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MEDALLION FINANCIAL CORP - Quarter Report: 2006 March (Form 10-Q)

For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2006
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 


FORM 10-Q

 


(Mark One)

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2006

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from            to            

Commission file number 0-27812

 


MEDALLION FINANCIAL CORP.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

DELAWARE   04-3291176
(State of Incorporation)   (IRS Employer Identification No.)
437 MADISON AVENUE, 38th Floor, NEW YORK, NEW YORK   10022
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(212) 328-2100

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 


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.    YES  x    NO  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (check one):

Large Accelerated Filer    ¨    Accelerated Filer  x    Non Accelerated Filer  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act)    YES  ¨    NO  x

The number of outstanding shares of registrant’s Common Stock, par value $0.01, as of May 10, 2006 was 17,270,415.

 



Table of Contents

MEDALLION FINANCIAL CORP.

FORM 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

   3

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

   3

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

   17

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

   34

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

   34

PART II- OTHER INFORMATION

   35

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

   35

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

   35

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

   41

SIGNATURES

   42

CERTIFICATIONS

  

 

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Table of Contents

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

BASIS OF PREPARATION

Medallion Financial Corp. (the Company) is a closed-end management investment company organized as a Delaware corporation. The Company has elected to be regulated as a Business Development Company (BDC) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act). The Company is a specialty finance company that has a leading position in originating and servicing loans that finance taxicab medallions, and various types of commercial businesses, and in originating consumer loans for the purchase of recreational vehicles, boats, and horse trailers. Since 1996, the year in which the Company became a public company, it has increased its medallion loan portfolio at a compound annual growth rate of 15%, and its commercial loan portfolio at a compound annual growth rate of 15%. Total assets under management, which includes assets serviced for third party investors, were approximately $843,503,000 at March 31, 2006, and have grown at a compound annual growth rate of 16% from $215,000,000 at the end of 1996.

The Company conducts its business through various wholly-owned subsidiaries including its primary taxicab medallion lending company, Medallion Funding Corp. (MFC). The Company also currently conducts business through Medallion Business Credit, LLC (MBC), an originator of loans to small businesses for the purpose of financing inventory and receivables; Medallion Capital, Inc. (MCI), which conducts a mezzanine financing business; Freshstart Venture Capital Corp. (FSVC), a Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) which originates and services taxicab medallion and commercial loans; and Medallion Bank (MB), a bank regulated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Utah Department of Financial Institutions to originate taxicab medallion, commercial, and consumer loans; to raise deposits; and to conduct other banking activities. MFC, MCI, and FSVC operate as SBICs and are regulated and financed in part by the SBA. Until October 2005, the Company also conducted business through Business Lenders, LLC (BLL), licensed under the US Small Business Administration (SBA) Section 7(a) program. On October 17, 2005, the Company completed the sale of the loan portfolio and related assets of BLL. In connection with this transaction, the Company sold assets in the amount of $22,799,000, less liabilities assumed by the buyer in the amount of $2,327,000. The assets were sold at book value, and therefore no gain or loss, excluding transaction costs, was recognized as a result of this transaction. For the 2005 first quarter, BLL generated net decrease in net assets resulting from operations of $112,000, and BLL’s net investment loss after taxes was $142,000.

The financial information is divided into two sections. The first section, Item 1, includes the unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company including related footnotes. The second section, Item 2, consists of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2006.

The consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of March 31, 2006, the related consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, and the consolidated statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 included in Item 1 have been prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, which are of a normal and recurring nature, necessary to summarize fairly the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, or for any other interim period, may not be indicative of future performance. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005.

 

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MEDALLION FINANCIAL CORP.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(UNAUDITED)

 

     Three months ended March 31,  
     2006     2005  

Interest income on investments

   $ 15,724,164     $ 12,518,037  

Dividends and interest income on short-term investments

     603,030       335,722  

Medallion lease income

     120,000       112,500  
                

Total investment income

     16,447,194       12,966,259  
                

Interest on floating rate borrowings

     4,147,437       2,904,702  

Interest on fixed rate borrowings

     3,281,293       2,316,634  
                

Total interest expense

     7,428,730       5,221,336  
                

Net interest income

     9,018,464       7,744,923  
                

Gain on sales of loans

     —         239,520  

Other income

     399,917       673,238  
                

Total noninterest income

     399,917       912,758  
                

Salaries and benefits

     2,439,233       2,964,013  

Professional fees

     610,783       505,257  

Other operating expenses

     1,600,488       1,871,723  
                

Total operating expenses

     4,650,504       5,340,993  
                

Net investment income before income taxes

     4,767,877       3,316,688  

Income tax provision

     1,001,571       556,661  
                

Net investment income after income taxes

     3,766,306       2,760,027  
                

Net realized gains (losses) on investments

     (2,241,423 )     2,047,887  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     261,287       (2,572,235 )
                

Net realized/unrealized loss on investments

     (1,980,136 )     (524,348 )
                

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

     1,786,170     $ 2,235,679  
                

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations per common share

    

Basic

   $ 0.10     $ 0.13  

Diluted

     0.10       0.13  
                

Dividends declared per share

   $ 0.16     $ 0.12  
                

Weighted average common shares outstanding

    

Basic

     17,211,707       17,135,682  

Diluted

     17,722,064       17,605,676  

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

 

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MEDALLION FINANCIAL CORP.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(UNAUDITED)

 

     March 31, 2006     December 31, 2005  

Assets

    

Medallion loans, at fair value

   $ 497,763,372     $ 449,672,510  

Commercial loans, at fair value

     146,998,855       145,796,651  

Consumer loans, at fair value

     90,290,515       85,678,412  

Equity investments, at fair value

     23,610,251       24,012,508  

Investment securities, at fair value

     18,790,633       18,092,838  
                

Net investments ($417,225,000) at March 31, 2006 and $380,267,000 at December 31, 2005 pledged as collateral under borrowing arrangements)

     777,453,626       723,252,919  

Cash ($582,000 at March 31, 2006 and $574,000 at December 31, 2005 restricted as to use by lender)

     32,865,475       43,035,506  

Accrued interest receivable

     3,299,740       3,580,460  

Fixed assets, net

     632,652       614,858  

Goodwill, net

     5,007,583       5,007,583  

Other assets, net

     17,006,832       17,481,876  
                

Total assets

   $ 836,265,908     $ 792,973,202  
                

Liabilities

    

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

   $ 3,703,482     $ 4,837,461  

Accrued interest payable

     925,982       1,759,737  

Floating rate borrowings

     370,885,658       323,664,951  

Fixed rate borrowings

     294,721,694       296,357,214  
                

Total liabilities

     670,236,816       626,619,363  
                

Shareholders’ equity

    

Preferred Stock (1,000,000 shares of $0.01 par value stock authorized - none outstanding)

     —         —    

Common stock (50,000,000 shares of $0.01 par value stock authorized – 18,638,766 shares at March 31, 2006 and 18,546,648 shares at December 31, 2005 issued)

     186,182       185,271  

Treasury stock at cost (1,373,351 shares at March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005)

     (12,611,113 )     (12,611,113 )

Capital in excess of par value

     175,731,009       175,259,730  

Accumulated net investment income

     2,723,014       3,519,951  
                

Total shareholders’ equity

     166,029,092       166,353,839  
                

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 836,265,908     $ 792,973,202  
                

Number of common shares outstanding

     17,265,415       17,173,297  

Net asset value per share

   $ 9.62     $ 9.69  

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

 

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MEDALLION FINANCIAL CORP.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

 

     Three Months ended March 31,  
     2006     2005  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

    

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

   $ 1,786,170     $ 2,235,679  

Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets resulting from operations to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     117,719       127,268  

Amortization of origination costs

     164,908       613,704  

Increase in net unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on investments

     (261,287 )     2,572,235  

Net realized (gains) losses on investments

     2,241,423       (2,047,887 )

Gains on sales of loans

     —         (239,520 )

Decrease in accrued interest receivable

     280,720       (166,587 )

Decrease in servicing fee receivable

     —         37,862  

Decrease in other assets, net

     1,318,112       1,350,349  

Decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses

     (1,133,978 )     (1,580,538 )

Decrease in accrued interest payable

     (833,755 )     (1,177,237 )
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     3,680,032       1,725,328  
                

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

    

Investments originated

     (65,519,983 )     (77,643,695 )

Proceeds from principal receipts, sales, and maturities of investments

     44,175,084       43,770,825  

Banco portfolio acquisition

     (35,703,391 )     —    

Capital expenditures

     (135,513 )     (146,398 )
                

Net cash used for investing activities

     (57,183,803 )     (34,019,268 )
                

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

    

Proceeds from floating rate borrowings

     56,322,250       39,012,565  

Repayments of floating rate borrowings

     (9,101,543 )     (16,799,287 )

Proceeds from fixed rate borrowings

     57,486,000       18,480,000  

Repayments of fixed rate borrowings

     (59,121,520 )     (9,797,164 )

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

     466,665       3,715  

Payments of declared dividends

     (2,583,112 )     (1,869,226 )

Purchase of treasury stock at cost

     —         (3,608,732 )

Commitment fees on SBA leverage

     (135,000 )     —    
                

Net cash provided by financing activities

     43,333,740       25,421,871  
                

NET DECREASE IN CASH

     (10,170,031 )     (6,872,069 )

CASH, beginning of year

     43,035,506       37,267,122  
                

CASH, end of period

   $ 32,865,475     $ 30,395,053  
                

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

    

Cash paid during the period for interest

   $ 7,972,739     $ 5,917,572  

Cash paid during the period for income taxes

     732,009       65,944  

Non-cash investing activities-net transfers to other assets

     800,973       2,621,657  

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

 

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MEDALLION FINANCIAL CORP.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2006

(1) ORGANIZATION OF MEDALLION FINANCIAL CORP. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

Medallion Financial Corp. (the Company) is a closed-end management investment company organized as a Delaware corporation. The Company has elected to be regulated as a Business Development Company (BDC) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act). The Company conducts its business through various wholly-owned subsidiaries including its primary operating company, Medallion Funding Corp. (MFC), a Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) which originates and services taxicab medallion and commercial loans.

The Company also conducts business through Medallion Business Credit, LLC (MBC), an originator of loans to small businesses for the purpose of financing inventory and receivables; Medallion Capital, Inc. (MCI), an SBIC which conducts a mezzanine financing business; Freshstart Venture Capital Corp. (FSVC), an SBIC which originates and services taxicab medallion and commercial loans; and Medallion Bank (MB), a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insured industrial bank that primarily originates medallion loans, commercial loans, and consumer loans, raises deposits, and conducts other banking activities. MFC, MCI, and FSVC, as SBICs, are regulated and financed in part by the SBA. Until October 2005, the Company also conducted business through Business Lenders, LLC (BLL), licensed under the Small Business Administration (SBA) Section 7(a) program. On October 17, 2005, the Company completed the sale of the loan portfolio and related assets of BLL. In connection with this transaction, the Company sold assets in the amount of $22,799,000, less liabilities assumed by the buyer in the amount of $2,327,000. The assets were sold at book value, and therefore no gain or loss, excluding transaction costs, was recognized as a result of this transaction. For 2005, BLL generated net decease in net assets resulting from operations of $112,000, and BLL’s net investment loss after taxes was $142,000.

MB was capitalized on December 16, 2003, with $22,000,000 from the Company. On December 22, 2003, upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth in the FDIC’s order of October 2, 2003 approving MB’s application for federal deposit insurance, the FDIC certified that the deposits of each depositor in MB were insured to the maximum amount provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and MB opened for business. MB is subject to competition from other financial institutions and to the regulations of certain federal and state agencies, and undergoes examinations by those agencies.

MB is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and was initially formed for the primary purpose of originating commercial loans in three categories: 1) loans to finance the purchase of taxicab medallions (licenses), 2) asset-based commercial loans and 3) SBA 7(a) loans. The loans are marketed and serviced by MB’s affiliates who have extensive prior experience in these asset groups. The Company sold substantially all of the Section 7(a) loans in its portfolio in connection with the sale of the assets of BLL to a subsidiary of Merrill Lynch in October 2005. Additionally, MB began issuing brokered certificates of deposit in January 2004, and purchased over $84,150,000 of taxicab medallion and asset-based loans from affiliates of the Company. Additionally, on April 1, 2004, MB purchased a consumer loan portfolio with a principal amount of $84,875,000, net of $4,244,000, or 5.0%, of unrealized depreciation, from an unrelated financial institution for consideration of $86,309,000. The purchase was funded with $7,700,000 of additional capital contributed by the Company and with deposits raised by MB. The purchase included a premium of approximately $5,678,000 to the book value of assets acquired, which is amortized to interest income over the expected life of the acquired loans, and which is carried in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.

In June 2003, MFC established several wholly-owned subsidiaries which, along with an existing subsidiary (together, Medallion Chicago), purchased certain City of Chicago taxicab medallions which are leased to fleet operators while being held for long-term appreciation in value.

In September 2002, MFC established a wholly-owned subsidiary, Taxi Medallion Loan Trust I (Trust), for the purpose of owning medallion loans originated by MFC or others. The Trust is a separate legal and corporate entity with its own creditors who, in any liquidation of the Trust, will be entitled to be satisfied out of the Trust’s assets prior to any value in the Trust becoming available to the Trust’s equity holders. The assets of the Trust, aggregating $384,012,000 at March 31, 2006 and $344,594,000 at December 31, 2005, are not available to pay obligations of its affiliates or any other party, and the assets of affiliates or any other party are not available to pay obligations of the Trust. The Trust’s loans are serviced by MFC.

 

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(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Use of Estimates

The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform with accounting principles generally accepted in the US and general practices in the investment company industry. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the US requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reporting and disclosure of assets and liabilities, including those that are of a contingent nature, at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Such estimates are subject to change over time, and actual results could differ from those estimates. The determination of fair value of the Company’s investments is subject to significant change within one year.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions, balances, and profits have been eliminated in consolidation.

Investment Valuation

The Company’s loans, net of participations and any unearned discount, are considered investments under the 1940 Act and are recorded at fair value. As part of the 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 the 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. The Company’s consumer portfolio purchase was net of unrealized depreciation of $4,244,000, or 5.0% of the balances outstanding, and included a purchase premium of approximately $5,678,000. Adjustments to the fair value of this portfolio are based on the historical loan loss data obtained from the seller, adjusted for changes in delinquency trends and other factors as described above.

Equity investments (common stock and stock warrants) and investment securities (mortgage backed bonds), representing 3% and 2%, respectively, of the investment portfolio, are recorded at fair value, represented as cost, plus or minus unrealized appreciation or depreciation, respectively. The fair value of investments that have no ready market are determined in good faith by management, and approved by the Board of Directors, based upon assets and revenues of the underlying investee companies as well as general market trends for businesses in the same industry. Included in equity investments at March 31, 2006 are marketable and non-marketable securities of $21,635,000 and $1,975,000, respectively. At December 31, 2005, the respective balances were $23,032,000 and $981,000, respectively. Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuations, management’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.

