platform provides instant issuance and real-time delivery of gift and





incentive cards. The Akimbo card program operates on the MasterCard and associated networks. The sponsoring bank is Sunrise Banks, N.A. The Akimbo platform includes Akimbo Now for businesses, Akimbo Gift for consumers and support for Apple Pay, Android Pay and Samsung Pay.

Our websites are www.paymentdata.com, www.singularpayments.com, www.payfacinabox.com, www.singularbillpay.com, www.ficentive.com, www.akimbocard.com, and www.zbill.com. Information contained on our websites does not constitute part of this annual report.

Industry Background
 
In the United States, the use of non-paper based forms of payment, such as credit and debit cards, has risen steadily over the past several years. According to the 2016 Federal Reserve Payments Study (issued every three years) and the Federal Reserve Payments Study: 2017 Annual Supplement, the estimated number of non-cash payments increased 5% per year from 2012 to 2015, and totaled 144.1 billion in 2015. The total value of all non-cash payments was $178 trillion in 2015, up almost $17 trillion since 2012. The number of debit card payments, including payments with prepaid and non-prepaid cards, grew at an annual rate of 7% from 2012 to 2015 to 69.5 billion in 2015 and a dollar value of $2.56 trillion. In 2016, debit card payments grew at a rate of 6% versus 2015 and a dollar value increase of 5% versus 2015. The number of credit card payments grew at an annual rate of 8% from 2012 to 2015, increasing to 33.8 billion in 2015 and a dollar value of $3.16 trillion. In 2016 the number of credit card payments increased 10% versus 2015 and the dollar value increased 6% versus 2015. The 2017 Annual Supplement highlighted that for some time, the rate of growth of remote general-purpose card payments outpaced the rate of in-person card payments by 16% to 8% from 2015 to 2016. The number of ACH payments grew at an annual rate of 5% from 2012 to 2015 to 23.5 billion in 2015 and a dollar value of $145.3 trillion. In 2016, the number of ACH payments increased 5% versus 2015 along with a dollar increase of 5%. Electronic payments, including payments made with cards and ACH, collectively represent 85% of all non-cash payments.  Banking and financial institutions enable their account holders to use more check image deposit services which is also referred to as “remote deposit capture.” As a result, traditional paper trails are being replaced by speedier, more cost-effective and eco-friendly image exchanges.
 
The growth of electronic commerce has made the acceptance of card-based and other electronic forms of payment a necessity for businesses, both large and small, in order to remain competitive. We believe that the electronic payment processing industry will continue to benefit from the following trends:
 
Favorable Demographics
 
As consumers age, we expect that they will continue to use the payment technology to which they have grown accustomed. More consumers are beginning to use card-based and other electronic payment methods for purchases at an earlier age. These consumers have witnessed the wide adoption of card products, technology innovations such as mobile phone payment applications, and widespread adoption of the Internet. As younger consumers comprise an increasing percentage of the population and as they enter the work force, we expect purchases using electronic payment methods will become a larger percentage of total consumer spending. We believe the increasing usage of smart phones as an instrument of payment will also create further opportunities for us in the future. We also believe that contact-less payments like Apple Pay®™, Samsung Pay and Google Pay™ will increase payment processing opportunities for us.
 
Increased Electronic Payment Acceptance by Small Businesses
 
Small businesses are a vital component of the U.S. economy and are expected to contribute to the increased use of electronic payment methods. The lower costs associated with electronic payment methods are making these services more affordable to a larger segment of the small business market. In addition, we believe these businesses are experiencing increased pressure to accept electronic payment methods in order to remain competitive and to meet consumer expectations. As a result, many of these small businesses are seeking to provide customers with the ability to pay for merchandise and services using electronic payment methods, including those in industries that have historically accepted cash and checks as the only forms of payment for their merchandise and services.
 
Growth in Online Transactions
 
Market researchers expect continued growth in card-not-present transactions due to the steady growth of the Internet and electronic commerce. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, estimated retail e-commerce sales for 2017 were $453.5 billion, an increase of approximately 16% from 2016.







Products and Services

All of our service offerings are supported by our systems’ infrastructure that integrates certain proprietary components with processing systems outsourced to third-party providers to offer our customers a flexible and secure payment process. We utilize secure sockets layer architecture so that connections and information are secure from outside inspection. We also use 128-bit encryption for all electronic transactions that we process to make information unreadable as it passes over the Internet. Our systems’ infrastructure allows us to work with our customers to build a customized electronic payment service offering tailored to their specific needs. We have designed and implemented our integrated payment systems to function as gateways between our customers and our third-party processing providers. Our systems provide for interfaces with our customers through which payment data is captured electronically and transferred through the connections we have with our processing providers. Our systems also provide a data warehousing capability so that all payment data related to a customer can be stored in one place to facilitate efficient data retrieval and analysis. All confidential data stored within and outside the data warehouse is fully encrypted. We outsource our ACH transaction processing and card-based transaction processing to third-party providers. Our card-based processing system is capable of connecting with all of the major card-based processors in the United States.

Payment Processing. The components of our service offerings include all forms of ACH transaction processing, such as Represented Check, which is a consumer non-sufficient funds check that is presented for payment electronically rather than through the paper check collection system, and Accounts Receivable Check Conversion, which is a consumer paper check payment that is converted into an e-check. Our customers can initiate ACH transactions directly using an online terminal accessible through a website or we can initiate ACH transactions on their behalf. Our service offering also includes merchant account services for the processing of card-based transactions through the VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and JCB networks, including online terminal services accessed through a web site or retail services accessed via a physical terminal. We offer a proprietary web-based customer service application that combines both ACH and card processing capabilities that allows companies to process one-time and recurring payments via e-checks or credit cards at the request of their consumers. In addition, we offer an Interactive Voice Response telephone system to companies that accept payments directly from consumers over the telephone using e-checks or credit cards.
 
In October 2015, we introduced e-check verification technology, which helps merchants prevent returns before processing and reduces return check transactions. This service utilizes our proprietary returns database that contains records for any transaction that we had previously attempted to process and the transaction was unsuccessful for account closed, invalid account, non-sufficient funds, payment stopped, frozen account, unauthorized account, and others. Merchants are allowed to query this database in advance of submitting a transaction for processing and settlement. Merchants utilize this data to make their own determination if they wish to process a payment or not. We charge a transaction fee for each query and for each account that a query returns data.
 
We also operate a consumer web site focused on providing bill payment services under the domain name www.billx.com, and manage all of the related back-end processing through our own proprietary processing engine. Consumers subscribe to the payment service and are allowed to make a certain number of payments each month for a flat monthly fee and are assessed a separate fee for any additional payments made over the limit. Our online payment processing service seeks to provide consumers with an efficient and secure interface for paying and managing bills via the Internet. We also sell this payment portal service as a private label solution to online financial services providers looking to provide online bill payment capabilities as part of their service offering to consumers.
 
In 2016, we continued to innovate our payment systems by launching 1) a brand new client facing web application that allows customers to more easily manage their payments; 2) an Apple® iOS Software Development Kit, or SDK, that enables developers to easily integrate payment acceptance into their apps; and 3) a new PINless debit service that allow merchants to debit and credit accounts in real time. We also added several consumer mortgage loan servicers as our customers for whom we process payments.

In 2017, product and service enhancements included 1) upgrading our customer service portal (two-factor authentication, improved reporting, enhancement to transaction file upload process and improved fraud / return transaction monitoring), 2) implemented and enhanced our payment facilitator model , and 3) continued to update and enhance our Akimbo Card website and mobile app modules enhancing our new card order and fulfillment module.
 
Prepaid and Incentive Cards . In addition to these electronic payment services, we are a prepaid card program manager and prepaid card processor. We develop and manage prepaid card programs on behalf of corporate clients who have customers that want prepaid cards that are branded with the entity’s unique logo. We started issuing cards in October 2011 and hold bank sponsorship agreements with Sunrise Banks, N.A., formerly known as University National Bank, and Metropolitan Commercial Bank for our prepaid card programs. We also have the ability to issue Discover, American Express, Visa, and MasterCard prepaid cards. We primarily create, manage and process prepaid card programs for corporate clients, tailored to each client’s unique objectives to allow the client to issue prepaid cards to their customer base or employees as an incentive in the form of a rebate, commission, or other incentive.





We also issue general purpose re-loadable cards to consumers as an alternative to a traditional bank account under the Akimbo and Stream card brands. We believe our prepaid card product offering is competitive due to our proprietary systems and the ability to implement corporate-branded card programs in a shorter time frame than most of our competitors. We believe our connectivity and the ability to process via the contactless networks of Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay are competitive advantages. We believe our more than ten years of experience in processing and managing prepaid card programs is a competitive advantage over many of our competitors due to the industry being relatively new. Also, there is a significant barrier in obtaining bank sponsorship agreements required for prepaid card program management and even a higher barrier to performing prepaid card processing.
 
Relationships with Sponsors and Processors  

We have agreements with several processors that provide to us, on a non-exclusive basis, transaction processing and transmittal, transaction authorization and data capture, and access to various reporting tools. In order to provide payment processing services for ACH transactions, we must maintain a relationship with an Originating Depository Financial Institution, or ODFI, in the ACH network because we are not a bank and therefore we are not eligible to be an Originating Depository Financial Institution. For the ODFI portion of our ACH business, we have entered into agreements with the Fifth Third Bank, Generations Federal Credit Union, North American Banking Company, or NABC, Evolve Bank and Trust and Metropolitan Commercial Bank. We are financially liable for all fees, fines, charge backs and losses related to our ACH processing merchant customers. We may also require cash deposits and other types of collateral from certain merchants to mitigate any such risk. Similarly, in order to provide payment-processing services for Visa, MasterCard and Discover transactions, we must be sponsored by a financial institution that is a principal member of the respective Visa, MasterCard and Discover card associations. Central Bank of St. Louis and Wells Fargo Bank have, respectively, sponsored us under the designations Third Party Processor, or TPP, and Independent Sales Organization, or ISO with the Visa card association, and under the designations Third Party Servicer, or TPS, and Merchant Service Provider, or MSP, with the MasterCard card association. We have an agreement with TriSource Solutions, LLC and an agreement with Global Payments, Inc. through which their member banks, Central Bank of St. Louis and Wells Fargo, sponsor us for membership in the Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover card associations and settle card transactions for our merchants. These agreements may be terminated by the processor if we materially breach the agreements and we do not cure the breach within 30 days, or if we enter bankruptcy or file for bankruptcy. We also maintain a bank sponsorship agreement with Sunrise Banks, N.A., formerly known as University National Bank, and Metropolitan Commercial Bank for our prepaid card programs. We are liable for any card-associated losses for cards that we issue that might incur a negative balance and we are liable for card association fines, fees and chargebacks.

Under our processing agreement with TriSource Solutions, we are financially liable for all fees, fines, chargebacks and losses related to our card processing merchant customers. Under our processing agreement with Global Payments, Inc., we are not financially liable for all fees, charge-backs and losses related to our card processing merchant customers, but we are liable for potential card association fines. If, due to insolvency or bankruptcy of our merchant customers, or for another reason, we are unable to collect from our merchant customers amounts that have been refunded to the cardholders because the cardholders properly initiated a charge-back transaction to reverse the credit card charges, we must bear the credit risk for the full amount of the card holder transaction. We utilize a number of systems and procedures to evaluate and manage merchant risk, such as obtaining approval of prospective merchants from our processor and sponsor bank, setting transaction limits and monitoring account activity. We may also require cash deposits and other types of collateral from certain merchants to mitigate any such risk. We maintain a reserve for losses resulting from card processing and related charge-backs. We estimate our potential loss for charge-backs by performing a historical analysis of our charge-back loss experience with similar merchants and considering other factors that could affect that experience in the future, such as the types of card transactions processed and nature of the merchant relationship with their consumers.
 
We are sponsored by Pueblo Bank and Trust to access certain regional debit networks.  Through this sponsorship we created a new service in late 2016 to provide both the issuance of real time credits and debits to a debit card holder via a regional network without having a PIN.  Regional networks are not affiliated with major credit card associations and operate independently. Through our sponsorship with Pueblo Bank and Trust, we are financially liable for all fees, fines, charge backs and losses related to our PINless debit card processing for our merchant customers. We may also require cash deposits and other types of collateral from certain merchants to mitigate any such risk.  The banking sponsor and each of the regional debit networks have the ability to terminate our access or anyone of our merchant’s access to process payments without notice.  If either case occurs, our revenue could be negatively affected. In mid-January 2018, Pueblo Bank and Trust, terminated their relationship with our gateway provider and as a result we stopped processing PINless debit transactions. We have secured a relationship with another gateway and bank sponsorship relationship, but have not yet resumed processing of PINless debit transactions.

We maintain a separate allowance for estimated losses resulting from the inability or failure of our merchant customers to make required payments for fees charged by us. Amounts due from customers may be deemed uncollectible because of merchant





disputes, fraud, insolvency or bankruptcy. We determine the allowance based on an account-by-account review, taking into consideration such factors as the age of the outstanding receivable, historical pattern of collections and financial condition of the customer. We closely monitor extensions of credit and if the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make contractual payments, additional allowances may be required.
 
Sales and Marketing
 
We market and sell our ACH products and services primarily through non-exclusive resellers that act as an external sales force, with minimal direct investment in sales infrastructure and management, as well as direct contact by our sales personnel. Our direct sales efforts are coordinated by two sales executives and supported by other employees who function in sales capacities. Our primary market focus is on companies generating high volumes of electronic payment transactions. We tailor our sales efforts to reach this market by pre-qualifying prospective sales leads through direct contact or market research. Our sales personnel typically initiate contact with prospective customers that we identify as meeting our target customer profile.

On September 1, 2017, we acquired Singular Payments, LLC. Singular Payments was a credit card processing Independent Sales Organization, or ISO, comprised primarily of highly driven sales leaders and industry leaders. With the Singular Payments acquisition, we bought an existing portfolio of customers with a significant revenue stream and a talented sales force with significant experience in the credit card industry.

We also market and sell our prepaid card program directly to corporations and to consumers through the Internet. A major initiative for 2018 will be the packaging and cross selling of our platform of payment options across our portfolio of merchants. As a part of this major initiative, we will continue to analyze our sales and marketing efforts to optimize productivity, increase sales force effectiveness, broaden our reach through reseller initiatives and advantageous alliances and manage cost.
 
Customers
 
Our customers are merchants and businesses that use our Automated Clearing House and/or card-based processing services in order to provide their consumers with the ability to pay for goods and services without having to use cash or a paper check. These merchant customers operate in a variety of predominately retail industries and are under contract with us to exclusively use the services that we provide to them. Recent areas of customer focus have included system integrators, churches, charitable organizations, medical and dental clinics, property management and homeowner associations, hospitality firms and municipalities. Most of our merchant customers have signed long-term contracts, generally with three-year terms, that provide for volume-based transaction fees. Our merchant accounts increased to 1,817 customers at December 31, 2017 from 710 customers at December 31, 2016. The significant increase in customers was a result of the acquisition of the Singular Payments portfolio as of September 1, 2017.
 
No customer accounted for more than 10% of revenues in 2017 or 2016.
 
All of our customers, including those utilizing our billx.com Internet bill payment service on a recurring monthly basis to pay household bills, are consumers geographically dispersed throughout the United States. The service relationship with our billx.com customers and us is not contractual and the fees we charge for the service are not negotiable. We seek to retain customers by providing high levels of customer service. Customers also have incentive to continue using the service once activated due to their investment of time in setting up the service with their personal banking and payment information. The monthly average number of billx.com customers using our online payment service decreased to 34 in 2017 as compared to 38 in 2016. We expect to wind-down this service in the near future due to the financial insignificance of this offering.
 
Competition
 
The payment processing industry is highly competitive. Many small and large companies compete with us in providing payment processing services and related services to a wide range of merchants. There are a number of large transaction processors, including First Data Merchant Services Corporation, Elavon Inc., and WorldPay that serve a broad market spectrum from large to small merchants and provide banking, automatic teller machine, and other payment-related services and systems in addition to card-based payment processing. There are also a large number of smaller transaction processors that provide various services to small and medium-sized merchants. Many of our competitors have substantially greater capital resources than us and operate as subsidiaries of financial or bank holding companies, which may allow them on a consolidated basis to own and conduct depository and other banking activities that we do not have the regulatory authority to own or conduct. We believe that the principal competitive factors in our market include:
 
quality of service;





reliability of service;
ability to evaluate, undertake and manage risk;
ability to offer customized technology solutions;
speed in implementing payment processes;
price and other financial terms; and
multi-channel payment capability.

We believe that our specific focus on providing integrated payment processing solutions to merchants, in addition to our understanding of the needs and risks associated with providing payment processing services electronically, gives us a competitive advantage over other competitors, which have a narrower market perspective, and over competitors of a similar or smaller size that may lack our experience in the electronic payments industry. Furthermore, we believe we present a competitive distinction through the use of our internal technology to provide a single integrated payment storage or warehouse that consolidates, processes, tracks and reports all payments regardless of payment source or channel. We also believe our customized technology solutions and high level of service gives us a competitive advantage, particularly for smaller businesses that do not have large internal technology capabilities or the ability to comply with payment security regulations.
 
Our prepaid card offering is competitive due to our proprietary systems and our ability to create and establish corporate-branded card programs in a shorter time frame than most of our competitors. We also believe more than ten years of experience in processing and managing prepaid card programs is a competitive advantage over many of our competitors due to the industry being relatively new. We believe our connectivity and the ability to process via the contactless networks of Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay are competitive advantages. We also believe that the Akimbo mobile application (app) technology and advanced card holder websites provide us a competitive advantage in securing both consumers and business clients that have a need for a card program for their customer base. We also believe we hold a significant competitive advantage over potential entrants into the prepaid industry since there is a significant barrier in obtaining bank sponsorship to prepaid card program management and even a higher barrier to performing prepaid card processing.
 
Trademarks and Domain Names
 
We own federally registered trademarks on the marks “Payment Data Systems, Inc.,” “Akimbo,” “FiCentive Innovations in Prepaid Card Solutions,” “Don’t change your bank, just your card” and “ZBILL” and their respective designs. We have also secured, among others, domain name registrations for:






Ÿ akim.bo;
 
Ÿ ficentive.com; 
 
Ÿ paymentdata.org; 
Ÿ akimbocard.com;
 
Ÿ fotogiftcards.com
 
Ÿ paymentdatasystems.com;
Ÿ akimbodeals.com;
 
Ÿ getcarmen.com;
 
Ÿ paymentrecovery.com;
Ÿ akimbodebit.com;
 
Ÿ givecarmen.com;
 
Ÿ paymentrecoverysystems.com; 
Ÿ akimboit.com;
 
Ÿ gogreenmastercard.com;
 
Ÿ paywithceleri.com; 
Ÿ akimbonews.com;
 
Ÿ iremotepay.com; 
 
Ÿ paywithceleri.net; 
Ÿ akimbonow.com
 
Ÿ iremotepay.net;
 
Ÿ pd.sadmin.com;
Ÿ akimboprepaid.com;
 
Ÿ iremotepayments.com;
 
Ÿ pdsadmin.com; 
Ÿ bill4u.com;
 
Ÿ iremotepayments.net;
 
Ÿ pdsnetwork.com; 
Ÿ billdelivery.com;
 
Ÿ itshotcard.com;
 
Ÿ pftapi.com; 
Ÿ billhelp.com;
 
Ÿ iwanttopaynow.com
 
Ÿ pftgateway.com;
Ÿ billserv.com;
 
Ÿ kindhand.com; 
 
Ÿ prepaidload.com; 
Ÿ billx.com; 
 
Ÿ merchandisemastercard.com; 
 
Ÿ primacard.com; 
Ÿ billxpress.com; 
 
Ÿ merchandisechamp.com; 
 
Ÿ securepds.com; 
Ÿ britneycard.com;
 
Ÿ merchandisechampion.com; 
 
Ÿ singularbillpay.com; 
Ÿ cardbillpay.com
 
Ÿ mipromesa.com; 
 
Ÿ singularbillpay.net; 
Ÿ carddeposit.com
 
Ÿ myakimbo.com;
 
Ÿ singularpayments.biz; 
Ÿ carmencard.com;
 
Ÿ nataliecard.com;
 
Ÿ singularpayments.com; 
Ÿ celeripay.com; 
 
Ÿ nataliegiftcard.com;
 
Ÿ singularpayments.info; 
Ÿ celeripay.net; 
 
Ÿ nataliegulbiscard.com; 
 
Ÿ singularpayments.net; 
Ÿ cityofdawson.net; 
 
Ÿ nataliegulbismastercard.com;
 
Ÿ singularpayments.org; 
Ÿ clinicpay.com; 
 
Ÿ nataliescard.com;
 
Ÿ stardebit.com; 
Ÿ creditcardgateway.com;
 
Ÿ newsakimbo.com;
 
Ÿ stocktelevision.com; 
Ÿ crpds.com;
 
Ÿ nsfdebit.com;
 
Ÿ streamprepaid.com; 
Ÿ danicacard.com;
 
Ÿ omegabill.com;
 
Ÿ streamprepaidcard.com; 
Ÿ debitmax.com;
 
Ÿ oneflatratemerchantaccount.com;
 
Ÿ thatshotcard.com; 
Ÿ debitpin.com;
 
Ÿ parishiltoncard.com; 
 
Ÿ viewbill.com; 
Ÿ debitservice.com; 
 
Ÿ patientpaytoday.com; 
 
Ÿ ybill.com; 
Ÿ doctorezpay.com; 
 
Ÿ payfacinabox.com; 
 
Ÿ zbill.com; 
Ÿ electragift.com; 
 
Ÿ paymentdata.com;
 
 

We rely on a combination of copyright, trademark and trade secret laws, employee and third-party nondisclosure agreements, and other intellectual property protection methods to protect our services and related products.
 
Patents
 
On January 11, 2008, we executed an agreement to sell selected patents and patent applications, including U.S. Patent No. 7,021,530, to PCT Software Data, LLC for net proceeds of approximately $750,000. The patents and patent applications sold relate to bill payments made with debit and stored value cards. We retained a worldwide, non-exclusive license under the patents for use with all current and future customers. 
 
Government Regulation
 
Our industry is highly regulated. Any new or changes made to U.S. federal, state and local laws, regulations, card network rules or other industry standards affecting our business may require significant development efforts or have an unfavorable impact to our financial results. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations may result in the suspension or revocation of licenses or registrations, the limitation, suspension or termination of services and/or the imposition of civil and criminal penalties, including fines. Certain of our services are also subject to rules set by various payment networks, such as Visa and MasterCard.
 
The Dodd-Frank Act
 
President Obama signed the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, or the Dodd-Frank Act, into law on July 21, 2010. The Dodd-Frank Act caused significant structural reforms to the financial services industry. The Dodd-Frank Act





regulates the fees charged or received by issuers for processing debit transactions and the transaction routing options available to merchants. The Dodd-Frank Act also established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to regulate consumer financial services, including many offered by our customers. Additionally, the Durbin Amendment to the Dodd-Frank Act provided that interchange fees that a card issuer or payment network receives or charges for debit transactions will now be regulated by the Federal Reserve and must be “reasonable and proportional” to the cost incurred by the card issuer in authorizing, clearing and settling the transaction. In addition, the Durbin Amendment contains prohibitions on network exclusivity and merchant routing restrictions.
 
The Dodd-Frank Act, when implemented in September 2011, caused interchange fees to be lowered on large bank-issued debit cards. The lowered interchange fees had a mild negative impact on our revenues, but increased our earnings due to the fact that we were able to keep our prices constant with our merchants. If our competitors start to pass the extra margin into savings to their merchants, we may be forced to follow their actions and become exposed to lower earnings on the debit card transactions for large banks. Our prepaid cards, while some of the transactions are processed on debit networks, are currently exempt from the Dodd-Frank Act.
 
CARD Act
 
As an agent of, and third-party service provider to, our issuing banks, we are subject to indirect regulation and direct audit and examination by the Office of Thrift Supervision, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, or FRB, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
 
On March 23, 2010, the FRB issued a final rule implementing Title IV of the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act of 2009, or CARD Act, which imposes requirements relating to disclosures, fees and expiration dates that are generally applicable to gift certificates, store gift cards and general-use prepaid cards. We believe that our general purpose reloadable prepaid cards, and the maintenance fees charged on our general purpose reloadable cards, are exempt from the requirements under this rule, as they fall within an express exclusion for cards which are reloadable and not marketed or labeled as a gift card or gift certificate. However, this exclusion is not available if the issuer, the retailer selling the card to a consumer or the program manager, promotes, even if occasionally, the use of the card as a gift card or gift certificate. As a result, we provide retailers with instructions and policies regarding the display and promotion of our general purpose reloadable cards. However, it is possible that despite our instructions and policies to the contrary, a retailer engaged in offering our general purpose reloadable cards to consumers could take an action with respect to one or more of the cards that would cause each similar card to be viewed as being marketed or labeled as a gift card, such as by placing our general purpose reloadable cards on a display which prominently features the availability of gift cards and does not separate or otherwise distinguish our general purpose reloadable cards from the gift cards. In such event, it is possible that such general purpose reloadable cards would lose their eligibility for such exclusion to the CARD Act and its requirements, and therefore we could be deemed to be in violation of the CARD Act and the rule, which could result in the imposition of fines, the suspension of our ability to offer our general purpose reloadable cards, civil liability, criminal liability, and the inability of our issuing banks to apply certain fees to our general purpose reloadable cards, each of which would likely have a material adverse impact on our revenues.
 
In 2014, we resumed issuing gift cards. Any gift cards we issue will be governed by the CARD Act and other various regulations. Any violations with our gift card issuance could result in the imposition of fines, the suspension of our ability to offer our gift cards, civil liability, criminal liability, and the inability of our issuing banks to apply certain fees to our gift cards, each of which would likely have a material adverse impact on our revenues.
 
Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorist Regulation
 
Our business is subject to U.S. federal anti-money laundering laws and regulations, including the Bank Secrecy Act, as amended by the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, or collectively, the BSA. The BSA, among other things, requires money services businesses to develop and implement risk-based anti-money laundering programs, report large cash transactions and suspicious activity and maintain transaction records. Recently the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, or FinCEN, released rules requiring the collection and verification of beneficial owners holding equal to or greater than 25% equity interest. We will be required to comply with the new rules, which have a mandatory compliance date of May 2018.
 
We are also subject to certain economic and trade sanctions programs that are administered by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC, that prohibit or restrict transactions to or from or dealings with specified countries, their governments and, in certain circumstances, their nationals, narcotics traffickers, and terrorists or terrorist organizations.
 
Similar anti-money laundering, counter terrorist financing and proceeds of crime laws apply to movements of currency and payments through electronic transactions and to dealings with persons specified on lists maintained by organizations similar to





OFAC in several other countries and which may impose specific data retention obligations or prohibitions on intermediaries in the payment process.

Prepaid Services
 
Prepaid card programs managed by us are subject to various federal and state laws and regulations, which may include laws and regulations related to consumer and data protection, licensing, consumer disclosures, escheat, anti-money laundering, banking, trade practices and competition and wage and employment. As regulations evolve or change we may be required to obtain state licenses to expand our distribution network for prepaid cards, which licenses we may not be able to obtain. Furthermore, the CARD Act and the Federal Reserve’s Regulation E impose requirements on general-use prepaid cards, store gift cards and electronic gift certificates. These laws and regulations are evolving, unclear and sometimes inconsistent and subject to judicial and regulatory challenge and interpretation, and therefore the extent to which these laws and rules have application to, and their impact on, us, financial institutions, merchants or others is in flux. At this time we are unable to determine the impact that the clarification of these laws and their future interpretations, as well as new laws, may have on us, financial institutions, merchants or others in a number of jurisdictions. Prepaid services may also be subject to the rules and regulations of Visa®, MasterCard ® and other payment networks with which we and the card issuers do business. The programs in place to process these products generally may be modified by the payment networks at their discretion and such modifications could also impact us, financial institutions, merchants and others.
 
Employees
 
As of December 31, 2017, we had 33 full-time employees. We are not a party to any collective bargaining agreements. We believe that our relations with our employees are very good.
 
Available Information
 
Our website is located at www.paymentdata.com. We make available on our website, free of charge, copies of our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports, as applicable and as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file or furnish such materials to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Our website and the information contained therein or connected thereto are not intended to be incorporated into this annual report on Form 10-K.
 
You may also read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room, located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.
 
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.
 
An investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the following risk factors and other information included in this annual report on Form 10-K. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected and you may lose some or all of your investment.
 
RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS
 
Loss of key resellers could reduce our revenue growth.
 
Our reseller sales channel, which purchases and resells our end-to-end services to its own portfolio of merchant customers, is a strong contributor to our revenue growth. If a reseller switches to another transaction processor, shuts down, becomes insolvent, or enters the processing business themselves, we may no longer receive new merchant referrals from the reseller, and we risk losing existing merchants that were originally enrolled by the reseller, all of which could negatively affect our revenues and earnings.

