MEDALLION FINANCIAL CORP - Quarter Report: 2007 March (Form 10-Q)
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, 2007
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 814-00188
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
(Registrants 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 registrants Common Stock, par value $0.01, as of May 10, 2007 was 17,479,015.
1
Table of Contents
MEDALLION FINANCIAL CORP.
FORM 10-Q
3 | ||
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
3 | |
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
25 | |
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK |
45 | |
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES |
45 | |
45 | ||
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS |
45 | |
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS |
45 | |
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS |
53 | |
53 | ||
CERTIFICATIONS |
55 |
2
Table of Contents
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
BASIS OF PREPARATION
We, Medallion Financial Corp. or the Company, are a closed-end, non-diversified management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act). We have elected to be treated as a business development company under the 1940 Act. We are a specialty finance company that has a leading position in originating, acquiring, and servicing loans that finance taxicab medallions and various types of commercial businesses. A wholly-owned portfolio company of ours, Medallion Bank, also originates consumer loans for the purchase of recreational vehicles, boats, and horse trailers. Since 1996, the year in which we became a public company, we have increased our taxicab medallion loan portfolio at a compound annual growth rate of 12%, and our commercial loan portfolio at a compound annual growth rate of 8%. Since Medallion Bank began originating consumer loans, it has originated more than $126,944,000 as of March 31, 2007. Total assets under our management, which includes assets serviced for third party investors and managed by unconsolidated portfolio companies, were approximately $940,149,000 as of March 31, 2007 and $850,212,000 as of March 31, 2006, and have grown at a compound annual growth rate of 15% from $215,000,000 at the end of 1996. Since our initial public offering in 1996, we have paid dividends in excess of $108,267,000 or $7.20 per share.
We conduct our business through various wholly-owned investment company subsidiaries including:
| Medallion Funding Corp., or Medallion Funding, a Small Business Investment Company, or SBIC, and a regulated investment company, or RIC, our primary taxicab lending company; |
| Medallion Business Credit LLC, an originator of loans to small businesses for the purpose of financing inventory and receivables; |
| Medallion Capital, an SBIC and a RIC, which conducts a mezzanine financing business; and |
| Freshstart Venture Capital Corp., or Freshstart, an SBIC and a RIC, which originates and services taxicab medallion and commercial loans. |
We also conduct business through a wholly-owned portfolio company, Medallion Bank, a bank regulated by the FDIC and the Utah Department of Financial Institutions which originates taxicab medallion, commercial, and consumer loans, raises deposits, and conducts other banking activities. Medallion Bank provides us with our lowest costs of funds which it raises through bank certificates of deposits issued to its customers. To take advantage of this low cost of funds, we refer a portion of our taxicab medallion and commercial loans to Medallion Bank, which then originates these loans, which are serviced by us. We earn referral and servicing fees for these activities.
Since Medallion Bank commenced operations in December 2003, we had historically consolidated Medallion Banks financial statements with those of our own. Although Medallion Bank is not an investment company, and SEC rules generally do not permit investment companies such as ours to consolidate the financial statements of non-investment companies, such as Medallion Bank, we had sought and obtained a letter from the SEC in March 2004 permitting such consolidation. We believed that consolidating Medallion Bank provided a more complete and accurate representation of our full scope of operations, and our complete financial position and results of operations.
During August 2006, we filed a registration statement on Form N-2 which the SEC staff reviewed and on which they provided comments, including those relating to the consolidation of the accounts of Medallion Bank. Based on discussion with the SEC staff, we determined during the 2006 fourth quarter to voluntarily not consolidate Medallion Bank and present Medallion Bank as a portfolio company. We determined that this change represents a change in the reporting entity as described in SFAS No. 154, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections. Accordingly we have retrospectively applied this change to the financial statements of all prior periods presented, including previously issued interim periods presented. The effect of this retrospective application is to present our financial position and results of operations as if Medallion Bank had not been consolidated for all periods presented and to present Medallion Bank as an unconsolidated portfolio investment. Although this creates changes in the reported levels of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses, our net increase in net assets resulting from operations, shareholders equity, and the related amounts per common share are unchanged.
Because of the change in the reporting entity described above and in Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements, our financial position included in this report for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 has been adjusted to reflect the change retrospectively for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 as if Medallion Bank had not been consolidated for all periods presented and to present Medallion Bank as an unconsolidated portfolio investment.
3
Table of Contents
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 Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2007.
The consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of March 31, 2007, the related consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, and the consolidated statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 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 Companys consolidated financial position and results of operations. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, 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 Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
4
Table of Contents
MEDALLION FINANCIAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
Three Months ended March 31, | ||||||||
2007 | 2006 (As adjusted) |
|||||||
Interest income on investments |
$ | 10,093,100 | $ | 9,639,192 | ||||
Medallion lease income |
210,153 | 120,000 | ||||||
Dividends and interest income on short-term investments |
136,030 | 255,243 | ||||||
Total investment income |
10,439,283 | 10,014,435 | ||||||
Interest on floating rate borrowings |
5,509,588 | 4,147,437 | ||||||
Interest on fixed rate borrowings |
1,240,031 | 1,226,202 | ||||||
Total interest expense(1) |
6,749,619 | 5,373,639 | ||||||
Net interest income |
3,689,664 | 4,640,796 | ||||||
Total noninterest income |
490,433 | 615,678 | ||||||
Salaries and benefits |
2,733,272 | 1,921,152 | ||||||
Professional fees |
604,993 | 556,052 | ||||||
Rent expense |
333,290 | 298,687 | ||||||
Other operating expenses |
903,511 | 753,232 | ||||||
Total operating expenses |
4,575,066 | 3,529,123 | ||||||
Net investment income (loss) before income taxes(2) |
(394,969 | ) | 1,727,351 | |||||
Income tax (provision) benefit |
| | ||||||
Net investment income (loss) after income taxes |
(394,969 | ) | 1,727,351 | |||||
Net realized gains (losses) on investments |
10,011,590 | (1,856,236 | ) | |||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments |
(8,038,520 | ) | 568,629 | |||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation on Medallion Bank and other controlled subsidiaries |
2,202,110 | 1,346,939 | ||||||
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
(5,836,410 | ) | 1,915,568 | |||||
Net realized/unrealized gains on investments |
4,175,180 | 59,332 | ||||||
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations |
$ | 3,780,211 | $ | 1,786,683 | ||||
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations per common share |
||||||||
Basic |
$ | 0.22 | $ | 0.10 | ||||
Diluted |
0.21 | 0.10 | ||||||
Dividends declared per share |
$ | 0.19 | $ | 0.16 | ||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding |
||||||||
Basic |
17,427,387 | 17,211,707 | ||||||
Diluted |
17,764,663 | 17,722,064 | ||||||
(1) | Average borrowings outstanding were $453,363,000 and $412,448,000, and the related average borrowing costs were 6.04% and 5.28% for the quarters ended March 31, 2007 and 2006. |
(2) | Includes $462,000 and $470,000 of net revenues received from Medallion Bank for the quarters ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 primarily for servicing fees, loan origination fees, and expense reimbursements. See Note 4 for additional information. |
The accompanying notes should be read in conjunction with these consolidated financial statements.