A majority of the Company’s investments consist of long-term loans to persons defined by SBA regulations as socially or economically disadvantaged, or to entities that are at least 50% owned by such persons. Approximately 64% and 62% of the Company’s investment portfolio at March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively, had arisen in connection with the financing of taxicab medallions, taxicabs, and related assets, of which 80% and 78% were in New York City at March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005. These loans are secured by the medallions, taxicabs, and related assets, and are personally guaranteed by the borrowers, or in the case of corporations, are generally guaranteed personally by the owners. A portion of the Company’s portfolio (19% at both March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005) represents loans to various commercial enterprises, in a variety of industries, including wholesaling, food services, financing, broadcasting, communications, real estate, and lodging. These loans are made primarily in the metropolitan New York City area, and historically included loans guaranteed by the SBA under its Section 7(a) program, less the sale of the guaranteed portion of those loans. The Company sold substantially all of the Section 7(a) loans in its portfolio in connection with the sale of the assets of BLL to a subsidiary of Merrill Lynch in October 2005. Approximately 12% of the Company’s portfolio consists of consumer loans in all 50 states collateralized by recreational vehicles, boats, and trailers at both March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005.

 

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Investment Transactions and Income Recognition

Loan origination fees and certain direct origination costs are deferred and recognized as an adjustment to the yield of the related loans. At March 31, 2006, December 31, 2005, and March 31, 2005 net origination costs totaled approximately $3,418,000, $2,634,000, and $1,800,000. Amortization expense for the quarters ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 was $165,000 and $614,000.

Investment securities are purchased from time-to-time in the open market at prices that are greater or lesser than the par value of the investment. The resulting premium or discount is deferred and recognized as an adjustment to the yield of the related investment. At March 31, 2006, December 31, 2005, and March 31, 2005, the net premium on investment securities totaled $421,000, $463,000, and $651,000, and amortization expense for the 2006 and 2005 first quarters was $38,000 and $30,000.

Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Taxicab medallion and commercial loans are placed on nonaccrual status, and all uncollected accrued interest is reversed, when there is doubt as to the collectibility of interest or principal, or if loans are 90 days or more past due, unless management has determined that they are both well-secured and in the process of collection. Interest income on nonaccrual loans is generally recognized when cash is received, unless a determination has been made to apply all cash receipts to principal. At March 31, 2006, December 31, 2005, and March 31, 2005, total non-accrual loans were approximately $18,652,000, $22,641,000, and $28,139,000, and represented 3%, 4%, and 4% of the gross medallion and commercial loan portfolio, respectively. The amount of interest income on nonaccrual loans that would have been recognized if the loans had been paying in accordance with their original terms was approximately $6,158,000, $6,744,000, and $6,273,000 as of March 31, 2006, December 31, 2005, and March 31, 2005, of which $659,000 and $853,000 would have been recognized in the quarters ended March 31, 2006 and 2005.

The consumer portfolio has different characteristics compared to commercial loans, typified by a larger number of lower dollar loans that have similar characteristics. As a result, these loans are not typically placed on nonaccrual, but are charged off in their entirety when deemed uncollectible, or when they become 120 days past due, whichever occurs first, at which time appropriate collection and recovery efforts against both the borrower and the underlying collateral are initiated. In the 2006 first quarter, $399,00 of consumer loans in bankruptcy, representing less than 1% of consumer loans, were placed on nonaccrual. The amount of interest income on nonaccrual loans that would have been recognized if the loans had been paying in accordance with their original terms was approximately $66,000 as of March 31, 2006, of which $30,000 would have been recognized in the quarter ended March 31, 2006.

Loan Sales and Servicing Fee Receivable

The Company accounts for its sales of loans in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities - a Replacement of FASB Statement No. 125” (SFAS 140). SFAS 140 provides accounting and reporting standards for transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishments of liabilities. The principal portion of loans serviced for others by the Company was approximately $7,237,000, $9,133,000, and $109,875,000 at March 31, 2006, December 31, 2005, and March 31, 2005.

Gain or losses on loan sales were primarily attributable to the sale of commercial loans which had been at least partially guaranteed by the SBA, and was conducted by the Company’s BLL subsidiary. The Company sold all of the SBA Section 7(a) loans in its portfolio in connection with the sale of the assets of BLL to a subsidiary of Merrill Lynch in October 2005. The Company recognized gains or losses from the sale of the SBA-guaranteed portion of a loan at the date of the sales agreement when control of the future economic benefits embodied in the loan was surrendered. The gains were calculated in accordance with SFAS 140, which required that the gain on the sale of a portion of a loan be based on the relative fair values of the loan portion sold and the loan portion retained. The gain on loan sales was due to the differential between the carrying amount of the portion of loans sold and the sum of the cash received and the servicing fee receivable. The servicing fee receivable represented the present value of the difference between the servicing fee received by the Company (generally 100 to 400 basis points) and the Company’s servicing costs and normal profit, after considering the estimated effects of prepayments and defaults over the life of the servicing agreement. In connection with calculating the servicing fee receivable, the Company made certain assumptions including the cost of servicing a loan including a normal profit, the estimated life of the underlying loan that would be serviced, and the discount rate used in the present value calculation. The Company considered 40 basis points to be its cost plus a normal profit and used the note rate plus 100 basis points for loans with an original maturity of ten years or less, and the note rate plus 200 basis points for loans with an original maturity of greater than ten years as the discount rate. The note rate was generally the prime rate plus 2.75%.

The servicing fee receivable was amortized as a charge to loan servicing fee income over the estimated lives of the underlying loans using the effective interest rate method. The Company reviewed the carrying amount of the servicing fee receivable for possible impairment by stratifying the receivables based on one or more of the predominant risk characteristics of the underlying financial assets. The Company stratified its servicing fee receivable into pools, generally by the year of creation, and within those pools, by the term of the loan underlying the servicing fee receivable. If the

 

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estimated present value of the future servicing income was less than the carrying amount, the Company established an impairment reserve and adjusted future amortization accordingly. If the fair value exceeded the carrying value, the Company may have reduced future amortization. The servicing fee receivable was carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value.

The estimated net servicing income was based, in part, on management’s estimate of prepayment speeds, including default rates, and accordingly, there was no assurance of the accuracy of these estimates. If the prepayment speeds occurred at a faster rate than anticipated, the amortization of the servicing asset would have been accelerated and its value would have declined; and as a result, servicing income during that and subsequent periods would have declined. If prepayments occurred slower than anticipated, cash flows would have exceeded estimated amounts and servicing income would have increased. The constant prepayment rates utilized by the Company in estimating the lives of the loans depended on the original term of the loan, industry trends, and the Company’s historical data on prepayments and delinquencies, and ranged from 15% to 35%. The Company evaluated the temporary impairment to determine if any such temporary impairment would be considered to be permanent in nature. The prepayment rate of loans may have been affected by a variety of economic and other factors, including prevailing interest rates and the availability of alternative financing to borrowers.

The activity in the reserve for servicing fee receivable follows:

 

     Three months ended March 31,  
     2006    2005  

Beginning Balance

   $ —      $ 1,036,500  

Reductions charged to operations

     —        (38,500 )
               

Ending Balance

   $ —      $ 998,000  
               

The Company also had the option to sell the unguaranteed portions of loans to third party investors. The gain or loss on such sales was calculated in accordance with SFAS No. 140. The Company had no sales of unguaranteed portions of loans to third parties for the quarters ended March 31, 2006 and 2005. The Company sold substantially all of the Section 7(a) loans in its portfolio in connection with the sale of the assets of BLL to a subsidiary of Merrill Lynch in October 2005.

Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) and Realized Gains (Losses) on Investments

The change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments is the amount by which the fair value estimated by the Company is greater (less) than the carrying amount of the investment portfolio. Realized gains or losses on investments are generated through sales of investments, foreclosure on specific collateral, and writeoffs of loans or assets acquired in satisfaction of loans, net of recoveries. Unrealized depreciation on net investments (which excludes foreclosed properties) was $12,093,000, $12,536,000, and $10,922,000 as of March 31, 2006, December 31, 2005, and March 31, 2005, respectively.

 

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The following table sets forth the changes in the Company’s unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on net investments during the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005.

 

     Loans     Equity
Investments
    Total  

Balance December 31, 2004 (1)

   $ (11,897,572 )   $ 636,139     $ (11,261,433 )

Increase in unrealized

      

Appreciation on investments

     —         714,744       714,744  

Depreciation on investments (2)

     (1,263,442 )     —         (1,263,442 )

Reversal of unrealized appreciation (depreciation) related to realized

      

Losses on investments

     887,795       —         887,795  
                        

Balance March 31, 2005 (1)

   $ (12,273,219 )   $ 1,350,883     $ (10,922,336 )
                        
     Loans     Equity
Investments
    Total  

Balance December 31, 2005 (1)

   $ (12,921,428 )   $ 385,635     $ (12,535,793 )

Increase in unrealized

      

Depreciation on investments (2)

     (858,150 )     (1,012,281 )     (1,870,431 )

Reversal of unrealized appreciation (depreciation) related to realized

      

Gains on investments

     —         (64,500 )     (64,500 )

Losses on investments

     2,377,489       —         2,377,489  
                        

Balance March 31, 2006 (1)

   $ (11,402,089 )   $ ( 691,146 )   $ (12,093,235 )
                        

(1) Excludes unrealized depreciation of $1,369,750, $1,396,750, $747,281, and $512,281 on foreclosed properties at March 31, 2006, December 31, 2005, March 31, 2005, and December 31, 2004, respectively.
(2) Includes $44,239 and $45,847 of depreciation on investment securities in the quarters ended March 31, 2006 and 2005.

The table below summarizes components of unrealized/realized gains and losses in the investment portfolio.

 

     Three months ended March 31  
     2006     2005  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    

Unrealized appreciation

   $ —       $ 50,517  

Unrealized depreciation

     (1,961,702 )     (599,214 )

Realized gains

     (64,500 )     (2,676,333 )

Realized losses

     2,377,489       887,795  

Unrealized losses on foreclosed properties

     (90,000 )     (235,000 )
                

Total

   $ 261,287     $ (2,572,235 )
                

Net realized gains (losses) on investments

    

Realized gains

   $ 64,500     $ 2,676,333  

Realized losses

     (2,377,488 )     (887,795 )

Direct recoveries (charge offs)

     (49,994 )     211,702  

Other gains

     129,993       99,880  

Realized losses on foreclosed properties

     (8,434 )     (52,233 )
                

Total

   $ (2,241,423 )   $ 2,047,887  
                

Goodwill

Effective January 1, 2002, coincident with the adoption of SFAS No.142, “ Goodwill and Intangible Assets,” the Company tests its goodwill for impairment, and engages a consultant to help management evaluate its carrying value. The results of this evaluation demonstrated no impairment in goodwill for 2005, 2004, and 2003, and management believes, and the Board of Directors concurs that there is no impairment as of March 31, 2006. The Company conducts annual appraisals of its goodwill, and will recognize any impairment in the period any impairment is identified.

 

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Fixed Assets

Fixed assets are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization, and are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of 3 to 10 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated economic useful life of the improvement. Depreciation and amortization expense was approximately $118,000 and $127,000 for the 2006 and 2005 first quarters, respectively.

Deferred Costs

Deferred financing costs, included in other assets, represents costs associated with obtaining the Company’s borrowing facilities, and is amortized over the lives of the related financing agreements. Amortization expense was $290,000 and $509,000 for the quarters ended March 30, 2006 and 2005. In addition, the Company capitalizes certain costs for transactions in the process of completion, including those for acquisitions and the sourcing of other financing alternatives, and during 2004 was increased by the purchase premium paid on the consumer portfolio purchase of $5,678,000, of which $308,000 and $384,000 was amortized into interest income during the 2006 and 2005 first quarters. Upon completion or termination of the transaction, any accumulated amounts will be amortized against income over an appropriate period, capitalized as goodwill, or written off. The amounts on the balance sheet for all of these purposes were $5,532,000 and $5,501,000 as of March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005.

Federal Income Taxes

Traditionally, the Company and each of its corporate subsidiaries other than MB (the RIC subsidiaries) have qualified to be treated for federal income tax purposes as regulated investment companies (RICs) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code). As RICs, the Company and each of the RIC subsidiaries are not subject to US federal income tax on any gains or investment company taxable income (which includes, among other things, dividends and interest income reduced by deductible expenses) that it distributes to its shareholders, if at least 90% of its investment company taxable income for that taxable year is distributed. It is the Company’s and the RIC subsidiaries’ policy to comply with the provisions of the Code.

MB is not a RIC and is taxed as a regular corporation. The Trust is not subject to federal income taxation. Instead, the Trust’s taxable income is treated as having been earned by MFC.

During 2004, BLL changed its tax status from that of a disregarded “pass-through” entity of the Company to that of a company taxable as a corporation. For 2005, BLL had no tax liability as a result of this election.

Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations per Share (EPS)

Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net increase in net assets resulting from operations available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if option contracts to issue common stock were exercised, and has been computed after giving consideration to the weighted average dilutive effect of the Company’s common stock and stock options. The Company uses the treasury stock method to calculate diluted EPS, which is a method of recognizing the use of proceeds that could be obtained upon exercise of options and warrants in computing diluted EPS. It assumes that any proceeds would be used to purchase common stock at the average market price during the period. The table below shows the calculation of basic and diluted EPS.

 

     Three months ended March 31,
     2006    2005

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations available to common shareholders

   $ 1,786,170    $ 2,235,679
             

Weighted average common shares outstanding applicable to basic EPS

     17,211,707      17,135,682

Effect of dilutive stock options

     510,357      469,994
             

Adjusted weighted average common shares outstanding applicable to diluted EPS

     17,722,064      17,605,676
             

Basic earnings per share

   $ 0.10    $ 0.13

Diluted earnings per share

     0.10      0.13

Potentially dilutive common shares excluded from the above calculations aggregated 535,252 and 646,840 shares as of March 31, 2006 and 2005.

 

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Stock Compensation

The Company applies SFAS No. 123R, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, and related interpretations in accounting for its stock option plans effective January 1, 2006, and accordingly, the Company has begun to expense these grants as required. Stock-based employee compensation costs pertaining to stock options is reflected in net income, for both any new grants, as well as for all unvested options outstanding at December 31, 2005, in both cases using the fair values established by usage of the Black-Scholes option pricing model, expensed over the vesting period of the underlying option. Previously, the Company applied APB Opinion No. 25 and related Interpretations in accounting for all the plans. Accordingly, no compensation cost was recognized under these plans, and the Company followed the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS No. 123 and SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Transition and Disclosure.

The Company elected the modified prospective transition method for adopting SFAS No. 123R. Under this method, the provisions of SFAS 123R apply to all awards granted or modified after the date of adoption. During the three months ended March 31, 2006, the Company issued no new stock-based option awards, and recognized $36,000 of non-cash stock-based compensation expense related to the unvested portion of options granted in prior periods. During the three months ended March 31, 2005, the Company issued no new stock-based option awards, and would have recognized $30,000 of non-cash stock-based compensation expense related to the unvested portion of options granted in prior periods. For both periods, the amounts that were or would have been recognized were immaterial and had no impact on earnings per share. As of March 31, 2006, the total remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options was approximately $216,000, which is expected to be recognized over the next seven quarters.

Derivatives

The Company had no interest rate cap agreements or other derivative investments outstanding 2006 and 2005.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year balances to conform with the current year presentation.

(3) FLOATING RATE BORROWINGS

The outstanding balances of floating rate borrowings were as follows:

 

     Payments Due By Period                      

Dollars in thousands

   2006    2007    2008    2009    2010    Thereafter    March 31, 2006    December 31, 2005    Interest Rate (1)  

Revolving line of credit

   $ —      $ —      $ 339,263    $ —      $ —      $ —      $ 339,263    $ 304,453    5.00 %

Notes payable to banks

     19,396      1,562      —        —        —        —        20,958      8,550    7.43  

Margin loan

     10,664      —        —        —        —        —        10,664      10,662    5.50  
                                                          

Total

   $ 30,060    $ 1,562    $ 339,263    $ —      $ —      $ —      $ 370,885    $ 323,665    5.15  
                                                          

(1) Weighted average contractual rate as of March 31, 2006.