We may need additional financing in the future. We may be unable to obtain additional financing or if we obtain financing it may not be on terms favorable to us. You may lose your entire investment.

Based on our current plans, we believe our existing cash and cash equivalents, along with cash generated from this offering, will be sufficient to fund our operating expense and capital requirements for at least 12 months, although we may need funds in the future. If our capital resources are insufficient to meet future capital requirements, we will have to raise additional funds. If we





are unable to obtain additional funds on terms favorable to us, we may be required to cease or reduce our operating activities. If we must cease or reduce our operating activities, you may lose your entire investment.

We may be liable for employment taxes for vesting equity awards granted to employees in the past.

In the past we have granted equity awards, including restricted stock awards, to certain of our employees, including to our executive officers and directors. Upon vesting of these awards we are liable for employment withholding taxes payable in cash. Some of these amounts may be substantial which may impact our business and results of operations.

We may not realize the opportunities from the acquisition of the Singular Payments, LLC .
 
On September 1, 2017, we acquired Singular Payments, LLC, a Florida limited liability company and credit card processor for a purchase price of $5 million. With Singular Payments we acquired new customers and their sales force. The former owner of Singular Payments, Vaden Landers, became our Chief Revenue Officer. We bought an existing portfolio of customers with a significant revenue stream and a talented sales force with significant experience in the credit card industry. This acquisition increased our ability to grow new revenue streams and enhance existing revenue streams. The success of the Singular Payments acquisition will continue to depend, in part, on our ability to realize the anticipated growth opportunities from integrating the acquired business with our business and banking sponsor, including integrating its services into our offering of products and services. Our success depends on the successful integration of our and the acquired business’s operations and information and financial systems. We cannot assure you that we will be able to realize such opportunities or that our management will not be distracted by the integration of the acquired business.
 
If our security applications are not sufficient to address changing market conditions and customer concerns, we may incur significant losses and be unable to sell our services.
 
Our use of applications designed for premium data security and integrity to process electronic transactions may not be sufficient to address changing market conditions or the security and privacy concerns of existing and potential customers. If our security applications are breached and sensitive data is lost or stolen, we could incur significant costs to not only assess and repair any damage to our systems, but also to reimburse customers for losses that occur from the fraudulent use of the data. We may also be subject to fines and penalties from the credit card associations or regulatory agencies in the event of the loss of confidential account information. Further, adverse publicity raising concerns about the safety or privacy of electronic transactions, or widely reported breaches of our or another provider's security, have the potential to undermine consumer confidence in the technology and could have a materially adverse effect on our business.
 
If we do not adapt to rapid technological change, our business may fail.
 
Our success depends on our ability to develop new and enhanced services and related products that meet changing customer needs. However, the market for our services is characterized by rapidly changing technology, evolving industry standards, emerging competition and frequent new and enhanced software, service and related product introductions. In addition, the software market is subject to rapid and substantial technological change. To remain successful, we must respond to new developments in hardware and semiconductor technology, operating systems, programming technology and computer capabilities. In many instances, new and enhanced services, products and technologies are in the emerging stages of development and marketing, and are subject to the risks inherent in the development and marketing of new software, services and products. We may not successfully identify new service opportunities, and develop and bring new and enhanced services and related products to market in a timely manner. Even if we do bring such services, products or technologies to market, they may not become commercially successful. Additionally, services, products or technologies developed by others may render our services and related products noncompetitive or obsolete. If we are unable, for technological or other reasons, to develop and introduce new services and products in a timely manner in response to changing market conditions or customer requirements, our business may fail.
 
We rely on our relationship with the Automated Clearing House network and if the Federal Reserve rules were to change, our business could be adversely affected.
 
We have contractual relationships with Fifth Third Bank, North American Banking Company, or NABC, Evolve Bank & Trust and Metropolitan Commercial Bank which are Originating Depository Financial Institutions (ODFI) in the ACH network. The ACH network is a nationwide batch-oriented electronic funds transfer system that provides for the interbank clearing of electronic payments for participating financial institutions. An Originating Depository Financial Institution is a participating financial institution that must abide by the provisions of the ACH Operating Rules and Guidelines. Through our relationships with Fifth Third Bank, Metropolitan Commercial Bank and NABC, we are able to process payment transactions on behalf of our customers and their consumers by submitting payment instructions in a prescribed ACH format. We pay volume-based fees to Metropolitan





Commercial Bank, Fifth Third Bank, Evolve Bank & Trust and NABC for debit and credit transactions processed each month, and pay fees for other transactions such as returns and notices of change to bank accounts. These fees are part of our agreed-upon cost structures with the banks. If the Federal Reserve rules were to introduce restrictions or modify access to the Automated Clearing House, our business could be materially adversely affected. Further, if either, two or all four of Fifth Third Bank, Metropolitan Commercial Bank, Evolve Bank & Trust and NABC were to cancel our respective contract with the bank, our business could be materially affected. At this time, we believe we could find and enter into additional agreements with other bank sponsors on similar contractual terms, but no assurances can be made.
 
If our third-party card processing providers or our bank sponsors fail to comply with the applicable requirements of Visa, MasterCard and Discover credit card associations, we may have to find a new third-party processing provider, which could increase our costs.
 
Substantially all of the card-based transactions we process involve the use of Visa, MasterCard or Discover credit cards. In order to provide payment-processing services for Visa, MasterCard and Discover transactions, we must be sponsored by a financial institution that is a principal member of the respective Visa, MasterCard and Discover card associations. Both Central Bank of St. Louis and Wells Fargo Bank have sponsored us under the designations Third Party Processor, or TPP, and Independent Sales Organization, or ISO, with the Visa card association, and under the designations Third Party Servicer, or TPS, and Merchant Service Provider, or MSP, with the MasterCard card association. We have agreements with TriSource Solutions, LLC, Card Connect / First Data Merchant Services Corp. and Global Payments Inc. through which their member banks, Central Bank of St. Louis and Wells Fargo, sponsor us for membership in the Visa and MasterCard card associations, and settle card transactions for our merchants. If our third-party processing provider, TriSource Solutions, Card Connect or Global Payments, or our bank sponsors, Central Bank of St. Louis, Wells Fargo Bank or Pueblo Bank and Trust, previously, with our PINless debit card product, fail to comply with the applicable requirements of the Visa, MasterCard, and Discover card associations, Visa, MasterCard or Discover could suspend or terminate the registration of our third-party processing provider. Also, our contracts with both of these third parties are subject to cancellation upon limited notice by either party. The cancellation of either contract, termination of their registration or any changes in the Visa, MasterCard or Discover rules that would impair the registration of our third-party processing provider could require us to stop providing such payment processing services if we are unable to enter into a similar agreement with another provider or sponsor at similar costs and upon similar contractual terms. Additionally, changing our bank sponsor could adversely affect our relationship with our merchants if the new sponsor provides inferior service or charges higher costs.

We have incurred substantial losses in the past and may incur additional losses in the future.
 
We reported a net loss of $3,008,785 and $1,196,642 for the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Including these results, we have an accumulated deficit of $53,260,426 at December 31, 2017. Our future operating results are not certain and we may incur future operating losses. On September 1, 2017, we acquired Singular Payments, LLC. Singular Payments was a credit card processing Independent Sales Organization comprised primarily of highly driven sales leaders and industry leaders. With the Singular Payments acquisition, we bought an existing portfolio of customers with a significant revenue stream and a talented sales force with significant experience in the credit card industry. This acquisition enhances our ability to grow new revenue streams and enhance existing revenue streams. We may need to raise additional capital to pursue product development initiatives and to penetrate additional markets for the sale of our products in the future. We believe that we have access to capital resources through possible public or private equity offerings, debt financings, corporate collaborations or other means. If we are unable to secure additional capital, we may be required to curtail our research and development initiatives and take additional measures to reduce costs in order to conserve our cash in amounts sufficient to sustain operations and meet our obligations. These measures could cause significant delays in our efforts to expand our product offerings and customer base in the United States, which are critical to the realization of our business plan and to future operations.
 
Our prepaid card revenues from the sale of services to merchants that accept MasterCard cards are dependent upon our continued MasterCard registration and financial institution sponsorship and, in some cases, continued participation in certain payment networks.
 
In order to provide processing services for our MasterCard prepaid card program, we must be either a member of a payment network or be registered as a prepaid processor of MasterCard. Sunrise Banks, N.A., formerly known as University National Bank, and Metropolitan Commercial Bank have sponsored us under the designations Third Party Servicer, or TPS, and Merchant Service Provider, or MSP, with the MasterCard card association. Registration as a prepaid processor is dependent upon us being sponsored by member clearing banks. If our sponsor banks should stop providing sponsorship for us, we would need to find another financial institution to provide those services or we would need to be a member, either of which could prove to be difficult and/or more expensive. If we are unable to find a replacement financial institution to provide sponsorship or become a member of the association, we may no longer be able to provide prepaid processing services to our MasterCard customers, which would negatively impact our revenues and earnings.






If we fail to comply with the applicable requirements of the respective card networks, they could seek to fine us, suspend us or terminate our registrations. If our merchants or ISOs incur fines or penalties that we cannot collect from them, we could end up bearing the cost of fines or penalties.
 
In order to provide our transaction processing services, we are registered with Visa, MasterCard and Discover as service providers and transaction processors for member institutions and with other networks. As such, we are subject to card association and network rules that could subject us to a variety of fines or penalties that may be levied by the card networks for certain acts or omissions. The rules of the card networks are set by their boards, which may be influenced by banks that own their stock and, in the case of Discover by the card’s issuers, and some of those banks and issuers are our competitors with respect to these processing services. The termination of our registrations or our status as a service provider or transaction processor, or any changes in card association or other network rules or standards, including interpretation and implementation of the rules or standards, that increase the cost of doing business or limit our ability to provide transaction processing services to our customers, could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition. If a merchant or one of our resellers fails to comply with the applicable requirements of the card associations and networks, it could be subject to a variety of fines or penalties that may be levied by the card associations or networks. If we cannot collect such amounts from the applicable merchant or one of our resellers, we could end up bearing such fines or penalties, resulting in lower earnings for us.
 
We are subject to extensive and complex federal and state regulation and new regulations and/or changes to existing regulations could adversely affect our business.
 
As an agent of, and third-party service provider to, our issuing banks, we are subject to indirect regulation and direct audit and examination by the Office of Thrift Supervision, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, or the FRB, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
 
On March 23, 2010, the FRB issued a final rule implementing Title IV of the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act of 2009, or CARD Act, which imposes requirements relating to disclosures, fees and expiration dates that are generally applicable to gift certificates, store gift cards and general-use prepaid cards. We believe that our general-purpose reloadable prepaid cards, and the maintenance fees charged on our general-purpose reloadable cards, are exempt from the requirements under this rule, as they fall within an express exclusion for cards which are reloadable and not marketed or labeled as a gift card or gift certificate. However, this exclusion is not available if the issuer, the retailer selling the card to a consumer or the program manager, promotes, even if occasionally, the use of the card as a gift card or gift certificate. As a result, we provide retailers with instructions and policies regarding the display and promotion of our general-purpose reloadable cards. However, it is possible that despite our instructions and policies to the contrary, a retailer engaged in offering our general-purpose reloadable cards to consumers could take an action with respect to one or more of the cards that would cause each similar card to be viewed as being marketed or labeled as a gift card, such as by placing our general-purpose reloadable cards on a display which prominently features the availability of gift cards and does not separate or otherwise distinguish our general purpose reloadable cards from the gift cards. In such event, it is possible that such general-purpose reloadable cards would lose their eligibility for such exclusion to the CARD Act and its requirements, and therefore could be deemed to be in violation of the CARD Act and the rule, which could result in the imposition of fines, the suspension of our ability to offer our general-purpose reloadable cards, civil liability, criminal liability, and the inability of our issuing banks to apply certain fees to our general-purpose reloadable cards, each of which would likely have a material adverse impact on our revenues.

In 2014, we resumed issuing gift cards. Any gift cards we issue will be governed by the CARD act and other various regulations. Any violations with our gift card issuance could result in the imposition of fines, the suspension of our ability to offer our gift cards, civil liability, criminal liability, and the inability of our issuing banks to apply certain fees to our gift cards, each of which would likely have a material adverse impact on our revenues.

As the laws applicable to our business, and those of our distributors and issuing banks, change frequently, are often unclear and may differ or conflict between jurisdictions, ensuring compliance has become more difficult and costly. Any failure, or perceived failure, by us, our issuing banks or our distributors to comply with all applicable statutes and regulations could result in fines, penalties, regulatory enforcement actions, civil liability, criminal liability, and/or limitations on our ability to operate our business, each of which could significantly harm our reputation and have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
 
State and federal legislatures and regulatory authorities have become increasingly focused upon the regulation of the financial services industry and continue to adopt new legislation which could result in significant changes in the regulatory landscape for financial institutions, which can include our bank sponsors, and other financial services companies, such as our Company.
 





If we fail to comply with complex and expanding consumer protection regulations, our business could be adversely affected.
 
The establishment of the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or CFPB, will likely expose us to increased regulatory oversight and possibly more burdensome regulation that could have an adverse impact on our revenue and profits. On October 5, 2016, the CFPB issued a final rule to regulate certain prepaid accounts, or the Prepaid Account Rule. The Prepaid Account Rule mandates, among other things, extensive pre-purchase and post-purchase disclosures, expanded electronic billing statements; adherence to certain overdraft regulations for prepaid accounts that permit negative balances, and public posting of account agreements and submission to the CFPB which will then publish them on its website. The Prepaid Account Rule became effective October 1, 2017, subject to certain exceptions. Compliance with these obligations may result in increased compliance costs for us, our issuing banks and our distributors, and may therefore have a negative impact on the profitability of our business.
  
Our card programs are subject to strict regulation under federal law regarding anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing. Failure to comply with such laws, or abuse of our card programs for purposes of money laundering or terrorist financing, could have a material adverse impact on our business.
 
Provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act, the Bank Secrecy Act and other federal law impose substantial regulation of financial institutions designed to prevent use of financial services for purposes of money laundering or terrorist financing. Increasing regulatory scrutiny of our industry with respect to money laundering and terrorist financing matters could result in more aggressive enforcement of such laws or more onerous regulation, which could have a material adverse impact on our business. In addition, abuse of our prepaid card programs for purposes of money laundering or terrorist financing, notwithstanding our efforts to prevent such abuse through our regulatory compliance and risk management programs, could cause reputational or other harm that would have a material adverse impact on our business.
 
Effective September 27, 2011, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, or FinCEN, issued a final rule regarding the applicability of the Bank Secrecy Act’s anti-money laundering provisions to prepaid products and other matters related to the regulation of money services businesses. This rule created additional obligations for entities, including our distributors, engaged in the provision and sale of certain prepaid products, including our prepaid debit cards, such as the obligation for sellers of prepaid debit cards to obtain identification information from the purchaser at the point-of-sale. Compliance with these obligations may result in increased compliance costs for us, our issuing banks and our distributors, and may therefore have a negative impact on the profitability of our business.
 
Unauthorized disclosure of cardholder data, whether through breach of our computer systems or otherwise, could expose us to liability and protracted and costly litigation.
 
We collect and store personal identifiable information about our cardholders, including names, addresses, social security numbers, driver’s license numbers and account numbers, and maintain a database of cardholder data relating to specific transactions, including account numbers, in order to process transactions and prevent fraud. As a result, we are required to comply with the privacy provisions of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, various other federal and state privacy statutes and regulations, and the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, each of which is subject to change at any time. Compliance with these requirements is often difficult and costly, and our failure, or our distributors’ failure, to comply may result in significant fines or civil penalties, regulatory enforcement action, liability to our issuing banks and termination of our agreements with one or more of our issuing banks, each of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial position and/or operations. In addition, a significant breach could result in our Company being prohibited from processing transactions for any of the relevant card associations or network organizations, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover or regional debit networks, which would also have a significant material adverse impact on our financial position and/or operations.
 
Furthermore, if our computer systems are breached by unauthorized users, we may be subject to liability, including claims for unauthorized purchases with misappropriated bank card information, impersonation or similar fraud claims. We could also be subject to liability for claims relating to misuse of personal information, such as unauthorized marketing purposes, or failure to comply with laws governing notification of such breaches. These claims also could result in protracted and costly litigation. In addition, we could be subject to penalties or sanctions from the relevant card associations or network organizations.
 
If our efforts to protect the security of information about our customers, cardholders and vendors are unsuccessful, we may face additional costly government enforcement actions and private litigation, and our sales and reputation could suffer.
 
An important component of our business involves the receipt and storage of information about our cardholders and banking information. We have multiple programs and processes in place to detect and respond to data security incidents. However, because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service, or sabotage systems change frequently and may be difficult to detect for long periods of time, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or implement adequate preventive





measures. In addition, hardware, software, or applications we develop or procure from third parties may contain defects in design or manufacture or other problems that could unexpectedly compromise information security. Unauthorized parties may also attempt to gain access to our systems or facilities, or those of third parties with whom we do business, through fraud, trickery, or other forms of deceiving our vendors, contractors, and employees. If we, our customers, or our vendors experience significant data security breaches or fail to detect and appropriately respond to significant data security breaches, we could be exposed to government enforcement actions and private litigation. In addition, our cardholders and customers could lose confidence in our ability to protect their information, which could cause them to discontinue using our services.

We will be liable for separation payments in case of change in control, termination without cause, non-renewal of the agreement, death, or disability under the respective employment agreements with our Chairman, Mr. Long and our President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Hoch, which could have an adverse effect on our cash position and on our financial results. 
 
Pursuant to our respective employment agreements with Michael Long, Chairman, and Louis Hoch, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Operating Officer, as amended, in the event of change in control, termination without cause, or non-renewal of the employment agreement, we will be liable for separation payments, equaling an amount of (a) 2.95 the respective base salary and bonus payments, plus (b) a pro rata portion of the respective annual bonus based on the number of days elapsed in the year prior, plus (c) 2.0 times the respective base salary for non-competition, and (d) continuing other benefits. We estimate the cash disbursements over time to be $1.5 to $2.0 million each for the respective agreements with Mr. Long and Mr. Hoch.
 
In the case of termination of the agreement due to death of the executive, we will be liable for separation payments, equaling an amount of 2.95 the respective base salary. The deferred compensation does not include amounts paid or accrued to executive for bonuses or bonus compensation, benefits or equity awards. Unpaid and unearned bonus compensation or bonus deferred compensation is forfeited. No deferred compensation will be due as long as we and/or an insurance company continues to pay executive’s base salary, minus any monthly base salary already paid to the executive prior to his death pursuant to the executive’s disability, to the executive’s estate for a period of up to 36 months. If these continuing payments cease before 36 months, we will have to pay the executive’s estate the deferred compensation minus any base salary payments within 30 days of the cessation. We estimate the cash disbursements over time to be approximately $1.0 million each for the respective agreements with Mr. Long and Mr. Hoch. Further, all stock options issued to the executive and all restricted stock granted to executive shall continue on their vesting schedule.
 
In the case of termination of the agreement due to disability without death, we will be liable for separation payments, equaling an amount of disability benefits constituting base salary for 3 years. We estimate the cash disbursement over time to be $0.7 to $0.8 million for each for the respective agreements with Mr. Long and Mr. Hoch. Unpaid and unearned bonus compensation or bonus deferred compensation is forfeited. Further, all stock options issued to the executive and all restricted stock granted to executive shall continue on their vesting schedule. No further compensation will be due for compliance with the agreements’ non-compete, non-solicitation and disparagement clauses.
 
Depending on when such an event might occur, it could have a substantial adverse effect on our operating capital and cash on hand. If our cash position is not sufficient, we may need to raise additional cash which could involve selling equity securities which would dilute our shareholders. In addition, the loss of our Chairman or Chief Executive Officer may adversely affect our business and results of operations.

We depend on Michael R. Long, our co-founder and Chairman of the Board, and Louis A. Hoch, our President, Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer, and if these persons ceased to be active in our management, our business may not be successful.
 
Our success depends to a significant degree upon the continued contributions of our key management, marketing, service and related product development and operational personnel, including our co-founder and Board Chairman Michael R. Long, and our President and Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer, Louis A. Hoch. We entered into employment agreements with Mr. Long and Mr. Hoch, respectively, in February 2007 and update their agreements as changes are required. The terms of the agreements are substantially similar and prohibit the executive from competing with us for a period of two years from the executive’s date of termination. Our business may not be successful if, for any reason, either or both of these persons cease to be active in our management.

If we lose key personnel or we are unable to attract, recruit, retain and develop qualified employees, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.
 
In order for us to successfully compete and grow, we must attract, recruit, retain and develop the necessary personnel who can provide the needed expertise and skills across the spectrum of our intellectual capital needs. The market for qualified personnel





is highly competitive and we may not be successful in recruiting qualified personnel for needed skill sets or replacing current personnel who leave us. Failure to retain or attract key personnel and skill sets could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

If our software fails, and we need to repair or replace it, or we become subject to warranty claims, our costs could increase.
 
Our software products could contain errors or “bugs” that could adversely affect the performance of services or damage a user’s data. We attempt to limit our potential liability for warranty claims through technical audits and limitation-of-liability provisions in our customer agreements. However, these measures may not be effective in limiting our exposure to warranty claims. We have not experienced a significant increase in software errors or warranty claims. Despite the existence of various security precautions, our computer infrastructure may also be vulnerable to viruses or similar disruptive problems caused by our customers or third parties gaining access to our processing system.

We depend on the efficient and uninterrupted operation of our computer network systems, software, data center and telecommunications networks, as well as the systems and services of third parties. Our systems and operations or those of our third-party providers could be exposed to damage or interruption from, among other things, fire, natural disaster, power loss, telecommunications failure, terrorist acts, war, unauthorized entry, human error, and computer viruses or other defects. Defects in our systems or those of third parties, errors or delays in the processing of payment transactions, telecommunications failures or other difficulties could result in loss of revenue, loss of merchants, loss of merchant and cardholder data, harm to our business or reputation, exposure to fraud losses or other liabilities, negative publicity, additional operating and development costs, and/or diversion of technical and other resources. We perform the vast majority of disaster recovery operations ourselves, though we utilize select third parties for some aspects of recovery. To the extent we outsource our disaster recovery, we are at risk of the vendor’s unresponsiveness in the event of breakdowns in our systems.
 
Risks associated with reduced levels of consumer spending could adversely affect our revenues and earnings.
 
Significant portions of our revenue and earnings are derived from fees from processing consumer ACH, prepaid, credit, and debit card transactions. We are exposed to general economic conditions that affect consumer confidence, consumer spending, consumer discretionary income or changes in consumer purchasing habits. A general reduction in consumer spending in the United States or in any other country where we do business could adversely affect our revenues and earnings.
 
Fraud by merchants or others could have an adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.
 
We have potential liability for fraudulent bankcard, ACH and prepaid card transactions or credits initiated by merchants or others. Examples of merchant fraud include when a merchant knowingly uses a stolen or counterfeit bankcard, card number or bank account to record a false sales transaction, processes an invalid bankcard, or intentionally fails to deliver the merchandise or services sold in an otherwise valid transaction. Criminals are using increasingly sophisticated methods to engage in illegal activities such as counterfeit and fraud. While we have systems and procedures designed to detect and reduce the impact of fraud, we cannot assure the effectiveness of these measures. It is possible that incidents of fraud could increase in the future. Failure to effectively manage risk and prevent fraud would increase our chargeback liability or cause us to incur other liabilities including regulatory and association fines, penalties and harm to our reputation. Increases in chargebacks or other liabilities could have an adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.
 
Increases in credit card network fees may result in the loss of customers or a reduction in our earnings.
 
From time to time, the card networks, including Visa, MasterCard, and Discover, increase the fees (interchange and assessment fees) that they charge processors such as us. We may attempt to pass these increases along to our merchant customers, but this strategy might result in the loss of those customers to our competitors who do not pass along the increases. If competitive practices prevent our passing along such increased fees to our merchant customers in the future, we may have to absorb all or a portion of such increases thereby increasing our operating costs and reducing our earnings.
 
We are subject to risks and write-offs resulting from fraudulent activities and losses from overdrawn cardholder accounts that could adversely impact our financial performance and results of operations.
 
Our prepaid cards expose us to threats involving the misuse of such cards, collusion, fraud, identity theft and systemic attacks on our systems. Although a large portion of fraudulent activity is addressed through the chargeback systems and procedures maintained by the card association networks, we are often responsible for other losses due to merchant and cardholder fraud. No system or procedures established to detect and reduce the impact of fraud are entirely effective and we recorded no fraud losses in 2017 or





2016. Although we actively devote efforts to effectively manage risk and prevent fraud, we could nevertheless experience an increase in fraud losses over our historical experience.
 
Our cardholders can in some circumstances incur charges in excess of the funds available in their accounts and are liable for the resulting overdrawn account balance. Although we generally decline authorization attempts for amounts that exceed the available balance in a cardholder’s account, the application of the card association networks’ rules and regulations, the timing of the settlement of transactions and the assessment of subscription, maintenance or other fees can, among other things, result in overdrawn card accounts. As of December 31, 2017, our cardholders’ overdrawn account balances totaled $12,700.
 
Although we maintain reserves for fraud and other losses, our exposure to these types of risks may exceed our reserve levels for a variety of reasons, including our failure to predict the actual recovery rate, failure to effectively manage risk and failure to prevent fraud. Accordingly, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected to the extent that we incur losses resulting from overdrawn cardholder accounts and fraudulent activity that exceed our designated reserves or if we determine that it is necessary to increase our reserves substantially in order to address any increased recovery risk.
 
Our business strategy includes identifying businesses and assets to acquire, and if we cannot integrate acquisitions into our company successfully, we may have limited growth.
 
Our success partially depends upon our ability to identify and acquire undervalued businesses and merchant portfolios within our industry. Although we believe that there are companies and portfolios available for potential acquisition that might offer attractive business opportunities, we may not be able to make any acquisitions, and if we do make acquisitions, they may not be profitable. As a result, our business may not grow or regain profitability.
 
If we do not manage our growth, then we may not be able to regain or sustain profitability.
 
In order to manage our growth successfully, we will have to continue to improve our operational, management and financial systems and expand our work force. A significant increase in our customer base may necessitate the hiring of a significant number of additional personnel, qualified candidates for which, at the time needed, may be in short supply. In addition, the expansion and adaptation of our computer and administrative infrastructure will require substantial operational, management and financial resources. Although we believe that our current infrastructure is adequate to meet the needs of our customers in the foreseeable future, we may not be able to expand and adapt our infrastructure to meet additional demand on a timely basis, at a commercially reasonable cost, or at all. If our management is unable to manage growth effectively, hire needed personnel, expand and adapt our computer infrastructure and improve our operational, management, and financial systems and controls, we may not regain profitability.
 
If we do not manage our credit risks related to our merchant accounts, we may incur significant losses.
 
We rely on the Federal Reserve’s Automated Clearing House system for electronic fund transfers and the Visa, MasterCard and Discover associations for settlement of payments by credit or debit card on behalf of our merchant customers. In our use of these established payment clearance systems, we generally bear the credit risks arising from returned transactions caused by insufficient funds, stop payment orders, closed accounts, frozen accounts, unauthorized use, disputes, customer charge backs, theft or fraud. Consequently, we assume the credit risk of merchant disputes, fraud, insolvency or bankruptcy in the event we attempt to recover funds related to such transactions from our customers. We have not experienced a significant increase in the rate of returned transactions or incurred any losses with respect to such transactions. We utilize a number of systems and procedures to manage and limit credit risks, but if these actions are not successful in managing such risks, we may incur significant losses.
 
We have adopted certain measures that may make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of our Company.
 
Our Board of Directors is classified into three classes of directors serving staggered three-year terms. Such classification of the Board of Directors expands the time required to change the composition of a majority of directors and may tend to discourage a proxy contest or other takeover bid for our company.
 
RISKS RELATED TO OUR INDUSTRY
 
The electronic commerce market is evolving and if it does not grow, we may not be able to sell sufficient services to make our business viable.
 
The electronic commerce market is a service industry that continues to grow significantly. If the electronic commerce market fails to grow or grows slower than anticipated, or if we, despite an investment of significant resources, are unable to adapt to meet





changing customer requirements or technological changes in this emerging market, or if our services and related products do not maintain a proportionate degree of acceptance in this growing market, our business may not grow and could even fail. Additionally, the security and privacy concerns of existing and potential customers may inhibit the growth of the electronic commerce market in general, and our customer base and revenues, in particular. Similar to the emergence of the credit card and automatic teller machine industries, we and other organizations serving the electronic commerce market must educate users that electronic transactions use encryption technology and other electronic security measures that make electronic transactions more secure than paper-based transactions.
 
