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| AMTC > SEC Filings for AMTC > Form 10-Q on 19-Nov-2008 | All Recent SEC Filings |
19-Nov-2008
Quarterly Report
The information contained in this section should be read in conjunction with the consolidated Financial Statements and Notes therewith appearing in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q and in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2008, filed with the Commission by the Company on September 29, 2008 and which is available on the Company's web site at www.ameritranscapital.com.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Change in Financial Statement Presentation
Effective for the year ended June 30, 2008, and the quarter ended September 30, 2008, the Company has revised its financial statements to be presented in accordance with Article 6 of Regulation S-X as an investment company. Due to the revised format, the Company made certain reclassifications of amounts previously reported in its prior quarterly statements in order to conform to the current year presentation. Although the reclassifications resulted in changes to certain line items in the previously filed financial statements, the overall effect of the reclassifications noted below did not impact total stockholder's equity (or net assets available). Below are the primary items affected by the reclassifications made:
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Unrealized gains/losses previously reported as part of "other comprehensive income (loss), net" were reclassified to "net unrealized gains (losses) on investments" in the statement of operations. The effect of such reclassifications also changed previously reported amounts available to common shareholders.
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Gains and losses on sales of investments previously reported as part of "total investment income, net" in the statement of operations were reclassified to "net realized gains (losses) on investments."
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Write-off and depreciation on interest and loans receivable, net previously reported as part of "total operating expenses" in the statement of operations were reclassified to "net unrealized gains (losses) on investments" and "net realized gains (losses) on investments."
The change in format also resulted in the statement of stockholders' equity essentially being replaced with the statement of changes in net assets available, which is now presented. In addition, the schedule of investments has been expanded and certain other disclosures were added, such as the "financial highlights." We believe the changes noted above conform to the filing format for the Company, as a BDC, and will provide a meaningful representation of the Company's operations going forward.
Investment Valuations
The Company's loans receivable, net of participations and any unearned discount are considered investment securities under the 1940 Act and are recorded at fair value. As part of fair value methodology, loans are valued at cost adjusted for any unrealized appreciation (depreciation). Since no ready market exists for these loans, the fair value is determined in good faith by management, and approved by the Board of Directors. In determining the fair value, the Company and Board of Directors consider factors such as the financial condition of borrower, the adequacy of the collateral, individual credit risks, historical loss experience, and the relationships between current and projected market rates and portfolio rates of interest and maturities. Foreclosed properties, which represent collateral received from defaulted borrowers, are valued similarly.
Loans are considered "non-performing" once they become 90 days past due as to principal or interest. The value of past due loans are periodically determined in good faith by management, and if, in the judgment of management, the amount is not collectible and the fair value of the collateral is less than the amount due, the value of the loan will be reduced to fair value .
Equity investments (common stock and stock warrants, including certain controlled subsidiary portfolio investments) and investment securities are recorded at fair value.
The Company records the investment in life insurance policies at fair value, represented as cost, plus or minus unrealized appreciation or depreciation. The fair value of the investment in life settlement contracts have no ready market and are determined in good faith by management, and approved by the Board of Directors, based on secondary market conditions, policy characteristics and actuarial life expectancy, including health evaluations.
Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuations, the Company's estimates of the values of the investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market for the investments existed, and the differences could be material.
Effective July 1, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS 157, which expands the application of fair value accounting for investments.
Assets Acquired in Satisfaction of Loans
Assets acquired in satisfaction of loans are carried at the lower of the net value of the related foreclosed loan or the estimated fair value less cost of disposal. Losses incurred at the time of foreclosure are charged to the unrealized depreciation on loans receivable. Subsequent reductions in estimated net realizable value are charged to operations as losses on assets acquired in satisfaction of loans.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make extensive use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of 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. Estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change relate to the determination of the fair value of the Company's investments.
Income Recognition
Interest income, including interest on loans in default, is recorded on an accrual basis and in accordance with loan terms to the extent such amounts are expected to be collected. The Company recognizes interest income on loans classified as non-performing only to the extent that the fair market value of the related collateral exceeds the specific loan balance. Loans that are not fully collateralized and in the process of collection are placed on nonaccrual status when, in the judgment of management, the collectability of interest and principal is doubtful.
Contingencies
The Company is subject to legal proceedings in the course of its daily operations from enforcement of its rights in disputes pursuant to the terms of various contractual arrangements. In this connection, the Company assesses the likelihood of any adverse judgment or outcome to these matters as well as a potential range of probable losses. A determination of the amount of reserve required, if any, for these contingencies is made after careful analysis of each individual issue. The required reserves may change in the future due to new developments in each matter or changes in approach, such as a change in settlement strategy in dealing with these matters.