(A) REVOLVING LINE OF CREDIT

In September 2002, and as renegotiated in September 2003, January 2005, and January 2006, the Trust entered into a revolving line of credit agreement (amended) with Merrill Lynch Commercial Finance Corp., as successor to Merrill Lynch Bank, USA (MLB) to provide up to $475,000,000 of financing to acquire medallion loans from MFC (MLB line). Borrowings under the Trust’s revolving line of credit are collateralized by the Trust’s assets. MFC is the servicer of the loans owned by the Trust. The MLB line includes a borrowing base covenant and rapid amortization in certain circumstances. In addition, if certain financial tests are not met, MFC can be replaced as the servicer. The MLB line matures in September 2008. Effective January 2005, the interest rate was generally LIBOR plus 0.75% with an unused facility fee of 0.375% on unused amounts up to $250,000,000, and effective September 2003, was LIBOR plus 1.25% and 0.125%, and prior to that was LIBOR plus 1.50% and 0.375%. The facility fees were $200,000 in February 2006, $200,000 in January 2006, $300,000 in September 2005, $900,000 in September 2004, and $375,000 in September 2003.

(B) NOTES PAYABLE TO BANKS AND MARGIN LOAN

On January 25, 2005, MFC entered into a $4,000,000 revolving note agreement with Atlantic Bank of New York that matured on December 1, 2005, and which maturity was extended by Atlantic Bank to February 1, 2006, and which was further extended to August 1, 2006. On March 6, 2006, the line of credit was increased to $6,000,000. The line is secured by medallion loans of MFC that are in process of being sold to the Trust, any draws being payable from the receipt of proceeds from the sale. The line bears interest at the prime rate minus 0.25%, payable monthly. As of March 31, 2006, $3,967,000 had been drawn down under this line.

In November, 2004, the Company entered into a margin loan agreement with Bear Stearns & Co. Inc. The margin loan is secured by the pledged stock of CCU held by the Company, and is generally available at 60% of the current fair market value of the CCU stock, or $11,970,000 as of March 31, 2006. The margin loan bears interest at the federal funds rate plus 0.75%. As of March 31, 2006, $10,664,000 had been drawn down under this margin loan.

 

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On April 26, 2004, the Company entered into a $15,000,000 revolving note agreement with Sterling National Bank that matured on April 25, 2005, and which maturity was extended by Sterling National Bank for 60 days. On June 28, 2005, the maturity date was further extended to July 31, 2005. On July 28, 2005, the note agreement was amended, and the maturity date was extended until June 30, 2006. The line is secured by certain pledged assets of the Company and MBC, and is subject to periodic borrowing base requirements. The line bears interest at the prime rate, payable monthly, and is subject to an unused fee of 0.125%. As of March 31, 2006, $14,000,000 had been drawn down under this line.

On July 11, 2003, certain operating subsidiaries of MFC entered into an aggregate $1,700,000 of note agreements with Atlantic Bank of New York and Israel Discount Bank, collateralized by certain taxicab medallions owned by Medallion Chicago of which $1,341,000 was outstanding at March 31, 2006. The notes mature July 8, 2006 and bear interest at LIBOR plus 2%, adjusted annually, payable monthly. Principal and interest payments of $17,000 are due monthly, with the balance due at maturity.

On June 30, 2003, an operating subsidiary of MFC entered into a $2,000,000 note agreement with Banco Popular North America, collateralized by certain taxicab medallions owned by Medallion Chicago, of which $1,650,000 was outstanding at March 31, 2006. The note matures June 1, 2007 and bears interest at Banco Popular’s prime rate less 0.25%, adjusted annually, payable monthly. Principal and interest payments of $18,000 are due monthly, with the balance due at maturity.

(4) FIXED RATE BORROWINGS

The outstanding balances of fixed rate borrowings were as follows:

 

    Payments Due By Period              
    2006   2007   2008   2009   2010   Thereafter   March 31, 2006   December 31, 2005   Interest Rate (1)  

Certificates of deposit

  $ 115,993,000   $ 50,328,000   $ 31,358,000   $ 19,793,000   $ —     $ —     $ 217,472,000   $ 219,107,000   3.69 %

SBA debentures

    —       —       —       —       —       77,250,000     77,250,000     77,250,000   6.05  
                                                 

Total

  $ 115,993,000   $ 50,328,000   $ 31,358,000   $ 19,793,000   $ —     $ 77,250,000   $ 294,722,000   $ 296,357,000   4.31  
                                                 

(1) Weighted average contractual rate as of March 31, 2006.

In January 2004, MB commenced raising deposits to fund the purchase of various affiliates’ loan portfolios. The deposits were raised through the use of investment brokerage firms who package deposits qualifying for FDIC insurance into pools that are sold to MB. The rates paid on the deposits are highly competitive with market rates paid by other financial institutions and include a brokerage fee of 0.25% to 0.55%, depending on the maturity of the deposit, which is capitalized and amortized to interest expense over the life of the respective pool. The total amount capitalized was $678,000 and $747,000 at March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, and $162,000 and $135,000 was amortized to interest expense during the 2006 and 2005 first quarters. Interest on the deposits is accrued daily and paid monthly, semiannually, or at maturity.

On March 1, 2006, the SBA approved a $13,500,000 commitment for MCI to issue additional debentures to the SBA during a ten year period upon payment of a 1% fee and the infusion of $4,500,000 of additional capital. In November 2003, FSVC applied for and received an additional commitment of $8,000,000, and during 2001, FSVC and MCI were approved by the SBA to receive $36,000,000 each in funding over a period of five years. As of March 31, 2006, $80,000,000 of commitments had been fully utilized.

(5) SEGMENT REPORTING

The Company has one business segment, its lending and investing operations. This segment originates and services medallion, secured commercial, and consumer loans, and invests in both marketable and nonmarketable securities.

 

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(6) OTHER INCOME AND OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES

The major components of other income were as follows:

 

     Three months ended March 31,
     2006    2005

Prepayment penalties

   $ 174,097    $ 29,457

Late charges

     52,716      139,986

Servicing fees

     8,298      317,000

Accretion of discount

     —        28,710

Other

     164,806      158,085
             

Total other income

   $ 399,917    $ 673,238
             

Prepayment penalties increased in the 2006 three months, reflecting $161,000 of unusually large prepayment penalties from several large paid-off loans. Excluding BLL and those prepayment penalties, late charges and prepayment penalties declined reflecting a better perfoming customer base. Servicing fees, and accretion of discount decreased from 2005 primarily due to the sale of BLL in October 2005.

The major components of other operating expenses were as follows:

 

     Three months ended March 31,
     2006    2005

Rent expense

   $ 340,096    $ 365,190

Consumer loan servicing

     288,042      245,198

Loan collection expense

     151,747      145,856

Travel, meals, and entertainment

     119,624      230,793

Depreciation and amortization

     117,719      127,266

Insurance

     95,146      130,650

Directors fees

     87,264      105,426

Other expenses

     400,850      521,344
             

Total other operating expenses

   $ 1,600,488    $ 1,871,723
             

In general, other operating expenses are down from a year ago reflecting the October 2005 sale of assets and liabilities of BLL. Consumer loan servicing increased in the 2006 three months reflecting increased activity in consumer loan portfolios being serviced. Travel and entertainment decreased in 2006 as a result of less extensive business development activities compared to 2005. Insurance expense decreased as a result of lower premium charges in a more competitive insurance market. Advertising, marketing and public relations expenses decline in 2006 reflecting MB’s efforts in consumer portfolio marketing in 2005 as the consumer loans origination efforts took off.

 

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(7) SELECTED FINANCIAL RATIOS AND OTHER DATA

The following table provides selected financial ratios and other data:

 

     Three months ended March 31,  
     2006     2005  

Net share data:

    

Net asset value at the beginning of the period

   $ 9.69     $ 9.83  

Net investment income

     0.28       0.19  

Income tax provision

     (0.06 )     (0.03 )

Net realized gains (losses) on investments

     (0.13 )     0.12  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     0.02       (0.15 )

Other

     (0.01 )     —    
                

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

     0.10       0.13  

Distributions of net investment income

     (0.15 )     (0.11 )

Issuance of common stock

     (0.02 )     —    

Repurchase of common stock

     —         0.01  
                

Net asset value at the end of the period

   $ 9.62     $ 9.86  
                

Per share market value at beginning of period

   $ 11.26     $ 9.70  

Per share market value at end of period

     13.55       9.13  

Total return (1)

     88 %     (19 )%
                

Ratios/supplemental data

    

Average net assets

   $ 166,494,712     $ 168,905,870  

Operating expenses to average net assets

     11.33 %     12.82 %

Net investment income after taxes to average net assets

     9.17 %     6.63 %

(1) Total return is calculated by dividing the change in market value of a share of common stock during the period, assuming the reinvestment of dividends on the payment date, by the per share market value at the beginning of the period, and annualizing if appropriate.

(8) MB REGULATORY GUIDELINES

MB is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the FDIC and State of Utah Department of Financial Institutions. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on MB’s and our financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, MB must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of MB’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. MB’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the bank regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require MB to maintain minimum amounts and ratios as defined in the regulations (set forth in the table below). Additionally, as conditions of granting MB’s application for federal deposit insurance, the FDIC ordered that beginning paid-in-capital funds of not less than $22,000,000 be provided, and that the Tier I Leverage Capital to total assets ratio, as defined, of not less than 15%, and an adequate allowance for loan losses shall be maintained and no dividends shall be paid to the Company for its first three years of operation.

 

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The following table represents MB’s actual capital amounts and related ratios as of March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, compared to required regulatory minimum capital ratios and the ratio required to be considered well capitalized. Management believes, as of March 31, 2006, that MB meets all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject, and is well-capitalized.

 

     Regulatory     March 31, 2006     December 31, 2005  
     Minimum     Well-capitalized      

Tier I capital

       $ 40,861,000     $ 39,379,000  

Total capital

         43,880,000       42,288,000  

Average assets

         254,392,000       234,976,000  

Risk-weighted assets

         239,320,000       276,402,000  

Leverage ratio (1)

   4 %   5 %     16.1 %     15.8 %

Tier I capital ratio (2)

   4     6       17.1       14.2  

Total capital ratio (2)

   8     10       18.3       15.3  

(1) Calculated by dividing Tier I capital by average assets.
(2) Calculated by dividing Tier I or total capital by risk-weighted assets.

(9) STOCK OPTIONS

The Company has a stock option plan (1996 Stock Option Plan) available to grant both incentive and nonqualified stock options to employees. The 1996 Stock Option Plan, which was approved by the Board of Directors and shareholders on May 22, 1996, provides for the issuance of a maximum of 750,000 shares of common stock of the Company. On June 11, 1998, the Board of Directors and shareholders approved certain amendments to the Company’s 1996 Stock Option Plan, including increasing the number of shares reserved for issuance from 750,000 to 1,500,000. In addition, on June 11, 2002 an additional 750,000 shares were approved, bringing the shares reserved for issuance to 2,250,000. At March 31, 2006, 209,662 shares of the Company’s common stock remained available for future grants. The 1996 Stock Option Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The option price per share may not be less than the current market value of the Company’s common stock on the date the option is granted. The term and vesting periods of the options are determined by the Compensation Committee, provided that the maximum term of an option may not exceed a period of ten years.

A non-employee director stock option plan (the Director Plan) was also approved by the Board of Directors and shareholders on May 22, 1996. On February 24, 1999, the Board of Directors amended and restated the Director Plan in order to adjust the calculation of the number of shares of the Company’s common stock issuable under options to be granted to a non-employee director upon his or her re-election. Under the prior plan the number of options granted was obtained by dividing $100,000 by the current market price for the common stock. The Director Plan now calls for the grant of options to acquire 9,000 shares of common stock upon election of a non-employee director. It provides for an automatic grant of options to purchase 9,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to an Eligible Director upon election to the Board, with an adjustment for directors who are elected to serve less than a full term. A total of 100,000 shares of the Company’s common stock are issuable under the Director Plan. At March 31, 2006, 3,827 shares of the Company’s common stock remained available for future grants. The grants of stock options under the Director Plan are automatic as provided in the Director Plan. The option price per share may not be less than the current market value of the Company’s common stock on the date the option is granted. Options granted under the Director Plan are exercisable annually, as defined in the Director Plan. The term of the options may not exceed five years.

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The following assumptions were used for grants in 2006 and 2005; however, there were no options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005.

 

     Three months ended March 31,  
     2006     2005  

Risk free interest rate

   4.57 %   4.32 %

Expected dividend yield

   8.00     8.00  

Expected life of option in years

   7.00     7.00  

Expected volatility

   44.00     44.00  

The following table presents the activity for the stock option program under the 1996 Stock Option Plan and the Director Plan for the quarter ended March 31, 2006.

 

    

Number

of Options

   

Exercise Price

Per Share

   Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

Outstanding at December 31, 2005

   1,654,404     $3.50-29.25    $ 10.21

Granted

   —       —        —  

Cancelled

   (142,568 )   4.85-29.25      17.39

Exercised

   (92,118 )   3.70-8.40      5.12
                 

Outstanding at March 31, 2006

   1,419,718     $3.50-29.25    $ 9.82
                 

Options exercisable at March 31, 2006

   1,212,636     $3.50-29.25    $ 10.03
                 

The following table summarizes information regarding options outstanding and options exercisable at March 31, 2006 under the 1996 Stock Option Plan and the Director Plan:

 

   

Options Outstanding

 

Options Exercisable

   

Weighted average

 

Weighted average

Range of

Exercise Prices

 

Shares at

March 31, 2006

 

Remaining
contractual life in
years

 

Exercise

price

 

Shares at

March 31, 2006

 

Remaining
contractual life in
years

 

Exercise

price

$ 3.50-5.51

  606,500   4.93   $4.82   606,500   4.93   $4.82

6.50-13.75

  430,236   6.30   9.01   223,154   5.29   9.38

14.25-15.56

  42,848   3.95   14.71   42,848   3.95   14.71

17.25-18.75

  290,134   3.18   17.41   290,134   3.18   17.41

29.25-29.25

  50,000   2.09   29.25   50,000   2.09   29.25
                 

$ 3.50-29.25

  1,419,718   5.42   9.82   1,212,636   5.09   10.03
                         

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

GENERAL

The Company is a specialty finance company that has a leading position in originating and servicing loans that finance taxicab medallions and various types of commercial businesses, and in originating consumer loans for the purchase of recreational vehicles, boats, and horse trailers. Since 1996, the year in which the Company became a public company, it has increased its medallion loan portfolio at a compound annual growth rate of 15%, and its commercial loan portfolio at a compound annual growth rate of 15%. Total assets under our management, which includes assets serviced for third party investors, were approximately $843,503,000 at March 31, 2006, and have grown at a compound annual growth rate of 16% from $215,000,000 at the end of 1996.

The Company’s loan-related earnings depend primarily on its level of net interest income. Net interest income is the difference between the total yield on the Company’s loan portfolio and the average cost of borrowed funds. The Company funds its operations through a wide variety of interest-bearing sources, such as revolving bank facilities, bank certificates of deposit issued to customers, debentures issued to and guaranteed by the SBA, and bank term debt. Net interest income fluctuates with changes in the yield on the Company’s loan portfolio and changes in the cost of borrowed funds, as well as changes in the amount of interest-bearing assets and interest-bearing liabilities held by the Company. Net interest income is also affected by economic, regulatory, and competitive factors that influence interest rates, loan demand, and the availability of funding to finance the Company’s lending activities. The Company, like other financial institutions, is subject to interest rate risk to the degree that its interest-earning assets reprice on a different basis than its interest-bearing liabilities.