Changes in regulation of electronic commerce and related financial services industries could increase our costs and limit our business opportunities.
 
We believe that we are not required to be licensed by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Reserve Board, or other federal or state agencies that regulate or monitor banks or other types of providers of electronic commerce services. It is possible that a federal or state agency will attempt to regulate providers of electronic commerce services, which could impede our ability to do business in the regulator's jurisdiction. Our business has also been affected by anti-terrorism legislation, such as the USA PATRIOT Act. Banking-related provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act have been implemented as additions to the banking rules regarding monetary instrument sales record keeping requirements and tracking of cash movements. In our capacity as an agent for Sunrise Banks, N.A., formerly known as University National Bank, and Metropolitan Commercial Bank, the issuing banks for our prepaid card programs and in our capacity as an agent for Fifth Third Bank, and NACB, the sponsoring banks for our ACH services, we are required to comply with these rules. We are also required to implement a Customer Identification Program and establish an Anti-Money Laundering program and to report any suspected money laundering to the appropriate agencies. Our compliance with such regulations increases our responsibilities and costs associated with the administration of our debit card programs. We are also subject to various laws and regulations relating to commercial transactions, such as the Uniform Commercial Code, and may be subject to the electronic funds transfer rules embodied in Regulation E, promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board. Given the expansion of the electronic commerce market, the Federal Reserve Board might revise Regulation E or adopt new rules for electronic funds transfer affecting users other than consumers. Because of growth in the electronic commerce market, Congress has held hearings on whether to regulate providers of services and transactions in the electronic commerce market. It is possible that Congress or individual states could enact laws regulating the electronic commerce market. If enacted, such laws, rules and regulations could be imposed on our business and industry and could increase our costs or limit our business opportunities.
 
If we cannot compete successfully in our industry, we could lose market share and our costs could increase.
 
Portions of the electronic commerce market are becoming increasingly competitive. We expect to face growing competition in all areas of the electronic payment processing market. New companies could emerge and compete for merchants of all sizes. We expect competition to increase from both established and emerging companies and that such increased competition could lower our market share and increase our costs. Moreover, our current and potential competitors, many of whom have greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources than us, may respond more quickly than us to new or emerging technologies or could expand to compete directly against us in any or all of our target markets. Accordingly, it is possible that current or potential competitors could rapidly acquire market share. We may not be able to compete against current or future competitors successfully. Additionally, competitive pressures may increase our costs, which could lower our earnings, if any.
 
RISKS RELATED TO OUR COMMON STOCK
 
Our stock price is volatile and you may not be able to sell your shares at a price higher than what you paid.
 
The market for our common stock is highly volatile. In 2017, our stock price fluctuated between $1.17 and $4.10. The trading price of our common stock could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to, among other things, quarterly variations in operating and financial results, announcements of technological innovations or new products by our competitors or us, changes in prices of our products and services or our competitors' products and services, changes in product mix, or changes in our revenue and revenue growth rates.
 
“Penny stock” rules may make buying or selling our securities difficult which may make our stock less liquid and make it harder for investors to buy and sell our shares.
 
Trading in our securities is subject to the SEC’s “penny stock” rules and it is anticipated that trading in our securities will continue to be subject to the penny stock rules for the foreseeable future. The SEC has adopted regulations that generally define a penny stock to be any equity security that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. These rules require that any broker-dealer who recommends our securities to persons other than prior customers and accredited investors must,





prior to the sale, make a special written suitability determination for the purchaser and receive the purchaser's written agreement to execute the transaction. Unless an exception is available, the regulations require the delivery, prior to any transaction involving a penny stock, of a disclosure schedule explaining the penny stock market and the risks associated with trading in the penny stock market. In addition, broker-dealers must disclose commissions payable to both the broker-dealer and the registered representative and current quotations for the securities they offer. The additional burdens imposed upon broker-dealers by these requirements may discourage broker-dealers from recommending transactions in our securities, which could severely limit the liquidity of our securities and consequently adversely affect the market price for our securities.
 
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.
 
Our existing headquarters and operations are housed in approximately 7,200 square feet of leased office space in San Antonio, Texas. Rental expense under the lease was $197,300 and $158,200 for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The lease term expires on April 30, 2018.

In anticipation of the expiration of the existing lease on April 30, 2018, we entered into a new lease in San Antonio, Texas commencing on May 1, 2018. The lease is for a period of 75 months and expires on July 31, 2024. The space leased ranges from 6,000 square feet to 10,535 square feet. Annual rents during the lease term will range from $117,000 to $232,000.

Singular Payments sales and operations organization occupied leased space in Nashville, Tennessee and St. Augustine, Florida for their sales offices and operations. Rental expense under the leases was $25,236 for the year ended December 31, 2017.

In order to consolidate Singular Payments sales offices and operations, we entered into a lease in Nashville, TN commencing on March 1, 2018. The lease is for a period of 62 months and expires on April 30, 2023. The space leased is 3,794 square feet. Annual rents during the lease term range from $109,000 to $122,000.

We believe that our new properties will be adequate to meet our needs through December 31, 2018.
 
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
 
On August 28, 2017, our wholly-owned subsidiary, FiCentive, Inc., filed a lawsuit against C2Go, Inc. alleging multiple defaults under the loan and security agreement executed February 2, 2016. Under the loan agreement, FiCentive loaned a principal amount of $200,000 to C2Go with an interest rate of 10% per annum for a term of 18 months. The loan was secured by a first lien on all assets of C2Go. C2Go defaulted under the note by failing to repay the loan plus interest on August 2, 2017. The case is pending in Bexar County, San Antonio, Texas.

On December 7, 2017, we entered into a note purchase and settlement agreement with C2Go and Mercury Investment Partners LLC. Pursuant to the note purchase and settlement agreement Mercury Investment Partners agreed to purchase the note and the rights secured by the security agreement with all rights and obligations and pay to FiCentive a sum of $200,000 in three installments. The first installment of $50,000 was paid on December 7, 2017. The second installment of $50,000 is due on April 30, 2018, and the remaining amount of $100,000 is due on October 31, 2018. In return, FiCentive agreed to waive all interest due and payable under the terms of the C2Go loan. There are no assurances that we will be able to recover the remaining $150,000 principal and there are no assurances that there will be any assets for us to recover from our lien on all the assets of C2Go, Inc. if payment in full of the obligation is not made.

Aside from the lawsuit described above, we may be involved in legal matters arising in the ordinary course of business from time to time. While we believe that such matters are currently not material, there can be no assurance that matters arising in the ordinary course of business for which we are or could become involved in litigation will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
 
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
 
Not applicable.
 





PART II
 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
 
Market Information
 
Our common stock has been listed on the Nasdaq Capital Markets Exchange under the ticker symbol “PYDS” since August 11, 2015. Prior to that our common stock was quoted on the OTCQB, the OTC market tier for companies that are reporting with the SEC, and on the OTC Bulletin Board, or OTCBB, also under the ticker symbol “PYDS”.
 
The following table sets forth the high and low trading prices for our common stock for each quarter during the last two fiscal years. The prices reported below reflect inter-dealer prices and are without adjustments for retail markups, markdowns or commissions, and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
 
 
 
High

 
Low

2017
First Quarter
 
$
2.23

 
$
1.21

Second Quarter
 
$
2.65

 
$
1.17

Third Quarter
 
$
2.59

 
$
1.19

Fourth Quarter
 
$
4.10

 
$
1.35

2016
First Quarter
 
$
2.30

 
$
1.55

Second Quarter
 
$
2.10

 
$
1.16

Third Quarter
 
$
2.40

 
$
1.00

Fourth Quarter
 
$
3.80

 
$
1.57

 
 
Holders
 
On March 15, 2018, 15,872,578 shares of our common stock were issued and outstanding. As of March 15, 2018, there were 91 stockholders of record of our common stock.

Dividends
 
We have never declared or paid cash or stock dividends, and we have no plans to pay any such dividends in the foreseeable future. Instead, we intend to reinvest our earnings, if any.
 
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
 
The information required to be disclosed by Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K, “Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans,” is incorporated herein by reference. Refer to Item 12 of Part III of this annual report on Form 10-K for additional information.
 
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities; Use of Proceeds from Registered Securities
 
On November 15, 2017, we issued 10,000 shares of unregistered equity securities valued at $2.47 per share to a consultant for investor relations services.

We relied on the Section 4(a) (2) exemption from securities registration under the federal securities laws for transactions not involving any public offering. No advertising or general solicitation was employed in offering the securities. The securities were issued to an accredited investor. The securities were offered for investment purposes only and not for the purpose of resale or distribution. The transfer thereof was appropriately restricted by us.

 





Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
 
On November 2, 2016, we announced that our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $1 million of our common stock from time to time on the open market, in block transactions, or in privately negotiated transactions. On January 9, 2018, the Board of Directors added an additional $2 million to the buyback plan. The funds available at December 31, 2017 were $455,030 and after the increase are $2,455,030. The program began on November 16, 2016 and will be available until all funds are exhausted, or September 29, 2019, unless terminated earlier by us. The program may be used for purchases of stock from employees and directors; and for open-market purchases through a broker. The following table shows our recent stock purchases under the buyback plan as of December 31, 2017:
Period
 
(a)
Total number of shares (or units) purchased
 
(b)
Average price paid per share (or unit)
 
(c)
Total number of shares (or units) purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs
 
(d)
Maximum number (or approximate dollar value) of shares (or units) that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs
October 1, 2017 to October 31, 2017
 
817

 
$
1.43

 
321,109

 
$
457,389

November 1, 2017 to November 30, 2017
 
653

 
$
2.48

 
322,579

 
$
455,770

December 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017
 
490

 
$
1.51

 
323,069

 
$
455,030

Total
 
76,352

 
 
 


 
$
455,030

 
On January 8, 2018 and January 9, 2018, we repurchased 397,845 shares for $956,128 in a private transaction at the closing price on January 9, 2018 from employees to cover the respective employee's share of taxes for shares that vested on that day, as approved by our Audit Committee and Board of Directors on the same day, with the respective directors recusing themselves. The share buyback included share purchases for Michael Long ($380,342), Chairman of the Board, Louis Hoch ($380,342), President and Chief Executive Officer and Tom Jewell ($32,650), Chief Financial Officer as approved by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and the Board of Directors as of January 9, 2018.

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
 
As a smaller reporting company, as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and in Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K, we are electing scaled disclosure reporting obligations and therefore are not required to provide the information requested by this Item.
 
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
 
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, and other financial information included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K. This report contains forward-looking statements. When used in this report, the words “anticipates,” “suggests,” “estimates,” “plans,” “projects,” “continue,” “ongoing,” “potential,” “expect,” “predict,” “believe,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “proposal,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Actual results in future periods may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the risks discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in this annual report on and elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K.
 
Overview

We provide integrated electronic payment processing services to merchants and businesses, including all types of Automated Clearing House, or ACH, processing, credit, prepaid card and debit card-based processing services. We also operate an online payment processing service, under the domain name www.billx.com system, which allows consumers to process online payments to pay any other individual, including family and friends. Through Akimbo, under the domain name www.akimbocard.com, we offer MasterCard prepaid cards to consumers for use as a tool to stay on budget, manage allowances and share money with family





and friends. The Akimbo platform includes Akimbo Now for businesses, Akimbo Gift for consumers and support for Apple Pay®, Android Pay™, and Samsung Pay™ .

On September 1, 2017, we acquired Singular Payments, LLC, a Florida limited liability company and credit card processor for a purchase price of $5 million. With Singular Payments we acquired new customers and their sales force. The former owner of Singular Payments, Vaden Landers, became our Chief Revenue Officer. We bought an existing portfolio of customers with a significant revenue stream and a talented sales force with significant experience in the credit card industry. The success of the Singular Payments acquisition will continue to depend, in part, on our ability to realize the anticipated growth opportunities from integrating the acquired business with our business and banking sponsor, including integrating its services into our offering of products and services. Our success depends on the successful integration of our and the acquired business’s operations and information and financial systems.
 
We reported a net loss of $3,008,785 and $1,196,642 for the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. We have an accumulated deficit of $53,260,426 at December 31, 2017.

In 2017, we processed a total dollar amount of more than $2.8 billion for all payment types which decreased by 3% compared to our record volume of $3.3 billion total dollars processed in 2016. ACH or electronic check transaction processing volumes for 2017 decreased 15% compared to 2016. Returned check transactions were down 13% in 2017 compared to 2016. Credit card dollars processed in 2017 increased by 78% compared to 2016 and credit card processing volumes for 2017 increased by 34% compared to 2016 and represent the highest volume in our history. Credit card transaction volumes during the fourth quarter of 2017 set company records, with the number of transactions up 199% and credit card dollars processed up 274% compared to the fourth quarter of 2016. The growth in credit card processing volume was due to the acquisition of customers and transactions from Singular Payments, LLC on September 1, 2017.
 
To regain and sustain profitability, we must, among other things, continue to grow our top line revenues, grow and maintain our customer base, enhance and continue to refine existing and new successful marketing strategies, continue to maintain and upgrade our technology and transaction processing systems, provide superior customer service, respond to competitive developments, attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel, and respond to unforeseen industry developments and other factors.

We believe that our success will depend in large part on our ability to (a) aggressively drive top line growth, (b) add talented sales people, (c) add quality customers, (d) meet evolving customer requirements, (e) adapt to technological changes in an ever changing market, (f) be opportunistic in identifying and acquiring portfolios that expand or complement our existing customer base and (g) effectively manage our operating expenses as we aggressively scale the business. Our near term objectives will be focused on aggressively driving top line growth and identifying and acquiring portfolios that complement and support our growth strategy. We will continuously assess our resources ability to achieve our targeted growth and continuously enhance our technology platform to drive our competitive advantage.

Critical Accounting Policies
 
General
 
Our management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to the reported amounts of revenues and expenses, bad debt, investments, intangible assets, income taxes, and contingencies and litigation. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We consider the following accounting policies to be critical because the nature of the estimates or assumptions is material due to the levels of subjectivity and judgment necessary to account for highly uncertain matters or the susceptibility of such matters to change or because the impact of the estimates and assumptions on financial condition or operating performance is material.
 
For a summary of critical accounting policies, please refer to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

Results of Operations
 





Revenues
 
Our revenues are principally derived from providing integrated electronic payment services to merchants and businesses, including credit and debit card-based processing services and transaction processing via the Automated Clearing House, or ACH, network and the program management and processing of prepaid debit cards. We also operate an online payment processing service for consumers under the domain name www.billx.com and sell this service as a private-label application to resellers. Total revenues for 2017 increased 21% to $14,571,158 from $12,076,358 for 2016. The increased revenues for 2017 were primarily attributed to incremental revenues as a result of the Singular Payments, LLC acquisition completed on September 1, 2017.

Operating Expenses

Cost of services includes the cost of personnel dedicated to the creation and maintenance of connections to third-party payment processors and the fees paid to such third-party providers for electronic payment processing services. Through our contractual relationships with our payment processors and sponsoring banks, we are able to process ACH and debit, credit or prepaid card transactions on behalf of our customers and their consumers. We pay volume-based fees for debit, credit, ACH and prepaid transactions initiated through these processors or sponsoring banks, and pay fees for other transactions such as returns, notices of change to bank accounts and file transmission. Cost of services expenses were $10,802,932 and $8,293,354 for 2017 and 2016, respectively. Cost of services expenses increased $2,509,578 or 30% in 2017 as compared to 2016 primarily because of the increased credit card processing volumes and increased credit card processing expenses associated with the acquired Singular Payments, LLC revenues. 
 
Stock-based compensation expenses decreased to $968,141 for 2017 from $1,314,778 for 2016. Our stock-based compensation expenses for 2017 and 2016 represented the amortization of deferred compensation expenses related to incentive stock grants to employees, officers and directors. The decrease in stock compensation expense was related to stock grants vesting (fully expensed) in December 2016 and the cancellation of a significant stock grant in 2016.
 
Cancellation of stock-based compensation expense (income) was $0 and ($261,208) for the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 respectively.  The 2016 amount resulted from a non-vested stock-based awards to a former employee that was forfeited during 2016.
 
Other selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $4,378,969 for 2017, from $3,188,407 for 2016. The increase of $1,190,562, or 37%, in other selling, general and administrative expenses for 2017 was primarily due to incremental salaries and benefits and other operating expenses associated with the acquisition of Singular Payments, LLC on September 1, 2017.

Depreciation and Amortization
 
Depreciation and amortization was $1,258,132 for 2017 as compared to $901,600 for 2016. The increase of $356,532, or 40%, was primarily due to amortization of intangible assets purchased as part of the Singular Payments, LLC acquisition on September 1, 2017.
 
Other Income
 
Interest income increased to $100,964 in 2017 from $97,322 in 2016 due to higher interest bearing cash balances. Other income was $1,583 for 2017, as compared to $99,277 for 2016. The 2016 other income was a settlement award related to the Shelby lawsuit.
 
Income Taxes
 
Income tax expense was $274,316 and $32,668 in 2017 and 2016, respectively. The income tax expense represents amounts incurred under the Texas margin tax and includes an increase in federal taxes as a result of adjusting our deferred tax asset to reflect lower prospective tax rates as a result to the new tax legislation implemented in December, 2017.
 
Net Income (Loss)

We reported a net loss of $3,008,785 and $1,196,642 for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The decrease in profitability is related to the factors described above.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
 





At December 31, 2017, we had $4,800,554 of cash and cash equivalents, as compared to $4,120,738 of cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2016. The increase in cash for 2017 was primarily due to $2,725,340 raised in a public offering on December 26, 2017 offset by $1,500,000 in cash paid for acquisition of Singular Payments, LLC.
 
We reported a net loss of $3,008,785 and a net loss of $1,196,642 for the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Additionally, we reported working capital of $4,790,715 and $4,522,151 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

On December 21, 2017, we entered into a placement agency agreement with Maxim Group LLC with respect to the issuance and sale of an aggregate of 1,176,000 shares of common stock at an offering price of $2.55 per share in a public offering. We agreed to pay Maxim a cash fee of equal to 6% of the aggregate gross proceeds raised in the offering and legal fees and expenses of up to $50,000. The net proceeds to us from the public offering were $2,725,340, after deducting the offering expenses and fees payable by us.

The net cash used by operating activities totaled $110,277 for 2017 as compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $848,438 in 2016. The reduction in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to higher operating expenses and a higher net loss for 2017.

Net cash used by investing activities was $1,822,337 for 2017 and $355,551 for 2016. The increase in net cash used by investing activities for 2017, as compared to the prior year was related to the $1,500,000 of cash paid for the Singular Payments, LLC acquisition.
 
Net cash provided by financing activities for 2017 was $2,612,430 compared to cash used by financing activities of $431,755 for 2016. The 2017 cash provided by financing activities was a result of a public offering which raised $2,725,340 in December 2017. In 2016 net cash used by financing activities represents purchases of certain shares of common stock owned by employees and directors to offset taxes owed.

Loan and Security Agreement with C2Go, Inc.
 
Under a loan and security agreement dated February 2, 2016, our wholly-owned subsidiary FiCentive, Inc. loaned a principal amount of $150,000 to C2Go, Inc. with an interest rate of 10% per annum for a term of 18 months. The loan was secured by a first lien on all assets of C2Go. C2Go defaulted under the note by failing to repay the loan plus interest on August 2, 2017. A lawsuit filed by FiCentive is pending in Bexar County, San Antonio, Texas. On December 7, 2017, we entered into a note purchase and settlement agreement with C2Go and Mercury Investment Partners LLC. Pursuant to the note purchase and settlement agreement Mercury Investment Partners agreed to purchase the note and the rights secured by the security agreement with all rights and obligations and pay to FiCentive a sum of $200,000 in three installments. The first installment of $50,000 was paid on December 7, 2017. The second installment of $50,000 is due on April 30, 2018, and the remaining amount of $100,000 is due on October 31, 2018. In return, FiCentive agreed to waive all interest due and payable under the terms of the C2Go loan. There are no assurances that we will be able to recover the remaining $150,000 principal and that there are no assurances there will be any assets for us to recover from our lien on all the assets of C2Go, Inc. if payment in full of the obligation is not made.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
 
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
 
As a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and in Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K, we are electing scaled disclosure reporting obligations and therefore are not required to provide the information requested by this Item.






ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
 
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 






REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders 
Payment Data Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries 
San Antonio, Texas

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Payment Data Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the “Company”) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows, for each of the two-years in the period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "consolidated financial statements"). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis of Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As a part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 

 
/s/ Akin, Doherty, Klein & Feuge, P.C.
 
Akin, Doherty, Klein & Feuge, P.C.
San Antonio, Texas
March 30, 2018

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2004.






PAYMENT DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
ASSETS
 
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
4,800,554

 
$
4,120,738

Accounts receivable, net
 
969,674

 
907,750

Settlement processing assets
 
38,027,984

 
43,851,311

Prepaid expenses and other
 
176,945

 
142,029

Note receivable
 
150,000

 
200,000

Current assets before restricted cash
 
44,125,157

 
49,221,828

Restricted cash
 
14,977,468

 
15,803,641

Total current assets
 
59,102,625

 
65,025,469

 
 
 
 
 
Property and equipment, net
 
2,105,186

 
2,494,510

 
 
 
 
 
Other assets:
 
 

 
 

Intangibles, net
 
4,676,427

 
172,899

Deferred tax asset
 
1,394,000

 
1,621,000

Other assets
 
157,565

 
200,808

Total other assets
 
6,227,992

 
1,994,707

 
 
 
 
 
Total Assets
 
$
67,435,803

 
$
69,514,686

 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 

 
 

Current Liabilities:
 
 

 
 

Accounts payable
 
$
300,736

 
$
145,044

Accrued expenses
 
1,006,262

 
703,322

Settlement processing obligations
 
38,027,984

 
43,851,311

Current liabilities before restricted cash
 
39,334,982

 
44,699,677

Restricted cash
 
14,977,468

 
15,803,641

Total current liabilities
 
54,312,450

 
60,503,318

 
 
 
 
 
Stockholders' Equity:
 
 

 
 

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; -0- shares outstanding in 2017 and 2016
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized; 16,874,235 and 12,392,288 issued and 16,201,634 and 11,795,939 outstanding in 2017 and 2016 (see Note 11)
 
186,299

 
181,818

Additional paid-in capital
 
74,041,083

 
63,881,365

Treasury stock, at cost; 672,601 and 596,349 shares in 2017 and 2016 (see Note 11)
 
(831,059
)
 
(718,149
)
Deferred compensation
 
(7,012,544
)
 
(4,082,025
)
Accumulated deficit
 
(53,260,426
)
 
(50,251,641
)
Total stockholders' equity
 
13,123,353

 
9,011,368

 
 
 
 
 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 
$
67,435,803

 
$
69,514,686

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 






PAYMENT DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Revenues
 
$
14,571,158

 
$
12,076,358

Operating expenses:
 
 

 
 

Cost of services
 
10,802,932

 
8,293,354

Selling, general and administrative:
 
 

 
 

Stock-based compensation
 
968,141

 
1,314,778

Cancellation of stock-based compensation
 

 
(261,208
)
Other expenses
 
4,378,969

 
3,188,407

Depreciation and amortization
 
1,258,132

 
901,600

Total operating expenses
 
17,408,174

 
13,436,931

 
 
 
 
 
Operating (loss)
 
(2,837,016
)
 
(1,360,573
)
 
 
 
 
 
Other income:
 
 

 
 

    Interest income
 
100,964

 
97,322

    Other income
 
1,583

 
99,277

Other income, net
 
102,547

 
196,599

 
 
 
 
 
(Loss) before income taxes
 
(2,734,469
)
 
(1,163,974
)
Income taxes
 
274,316

 
32,668

 
 
 
 
 
Net (Loss)
 
$
(3,008,785
)
 
$
(1,196,642
)
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (Loss) Per Share
 
 

 
 

Basic earnings  (loss) per common share:
 
$
(0.33
)
 
$
(0.15
)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
 
$
(0.33
)
 
$
(0.15
)
Weighted average common shares outstanding (see Note 12)
 
 

 
 

Basic
 
8,995,883

 
7,838,197

Diluted
 
8,995,883

 
7,838,197


 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 








PAYMENT DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additional Paid - In Capital
 
Treasury Stock
 
Deferred Compensation
 
Accumulated Deficit
 
Total Stockholder's Equity
 
 
Common Stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2015
 
12,379,537

 
$
185,533

 
$
64,302,498

 
$
(286,394
)
 
$
(6,031,362
)
 
$
(49,054,999
)
 
$
9,115,276

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Issuance of common stock, restricted
 
30,000

 
30

 
51,670

 

 

 

 
51,700

Issuance of common stock, restricted, Akimbo settlement
 
167,153

 
168

 
419,053

 

 

 

 
419,221

Deferred compensation amortization
 

 

 

 

 
914,902

 

 
914,902

Issuance of common stock under equity incentive plan
 
82,265

 
87

 
329,019

 

 
70,768

 

 
399,874

Purchase of treasury stock
 

 

 

 
(431,755
)
 

 

 
(431,755
)
Reversal of deferred compensation amortization that did not vest
 
(266,667
)
 
(4,000
)
 
(1,220,875
)
 

 
963,667

 

 
(261,208
)
Net (loss) for the year
 

 

 

 

 

 
(1,196,642
)
 
(1,196,642
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2016
 
12,392,288

 
$
181,818

 
$
63,881,365

 
$
(718,149
)
 
$
(4,082,025
)
 
$
(50,251,641
)
 
$
9,011,368

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Issuance of common stock, restricted
 
20,000

 
20

 
40,180

 

 

 

 
40,200

Issuance of common stock, employees, restricted
 
1,395,334

 
1,395

 
3,082,293

 

 
(3,083,688
)
 

 

Issuance of common stock under equity incentive plan
 
375,461

 
375

 
814,596

 

 
(630,000
)
 

 
184,971

Issuance of common stock, Singular Payments, LLC acquisition
 
1,515,152

 
1,515

 
3,498,485

 

 

 

 
3,500,000

Issuance of common stock, public offering
 
1,176,000

 
1,176

 
2,724,164

 

 

 

 
2,725,340

Deferred compensation amortization
 

 

 

 

 
783,169

 

 
783,169

Purchase of treasury stock
 

 

 

 
(112,910
)
 

 

 
(112,910
)
Net (loss) for the year
 

 

 

 

 

 
(3,008,785
)
 
(3,008,785
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2017
 
16,874,235

 
$
186,299

 
$
74,041,083

 
$
(831,059
)
 
$
(7,012,544
)
 
$
(53,260,426
)
 
$
13,123,353


 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.






PAYMENT DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Operating Activities
 
 

 
 

Net (loss)
 
$
(3,008,785
)
 
$
(1,196,642
)
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) to net cash (used) provided by operating activities:
 
 

 
 

Depreciation
 
761,660

 
738,461

Amortization
 
496,472

 
163,139

Bad debt expense
 
71,667

 

Goodwill
 

 
5,777

Non-cash stock based compensation
 
968,141

 
1,314,778

Cancellation of stock based compensation
 

 
(261,208
)
Issuance of stock to consultant
 
40,200

 
51,700

Issuance of stock to Akimbo to settle Indemnification liability
 

 
419,221

Deferred income tax
 
227000

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 

 
 

Accounts receivable
 
(133,591
)
 
227,634

Prepaid expenses and other
 
(34,916
)
 
7,089

Other assets
 
43,243

 
2,041

Accounts payable and accrued expenses
 
458,632

 
(623,552
)
Net cash (used) provided by operating activities
 
(110,277
)
 
848,438

 
 
 
 
 
Investing Activities
 
 

 
 

Purchases of property and equipment
 
(372,337
)
 
(155,551
)
Purchase of Singular Payments, LLC
 
(900,000
)
 

Advance to Singular Payments, LLC
 
(600,000
)
 

Note receivable
 
50,000

 
(200,000
)
Net cash (used) by investing activities
 
(1,822,337
)
 
(355,551
)
 
 
 
 
 
Financing Activities
 
 

 
 

Proceeds from public offering, net of expenses
 
2,725,340

 

Purchases of treasury stock
 
(112,910
)
 
(431,755
)
Net cash (used) by financing activities
 
2,612,430

 
(431,755
)
 
 
 
 
 
Change in cash and cash equivalents
 
679,816

 
61,132

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
 
4,120,738

 
4,059,606

 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year
 
$
4,800,554

 
$
4,120,738

 
 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
 
 

 
 

Cash paid during the period for:
 
 
 
 
  Interest
 
$

 
$

  Income taxes
 
$
45,000

 
$
48,164

Non-cash transactions:
 
 
 
 
  Issuance of common stock in exchange for purchases of Singular Payments, LLC
 
3,500,000

 

  Forgiveness of note receivable in exchange for purchase of Singular Payments, LLC
 
600,000

 

  Issuance of deferred stock compensation
 
3,713,688

 







 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 






NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016
 
Note 1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
Organization: Payment Data Systems, Inc., along with its subsidiaries, FiCentive, Inc., a Nevada corporation, and Zbill, Inc., a Nevada corporation, provides integrated electronic payment services, including credit and debit card-based processing services and transaction processing via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) network to billers and retailers. In addition, the Company operates an Internet electronic payment processing service for consumers under the domain name www.billx.com and various other product websites, such as akimbocard.com and singularpayments.com.
 