5
Table of Contents
MEDALLION FINANCIAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
UNAUDITED March 31, 2007 |
AUDITED December 31, 2006 |
|||||||
Assets |
||||||||
Medallion loans, at fair value |
$ | 443,662,404 | $ | 428,248,589 | ||||
Commercial loans, at fair value |
90,900,308 | 88,206,661 | ||||||
Investment in Medallion Bank and other controlled subsidiaries, at fair value |
53,379,411 | 50,448,032 | ||||||
Equity investments, at fair value |
4,529,487 | 16,068,243 | ||||||
Investment securities, at fair value |
19,933,800 | 9,961,111 | ||||||
Net investments ($428,530,000 at March 31, 2007 and $405,817,000 at December 31, 2006 pledged as collateral under borrowing arrangements) |
612,405,410 | 592,932,636 | ||||||
Cash ($876,000 at March 31, 2007 and $865,000 December 31, 2006 restricted as to use by lender) |
28,282,254 | 15,398,740 | ||||||
Accrued interest receivable |
2,158,004 | 2,177,694 | ||||||
Fixed assets, net |
522,732 | 525,472 | ||||||
Goodwill, net |
5,007,583 | 5,007,583 | ||||||
Other assets, net |
17,513,787 | 15,562,763 | ||||||
Total assets |
$ | 665,889,770 | $ | 631,604,888 | ||||
Liabilities |
||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses |
$ | 2,639,955 | $ | 5,057,204 | ||||
Dividends Payable |
3,311,494 | | ||||||
Accrued interest payable |
752,614 | 1,783,258 | ||||||
Floating rate borrowings |
411,695,424 | 377,886,424 | ||||||
Fixed rate borrowings |
77,250,000 | 77,250,000 | ||||||
Total liabilities |
495,649,487 | 461,976,886 | ||||||
Commitments and contingencies |
| | ||||||
Shareholders equity (net assets) |
||||||||
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 18,822,266 shares at March 31, 2007 and 18,799,766 shares at December 31, 2006 issued) |
188,223 | 187,998 | ||||||
Treasury stock at cost (1,373,351 shares at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006) |
(12,611,113 | ) | (12,611,113 | ) | ||||
Capital in excess of par value |
176,992,631 | 176,849,296 | ||||||
Accumulated undistributed net investment income |
1,661,922 | 5,198,189 | ||||||
Accumulated undistributed net realized gains on investments |
3,287,036 | | ||||||
Net unrealized appreciation on investments |
721,584 | 3,632 | ||||||
Total shareholders equity (net assets) |
170,240,283 | 169,628,002 | ||||||
Total liabilities and shareholders equity |
$ | 665,889,770 | $ | 631,604,888 | ||||
Number of common shares outstanding |
17,448,915 | 17,426,415 | ||||||
Net asset value per share |
$ | 9.76 | $ | 9.73 | ||||
The accompanying notes should be read in conjunction with these consolidated financial statements.
6
Table of Contents
MEDALLION FINANCIAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
(UNAUDITED)
March 31, 2007 | March 31, 2006 (As adjusted) |
|||||||
Net investment income (loss) after income taxes |
($ | 394,969 | ) | $ | 1,727,351 | |||
Net realized gains (losses) on investments |
10,011,590 | (1,856,236 | ) | |||||
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
(5,836,410 | ) | 1,915,568 | |||||
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations |
3,780,211 | 1,786,683 | ||||||
Investment income, net |
(1,367,617 | ) | (2,583,112 | ) | ||||
Realized gain from investment transactions, net |
(1,943,877 | ) | | |||||
Dividends and distributions to shareholders (1) |
(3,311,494 | ) | (2,583,112 | ) | ||||
Exercise of stock options |
143,564 | 471,682 | ||||||
Capital share transactions |
143,564 | 471,682 | ||||||
Total increase (decrease) in net assets |
612,281 | (324,747 | ) | |||||
Net assets at the beginning of the period |
169,628,002 | 166,353,839 | ||||||
Net assets at the end of the period(2) |
$ | 170,240,283 | $ | 166,029,092 | ||||
Capital share activity |
||||||||
Common stock authorized, beginning of period |
18,799,766 | 18,546,648 | ||||||
Exercise of stock options |
22,500 | 92,118 | ||||||
Common stock authorized, end of period |
18,822,266 | 18,638,766 | ||||||
Treasury stock, beginning of period |
(1,373,351 | ) | (1,373,351 | ) | ||||
Treasury stock acquired |
| | ||||||
Treasury stock, end of period |
(1,373,351 | ) | (1,373,351 | ) | ||||
Common stock outstanding |
17,448,915 | 17,265,415 | ||||||
(1) | Dividends declared were $0.19 and $0.16 per share for the quarters ended March 31, 2007 and March 31, 2006. |
(2) | Includes $3,674,000 and $0 of undistributed net investment income at March 31, 2007 and 2006. |
The accompanying notes should be read in conjunction with these consolidated financial statements.
7
Table of Contents
MEDALLION FINANCIAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
Three Months ended March 31, | ||||||||
2007 | 2006 (As adjusted) |
|||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES |
||||||||
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations |
$ | 3,780,211 | $ | 1,786,683 | ||||
Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets resulting from operations to net cash provided by operating activities: |
||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
106,773 | 108,558 | ||||||
Amortization of origination costs |
225,928 | 43,092 | ||||||
Increase in net unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on investments |
8,038,520 | (568,629 | ) | |||||
Increase in unrealized appreciation on Medallion Bank and other controlled subsidiaries |
(2,202,110 | ) | (1,346,939 | ) | ||||
Net realized (gains) losses on investments |
(10,011,590 | ) | 1,856,236 | |||||
Stock-based compensation expense |
(38,707 | ) | | |||||
Decrease in accrued interest receivable |
19,690 | 447,505 | ||||||
Increase in other assets, net |
(131,077 | ) | (256,698 | ) | ||||
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses |
(2,417,253 | ) | (1,156,311 | ) | ||||
Decrease in accrued interest payable |
(1,030,644 | ) | (833,756 | ) | ||||
Net cash provided by (used) for operating activities |
(3,660,259 | ) | 79,741 | |||||
CASH FLOWS USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES |
||||||||
Investments originated |
(83,896,210 | ) | (45,060,177 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from principal receipts, sales, and maturities of investments |
67,281,959 | 36,486,753 | ||||||
Banco portfolio acquisition |
| (35,703,391 | ) | |||||
Investments in Medallion Bank and other controlled subsidiaries, net |
(729,269 | ) | 203,397 | |||||
Capital expenditures |
(104,033 | ) | (87,486 | ) | ||||
Net cash used for investing activities |
(17,447,553 | ) | (44,160,904 | ) | ||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES |
||||||||
Proceeds from floating rate borrowings |
85,826,257 | 56,322,250 | ||||||
Repayments of floating rate borrowings |
(52,017,256 | ) | (9,101,543 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from exercise of stock options |
182,325 | 471,682 | ||||||
Payments of declared dividends |
| (2,583,112 | ) | |||||
Commitment fees on SBA leverage |
| (135,000 | ) | |||||
Net cash provided by financing activities |
33,991,326 | 44,974,277 | ||||||
NET INCREASE / (DECREASE) IN CASH |
12,883,514 | 893,114 | ||||||
CASH, beginning of period |
15,398,740 | 22,808,388 | ||||||
CASH, end of period |
$ | 28,282,254 | $ | 23,701,502 | ||||
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION |
||||||||
Cash paid during the period for interest |
$ | 7,553,934 | $ | 6,079,391 | ||||
Cash paid during the period for income taxes |
| | ||||||
Non-cash investing activities-net transfers to (from) other assets |
| | ||||||
The accompanying notes should be read in conjunction with these consolidated financial statements.