The Company also invests in small businesses in selected industries through its subsidiary MCI. MCI’s investments are typically in the form of secured debt instruments with fixed interest rates accompanied by warrants to purchase an equity interest for a nominal exercise price (such warrants are included in equity investments on the consolidated balance sheets). Interest income is earned on the debt investments.

Realized gains or losses on investments are recognized when the investments are sold or written off. The realized gains or losses represent the difference between the proceeds received from the disposition of portfolio assets, if any, and the cost of such portfolio assets. In addition, changes in unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments are recorded and represent the net change in the estimated fair values of the portfolio assets at the end of the period as compared with their estimated fair values at the beginning of the period. Generally, realized gains (losses) on investments and changes in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments are inversely related. When an appreciated asset is sold to realize a gain, a decrease in the previously recorded unrealized appreciation occurs. Conversely, when a loss previously recorded as unrealized depreciation is realized by the sale or other disposition of a depreciated portfolio asset, the reclassification of the loss from unrealized to realized causes a decrease in net unrealized depreciation and an increase in realized loss.

 

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Trends in Investment Portfolio

The Company’s investment income is driven by the principal amount of and yields on its investment portfolio. To identify trends in the yields, the portfolio is grouped by medallion loans, commercial loans, consumer loans, equity investments, and investment securities. The following table illustrates the Company’s investments at fair value and the portfolio yields at the dates indicated.

 

     March 31, 2006     December 31, 2005     March 31, 2005  

(Dollars in thousands)

   Interest
Rate (1)
    Principal
Balance
    Interest
Rate (1)
    Principal
Balance
    Interest
Rate (1)
    Principal
Balance
 

Medallion loans

            

New York

   6.36 %   $ 397,505     6.23 %   $ 351,014     5.83 %   $ 321,878  

Chicago

   7.02       51,301     6.99       52,242     6.59       51,470  

Boston

   7.57       29,843     7.47       27,879     7.25       20,859  

Newark

   8.42       6,645     8.49       6,541     9.04       6,721  

Cambridge

   7.30       6,223     7.21       5,664     7.17       4,593  

Other

   7.53       6,382     7.53       6,464     8.07       3,251  
                              

Total medallion loans

   6.55       497,899     6.46       449,804     6.09       408,772  
                        

Deferred loan acquisition costs

       1,226         1,217         858  

Unrealized depreciation on loans

       (1,362 )       (1,348 )       (1,358 )
                              

Net medallion loans

     $ 497,763       $ 449,673       $ 408,272  
                              

Commercial loans

            

Asset based

   10.14 %   $ 78,115     9.64 %   $ 72,085     8.35 %   $ 54,484  

Secured mezzanine

   13.74       46,023     14.06       53,207     13.66       54,391  

Other secured commercial

   6.85       28,315     7.06       28,058     8.10       18,876  

SBA Section 7(a) (2)

   —         —       —         —       9.82       27,237  
                              

Total commercial loans(2)

   10.66       152,453     10.70       153,350     10.44       154,988  
                        

Deferred loan acquisition costs

       514         67         673  

Discount on SBA Section 7(a) loans sold(2)

       —           —           (986 )

Unrealized depreciation on loans

       (5,968 )       (7,621 )       (7,416 )
                              

Net commercial loans

     $ 146,999       $ 145,796       $ 147,259  
                              

Consumer loans

            

Marine

   18.34 %   $ 41,082     18.39 %   $ 42,052     18.56 %   $ 36,669  

RV

   18.51       47,288     18.49       41,945     18.68       32,526  

Other

   18.58       4,314     18.57       4,283     18.69       2,947  
                              

Total consumer loans

   18.44       92,684     18.45       88,280     18.62       72,142  
                        

Deferred loan acquisition costs

       1,678         1,350         269  

Unrealized depreciation on loans

       (4,071 )       (3,952 )       (3,499 )
                              

Net consumer loans

     $ 90,291       $ 85,678       $ 68,912  
                              

Equity investments

   1.49 %   $ 24,014     1.53 %   $ 23,384     1.35 %   $ 29,527  
                        

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on equities

       (404 )       629         1,446  
                              

Net equity investments

     $ 23,610       $ 24,013       $ 30,973  
                              

Investment securities

   5.00 %   $ 18,657     4.11 %   $ 17,873     3.74 %   $ 18,209  
                        

Unrealized depreciation on investment securities

       (287 )       (243 )       (95 )

Premiums paid on purchased securities

       421         463         651  
                              

Net investment securities

     $ 18,791       $ 18,093       $ 18,765  
                              

Investments at cost (3)

   8.56 %   $ 785,708     8.58 %   $ 732,691     8.13 %   $ 683,638  
                        

Deferred loan acquisition costs

       3,418         2,634         1,800  

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on equities

       (404 )       629         (95 )

Discount on SBA Section 7(a) loans sold(2)

       —           —           (986 )

Unrealized depreciation on investment securities

       (287 )       (243 )       1,446  

Premiums paid on purchased securities

       421         463         651  

Unrealized depreciation on loans

       (11,402 )       (12,921 )       (12,273 )
                              

Net investments

     $ 777,454       $ 723,253       $ 674,181  
                              

(1) Represents the weighted average interest rate of the respective portfolio as of the date indicated.
(2) The Company sold substantially all of the Section 7(a) loans in its portfolio in connection with the sale of the assets of BLL to a subsidiary of Merrill Lynch in October 2005.
(3) The weighted average interest rate for the entire loan portfolio (medallion, commercial, and consumer loans) was 8.88%, 8.93%, and 8.57% at March 31, 2006, December 31, 2005, and March 31, 2005.

 

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INVESTMENT ACTIVITY

The following table sets forth the components of investment activity in the investment portfolio for the periods indicated.

 

     Three months ended March 31,  
     2006     2005  

Net investments at beginning of period

   $ 723,252,919     $ 643,541,008  

Investments originated

     65,519,983       77,643,695  

Purchase of Banco Popular medallion loan portfolio

     35,703,391       —    

Repayments of investments

     (44,175,084 )     (43,770,825 )

Transfers (to) from other assets

     (800,973 )     (2,621,657 )

Net increase in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) (1)

     351,287       (2,337,235 )

Net realized gains (losses) on investments (2)

     (2,232,989 )     2,100,121  

Realized gains on sales of loans

     —         239,520  

Amortization of origination costs

     (164,908 )     (613,704 )
                

Net increase in investments

     54,200,707       30,639,915  
                

Net investments at end of period

   $ 777,453,626     $ 674,180,923  
                

(1) Excludes net unrealized depreciation of $90,000, $235,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, related to foreclosed properties, which are carried in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet.
(2) Excludes net realized losses of $8,434 and $52,233 for three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, related to foreclosed properties which are carried in other assets on the consolidated balance.

PORTFOLIO SUMMARY

Total Portfolio Yield

The weighted average yield of the total portfolio at March 31, 2006 was 8.56% (8.88% for the loan portfolio), a decrease of 2 basis points from 8.58% at December 31, 2005, and an increase of 43 basis points from 8.13% at March 31, 2005. The increase from the year ago quarter primarily reflected the increase in market interest rates, compounded by a change in the loan mix to a greater proportion of lower yielding medallion loans. The Company anticipates increasing the percentage of commercial and consumer loans in the total portfolio, the origination of floating and adjustable-rate loans, and the level of non-New York medallion loans to enhance our yields.

Medallion Loan Portfolio

The Company’s medallion loans comprised 64% of the net portfolio of $777,454,000 at March 31, 2006, compared to 62% of $723,253,000 at December 31, 2005 and 60% of $674,181,000 at March 31, 2005. The medallion loan portfolio increased by $48,090,000 or 11% in 2006, primarily reflecting the acquisition of the $35,703,000 portfolio from Banco Popular, and other increases in New York and Boston. The increase in the New York market can be attributed to new business marketing efforts, the conversion of participations into owned loans, and the general increase in medallion values and related refinancings. Total medallion loans serviced for third parties were $6,944,000, $8,784,000, and $9,772,000 at March 31, 2006, December 31, 2005, and March 31, 2005.

The weighted average yield of the medallion loan portfolio at March 31, 2006 was 6.55%, an increase of 9 basis points from 6.46% at December 31, 2005, and an increase of 46 basis points from 6.09% at March 31, 2005. The increase in yield primarily reflected the impact of rising interest rates in the economy and the effects of borrower refinancings. At March 31, 2006, 20% of the medallion loan portfolio represented loans outside New York, compared to 22% and 21% at December 31, 2005 and March 31, 2005. The Company continues to focus its efforts on originating higher yielding medallion loans outside the New York market.

Commercial Loan Portfolio

The Company’s commercial loans represented 19% of the net investment portfolio as of March 31, 2006, compared to 20% and 22% at December 31, and March 31, 2005. Commercial loans increased by $1,203,000 or 1% during 2006, primarily reflecting increased advances on existing lines in the asset-based loan portfolio, partially offset by reductions in the mezzanine portfolio reflecting the payoff of several large accounts. Total commercial loans serviced for third parties were $293,000, $349,000, and $100,103,000 at March 31, 2006, December 31, 2005, and March 31, 2005, and included $0, $0, and $93,530,000, respectively, related to the SBA Section 7(a) business. The Company sold substantially all of the Section 7(a) loans in its portfolio in connection with the sale of the assets of BLL to a subsidiary of Merrill Lynch in October 2005.

 

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The weighted average yield of the commercial loan portfolio at March 31, 2006 was 10.66%, a decrease of 4 basis points from 10.70% at December 31, 2005 and an increase of 22 basis points from 10.44% at March 31, 2005. The increased yield reflected the increases in market interest rates, partially offset by the effects of a smaller percentage of commercial loans in the high yielding mezzanine category. The Company continues to originate adjustable-rate and floating-rate loans tied to the prime rate to help mitigate its interest rate risk in a rising interest rate environment. Variable-rate loans represented approximately 59%, 54%, and 57% of the commercial portfolio at March 31, 2006, December 31, 2005, and March 31, 2005. Although this strategy initially produces a lower yield, we believe that this strategy mitigates interest rate risk by better matching our earning assets to their adjustable-rate funding sources.

Consumer Loan Portfolios

The Company’s consumer loans represented 12% of the net investment portfolio at March 31, 2006 and December 31 2005, and was 10% at March 31, 2005. The Company started originating new adjustable rate consumer loans during the 2004 third quarter. Recreational vehicles, boats, and horse trailers located in all 50 states collateralize the loans. The portfolio is serviced by a third party subsidiary of a major commercial bank.

The weighted average gross yield of the consumer loan portfolio at March 31, 2006 was 18.44%, a decrease of 1 basis point and 18 basis points compared to 18.45% at December 31, 2005 and 18.62% at March 31, 2005. The yield decrease reflects the addition of lower priced products. The amortization of the portfolio purchase premium reduced the above yields by an average of 1.39%, 1.90%, and 2.46%, respectively. At March 31, 2006, December 31, 2005, and March 31, 2005, adjustable rate loans represented approximately 90%, 89%, and 86%, respectively, of the consumer portfolio.

Delinquency and Loan Loss Experience

We generally follow a practice of discontinuing the accrual of interest income on our loans that are in arrears as to interest payments for a period of 90 days or more. We deliver a default notice and begin foreclosure and liquidation proceedings when management determines that pursuit of these remedies is the most appropriate course of action under the circumstances. A loan is considered to be delinquent if the borrower fails to make a payment on time; however, during the course of discussion on delinquent status, we may agree to modify the payment terms of the loan with a borrower that cannot make payments in accordance with the original loan agreement. For loan modifications, the loan will only be returned to accrual status if all past due interest payments are brought fully current. For credit that is collateral based, we evaluate the anticipated net residual value we would receive upon foreclosure of such loans, if necessary. There can be no assurance, however, that the collateral securing these loans will be adequate in the event of foreclosure. For credit that is cash flow-based, we assess our collateral position, and evaluate most of these relationships on an “enterprise value” basis, expecting to locate and install a new operator to run the business and reduce the debt.

For the consumer loan portfolio, the process to repossess the collateral is started at 60 days past due. If the collateral is not located and the account reaches 120 days delinquent, the account is charged off to realized losses. If the collateral is repossessed, a realized loss is recorded to write the loan down to 75% of its net realizable value, and the collateral is sent to auction. When the collateral is sold, the net auction proceeds are applied to the account, and any remaining balance is written off as a realized loss, and any excess proceeds are recorded as a realized gain. Proceeds collected on charged off accounts are recorded as a realized gain. All collection, repossession, and recovery efforts are handled on behalf of MB by the servicer.

 

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The following table shows the trend in loans 90 days or more past due:

 

     March 31, 2006 (1)     December 31, 2005 (1)     March 31, 2005 (1)  

Medallion loans

   $ 6,499,000    0.9 %   $ 6,080,000    0.9 %   $ 5,567,000    0.8 %
                                       

Commercial loans

               

Secured mezzanine

     6,906,000    0.9       7,970,000    1.1       7,968,000    1.3  

SBA Section 7(a) (2)

     —      0.0       —      0.0       1,997,000    0.3  

Other secured commercial

     2,572,000    0.4       2,673,000    0.4       2,686,000    0.4  
                                       

Total commercial loans

     9,478,000    1.3       10,643,000    1.5       12,651,000    2.0  
                                       

Total consumer loans

     383,000    0.0       695,000    0.1       386,000    0.1  
                                       

Total loans 90 days or more past due

   $ 16,360,000    2.2 %   $ 17,418,000    2.5 %   $ 18,604,000    2.9 %
                                       

(1) Percentage is calculated against the total loan portfolio.
(2) The Company sold substantially all of the Section 7(a) loans in its portfolio in connection with the sale of the assets of BLL to a subsidiary of Merrill Lynch in October 2005.

In general, collection efforts since the establishment of our collection department have substantially contributed to the sizable reduction in overall delinquencies. Medallion delinquencies have held fairly stable over the last year. Secured mezzanine financing delinquencies have decreased over the last several quarters, primarily reflecting payment activity and to a lesser extent chargeoffs. The Company sold substantially all of the Section 7(a) loans in its portfolio in connection with the sale of the assets of BLL to a subsidiary of Merrill Lynch in October 2005. Included in the SBA Section 7(a) delinquency figures are $415,000 at March 31, 2005, which represented loans repurchased for the purpose of collecting on the SBA guarantee. Other secured commercial loans have held fairly flat as well. The Company is actively working with each delinquent borrower to bring them current, and believes that any potential loss exposure is reflected in the Company’s mark-to-market estimates on each loan. Although there can be no assurances as to changes in the trend rate, management believes that any loss exposures are properly reflected in reported asset values.

We monitor delinquent loans for possible exposure to loss by analyzing various factors, including the value of the collateral securing the loan and the borrower’s prior payment history. Under the 1940 Act, our loan portfolio must be recorded at fair value or “marked-to-market.” Unlike other lending institutions, we are not permitted to establish reserves for loan losses. Instead, the valuation of our portfolio is adjusted quarterly to reflect our estimate of the current realizable value of our loan portfolio. Since no ready market exists for this portfolio, fair value is subject to the good faith determination of management and the approval of our Board of Directors. Because of the subjectivity of these estimates, there can be no assurance that in the event of a foreclosure or the sale of portfolio loans we would be able to recover the amounts reflected on our balance sheet.