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation: The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
Revenue Recognition: Revenue consists primarily of fees generated through the electronic processing of payment transactions and related services, and is recognized as revenue during the period the transactions are processed or when the related services are performed. The Company complies with ASC 605-45-45 and reports revenues gross as a principal versus net as an agent. Although some of the Company’s processing agreements vary with respect to specific credit risks, the Company has determined that for each agreement it is acting in the principal role. Merchants may be charged for these processing services at a bundled rate based on a percentage of the dollar amount of each transaction and, in some instances, additional fees are charged for each transaction. Certain merchant customers are charged a flat fee per transaction, while others may also be charged miscellaneous fees, including fees for chargebacks or returns, monthly minimums, and other miscellaneous services. Revenues derived from electronic processing of credit, debit, and prepaid card transactions that are authorized and captured through third-party networks are reported gross of amounts paid to sponsor banks as well as interchange and assessments paid to credit card associations (Visa, MasterCard, and Discover). Revenue also includes any up-front fees for the work involved in implementing the basic functionality required to provide electronic payment processing services to a customer. Revenue from such implementation fees is recognized over the term of the related service contract. Sales taxes billed are reported directly as a liability to the taxing authority, and are not included in revenue.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents includes cash and other money market instruments. The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents.
 
Settlement Processing Assets and Obligations:  Settlement processing assets and obligations represent intermediary balances arising in our settlement process for merchants. 
 
Restricted Cash: Restricted cash includes certain funds collected from our merchants that serve as collateral to minimize contingent liabilities associated with any losses that may occur under our agreement with the merchant. The funds may be used to offset any returned items or chargebacks to the Company and to indemnify the Company against third-party claims and any expenses that may be created by the customer as a result of any claim or fine. The Company may require the customer to provide a security deposit based on estimated transaction volumes, amounts and chargebacks and may revise the deposit based on periodic review of the same items. Repayment of the deposit to the customer is generally within 90 to 180 days beyond the date the last item is processed by the Company on behalf of the customer. The customer security deposit does not accrue interest to the benefit of the customer.
 
Accounts Receivable/Allowance for Estimated Losses: Accounts Receivable are reported as outstanding principal net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $61,223 and $26,556 at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.
 
The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability or failure of its customers to make required payments. The Company determines the allowance based on an account-by-account review, taking into consideration such factors as the age of the outstanding balance, historical pattern of collections and financial condition of the customer. Past losses incurred by the Company due to bad debts have been within its expectations. If the financial condition of the Company's customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make contractual payments, additional





allowances might be required. Estimates for bad debt losses are variable based on the volume of transactions processed and could increase or decrease accordingly. The Company normally does not charge interest on accounts receivable.
 
Property and Equipment: Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed on a straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, ranging from three to ten years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the estimated useful lives or remaining lease period. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.
 
Accounting for Internal Use Software: The Company capitalizes the costs associated with software developed or obtained for internal use when both the preliminary project stage is completed and it is probable that computer software being developed will be completed and placed-in service. Capitalized costs include only (i) external direct costs of materials and services consumed in developing or obtaining internal-use software, (ii) payroll and other related costs for employees who are directly associated with and who devote time to the internal-use software project, and (iii) interest costs incurred, when material, while developing internal-use software. The Company ceases capitalization of such costs no later than the point at which the project is substantially complete and ready for its intended purpose. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company capitalized $267,869 and $136,537 , respectively.
 
Concentration of Credit Risk: Financial instruments that potentially expose the Company to credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents, and accounts receivable. The Company is exposed to credit risk on its cash and cash equivalents in the event of default by the financial institutions to the extent account balances exceed the amount insured by the FDIC ( $250,000 ). Accounts receivables potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk. The Company’s customer base operates in a variety of industries and is geographically dispersed although the relatively small number of customers increases the risk. The Company closely monitors extensions of credit. Estimated credit losses have been recorded in the consolidated financial statements. Recent credit losses have been within management's expectations. No customer accounted for more than 10% of revenues in 2017 or 2016 .

Fair Value of Financial Instruments: Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and short-term borrowings are reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements at cost, which approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments.
 
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Intangible Assets: The Company reviews periodically, on at least an annual basis, the carrying value of its long-lived assets and intangible assets and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. To the extent the fair value of a long-lived asset, determined based upon the estimated future cash inflows attributable to the asset, less estimated future cash outflows, is less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized.

Reserve for Processing Losses: If, due to insolvency or bankruptcy of one of the Company’s merchant customers, or for any other reason, the Company is not able to collect amounts from its card processing, credit card, ACH or merchant prepaid customers that have been properly "charged back" by the customer or if a prepaid cardholder incurs a negative balance, the Company must bear the credit risk for the full amount of the transaction. The Company may require cash deposits and other types of collateral from certain merchants to minimize any such risk. In addition, the Company utilizes a number of systems and procedures to manage merchant risk. ACH, prepaid and credit card merchant processing loss reserves are primarily determined by performing a historical analysis of our loss experience and considering other factors that could affect that experience in the future, such as the types of transactions processed and nature of the merchant relationship with its consumers and the Company with its prepaid card holders. This reserve amount is subject to the risk that actual losses may be greater than our estimates. The Company has not incurred any significant processing losses to date. Estimates for processing losses vary based on the volume of transactions processed and could increase or decrease accordingly. The Company evaluates its risk for such transactions and estimates its potential processing losses based primarily on historical experience and other relevant factors. At December 31, 2017 and, 2016 , the Company’s reserve for processing losses was $172,832 .
 
Advertising Costs: Advertising is expensed as incurred. The Company incurred approximately $100,000 and $46,000 in advertising costs in 2017 and 2016 , respectively.
 
Income Taxes: Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded based on difference between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets are computed with the presumption that they will be realizable in future periods when taxable income is generated. Predicting the ability to realize these assets in future periods requires a great deal of judgment by management. U.S. generally accepted accounting principles prescribe a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Income tax benefits that meet the “more likely than not” recognition threshold should be recognized. Goodwill is amortized over 15 years for tax purposes.





 
As with all businesses, the Company’s tax returns are subject to periodic examination. The Company’s federal returns for the past four years remain open to examination. The Company is subject to the Texas margin tax. Management is not aware of any tax positions that would have a significant impact on its financial position.
 
The Company has approximately $41.3 million of net operating loss carryforwards. However, the Company cannot predict with reasonable certainty that all of the available net operating loss carryforwards will be realized in future periods. Accordingly, a valuation allowance has been provided to reduce the net deferred tax assets to $1.4 million . Management does not anticipate a significant change in the 6 months after the assessment and will review the deferred tax asset balance at June 30, 2018, or earlier as events may warrant.

Stock-Based Compensation: The Company recognizes as compensation expense all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors, including grants of stock options and warrants, based on estimated fair values. Fair value is generally determined based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.
 
401(k) Plan: The Company has a defined contribution plan (the “401(k) Plan”) pursuant to Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. All eligible full and part-time employees of the Company who meet certain age requirements may participate in the 401(k) Plan. Participants may contribute between 1% and 15% of their pre-tax compensation, but not in excess of the maximum allowable under the Code. The 401(k) Plan allows for discretionary and matching contributions by the Company. In 2017 , the Company matched 100% of employee contributions up to 3% and 50% of the employee contribution over 3% with a maximum employer contribution of 5% .  The Company made matching contributions of $65,478 and $52,905 in 2017 and 2016 , respectively.
 
Earnings (Loss) Per Share: Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share are calculated by dividing earnings by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.

New Accounting Pronouncement: In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued accounting standards update, ASU 2014-9, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) and a subsequent amendment to the standard in March 2016, ASU 2016-8 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers, Principal versus Agent Consideration (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net) . The original standard provides guidance on recognizing revenue, including a five step model to determine when revenue recognition is appropriate. The standard requires that an entity recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new standard also requires additional disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The new standard, as amended, is effective for for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The amendment allows companies to use either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adopt this ASU. The Company has evaluated the potential impact that the adoption of this standard will have on its financial position, results of operations, and related disclosures, and will adopt the provisions of this new standard in the first quarter of 2018. The Company functions as the merchant of record and has primary responsibility for providing end-to-end payment processing services for its clients. The Company's clients contract with the Company for all credit card processing services including transaction authorization, settlement, dispute resolution, security and risk management solutions, reporting and other value-added services. As such, the Company is the primary obligor in these transactions and is solely responsible for all processing costs, including interchange fees. Further, the Company sets prices as it deems reasonable for each merchant. The gross fees the Company collects are intended to cover the interchange, assessments and other processing fees and include the Company's margin on transactions processed. For these reasons, the Company is the principal obligor in the contractual relationship with its customers and therefor, the Company records its revenues, including interchange and assessments on a gross basis. The Company's existing revenue recognition process will remain intact and we will continue to record revenues at the gross amount billed due to its primary responsibility for providing end-to-end payment processing services for its clients.
 
In February 2016, the FASB issued, “Leases (Topic 842),” which is intended to increase the transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. A lessee will be required to recognize on the balance sheet an asset (right to use) and a liability (lease obligation) for leases with terms of more than 12 months. Accounting by lessors will remain largely unchanged from current U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The new standard is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted. Management does not expect that adopting this standard will have a significant impact on its financial statements and related disclosures.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230):Restricted Cash . The update requires that companies should include cash and cash equivalents with restrictions in total cash and cash equivalents on the statement of cash flows. If restricted cash is presented separately from cash and cash equivalents on the balance sheet, a reconciliation between





the statement of financial position and the statement of cash flow must be disclosed. The update requires retrospective application to all periods presented. The effective date of this update is for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company has evaluated this updated requirement and will adopt this policy in 2018.

Note 2.  Acquisition of Singular Payments, LLC.

On September 1, 2017, the Company entered into a membership interest purchase agreement with Singular Payments, LLC (“Singular”), a Florida limited liability company in the business of credit card processing, pursuant to which the Company agreed to purchase all of the membership interest in Singular Payments, LLC. The aggregate purchase price was $5,000,000 and consisted of a cash payment of $1,500,000 at closing, minus the balance on the outstanding note receivable of $600,000 and subject to adjustment based on net working capital, and $3,500,000 in shares of common stock, or 1,515,152 shares of the Company's common stock, $0.001 par value per share, valued at $2.31 per share. Such shares are unregistered and subject to a lock-up agreement of 24 months.

The final number of shares issued, and the related value per each such share, was determined using the volume-weighted average daily closing price for the shares of common stock for the 5 business days immediately preceding September 1, 2017, or $2.31 .

The purchase price was allocated to the net assets acquired based upon their estimated fair values as follows:

 
Estimated Fair
Estimated Useful
 
Value
Life
 
 
 
Customer list
$
5,000,000

5 Years
Total
$
5,000,000

 

The 2017 consolidated statement of operations includes 4 months of Singular operations, which is approximately $3.7 million of revenue and $0.6 million of operating loss.

Unaudited Pro Forma Information

The Company estimates that the revenues and net income for the periods below that would have been reported if the Singular acquisition would have taken place on the first day of the Company's 2016 calendar year would be as follows:

 
2017
2016
Revenues
$
22,079,244

$
23,000,000

Gross Profit
4,521,507

5,146,325

Net (Loss)
(3,804,700
)
(2,568,074
)
Income per share:
 
 
Basic
$
(0.37
)
$
(0.27
)
Diluted
$
(0.37
)
$
(0.27
)

Amounts set forth above are not necessarily indicative of the results that would have been obtained had the Singular acquisition had taken place on the first day of the Company's 2016 calendar year or of the results that may be achieved by the combined enterprise in the future.
 

Note 3. Note Receivable
 
On February 2, 2016, the Company entered into a loan and security agreement with C2Go, Inc., a Nevada corporation, pursuant to which the Company loaned a principal amount of $ 200,000 to C2Go with an interest rate of 10% per annum for a term of 18 months. C2Go’s obligations under the loan and security agreement are secured by a first lien on all assets of C2Go. The debt is





senior, and any future debt incurred by C2Go must be subordinated to the debt of the loan and security agreement. Upon maturity of the debt, C2Go was required to issue to the Company 5% of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of C2Go, on a fully diluted basis, giving effect to any convertible securities, warrants, etc., such shares being validly issued, fully-paid and non-assessable shares for no additional consideration. C2Go defaulted on the Note, therefore the interest rate under the loan and security agreement rose to 18% per annum. The full principal of the note, plus accrued and unpaid interest, was due to be repaid on or before August 2, 2017.  C2Go did not make any payment on that date.  Pursuant to the Note, C2Go had until August 16, 2017 to cure the payment default.  The default was not cured. On August 28, 2017, the Company filed a lawsuit against C2Go, Inc, alleging multiple defaults under the loan and security agreement. The case is pending in Bexar County, San Antonio, TX. On December 7, 2017, the Company entered into an agreement jointly with C2Go and Mercury Investment Partners LLC whereby upon the receipt in full of the $200,000 , full release of all obligations of C2Go to the Company will occur. Under the agreement, FiCentive, Inc. received $50,000 due upon signing of the agreement on December 7, 2017. The Company is owed $50,000 due on April 30, 2018 and a final payment of $100,000 due on or before October 31, 2018. Upon payment in full of the $200,000 owed, the Company agreed to waive all interest due and payable under the terms of the loan. There are no assurances that the Company will be able to recover the remaining $ 150,000 principal and there are no assurances there will be any assets for the Company to recover from its lien on all the assets of C2Go, Inc. if payment in full of the obligation is not made. At September 30, 2017, the Company wrote off the accrued interest of $31,667 previously recognized on the C2Go note receivable. As of December 31, 2017, the Company has $ 0 recorded as an allowance for credit losses on this note receivable.
 
On March 7, 2017, the Company agreed to provide $500,000 to Singular Payments, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, under a secured line of credit promissory note. Interest on the note did not accrue until the earlier of August 31, 2017, the date of closing and funding the Company’s proposed acquisition of Singular Payments or the termination of a non-binding letter of intent regarding the proposed acquisition; or until such mutually agreed upon extended date. The loan was increased to $600,000 on August 2, 2017. The Singular Payments, LLC acquisition closed on September 1, 2017. The note receivable was applied to the cash purchase price as part of the Purchase Agreement.

Note 4. Property and Equipment
 
Property and equipment consisted of the following at December 31:

 
 
2017
 
2016
Software
 
$
4,060,964

 
$
3,692,474

Equipment
 
813,000

 
812,049

Furniture and fixtures
 
217,345

 
214,450

Leasehold improvements
 
25,353

 
25,353

Total property and equipment
 
5,116,662

 
4,744,326

Less: accumulated depreciation
 
(3,011,476
)
 
(2,249,816
)
Net property and equipment
 
$
2,105,186

 
$
2,494,510

 

Note 5. Intangibles

Akimbo Acquisition (2015)

Akimbo intangibles consist of the customer list and contracts at cost of $396,824 (net of accumulated amortization of $396,824 ) and goodwill of $9,759 acquired in the purchase of the assets of Akimbo Financial, Inc. in 2015 . The intangible asset is fully amortized at December 31, 2017. The fair value of the customer list and contracts was calculated using the net present value of the projected gross profit to be generated by the customer list over a period of 36 months beginning in January 2015 and was amortized over 3 years at $163,139 annually.
 
Goodwill was determined based on the purchase price paid over the assets acquired and has an indefinite life, which is tested for impairment annually.

Singular Payments, LLC Acquisition (2017)

Singular Payments, LLC intangibles consist of customer list assets of $5,000,000 at cost (net of accumulated amortization of $333,333 ) acquired in the purchase of the membership interest of Singular Payments, LLC in 2017. The fair value of the customer list was calculated using the net present value of the projected gross profit to be generated by the customer list over the next 60





months beginning in September 2017 and ending in August 2022. Amortization expense in 2017 was $333,333 . Annual amortization expense will be $1,000,000 .

Note 6. Valuation Accounts
 
Valuation and allowance accounts included the following at December 31:
 
 
 
Balance
Beginning of
Year
 
Net Charged to
Costs and
Expenses
 
Transfers
 
Net Write-Off
 
Balance End of
Year
2017
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Allowance for doubtful accounts
 
$
26,556

 
$
71,667

 
$

 
$
(37,000
)
 
$
61,223

Reserve for processing losses
 
$
172,832

 


 

 

 
$
172,832

2016
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Allowance for doubtful accounts
 
$
35,033

 
$

 
$

 
$
(8,477
)
 
$
26,556

Reserve for processing losses
 
$
248,868

 

 

 
$
(76,036
)
 
$
172,832


Note 7. Accrued Expenses
 
Accrued expenses consisted of the following balances at December 31:
 
 
2017
 
2016
Accrued commissions
 
$
331,214

 
$
221,837

Reserve for merchant losses
 
172,832

 
172,832

Other accrued expenses
 
387,882

 
192,769

Accrued taxes
 
45,129

 
38,469

Accrued salaries
 
69,205

 
77,415

Total accrued expenses
 
$
1,006,262

 
$
703,322

 
Note 8. Operating Leases

The Company leases approximately 7,200 square feet of office space that houses its principal executive offices and operations. Rental expense under the operating lease was approximately $197,300 and $158,200 for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The lease expires on April 30, 2018.

The Company assumed ongoing obligations of the Singular Payments' leased space in Nashville, TN and St. Augustine, FL to house their sales offices and operations. Rental expense under the operating leases was $25,236 for the year ended December 31, 2017.

The Company also leases select computer equipment over a 36 month period initiated in May, 2016. The lease expires in April, 2019. Rental expense under the operating lease was $72,000 for the year ended December 31, 2017 and $45,500 for the year ended December 31, 2016. 


The future operating lease payments as December 31, 2017 are as follows:

Year ended December 31,
 
2018
$
125,400

2019
72,000

2020
28,000

2021
1,000

 
Note 9. Related Party Transactions





   
Louis Hoch
 
During the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the Company purchased $1,826 and $2,250 , respectively, of corporate imprinted sportswear, promotional items and caps from Angry Pug Sportswear. Louis Hoch, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer is a 50% owner of Angry Pug Sportswear.
 
Miguel Chapa
 
During the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the Company received $29,555 and $51,500 in revenue from Lush Rooftop. Miguel Chapa, a member of our Board of Directors, is an owner in Lush Rooftop. Louis Hoch, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, is also a minority owner in Lush Rooftop.
 
Note 10. Income Taxes
 
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.

On December 22, 2017, the President of the United States signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“U.S. Tax Reform”), which enacts a wide range of changes to the U.S. corporate income tax system. The impact of U.S. Tax Reform primarily represents the Company’s estimates of revaluing the Company’s U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the rates at which they are expected to be recognized in the future. For U.S. federal purposes the corporate statutory income tax rate was reduced from 35% to 21%, effective for the 2018 tax year. Based on the Company’s historical financial performance, at December 31, 2017, the net deferred tax asset position was remeasured at the lower corporate rate of 21% and a tax expense was recognized to adjust net deferred tax assets to the reduced value.

Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows at December 31:
 
 
 
2017
 
2016
Deferred tax assets:
 
 

 
 

Net operating loss carryforwards
 
$
8,665,000

 
$
13,676,000

Depreciation and amortization
 
322,000

 
313,000

Non-cash compensation
 
627,000

 
279,000

Other
 
23,000

 
23,000

Valuation Allowance
 
(8,243,000
)
 
(12,670,000
)
Deferred tax asset
 
$
1,394,000

 
$
1,621,000

 
Management has reviewed its net deferred asset position, and due to the history of operating losses has determined that the application of a valuation allowance at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 is warranted. If applicable, the Company would recognize interest expense and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in interest expense. As of December 31, 2017 , the Company had not accrued any interest or penalties related to uncertain tax provisions.
 
The Company has net operating loss carryforwards for tax purposes of approximately $41.3 million that begin to expire in the year 2021 . Approximately $0.1 million of the total net operating loss is subject to an IRS Section 382 limitation from 1999.
 
The tax provision for federal and state income tax is as follows for the year ended December 31:
 





 
 
2017
 
2016
Current provision:
 
 

 
 

Federal
 
$

 
$

State
 
47,316

 
32,668

 
 
47,316

 
32,668

 
 
 
 
 
Deferred provision:
 
 

 
 

Federal expense
 
227,000

 

 
 
 
 
 
Expense for income taxes
 
$
274,316

 
$
32,668

 
The reconciliation of federal income tax computed at the U.S. federal statutory tax rates to total income tax expense (benefit) is as follows for the year ended December 31:
 
 
 
2017
 
2016
Income tax expense (benefit) at 34%
 
$
(1,023,000
)
 
$
(407,000
)
Change in valuation allowance
 
4,427,000

 
331,000

Permanent and other differences
 
(2,557,000
)
 
76,000

Deferred tax impact of enacted tax rate and law changes
 
(620,000
)
 

Alternative minimum tax and Texas margin tax
 
47,316

 
32,668

 
 
 
 
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
 
$
274,316

 
$
32,668


Note 11. Stock Options, Incentive Plans, Stock Awards, and Employee Benefit Plan
 
Stock Option Plans: The Company’s 2015 Equity Incentive Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options as defined in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code and the grant of Stock Options, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Awards, or other Awards to employees, non-employee directors, and consultants. The Board of Directors has authorized 5,000,000 shares of common capital stock for issuance under the 2015 Stock Incentive Plan, including automatic increases provided for in the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan through fiscal year 2025. The number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan will automatically increase, with no further action by the stockholders, on the first business day of each fiscal year during the term of the Plan, beginning January 1, 2016, in an amount equal to 5% of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock on the last day of the immediately preceding year, or such lesser amount if so determined by the Board or the Plan Administrator. During 2017, the Company granted 1,695,334 restricted shares of stock to employees, officers and directors. During 2017 , the Company granted 66,667 restricted stock units to one director and 105,000 restricted stock units to employees either as a new hire bonus, or performance bonus.

Treasury Stock : During 2017 , the Company purchased 56,973 shares with a value of $89,250 to cover the employee’s and director’s share to tax liabilities related to stock grants maturing on December 27, 2016. The Company also purchased 19,379 shares of common stock with a value of $23,760 through Wedbush under an agreement where shares were purchased at market at the discretion of Wedbush.
 
Stock Awards : The Company has granted restricted stock awards to its employees at different periods from 2005 through 2017. The majority of the shares granted to those employees vest 10 years from the grant date, and is forfeited in the event that the recipient’s employment relationship with the Company is terminated prior to vesting.

The Company granted 300,000 shares of common stock with a 10 year vesting period to Vaden Landers as a part of his employment agreement. The Company granted 1,395,334 shares of stock to employees and directors as a performance bonus. Executive offices included in the grant were Louis Hoch ( 300,000 shares) and Tom Jewell ( 150,000 shares).
 
The Company entered into a Director’s agreement with Brad Rollins in 2017 where the director received 66,667 restricted stock units, pursuant and subject to the terms of the Company’s 2015 Equity Incentive Plan.  The initial 22,223 shares vests on May 1, 2018 , the second installment of 22,222 shares vesting on May 1, 2019 , and the third installment of 22,222 shares vests on May 1, 2020 . During 2017 , a portion of the restricted stock awards were granted, but not issued and are not listed as outstanding in the





financial statements for 2017 . Stock-based compensation expense related to stock options and restricted stock awards was $968,141 for 2017 and $968,141 for 2016 .

A summary of stock awards outstanding and 2017 activities are as follows:

Stock Awards
 
Shares
 
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
 
Weighted Average
Contractual
Remaining Life
 
Aggregate Intrinsic
Value
Outstanding, December 31, 2016
 
3,361,276

 
$
1.85

 
 
 
 
Granted
 
1,695,334

 
2.23

 
 
 
 
Vested
 
36,674

 

 
 
 
 
Forfeited
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding, December 31, 2017
 
5,019,936

 
$
1.98

 
8.51
 
$
2,773,236

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expected to Vest after December 31, 2017
 
5,019,936

 
$
1.98

 
8.51
 
$
2,773,236

 
As of December 31, 2017 , there were $7,012,544 of unrecognized compensation costs related to the un-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted. The cost is expected to be recognized over the weighted average remaining contractual life of 8.51 years.

The aggregate intrinsic value represents the difference between the weighted average exercise price and the closing price of the Company’s stock on December 31, 2017 , or $2.53 .
 
Employee Stock Purchase Plan : The Company established the 1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) under the requirements of Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow eligible employees to purchase the Company’s common stock at regular intervals. Participating employees may purchase common stock through voluntary payroll deductions at the end of each participation period at a purchase price equal to 85% of the lower of the fair market value of the common stock at the beginning or the end of the participation period. The Company issued - 0 - shares from the ESPP in 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The ESPP is no longer active.
 
Stock Warrants : There were no stock warrants as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 .

Note 12. Earnings (loss) per Share
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share (EPS) were computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS differs from basic EPS due to the assumed conversion of potentially dilutive options that were outstanding during the period. The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and the denominators of the basic and diluted per share computations for net income (loss).

 
 
2017
 
2016
Numerator:
 
 

 
 

Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share, net (loss)  available to common shareholders
 
$
(3,008,785
)
 
$
(1,196,642
)
Denominator:
 
 

 
 

Denominator for basic earnings per share, weighted average shares outstanding
 
8,995,883

 
7,838,197

Effect of dilutive securities-stock options and restricted awards
 

 

Denominator for diluted earnings per share, adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversion
 
8,995,883

 
7,838,197

Basic (loss) per common share
 
$
(0.33
)
 
$
(0.15
)
Diluted (loss) per common share and common share equivalent
 
$
(0.33
)
 
$
(0.15
)






The awards and options to purchase shares of common stock that were outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 2016 that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive, are as follows:

 
 
Year Ended
December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
Anti-dilutive awards and options
 
3,595,939

 
3,361,276


Note 13. Concentration of Credit Risk and Significant Customers
 
The Company has no significant off-balance sheet or concentrations of credit risk such as foreign exchange contracts, option contracts or other foreign hedging arrangements. The Company currently maintains the majority of its cash and cash equivalent balance with one financial institution.
 
Note 14. Legal Proceedings  

Under a loan and security agreement dated February 2, 2016, our wholly-owned subsidiary FiCentive, Inc. loaned a principal amount of $150,000 to C2Go, Inc. with an interest rate of 10% per annum for a term of 18 months. The loan was secured by a first lien on all assets of C2Go. C2Go defaulted under the note by failing to repay the loan plus interest on August 2, 2017. A lawsuit filed by FiCentive is pending in Bexar County, San Antonio, Texas. On December 7, 2017, the Company entered into a note purchase and settlement agreement with C2Go and Mercury Investment Partners LLC. Pursuant to the note purchase and settlement agreement Mercury Investment Partners agreed to purchase the note and the rights secured by the security agreement with all rights and obligations and pay to FiCentive a sum of $200,000 in three installments. The first installment of $50,000 was paid on December 7, 2017. The second installment of $50,000 is due on April 30, 2018, and the remaining amount of $100,000 is due on October 31, 2018. In return, FiCentive agreed to waive all interest due and payable under the terms of the C2Go loan. There are no assurances that the Company will be able to recover the remaining $150,000 principal and that there are no assurances there will be any assets for the Company to recover from our lien on all the assets of C2Go, Inc. if payment in full of the obligation is not made.

Aside from the lawsuit described above, the Company may be involved in legal matters arising in the ordinary course of business from time to time. While the Company believes that such matters are currently not material, there can be no assurance that matters arising in the ordinary course of business for which the Company is or could become involved in litigation will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Note 15. Subsequent Events
 
On January 9, 2018, the Board of Directors amended the Stock Buyback Plan adding an additional $2 million dollars to the plan to be available for stock buybacks. After the amendment, the total plan amount available is now $3 million . With the incremental plan funds available, the net funds available after the authorized incremental funds is $2,455,030 .

On January 8, 2018 and January 9, 2018, the Company repurchased 397,845 shares in a private transaction at the closing price on January 8, 2018 and January 9, 2018 from officers, employees and director's to cover the respective employees', officers' and directors' share of taxes for shares that vested on that day, as approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors on the same day, with the respective officers and directors recusing themselves. The value of the treasury shares purchased to cover the taxes was $956,128 . The share buyback included share purchases for Michael Long, Chairman of the Board, Louis Hoch, President and Chief Executive Officer and Tom Jewell, Chief Financial Officer as approved by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and the Board of Directors as of January 9, 2018.