8
Table of Contents
MEDALLION FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2007
(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; and Freshstart Venture Capital Corp. (FSVC), an SBIC which originates and services taxicab medallion and commercial loans. MFC, MCI, and FSVC, as SBICs, are regulated and financed in part by the SBA.
In December 2006, MFC established a wholly-owned subsidiary, Taxi Medallion Loan Trust II (Trust II), for the purpose of owning medallion loans originated by MFC or others. Trust II is a separate legal and corporate entity with its own creditors who, in any liquidation of Trust II, will be entitled to be satisfied out of Trust IIs assets prior to any value in Trust II becoming available to Trust IIs equity holders. The assets of Trust II, aggregating $100,000,000 at March 31, 2007, 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 Trust II. Trust IIs loans are serviced by MFC.
In September 2006, and previously 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.
A wholly-owned portfolio investment of ours, Medallion Bank, a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insured industrial bank that originates medallion loans, commercial loans, and consumer loans, raises deposits, and conducts other banking activities (see Notes 3 and 4). Medallion Bank 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 FDICs order of October 2, 2003 approving Medallion Banks application for federal deposit insurance, the FDIC certified that the deposits of each depositor in Medallion Bank were insured to the maximum amount provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and Medallion Bank opened for business. Medallion Bank is subject to competition from other financial institutions and to the regulations of certain federal and state agencies, and undergoes examinations by those agencies.
Medallion Bank is not an investment company, and therefore, is not consolidated with the Company, but instead is treated as a portfolio investment. It 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 Medallion Banks affiliates who have extensive prior experience in these asset groups. Additionally, Medallion Bank 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. On April 1, 2004, Medallion Bank 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 Medallion Bank. The purchase included a premium of approximately $5,678,000 to the book value of assets acquired, which Medallion Bank amortizes to interest income over the expected life of the acquired loans, and which is carried in other assets on Medallion Banks balance sheet.
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 Trusts assets prior to any value in the Trust becoming available to the Trusts equity holders. The assets of the Trust, aggregating $322,648,000 at March 31, 2007 and $327,202,000 at December 31, 2006, 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 Trusts loans are serviced by MFC.
9
Table of Contents
(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 Companys 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, except for Medallion Bank. All significant intercompany transactions, balances, and profits have been eliminated in consolidation. As a non-investment company, Medallion Bank is not consolidated with the Company, which is an investment company under the 1940 Act. See Note 3 regarding our change in reporting entity in 2006, and Note 4 for the presentation of financial information for Medallion Bank. Because of the change in the reporting entity described in Note 3, our financial condition and results of operations included in this quarterly report for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 has been adjusted to reflect the change retrospectively for such period and related information presented.
Investment Valuation
The Companys 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.
Equity investments (common stock and stock warrants, including certain controlled subsidiary portfolio investments) and investment securities (mortgage backed bonds), in total representing 13%, and 11% of the investment portfolio at March 31, 2007 and 2006, 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 were marketable securities of $4,430,000 and $15,969,000 at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, and non-marketable securities of $99,000 in each period. The $53,379,000 and $50,448,000 related to portfolio investments in controlled subsidiaries at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 were all non-marketable in each period. Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuations, managements 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.
Our investments in Medallion Bank, as a wholly-owned portfolio investment, were also subject to quarterly assessments of fair value. We conduct a thorough valuation analysis as described previously, and determine whether any factors give rise to valuation different than recorded book value, including various regulatory restrictions that were established at Medallion Banks inception, by the FDIC and State of Utah, and also by additional marketplace restrictions, such as on the ability to transfer industrial bank charters. As a result of this valuation process, we used Medallion Banks actual results of operations as the best estimate of changes in fair value, and recorded the results as a component of unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, although changes in these restrictions and other applicable factors could change these conclusions in the future. See Note 4.
A majority of the Companys 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 72% of the Companys investment portfolio at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 had arisen in connection with the financing of taxicab medallions,
10
Table of Contents
taxicabs, and related assets, of which 79% were in New York City at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006. 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 Companys portfolio (15% at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006) 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. Investments in controlled unconsolidated subsidiaries, equity investments, and investment securities, were 9% at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006.
On a managed basis, which includes the investments of Medallion Bank after eliminating the Companys investment in Medallion Bank and other controlled subsidiaries, medallion loans were 62% at March 31, 2007 and 63% at December 31, 2006 (82% at both period ends in New York City), commercial loans were 18% at both period ends, and 14% and 13% were consumer loans in all 50 states collateralized by recreational vehicles, boats, and trailers. Equity investments and investment securities were 1% and 5% at March 31, 2007 and 2% and 4% at December 31, 2006, of the net investment portfolio.
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, 2007 and December 31, 2006 net origination costs totaled approximately $574,000 and $631,000. Amortization expense for the quarters ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 was $226,000 and $43,000.
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, 2007 and 2006, there were no premiums or discounts on investment securities, and no income accretion or amortization for 2007 and 2006.
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, 2007, December 31, 2006 and March 31, 2006, total non-accrual loans were approximately $17,439,000, $13,670,000, and $18,652,000, and represented 3%, 3%, and 4% of the gross medallion and commercial loan portfolio at each period. 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 $5,835,000, $5,281,000, and $6,158,000 as of March 31, 2007, December 31, 2006, and March 31, 2006, of which $599,000 and $659,000 would have been recognized in the quarters ended March 31, 2007 and 2006.
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 Liabilitiesa Replacement of FASB Statement No. 125 (SFAS 140). In addition, we are in compliance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 156 Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assetsa Replacement of FASB Statement No. 140 (SFAS 156). SFAS 156 provides accounting and reporting standards for transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishments of liabilities. In accordance with SFAS 156, we have elected the fair value measurement method for our servicing assets and liabilities. The principal portion of loans serviced for others by the Company was approximately $161,430,000 and $168,463,000 at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 and included $148,064,000 and $153,271,000 of loans serviced for Medallion Bank. The Company has evaluated the servicing aspect of its business in accordance with SFAS 156, substantially all of which relates to servicing assets held by Medallion Bank, and determined that no material servicing asset or liability exists as of December 31, 2006 and March 31, 2007.
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 cost basis 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 appreciation (depreciation) on net investments was $722,000, $4,000, and ($7,979,000) as of March 31, 2007, December 31, 2006, and March 31, 2006. Our investment in Medallion Bank, a wholly-owned portfolio investment, is also subject to quarterly assessments of fair value. We conduct a thorough valuation analysis as described previously, and determine whether any factors give rise to valuation different than recorded book value, including various regulatory restrictions that were established at Medallion Banks inception, by the FDIC and State of Utah, and also by additional marketplace restrictions, such as on the ability to
11
Table of Contents
transfer industrial bank charters. As a result of this valuation process, we used Medallion Banks actual results of operations as the best estimate of changes in fair value, and recorded the results as a component of unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, although changes in these restrictions and other applicable factors could change these conclusions in the future. See Note 3 for change in the reporting entity and Note 4 for the presentation of financial information for Medallion Bank.