In determining the value of our portfolio, management and the Board of Directors may take into consideration various factors such as the financial condition of the borrower and the adequacy of the collateral. For example, in a period of sustained increases in market interest rates, management and the Board of Directors could decrease its valuation of the portfolio if the portfolio consists primarily of long-term, fixed-rate loans. Our valuation procedures are designed to generate values that approximate that which would have been established by market forces, and are therefore subject to uncertainties and variations from reported results. Based upon these factors, net unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments is determined, or the amount by which our estimate of the current realizable value of our portfolio is above or below our cost basis.

 

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The following table sets forth the changes in the Company’s unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on net investments during the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005.

 

     Loans     Equity
Investments
    Total  

Balance December 31, 2004 (1)

   $ (11,897,572 )   $ 636,139     $ (11,261,433 )

Increase in unrealized

      

Appreciation on investments

     —         714,744       714,744  

Depreciation on investments (2)

     (1,263,442 )     —         (1,263,442 )

Reversal of unrealized appreciation (depreciation) related to realized

      

Losses on investments

     887,795       —         887,795  
                        

Balance March 31, 2005 (1)

   $ (12,273,219 )   $ 1,350,883     $ (10,922,336 )
                        
     Loans     Equity
Investments
    Total  

Balance December 31, 2005 (1)

   $ (12,921,428 )   $ 385,635     $ (12,535,793 )

Increase in unrealized

      

Depreciation on investments (2)

     (858,150 )     (1,012,281 )     (1,870,431 )

Reversal of unrealized appreciation (depreciation) related to realized

      

Gains on investments

     —         (64,500 )     (64,500 )

Losses on investments

     2,377,489       —         2,377,489  
                        

Balance March 31, 2006 (1)

   $ (11,402,089 )   $ (691,146 )   $ (12,093,235 )
                        

(1) Excludes unrealized depreciation of $1,369,750, $1,396,750, $747,281, and $512,281 on foreclosed properties at March 31, 2006, December 31, 2005, March 31, 2005, and December 31, 2004, respectively.
(2) Includes $44,239 and $45,847 of depreciation on investment securities in the first quarters ended March 31, 2006 and 2005.

 

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The following table presents credit-related information for the investment portfolios for the quarters ended.

 

    

March 31,

2006

   

December 31,

2005

   

March 31,

2005

 

Total loans

      

Medallion loans

   $ 497,763,372     $ 449,672,510     $ 408,271,424  

Commercial loans

     146,998,855       145,796,651       147,258,623  

Consumer loans

     90,290,515       85,678,412       68,912,433  
                        

Total loans

     735,052,742       681,147,573       624,442,480  

Equity investments (1)

     23,610,251       24,012,508       30,973,295  

Investment securities

     18,790,633       18,092,838       18,765,147  
                        

Net investments

   $ 777,453,626     $ 723,252,919     $ 674,180,922  
                        

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

      

Medallion loans

   $ (1,362,321 )   $ (1,348,535 )   $ (1,358,042 )

Commercial loans

     (5,968,445 )     (7,621,156 )     (7,416,067 )

Consumer loans

     (4,071,324 )     (3,951,737 )     (3,499,110 )
                        

Total loans

     (11,402,090 )     (12,921,428 )     (12,273,219 )

Equity investments

     (403,808 )     628,732       1,445,950  

Investment securities

     (287,337 )     (243,097 )     (95,067 )
                        

Total unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

   $ (12,093,235 )   $ (12,535,793 )   $ (10,922,336 )
                        

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) as a % of balances outstanding (2)

      

Medallion loans

     (0.27 )%     (0.30 )%     (0.35 )%

Commercial loans

     (3.91 )     (4.97 )     (4.74 )

Consumer loans

     (4.39 )     (4.41 )     (4.83 )

Total loans

     (1.54 )     (1.86 )     (1.93 )

Equity investments

     (1.68 )     2.69       (4.90 )

Investment securities

     (1.54 )     (1.33 )     (0.50 )

Net investments

     (1.54 )     (1.70 )     (1.59 )
                        

(1) Represents common stock and warrants held as investments.
(2) Unlike other lending institutions, we are not permitted to establish reserves for loan losses. Instead, the valuation of our portfolio is adjusted quarterly to reflect estimates of the current realizable value of the loan portfolio. These percentages represent the discount or premiums that investments are carried on the books at, relative to their par value.

The following table presents the gain or loss experience on the investment portfolios.

 

     Three months ended March 31,  
     2006     2005  

Realized gains (losses) on loans and equity investments

    

Medallion loans

   $ 26,890     $ (82,173 )

Commercial loans

     (2,058,615 )     18,887  

Consumer loans (1)

     (385,187 )     (665,039 )
                

Total loans

     (2,416,912 )     (728,325 )

Equity investments

     175,489       2,776,212  

Investment securities

     —         —    
                

Total realized gains (losses) on loans and equity investments

   $ (2,241,423 )   $ 2,047,887  
                

Realized gains (losses) as a % of average balances outstanding

    

Medallion loans

     0.02 %     (0.08 )%

Commercial loans

     (5.74 )     1.05  

Consumer loans

     (1.79 )     (3.84 )

Total loans

     (1.41 )     (0.48 )

Equity investments

     3.04       35.17  

Investment securities

     —         —    

Net investments

     (1.23 )     1.24  
                

(1) Includes realized losses of $8,434 and $52,233 for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, related to foreclosed properties, which are carried in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet.

 

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Equity Investments

Equity investments were 3%, 3%, and 5% of the Company’s total portfolio at March 31, 2006, December 31, 2005, and March 31, 2005. Equity investments are comprised of common stock and warrants. The decrease in equity investments during 2005 primarily reflected the sale of 200,000 of the 933,521 shares of common stock of CCU that were received in a tax-free exchange for 100% of our ownership interest in Media.

Investment Securities

Investment securities were 2%, 3%, and 3% of the Company’s total portfolio at March 31, 2006, December 31, 2005, March 31, 2005. The investment securities are primarily adjustable-rate mortgage-backed securities purchased by MB to better utilize required cash liquidity.

Trend in Interest Expense

The Company’s interest expense is driven by the interest rates payable on its short-term credit facilities with banks, bank certificates of deposit, fixed-rate, long-term debentures issued to the SBA, and other short-term notes payable. The establishment of the Merrill Lynch Commercial Financial Corp. (MLB) line of credit in September 2002 and its favorable renegotiation in September 2003, January 2005, and January 2006 had the effect of substantially reducing the Company’s cost of funds. In addition, MB began raising brokered bank certificates of deposit during 2004, which were at the Company’s lowest borrowing costs. As a result of MB raising funds through certificates of deposits as previously noted, the Company was able to realign the ownership of some of its medallions and related assets to MB allowing the Company and its subsidiaries to use cash generated through these transactions to retire debt with higher interest rates. In addition, MB is able to bid on these deposits at a wide variety of maturity levels which allows for improved interest rate management strategies.

During the 2002 third quarter, the Trust closed a $250,000,000 line of credit with MLB for lending on medallion loans (which is now at $475,000,000), which was priced at LIBOR plus 1.50%, excluding fees and other costs. During the 2003 third quarter, this line was renewed and extended, and borrowings were generally at LIBOR plus 1.25%. During the 2005 first quarter, this line was further renewed and extended, and borrowings are now generally at LIBOR plus 0.75%.

The Company’s cost of funds is primarily driven by the rates paid on its various debt instruments and their relative mix, and changes in the levels of average borrowings outstanding. See Notes 3 and 4 to the consolidated financial statements for details on the terms of all outstanding debt. The Company’s debentures issued to the SBA typically have terms of ten years.

The Company measures its borrowing costs as its aggregate interest expense for all of its interest-bearing liabilities divided by the average amount of such liabilities outstanding during the period. The following table shows the average borrowings and related borrowing costs for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005. Average balances have increased from a year ago, primarily reflecting the establishment of MB and its resulting growth, and the funding needs to support the growth in the Company’s other investment portfolios. The increase in borrowing costs reflected the trend of increasing interest rates in the economy and additional long-term SBA debt at higher rates, partially offset by the raising of low-cost deposits by MB.

 

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Table of Contents
     Three months ended  
     Interest
Expense
  

Average

Balance

  

Average

Borrowing

Costs

 

March 31, 2006

        

Floating rate borrowings

   $ 4,148,000    $ 335,198,000    5.02 %

Fixed rate borrowings

     3,281,000      288,909,000    4.61  
                

Total

   $ 7,429,000    $ 624,107,000    4.83  
                

March 31, 2005

        

Floating rate borrowings

   $ 2,905,000    $ 283,581,000    4.15 %

Fixed rate borrowings

     2,316,000      249,997,000    3.76  
                

Total

   $ 5,221,000    $ 533,578,000    3.97  
                

The Company will continue to seek SBA funding to the extent it offers attractive rates. SBA financing subjects its recipients to limits on the amount of secured bank debt they may incur. The Company uses SBA funding to fund loans that qualify under SBIA and SBA regulations. The Company believes that financing operations primarily with short-term floating rate secured bank debt has generally decreased its interest expense, but has also increased the Company’s exposure to the risk of increases in market interest rates, which the Company mitigates with certain strategies. At March 31, 2006, December 31, 2005, and March 31, 2005 short-term floating rate debt constituted 56%, 52%, and 53% of total debt, respectively.

Factors Affecting Net Assets

Factors that affect the Company’s net assets include net realized gain or loss on investments and change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments. Net realized gain or loss on investments is the difference between the proceeds derived upon sale or foreclosure of a loan or an equity investment and the cost basis of such loan or equity investment. Change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments is the amount, if any, by which the Company’s estimate of the fair value of its investment portfolio is above or below the previously established fair value or the cost basis of the portfolio. Under the 1940 Act and the SBIA, the Company’s loan portfolio and other investments must be recorded at fair value.

Unlike certain lending institutions, the Company is not permitted to establish reserves for loan losses, but adjusts quarterly the valuation of the loan portfolio to reflect the Company’s estimate of the current value of the total loan portfolio. Since no ready market exists for the Company’s loans, fair value is subject to the good faith determination of the Company. In determining such fair value, the Company and its Board of Directors consider factors such as the financial condition of its borrowers and the adequacy of its collateral. Any change in the fair value of portfolio loans or other investments as determined by the Company is reflected in net unrealized depreciation or appreciation of investments and affects net increase in net assets resulting from operations but has no impact on net investment income or distributable income.

 

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SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Summary Consolidated Financial Data

You should read the consolidated financial information below with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto for the quarters ended March 31, 2006, and 2005.

 

     Three months ended March 31,  

Dollars in thousands

   2006     2005  

Statement of operations

    

Investment income

   $ 16,447     $ 12,966  

Interest expense

     7,429       5,221  
                

Net interest income

     9,018       7,745  

Noninterest income

     400       913  

Operating expenses

     4,650       5,341  
                

Net investment income before income taxes

     4,768       3,317  

Income tax provision

     1,002       557  
                

Net investment income after income taxes

     3,766       2,760  

Net realized gains (losses) on investments

     (2,241 )     2,048  

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments (1)

     261       (2,572 )
                

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

   $ 1,786     $ 2,236  
                

Per share data

    

Net investment income

   $ 0.28     $ 0.19  

Income tax provision

     (0.06 )     (0.03 )

Net realized gains (losses) on investments

     (0.13 )     0.12  

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     0.02       (0.15 )

Other

     (0.01 )     —    
                

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

   $ 0.10     $ 0.13  
                

Dividends declared per share

   $ 0.16     $ 0.12  
                

Weighted average common shares outstanding

    

Basic

     17,211,707       17,135,682  

Diluted

     17,722,064       17,605,676  
                

Balance sheet data

   March 31,
2006
    December 31,
2005
 

Net investments

   $ 777,454     $ 723,253  

Total assets

     836,266       792,973  

Total borrowed funds

     665,607       620,022  

Total liabilities

     670,237       626,619  

Total shareholders’ equity

     166,029       166,354  

 

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Table of Contents
     Three months ended March 31,  
     2006     2005  

Selected financial ratios and other data

    

Return on average assets (ROA)(2)

    

Net investment income

   1.90 %   1.56 %

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

   0.90     1.26  

Return on average equity (ROE)(3)

    

Net investment income

   9.17     6.63  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

   4.35     5.37  
            

Weighted average yields (4)

   8.97 %   7.90 %

Weighted average cost of funds

   4.08 %   3.21  
            

Net interest margin (4)

   4.89 %   4.69 %
            

Noninterest income ratio (5)

   0.22 %   0.56 %

Operating expense ratio (6)

   2.55 %   3.28 %
            
     March 31, 2006     December 31, 2005  

As a percentage of net investment portfolio

    

Medallion loans

   64 %   62 %

Commercial loans

   19     20  

Consumer loans

   12     12  

Equity investments

   3     3  

Investment securities

   2     3  
            

Investments to assets (7)

   93 %   91 %

Equity to assets (8)

   20     21  

Debt to equity (9)

   404     373  

(1) Net changes in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments represents the increase (decrease) for the period in the fair value of the Company’s investments, including foreclosed properties.
(2) ROA represents the net investment income after-taxes or net increase in net assets resulting from operations, divided by average total assets.
(3) ROE represents the net investment income after taxes or net increase in net assets resulting from operations, divided by average shareholders’ equity.
(4) Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average interest earning assets, and includes interest recoveries of $965,000 and $537,000 for the 2006 and 2005 first quarters. Excluding the interest recoveries, the weighted average yields were 8.44% and 7.57% and the net interest margins were 4.36% in both quarters.
(5) Noninterest income ratio represents noninterest income divided by average interest earning assets.
(6) Operating expense ratio represents operating expenses divided by average interest earning assets.
(7) Represents net investments divided by total assets as of the period indicated.
(8) Represents total shareholders’ equity divided by total assets as of the period indicated.
(9) Represents total debt (floating rate and fixed rate borrowings) divided by total shareholders’ equity as of the period indicated.

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

2006 First Quarter compared to the 2005 First Quarter

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations was $1,786,000 or $0.10 per diluted common share in the 2006 first quarter, down $450,000 or 20% from $2,236,000 or $0.13 in the 2005 first quarter, which included the results of BLL, primarily reflecting higher net realized/unrealized portfolio losses, lower noninterest income, and higher taxes, partially offset by higher net interest income and lower operating expenses. Net investment income after taxes was $3,766,000 or $0.21 per diluted common share in the 2006 quarter, up $1,006,000 or 36% from $2,760,000 or $0.16 per share in 2005.

Investment income was $16,447,000 in the quarter, up $3,481,000 or 27% from $12,966,000 a year ago, and included $965,000 and $537,000 from interest recoveries on certain investments in the 2006 and 2005 quarters, respectively. Excluding those items, investment income increased $3,053,000 or 25% compared to a year ago, reflecting higher yields earned and growth in the investment portfolios. The yield on the investment portfolio was 8.97% in 2006, up 14% from 7.90% a year ago, reflecting the impact of the higher yielding consumer portfolio, the general increase in market interest rates, a lower level of net loan origination cost amortization, and the interest recoveries. The yield on the investment portfolio excluding the interest recoveries was 8.44% in 2006, up 11% from 7.57% in 2005. Average investments outstanding were $738,573,000 in 2006, up 12% from $660,037,000 a year ago, reflecting growth in all core businesses.