In mid-January 2018, Pueblo Bank and Trust, terminated their relationship with the Company's gateway provider and as a result the Company stopped processing PINless debit transactions. The Company has secured a relationship with another gateway and bank sponsorship relationship, but has not yet resumed processing of PINless debit transactions.

In anticipation of the existing principal executive office lease expiration on April 30, 2018, the Company entered into a new lease in San Antonio, TX commencing on or about May 1, 2018. The operating lease is for a period of 76 months and expires on or about July 31, 2024. The space leased ranges from 6,000 square feet to 10,535 square feet. Annual rents during the lease term will range from $117,000 to $232,000 .






In order to consolidate the Singular Payments' sales offices and operations, the company entered into a lease in Nashville, Tennessee commencing on or about March 1, 2018. The operating lease is for a period of 62 months and expires on April 30, 2023. The space leased is 3,794 square feet. Annual rents during the lease term range from $109,000 to $122,000 .

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
 
None.
 
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Our management evaluated, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and, our Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2017 are effective to ensure that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act (i) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and (ii) is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required reasonable assurance that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management. Our disclosure controls and procedures include components of our internal control over financial reporting. Management's assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting is expressed at the level of reasonable assurance that the control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, but not absolute, assurance that the control system's objectives will be met.
 
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for our Company. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Our management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 based on criteria established in “Internal Control—Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this assessment, our management concluded that, as of December 31, 2017, our internal control over financial reporting was effective.
 
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2017 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION.
 
None.
 





PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
 
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the definitive proxy statement for our 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 (the “2018 Proxy Statement”).

Item 405 of Regulation S-K requires the disclosure of, based upon our review of the forms submitted to us during and with respect to our most recent fiscal year, any known failure by any director, officer, or beneficial owner of more than ten percent of any class of our securities, or any other person subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act (“reporting person”) to file timely a report required by Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act. This disclosure is contained in the section entitled “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the 2018 Proxy Statement.
 
Code of Ethics
 
We have adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, and persons performing similar functions. Our code of ethics was filed as Exhibit 14.1 to our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 on March 30, 2004. We will provide a copy of our code of ethics to any person without charge, upon request. Requests should be addressed to: Payment Data Systems, Inc., Attn: Investor Relations Department, 12500 San Pedro, Suite 120, San Antonio, Texas 78216.
 
Procedure for Nominating Directors
 
We have not made any material changes to the procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to our Board of Directors.
 
We consider recommendations for director candidates from our directors, officers, employees, stockholders, customers and vendors. Stockholders wishing to nominate individuals to serve as directors may submit such nominations, along with a nominee's qualifications, to our Board of Directors at Payment Data Systems, Inc., 12500 San Pedro, Suite 120, San Antonio, Texas, 78216, and the Board of Directors will consider such nominee. The Board of Directors selects the director candidates slated for election. We do not have a separately designated nominating committee in light of resource allocations made by the Board of Directors in its business judgment.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the 2018 Proxy Statement.
 
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
 
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the 2018 Proxy Statement.
 
The information required to be disclosed by Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K, “Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans,” appears under the caption “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in the 2018 Proxy Statement and such information is incorporated by reference into this report.
 
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
 
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the 2018 Proxy Statement.
 
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
 
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the 2018 Proxy Statement.
   





PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
(a)(1) Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
The following documents are filed in Part II, Item 8 of this annual report on Form 10-K:
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules.
 
All financial statement schedules have been omitted as they are not required, not applicable, or the required information is otherwise included.
 






(a)(3) Exhibits  
 

Exhibit
 
 
Number
 
Description
 
 
 
3.1
 
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (included as exhibit 3.1 to the Form 10-KSB filed March 31, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
3.2
 
Amendment to Restated Articles of Incorporation  (included as exhibit A to the Schedule 14C filed April 18, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
3.3
 
Certificate of Change Filed Pursuant to NRS 78.209  (included as exhibit 3.1 to the Form 8-K filed July 23, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
3.4
 
Amended and Restated By-laws  (included as exhibit 3.2 to the Form 10-KSB filed March 31, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
4.1
 
1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan  (included as exhibit 4.3 to the Form S-8, File No. 333-30958, filed February 23, 2000, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
10.1
 
Lease Agreement between the Company and Frost National Bank, Trustee for a Designated Trust, dated August 22, 2003  (included as exhibit 10.3 to the Form 10-Q filed November 14, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
10.2
 
Employment Agreement between the Company and Michael R. Long, dated February 27, 2007  (included as exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed March 2, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
10.3
 
Employment Agreement between the Company and Louis A. Hoch, dated February 27, 2007  (included as exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K filed March 2, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
10.4
 
First Amendment to Employment Agreement between the Company and Michael R. Long, dated November 12, 2009  (included as exhibit 10.15 to the Form 10-Q filed November 16, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
10.5
 
First Amendment to Employment Agreement between the Company and Louis A. Hoch, dated November 12, 2009 (included as exhibit 10.16 to the Form 10-Q filed November 16, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
10.6
 
Second Amendment to Employment Agreement between the Company and Michael R. Long, dated April 12, 2010  (included as exhibit 10.16 to the Form 10-K filed April 15, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
10.7
 
Second Amendment to Employment Agreement between the Company and Louis A. Hoch, dated April 12, 2010  (included as exhibit 10.17 to the Form 10-K filed April 15, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
10.8
 
Bank Sponsorship Agreement between the Company and University National Bank, dated August 29, 2011  (included as exhibit 10.18 to the Form 10-K filed April 3, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
10.9
 
Third Amendment to Employment Agreement between the Company and Michael R. Long, dated January 14, 2011  (included as exhibit 10.19 to the Form 10-K filed April 3, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
10.10
 
Third Amendment to Employment Agreement between the Company and Louis A. Hoch, dated January 14, 2011  (included as exhibit 10.20 to the Form 10-K filed April 3, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference).





 
 
 
10.11
 
Fourth Amendment to Employment Agreement between the Company and Michael R. Long, dated July 2, 2012  (included as exhibit 10.18 to the Form 10-Q filed August 20, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
10.12
 
Fourth Amendment to Employment Agreement between the Company and Louis A. Hoch, dated July 2, 2012  (included as exhibit 10.19 to the Form 10-Q filed August 20, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
10.13
 
 
 
 
10.14
 
 
 
 
10.15
 
 
 
 
10.16
 
Asset Purchase Agreement, dated December 22, 2014, by and between Akimbo Financial, Inc. and Payment Data Systems, Inc. (included as exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed December 24, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
10.17
 
Transition Services Agreement, dated December 22, 2014, by and between Akimbo Financial, Inc. and Payment Data Systems, Inc.  (included as exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K filed December 24, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
10.18
 
 
 
 
10.19
 
Lease Agreement, dated February 12, 2015, by and between FiCentive, Inc. and Domicilio OC, LLC  (included as exhibit 10.25 to the Form 10-K filed March 30, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
10.20
 
Bank Sponsorship Agreement between the Company and Metropolitan Commercial Bank, dated December 11, 2014  (included as exhibit 10.26 to the Form 10-K filed March 30, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
10.21
 
Independent Director Agreement, dated April 24, 2015, by and between Payment Data Systems, Inc. and Miguel A. Chapa  (included as exhibit 10.29 to the Form 10-Q filed August 14, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
10.22
 
Loan and Security Agreement, dated February 2, 2016, by and between C2Go, Inc., as Debtor and FiCentive, Inc., as Lender  (included as exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed February 8, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
10.23†
 
Prepaid Card Marketing and Processing Agreement, dated February 2, 2016, by and between FiCentive, Inc. and C2Go, Inc.  (included as exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K filed February 8, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
10.24
 
Fifth Amendment to Employment Agreement between the Company and Michael R. Long, dated August 3, 2016  (included as exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed August 9, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
10.25
 
Fifth Amendment to Employment Agreement between the Company and Louis A. Hoch, dated August 3, 2016 (included as exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K filed August 9, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 





10.26
 
Sixth Amendment to Employment Agreement between the Company and Michael R. Long, dated September 8, 2016  (included as exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed September 14, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
10.27
 
Sixth Amendment to Employment Agreement between the Company and Louis A. Hoch, dated September 8, 2016  (included as exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K filed September 14, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
10.28
 
Employment agreement between Tom Jewell and Payment Data Systems, Inc., dated January 6, 2017  (included as exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed January 6, 2017, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
10.29
 
Line of Credit Promissory Note, dated March 7, 2017, by and between Singular Payments, LLC, as Borrower and Payment Data Systems, Inc., as Lender (included as exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed March 13, 2017, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
10.30
 
Security Agreement, dated March 7, 2017, by and between Singular Payments, LLC, as Debtor and Payment Data Systems, Inc., as Secured Party  (included as exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K filed March 13, 2017, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
10.31
 
Membership Interest Pledge Agreement, dated March 7, 2017, by and between Vaden Landers as Pledgor and Payment Data Systems, Inc.  (included as exhibit 10.3 to the Form 8-K filed March 13, 2017, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
10.32
 
Guaranty Agreement, dated March 7, 2017, by and between Vaden Landers as Guarantor and Payment Data Systems, Inc.  (included as exhibit 10.4 to the Form 8-K filed March 13, 2017, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
10.33
 
Independent Director Agreement, dated November 11, 2016, by and between Payment Data Systems, Inc. and Steve Huffman  (included as exhibit 10.41 to the Form 10-K, filed April 6, 2017, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
10.34
 
Independent Director Agreement, dated May 5, 2017, by and between Payment Data Systems, Inc. and Brad Rollins  (included as exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K, filed May 11, 2017, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
10.35
 
Amendment No. 1 to Line of Credit Promissory Note, dated June 6, 2017, by and between Payment Data Systems, Inc. and Singular Payments, LLC  (included as exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K, filed June 8, 2017, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
10.36
 
First Amended and Restated Line of Credit Promissory Note, dated August 2, 2017, by and between Payment Data Systems, Inc. and Singular Payments, LLC  (included as exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K, filed August 7, 2017, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
10.37†
 
Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated September 1, 2017, by and among Payment Data Systems, Inc., Singular Payments, LLC and Vaden Landers (included as exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K, filed September 8, 2017, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
10.38
 
Employment Agreement, dated September 1, 2017, by and between Payment Data Systems, Inc. and Vaden Landers (included as exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K, filed September 8, 2017, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
10.39
 
First Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated November 27, 2017, by and between Payment Data Systems, Inc. and Tom Jewell (included as exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K, filed November 28, 2017, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
10.40
 
Placement Agency Agreement, dated December 21, 2017, by and between Payment Data Systems, Inc. and Maxim Group, LLC  (included as exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K, filed December 22, 2017, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 





10.41
 
 
 
 
10.42
 
 
 
 
10.43
 
 
 
 
10.44
 
 
 
 
14.1
 
Code of Ethics  (included as exhibit 14.1 to the Form 10-K filed March 30, 2004, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
16.1
 
Letter from Ernst and Young LLP to the Securities and Exchange Commission dated February 10, 2004  (included as exhibit 16 to the Form 8-K filed February 11, 2004, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
21.1
 
 
 
 
23.1
 
 
 
 
31.1
 
 
 
 
31.2
 
 
 
 
32.1
 
 
 
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document (filed herewith).
 
 
 
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (filed herewith).
 
 
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document (filed herewith).
 
 
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document (filed herewith).
 
 
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document (filed herewith).
 
 
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document (filed herewith).
 
 
 
 
Confidential treatment has been granted for portions of this agreement.
 







ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY

None.
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 
Payment Data Systems, Inc.
 
 
 
 
Date: March 30, 2018
By: 
/s/ Louis A. Hoch
 
 
Louis A. Hoch
 
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
Date: March 30, 2018
By:
/s/ Tom Jewell
 
 
Tom Jewell
 
 
Chief Financial Officer 
 
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
Date: March 30, 2018
By: 
/s/ Michael R. Long
 
 
Michael R. Long
 
 
Chairman of the Board 
 
 
 
 
Date: March 30, 2018
By:
/s/ Tom Jewell
 
 
Tom Jewell
 
 
Chief Financial Officer 
 
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
 
 
 
Date: March 30, 2018
By:
/s/ Louis A. Hoch
 
 
Louis A. Hoch
 
 
President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director (Principal Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
Date: March 30, 2018
By:
/s/ Steve Huffman
 
 
Steve Huffman
 
 
Director
 
 
 
 
 
Date: March 30, 2018
By:
/s/ Miguel A. Chapa
 
 
Miguel A. Chapa
 
 
Director
 
 
 
 
 
Date: March 30, 2018
By:
/s/ Bradley Rollins
 
 
Bradley Rollins
 
 
Director
 




Exhibit 10.42
AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”), dated as of December 7, 2017 (the “Effective Date”) is made by and among C2GO Inc., a Nevada corporation with its office at 3355 S. Highland Drive, Suite 111, Las Vegas, NV 89109 (" Borrower "), FiCentive, Inc., a Nevada corporation with its principal place of business in San Antonio, Texas (" Lender "), and Mercury Investment Partners LLC, a limited liability company with its principal place of business at 5439 S. Prince St., Littleton, CO 80120 (“ Purchaser ”).

RECITALS:

WHEREAS, Borrower and Lender entered into that certain Loan and Security Agreement the dated February 2, 2016 (the " Security Agreement "), pursuant to which Borrower executed and delivered to Lender a Promissory Note of even date therewith (the “ Note ”) evidencing and/or securing a loan from Lender to Borrower in the maximum principal amount of $200,000.00, which sum was fully advanced and remains outstanding (the " Loan "), as well as all accrued interest; and

WHEREAS, the Loan is currently in default, has matured and is past due; and

WHEREAS, Borrower and has entered into a process to reorganize its finances, restructure its indebtedness and admit new investors (the " Restructuring "); and

WHEREAS, in connection with the Restructuring and subject to the terms hereof, Borrower and Lender have agreed that Lender shall sell all of its rights, title and interest in and to the Note and arising from the Security Agreement to Purchaser in consideration for the sum of Two Hundred Thousand U.S. Dollars ($200,000.00), which upon receipt of payment in full, shall represent full satisfaction of all obligations of Borrower to Lender, including without limitation those arising from or related to the Loan.

WHEREAS, the parties hereto have agreed on the terms set forth below as a means of resolving the disputes between them and the obligations between them, and agree that, in the interest of efficiently resolving the dispute between the parties, and avoiding the costs, inconvenience and uncertainty inherent in civil litigation, it is in the parties’ mutual interest to resolve their dispute, and therefore have reached and entered into this Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the parties’ desire to settle the dispute and in consideration of the terms and conditions herein contained, Borrower and Lender hereby agree as follows:
1. Status of Note and Withdrawal of Default Notice. Lender hereby acknowledges and agrees that, effective as of the date hereof, it shall take no action to enforce its rights under the Note based on the default by Borrower. Borrower hereby acknowledges that by executing

1



this Agreement, Lender is not waiving any rights it has under the Note or Security Agreement. Lender agrees that, during such times as all of the Payments set forth below are made as and when due and the Borrower or Purchaser comply with all other obligations under this Agreement, Lender shall not pursue any rights or remedies under the Note or Security Agreement and shall not take any action in furtherance of any legal proceedings or actions taken against Borrower or its assets nor commence any similar new actions. Lender shall execute concurrently herewith the Settlement Confirmation attached hereto as Exhibit A, which Borrower can use as evidence to its vendors, bankers and other commercial relationships to provide evidence that the prior actions taken by Lender have been suspended pending compliance with the terms of this Agreement.
2. Purchase of the Note . Borrower and Lender agree that all obligations of Borrower to Lender arising under the Note and/or Security Agreement, or in any way deriving therefrom or related thereto, shall be satisfied by the receipt by Lender of the sum of $200,000.00 (the “ Settlement Amount ”). To facilitate the payment of the Settlement Amount to Lender, the Purchaser hereby agrees to purchase from the Lender, and the Lender hereby agrees to sell to the Purchaser the Note including the rights and obligations provided by the Security Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”), in consideration for the payments by the Purchaser to Lender as follows (the “ Payments ”):
a.
$50,000 concurrently with the execution of this Agreement;
b.
$50,000 on or before April 30, 2018;
c.
$100,000 on or before, October 31, 2018.
In the event that the Purchaser fails to make any of the Payments when due, Lender shall provide notice to Borrower of such default, and Borrower shall have 15 days to make the Payment on behalf of the Purchaser. Should the default remain uncured for 15 days after the giving of any notice, then Lender may avail itself of the Default Remedies as set forth below or any remedy available to Lender under the Note or the Security Agreement.
3. Representation of Lender . Lender hereby represents and warrants that it is the sole and lawful owner of the Note, and has not assigned any interest of any kind therein to any party, nor has it assigned any of its rights or interests under the Security Agreement.
4. Application of Monies Received; Waiver of Accrued Interest. Effective upon payment in full of the Payments, all interest due and payable under the terms of the Loan accrued and unpaid through the date hereof shall be deemed waived in full, and Borrower shall be relieved of any obligation therefor. In the event that the Purchaser fails to make the Payments in full, and the Note is not assigned to the Purchaser, all monies that were received by Lender from Purchaser and from Borrower which are made to cure the default of Purchaser shall be deemed to be repayments of the principal balance of the Note, and Lender’s claims against Borrower with respect to the Note shall give credit to Borrower for such payments of the principal balance of the Note.

2



5. Documents to be held in Escrow . Pending performance by the Purchaser of its obligations hereunder, counsel for Lender (“Escrow Agent”) shall hold in escrow the following documents, which Borrower and Lender shall execute and deliver to counsel for Lender simultaneously with the execution and delivery of this agreement (the “Settlement Documents”):
a.
The original Note;
b.
The Security Agreement;
c.
An executed Assignment of the Note and of the Security Agreement by Lender to the Purchaser. The Assignment shall be in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit B;
d.
An executed UCC-3 Financing Statement assigning the security interest;
e.
A confession of judgment by Borrower in the amount of $254,000 less any Payments made pursuant to this Agreement. The confession, which shall be in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit C, shall authorize Lender’s counsel to enter such judgment as set forth below, and
f.
Executed Mutual Releases contemplated by Section 7 hereof in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit D.
In the event of a default by Purchaser, Escrow Agent is authorized to release the Settlement Documents that it is holding to Lender, it being acknowledged and understood that, upon the release of the Settlement Documents, Lender may avail itself of the Default Remedies herein or as contained in the Note or the Security Agreement.
Upon payment in full by Purchaser of the Payments, Escrow Agent (i) shall return to Borrower the confession of judgment, (ii) shall deliver to the Purchaser the Assignment and UCC Financing Statement, the Note and the Security Agreement, and (iii) shall date as of the then-current date and deliver to the parties the Mutual Releases.

6. Default Remedies . In the event of a default by the Purchaser under this Agreement, Lender, at its sole option and discretion, may, without limitation of any additional remedies provided for in the Note or the Security Agreement, avail itself of any or all of the following remedies (the “Default Remedies”):
a.
Instruct its counsel to release to Lender the confession of judgment and enter and enforce judgment against Borrower pursuant to the confession of judgment;
b.
Commence legal proceedings against the Purchaser for the collection of the Payments;
c.
Exercise all remedies available under the Security Agreement respecting the inventory and assets of Borrower;

3



d.
Seek and pursue any other remedies available to it at law or in equity.
The forgoing list of Default Remedies is not exhaustive and shall not be deemed to limit or prevent Lender from availing itself of any other remedies that may be available to enforce its rights under this agreement.
        
7. Mutual Release . Except for the rights and obligations of Borrower and Lender under this Agreement and any claims that may arise from or relate thereto, Borrower and Lender shall each execute releases (the “Mutual Releases”) in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D agreeing to release and forever discharge each other, their past and present parent corporations, subsidiaries, affiliates, successors, predecessors, assigns and related companies, and each of their and such entities’ past and present agents, representatives, officers, directors, employees, shareholders, principals, attorneys, heirs, and executors and any of such entities’ subsidiaries, affiliates, divisions, and each of their past and present shareholders, control persons, officers, directors, agents, servants, employees, affiliates, and attorneys, from any and all legal, equitable or other claims, cross-claims, counterclaims, third-party claims, demands, setoffs, defenses, contracts, accounts, suits, debts, agreements, actions, causes of action, sums of money, reckoning, bonds, bills, specialties, covenants, promises, variances, trespasses, damages, extents, executions, judgments, findings, controversies and disputes, and any past, present or future duties, responsibilities, or obligations, from the beginning of the world to the date hereof, which are known or unknown, and arise out of, or which may, can, or shall arise out of, or which have or ever had arisen out of, or which could have arisen out of, the subject matter of the Note or Security Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, these releases shall not apply to the enforcement of the terms of this Agreement. The Mutual Releases shall be held in escrow by Lender’s counsel as set forth above.
8. Counterparts . A photocopy or telefax of this agreement shall be deemed as effective as an original, and this Agreement may be executed in counterparts.
9. Jurisdiction, Venue and Governing Law . With respect to any action arising in connection with this Agreement, the parties consent and submit to the personal and subject matter jurisdiction and venue of the federal and state courts situated in the County of Bexar, State of Texas. This agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to choice of law principles.
10. Interpretation . This agreement has been negotiated at arm's length and between and among persons sophisticated and knowledgeable in the matters dealt with in this Agreement. Accordingly, none of the parties shall be entitled to have any provisions of the Agreement construed against the other party in accordance with any rule of law, legal decision, or doctrine that would require interpretation of any ambiguities in this Agreement against the party that has drafted it.
11. Amendment, Assignment . No waiver, amendment or modification shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the party against whom the waiver, amendment or modification is sought to be enforced. This Agreement may not be assigned by any party without the consent of the other party, and prohibited assignments shall be null and void.

4



12. Agreement Supersedes All Prior Agreements . This Agreement constitutes the entire and complete understanding and agreement of the parties, and supersedes prior understandings and agreements, if any, among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.
13. Authority to Enter Into Agreement . The undersigned expressly represent and warrant that they have read this Agreement, have the authority to sign this Agreement on behalf of the party they purport to represent and have signed this agreement with full knowledge of its content and meaning.
14. Severability . If any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be proven unlawful or not enforceable, said provision or provisions shall be considered as never written, but such occurrence shall not affect the validity of the remaining terms and conditions of this Agreement.
15. Binding upon Successors . This agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective legal successors, representatives, heirs, permitted assigns, administrators, acquiring companies, and any person or entity claiming by, through or under any one or all of the parties.
16. Complete Document . The parties acknowledge that no person or any other entity has made any promise, representation, or warranty whatsoever, expressed, implied or statutory, not contained herein, concerning the subject matter hereof, to induce the execution of this Agreement, and the parties hereto acknowledge that they have executed this agreement without reliance on any promise, representation, or warranty not contained herein. The parties have read and understand all terms and conditions of this Agreement. The parties expressly acknowledge that there may be facts about which they do not know as of the date of this Agreement that later come to light which would impact their view of settlement, and agree and affirm, notwithstanding such possibility, their knowing and informed intent to enter into and be bound by this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement by their signatures below.



Dated: December 7, 2017
 
C2GO INC
By: /s/ Andrew DeMaio _____________
   Andrew DeMaio, President



Dated: December 7, 2017
 
FICENTIVE INC.
By: /s/ Louis Hoch __________________
   Louis Hoch, President


5






Dated: December 7, 2017
 
MERCURY INVESTMENT PARTNERS LLC
By: /s/ Todd Light __________________
   Todd Light, President


6



EXHIBIT A

NOTICE FROM FICENTIVE

SETTLEMENTAGREEMENTC2_IMAGE1.JPG

December __, 2017
To Whom It May Concern:

FiCentive Inc., as the holder of a Secured Promissory Note issued by C2GO Inc. in principal amount of $200,000 payable to FiCentive Inc., hereby confirms that FiCentive and C2GO Inc. have executed an agreement whereby FiCentive will withdraw its pursuit of the repayment of such Note, and that FiCentive has agreed to not pursue actions initiated by it to enforce its security interest and other rights under such Note or to proceed with litigation against C2GO Inc.

Such agreements by FiCentive are in consideration for certain ongoing payments by C2GO Inc., and the continuation of the foregoing agreement by FiCentive is contingent upon the continued receipt by FiCentive of such payments.

By delivering this notice, FiCentive assumes no responsibility to advise of any changes in its position due to any failure of the scheduled payments being made.

FiCentive Inc.



By______________________________
Louis Hoch, President


7



EXHIBIT B


ASSIGNMENT OF THE NOTE AND OF THE SECURITY AGREEMENT

ASSIGNMENT


WHEREAS , FiCentive Inc. (hereinafter “FiCentive”), entered into an Agreement dated December __, 2017 with C2GO Inc. and Mercury Investment Partners LLC (the “Agreement”); and

WHEREAS , pursuant to the Agreement FiCentive agreed to sell to Mercury a certain Secured Promissory Note with a stated face value of $200,000, made by C2GO, Inc. in favor of FiCentive (the ”Note”), to a third party;

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained in this Assignment, and the mutual covenants and agreements contained in the Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, FiCentive, as the lawful owner of the Note referenced in the Agreement, does hereby assign and transfer in full all right, title and interest in and to the Note to Mercury Investment Partners LLC.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , FiCentive has executed this Assignment to be effective as of the day and year written below.



FICENTIVE INC.



By: ___________________________
Louis Hoch, President

Dated: ________________________


8





EXHIBIT C

CONFESSION OF JUDGMENT BY BORROWER

CAUSE NO. 2015CI16234

FICENTIVE, INC.

PLAINTIFF,

vs.

C2GO, INC.,

DEFENDANT.

§
§
§
§
§
§
§
§
§

IN THE DISTRICT COURT



131 ST   JUDICIAL DISTRICT



BEXAR COUNTY, TEXAS


______________________________________________________________________________

AGREED FINAL JUDGMENT


ON THIS DAY came before the Court Plaintiff, FiCentive, Inc. and Defendant. C2Go, Inc.’s Motion for Entry of Agreed Final Judgment. Based on the pleadings and the agreement of Plaintiff and Defendant, it is
ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that all allegations in Plaintiff’s Original Petition are admitted by Defendant; It is further
ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that based on Defendant’s admission of the allegations in Plaintiff’s Original Petition, Plaintiff is awarded a judgment against Defendant in the amount of Two Hundred Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($200,000.00) on its breach of contract claim against Defendant; It is further

9



ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that Plaintiff is entitled to all writs necessary to effectuate this Judgment; It is further
ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED THAT THIS JUDGMENT DISPOSES OF ALL ISSUES AND ALL PARTIES. ALL RELIEF NOT GRANTED HEREIN IS DENIED. THIS IS IN ALL THINGS A FINAL AND APPEALABLE JUDGMENT .

SIGNED and ENTERED this ____ day of December 2017.


______________________________
DISTRICT COURT JUDGE


APPROVED AND ENTRY REQUESTED:

PULMAN, CAPPUCCIO,
PULLEN, BENSON & JONES, LLP
2161 NW Military Highway, Suite 400
San Antonio, Texas 78213
www.pulmanlaw.com
(210) 222-9494 Telephone
(210) 892-1610 Facsimile

By: /s/ Eric A. Pullen          
Eric A. Pullen
Texas State Bar No. 24007881
     rreed@pulmanlaw.com
    
    


C2GO, INC.

By: ____________________________     
Name: _____________________
Its: ________________________
Date: ______________________



10



EXHIBIT D

MUTUAL RELEASES


11


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

Exhibit 10.44
LEASE AGREEMENT     
 
PARTIES
    
THIS LEASE AGREEMENT (“ Lease ”), dated the 11th day of December, 2017 (“Effective Date”), between RP Circle 1 Building, LLC, a Tennessee limited liability company (hereinafter called “ Landlord ”), and Payment Data Systems, Inc. , a Nevada corporation (hereinafter called “ Tenant ”), collectively referred to as the “ Parties ”.

LANDLORD AND TENANT MUTUALLY AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING TERMS, COVENANTS AND PROVISIONS:

The Parties agree to the following exhibits which are incorporated herein by reference as if set forth verbatim:

Exhibit “A”
–     Preliminary Site Plan of the Building
Exhibit “B”
–    Plan Delineating the Premises and Leasehold
Improvements
Exhibit “C”
    –     Building Standard Specifications
Exhibit “D”
–     Commencement Date Agreement
Exhibit “E”
–     Building Rules

FUNDAMENTAL LEASE PROVISIONS .

LANDLORD:
RP Circle 1 Building, LLC, a Tennessee limited     liability company

NOTICE ADDRESS OF LANDLORD:
RP Circle 1 Building, LLC
Attention: Kent Smith
c/o Boyle Investment Company
2000 Meridian Blvd., Suite 250
Franklin, Tennessee 37067


RENT REMITTANCE ADDRESS:        5900 Poplar Avenue, Suite 100
P.O Box 17800
Memphis, Tennessee 38187

TENANT:
Payment Data Systems, Inc.