General
Ameritrans acquired Elk on December 16, 1999. Elk is an SBIC that has been operating since 1980, making loans to (and, to a limited extent, investments in) small businesses, who qualify under SBA Regulations. Most of Elk's business historically consisted of originating and servicing loans collateralized by New York City, Boston, Chicago and Miami taxi medallions, but Elk also makes loans to and investments in other diversified businesses. Historically, Elk's earnings derived primarily from net interest income, which is the difference between interest earned on interest-earning assets (consisting of business loans), and the interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities (consisting of indebtedness to Elk's banks and subordinated debentures issued to the SBA). Net interest income is a function of the net interest rate spread, which is the difference between the average yield earned on interest-earning assets and the average interest rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities, as well as the average balance of interest-earning assets as compared to interest-bearing liabilities. Unrealized depreciation on loans and investments is recorded when Elk adjusts the value of a loan to reflect management's estimate of the fair value, as approved by the Board of Directors.
Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 and 2007
Total Investment Income
The Company's investment income for the three months ended September 30, 2008 decreased $181,957, or 11%, to $1,459,461 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2007. The decrease in investment income between the periods can be attributed to lower interest rates charged on the total loan portfolio for the quarter, and an overall decrease in the size of the Company's loan receivable portfolio.
Fees and other income decreased by $16,294 for the three months ended September 30, 2008, or 16% to $80,549 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2007.
Medallion loans outstanding decreased by $3,607,544 or approximately 11.6%, to $27,423,546 as compared with the three months ended September 30, 2007. The interest rate earned on medallion loans decreased in 2008 as compared with the prior year, which coupled with the decline in portfolio size, lead to a decrease in medallion income of $486,509.
Commercial Loans decreased by $5,365,039, or 29%, to $13,085,335, as compared with the three months ended September 30, 2007. This decrease in Commercial Loans outstanding was partially offset by stronger performance in the remaining portfolio, interest rate floors and collection of past due interest.
Corporate Loans outstanding increased by $7,557,004, or 126%, to $13,532,004, as compared with the three months ended September 30, 2007. The interest rate earned on Corporate Loans decreased in 2008, as compared with the prior year, primarily due to decreases in LIBOR. This LIBOR decrease was partially offset by higher rates earned on loans originated in this fiscal year, the use of LIBOR "floors" in loan agreements, and further offset by increases in rates on existing loans due to covenant resets.
Life settlement contracts outstanding increased by $781,180, or 36%, as compared with the three months ended September 30, 2007. The interest rate on these contracts was constant over the two periods, resulting in an increase in interest income as compared with the three months ended September 30, 2007.
Operating Expenses
Interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2008 decreased $142,782, or 23%, to $487,279 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2007. This decrease was primarily due to the decrease in LIBOR when compared with the three months ended September 30, 2007.
Salaries and employee benefits for the three months ended September 30, 2008
increased $58,835 or approximately 13.8% when compared with the prior year.
This increase reflects the costs associated with the hiring of a new employee
during the year ended June 30, 2008, as well as general increases due under
various employment agreements.
Occupancy costs for the three months ended September 30, 2008 increased $5,017 or approximately 7.1%, when compared with three months ended September 30, 2007 due to general rent increases and as well as increased general overhead expenses.
Professional fees for the three months ended September 30, 2008 increased $232,778 or approximately 115.1% when compared with the prior year. This increase is due primarily to an increase in legal, accounting fees and internal control consulting fees due to non-recurring expenses relating to Sarbanes Oxley compliance and changes in financial statement presentation. Miscellaneous administrative expenses increased $86,553 or 45.1% when compared with the prior year.
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations and Net and Unrealized Realized Gains (Losses)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations decreased to $(478,606) for the three months ended September 30, 2008 from $3,917 for the three months ended September 30, 2007. The decrease in net assets from operations between the periods was attributable primarily to decreases in interest income and increased operating expenses discussed above. The decrease in assets from operation was significantly impacted by a reduction in the fair value of the Company's taxi medallion portfolio due to modifications in the Loan Purchase Agreement. A one time gain of $8,315 was recorded in the quarter for the sale of an equity investment. Dividends for Participating Preferred Stock were unchanged at $84,375 for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007.
Financial Condition at September 30, 2008 and June 30, 2008
Balance Sheet
Total assets decreased $497,457 to $61,484,011 at September 30, 2008 as compared to June 30, 2008 total assets of $61,981,468. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in investments of $1,376,674 partially offset by an increase in cash and equivalents of $833,145, and an increase in investment in life settlement contracts of $68,838. Total liabilities increased during the quarter by $57,703 primarily due to borrowings against outstanding bank credit lines of $2,150,000 versus $1,720,000 in repayments on these credit lines. This resulted in a net increase of $430,000 in short-term bank borrowings.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company has funded its operations through private and public placements of its securities, bank financing, the issuance to the SBA of its subordinated debentures and internally generated funds.