Medallion loans were $497,763,000 at quarter end, up $89,492,000 or 22% from $408,271,000 a year ago, representing 64% of the investment portfolio compared to 60% a year ago, and were yielding 6.55% compared to 6.09% in the 2005 first quarter, an increase of 8%. The increase in outstandings primarily reflected efforts to book new business, including the purchase of a $35,703,000 portfolio from Banco Popular, primarily in the New York City and Boston markets,

 

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and also reflected the increase in medallion values. The managed medallion portfolio was $504,708,000 at quarter end, up $86,665,000 or 22% from $418,043,000 a year ago. The commercial loan portfolio was $146,999,000 at quarter end, compared to $147,259,000 a year ago, a decrease of $260,000, and represented 19% of the investment portfolio compared to 21% in 2005. Included in the 2005 amounts were $18,203,000 of SBA 7(a) loans which were sold for book value during 2005. Excluding those loans, commercial loans increased 14%. Commercial loans yielded 10.66% at quarter end, compared to 10.44% a year ago, an increase of 2%, reflecting the increases in market interest rates during year and the floating rate nature of much of the portfolio, partially offset by the pay down of several large loans in the high-yield mezzanine loans portfolio. The increase in commercial loans was concentrated in asset based receivables. The managed commercial portfolio was $147,292,000 at quarter end, down $100,070,000 or 40% from $247,362,000 a year ago, but was up $14,795,000 or 11% from $132,497,000 excluding the sold SBA 7(a) loans, primarily reflecting the increases described above, partially offset by increased loan participations repurchased. The consumer loan portfolio of $90,291,000 was up $21,378,000 or 31% from $68,912,000 a year ago, and represented 12% of the investment portfolio at quarter end, compared to 10% a year ago, and yielded 18.44% compared to 18.62% a year ago. The increase reflected the new origination volumes over the last year, partially offset by the runoff in the acquired portfolio. Equity investments were $23,610,000, down $7,363,000 or 24% from $30,973,000 a year ago, primarily reflecting the sale of a portion of the CCU common stock received for our ownership interest in Media, and losses taken on certain mezzanine investments, and represented 3% of the investment portfolio and had a dividend yield of 1.49%, compared to 5% and 1.35% a year ago. Investment securities of $18,791,000 were up $26,000 from $18,765,000 a year ago, and represented 2% of the investment portfolio and yielded 5.00%, compared to 3% and 3.74% a year ago.

Interest expense was $7,429,000 in the 2006 first quarter, up $2,207,000 or 42% from $5,221,000 in the 2005 first quarter. The increase in interest expense was primarily due to the higher cost of borrowed funds. The cost of borrowed funds was 4.78% in the quarter, compared to 3.94% a year ago, an increase of 21%, reflecting increases in the general level of interest rates over the last year. Average debt outstanding was $630,604,000 for the 2006 quarter, compared to $537,977,000 a year ago, an increase of 17%, primarily reflecting increased utilization of the MLB Line, the increase in brokered CD’s, and in other borrowings used to fund portfolio investment growth

Net interest income was $9,018,000 and the net interest margin was 4.89% for the 2006 first quarter, up $1,274,000 or 16% from $7,745,000 a year ago, which represented a net interest margin of 4.69%, all reflecting the items discussed above.

Noninterest income was $400,000 in the 2006 first quarter, down $513,000 or 56% from $913,000 a year ago. Excluding amounts related to the sold BLL loan portfolio, noninterest income, which is comprised of servicing fee income, prepayment fees, late charges, and other miscellaneous income, was up $98,000 or 33%. Included in the 2006 quarter were $161,000 of unusually large prepayment penalties from several large paid-off loans. Excluding those prepayment penalties, the decrease in noninterest income reflected lower late fees and prepayment penalties from a better-performing customer base.

Operating expenses were $4,650,000 in the 2006 first quarter, compared to $5,341,000 in the 2005 first quarter, a decrease of $691,000 or 13%. Excluding the amounts related to the sold BLL business, operating expenses were up $133,000 or 3%, reflecting company efforts at expense control. Salaries and benefits expense excluding BLL was $2,439,000 in the 2006 quarter, up $23,000 or 1% from $2,416,000 in the 2005 quarter, primarily reflecting an increase in headcount and higher levels of salaries and bonuses, partially offset by higher amounts of salary deferrals related to loan originations. Professional fees excluding BLL were $611,000 in 2006, up $160,000 or 36% from $450,000 a year ago, primarily reflecting higher investment project-related professional costs and costs associated with certain investments. Other operating expenses excluding BLL of $1,600,000 in the quarter were down $51,000 or 3%, reflecting company efforts at expense control.

Income tax expense was $1,002,000 in 2006, an increase of $445,000 or 80% compared to $557,000 a year ago, primarily reflecting MB’s provision for taxes, which has increased as the size and volume of MB’s business has grown.

Net unrealized appreciation on investments was $261,000 in 2006, compared to depreciation of $2,572,000 in 2005, an increase of $2,833,000. Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) arises when the Company makes valuation adjustments to the investment portfolio. When investments are sold or written off, any resulting realized gain (loss) is grossed up to reflect previously recorded unrealized components. As a result, movement between periods can appear distorted. The 2006 activity resulted from reversals of unrealized depreciation associated with fully depreciated loans which were charged off of $2,377,000, partially offset by net unrealized depreciation on equity investments of $1,317,000, net unrealized depreciation on loans of $645,000, net unrealized depreciation on foreclosed property of $90,000, and reversals of unrealized appreciation associated with equity investments that were sold of $64,000. The 2005 activity resulted from the

 

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Table of Contents

reversals of unrealized appreciation associated with equity investments that were sold of $2,676,000, net unrealized depreciation on loans of $1,263,000, and net unrealized depreciation of $235,000 on foreclosed property, partially offset by the reversals of unrealized depreciation associated with fully depreciated loans which were charged off of $887,000 and net unrealized appreciation on equity investments of $715,000.

The Company’s net realized loss on investments was $2,241,000 in 2006, compared to gains of $2,048,000 in 2005, reflecting the above and net direct chargeoffs of $50,000 and net direct losses on sales of foreclosed property of $8,000, partially offset by net direct gains on sales of equity and other investments of $130,000. The 2005 activity reflected the above and net direct recoveries of $239,000 and direct gains on sales of equity investments of $100,000, partially offset by net direct losses on sales of foreclosed property of $80,000.

The Company’s net realized/unrealized losses on investments were $1,980,000 in 2006, compared to losses of $524,000 in 2005, reflecting the above.

ASSET/LIABILITY MANAGEMENT

Interest Rate Sensitivity

The Company, like other financial institutions, is subject to interest rate risk to the extent its interest-earning assets (consisting of medallion, commercial, and consumer loans; and investment securities) reprice on a different basis over time in comparison to its interest-bearing liabilities (consisting primarily of credit facilities with banks, bank certificates of deposit, and subordinated SBA debentures).

Having interest-bearing liabilities that mature or reprice more frequently on average than assets may be beneficial in times of declining interest rates, although such an asset/liability structure may result in declining net earnings during periods of rising interest rates. Abrupt increases in market rates of interest may have an adverse impact on our earnings until we are able to originate new loans at the higher prevailing interest rates. Conversely, having interest-earning assets that mature or reprice more frequently on average than liabilities may be beneficial in times of rising interest rates, although this asset/liability structure may result in declining net earnings during periods of falling interest rates. This mismatch between maturities and interest rate sensitivities of our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities results in interest rate risk.

The effect of changes in interest rates is mitigated by regular turnover of the portfolio. Based on past experience, the Company anticipates that approximately 40% of the taxicab medallion portfolio will mature or be prepaid each year. The Company believes that the average life of its loan portfolio varies to some extent as a function of changes in interest rates. Borrowers are more likely to exercise prepayment rights in a decreasing interest rate environment because the interest rate payable on the borrower’s loan is high relative to prevailing interest rates. Conversely, borrowers are less likely to prepay in a rising interest rate environment. However, borrowers may prepay for a variety of other reasons, such as to monetize increases in the underlying collateral values, particularly in the medallion loan portfolio.

In addition, the Company manages its exposure to increases in market rates of interest by incurring fixed-rate indebtedness, such as ten year subordinated SBA debentures, and by setting repricing intervals or the maturities of tranches drawn under the revolving line of credit or issued as certificates of deposit, for terms of up to five years. The Company had outstanding SBA debentures of $77,250,000 with a weighted average interest rate of 6.05%, constituting 12% of the Company’s total indebtedness as of March 31, 2006. Also, as of March 31, 2006, portions of the adjustable rate debt with Banks repriced at intervals of as long as 19 months, and certain of the certificates of deposit were for terms of up to 42 months, further mitigating the immediate impact of changes in market interest rates.

A relative measure of interest rate risk can be derived from the Company’s interest rate sensitivity gap. The interest rate sensitivity gap represents the difference between interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, which mature and/or reprice within specified intervals of time. The gap is considered to be positive when repriceable assets exceed repriceable liabilities, and negative when repriceable liabilities exceed repriceable assets. A relative measure of interest rate sensitivity is provided by the cumulative difference between interest sensitive assets and interest sensitive liabilities for a given time interval expressed as a percentage of total assets.

 

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The following table presents the Company’s interest rate sensitivity gap at March 31, 2006, compared to the respective positions at the end of 2005 and 2004. The principal amount of interest earning assets are assigned to the time frames in which such principal amounts are contractually obligated to be repriced. The Company has not reflected an assumed annual prepayment rate for such assets in this table.

 

     March 31, 2006 Cumulative Rate Gap (1)

(Dollars in thousands)

  

Less

Than 1
Year

   

More

Than 1

and Less
Than 2
Years

    More
Than 2
and Less
Than 3
Years
   More
Than 3
and Less
Than 4
Years
   More
Than 4
and Less
Than 5
Years
  

More

Than 5

and Less
Than 6
Years

    Thereafter     Total

Earning assets

                   

Floating-rate

   $ 108,995     $ —       $ —      $ —      $ —      $ —       $ —       $ 108,995

Adjustable rate

     108,091       15,575       68,176      2,075      6,955      8,928       1,110       210,910

Fixed-rate

     52,060       80,198       155,138      82,093      48,174      5,706       27,461       450,830

Cash

     23,823       —         —        —        —        —         —         23,823
                                                           

Total earning assets

   $ 292,969     $ 95,773     $ 223,314    $ 84,168    $ 55,129    $ 14,634     $ 28,571     $ 794,558
                                                           

Interest bearing liabilities

                   

Revolving line of credit

   $ 294,928     $ 55,000     $ —      $ —      $ —      $ —       $ —       $ 349,927

Certificates of deposit

     134,333       31,987       31,358      19,793      —        —         —         217,472

Notes payable to banks

     20,958       —         —        —        —        —         —         20,958

SBA debentures

     —         —         —        —        —        28,485       48,765       77,250
                                                           

Total liabilities

   $ 450,219     $ 86,987     $ 31,358    $ 19,793    $ —      $ 28,485       48,765     $ 665,607
                                                           

Interest rate gap

   $ (157,250 )   $ 8,786     $ 191,956    $ 64,375    $ 55,129    $ (13,851 )   $ (20,194 )   $ 128,951
                                                           

Cumulative interest rate gap (2)

   $ (157,250 )   $ (148,464 )   $ 43,492    $ 107,867    $ 162,997    $ 149,145     $ 128,951       —  
                                                           

December 31, 2005 (2)

   $ (82,358 )   $ (116,995 )   $ 77,364    $ 130,914    $ 182,327    $ 171,190     $ 132,321       —  

December 31, 2004 (2)

     27,175       52,388       62,710      108,181      173,610      176,752       131,520       —  
                                                           

(1) The ratio of the cumulative one year gap to total interest rate sensitive assets was (20%), 11%, and 4% as of March 31, 2006, December 31, 2005, and December 31, 2004.
(2) Adjusted for the medallion loan 40% prepayment assumption results in cumulative one year negative interest rate gap and related ratio of ($24,281,000) or (3%), for March 31, 2006, compared to positive interest rate gaps of $47,912,000 or 6% and $136,030,000 or 21% for December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004.

The Company’s interest rate sensitive assets were $794,558,000, and interest rate sensitive liabilities were $665,607,000, at March 31, 2006. The one-year cumulative interest rate gap was a ($157,250,000) or (20%) of interest rate sensitive assets, compared to a positive gap of $47,912,000, or 6% at December 31, 2005. However, using our estimated 40% prepayment/refinancing rate for medallion loans to adjust the interest rate gap resulted in an improved negative gap of ($24,281,000) or (3%) at March 31, 2006. The Company seeks to manage interest rate risk by originating adjustable-rate loans, by incurring fixed-rate indebtedness, by evaluating appropriate derivatives, pursuing securitization opportunities, and by other options consistent with managing interest rate risk.

Interest Rate Cap Agreements

From time-to time, the Company enters into interest rate cap agreements to manage the exposure of the portfolio to increases in market interest rates by hedging a portion of its variable-rate debt against increases in interest rates. There were no interest rate caps outstanding during 2006 and 2005.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our sources of liquidity are the revolving line of credit with MLB, unfunded commitments from the SBA for long-term debentures that are issued to or guaranteed by the SBA, loan amortization and prepayments, participations or sales of loans to third parties, and our ability to raise brokered certificates of deposit through MB. As a RIC, we are required to distribute at least 90% of our investment company taxable income; consequently, we have primarily relied upon external sources of funds to finance growth. The Trust’s $475,000,000 revolving line of credit with MLB has availability of $135,736,000 as of March 31, 2006. At the current required capital levels, it is expected, although there can be no

 

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guarantee, that deposits of approximately $11,800,000 could be raised by MB to fund future loan origination activity, and also an available $15,000,000 under a Fed Funds line with a commercial bank. In addition, MB as a non-RIC subsidiary of the Company is allowed (and for three years required) to retain all earnings in the business to fund future growth. The Company has $13,500,000 of additional funding commitments with the SBA, which requires a capital contribution from the Company of $4,500,000. Since SBA financing subjects its recipients to certain regulations, the Company will seek funding at the subsidiary level to maximize its benefits. Lastly $2,033,000 was available under a revolving credit agreements with commercial banks.

The components of our debt were as follows at March 31, 2006. See notes 3 and 4 to the consolidated financial statements on page 13 for details of the contractual terms of the Company’s borrowings.

 

(In Thousands)

   Balance    Percentage     Rate (1)  

Revolving line of credit

   $ 339,263    51 %   5.00 %

Certificates of deposit

     217,472    33     3.69  

SBA debentures

     77,250    12     6.05  

Notes payable to banks

     20,958    3     7.43  

Margin loan

     10,664    1     5.50  
               

Total outstanding debt

   $ 665,607    100 %   4.78  
               

(1) Weighted average contractual rate as of March 31, 2006.

The Company values its portfolio at fair value as determined in good faith by management and approved by the Board of Directors in accordance with the Company’s valuation policy. Unlike certain lending institutions, the Company is not permitted to establish reserves for loan losses. Instead, the Company must value each individual investment and portfolio loan on a quarterly basis. The Company records unrealized depreciation on investments and loans when it believes that an asset has been impaired and full collection is unlikely. The Company records unrealized appreciation on equities if it has a clear indication that the underlying portfolio company has appreciated in value and, therefore, the Company’s equity investment has also appreciated in value. Without a readily ascertainable market value, the estimated value of the Company’s portfolio of investments and loans may differ significantly from the values that would be placed on the portfolio if there existed a ready market for the investments. The Company adjusts the valuation of the portfolio quarterly to reflect management’s estimate of the current fair value of each investment in the portfolio. Any changes in estimated fair value are recorded in the Company’s statement of operations as net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments.