NOTICE ADDRESS OF        
TENANT:
Louis Hoch
Payment Data Systems
12500 San Pedro Avenue
Suite 120
San Antonio, TX 78216

With a copy to: Premises; ATTN: Vaden Landers

BILLING ADDRESS            

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OF TENANT:
Premises; ATTN: Vaden Landers

TENANT CONTACT PERSON:
Vaden Landers
Telephone
Email:


BUILDING:
Four (4) story office building, to be constructed and to contain approximately 106,400 rentable square feet, shown on the preliminary site plan attached hereto as Exhibit “A” , known as One Town Center, located at 4037 Rural Plains Circle within the Berry Farms Development in Franklin, Tennessee.

PREMISES:
Suite 230 in the Building, as more particularly depicted on Exhibit “B” .

PREMISES RENTABLE AREA:
3,794 rentable square feet located on the second (2 nd ) floor in the Building

BUILDING NET RENTABLE AREA:
Approximately 106,400 rentable square feet (RSF), subject to the terms contained in Section 1.01

LEASE TERM:
Five (5) years and two (2) months, beginning on the Commencement Date.

COMMENCEMENT DATE:
The later of (i) March 1, 2018 or (ii) substantial completion of the Leasehold Improvements

BASE RENT:
$28.90 per RSF with an annual increase of 2.75%

OPERATING EXPENSE STOP:
Operating Expenses for calendar year 2018, as determined in accordance with Section 2.02

SECURITY DEPOSIT:
$20,000.00

TENANT’S PRORATA SHARE:
3.57%

PARKING
Tenant shall be granted the use of the surface parking associated with the Building, which parking spaces shall be nonexclusive, unreserved, free of charge during the Lease Term, and shared in common with other tenants and further subject to the terms of Section 5.21. Tenant shall also be granted 2 parking spaces in the controlled-access parking garage below the building.

OCCUPANT DENSITY
In no event shall Tenant’s maximum occupancy density exceed five (5) employees per 1,000 square feet of the Premises, as determined in accordance with Section 5.21.

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RENEWAL OPTION:
Tenant may extend the Lease Term of this Lease for one (1) consecutive period of five (5) years in accordance with the provisions of Section 1.03.



EFFECT OF REFERENCE TO A FUNDAMENTAL LEASE PROVISION

Each of the fundamental lease provisions contained hereinabove will be construed in accordance with the other provisions of this Lease and will be limited by such other provisions. In the event of any conflict between the fundamental lease provisions and the balance of this Lease, the latter will control.

ARTICLE I
PREMISES, TERM & USE

BUILDING AND PREMISES

1.01. Landlord owns that certain tract or parcel of land located in Franklin, Williamson County, Tennessee, upon which a four (4) story office building, commonly referred to as One Town Center and located at 4073 Rural Plains Circle (“ Building ”) shall be constructed. The “ Building ” is being constructed and Landlord has not yet completed or finalized the Building, but is attaching Exhibit “A” as a preliminary site plan of the Building. The term “ Building ” for purposes of this Lease shall include the building as actually constructed together with all parking area for the building as actually constructed and determined by Landlord, which shall control for definitional purposes in this Lease.

The Landlord shall lease to Tenant and Tenant shall lease from Landlord approximately three thousand seven hundred ninety-four ( 3,794 ) rentable square feet as outlined on the plan attached hereto as Exhibit “B” and commonly referred to as Suite 230 on the second (2 nd ) floor of the Building (hereinafter called “ Premises ”). The Building and Premises are located within the Berry Farms Development (“ Project ”).

TERM
1.02. The term of this Lease shall be for five (5) years and two (2) months (“ Lease Term ”) from the Commencement Date.

The Commencement Date shall mean the later of (i) March 1, 2018 (“Anticipated Commencement Date”), or (ii) substantial completion of the Leasehold Improvements (hereinafter defined), as evidenced by written notice from Landlord to Tenant.

If the Commencement Date has not occurred within four (4) months after the Anticipated Commencement Date, unless such is caused by Tenant Delay or Force Majeure (subject to the limitation discussed below) (“Drop Dead Date”), Tenant shall have the right to terminate this Lease by giving written notice to Landlord within ten (10) days after such failure.    If, due to Force Majeure, Landlord is unable to tender possession of the Premises within four (4) months after the Anticipated Commencement Date, then either party shall have the right, upon written notice to the other, to terminate this Lease, in which event this Lease and the obligations of Landlord and Tenant hereunder shall terminate without further liability by either party to the other. If, at any time, Landlord anticipates that it will be unable to substantially complete the

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Leasehold Improvements within four (4) months of the Anticipated Commencement Date, Landlord shall notify Tenant in writing on or before January 25, 2018 of any anticipated delays known to said date. If any delays occur thereafter, Landlord may notify Tenant in writing of the anticipated delay and Landlord’s then-current estimate of the substantial completion of the Leasehold Improvements (the January 31 st letter and any other delay notice sent by Landlord shall be referred to as an “Anticipated Delay Notice”). If the anticipated date provided in the Anticipated Delay Notice is beyond the Drop Dead Date, Landlord shall provide Tenant with a Revised Drop Dead Date and Tenant shall have the right to terminate by providing Landlord written notice of termination within ten (10) days of the date of Landlord’s Anticipated Delay Notice. Should the Lease be terminated pursuant to this Section 1.02, this Lease shall terminate immediately upon delivery of said notice and neither Landlord nor Tenant shall have any further obligations under this Lease. If Tenant fails to exercise its termination right within said ten (10) day period, Tenant shall be deemed to have waived its right to terminate with regard to the original delay, in which case Landlord shall continue the construction of the Leasehold Improvements and this Lease shall continue in full force and effect with the Drop Dead Date being revised to the date provided in the Anticipated Delay Notice.

A “Tenant Delay” shall include, but shall not be limited to (i) the failure of Tenant or Tenant Party to comply with any commercially reasonably design or construction schedule or other provision expressly set forth in this Lease requiring Tenant or any Tenant Party to respond to, review, authorize or approve any matter, or perform an obligation (including, without limitation, the obligation to pay, when due, any amounts required to be paid by Tenant pursuant to this Lease or to participate in any design or construction meetings or inspections of which Tenant or the Tenant Party had reasonable notice) within the time period specified in this Lease or in any written notice; (ii) any delay attributable to any changes in or additions to the Plans by Tenant; (iii) any delay attributable to the inclusion in the Leasehold Improvements or changes requested or approved by Tenant or finishes, fixtures, millwork, carpet and other materials or services that are not locally available, or are above standard office improvements.

Landlord will allow Tenant to access the Premises prior to the Commencement Date for purpose of installation of its telephone, cabling, and equipment, which prior access will include Tenant’s coordination with Landlord’s contractor for the installation of computer and cabling (“Prior Access”), provided such Prior Access does not interfere with Landlord’s construction within the Premises. In order to obtain such access, Tenant will make an appointment with the building manager of the Building during normal building hours of operation.     

Within ten (10) business days after receipt of the Commencement Date Agreement from Landlord, Tenant shall execute or provide its notice of changes to the Commencement Date Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit “D” . Failure to do so within the ten (10) business day period shall be deemed acceptance of all dates and other information contained in the Commencement Date Agreement so delivered by Landlord.

RENEWAL OPTION

1.03. Tenant shall have the one-time right to renew and extend the Lease Term hereunder for one consecutive period of five (5) years (“ Renewal Option ”). Tenant agrees to give Landlord twelve (12)) months’ written notice (“ Renewal Notice ”) prior to the expiration of the Lease Term of its intention to exercise its Renewal Option and to extend the Lease Term as provided herein. Tenant shall have the right to exercise its Renewal Option hereunder only in the event that no default currently exists and that no default is continuing in the performance of the any of the terms of the

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Lease. The rental payments for the Renewal Option shall be at the then effective market rent including new Base Year based on similar renewal transactions in the Building and the Development at the time of the renewal effective date. Following receipt of a Renewal Notice, Landlord shall advise Tenant of the then effective market rent. If Tenant disagrees with the market rent proposed, it shall so notify Landlord within ten (10) days of receipt of Landlord’s determination. If the parties cannot agree on the then effective market rent for the Base Rent, the Parties agree to mutually select an MAI appraiser, who has at least six (6) years experience appraising similar properties in the Williamson County, Tennessee to resolve any disagreement concerning the Base Rent for the Renewal Terms, the costs of which shall be shared equally between the parties. The Parties hereby agree that in the event Landlord and Tenant retain an MAI appraiser pursuant to this Section, the Lease is irrevocably renewed by Tenant and the decision reached by the appraiser in accordance with the foregoing shall be binding upon both Parties. The Parties mutually agree to execute an amendment renewing the Lease on the terms and conditions in accordance with this Section within thirty (30) days of Tenant’s Renewal Notice to Landlord.
Except for a Permitted Transfer Tenant’s Renewal Option is personal to Payment Data Systems, Inc. In the event Payment Data Systems, Inc. assigns this Lease to other than a Permitted Transfer, subleases all or part of the Premises or otherwise conveys its leasehold interest hereunder, the Renewal Option shall be null and void and of no further force or effect.

LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS

1.04 Landlord agrees to perform those certain improvements set forth on the space plan attached hereto as Exhibit “B” on a turnkey basis, at no cost to Tenant (collectively, “Leasehold Improvements”). Any costs, fees or expenses related to any change orders or upgrades to the Leasehold Improvements requested by Tenant shall be paid by Tenant as such expenses are incurred.

Tenant hereby agrees and acknowledges that the Leasehold Improvements shall be designed by Elevate Design as architect and constructed by Flow Construction as the general contractor. Tenant acknowledges that all Leasehold Improvements shall strictly comply and adhere to the Building standard specifications (“ Building Standards ”), which current version of the Building Standards is attached hereto as Exhibit “C” . Any variance requested by Tenant in the Building standard specifications shall be subject to Landlord’s approval which may be granted or withheld in Landlord’s sole and absolute discretion. The Landlord’s Building Standards typically change from time to time, and any construction plans submitted by Tenant throughout the term of the Lease shall be required to conform to Landlord’s current Building Standards in place at the time of submission.

Tenant hereby acknowledges that the Leasehold Improvements do not include and Landlord shall not be responsible for the installation of specialty tenant signage, telephone, computer, television, audio visual or any other similar or related equipment, cabling or devices, or furniture or equipment to be located in the Premises, or other items not typically paid for by landlords. Tenant, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, shall be solely responsible for the installation of any signage, telephone, computer, television, audio visual or any similar or related equipment or devices and any furniture or equipment or other typical tenant items.

USE        
1.05. Unless approved in writing by Landlord, Tenant shall use the Premises solely for administrative, sales, operations or office use.

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Tenant acknowledges that the Building and Development are subject to the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions for the Rural Plains Community of record in the Register’s Office of Williamson County, Tennessee, as may be amended from time to time (“ Declaration ”). Tenant shall at all times adhere to the requirements of the Declaration and shall in no event do anything which would violate the Declaration.

ARTICLE II
RENTAL
RENTAL

2.01. In consideration for this Lease, Tenant promises to pay Landlord located at 5900 Poplar Avenue, Suite 100, P.O. Box 17800, Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee 38187 in lawful money of the United States monthly base rental (“ Base Rent ”) beginning on the Commencement Date and continuing on the first (1 st ) day of each month during the Term as follows:

Period*
Payment

March 1, 2018
through
April 30, 2018



$0.00 per month**


May 1, 2018
through
April 30, 2019



$9,137.22 per month


May 1, 2019
through
April 30, 2020



$9,388.49 per month


May 1, 2020
through
April 30, 2021



$9,646.67 per month


May 1, 2021
through
April 30, 2022



$9,911.96 per month


May 1, 2022
through
April 30, 2023



$10,184.54 per month

*The dates set forth in the schedule above are based upon the Commencement Date occurring on March 1, 2018. If the Commencement Date is any other date, the dates set forth in the above

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schedule shall be adjusted accordingly. When occupancy of the Premises begins during the middle of any month either before or after the Commencement Date, rental for the period shall be paid based on a daily rate of 1/30th of the stated Base Rent.

**Tenant shall have the right to occupy the Premises beginning on the Commencement Date, but Landlord is agreeing to conditionally waive the Base Rent, as noted above, for the first two (2) months of the Term; and the Base Rent for such period otherwise would have been $9,137.22 per month. Accordingly, Landlord has agreed to conditionally waive receipt of a total of $18,274.44 (the “Conditionally Waived Rent”) subject to Tenant’s compliance with all terms and provisions of this Lease. In the event of any default by Tenant under this Lease that is not cured within any applicable grace or cure period, all of the unamortized Conditionally Waived Rent, or so much of it as would have by then accrued but for such conditional waiver, shall become immediately due and payable. Upon expiration of the initial Term of this Lease, without any such uncured default and acceleration, the Conditionally Waived Rent shall be permanently forgiven. This provision shall survive termination of this Lease.

Base Rent shall be paid to Landlord on or before the first day of each and every month throughout the Term without notice, demand or setoff, except as may be specifically set forth herein.

Any monetary obligation of Tenant as provided in this Lease, other than the Base Rent, is “ Additional Rent ” and is material consideration for the Premises. Base Rent and Additional Rent shall sometimes be referred to herein collectively as “ Rent ”.

ADJUSTMENT OF
RENTAL

2.02.

A.
Tenant’s Pro Rata Share of Operating Expenses. In the event and to the extent the Operating Expenses (as defined below) of Landlord for the Building of which the Premises are a part shall, for any calendar year during the Lease Term, exceed the Operating Expense Stop, Tenant agrees to pay as additional rental Tenant’s Pro Rata Share (hereinafter defined) of the excess Operating Expenses (“Excess OPEX”). “ Tenant’s Pro Rata Share ” shall be that percentage which is determined by dividing the number of total rentable square feet in the Building into the number of rentable square feet in the Premises, which percentage is stated in the Fundamental Lease Provisions.

B.     Invoice for Tenant’s Pro Rata Share of Operating Expenses. Landlord may within seven (7) months following the close of any calendar year for which additional rental is due under this Section invoice Tenant for the Tenant’s Pro Rata Share of excess Operating Expenses. Tenant agrees to make payment of the Excess OPEX to Landlord within sixty (60) days following receipt of the invoice. The invoice shall include a statement in sufficient detail to substantiate with computations of the Tenant’s Pro Rata Share of excess Operating Expenses for the calendar year (“ Statement ”). The Statement shall show in detail a breakdown by component expenses including but not limited to items such as repairs, utilities, landscaping, janitorial services and other Operating Expenses for the calendar year.

In any calendar year during the Lease Term, Landlord, in lieu of waiting until the close of the calendar year in order to determine any Excess OPEX, may at its option invoice Tenant on a monthly basis, in advance, for Tenant’s Pro Rata Share of the excess

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Operating Expenses based upon Landlord’s budgeted Operating Expenses for the upcoming calendar year. At the end of the year in which any advanced estimated payments were made, Landlord shall adjust with Tenant the final Tenant’s Pro Rata Share owed or due, once full year actual Operating Expenses are determined, and within thirty (30) days of the determination, Landlord shall credit Tenant or shall refund to Tenant any excess Operating Expenses paid by Tenant or, within thirty (30) days following its receipt of an invoice therefor, Tenant shall pay to Landlord any overage of actual Operating Expenses.

Tenant may contest the Statement if Tenant provides Landlord with written notice of its contest within forty-five (45) days of receiving the Statement. If Tenant timely provides notice of contest, then Tenant and its agents and employees shall have the right, at its own expense, to audit or review Landlord’s books within ninety (90) days of Tenant’s contest notice at reasonable times, during normal business hours, and with minimal interference to or by Landlord. Tenant shall notify Landlord of the results of such audit or review in writing. Landlord shall have the right to dispute the results of Tenant’s audit or review. Tenant’s notice that it intends to conduct an audit shall not delay Tenant’s obligation to remit payment, with such payment then being adjusted, if necessary, following the results of the audit. Tenant agrees that (a) Tenant shall not disclose the results of any such audit or review except to its accountants, attorneys or advisors, or as required by law, and (b) Tenant shall require that its auditors, employees, agents, attorneys or anyone associated with such parties shall not disclose the results of any such audit or review; provided, however, that Landlord hereby agrees that nothing in this paragraph shall preclude Tenant from disclosing the results of such audit or review in any judicial proceeding, pursuant to court order or discovery request, or to any proposed assignee or subtenant of Tenant, or to any agent or employee of Landlord who or which request the same. No auditor hired by Tenant shall be paid on a contingent fee basis, but rather on an hourly basis or other similar contractual fee. Should the audit findings result in Operating Expenses being overstated by more than five percent (5%), then the reasonable, out of pocket cost of Tenant’s audit shall also be paid by Landlord. No subtenant shall have any right to conduct an audit or review.

C.
Definition of Operating Expenses. The term “ Operating Expenses ” as used above includes all reasonable expenses incurred with respect to the maintenance and operation of the Building of which the Premises are a part, including, but not limited to, maintenance and repair costs, electricity, fuel, water, sewer, gas and other utility charges, all real estate and ad valorem taxes, assessments, sewer rents, water rents and charges, general or special applicable to the Premises or Project (excluding interest or penalties for late payment), security, window washing, janitorial services, trash removal, landscaping and pest control, wages, fringe benefits, transportation and mileage payable to employees of Landlord at or below the grade of property manager whose duties are connected with the operation and maintenance of the Building and Project (it is agreed that only a pro rata share is to be billed to the Building for those employees of Landlord who work on other projects), amounts paid to contractors or subcontractors for work or services performed in connection with the operation and maintenance of the Building and Project, all services, supplies, repairs, replacements or other expenses for maintaining and operating the Building and Project including association dues to Rural Plains Association of Owners, Inc., property management expenses, and any and all other costs or assessments levied against the Building under the Declaration, parking area, recreation area and plaza area maintenance, and the amortization of the cost of capital improvements which are intended to reduce Operating Expenses which are necessary to maintain the

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Building in a Class A manner. The term “ Operating Expenses ” also includes all present and future lease tax, any sales, use or excise tax on rents (but not income tax), cost of reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses of any appeals and installments of special assessments, including special assessments due to deed restrictions and/or owner’s association, which accrue against the Building and Project of which the Premises are a part during the Lease Term as well as all insurance premiums Landlord is required to pay or reasonably deems necessary to pay, including without limitation public liability or casualty insurance, and Landlord’s personal property insurance, with respect to the Building and Project.

For any calendar year in which average occupancy is less than ninety five percent (95%), Operating Expenses that vary with occupancy may be grossed up by Landlord to reflect occupancy of ninety five percent (95%).

Operating Expenses shall not include franchise, gift, transfer, gross receipts, inheritance/estate, or income taxes imposed on Landlord, except to the extent hereinbefore provided, or taxes related to a period payable or assessed outside of the Term of this Lease or the cost to Landlord for any work or service performed in any instance for any tenant (including Tenant) at the cost of such tenant or for the cost of improvements performed for tenants as Landlord's work. In addition, Operating Expenses shall not include asset management fees; Landlord’s general corporate overhead and general administrative expenses; Landlord’s legal, risk management, corporate and/or partnership accounting and legal costs, mortgages, debt costs or other financing charges; health/sport club dues; placement recruiting fees for employees assigned to the Building or not; employee training programs, real estate licenses and other industry certifications; costs of defending any lawsuits, costs of selling, syndicating, financing, mortgaging or hypothecating any of Landlord’s interest in the Building/Project; bad debt loss, rent loss or any reserves thereof; costs incurred in connection with any disputes between Landlord and/or Landlord’s management agent and their employees, tenants or occupants, and providers of goods and services to the Building/Project; any cost relating to the marketing, solicitation, negotiation and execution of leases of space, including, without limitations, promotional and advertising expenses, commissions, finders fees, accounting, legal and other professional fees and expenses related to the negotiation and preparation of any lease, license, sublease or other such document; costs of design, plans, permits, licenses, inspection, utilities, construction and clean up of tenant improvements to the Premises or the premises of other tenants; the amount of any allowances or credits paid to tenants for such design and construction of space in the Building/Project; wages, salaries, fees, fringe benefits, and any other form of compensation to any executive employee of Landlord and/or Landlord’s managing agent above the grade of Property Manager; any costs related to any employee’s time devoted to other efforts unrelated to the maintenance and operation of the Building/Project; any amount paid by Landlord or Landlord’s managing agent to a subsidiary or affiliate of Landlord or Landlord’s managing agent, or to any party as a result of a non-competitive selection process, for management or other services, or for supplies or other materials, to the extent such costs excess the cost that would have been paid had the services, supplies, or materials been provided by unaffiliated parties on a competitive basis and are consistent with those incurred by similar buildings in the same area as the Building is located; ground lease payments on any land in the Project; costs and expenses incurred in relocating tenants in and out of the Building, including without limitation lease takeover costs incurred by Landlord in connection with the entering into of leases and costs incurred by Landlord to relocate tenants in order to consummate a

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specific lease or to accommodate a specific tenant’s request; any office rental and any parking charges for Landlord’s management, engineering, maintenance, security, parking or other vendor personnel; costs related to the correction of Building defects; repair of damage to the Building/Project in connection with any type of casualty, event of damage, or destruction or condemnation; any cost in connection with upgrading the Building/Project to comply with insurance requirements, life safety codes, ordinances, statutes or other laws in effect prior to the Commencement Date, including, without limitation the Americans with Disabilities Act (or similar laws where the Building/Project is located), including penalties or damages incurred as a result of non-compliance; any cost or service sold or provided to other tenants in which Landlord is entitled to reimbursement by such tenants or by insurance or otherwise compensated; parking costs, but only to the extent that they exceed parking revenue; any fines, penalties, late charges, liquidated damages or interest charges; reserves of any kind.

SECURITY DEPOSIT

2.03. Simultaneously with the execution of this Lease, Tenant shall deposit with Landlord the sum of Twenty Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($20,000.00) as a security deposit (“ Security Deposit ”). Such Security Deposit (which shall not bear interest to Tenant and which may be commingled by Landlord unless otherwise required by any provision of law) shall be considered as security for the payment and performance by Tenant of all of Tenant's obligations, covenants, conditions and agreements under the Lease. Upon the expiration of the Term hereof (or any renewal or extension thereof in accordance with this Lease), Landlord shall (provided that Tenant is not in default under the terms hereof and Landlord has provided the required written notice of default to Tenant) return and pay back such Security Deposit to Tenant, less such portion thereof as Landlord shall have appropriated to make good any default by Tenant with respect to any of Tenant's aforesaid obligations, covenants, conditions and agreements. In the event of any default by Tenant hereunder during the Term of this Lease, Landlord shall have the right, but shall not be obligated, to apply all or any portion of the Security Deposit to cure such default after written notice to Tenant and an opportunity to cure any such alleged default, in which event Tenant shall be obligated promptly to deposit with Landlord the amount necessary to restore the Security Deposit to its original amount. In the event of the sale or transfer of Landlord's interest in the Building, Landlord will transfer the Security Deposit to such purchaser or transferee, in which event Tenant shall look only to the new Landlord for the return of the Security Deposit and Landlord shall thereupon be released from all liability to Tenant for the return of such Security Deposit.

LATE FEE

2.04. If Tenant shall fail to pay any Base Rent, Additional Rent or any other charge payable under this Lease, Tenant shall pay Landlord a late fee of six percent (6%) of such sum. In addition to said late fee, Interest will accrue at the maximum rate permitted by the laws of the State of Tennessee from and after the date on which any such sum is due and payable. Such Interest, together with a late charge of six percent (6%) of the delinquent amount, to cover the extra expense involved in holding such delinquency, will be paid by Tenant to Landlord at the time of payment of the delinquent sum. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tenant shall not be deemed in default the first time Tenant’s rental or additional rental reserved herein under this Lease is late in any calendar year during the Term; provided, that, such payment is made within ten (10) days following the date due (and provided that Tenant has reasonable notice, whether written, verbal or otherwise, that such payment is overdue).


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ARTICLE III
LANDLORD AGREES AS FOLLOWS:

SERVICES TO BE
FURNISHED BY LANDLORD

3.01. Landlord will maintain the Building in a Class A manner and to provide all usual and reasonable water, heat, cooling, janitor services, elevator services for ordinary purposes and electric current for lighting purposes in accordance with Normal Building Standards with the costs of such items being included as Operating Expenses. Normal Operating Hours shall be from 7:00 A.M. until 6:00 P.M. Monday through Friday or such other times as may be required by Government Regulation. Normal Building Standards shall provide for HVAC services during Normal Operating Hours. If Tenant requires or consumes HVAC services outside of Normal Operating Hours, then Tenant shall pay to Landlord, as additional rent, a flat rate of $42 per hour, per HVAC zone. If Tenant requires or consumes electricity or services in excess of usual and reasonable amounts for a typical general office tenant located within the Project, then upon receipt of notice from Landlord with reasonable documentation of such excess amounts, Tenant shall reimburse Landlord for such excess costs. In addition, Landlord shall have the right to separately meter and bill back to the Tenant for any above-standard power utilizing devices or areas of the Premises used by Tenant, if any, which by way of example and not limitation, could include supplemental HVAC systems, computer and telecommunications rooms, UPS or backup power devices, areas that operate outside Normal Operating Hours such as an after-hours call center, or otherwise consuming electricity or services in excess of typical usage for general office use. In such event, Tenant shall pay for the costs of power separation and sub-metering.

Failure of the Landlord to furnish such services, or any stoppage of such services resulting from causes incident to making repairs or improvements, failure of equipment or systems, or any other cause beyond the direct control of the Landlord, shall not render Landlord liable in any respect for damage or injury to either person or property, nor shall be construed an eviction of Tenant, nor work an abatement of rent, nor constitute a breach of Landlord's covenant of quiet enjoyment of the Premises, nor relieve Tenant from performance of any covenant or agreement hereunder. Should any equipment, system or machinery break down, or for any cause cease to function properly, Landlord shall use reasonable diligence to repair the same promptly, but Tenant shall have no claim for abatement or damages on account of interruptions in service occasioned thereby or resulting therefrom, and Landlord shall incur no liability whatever for any loss, damage or interruption of services caused by a strike, whether such strike shall involve employees of Landlord or others, or any other cause beyond direct control of Landlord. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event the interruption in services is due to the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord, and the interruption continues for five (5) consecutive business days, then Tenant shall receive, as its sole remedy, an abatement of Base Rent until such services are restored. The provisions of this paragraph shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease.

PEACEFUL ENJOYMENT

3.02. Tenant shall, and may peacefully, have, hold and enjoy the Premises subject to the other terms hereof, provided Tenant pays the rentals herein recited and performs all of its covenants and agreements herein contained.




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ARTICLE IV
TENANT AGREES AS FOLLOWS:

PAYMENTS

4.01. To pay all rents and sums provided to be paid to Landlord hereunder at the time and in the manner herein provided, time being of the essence.


REPAIRS AND
RE‑ENTRY

4.02. Tenant shall promptly provide written notice to Landlord (except in the event of an emergency in which the notice will not need to be in writing) of the need of maintenance or repair to the Premises.

Tenant will, at Tenant's own cost and expense, repair or replace any damage or injury done to the Building, or any part thereof, caused by Tenant or Tenant's agents, employees, invitees or visitors. If Tenant fails to make such repairs or replacements promptly, or within forty-five (45) days after occurrence, Landlord shall have the right, ten (10) days after notice to Tenant, but shall not be obligated, to make such repairs or replacements and Tenant shall repay the reasonable cost thereof to Landlord, as additional rent, upon demand. Any wiring, cabling and computer / IT equipment installed by Tenant shall be removed from the Building or Premises by Tenant at Tenant's sole expense, upon termination of this Lease. Further, any damage to the Building or Premises as a result of such removal shall be repaired or replaced by Tenant promptly or within fifteen (15) days after occurrence. If after fifteen (15) days or upon expiration of the Lease, whichever is earlier, Tenant has not repaired said damage as required, Landlord may in any event, at its option, make such repairs or replacements and Tenant shall repay the reasonable cost thereof to Landlord on demand. Tenant will not commit or allow any waste or damage to be committed on any portion of the Premises, and shall, at the termination of this Lease, by lapse of time or otherwise, deliver up the Premises to Landlord broom clean and in good condition as at date of possession of Tenant, ordinary wear and tear damage directly caused by Landlord and casualty damage excepted, and, upon such termination of Lease, Landlord shall have the right to re‑enter and resume possession of the Premises.


ASSIGNMENT OR
SUBLETTING

4.03. In the event Tenant should desire to assign this Lease or sublet the Premises or any part thereof, Tenant shall obtain Landlord’s prior written consent therefor. Landlord’s grant or waiver of consent prior to any such assignment of this Lease or subletting of the Premises shall not be construed as a waiver or release of Tenant from the terms of any covenant or obligation under this Lease. In the event of any assignment or sublease, neither Tenant nor any guarantor of this Lease shall be released from liability hereunder.

Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, if Tenant is a limited partnership or a general partnership (or is comprised of two (2) or more persons, individually or as co-partners), the change or conversion of Tenant to (i) a limited liability company, or (ii) a limited liability partnership or (iii) or other entity which possesses the characteristics of limited liability (any such limited liability company, limited liability partnership or other entity is collectively referred

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to as a “Successor Entity” shall be prohibited unless the prior written consent of Landlord is obtained, which consent may be withheld by Landlord in its sole and absolute discretion. Any attempt by Tenant to effect such conversion without Landlord’s prior written consent shall be voidable at Landlord’s election and further, shall constitute a material breach of this Lease for which Tenant shall not be entitled to any notice or opportunity to cure, notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary.

Any profits realized from any assignment of this Lease or sublease of the Premises shall be shared equally between Landlord and Tenant. The preceding notwithstanding, in no case shall Tenant have the right to sublease to other then-current tenants of the Project.

Upon request to assign or sublease by Tenant, Landlord shall have the option to terminate this Lease and enter into a new lease with the proposed assignee or subtenant.

Notwithstanding anything contained in this Lease to the contrary, upon an assignment of this Lease or sublease of all or part of the Premises, any and all Renewal Option(s), expansion options, or any other options granted in this Lease shall automatically be null and void and no further force or effect unless Landlord, in its sole and absolute discretion, agrees otherwise in writing.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this section, the following constitutes Permitted Transfers, which do not require any prior notice or consent of Landlord (i) a transfer of the Lease to an entity which is the parent of Tenant, subsidiary of Tenant, affiliate of Tenant, or shall directly or indirectly control, be controlled by, or be under common control with, Tenant; (ii) any subsequent sale of ownership interest or issuance of new ownership interests, directly or indirectly, in Tenant; and (iii) a transaction in which any entity succeeds to all or substantially all of the assets of Tenant whether by merger, consolidation, sale or otherwise provided such successor entity assumes in full the obligations of Tenant under this Lease; provided, however, that (A) Tenant shall remain liable for the performance of all covenants, duties and obligations under the Lease, irrespective of any such assignment, and (B) the use of the Premises by the assignee shall conform with the uses permitted by this Lease. Tenant shall notify Landlord, in writing, of any such assignment or sublease within ninety (90) days after its occurrence and shall provide Landlord with all such reasonable information as Landlord may request reasonably regarding the identity and status of such assignee.

In the event of any assignment or sublease, Tenant agrees to pay an fee to compensate Landlord for its costs and other expenses incurred in connection with Tenant’s assignment or subletting. The fee shall be the greater of Five Hundred and No/100 Dollars ($500.00) or Landlord’s actual cost incurred, payable upon demand by Landlord.

ALTERATIONS, ADDITIONS,
IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PREMISES

4.04. Tenant shall not make or allow to be made any improvements, alterations or physical additions in or to the Premises in excess of $2,500 without the prior written consent of Landlord which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. Any and all such alterations, physical additions, or improvements when made to the Premises by Tenant, shall at once become the property of Landlord and shall be surrendered to Landlord upon the termination in any manner of this Lease; but this clause shall not apply to trade fixtures or furniture of Tenant. Further any damage to the Building as a result of such removal shall be repaired or replaced by Tenant promptly or within ten (10) days after occurrence. Landlord may in any event, at its option, make such repairs or replacements and Tenant shall repay the cost thereof to Landlord on demand.

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Upon Landlord's demand, any alterations made by Tenant which were not approved by Landlord shall be removed at the termination of the Lease and the Premises restored to their former condition, all at the Tenant's expense.

Tenant shall not suffer any mechanics' or material men's lien to be filed against the Premises or the total Building facilities or any part thereof by reason of work, labor, services or materials performed or furnished to Tenant or anyone holding the Premises under Tenant.


ALTERATIONS, ADDITIONS,
IMPROVEMENTS TO THE BUILDING
OR COMMON AREA

4.05. Tenant shall in no event be permitted to make any alterations, additions, modifications or improvements whatsoever to any portions of the Building or Building common areas that are located on the exterior of Tenant’s Premises, including without limitation, such items as access card readers, security cameras, or doorbells. Should Tenant desire any such modifications, Tenant shall obtain Landlord’s prior approval with regard thereto, which, except for a security systems such as a card reader, may be withheld or denied in Landlord’s sole and absolute discretion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is hereby acknowledged and agreed that Landlord shall in no event and under no circumstances approve any modifications or installations in the Building elevator lobbies, as the Building finishes that would be damaged would be cost prohibitive and aesthetically difficult to repair.

If Landlord grants approval for an alteration, addition, modification or improvement to the Building or common areas (“Approved Common Area Addition”), said item shall be installed by Tenant in accordance with all applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations. Tenant shall be responsible for the cost of repairing any damage to the Building related to the installation of the Approved Common Area Addition.

All costs, fees, and expenses related to the installation, operation, and maintenance of Approved Common Area Addition and all related equipment shall be at Tenant’s sole cost and expense. In the event Tenant fails to timely pay costs, fees or expenses associated with the installation, operation, or maintenance of the Approved Common Area Addition, Landlord shall have the right, but not the obligation, to pay such costs, fees and expenses. If Landlord exercises said right or if Landlord acquires any liability resulting from the Approved Common Area Addition and related equipment, Tenant shall, on demand, reimburse Landlord as Additional Rent for any liability or costs incurred, including reasonable attorneys’ fees. In addition, should Tenant fail to timely pay any costs, fees or expense related to or arising from the Approved Common Area Addition, Tenant shall be considered to be in default under the Lease and Landlord shall have all remedies provided therein.

Tenant, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, shall be responsible for removing the Approved Common Area Addition and restoring any damage to the Building and Building common area prior to the expiration of the Lease Term. In the event Tenant fails to remedy said damage, Landlord shall have the right, but not the obligation, to repair such damage in which event Tenant shall reimburse Landlord, as Additional Rent, for all costs and expenses incurred by Landlord in repairing the damage caused by said removal.


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Tenant shall indemnify Landlord and save it harmless from and against, and agrees to pay for, any and all liability, damages, costs, or expenses, including attorney’s fees, arising from any damage to the Building or Building common area, any act, omission, or negligence of Tenant or its agents, employees, contractors, officers, invitees or visitors in or about the Building, or arising from any accident injury, or damage and by whomever caused, to any person or property, occurring in or about the Building arising from or incidental to the installation, operation, maintenance or removal of the Approved Common Area Addition and related equipment. The provisions of this paragraph shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease.

LEGAL USE AND VIOLATIONS
OF INSURANCE COVERAGE

4.06. Tenant will not occupy or use, or permit any portion of the Premises to be occupied or used for any business or purpose which is unlawful in part or in whole or deemed to be disreputable or hazardous in any manner, or permit anything to be done which will in any way increase the rate of insurance on said Building and/or its contents, and in the event that, by reason of acts of Tenant, there shall be an increase in rate of the insurance on the Building or its contents created by Tenant's acts or conduct of business, then Tenant hereby agrees to pay such increase and to remedy such condition upon demand by Landlord.

INSURANCE
4.07.

A.
Tenant agrees to maintain during the term, comprehensive general liability insurance under which Tenant is named as insured and Landlord as an additional insured in amounts satisfactory to Landlord which presently is to be with minimum combined single limits of $1,000,000.00 per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage and a $2,000,000.00 aggregate limit, and containing a contractual endorsement covering Tenant's indemnity obligations under this Lease, and a waiver by the insurer of all right of subrogation against Landlord, its officers, directors, agents and employees. A current certificate of such insurance shall be deposited with Landlord at all times which shall provide that such insurance may not be altered, terminated or lapse without at least thirty (30) days prior written notice to Landlord.

B.
Anything in this Lease to the contrary notwithstanding, it is agreed that Tenant hereby releases Landlord from any liability which Landlord would, but for this Section 4.07, have had to Tenant during the Lease Term, resulting from the occurrence of any accident, or occurrence or casualty which is covered by casualty or property damage insurance required to be carried by Tenant or actually being carried by Tenant at the time of such occurrence. The provisions of this Section 4.07 shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease.

RULES OF BUILDING

4.08. Tenant and Tenant's agents, employees, invitees and visitors shall comply fully with all requirements of the rules of the Building which may be made by Landlord. A copy of such rules is attached hereto as Exhibit “E” and such rules may be changed or amended by Landlord at any time.

ENTRY FOR REPAIRS
AND INSPECTION

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4.09. Tenant will permit Landlord or its officers, agents, or representatives the right to enter into and upon any and all parts of the Premises with reasonable notice to Tenant (normal Building services, cleaning and emergencies excluded from the notice requirement) at all reasonable hours to inspect same or make repairs or alterations or additions as Landlord may deem necessary or desirable and Tenant shall not be entitled to any abatement or reduction of Rent by reason thereof. Within last six (6) months prior to expiration of the Lease Term or applicable renewal term, Landlord shall have the right to enter the Premises on the same conditions to market the Premises for lease provided Landlord gives Tenant reasonable notice and uses reasonable efforts to minimize disturbance of Tenant.

SIGNS     
4.10. Upon Landlord’s reasonable approval of the proposed location, size, style, color, character and material, Landlord shall install and display on behalf of Tenant Building standard signage (i) in the Building directory and (ii) near the entrance to the Premises. Except as provided above, Tenant shall not paint, display, inscribe, maintain or affix any sign, picture, advertisement, notice, lettering or direction on any part of the exterior of the Premises or on any part of the Building without the prior written consent of Landlord. Landlord reserves the right to remove, at Tenant's expense, all matter other than that above provided for without notice to Tenant.

DEFACING PREMISES
AND OVER‑LOADING

4.11. Tenant shall not place anything or allow anything to be placed near the glass of any door, partition, wall or window which may be unsightly from outside the Premises, and Tenant shall not place or permit to be placed any article of any kind on any window ledge or on the exterior walls, blinds, shades, awnings or other forms of inside or outside window coverings, or window ventilators or similar devices, shall not be placed in or about the outside windows in the Premises except to the extent, if any, that the character, shape, color, material and make thereof is approved by the Landlord, and Tenant shall not do any painting or decorating in the Premises or make, paint, cut or drill into, or in any way deface any part of the Premises or Building without the written consent of Landlord. Tenant shall not overload any floor or part thereof in the Premises, or any facility in the Building or any public corridors or elevators therein, by bringing in or removing any large or heavy articles, and the Landlord may direct and control the locations of safes, furniture and other large or heavy articles that may be brought into the Building. Tenant agrees not to place any load on any portion of the Premises or other portions of the Building or its equipment that would exceed the allowable load limits as set forth in the rules of the Building.

ORGANIZATION AND AUTHORITY
4.12. Tenant has been duly organized, is validly existing, is in good standing and is qualified to do business in the state in which the Premises is located. Tenant has the full right and authority and have obtained any and all consents required to enter into this Lease, all of the documents to be delivered by Tenant to consummate or cause to be consummated the transaction contemplated hereby. This Lease has been, and all of the documents related to the Lease to be delivered by Tenant will be authorized and properly executed and constitutes, or will constitute the valid and binding obligation of Tenant, enforceable in accordance with their terms.
ARTICLE V
LANDLORD & TENANT MUTUALLY AGREE AS FOLLOWS:


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CONDEMNATION

5.01. If the Premises or any material part thereof is taken by virtue of eminent domain or for any public or quasi‑public use or purpose, either Party may terminate this Lease and Rent shall be prorated to the date of termination. If any part of the Building other than the Premises be so taken, the Landlord shall have the right to terminate this Lease at the date of such taking or within six months thereafter by giving Tenant thirty (30) days prior notice of the date of such termination. Landlord shall be entitled to the entire condemnation award, except that Tenant shall be entitled to make a separate claim against the taking authority for the unamortized value of any permanent improvements to the structure of the Building paid for by Tenant and its furniture or trade fixtures belonging to Tenant or which Tenant would be entitled to remove upon the termination thereof. Tenant shall be entitled to claim against the taking authority for the Leasehold Improvements in excess of the Tenant Improvement Allowance provided by the Landlord, any tenant-installed improvements, moving expenses, increase in rental, and other associated expenses not covered by insurance.

LOSS OR DAMAGE

5.02. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, Landlord shall not be liable or responsible for any loss or damage to any property or person occasioned by theft, fire, water, rain, snow, leakage, act of God, public enemy, injunction, riot, strike, insurrection, war, court order, requisition or order of any governmental body or authority or any matter beyond the control of Landlord or for any damage or inconvenience which may arise through repair or alteration of any part of the Building, or failure to make such repairs, or from any cause unless and to the extent occasioned by Landlord's gross negligence or intentional misconduct or intentional breach of this Lease.

HOLDING OVER

5.03. If Tenant holds over occupying the Premises after the Lease Term ends (“ Holdover ”), then:

1.    If the Holdover is with Landlord’s written consent, it shall be a month-to-month tenancy, subject to any other conditions Landlord may impose, and terminable on thirty (30) days advance notice by either party. Tenant shall pay at the beginning of each month one and one-half times (150%) the amount of Rent and Additional Rent due in the last full month immediately preceding the Holdover period;

2.    If the Holdover is without Landlord’s written consent, then Tenant shall be a tenant-at-sufferance. Tenant shall pay by the first day of each month one and one-half times (150%) the amount of Rent and Additional Rent due in the last full month immediately preceding the Holdover period and shall be liable for any damages suffered by Landlord because of Tenant’s Holdover. Landlord shall retain its remedies against Tenant who holds over without Landlord’s written consent.

LOSS BY FIRE OR
OTHER CAUSES

5.04. Tenant shall, in case of fire, or loss or damage from any other cause, give immediate verbal or written notice thereof to Landlord. If the Premises shall be damaged by fire or other casualty covered by Landlord's insurance, the damages shall be repaired by and at the expense of Landlord and the Rent until such repairs shall be made shall be apportioned according to the part of the

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Premises so damaged, except that Tenant agrees to repair and replace its own furniture, furnishings and equipment, and except that, if such damage be so extensive that replacement of all or substantially all of the Building be required, then and in that event, at the option of Landlord, this Lease will be canceled and of no force and effect from and after the date of the occurrence of such damage.

SUBROGATION

5.05. Landlord and Tenant hereby mutually covenant and agree to have their respective insurance carriers waive any right of subrogation for any losses paid to them on policy or policies of insurance carried on their respective properties to the extent permitted by the terms of such policy or policies. If such waiver can be secured only by the payment of an additional premium, the Party benefited thereby shall pay such additional premium.

ATTORNEY'S FEE        

5.06. If Tenant defaults in the performance of any of the terms, covenants, agreements or conditions contained in this Lease and Landlord places the enforcement of this Lease, or any part thereof, or the collection of any Rent due, or to become due hereunder, or recovery of the possession of the Premises, in the hands of an attorney, or files suit upon the same, Tenant agrees to pay reasonable attorney's fees incurred by Landlord.

Should Tenant require Landlord to execute additional documents during the Term that requires attorney review, Tenant agrees to reimburse Landlord for any legal fees it incurs.

The provisions of this section shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease.

AMENDMENT OF LEASE

5.07. This Agreement may not be altered, changed, or amended, except by an instrument in writing signed by both Parties hereto.

DEFAULT
BY TENANT

5.08.    Each of the following shall constitute an " event of default ":

A.
If Tenant shall fail to pay when due any Rent, Additional Rent or other charge payable by Tenant under this Lease; or

B.
If Tenant shall fail to observe or perform any other provision of this Lease, and such default shall continue for a period of thirty (30) days (provided that if such default cannot reasonable be cured within thirty (30) days then Tenant shall have an additional reasonable period of time to cure such default) after written notice of such default from Landlord; or

C.
If Tenant shall file a voluntary petition in bankruptcy or shall be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, or shall file any petition or answer seeking any reorganization, arrangement, composition, readjustment, liquidation, dissolution or similar relief under the present or any future federal bankruptcy act or any other present or future federal, state or other bankruptcy or insolvency

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statute or law, or shall seek or consent to or acquiesce in the appointment of any bankruptcy or insolvency trustee, receiver or liquidator of Tenant or of all or any substantial part of its properties or of the Premises and if such condition shall continue for a period of twenty (20) days.

REMEDIES

5.09. Upon the occurrence of any event of default, Landlord shall have the right at any time thereafter to pursue any one or more of the following remedies with or without notice or demand. Pursuit of any of the following remedies shall not preclude pursuit of any of the other remedies herein provided or any other remedies provided by law or equity, nor shall pursuit of any remedy herein provided constitute a forfeiture or waiver of any rents due to Landlord hereunder or of any damages accruing to Landlord by reason of the Tenant's violation of any of the terms, conditions or covenants herein contained. Any rents or charges which may be due Landlord, as provided herein, shall include the Base Rent for the Lease Term, the unamortized balance of any leasehold improvements, broker commissions paid hereunder, and any Additional Rent or other charges provided for herein. In the event the aforementioned unamortized balance is paid in full, the amount of Base Rent due shall be adjusted accordingly.

A.
Terminate this Lease; however, any liability of Tenant to Landlord or indemnification of Landlord by Tenant shall survive such termination, in which event Tenant shall immediately surrender the Premises to Landlord, and if Tenant fails to do so, Landlord may, without prejudice to any other remedy which it may have for possession or arrearages in rents, enter upon and take possession of the Premises and expel or remove Tenant and any other person who may be occupying the Premises or any part thereof, by force if necessary, without being liable for prosecution or for any claim for damages therefor. Tenant agrees to pay to Landlord on demand the amount of all loss and damage which Landlord suffers by reason of such termination, whether through inability to re-let the Premises on satisfactory terms or otherwise. Landlord shall use reasonable efforts to mitigate its damages hereunder.

B.
Enter upon and take possession of the Premises and expel or remove Tenant and any other person who may be occupying the Premises, by entry into the premises if necessary, without being liable for prosecution or any claim for damages therefor, and re-let the Premises and receive the rents therefrom. Tenant agrees to pay to Landlord on demand any deficiency that may arise by reason of such re-letting. There shall be added to any deficiency such reasonable expenses as Landlord may incur in re-letting the Premises, including reasonable attorneys' fees, brokerage fees and preparation of the Premises for re-letting, all as Landlord deems advisable and necessary for the purpose of re-letting the Premises.

C.
Enter upon the Premises, in accordance with applicable law, without necessarily expelling or removing Tenant, and do whatever Tenant is obligated to do under the terms of this Lease. Tenant agrees to reimburse Landlord on demand for expenses, together with interest at the maximum rate legal in Tennessee per annum, which Landlord may incur in effecting compliance with Tenant's obligations under this Lease, and Tenant further agrees that Landlord shall not be liable for any damages resulting to the Tenant from such action.

D.
Pursue any and all other rights and remedies available at law, in equity or under this Lease.

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E.
In the event that the Landlord's exercise of any remedy under this Section or of any other remedy for default available to and under the law, or in equity results in a period of time during which the Premises remains unlet irrespective of whether this Lease is terminated or not, the Tenant shall be absolutely liable to the Landlord for the rentals which would be due under this Lease for such period of time. The liability of the Tenant shall not be diminished for such period of a subsequent re-letting of the Premises, regardless of whether the re-letting results in rent payments in excess of the Rent payments required hereunder.

F.
It is further agreed that if an event of default shall have occurred or if the Landlord should terminate the Lease and/or take possession of the Premises pursuant to any of the above Sections or pursuant to rights under the statutory or common law, the Landlord may thereafter accept any rental payments or other payments which may be tendered by the Tenant as payments on account. The acceptance of such payments shall not be deemed a release of any of the liabilities under this Section and shall not be deemed a waiver of the event of default or an agreement to restore possession of the Premises to the Tenant in the absence of a written agreement to that effect signed by or on behalf of the Landlord.

WAIVER

5.10. Failure of Landlord to declare any default immediately upon occurrence thereof or delay in taking any action in connection therewith shall not waive such default, but Landlord shall have the right to declare any such default, at any time and take such action as might be lawful or authorized hereunder, either in law or in equity.

ASSIGNMENT
BY LANDLORD

5.11. This Lease shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of Landlord who assume Landlord’s obligations hereunder and, except as otherwise specifically provided herein, with the written consent of Landlord first had and obtained, but not otherwise, to the benefit of the heirs, executors and/or administrators, successors and assigns of Tenant. Landlord may assign by way of security or otherwise this Lease or any part hereof or any right hereunder without Tenant’s consent, and any such assignment by Landlord of its entire interest in the Demised Premises, and its entire rights under this Lease (other than a security assignment) shall relieve Landlord of any further obligation hereunder, except for obligations accrued at the time of such assignment, if the assignee assumes and agrees to perform the obligations of the Landlord hereunder.

SUBORDINATION; ATTORNMENT

5.12. This Lease is and shall be subordinate to any mortgage or deed of trust that may now or hereafter be placed by Landlord upon the Building or any part thereof and to any and all advances made thereunder or modifications, replacements or extension thereof. It is the intent of the Parties that the foregoing provisions shall be self-operative, but upon request of Landlord, Tenant shall execute a subordination and non-disturbance agreement in a form provided by Landlord’s lender.

INDEMNITY

5.13. Tenant shall indemnify, defend and hold Landlord harmless from and against any and all actions, claims, demands, costs (including reasonable attorney's fees), damages or expenses of any kind

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which may be asserted against or incurred by Landlord as the result of any occurrence in or about the Premises, by reason of Tenant's use or occupancy of the Premises, by reason of the failure of Tenant to perform any of its obligations under this Lease and by reason of any claim by or injury of any invitee or customer of Tenant.

Landlord shall indemnify, defend and hold Tenant harmless from and against any and all actions, claims, demands, costs (including reasonable attorney's fees), damages or expenses of any kind which may be asserted against or incurred by Tenant as the result of any occurrence in or about the Common Areas.

The provisions of this Section shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease.


ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AND
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

5.14. (a) As used herein, the term “ Hazardous Material ” shall mean any substance or material which has been determined by any state, federal or local governmental authority to be capable of posing a risk of injury to health, safety or property, including all of those materials and substances designated as hazardous or toxic by the city in which the Premises are located, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, or any other governmental agency now or hereafter authorized to regulate materials and substances in the environment.

(b) Tenant agrees not to introduce any Hazardous Material in, on or adjacent to the Premises without (i) providing Landlord with thirty (30) days prior written notice of the exact amount, nature, and manner of such Hazardous Material (except Hazardous Materials that are typical for office use which no notice to Landlord will be required), and (ii) complying with all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations, policies and authorities relating to the storage, use or disposal, and clean-up of Hazardous Materials, including, but not limited to, the obtaining of proper permits.

(c) Tenant shall immediately notify Landlord of any inquiry, test, investigation, or enforcement proceeding by or against Landlord or the Premises concerning a Hazardous Materials. Tenant acknowledges that Landlord, as the owner of the Premises, shall have the right, at its election, in its own name or as Landlord’s agent, to negotiate, defend, approve, and appeal, at Tenant’s reasonable expense, any action taken or order issued with regard to a Hazardous Material by an applicable governmental authority.

(d) If Tenant’s storage, use or disposal of any Hazardous Material in, on or adjacent to the Premises, results in any contamination of the Premises, the soil or surface or groundwater (i) requiring remediation under federal, state or local statutes, ordinances, regulations or policies, or (ii) at levels which are unacceptable to Landlord, in Landlord’s reasonable judgment, Tenant agrees to clean-up the contamination. Tenant further agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Landlord harmless from and against any claim, suits, causes of action, costs, fees, including attorneys’ fees and costs, arising out of or in connection with any clean-up work, inquiry or enforcement proceeding in connection therewith, and any Hazardous Materials currently or hereafter used, stored or disposed of by Tenant or its agents, employees, contractors or invitees on or about the Premises.


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(e) Notwithstanding any other right of entry granted to Landlord under this Lease, Landlord shall have the right to enter the Premises or to have consultants enter the Premises through the Lease Term of this Lease for the purpose of determining: (1) whether the Premises are in conformity with federal, state and local statutes, regulations, ordinances, and policies including those pertaining to the environmental condition of the Premises, (2) whether Tenant has complied with this Section 5.14, and (3) the corrective measures, if any, required of Tenant to ensure the safe use, storage and disposal of Hazardous Materials, or to remove Hazardous Materials. Tenant agrees to provide access and reasonable assistance for such inspection. Such inspections may include, but are not limited to, entering the Premises or adjacent property with drill rigs or other machinery for the purpose of obtaining laboratory samples. Landlord shall not be limited in the number of such inspections during the Lease Term of this Lease. Tenant shall reimburse Landlord for the reasonable cost of such inspections with ten (10) days of receipt of a written statement therefore. If such consultants determine that the Premises are contaminated with Hazardous Materials, Tenant shall, in a timely manner, at its expense, remove such Hazardous Materials or otherwise comply with the recommendations of such consultants to the reasonable satisfaction of Landlord and any applicable governmental agencies. Right granted to Landlord herein to inspect the Premises shall not create a duty on Landlord’s part to inspect the Premises, or liability of Landlord for Tenant’s use, storage or disposal of Hazardous Materials, it being understood that Tenant shall be solely responsible for all liability in connection therewith.

(f) Tenant shall surrender the Premises to Landlord upon the expiration of earlier termination of this Lease free of Hazardous Materials introduced in the Premises during the Lease Term.

(g) Tenant’s obligations under this Section 5.14 shall survive expiration or earlier termination of this Lease.

CONTINUATION OF LEASE
AFTER TERMINATION

5.15. No receipt of money by Landlord from Tenant after the termination of this Lease, or after the service of any notice, or after commencement of any suit, or after final judgment for possession of the Premises shall reinstate, continue or extend the Lease Term or affect any such notice, demand or suit.

WAIVER OF
JURY TRIAL

5.16. Notwithstanding anything contained in the contrary, In the event that suit is commenced to enforce any right, claim, covenant, condition or obligation contained in or arising out of this Lease, Landlord and Tenant waive any right they may have to trial by jury. The provisions of this Section shall survive expiration or earlier termination of this Lease.

BANKRUPTCY

5.17. If voluntary bankruptcy proceedings be instituted by Tenant, or if proceedings be instituted by anyone else to adjudge Tenant a bankrupt, or if Tenant makes an assignment for the benefit of his creditors or if execution be issued against him, or if the interest of Tenant in this Lease pass by operation of law to any person other than Tenant, this Lease may, at the option of Landlord, be terminated by notice to Tenant.

FORCE MAJEURE    

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5.18. Should Landlord, through no fault or omission of Landlord and in spite of all reasonable efforts by Landlord, be delayed or prevented from performing any of its obligations including construction, services, repairs or replacements under this Lease or should the progress, performance or completion of any portion or portions of the whole of the Premises be delayed as a result of weather, or as the result of acts of God, terrorism, events beyond the control of Landlord not related to financial ability on the part of Landlord, acts of the government, inability to procure materials, contractors or professionals, inability to obtain utilities or failure of utilities, laws or other governmental requirements or approvals, or strikes, freight embargoes or other casualty, or on account of any act, or omission of others engaged by Landlord, or on account of any act or omission of the Tenant, Landlord’s delay shall be excused and the time of estimated completion of the portion or portions of the work directly affected by such delay, shall, at the option of the Landlord, be extended by a period equivalent to the time lost thereby. If Landlord shall be unable to perform or shall be delayed, through no fault or omission of Landlord, in the performance of any covenant to supply service, such nonperformance or delay in performance shall not give rise to any claim against the Landlord for damages or constitute a total or partial eviction, constructive or otherwise.

LIMITATION OF LANDLORD’S LIABILITY

5.19. Notwithstanding anything set forth in this Lease to the contrary, it is agreed that Tenant shall look solely to the Landlord’s ownership in the Building and land that is owned by Landlord associated with said Building, and any insurance or condemnation proceeds received therefrom, for the satisfaction of the remedies of Tenant in the event of a breach by Landlord of any of the provisions of this Lease, and Landlord shall not be liable for any such breach except to the extent of such proceeds and ownership interest in the Building and Building land. The provisions of this Section shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease.

WAIVER OF DAMAGES

5.20. Notwithstanding anything set forth in this Lease to the contrary, Landlord shall, in no event, be liable in damages for Tenant’s business loss, business interruption, loss of profits, or other special, incidental, or consequential damages of whatever kind or nature, regardless of the cause of such damages and Tenant, and anyone claiming by or through it, expressly waives all claims for such damages.

Neither party shall, in any event, be liable in damages for exemplary or punitive damages of whatever kind or nature, regardless of the cause of such damages and both parties, and anyone claiming by or through either party, expressly waives all claims for such punitive or exemplary damages.

The provisions of this Section shall survive expiration or earlier termination of this Lease.