The following tables sets forth the changes in our unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006.
Loans | Equity Investments |
Foreclosed Properties |
Total | |||||||||||||
Balance December 31, 2006 |
($ | 3,055,696 | ) | $ | 2,112,846 | $ | 946,482 | $ | 3,632 | |||||||
Increase in unrealized |
||||||||||||||||
Appreciation on investments |
(63,562 | ) | 48,602 | 1,920,000 | 1,968,602 | |||||||||||
Depreciation on investments |
| (11,736 | ) | (73,000 | ) | (148,298 | ) | |||||||||
Reversal of unrealized appreciation (depreciation) related to realized |
||||||||||||||||
Gains on investments |
| (1,099,805 | ) | | (1,099,805 | ) | ||||||||||
Losses on investments |
1,260 | | | 1,260 | ||||||||||||
Other |
(3,807 | ) | (3,807 | ) | ||||||||||||
Balance March 31, 2007 |
($ | 3,117,998 | ) | $ | 1,046,100 | $ | 2,793,482 | $ | 721,584 | |||||||
Loans | Equity Investments |
Foreclosed Properties |
Total | |||||||||||||
Balance December 31, 2005 |
($ | 7,896,299 | ) | $ | 628,732 | ($ | 1,396,750 | ) | ($8,664,317 | ) | ||||||
Increase in unrealized |
||||||||||||||||
Depreciation on investments |
(90,819 | ) | (968,042 | ) | 27,000 | (1,031,859 | ) | |||||||||
Reversal of unrealized appreciation (depreciation) related to realized |
||||||||||||||||
Gains on investments |
| (64,500 | ) | | (64,500 | ) | ||||||||||
Losses on investments |
1,781,479 | 2 | | 1,781,479 | ||||||||||||
Balance March 31, 2006 |
($ | 6,205,639 | ) | ($403,808 | ) | ($ | 1,369,750 | ) | ($7,979,197 | ) | ||||||
The table below summarizes components of unrealized and realized gains and losses in the investment portfolio.
Three Months ended March 31, | ||||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments |
||||||||
Unrealized appreciation |
$ | 48,602 | $ | | ||||
Unrealized depreciation |
(75,298 | ) | (1,058,350 | ) | ||||
Net unrealized appreciation on investment in Medallion Bank and other controlled subsidiaries |
2,202,110 | 1,346,939 | ||||||
Realized gains |
(9,833,084 | ) | (64,500 | ) | ||||
Realized losses |
1,260 | 1,781,479 | ||||||
Unrealized gains (losses) on foreclosed properties |
1,820,000 | (90,000 | ) | |||||
Total |
($5,836,410 | ) | $ | 1,915,568 | ||||
Net realized gains on investments |
||||||||
Realized gains |
$ | 1,099,805 | $ | 64,500 | ||||
Realized losses |
(1,260 | ) | (1,781,479 | ) | ||||
Other gains |
8,909,728 | 129,993 | ||||||
Direct recoveries (charge-offs) |
3,317 | (269,250 | ) | |||||
Total |
$ | 10,011,590 | ($1,856,236 | ) | ||||
12
Table of Contents
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 2006, 2005, and 2004, and management believes, and the Board of Directors concurs, that there is no impairment as of March 31, 2007. The Company conducts annual appraisals of its goodwill, and will recognize any impairment in the period any impairment is identified.
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 $107,000 and $109,000 for the quarters ended March 31, 2007 and 2006.
Deferred Costs
Deferred financing costs, included in other assets, represents costs associated with obtaining the Companys borrowing facilities, and is amortized over the lives of the related financing agreements. Amortization expense was $226,000 and $128,000 for the quarters ended March 31, 2007 and 2006. 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. 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 $3,014,000, $2,747,000 and $2,283,000 as of March 31, 2007, December 31, 2006, and March 31, 2006.
Federal Income Taxes
The Company and each of its major subsidiaries other than Medallion Bank (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 Companys and the RIC subsidiaries policy to comply with the provisions of the Code. The Company qualified and filed its federal tax returns as a RIC for 2005, and anticipates qualifying and filing as a RIC for 2006 and 2007.
Medallion Bank is not a RIC and is taxed as a regular corporation.
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 Companys 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.
13
Table of Contents
The table below shows the calculation of basic and diluted EPS.
Three Months ended March 31, | ||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations available to common shareholders |
$ | 3,780,211 | $ | 1,786,683 | ||
Weighted average common shares outstanding applicable to basic EPS |
17,427,387 | 17,211,707 | ||||
Effect of dilutive stock options |
337,276 | 510,357 | ||||
Adjusted weighted average common shares outstanding applicable to diluted EPS |
17,764,663 | 17,722,064 | ||||
Basic earnings per share |
$ | 0.22 | $ | 0.10 | ||
Diluted earnings per share |
0.21 | 0.10 | ||||
Potentially dilutive common shares excluded from the above calculations aggregated 821,436 and 535,252 shares as of March 31, 2007 and 2006.
Stock Compensation
The Company applies SFAS No. 123 (Revised), Share-Based Payment (SFAS No. 123R), and related interpretations in accounting for its stock option plans effective January 1, 2006, and accordingly, the Company recognizes the expense of these grants as required. Stock-based employee compensation costs pertaining to stock options is reflected in net increase in net assets resulting from operations, 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, as well as for all unvested options outstanding at December 31, 2005. During the quarter ended March 31, 2007, the Company issued 159,674 shares of stock-based option awards, and recognized $78,000 of non-cash stock-based compensation expense related to the option grants, which was offset by certain adjustments aggregating $117,000. During the quarter ended March 31, 2006, we issued no shares of stock-based compensation awards. As of March 31, 2007, the total remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options was approximately $695,500, which is expected to be recognized over the next sixteen quarters (see Note 7).
Derivatives
The Company had no interest rate cap agreements or other derivative investments outstanding during 2007 and 2006.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year balances to conform with the current quarters presentation.
(3) CHANGE IN THE REPORTING ENTITY
Since Medallion Bank commenced operations in December 2003, the Company had historically consolidated Medallion Banks financial statements with those of its own. Although Medallion Bank is not an investment company, and SEC rules generally do not permit investment companies such as the Company to consolidate the financial statements of non-investment companies, such as Medallion Bank, the Company had sought and obtained a letter from the SEC in March 2004 permitting such consolidation. We believed that consolidating Medallion Bank provided a more complete and accurate representation of the Companys full scope of operations, and its complete financial position and results of operations.
14
Table of Contents
During August 2006, the Company filed a registration statement on Form N-2 which the SEC staff reviewed and on which they provided comments, including those relating to the consolidation of the accounts of Medallion Bank. Based on discussion with the SEC staff, the Company determined during the 2006 fourth quarter to voluntarily not consolidate Medallion Bank and present Medallion Bank as a portfolio company. We determined that this change represents a change in the reporting entity as described in SFAS No. 154, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections. Accordingly, the Company has retrospectively applied this change to the financial statements of all prior periods presented, including previously issued interim periods presented. The effect of this retrospective application is to present the Companys financial position and results of operations as if Medallion Bank had not been consolidated for all periods presented and to present Medallion Bank as an unconsolidated portfolio investment. Although this creates changes in the reported levels of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses, our net increase in net assets resulting from operations, shareholders equity, and the related amounts per common share are unchanged.