In addition, the illiquidity of our loan portfolio and investments may adversely affect our ability to dispose of loans at times when it may be advantageous for us to liquidate such portfolio or investments. In addition, if we were required to liquidate some or all of the investments in the portfolio, the proceeds of such liquidation may be significantly less than the current value of such investments. Because we borrow money to make loans and investments, our net operating income is dependent upon the difference between the rate at which we borrow funds and the rate at which we invest these funds. As a result, there can be no assurance that a significant change in market interest rates will not have a material adverse effect on our interest income. In periods of sharply rising interest rates, our cost of funds would increase, which would reduce our net operating income before net realized and unrealized gains. We use a combination of long-term and short-term borrowings and equity capital to finance our investing activities. Our long-term fixed-rate investments are financed primarily with short-term floating-rate debt, and to a lesser extent by term fixed-rate debt. We may use interest rate risk management techniques in an effort to limit our exposure to interest rate fluctuations. Such techniques may include various interest rate hedging activities to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. The Company has analyzed the potential impact of changes in interest rates on interest income net of interest expense. Assuming that the balance sheet were to remain constant and no actions were taken to alter the existing interest rate sensitivity, a hypothetical immediate 1% increase in interest rates would have positively impacted net increase in net assets resulting from operations as of March 31, 2006 by approximately $1,078,000 on an annualized basis, compared to ($100,000) as of December 31, 2005, and the impact of such an immediate 1% change over a one year period would have been ($1,179,000) compared to ($753,000) at December 31, 2005. Although management believes that this measure is indicative of the Company’s sensitivity to interest rate changes, it does not adjust for potential changes in credit quality, size and composition of the assets on the balance sheet, and other business developments that could affect net increase in net assets resulting from operations in a particular quarter or for the year taken as a whole. Accordingly, no assurances can be given that actual results would not differ materially from the potential outcome simulated by these estimates.

 

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The Company continues to work with investment banking firms and other financial intermediaries to investigate the viability of a number of other financing options which include, among others, the sale or spin off certain assets or divisions, the development of a securitization conduit program, and other independent financing for certain subsidiaries or asset classes. These financing options would also provide additional sources of funds for both external expansion and continuation of internal growth.

The following table illustrates sources of available funds for the Company and each of the subsidiaries, and amounts outstanding under credit facilities and their respective end of period weighted average interest rates at March 31, 2006. See notes 3 and 4 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information about each credit facility.

 

(Dollars in thousands)

   The
Company
    MFC     MCI     MBC    FSVC     MB     Total     12/31/05  

Cash

   $ 1,921     $ 3,112     $ 15,068     $ 2,903    $ 697     $ 9,164     $ 32,865     $ 43,036  

Bank loans (1)

     15,000       6,000                21,000       19,000  

Amounts undisbursed

     1,000       2,033                3,033       13,500  

Amounts outstanding

     14,000       6,958                20,958       8,550  

Average interest rate

     7.75 %     6.79 %              7.43 %     6.76 %

Maturity

     6/06       07/06-6/07                7/06-6/07       2/06-6/07  

Lines of credit (2)

       475,000              $ 475,000     $ 325,000  

Amounts undisbursed

       135,736                135,736       20,547  

Amounts outstanding

       339,263                339,263       304,453  

Average interest rate

       5.00 %              5.00 %     4.53 %

Maturity

       9/08                9/08       9/06  

Margin loan

   $ 10,664                $ 10,664     $ 10,663  

Average interest rate

     5.50 %                5.50 %     5.00 %

Maturity

     N/A                  N/A       N/A  

SBA debentures (3)

       $ 46,750        $ 44,000       $ 90,750     $ 77,250  

Amounts undisbursed

         13,500          0         13,500       0  

Amounts outstanding

         33,250          44,000         77,250       77,250  

Average interest rate

         6.02 %        6.08 %       6.05 %     6.02 %

Maturity

         9/11-9/15          9/11-3/16         9/11-3/16       9/11-9/15  

Certificates of deposit

              $ 217,472     $ 217,472     $ 219,107  

Average interest rate

                3.69 %     3.69 %     3.47 %

Maturity

                4/06-9/09       4/06-9/09       1/06-9/09  
                                                               

Total cash and amounts remaining undisbursed under credit facilities

   $ 2,921     $ 140,881     $ 28,568     $ 2,903    $ 697     $ 9,164     $ 185,134     $ 77,083  
                                                               

Total debt outstanding

   $ 24,664     $ 346,221     $ 33,250       —      $ 44,000     $ 217,472     $ 665,607     $ 620,022  
                                                               

(1) In January 2005, MFC entered into a $4,000,000 revolving note agreement with Atlantic Bank which was increased to $6,000,000 in March 2006, and which matures in August 2006, and is secured by medallion loans in process of being sold to the Trust.
(2) In January 2006, this line of credit was extended for an additional two years to September 2008, with the committed amount adjusting to $475,000,000.
(3) In March 2006, the SBA approved a $13,500,000 commitment for MCI to issue additional debentures to the SBA during a ten year period upon payment of a 1% fee and the infusion of $4,500,000 of additional capital.

Loan amortization, prepayments, and sales also provide a source of funding for the Company. Prepayments on loans are influenced significantly by general interest rates, medallion loan market rates, economic conditions, and competition. The Company believes that its credit facilities with MLB and the SBA, deposits generated at MB, and cash flow from operations (after distributions to shareholders) will be adequate to fund the continuing operations of the Company’s loan portfolio. Also, MB is not a RIC, and therefore is able to retain earnings to finance growth.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In March 2006, the FASB issued FSAS No. 156, “Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets - an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140.” This Statement requires that all separately recognized servicing rights be initially measured at fair value.

Subsequently, an entity may either recognize its servicing rights at fair value or amortize its servicing rights over an estimated life and assess for impairment at least quarterly. SFAS No. 156 also amends how gains and losses are computed in transfers or securitizations that qualify for sale treatment in which the transferor retains the right to service the transferred financial assets. Additional disclosures for all separately recognized servicing rights are also required. This Statement is effective January 1, 2007 for calendar year companies. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact that SFAS No. 156 will have on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

In February 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 155, “Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments” an amendment of SFAS No. 133 and 140. This statement permits fair value remeasurement for any hybrid financial instrument that contains an embedded derivative that otherwise would require bifurcation, clarifies which interest-only strips and principal-only strips are not subject to the requirements of SFAS No. 133, establishes a requirement to evaluate interests in securitized financial assets to identify interests that are free standing derivatives or that are hybrid financial instruments that contain an embedded derivative that require bifurcation, clarifies that concentrations of credit risk in the form of subordination are not embedded derivatives, and amends SFAS No. 140 to

 

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eliminate the prohibition on a qualifying special-purpose entity from holding a derivative financial instrument that pertains to a beneficial interest other than another derivative financial instrument. This statement is effective for all financial instruments acquired or issued after the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006, as defined. The Company does not expect that the adoption of SFAS No. 155 will have a material impact on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment,” (SFAS No. 123R), which supercedes Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” The revised statement addresses the accounting for share-based payment transactions with employees and other third parties, eliminates the ability to account for share-based transactions using APB No. 25 and requires that the compensation costs relating to such transactions be recognized in the consolidated financial statements. FAS No. 123R requires additional disclosures relating to the income tax and cash flow effects resulting from share-based payments. On April 14, 2005, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission announced it would permit most registrants subject to its oversight additional time to implement the requirements in SFAS No. 123(R). As announced, the SEC will permit companies to implement SFAS No. 123(R) at the beginning of their next fiscal year (instead of their next reporting period) that begins after June 15, 2005. The Company has adopted the modified prospective application method, of SFAS No. 123(R), effective January 1, 2006, and expects it will have an immaterial impact on its consolidated results of operations and earnings per share.

Common Stock

Our common stock is quoted on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol “TAXI.” Our common stock commenced trading on May 23, 1996. As of May 9, 2006, there were approximately 114 holders of record of the Company’s common stock.

On May 9, 2006, the last reported sale price of our common stock was $13.74 per share. Historically, our common stock has traded at a premium to net asset value per share, and although there can be no assurance, the Company anticipates that its stock will continue to trade at a premium in the future.

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the range of high and low closing prices for the Company’s common stock on the Nasdaq National Market.

 

2006

   HIGH    LOW

First Quarter

   $ 13.55    $ 11.12
             

2005

     

Fourth Quarter

   $ 11.50    $ 9.20

Third Quarter

     10.77      9.51

Second Quarter

     9.78      9.10

First Quarter

     9.80      8.92

As a RIC, we intend to distribute at least 90% of our investment company taxable income to our shareholders. Distributions of our income are generally required to be made within the calendar year the income was earned as a RIC; however, in certain circumstances distributions can be made up to a full calendar year after the income has been earned. Investment company taxable income includes, among other things, interest, dividends, and capital gains reduced by deductible expenses. Our ability to make dividend payments as a RIC is restricted by certain asset coverage requirements under the 1940 Act and has been dependent upon maintenance of our status as a RIC under the Code in the past, by SBA regulations, and under the terms of the SBA debentures. There can be no assurances, however, that we will have sufficient earnings to pay such dividends in the future.

 

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We have adopted a dividend reinvestment plan pursuant to which shareholders may elect to have distributions reinvested in additional shares of common stock. When we declare a dividend or distribution, all participants will have credited to their plan accounts the number of full and fractional shares (computed to three decimal places) that could be obtained with the cash, net of any applicable withholding taxes that would have been paid to them if they were not participants. The number of full and fractional shares is computed at the weighted average price of all shares of common stock purchased for plan participants within the 30 days after the dividend or distribution is declared plus brokerage commissions. The automatic reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions will not release plan participants of any income tax that may be payable on the dividend or capital gains distribution. Shareholders may terminate their participation in the dividend reinvestment plan by providing written notice to the Plan Agent at least 10 days before any given dividend payment date. Upon termination, we will issue to a shareholder both a certificate for the number of full shares of common stock owned and a check for any fractional shares, valued at the then current market price, less any applicable brokerage commissions and any other costs of sale. There are no additional fees or expenses for participation in the dividend reinvestment plan. Shareholders may obtain additional information about the dividend reinvestment plan by contacting American Stock Transfer and Trust Company at 59 Maiden Lane, New York, NY, 10038.

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES (1)

 

Period

  

Total Number
of

Shares
Purchased

  

Average Price

Paid per Share

  

Total Number of

Shares Purchased as

Part of Publicly

Announced

Plans or Programs

  

Maximum Number of
Shares (or Approximate
Dollar Value) that

May Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs

November 5 through December 31, 2003

   10,816    $ 9.20    10,816    $ 9,900,492

January 1 through December 31, 2004

   952,517      9.00    952,517      11,329,294

January 1 through December 31, 2005

   389,900      9.26    389,900      7,720,523

January 1 through March 31, 2006

   —        —      —        —  
               

Total

   1,353,233      9.07    1,353,233      —  

(1) The Company publicly announced its Stock Repurchase Program in a press release dated November 5, 2003, after the Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to $10,000,000 of the Company’s outstanding common stock, which was increased by an additional $10,000,000 authorization on November 3, 2004. The stock repurchase program expires after a certain number of days, except in certain cases where it is extended through completion of the authorized amounts. In November 2005, the Company extended the terms of the Stock Repurchase Program. Purchases were to commence no earlier than December 4, 2005, and were to conclude 180 days after the commencement of purchases.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There has been no material change in disclosure regarding quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk since the Company filed its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Under the direction of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting and concluded that (i) our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, and (ii) no change in internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarters ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, such internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company and its subsidiaries are currently involved in various legal proceedings incident to the ordinary course of its business, including collection matters with respect to certain loans. The Company intends to vigorously defend any outstanding claims and pursue its legal rights. In the opinion of the Company’s management and based upon the advice of legal counsel, there is no proceeding pending, or to the knowledge of management threatened, which in the event of an adverse decision would result in a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Interest rate fluctuations may adversely affect the interest rate spread we receive on our taxicab medallion and commercial loans.

Because we borrow money to finance the origination of loans, our income is dependent upon the difference between the rate at which we borrow funds and the rate at which we loan funds. While the loans in our portfolio in most cases bear interest at fixed-rates or adjustable-rates (which adjust at various intervals), we finance a substantial portion of such loans by incurring indebtedness with adjustable or floating interest rates (which adjust immediately to changes in rates). As a result, our debt may adjust to a change in interest rates more quickly than the loans in our portfolio. In periods of sharply rising interest rates, our costs of funds would increase, which would reduce our portfolio income before net realized and unrealized gains. Accordingly, like most financial services companies, we face the risk of interest rate fluctuations. Although we intend to continue to manage our interest rate risk through asset and liability management, including the use of interest rate caps, to achieve a positive asset/liability gap at year end, general rises in interest rates may reduce our interest rate spread in the short term. In addition, we rely on our counterparties to perform their obligations under such interest rate caps.

A decrease in prevailing interest rates may lead to more loan prepayments, which could adversely affect our business.

Our borrowers generally have the right to prepay their loans upon payment of a fee ranging from 30 to 120 days interest. A borrower is likely to exercise prepayment rights at a time when the interest rate payable on the borrower’s loan is high relative to prevailing interest rates. In a lower interest rate environment, we will have difficulty re-lending prepaid funds at comparable rates, which may reduce the net interest margin we receive.

We have traditionally qualified to be a RIC, and in order to be taxed as a RIC we must distribute our income. Therefore, we may have a continuing need for capital if we continue to be taxed as a RIC in the future.

We have a continuing need for capital to finance our lending activities. Our current sources of capital and liquidity are the following:

 

    line of credit for medallion lending;

 

    raising deposits at MB;

 

    loan amortization and prepayments;

 

    sales of participation interests in loans;

 

    fixed-rate, long-term SBA debentures that are issued to the SBA; and

 

    borrowings from other financial intermediaries.

In order to be taxed as a RIC, we are required to distribute at least 90% of our investment company taxable income; consequently, we have primarily relied upon external sources of funds to finance growth. At March 31, 2006, we had $138,769,000 available under a revolving credit agreements with commercial banks, $15,000,000 under a Fed Funds Line with a commercial bank, $13,500,000 available under outstanding commitments from the SBA, and $11,800,000 of additional deposits that can be raised by MB at existing capital levels.

 

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We may have difficulty raising capital to finance our planned level of lending operations.

Although the Company has demonstrated an ability to meet significant debt amortization requirements in the past, received approval to operate MB and begin raising federally-insured deposits, and has several existing sources of liquidity, there can be no assurance that additional funding sources to meet amortization requirements or future growth targets will be successfully obtained. See the additional discussion related to the credit facilities and note agreements in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section on page 30.

Due to the Company’s late filing of the 2004 Form 10-K, the Company could have restrictions imposed on it by rules of NASDAQ and the SEC. Such restrictions could include, and are not limited to, such items as not being able to file short form registration statements if the Company were to issue additional common stock to the public. The Company is currently considering an additional equity offering.

Lending to small businesses involves a high degree of risk and is highly speculative.

Lending to small businesses involves a high degree of business and financial risk, which can result in substantial losses and should be considered speculative. Our borrower base consists primarily of small business owners that have limited resources and that are generally unable to achieve financing from traditional sources. There is generally no publicly available information about these small business owners, and we must rely on the diligence of our employees and agents to obtain information in connection with our credit decisions. In addition, these small businesses often do not have audited financial statements. Some smaller businesses have narrower product lines and market shares than their competition. Therefore, they may be more vulnerable to customer preferences, market conditions or economic downturns, which may adversely affect the return on, or the recovery of, our investment in these businesses.