At September 30, 2008, approximately 70% of Elk's indebtedness was represented by indebtedness to its banks and other lenders with variable rates ranging from 3.9% to 4.5%, whereas approximately 30% of the Company's indebtedness was due to debentures issued to the SBA with fixed rates of interest plus user fees resulting in rates ranging from 4.99% to 5.54%. At September 30, 2008, the Company had available $40,000,000 of credit lines from its banks, of which $11,474,303 was available to draw down as of that date, subject to limitations imposed by its borrowing base agreement with its banks and the SBA, the statutory and regulatory limitations imposed by the SBA and the availability of funds.
On October 29, 2008, as a result of the sale of the taxi medallion loan
portfolio, the Company paid its banks all sums due that were outstanding on that
date. On October 30, 2008, the Company renegotiated reduced lines of credit
with its banks in the aggregate amount of $2,000,000, for a period of ninety
(90) days from October 30, 2008 and in the aggregate amount of $1,000,000 for
one additional ninety (90) day period thereafter, at which time all sums due
under the credit lines must be paid in full. It is not presently contemplated
that the Company will request to continue any lines of credit thereafter with
its existing banks. As a result of the renegotiation of the lines of credit to
an aggregate amount of $2,000,000 commencing October 30, 2008, the Company is in
the process of documenting those lines at the present time and certain terms of
one of the lines is still under negotiation and discussion.
In September 2006, the Company invested in life settlement contracts which
require the company to continue premium payments to keep the policies in force
through the insured's life expectancy, or until such time the policies are sold.
The Company may sell the policies at any time, at its sole discretion.
However, if the Company chooses to keep the policies, as of and after September
30, 2008, premium payments due through the life expectancy of the insured are
approximately $5,225,000 over the next five years and $5,400,000 thereafter.
Loan amortization and prepayments also provide a source of funding for the Company. Prepayments on loans are influenced significantly by general interest rates, economic conditions and competition.
The Company will distribute at least 90% of its investment company taxable income and, accordingly, will continue to rely upon external sources of funds to finance growth. To provide the funds necessary for expansion, management expects to raise additional capital and to incur, from time to time, additional bank indebtedness and (if deemed necessary) to obtain SBA loans. There can be no assurances that such additional financing will be available on acceptable terms.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In October 2008, the FASB issued Staff Position No. 157-3 - Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset is Not Active, or FSP 157-3. FSP 157-3 provides an illustrative example of how to determine the fair value of a financial asset in an inactive market. FSP 157-3 does not change the fair value measurement principles set forth in SFAS 157 (see Note 2 for a description of SFAS 157). Since adopting SFAS 157 in July 2008, our process for determining the fair value of our investments has been, and continues to be, consistent with the guidance provided in the example in FSP 157-3. As a result, the adoption of FSP 157-3 did not affect our process for determining the fair value of our investments and does not have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, "Disclosures about Derivative and
Hedging Activities-an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133." SFAS 161 requires
enhanced disclosures on derivative and hedging activities. These enhanced
disclosures will discuss (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments,
(b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under
Statement 133 and its related interpretations, and (c) how derivative
instruments and related hedged items affect an entity's financial position,
financial performance, and cash flows. SFAS 161 is effective for fiscal years
beginning on or after November 15, 2008, with earlier adoption encouraged. The
Company does not anticipate a material impact, if any, to the Company's
financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, "Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements-an amendment of ARB No. 51" ("SFAS 160"), which establishes accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary by clarifying that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as a component of equity. It requires that changes in a parent's ownership interest while the parent retains its controlling interest be accounted for as equity transactions and any retained noncontrolling equity investment upon the deconsolidation of a subsidiary be initially measured at fair value. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008 and shall be applied prospectively, except for the presentation and disclosure requirements which shall be applied retrospectively. We do not believe that this pronouncement will have an impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141R (revised 2007), "Business Combinations" ("SFAS 141R") which supersedes SFAS No. 141 and establishes principles and requirements on how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date fair value, as well as the recognition and measurement of goodwill acquired in a business combination. SFAS No. 141R also requires certain disclosures to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. Acquisition costs associated with the business combination will generally be expensed as incurred. SFAS No. 141R is effective prospectively to business combinations in fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. We do not believe that this pronouncement will have an impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
ITEM 3.
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