PARKING & OCCUPANT DENSITY

5.21. The parking area for the Building shall be subject to the exclusive control of the Landlord. The parking area for the Building is shared between the Building occupants.

Tenant hereby agrees that Tenant and Tenant’s employees will park in only those portions of such parking area designated therefor from time to time by Landlord in accordance with such rules and regulations as Landlord may from time to time impose provided such parking area is

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located within the Project. At no additional charge to Tenant, Tenant shall be afforded nonexclusive, unreserved use of the surface parking associated with the Building, which shall be used by Tenant’s employees and shared in common with other tenants.

Tenant shall also be granted the use of a maximum of two (2) parking spaces in the parking garage below the building. Landlord may control access to the garage and/or reserve the garage parking spaces, in Landlord’s discretion.

In addition, except as provided herein, Tenant’s Maximum Potential Occupant Density (hereinafter defined) shall not exceed five (5) employees per 1,000 RSF feet of the Premises. The “ Maximum Potential Occupancy Density ” is calculated by the number of total seats available to employees in the Premises, if all available employees were to simultaneous occupy the Premises, but not including seats in coolaborative areas such as conference rooms or work rooms. If Tenant exceeds the Maximum Potential Occupant Density, Landlord shall be entitled to pursue any and all remedies available hereunder or otherwise available at law or in equity. Landlord acknowledges that Tenant’s Premises in Exhibit B as designed is permitted to exceed the Maximum Potential Occupancy Density by up to eight (8) employees per 1,000 RSF of the Premises, provided that should Tenant expand its Premises within the Building, any additional RSF leased will be subject to the Maximum Potential Occupancy Density.

CONSTRUCTION

5.22. Should any provision of this Lease require judicial interpretation, the Parties hereto agree that the court interpreting or construing the same shall not apply a presumption that the terms hereof should be more strictly construed against one Party by reason of the rule of construction that a document is to be more strictly construed against the Party who itself or through its agents prepared the same, it being agreed that Landlord, Tenant and their respective agents have participated in the preparation hereof.


LANDLORD’S RIGHT OF SUBSTITUTION

5.23. At any time hereafter but not more than once during the Lease Term, Landlord shall have the right, at Landlord’s discretion and sole cost, to substitute for the Premises then being leased or to be leased hereunder (the “ Existing Premises ”) another premises in any other office building within the Berry Farms development (the “ New Premises ”), provided that the New Premises shall be (i) substantially the same size, (ii) the same or similar location on the floor taking into account elevator exposure, (iii) on or on a higher floor than the Existing Premises, (iv) similar configuration, (v) if locating to another building in the Berry Farms development, then similar building class, and (v)i improved with finishes similar to or better than the quality of the improvements existing in or planned for the Existing Premises.

If Tenant shall not have received possession of the Existing Premises, then, as of the date Landlord gives notice of a substitution, such substitution shall be effective, the New Premises shall be the Premises hereunder and the Existing Premises shall cease to be the Premises hereunder, provided that the substituted New Premises shall be completed by the Commencement Date contemplated in Section 1.02.

If the Tenant has already received possession of the Existing Premises as of the date Landlord gives notice of a substitution, Tenant shall vacate and surrender the Existing Premises not later

24


than the later of (i) the 120 th day after the date that Landlord notifies Tenant of Landlord’s intent to make the substitution in question or (ii) the 30 th day after Landlord shall have substantially completed the improvements to be done by Landlord in the New Premises, pursuant to this paragraph. As of the sooner of such 30 th day or the date of such surrender and vacation, the New Premises shall be the Premises leased under this Lease and the Existing Premises shall cease to be the Premises leased under this Lease. Landlord shall pay (a) the actual and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses of Tenant’s moving of its property from the Existing Premises to the New Premises, and (b) shall improve the New Premises with finishes similar to or better than the quality of the improvements existing in the Premises and shall reimburse Tenant for its actual and reasonable out-of-pocket costs in connection with the relocation of any security system, Tenant-installed electronics and equipment, telephone or other communications cabling and any wiring from the Existing Premises to the New Premises. However, instead of paying the costs of Tenant’s moving of its furniture and workstations, Landlord may elect to either move Tenant’s property or provide personnel to do so under Tenant’s direction.

Tenant agrees to cooperate with Landlord so as to facilitate the prompt completion by Landlord of its obligations under this Section 5.23. Without limiting the generality of the preceding sentence, Tenant agrees to promptly provide to Landlord such approvals, instructions, plans, specifications or other information as may be reasonably requested by Landlord. Upon completion of the substitution, Landlord and Tenant will amend this Lease to change the description of the Premises and any other matters pertinent thereto.

NOTICES

5.24. Any notice required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing, and shall be (a) sent by overnight delivery using a nationally recognized overnight courier, in which case notice shall be deemed delivered one business day after deposit with such courier, or (b) sent by certified or regular U.S. mail, postage prepaid, in which case notice shall be deemed delivered two business days after deposit in such mails. A party’s address may be changed by written notice to the other party; provided, however, that no notice of a change of address shall be effective until actual receipt of such notice. Copies of notices are for informational purposes only, and a failure to give or receive copies of any notice shall not be deemed a failure to give notice.

TENANT:        Louis Hoch
Payment Data Systems
12500 San Pedro Avenue
Suite 120
San Antonio, TX 78216

With a copy to: Premises; ATTN: Vaden Landers
    

LANDLORD:     RP Circle 1 Building, LLC
Attention: Kent Smith
c/o Boyle Investment Company
2000 Meridian Blvd., Suite 250
Franklin, Tennessee 37067

COMMUNICATIONS COMPLIANCE


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5.25. Tenant acknowledges and agrees that any and all telephone and telecommunication services desired by Tenant shall be ordered and utilized at the sole expense of Tenant. Unless Landlord otherwise requests or consents in writing, all of Tenant’s telecommunications equipment shall be located and remain solely in the Premises and the telephone closet(s) on the floor(s) on which the Premises is located in accordance with rules and regulations adopted by Landlord from time to time. Landlord shall have no responsibility for the maintenance of Tenant’s telecommunications equipment, including wiring; nor for any wiring or other infrastructure to which Tenant’s telecommunications equipment may be connected. Tenant agrees that, to the extent any such service is interrupted, curtailed or discontinued, Landlord shall have no obligation or liability with respect thereto.

Tenant shall not utilize any wireless communications equipment (other than usual and customary wireless IT operations and cellular telephones), including antennae and satellite receiver dishes, within the Premises or the Building, without Landlord’s prior written consent. Such consent may be conditioned in such a manner so as to protect Landlord’s financial interests and the interests of the Building, and the other tenants therein. Upon the expiration of the Lease, Tenant shall remove any and all telecommunications equipment (including wireless equipment) installed in the Premises or elsewhere in or on the Building by or on behalf of Tenant, including wiring, or other facilities for telecommunications transmittal upon the expiration or termination of the Lease Term and at Tenant’s sole cost and repair any damage resulting from such removal.

Tenant shall have the right to (i) select one or more telecommunications providers for service provided directly to the Premises, and may, subject to the terms and conditions of this Lease, install and operate telecommunications equipment and lines as Tenant deems reasonably necessary, and (ii) allow third party providers of telecommunications, internet, intranet, wireless, fiber, video and any other audio, visual and data information processing services to enter upon the Premises for purposes of installing, operating and maintaining equipment within the Premises.

ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATE

5.26. Tenant agrees to execute, acknowledge and deliver to Landlord an estoppel certificate, in form reasonable prescribed by Landlord regarding the status or performance of this Lease in favor of any proposed lender or proposed mortgagee or purchaser of the Building, within fifteen (15) days after written request. Should Tenant not deliver such estoppel within the fifteen (15) day period, Landlord agrees to deliver a second written notice to Tenant, wherein Tenant will have five (5) days to respond, then Tenant's failure to deliver such certificate within the time frame set forth above shall, at Landlord's option, be conclusive proof that this Lease is in full force and effect without modification, that there are no uncured defaults in Landlord's performance of Landlord's obligations under this Lease, and that not more than one month's Rent and other charges payable hereunder has been paid in advance.

MOLD AND MILDEW

5.27. Tenant warrants and represents that its use of the Premises shall not increase humidity levels within the Premises above reasonable humidity levels. Tenant shall maintain a temperature in the Premises between 68.5 F – 76.0 F during the winter months and between 74.0 F – 80.0 F in the summer months. Tenant shall not block or cover any of the heating, ventilation or air conditioning ducts in the Premises. Tenant shall keep all ice and coffee machines that Tenant places in the Premises in good condition and repair and immediately remove any water discharged or spilled from such ice or coffee machines. Tenant shall regularly monitor the Premises for the presence of mold or mildew or for any conditions that reasonably can be expected to contribute

26


to the growth of mold or mildew (collectively, the “Mold and Mildew Conditions”), including, but not limited to, evidence of water leaks or excessive humidity in the Premises, a failure or malfunctioning in the heating, ventilation or air conditioning system serving the Premises and inoperable doors or windows in the Premises. Tenant shall immediately notify Landlord in writing of: (i) any visible signs of mildew or mold growth in the Premises; and (ii) any Mold and Mildew Conditions in the Premises.

BROKER AND COMMISSION

5.28.    Tenant represents that it is not represented by a broker and is not responsible for the payment of any commission other than Site Selection Group, LLC (“ Tenant’s Broker ”). Landlord shall pay a commission to Tenant’s Broker pursuant to a separate agreement. Tenant will indemnify and hold Landlord harmless from any and all claims for commission alleged to be due brokers other than Tenant’s Broker that assert entitlement to commission by virtue of their representation of Tenant. The provisions of this Section shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease.



MISCELLANOUS

5.29.    Landlord and Tenant mutually covenant with each other:

(1) That all rights and remedies of Landlord under this Lease shall be cumulative, and none shall exclude any other rights and remedies allowed by law.

(2) It is understood and agreed by the Parties hereto that notice from Landlord mailed by overnight courier or certified mail or delivered to Premises leased hereunder shall constitute sufficient notice to Tenant to comply with the terms of this Lease.

(3) It is further understood and agreed that any charges against Tenant by the Landlord for supplies, services, or for work done on the Premises by order of Tenant, or otherwise accruing under this Lease shall be considered as Additional Rent due and unpaid.

(4) All common areas within the Project that serve the Tenant and other tenants to the Building shall be subject to alteration or reconfiguration, in Landlord’s sole discretion, so long as Tenant’s access to parking and use of the Premises are not adversely affected.

(5) Each of the provisions of this Lease shall extend to, and shall, as the case may require, subject to the provisions of 4.03 hereof, bind or inure to the benefit not only of Landlord and Tenant, but also of their respective successors, assigns, heirs and legal representatives.

(6) That all schedules and exhibits initialed by both Parties hereto and attached to this Lease shall be a part of this contract whether or not said schedules and exhibits are specifically referred to in the Lease.

(7) That the waiver by Landlord of any breach of any covenant or covenants of this Lease shall be limited to the particular covenant, and shall not operate nor be deemed to waive any future breaches of the same covenant or covenants nor of any other covenant or covenants.


27


(8) In the event that any provision or part of a provision of this Lease is held invalid, the other provisions and parts of provisions shall remain in full force and effect.


28



IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have hereunto executed this Lease Agreement this the day and year first above written.


LANDLORD:
RP CIRCLE 1 BUILDING, LLC , a Tennessee limited liability company

By:     /s/ Kent Smith
Title:    Manager



TENANT:
PAYMENT DATA SYSTEMS, INC., a Nevada corporation


By:     /s/ Vaden Landers
Title:    EVP

                


29


EXHIBIT “A”

EX1044SINGULARPAYMENT_IMAGE1.GIF



30


EXHIBIT “B”
FLOOR PLANS DELINEATING LEASED PREMISES EX1044SINGULARPAYMENT_IMAGE2.GIF



31


EXHIBIT “C”

Berry Farms
4037 Rural Plains Circle
Standard Office Build-Out Specifications

Ceiling grid & tile – The ceiling grid is to be 2’ x 2 x 3/4’ tegular fissured acoustical tile with reveal. Specifications: Armstrong (24”x24”x5/8”) – tile type shall be one of the following below, which selection shall be determined by the first tenant to do a buildout on a floor (subsequent tenants on the same floor shall match the ceiling tile selection of the initial tenant). Beveled Tegular Ultima 1951, white
§
Armstrong Cortega
§
Armstrong Dune

Hard ceilings should not be installed in locations that would prohibit access to building system components including VAV boxes

Tenant doors – All entry doors will be 3’0” x 8’10” plain sliced Cherry AA premium grade by Eggers – factory finished to match sample N14442-17GL
Doors with full-height glass inserts have an 8x8x8x10 stile with a prefinished cherry stop. First Floor Doors in rated 2-hour corridor shall be solid or use firelite ceramic glazing, where allowed. No metal frames are allowed for glass inserts in doors.
Knock-down frames are acceptable.
Hardware is by Stanley - Best 9K Series Cylindrical Locksets with Style 14 Curved Return and 3” convex rose – Finish 626, Hinges are FBB179 4.5x4.5 US26D, Closers CLD-4551, Boyle uses a Cormax Core 1CX-7XA12 that is Suite Mastered – coordinate with Building Management and Tenant Setup by Office Space
Contact: Isenhour Doors Products.

Interior doors – All interior doors will be 3’0” x 8’0” plain sliced Cherry AA premium grade by Eggers – factory finished to match sample N14442-17GL
Knock-down frames are acceptable.
Doors with full-height glass inserts have an 8x8x8x10 stile with a prefinished cherry stop. First Floor Doors in rated 2-hour corridor shall be solid or use firelite ceramic glazing, where allowed. No metal frames are allowed for glass inserts in doors.
Hardware is by Stanley - Best 73KC Series Cylindrical Sets with Style 14 Curved Return and 3” convex rose – Finish 626, Hinges are FBB179 4.5x4.5 US26D, Closers where required are CLD-4551, Interior Locksets are not provided as a building standard except for IT Closets. Boyle uses a Cormax Core 1CX-7XA12 that is Suite Mastered – coordinate with Building Management and Tenant Setup by Office Space
Contact: Isenhour Doors Products.

Sprinkler heads – All sprinkler heads to be building standard, concealed, and center of tile

HVAC
o
Controls & graphics – Graphics updates for building Allertin HVAC control system to be coordinated between contractor and building manager. Control installation cost to be included in interior general contractor’s contract; see manager (Kent Smith, 615.550.5591, ksmith@boyle.com) for cost and coordination
o
Slot diffusers at building perimeter to be used, as alternative to lay-in diffusers, where possible
o
Before installing supplemental units, please contact Kent Smith 615.550.5591


32


Lighting –
o
Primary lighting standard – 2’x4’ LED Troffer (or acceptable equivalent of Lithonia, or Copper Metalux), Williams LT 24 L43/830/AF/DIM/UNV. Lighting density is to be a minimum of one (1) fixture per 80 SF. Light color 3000K
o
Down lighting – Gotham, 6” AFV 32 TRT 6PR MVolt GEB10, WLP compact fluorescent (Or LED equivalent – light color 3000K)
o
Exit lights – Exit signs to be edge-lit, ceiling recessed, green – Beghelli OL2. Tied to emergency generator loop and shall not utilize a battery back-up
o
Emergency light – Beghelli PACO (PEH -1-B) emergency only, black housing
o
Lighting controls – Tenant buildouts to be tied into building lighting control system; coordinate with building management
§
In order to meet energy codes, tenants shall utilize occupancy sensors throughout; ‘double switching’ and independent lighting control panels shall not be used

Dishwashers & Water Heaters – All tenant spaces requiring a dishwasher must have 6-gallon water heaters installed under-counter and equipped with drain pan piped to a drain. Over-head water heaters are not allowed, per codes

Common Areas – In the event the building common areas (corridors, restrooms, elevators, lobby, etc.) are affected by an interior build-out, interior general contractor is responsible for returning common areas to original condition. Contact building management office for building-specific finish information

Millwork – All millwork, unless otherwise noted, to be plastic laminate with melamine interiors. Millwork in break rooms and work rooms to conform to ANSI and ADAAG standards.

Fire extinguishers – Interior contractor to furnish and install recessed fire extinguisher cabinets to match base building. Fire alarms, strobes, extinguishers, etc. to be furnished and located in compliance with guidelines of city codes department.

Electrical – All electrical circuits must originate from the electric panel(s) on the floor where the circuit is being installed. Remove any circuits discovered during construction which violate this rule. When demolishing existing electrical, demolition shall go all the way back to the electric panel/breaker
o
Any sub-meters necessary for tenant spaces shall connect to Landlord’s BAS for trending
o
Device Colors for all Tenant spaces will be White using the following manufacture: Legrand
 
X-ray of floors is not required. GC shall conduct a visual inspection above ceiling on the floor below

MP&E Drawings – Stamped mechanical and electrical engineered drawings to be furnished on a ‘design-build’ basis by the MP&E subcontractors that are hired by the general contractor (included in general contractor cost), or MP&E engineer shall be separately engaged by the tenant.

Carpeting – The Landlord has a beneficial agreement with Shaw, which allows ‘bulk purchase’ discounts to be passed through to tenants who choose Shaw carpet

‘Building Standard’ carpet is to utilize a Shaw carpet (rolled carpet) chosen from any of the following collections: Fossil/Terra BL, Mecca BL, Signed/Sealed/Delivered BL, Meld/Eclectic BL, Flicker/Flare BL, Edit/Equal/Divide BL, Tint/Tone BL

o
Shaw or vendor or equal quality, carpet tile or upgraded rolled carpet (over and above the preceding options) is not included in the Building Standards, which excess cost would be a Tenant cost

33



Vinyl Composition Tile - Vinyl composition tile to be Armstrong Excelon or equivalent

Rubber base – Cove rubber base to be Johnsonite 4” or equivalent rubber base to be used in all office areas rolled goods as to minimize the joints.

Tenant separation walls – To be built to deck for security and sound insulation, but not required to be rated. Separation partitions are also to include insulation for sound insulation. Adhere to local codes for wall ratings with regard to interior tenant spaces and common areas.
o
When partition walls are constructed to deck, return air openings must be provided above ceiling
o
Walls terminating at window mullions shall be done utilizing landlord’s standard mullion detail, which allows for glass removal without drywall demo. All mullion transitions will be insulated and sealed for maximum sound transfer prevention

Interior walls – All interior partitions to be constructed with 3 5/8” metal studs, 16” on center, and 5/8” drywall on both sides. Tenant demising walls to be insulated and finished to underside of upper slab. All drywall walls to receive two coats of eggshell latex paint. Color selection by tenant. All walls to be insulated for sound buffering.
o
Standard ceiling height shall be 9’0.” As a general rule, interior walls shall be constructed to the underside of the ceiling grid. Exceptions shall be made for rooms such as conference rooms, telephone/data closets, etc, but in no case shall substantially all interior walls within a tenant space be built above the finished ceiling
o
When partition walls are constructed to deck, return air openings must be provided above ceiling
o
Walls terminating at window mullions shall be done utilizing landlord’s standard mullion detail, which allows for glass removal without drywall demo. All mullion transitions will be insulated and sealed for maximum sound transfer prevention

Glass sidelights – 3/8” glass inside cased opening with top/bottom aluminum track. Multiple glass panels shall be butt-glazed with clear/black/grey caulk. Metal framed sidelights shall not be used

Telephone & Data – Each tenant is responsible for acquiring telephone, data, and other computer service and networking from the appropriate service provider.
o
Service providers are required to terminate all service equipment within the tenant space. Termination shall not occur, and equipment will not be allowed in the building electrical closet

Security System for tenant spaces – Must be compatible with building system

Landlord’s architect or engineer shall submit to Landlord an updated set of drawings in CAD format of the as-built condition of the space upon completion of construction

Refer to Boyle Shell vs. TI Definition checklist for a delineation of which items fall into shell building vs. tenant construction.

34



EXHIBIT “D”
COMMENCEMENT DATE AGREEMENT


THIS COMMENCEMENT DATE AGREEMENT made this ___________ day of __________________, 20___, by and between RP Circle 1 Building, LLC, Party of the first part (hereinafter called “Landlord”), and ______________________, Party of the second part (hereinafter called “Tenant”), collectively referred to as the Parties.

Pursuant to Section 1.02 of the Lease dated as of the ____ day of _______, 200___, (Lease), in order to provide a record of certain events since the execution of said Lease, it is agreed and confirmed:

1.
The Lease is in full force and effect.

2.
The Commencement Date of the Term of the Lease is the ___ day of __________, 200_, and the expiration date of the Term is _____ day of ______________ 20__.

3.
The rentable square footage of the leased Premises is ______________ square feet.

4.
Tenant’s Pro Rata Share of Operating Expenses is _______.

5.
The rent schedule is as follows:


IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Parties hereto have duly executed this instrument as of the day and year first above written.

LANDLORD:
RP CIRCLE 1 BUILDING, LLC , a Tennessee limited liability company

By:    ____________________________
Title:    ___________________________


TENANT:
,
a                     

By:                         
Title:                         

35


EXHIBIT “E”
RULES AND REGULATIONS


1.    Sidewalks, doorways, vestibules, halls, stairways, and similar areas shall not be obstructed nor shall refuse, furniture, boxes or other items be placed therein by any tenant or its officers, agents, servants, and employees, or be used for any purpose other than ingress and egress to and from premises in the Building, or for going from one part of the Building to another part of the Building. Canvassing, soliciting and peddling in the Building are prohibited.

2.    Plumbing, fixtures, and appliances shall be used only for the purposes for which constructed, and no unsuitable material shall be placed therein.

3.    No signs, directories, posters, advertisements, or notices shall be painted of affixed on or to any of the windows or doors, or in corridors or other parts of the Building, except in such color, size, and style, and in such places, as shall be first approved in writing by Landlord in its discretion. However, the prohibition in the immediately preceding sentence shall not limit or restrict any tenant’s right to maintain within the premises occupied by such tenant any signs, directories, posters, advertisements, or notices so long as such items are not visible from the exterior of the premises occupied by such tenant or from the Common Areas of the Building. Building standard suite identification signs will be prepared by landlord at each tenant’s expense. Landlord shall have the right to remove all unapproved signs without notice to any tenant, at the expense of the responsible tenant.

4.    No tenant shall do, or permit anything to be done, in or about the Building, or bring or keep anything therein, that will in any way increase the rate of fire or other insurance on the Building, or on property kept therein or otherwise increase the possibility of fire or other casualty.

5.    Landlord shall have the power to prescribe the weight and position of heavy equipment or objects which may overstress any portion of the floor. All damage done to the Building by the improper placing of such heavy items will be repaired at the sole expense of the responsible tenant.

6.    Each tenant shall notify the Building manager when safes or other heavy equipment are to be taken in or out of the Building, and the moving shall be done after written permission is obtained from Landlord on such conditions as Landlord shall require.

7.    All deliveries must be made via the service entrance and service elevator, when provided, during normal working hours. Landlord’s written approval must be obtained for any delivery after normal working hours.

8.    Each tenant shall cooperate with Landlord’s employees in keeping such tenant’s premises neat and clean.

9.    Each tenant shall not cause or permit any improper noises in the building, allow any unpleasant odors to emanate from the Premises, or otherwise interfere, injure or annoy in any way other tenants or persons having business with them. However, Landlord acknowledges that, if permitted by the applicable lease, a tenant may operate a food services facility within the premises of such tenant for the sole use and benefit of the occupants of such premises and that such food services facility may emit odors normally associated with the operation of such on-site food services facilities.

10.    No animals shall be brought into or kept in or about the Building.

36



11.    When conditions are such that a tenant must dispose of crates, boxes, etc. on the sidewalk, it will be the responsibility of such tenant to dispose of same prior to 7:30 a.m. or after 5:30 p.m.

12.    No machinery of any kind, other than ordinary office machines such as typewriters, computers, fax machines, scanners, information processing systems, copy machines, communications equipment and calculators, shall be operated in any premises in the Building without the prior written consent of Landlord, nor shall any tenant use or keep in the Building any inflammable or explosive fluid or substance (including live Christmas trees and ornaments), or any illuminating materials. No space heaters or fans shall be operated in the Building.

13.    No motorcycles or similar vehicles will be allowed in the Building.

14.    No nails, hooks, or screws shall be driven into or inserted in any part of the Building, except as approved by Building maintenance personnel. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a tenant may decorate the interior of such tenant’s premises at such tenant’s sole discretion provided such decorations do not impact the structural integrity of the Building and cannot be seen from the exterior of the Building or from any Common Areas of the Building.

15.    Landlord has the right to evacuate the Building in the event of an emergency or catastrophe.

16.    No food and/or beverages shall be distributed from any tenant’s office without the prior written approval of the Building manager. But a tenant may prepare coffee and similar beverages and warm typical luncheon items for the consumption of such tenant’s employees and invitees. Furthermore, Landlord acknowledges that, if permitted by the applicable lease, a tenant may operate a food services facility within the premises of such tenant for the sole use and benefit of the occupants of such premises.

17.    No additional locks shall be placed upon any doors without the prior written consent of Landlord. All necessary keys or access cards or codes shall be furnished by Landlord, and the same shall be surrendered upon termination of the applicable lease, and each tenant shall then give Landlord or Landlord’s agent an explanation of the combination of all locks on the doors or vaults. Replacement key or access cards or codes (i.e., replacements for keys or access cards or codes previously issued by Landlord) shall be obtained only from Landlord, and Tenant shall pay to Landlord (as Additional Rent, with thirty (30) days after Tenant receives an invoice therefor) the actual costs incurred by Landlord in obtaining and issuing replacement keys or access cards or codes for keys or access cards or codes previously issued.

18.    Tenants will not locate furnishings or cabinets adjacent to mechanical or electrical access panels or over air conditioning outlets so as to prevent operating personnel from servicing such units as routine or emergency access may require. Cost of moving such furnishings for Landlord’s access will be for the responsible tenant’s account. The lighting and air conditioning equipment of the Building will remain the exclusive charge of the Building designated personnel.

19.    Each tenant shall comply with reasonable parking rules and regulations as may be posted and distributed by Landlord from time to time.

20.    No portion of the building shall be used for the purpose of lodging rooms.

21.    Prior written approval, which shall be at Landlord’s sole discretion, must be obtained for installation of window shades, blinds, drapes, or any other window treatment of any kind whatsoever. Landlord

37


will control all internal lighting that may be visible from the exterior of the Building and shall have the right to change any unapproved lighting, without notice to the responsible tenant, at the responsible tenant’s expense.

22.    No tenant shall make any changes or alterations to any portion of the Building without Landlord’s prior written approval, which may be given on such conditions as Landlord may elect. All such work shall be done by Landlord or by licensed contractors and/or workmen.
 
23.    Tenant shall adhere to and shall comply with all of the terms, conditions and restrictions of the for the Rural Plains Community of record in the Register’s Office of Williamson County, Tennessee, as may be amended from time to time.

24.    No smoking is permitted within the Development.


 

38

EXHIBIT 21.1

Payment Data Systems, Inc.

Subsidiaries of the Registrant



Subsidiary Legal Name                    Jurisdiction of Incorporation


FiCentive, Inc.                             Nevada


ZBILL, Inc.                                Nevada


Payment Recovery Systems, Inc.                    Nevada


Singular Payments, LLC                        Florida


Exhibit 23.1
 
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements on Form S-8 (No. 333-206521 and No. 333-221184) of our report dated March 30, 2018, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Payment Data Systems, Inc. included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2017.
 
We further consent to our designation as an expert in accounting and auditing.
 
/s/ Akin, Doherty, Klein & Feuge, P.C.
AKIN, DOHERTY, KLEIN & FEUGE, P.C.
San Antonio, Texas
March 30, 2018




EXHIBIT 31.1
 
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
(18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350)
 
I, Louis A. Hoch, certify that:
 
1.
I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Payment Data Systems, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2017;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
As the registrant’s certifying officer, I am responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under my supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to me by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under my supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report my conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. As the registrant’s certifying officer, I have disclosed, based on my most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: March 30, 2018
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Louis A. Hoch
Louis A. Hoch
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer) 




EXHIBIT 31.2
 
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
(18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350)
 
I, Tom Jewell, certify that:
 
1.
I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Payment Data Systems, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2017;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
As the registrant’s certifying officer, I am responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under my supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to me by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under my supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report my conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
As the registrant’s certifying officer, I have disclosed, based on my most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: March 30, 2018
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Tom Jewell
Tom Jewell
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)





EXHIBIT 32.1
 
 
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
(18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350)
 
Pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of section 1350, chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code), the undersigned officers of Payment Data Systems, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), do hereby certify, to such officer’s knowledge, that:
 
The Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (the “Form 10-K”) of the Company fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the information contained in the Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 
Date: March 30, 2018
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Louis A. Hoch
Louis A. Hoch
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
Date: March 30, 2018
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Tom Jewell
Tom Jewell
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)