The following table presents certain appropriate financial statement captions as previously reported consolidating Medallion Bank with the Company, and compares them to the current presentation which does not consolidate Medallion Bank as of and for the quarter ended March 31, 2006.
Quarter ended March 31, 2006 | |||||||||||
As Previously Reported, Medallion Bank |
As Currently Reported, Medallion Bank |
Change | |||||||||
Investment income |
$ | 16,447,000 | $ | 10,014,000 | ($ | 6,433,000 | ) | ||||
Interest expense |
7,429,000 | 5,374,000 | (2,055,000 | ) | |||||||
Net interest income |
9,018,000 | 4,640,000 | (4,378,000 | ) | |||||||
Net investment income after income taxes |
3,767,000 | 1,728,000 | (2,039,000 | ) | |||||||
Net realized/unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
(1,980,000 | ) | 59,000 | 2,039,000 | |||||||
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations |
$ | 1,787,000 | $ | 1,787,000 | $ | | |||||
Net increase in net assets resulting from |
$ | 0.10 | $ | 0.10 | $ | | |||||
15
Table of Contents
(4) INVESTMENT IN MEDALLION BANK AND OTHER CONTROLLED SUBSIDIARIES
Medallion Bank
The following table presents Medallion Banks statement of operations and other valuation adjustments on other controlled subsidiaries for the quarters ended March 31, 2007, and 2006.
Quarters ended March 31, | ||||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||||
Statement of operations |
||||||||
Investment income |
$ | 8,257,250 | $ | 6,437,210 | ||||
Interest expense |
3,097,332 | 2,059,542 | ||||||
Net interest income |
5,159,918 | 4,377,668 | ||||||
Noninterest income |
108,870 | 105,853 | ||||||
Operating expenses |
1,726,969 | 1,443,019 | ||||||
Net investment income before income taxes |
3,541,819 | 3,040,502 | ||||||
Income tax provision |
(974,154 | ) | (1,001,545 | ) | ||||
Net investment income after income taxes |
2,567,665 | 2,038,957 | ||||||
Net realized/unrealized (losses) of Medallion Bank and other controlled subsidiaries (1) |
(365,555 | ) | (692,018 | ) | ||||
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations of Medallion Bank and other controlled subsidiaries |
$ | 2,202,110 | $ | 1,346,939 | ||||
(1) | Includes $375,882 and ($91,272) of net realized/unrealized gains (losses) of controlled subsidiaries other than Medallion Bank for the quarters ended March 31, 2007 and 2006. |
The following table presents Medallion Banks balance sheets and the net investment in other controlled subsidiaries as of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006.
2007 | 2006 | |||||
Loans |
$ | 268,890,610 | $ | 267,839,793 | ||
Investment securities, at fair value |
22,642,517 | 21,682,923 | ||||
Net investments ($0 pledged as collateral under borrowing arrangements at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006)(1) |
291,533,127 | 289,522,716 | ||||
Cash ($0 at March 31, 2007 and $0 December 31, 2006 restricted as to use by lender) |
14,487,094 | 14,698,919 | ||||
Other assets, net |
3,741,353 | 5,209,015 | ||||
Total assets |
$ | 309,761,574 | $ | 309,430,650 | ||
Other liabilities |
$ | 1,579,166 | $ | 832,396 | ||
Payable to parent |
384,181 | 267,247 | ||||
Fixed rate borrowings |
259,281,434 | 261,483,540 | ||||
Total liabilities |
261,244,781 | 262,583,183 | ||||
Medallion Bank equity |
48,516,793 | 46,847,467 | ||||
Total liabilities and equity |
$ | 309,761,574 | $ | 309,430,650 | ||
Investment in other controlled subsidiaries |
$ | 4,478,437 | $ | 3,373,318 | ||
Total investment in Medallion Bank and other controlled subsidiaries |
$ | 53,379,411 | $ | 50,488,032 | ||
(1) | Included in Medallion Banks net investments is $3,741,000 and $1,859,000 for purchased loan premium, accrued interest receivable, and facility fees at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006. |
The following paragraphs summarize the accounting and reporting policies of Medallion Bank, and provide additional information relating to the table presented above.
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, 2007 and 2006, the net premium on investment securities totaled $191,000 and $421,000, and amortization expense was $46,000 and $38,000.
16
Table of Contents
Medallion Banks policies regarding nonaccrual of medallion and commercial loans are similar to those of the Company. 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. At March 31, 2007, $534,000 of consumer loans to individuals 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 $24,000 in for the March 31, 2007 quarter. None of Medallion Banks medallion or commercial loans were on nonaccrual at December 31, 2006.
Medallion Banks loan and investment portfolios are assessed for collectibility on a monthly basis, and a loan loss allowance is established for any realizability concerns on specific investments, and general reserves have also been established for any unknown factors. The 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 of which $195,000 and $308,000 was amortized into interest income in the quarters ended March 31, 2007 and 2006. The premium amount on the balance sheet were $1,697,000 and $1,893,000 at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006. 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 previously in Note 2.
The outstanding balances of fixed rate borrowings were as follows:
Payments Due for the Fiscal Year Ending March 31, | March 31, | December 31, | Interest |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | Thereafter | 2007 | 2006 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Certificates of deposit |
$ | 97,885,000 | $ | 87,178,000 | $ | 69,718,000 | $ | 4,500,000 | $ | | $ | | $ | 259,281,000 | $ | 261,484,000 | 4.52 | % | |||||||||
(1) | Weighted average contractual rate as of March 31, 2007. |
In January 2004, Medallion Bank 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 Medallion Bank. 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 at March 31, 2007 and 2006 was $940,000 and $678,000, and $179,000 and $162,000 was amortized to interest expense during March 31, 2007 and 2006. Interest on the deposits is accrued daily and paid monthly, semiannually, or at maturity.
Medallion Bank 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 Medallion Banks and our financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, Medallion Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of Medallion Banks assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Medallion Banks capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the bank regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.
FDIC-insured banks, including Medallion Bank, are subject to certain federal laws, which impose various legal limitations on the extent to which banks may finance or otherwise supply funds to certain of their affiliates. In particular, Medallion Bank is subject to certain restrictions on any extensions of credit to, or other covered transactions, such as certain purchases of assets, with the Company or its affiliates.
Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require Medallion Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios as defined in the regulations (set forth in the table below). Additionally, as conditions of granting Medallion Banks 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.
17
Table of Contents
The following table represents Medallion Banks actual capital amounts and related ratios as of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, compared to required regulatory minimum capital ratios and the ratio required to be considered well capitalized. As of March 31, 2007, Medallion Bank meets all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject, and is well-capitalized.