Our borrowers may default on their loans.

We primarily invest in and lend to companies that may have limited financial resources. Numerous factors may affect a borrower’s ability to repay its loan, including:

 

    the failure to meet its business plan;

 

    a downturn in its industry or negative economic conditions;

 

    the death, disability, or resignation of one or more of the key members of management; or

 

    the inability to obtain additional financing from traditional sources.

Deterioration of a borrower’s financial condition and prospects may be accompanied by deterioration of the collateral for the loan. Expansion of our portfolio and increases in the proportion of our portfolio consisting of commercial loans could have an adverse impact on the credit quality of the portfolio.

We borrow money, which may increase the risk of investing in our common stock.

We use financial leverage through banks and our long-term subordinated SBA debentures. Leverage poses certain risks for our stockholders, including the following:

 

    it may result in higher volatility of both our net asset value and the market price of our common stock;

 

    since interest is paid to our creditors before any income is distributed to our stockholders, fluctuations in the interest payable to our creditors may decrease the dividends and distributions to our stockholders; and

 

    in the event of a liquidation of the Company, our creditors would have claims on our assets superior to the claims of our stockholders.

If we are unable to continue to diversify geographically, our business may be adversely affected if the New York City taxicab industry experiences a sustained economic downturn.

Although we have diversified from the New York City area, a significant portion of our loan revenue is derived from New York City medallion loans collateralized by New York City taxicab medallions. An economic downturn in the New York City taxicab industry could lead to an increase in defaults on our medallion loans. There can be no assurance that we will be able to sufficiently diversify our operations geographically.

 

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An economic downturn could result in certain of our commercial and consumer loan customers experiencing declines in business activities, which could lead to difficulties in their servicing of their loans with us, and increasing the level of delinquencies, defaults, and loan losses in our commercial and consumer loan portfolios. Although the Company believes the estimates and assumptions used in determining the recorded amounts of net assets and liabilities at March 31, 2006 are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from the estimated amounts recorded in the Company’s financial statements.

The loss of certain key members of our senior management could adversely affect us.

Our success is largely dependent upon the efforts of senior management. The death, incapacity, or loss of the services of certain of these individuals could have an adverse effect on our operations and financial results. There can be no assurance that other qualified officers could be hired.

Acquisitions may lead to difficulties that could adversely affect our operations.

By their nature, corporate acquisitions entail certain risks, including those relating to undisclosed liabilities, the entry into new markets, operational, and personnel matters. We may have difficulty integrating acquired operations or managing problems due to sudden increases in the size of our loan portfolio. In such instances, we might be required to modify our operating systems and procedures, hire additional staff, obtain and integrate new equipment, and complete other tasks appropriate for the assimilation of new business activities. There can be no assurance that we would be successful, if and when necessary, in minimizing these inherent risks or in establishing systems and procedures which will enable us to effectively achieve our desired results in respect of any future acquisitions.

Competition from entities with greater resources and less regulatory restrictions may decrease our profitability.

We compete with banks, credit unions, and other finance companies, some of which are SBICs, in the origination of taxicab medallion, commercial, and consumer loans. Many of these competitors have greater resources than the Company, and certain competitors are subject to less restrictive regulations than the Company. As a result, there can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to identify and complete financing transactions that will permit us to continue to compete successfully.

The valuation of our loan portfolio is subjective and we may not be able to recover our estimated value in the event of a foreclosure or sale of a substantial portion of portfolio loans.

Under the 1940 Act, our loan portfolio must be recorded at fair value or “marked-to-market.” Unlike other lending institutions, we are not permitted to establish reserves for loan losses. Instead, the valuation of our investment portfolio is adjusted quarterly to reflect our estimate of the current realizable value of our loan portfolio. Since no ready market exists for this portfolio, fair value is subject to the good faith determination of our management and the approval of our Board of Directors. Because of the subjectivity of these estimates, there can be no assurance that in the event of a foreclosure or the sale of portfolio loans we would be able to recover the amounts reflected on our balance sheet. If liquidity constraints required the sale of a substantial portion of the portfolio, such an action may require the sale of certain assets at amounts less than their carrying amounts.

In determining the value of our portfolio, management and the Board of Directors may take into consideration various factors such as the financial condition of the borrower and the adequacy of the collateral. For example, in a period of sustained increases in market interest rates, management and the Board of Directors could decrease its valuation of the portfolio if the portfolio consists primarily of fixed-rate loans. Our valuation procedures are designed to generate values that approximate the value that would have been established by market forces and are therefore subject to uncertainties and variations from reported results.

Considering these factors, we have determined that the fair value of our portfolio is below its cost basis. At March 31, 2006, our net unrealized depreciation on investments was approximately $12,093,000 or 1.54% of our investment portfolio. Based upon current market conditions and current loan-to-value ratios, management believes, and our Board of Directors concurs, that the net unrealized depreciation on investments is adequate to reflect the fair value of the portfolio.

 

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Changes in taxicab industry regulations that result in the issuance of additional medallions could lead to a decrease in the value of our medallion loan collateral.

Every city in which we originate medallion loans, and most other major cities in the US, limits the supply of taxicab medallions. This regulation results in supply restrictions that support the value of medallions. Actions that loosen these restrictions and result in the issuance of additional medallions into a market could decrease the value of medallions in that market. If this were to occur, the value of the collateral securing our then outstanding medallion loans in that market could be adversely affected. New York City decided to increase the number of medallions by 900 through auctions over a three year period beginning in 2004, preceded by a 25% fare hike. The first of these auctions for 300 medallions concluded in April 2004, and the second for 300 medallions concluded in October 2004, and both generated high levels of bid activity and record medallion prices. Although there can be no assurances, we expect the final auction to occur in June 2006, and to obtain similar results. We are unable to forecast with any degree of certainty whether any other potential increases in the supply of medallions will occur.

In New York City, Chicago, Boston, and in other markets where we originate medallion loans, taxicab fares are generally set by government agencies. Expenses associated with operating taxicabs are largely unregulated. As a result, the ability of taxicab operators to recoup increases in expenses is limited in the short term. Escalating expenses can render taxicab operations less profitable, and could cause borrowers to default on loans from the Company, and could potentially adversely affect the value of the Company’s collateral. As mentioned above, New York City approved a 25% fare increase as a part of the auction program which was effective May 1, 2004.

A significant portion of our loan revenue is derived from loans collateralized by New York City taxicab medallions. According to New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission data, over the past 20 years New York City taxicab medallions have appreciated in value from under $100,000 to over $450,000 for corporate medallions and over $350,000 for individual medallions. However, for sustained periods during that time, taxicab medallions have declined in value. Since December 2004, the value of New York City taxicab medallions increased by approximately 12% for individual medallions and 50% for corporate medallions.

Our failure to achieve RIC status could lead to a substantial reduction in the amount of income distributed to our shareholders.

In 2003, changes were enacted to the federal tax laws which, among other things, significantly reduced the tax rate on dividends paid to shareholders from a corporation’s previously taxed income. Assuming we qualify as a RIC for 2006 or subsequent taxable years, we are unable to predict the effect of such changes upon our common stock.

If we do not file as a RIC for more than two consecutive years, and then seek to requalify and elect RIC status, we would be required to recognize gain to the extent of any unrealized appreciation on our assets unless we make a special election to pay corporate-level tax on any such unrealized appreciation recognized during the succeeding 10-year period. Absent such special election, any gain we recognize would be deemed distributed to our stockholders as a taxable distribution.

To qualify and be taxed as a RIC, we must meet certain income, diversification, and distribution requirements. However, because we use leverage, we are subject to certain asset coverage ratio requirements set forth in the 1940 Act. These asset coverage requirements could, under certain circumstances, prohibit us from making distributions that are necessary to maintain our RIC status or require that we reduce our leverage.

In addition, the asset coverage and distribution requirements impose significant cash flow management restrictions on us and limit our ability to retain earnings to cover periods of loss, provide for future growth and pay for extraordinary items. Qualification as a RIC is made on an annual basis and, although we and some of our subsidiaries qualified as regulated investment companies in the past, no assurance can be given that each will qualify for such treatment in 2006 and beyond. Failure to qualify as a RIC would subject us to tax on our income and could have material adverse effects on our financial condition and results of operations.

Our SBIC subsidiaries may be unable to meet the investment company requirements, which could result in the imposition of an entity-level tax.

The SBIA regulates some of our subsidiaries. The SBIA restricts distributions by a SBIC. Our SBIC subsidiaries that are also RICs could be prohibited by SBA regulations from making the distributions necessary to qualify as a RIC. Each year, in order to comply with the SBA regulations and the RIC distribution requirements, we must request and receive

 

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a waiver of the SBA’s restrictions. While the current policy of the SBA’s Office of SBIC Operations is to grant such waivers if the SBIC makes certain offsetting adjustments to its paid-in capital and surplus accounts, there can be no assurance that this will continue to be the SBA’s policy or that our subsidiaries will have adequate capital to make the required adjustments. If our subsidiaries are unable to obtain a waiver, compliance with the SBA regulations may result in loss of RIC status and a consequent imposition of an entity-level tax.

The Internal Revenue Code’s diversification requirements may limit our ability to expand our business.

These requirements provide that to qualify as a RIC, not more than 25% of the value of our total assets may be invested in the securities (other than US Government securities or securities of other RICs) of any one issuer. While our investments in RIC subsidiaries are not subject to this diversification test so long as these subsidiaries qualify as RICs, our investments in CCU and MB would be subject to this test, and could impact requalification as a RIC.

The merger of Media into CCU in exchange for stock created a diversification issue as well, as it represents 10% of the Company’s RIC assets. The level of the investment will need to be monitored to ensure it remains within the diversification guidelines.

Additionally the Company’s investment in MB, while representing 19% of the Company’s total RIC assets at March 31, 2006, currently falls within the guidelines of the 25% test described above. However, as an anticipated future growth vehicle of the Company, the investment in MB will need to be monitored for continued compliance with the test.

Our past use of Arthur Andersen LLP as our independent auditors may pose risks to us and also limit your ability to seek potential recoveries from them related to their work.

Effective July 29, 2002, the Company dismissed its independent auditors, Arthur Andersen LLP (Andersen), in view of recent developments involving Andersen, at that time.

As a public company, we are required to file periodic financial statements with the SEC that have been audited or reviewed by an independent accountant. As our former independent auditors, Andersen provided a report on our consolidated financial statements as of and for each of the five fiscal years in the period ended December 31, 2001. SEC rules require us to obtain Andersen’s consent to the inclusion of its audit report in our public filings. However, Andersen was indicted and found guilty of federal obstruction of justice charges, and has informed the Company that it is no longer able to provide such consent as a result of the departure from Andersen of the former partner and manager responsible for the audit report. Under these circumstances, Rule 437A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, permits the Company to incorporate the audit report and the audited financial statements without obtaining the consent of Andersen.

The SEC has recently provided regulatory relief designed to allow public companies to dispense with the requirement that they file a consent of Andersen in certain circumstances. Notwithstanding this relief, the inability of Andersen to provide either its consent or customary assurance services to us now and in the future could negatively affect our ability to, among other things, access the public capital markets. Any delay or inability to access the public markets as a result of this situation could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

We depend on cash flow from our subsidiaries to make dividend payments and other distributions to our shareholders.

We are primarily a holding company, and we derive most of our operating income and cash flow from our subsidiaries. As a result, we rely heavily upon distributions from our subsidiaries to generate the funds necessary to make dividend payments and other distributions to our shareholders. Funds are provided to us by our subsidiaries through dividends and payments on intercompany indebtedness, but there can be no assurance that our subsidiaries will be in a position to continue to make these dividend or debt payments. Furthermore, as a condition of its approval by its regulators, MB is precluded from making any dividend payments for its first three years of operations, which period expires in October 2006.

We operate in a highly regulated environment.

We are regulated by the SEC, the SBA, the FDIC, and the Utah Department of Financial Institutions. In addition, changes in the laws or regulations that govern BDCs, RICs, SBICs, or banks may significantly affect our business. Laws and regulations may be changed from time to time, and the interpretations of the relevant laws and regulations also are subject to change. Any change in the laws or regulations that govern our business could have a material impact on our operations.

 

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Our use of brokered deposit sources for MB’s deposit-gathering activities may not be available when needed.

MB relies on the established brokered deposit market to originate deposits to fund its operations. While MB has developed contractual relationships with a diversified group of investment brokers, and the brokered deposit market is well-developed and utilized by many banking institutions, conditions could change that might affect the availability of deposits. If the capital levels at MB fall below the “well-capitalized” level, or if MB experiences a period of sustained operating losses, the cost of attracting deposits from the brokered deposit market could increase significantly, and the ability of MB to raise deposits from this source could be impaired. MB’s ability to manage its growth to stay within the “well-capitalized” level, and the capital level currently required by the FDIC during MB’s first three years of operation, which is also considerably higher than the level required to be classified as “well-capitalized”, is critical to MB’s retaining open access to this funding source.

Consumer lending is a new product line for us that carries a higher risk of loss and could be adversely affected by an economic downturn.

The acquisition of the consumer loan portfolio, and the subsequent commencement of lending operations in this line of business, represents an entry into a new lending market for the Company. Although the purchased portfolio was seasoned, and MB management has considerable experience in originating and managing consumer loans, there can be no assurances that these loans will perform at their historical levels as expected under MB’s management.

By its nature, lending to consumers that have blemishes on their credit reports carries with it a higher risk of loss. Although the net interest margins should be higher to compensate the Company for this increased risk, an economic downturn could result in higher loss rates and lower returns than expected, and could affect the profitability of the consumer loan portfolio.

 

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

EXHIBITS

 

Number   

Description

31.1    Certification of Alvin Murstein pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) as adopted pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith.
31.2    Certification of Larry D. Hall pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) as adopted pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith.
32.1    Certification of Alvin Murstein pursuant to 18 USC. Section 1350, as adopted, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith.
32.2    Certification of Larry D. Hall pursuant to 18 USC. Section 1350, as adopted, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith.

 

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION RELATING TO FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements so long as those statements are identified as forward-looking and are accompanied by meaningful cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in such statements. In connection with certain forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-K and those that may be made in the future by or on behalf of the Company, the Company notes that there are various factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in any such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q were prepared by management and are qualified by, and subject to, significant business, economic, competitive, regulatory and other uncertainties and contingencies, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict and many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q will be realized or that actual results will not be significantly higher or lower. The statements have not been audited by, examined by, compiled by, or subjected to agreed-upon procedures by independent accountants, and no third-party has independently verified or reviewed such statements. Readers of this Form 10-Q should consider these facts in evaluating the information contained herein. In addition, the business and operations of the Company are subject to substantial risks which increase the uncertainty inherent in the forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q. The inclusion of the forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any other person that the forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q will be achieved. In light of the foregoing, readers of this Form 10-Q are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained herein. These risks and others that are detailed in this Form 10-Q and other documents that the Company files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and any current reports on Form 8-K must be considered by any investor or potential investor in the Company.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements 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.

MEDALLION FINANCIAL CORP.

Date: May 10, 2006

 

By:  

/s/ Alvin Murstein

  Alvin Murstein
  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
By:  

/s/ Larry D. Hall

  Larry D. Hall
  Senior Vice President and
  Chief Financial Officer
  Signing on behalf of the registrant
  as principal financial and accounting officer.

 

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