Regulatory | ||||||||||||||||
Minimum | Well-capitalized | March 31, 2007 | December 31, 2006 | |||||||||||||
Tier I capital |
$ | 12,225,280 | $ | 15,281,600 | $ | 48,706,000 | $ | 47,093,000 | ||||||||
Total capital |
22,742,080 | 28,427,600 | 52,293,000 | 50,680,000 | ||||||||||||
Average assets |
| | 305,632,000 | 299,479,000 | ||||||||||||
Risk-weighted assets |
| | 284,276,000 | 284,524,000 | ||||||||||||
Leverage ratio (1) |
4 | % | 5 | % | 15.9 | % | 15.7 | % | ||||||||
Tier I capital ratio (2) |
4 | 6 | 17.1 | 16.6 | ||||||||||||
Total capital ratio (2) |
8 | 10 | 18.4 | 17.8 |
(1) | Calculated by dividing Tier I capital by average assets. |
(2) | Calculated by dividing Tier I or total capital by risk-weighted assets. |
(5) FLOATING RATE BORROWINGS
The outstanding balances of floating rate borrowings were as follows:
Payments Due for the Fiscal Year Ending March 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dollars in thousands |
2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | Thereafter | March 31, 2007 |
December 31, 2006 |
Interest Rate (1) |
||||||||||||||||||
Revolving lines of credit |
$ | | $ | 279,305 | $ | 93,657 | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | 372,962 | $ | 348,749 | 5.68 | % | |||||||||
Notes payable to banks |
15,077 | | 3,756 | | | | 18,833 | 15,210 | 7.44 | ||||||||||||||||||
Margin loan |
19,900 | | | | | | 19,900 | 13,927 | 5.67 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 34,977 | $ | 279,305 | $ | 97,413 | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | 411,695 | $ | 377,886 | 5.76 | ||||||||||
(1) | Weighted average contractual rate as of March 31, 2007. |
(A) REVOLVING LINES OF CREDIT
In December 2006, Trust II entered into a revolving line of credit agreement with Citibank N.A., to provide up to $125,000,000 of financing through a commercial paper conduit to acquire medallion loans from MFC (Citi line), of which $93,657,000 was outstanding at March 31, 2007. Borrowings under Trust IIs revolving line of credit are collateralized by Trust IIs assets. MFC is the servicer of the loans owned by Trust II. The Citi 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 Citi line matures in December 2009. The interest rate is a pooled short-term commercial paper rate, which approximates LIBOR (5.32% at March 31, 2007), plus 0.35% with a facility fee of 0.125% on the aggregate Citi line.
In September 2002, and as renegotiated in September 2003, January 2005, January 2006, and September 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 $375,000,000 of financing to acquire medallion loans from MFC (MLB line), of which $279,305,000 was outstanding at March 31, 2007. Borrowings under the Trusts revolving line of credit are collateralized by the Trusts 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 (5.32% at March 31, 2007) plus 0.75% with an unused facility fee of 0.375% on unused amounts up to $250,000,000. The facility fees were $500,000 in September 2006, $200,000 in February 2006, $200,000 in January 2006, $300,000 in September 2005; and $188,000 remains to be paid pro rata over the next six quarters.
18
Table of Contents
(B) NOTES PAYABLE TO BANKS AND MARGIN LOAN
In March 2007, the Company entered into a margin loan agreement with Citicorp. The margin loan is secured by the pledge of short-term, high-quality investment securities held by the Company, and is generally available at 99% of the current fair market value of the securities, or $19,923,000 as of March 31, 2007. The margin loan bears interest at LIBOR (5.32% at March 31, 2007) plus 0.35%. As of March 31, 2007, $19,900,000 had been drawn down under this margin loan.
In December 2006, the Company entered into a margin loan agreement with Bear Stearns & Co. Inc. The margin loan is secured by the pledge of short-term, high-quality investment securities held by the Company, and is generally available at 99% of the current fair market value of the securities. The margin loan bears interest at LIBOR (5.32% at March 31, 2007) plus 0.50%. As of March 31, 2007, $0 had been drawn down under this margin loan.
In December 2006, certain operating subsidiaries of MFC entered into an aggregate $966,000 of note agreements with New York Commercial Bank, which was increased by $756,000 in January 2007 to $1,727,000. These agreements are collateralized by certain taxicab medallions owned by Medallion Chicago of which $1,701,000 was outstanding at March 31, 2007. The note agreements bear interest at 6.50%, payable monthly. The notes mature December 9, 2009 and January 5, 2010 and are guaranteed by MFC. Principal and interest payments of $8,000 are due monthly, with the balance due at maturity.
In October 2006, certain operating subsidiaries of MFC entered into an aggregate $840,000 of note agreements with Metropolitan Bank of New York, collateralized by certain taxicab medallions owned by Medallion Chicago of which $823,000 was outstanding at March 31, 2007. The note agreements bear interest at 6.75%, payable monthly. The notes mature October 30, 2009, and are guaranteed by the Company. Principal and interest payments of $7,000 are due monthly, with the balance due at maturity.
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, 2007. On March 6, 2006, the line of credit was increased to $6,000,000, and was further increased to $8,000,000 in March 2007. 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 (8.25% at March 31, 2007) minus 0.25%, payable monthly. As of March 31, 2007, $5,518,000 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 $1,218,000 as of March 31, 2007. The margin loan bears interest at the federal funds rate (5.25% at March 31, 2007) plus 0.75%. As of March 31, 2007, $0 had been drawn down under this margin loan.
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. On June 15, 2006, the maturity date was extended to August 31, 2006, and on August 14, 2006, the line was further extended to June 30, 2007 and was increased to $20,000,000. The line is secured by certain pledged assets of the Company and MBC, and is subject to periodic borrowing base requirements. Effective August 2006, the line bears interest, payable monthly, at LIBOR (5.32% at March 31, 2007) plus 2.0% with no unused fee, and prior to that was at the prime rate, and was subject to an unused fee of 0.125%. As of March 31, 2007, $8,000,000 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 $1,233,000 was outstanding at March 31, 2007. Effective July 2006, the note agreements bear interest at LIBOR plus 1.50%, or 7.04%, and prior to that at LIBOR plus 2%, adjusted annually, payable monthly. The notes matured July 8, 2006, and in July 2006 the maturity dates of the notes were extended until August 1, 2009. Principal and interest payments of $15,000 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 $1,558,000 was outstanding at March 31, 2007. The note matures June 1, 2007 and bears interest at Banco Populars prime rate (8.25% at March 31, 2007) less 0.25%, adjusted annually, payable monthly. Principal and interest payments of $18,000 are due monthly, with the balance due at maturity.
19
Table of Contents
(C) COVENANT COMPLIANCE
In the normal course of business, the Company and its subsidiaries enter into agreements, or are subject to regulatory requirements, that result in loan restrictions. In the debt, the restrictions require the Company to maintain certain financial ratios, including debt to equity and minimum net worth. In addition, the Companys wholly-owned subsidiary Medallion Bank is restricted by regulatory requirements to declare dividends.
(6) FIXED RATE BORROWINGS
The outstanding balances of fixed rate borrowings were as follows:
Payments Due for the Fiscal Year Ending March 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dollars in thousands |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
Thereafter |
March 31, 2007 |
December 31, 2006 |
Interest Rate (1) |
||||||||||||||||||
SBA debentures |
$ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | 28,485 | $ | 48,765 | $ | 77,250 | $ | 77,250 | 6.05 | % | |||||||||
(1) | Weighted average contractual rate as of March 31, 2007. |
In September 2006, the SBA approved a $6,000,000 commitment for FSVC to issue additional debentures to the SBA during a four year period upon payment of a 1% fee and the infusion of $2,000,000 of additional capital. In March 2006, the SBA approved a $13,500,000 commitment for MCI to issue additional debentures to the SBA during a four year period upon payment of a 1% fee and the infusion of $6,750,000 of additional capital. In November 2003, the SBA approved an $8,000,000 commitment for FSVC, and during 2001, the SBA approved $36,000,000 each in commitments for FSVC and MCI. As of March 31, 2007, $80,000,000 of commitments had been fully utilized, and $19,500,000 was available for borrowing.
The notes are collateralized by substantially all the Companys assets and are subject to the terms and conditions of agreements with the SBA which, among other things, restrict stock redemptions, disposition of assets, new indebtedness, dividends or distributions, and changes in management, ownership, investment policy, or operations.
(7) STOCK OPTIONS
The Company has a stock option plan (2006 Stock Option Plan) available to grant both incentive and nonqualified stock options to employees. The 2006 Stock Option Plan, which was approved by the Board of Directors on February 15, 2006 and shareholders on June 16, 2006, provides for the issuance of a maximum of 800,000 shares of common stock of the Company. At March 31, 2007, 640,326 shares of the Companys common stock remained available for future grants. The 2006 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 Companys 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.
The Companys Board of Directors approved a new non-employee director stock option plan (the 2006 Director Plan) on February 15, 2006, which was approved by shareholders on June 16, 2006. The Company will implement the plan following receipt of exemptive relief from the SEC. The 2006 Director Plan would provide for an automatic grant of options to purchase 9,000 shares of the Companys 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 Companys common stock would be issuable under the 2006 Director Plan. The option price per share could not be less than the current market value of the Companys common stock on the date the option is granted. Options granted under the 2006 Director Plan would be exercisable annually, as defined in the 2006 Director Plan. The term of the options could not exceed ten years.
The Companys 1996 Stock Option Plan and 1996 Director Plan terminated on May 21, 2006 and no additional shares are available for future issuance. At March 31, 2007, 1,593,704 shares of the Companys common stock were outstanding under the 1996 and 2006 plans, of which 1,230,947 shares were exercisable.
20
Table of Contents
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The weighted average fair value of options granted was $1.97 per share for the three months ended March 31, 2007. No shares were granted in the quarter ended March 31, 2006. The following assumptions were used for the 159,674 shares granted during the quarter ended March 31 2007. The fair value of the options vested was $223,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2007.
Three months ended 2007 |
|||
Risk free interest rate |
5.11 | % | |
Expected dividend yield |
8.00 | ||
Expected life of option in years |
7.00 | ||
Expected volatility (1) |
35.00 |
(1) | In prior period, we determined our expected volatility using the Black-Scholes option pricing model based on our historical volatility during the expected term of the option. Beginning in 2006, we determined our expected volatility based on a combination of our historical volatility during the expected term of the options and our implied volatility based on the market prices of traded options of our stock. |
The following table presents the activity for the stock option program under the 1996 and 2006, Stock Option Plans and the Director Plan for the year ended December 31, 2006 and the quarter ended March 31, 2007.
Number of Options | Exercise Price Per Share |
Weighted Average Exercise | |||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2005 |
1,654,404 | $ | 3.50-29.25 | $ | 10.21 | ||||
Granted |
207,162 | 13.06-13.06 | 13.06 | ||||||
Cancelled |
(151,918 | ) | 4.85-29.25 | 17.03 | |||||
Exercised (1) |
(253,118 | ) | 3.70-8.40 | 4.94 | |||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2006 |
1,456,530 | 3.50-29.25 | 10.82 | ||||||
Granted |
159,674 | 11.21-11.21 | 11.21 | ||||||
Cancelled |
| | | ||||||
Exercised (1) |
(22,500 | ) | 4.85-8.51 | 8.10 | |||||
Outstanding at March 31, 2007 (2) |
1,593,704 | $ | 3.50-29.25 | $ | 10.90 | ||||
Options exercisable at March 31, 2007 (2) |
1,230,947 | 3.50-29.25 | 10. 84 | ||||||
(1) | The aggregate intrinsic value, which represents the difference between the price of the Companys common stock at the exercise date and the related exercise price of the underlying options, was $74,000 and $665,000 for options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006. |
(2) | The aggregate intrinsic value, which represents the difference between the price of the Companys common stock at March 31, 2007 and the related exercise price of the underlying options, was $860,000 for outstanding options and $735,000 for exercisable options as of March 31, 2007. |
The following table presents the activity for the unvested options outstanding under the plan for the quarter ended March 31, 2007.
Number of Options | Range of Exercise Prices Per Share |
Weighted Average Exercise Price | |||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2006 |
223,018 | $ | 6.50-13.75 | $ | 8.66 | ||||
Granted |
159,674 | 11.21-11.21 | 11.21 | ||||||
Cancelled |
| | | ||||||
Vested |
(19,935 | ) | 11.21-13.06 | 11.22 | |||||
Outstanding at March 31, 2007 |
362,757 | $ | 6.50-13.75 | $ | 10.93 | ||||
21
Table of Contents
The following table summarizes information regarding options outstanding and options exercisable at March 31, 2007 under the 1996 and 2006 Stock Option Plan and the 1996 Director Plan.
Options Outstanding | Options Exercisable | ||||||||||||
Weighted average | Weighted average | ||||||||||||
Range of Exercise Prices |
Shares at March 31, 2007 |
Remaining contractual life in years |
Exercise price |
Shares at March 31, 2007 |
Remaining contractual life in years |
Exercise price | |||||||
$ 3.50-5.51 |
452,850 | 5.22 | $ | 4.86 | 452,850 | 5.22 | 4.86 | ||||||
6.50-13.75 |
758,072 | 7.78 | 10.59 | 395,315 | 6.08 | 10.13 | |||||||
14.25-15.56 |
42,848 | 2.95 | 14.71 | 42,848 | 2.95 | 14.71 | |||||||
17.25-18.75 |
289,934 | 2.18 | 17.41 | 289,934 | 2.18 | 17.41 | |||||||
29.25-29.25 |
50,000 | 1.09 | 29.25 | 50,000 | 1.09 | 29.25 | |||||||
$ 3.50-29.25 |
1,593,704 | 5.69 | 10.90 | 1,230,947 | 4.53 | 10.84 | |||||||
(8) SEGMENT REPORTING
We have one business segment, our lending and investing operations. This segment originates and services medallions, secured commercial, and consumer loans and invest in both marketable and nonmarketable securities.
(9) OTHER INCOME AND OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES
The major components of other income were as follows:
Three months ended March 31, | ||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||
Servicing fees |
$ | 330,151 | $ | 329,911 | ||
Prepayment penalties |
60,176 | 172,239 | ||||
Late charge |
51,368 | 45,108 | ||||
Other |
48,738 | 68,420 | ||||
Total other income |
$ | 490,433 | $ | 615,678 | ||
Included in prepayment penalties in 2007 and 2006 was $58,000 and $161,000 related to the early payoff of several large loans.
The major components of other operating expenses were as follows:
Three months ended March 31, | ||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||
Travel meals & entertainment |
$ | 133,647 | $ | 104,060 | ||
Depreciation & Amortization |
106,773 | 108,558 | ||||
Directors fees |
75,000 | 72,080 | ||||
Insurance |
80,153 | 72,833 | ||||
Loan collection expense |
51,964 | 39,601 | ||||
Other expenses |
455,974 | 356,100 | ||||
Total operating expenses |
$ | 903,511 | $ | 753,232 | ||
Operating expenses increased as a whole due to company growth from the 2006 first quarter. Travel, meals, and entertainment increased from the first quarter of 2006 due to an increase in development activities for executives in 2007. Other expenses increased in the first quarter of 2007 due to the write-offs of some miscellaneous assets, other increased office operating expenses, increased computer expense due to a rise in consulting fees, higher loan processing charges and advertising, marketing, and public relations expense related to promotional client advertising.
22
Table of Contents
(10) SELECTED FINANCIAL RATIOS AND OTHER DATA
The following table provides selected financial ratios and other data:
Three Months ended March 31, | ||||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||||
Net share data: |
||||||||
Net asset value at the beginning of the period |
$ | 9.73 | $ | 9.69 | ||||
Net investment income (loss) |
(0.02 | ) | 0.09 | |||||
Income tax (provision) benefit |
0.00 | 0.00 | ||||||
Net realized gains (losses) on investments |
0.56 | (0.10 | ) | |||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments |
(0.33 | ) | 0.11 | |||||
Other |
0.01 | 0.00 | ||||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations |
0.21 | 0.10 | ||||||
Issuance of common stock |
0.00 | (0.02 | ) | |||||
Repurchase of common stock |
0.00 | 0.00 | ||||||
Distribution of net investment income |
(0.19 | ) | (0.15 | ) | ||||
Other |
0.01 | 0.00 | ||||||
Distribution of net realized gains on investments |
0.00 | 0.00 | ||||||
Total increase (decrease) in net asset value |
(0.19 | ) | (0.17 | ) | ||||
Net asset value at the end of the period (1) |
$ | 9.76 | $ | 9.62 | ||||
Per share market value at beginning of period |
$ | 12.37 | $ | 11.26 | ||||
Per share market value at end of period |
11.44 | 13.55 | ||||||
Total return (2) |
(30 | %) | 21 | % | ||||
Ratios/supplemental data |
||||||||
Average net assets |
$ | 170,214,882 | $ | 166,494,712 | ||||
Total expense ratio (3) |
27 | % | 22 | % | ||||
Operating expenses to average net assets |
11 | 9 | ||||||
Net investment income (loss) after taxes to average net assets |
(0.94 | %) | 4.21 | % | ||||
(1) | Includes $0.19 and $0.00 of undistributed net realized gains per share and $0.02 and $0.00 of undistributed net investment income per share as of March 31, 2007 and 2006. |
(2) | Total return is calculated by dividing the change in market value of a share of common stock during the year, assuming the reinvestment of dividends on the payment date, by the per share market value at the beginning of the year. |
(3) | Total expense ratio represents total expenses (interest expense, operating expenses, and income taxes) divided by average net assets |
(11) RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which includes an amendment to SFAS No. 115. This statement permits entities to choose to measure eligible financial instruments and certain other items at fair value at specified election dates. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We do not believe that this pronouncement will have an impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, Employers Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R) (SFAS 158). SFAS No. 158 requires an employer to: (a) recognize in its statement of financial position the funded status of a benefit plan; (b) measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations as of the end of the employers fiscal year (with limited exceptions); and (c) recognize as a component of other comprehensive income, net of tax, the gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that arise but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs pursuant to prior existing guidance, any adjustments to amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. The provisions governing recognition of the funded status of a defined benefit plan and related disclosures are effective as of the end of fiscal years ending after December 15, 2006 and not before June 16, 2007. The requirement to measure plan assets and benefit obligations as of the date of the employers fiscal year-end statement of financial position is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008. We do not believe that this pronouncement will have an impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
23
Table of Contents
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No.157, Fair Value Measurement. This statement defines fair values, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. We currently follow fair market value accounting in our consolidated financial statements as a RIC; hence we do not expect the adoption of SFAS No.157 to have a material effect on our financial condition and results of operations. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.
In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting For Uncertainty in Income Taxes. The interpretation sets a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for recognizing tax positions in a companys financial statements based on a determination whether it is likely or not that the tax position would withstand a tax audit, without regard for the likelihood of a tax audit taking place. Assuming a position meets the more-likely-than-not threshold, the interpretation also prescribes a measurement attribute requiring determination of how much of the tax position would ultimately be allowed if challenged. The interpretation is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007. We do not believe that this pronouncement will have an impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
In March 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 156, Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets (SFAS No. 156). SFAS No. 156 stipulates the accounting for Mortgaging Servicing Rights (MSRs) and requires that they be recorded initially at fair value. SFAS No. 156 also permits, but does not require, that we may subsequently record those MSRs at fair value with changes to fair value recognized in the consolidated statement of operations. Alternatively, we may amortize the MSRs over their projected service periods. We have adopted SFAS No. 156, as required in the current quarter, however, this adoption has an immaterial effect on our financial statements.
In February 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 155, Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments, an amendment of SFAS Nos. 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 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 entitys first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006, as defined. The adoption of SFAS No. 155 does not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
(12) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Certain directors, officers, and shareholders of the Company are also directors of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, MFC, MCI, MBC, FSVC, and MB. Officer salaries are set by the Board of Directors of the Company.
During quarter ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, a member of the Board of Directors of the Company was also a partner in the Companys primary law firm. Amounts paid to the law firm were approximately $296,000, and $22,000.
During the quarters ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 we serviced $148,064,000 and $153,271,000 in loans for MB. Included in net investment income were amounts as described below that were received from MB for services rendered in originating and servicing loans, and also for reimbursement of certain expenses incurred on their behalf.
Three Months ended March 31, | ||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||
Servicing fees |
$ | 320,804 | $ | 321,613 | ||
Loan origination fees |
96,576 | 100,881 | ||||
Reimbursement of operating expenses |
43,266 | 43,526 | ||||
Interest income |
1,746 | 4,451 | ||||
Total other income |
$ | 462,392 | $ | 470,471 | ||
(13) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On May 3, 2007, the Companys board of directors declared a $0.19 per share common stock dividend payable on June 1, 2007 to shareholders of record on May 18, 2007.
24
Table of Contents
ITEM 2. | MANAGEMENTS DISCCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
GENERAL
We are a specialty finance company that has a leading position in originating, acquiring, and servicing loans that finance taxicab medallions and various types of commercial businesses. A wholly-owned portfolio company of ours, Medallion Bank, also originates consumer loans for the purchase of recreational vehicles, boats, and horse trailers. Since 1996, the year in which we became a public company, we have increased our taxicab medallion loan portfolio at a compound annual growth rate of 12%, and our commercial loan portfolio at a compound annual growth rate of 8%. Since Medallion Bank began originating consumer loans, it has originated more than $126,944,000 as of March 31, 2007. Total assets under our management, which includes assets serviced for third party investors and managed by unconsolidated portfolio companies, were approximately $940,149,000 as of March 31, 2007 and $850,212,000,000 as of March 31, 2006, and have grown at a compound annual growth rate of 15% from $215,000,000 at the end of 1996. Since our initial public offering in 1996, we have paid dividends in excess of $108,267,000 or $7.20 per share.
We conduct our business through various wholly-owned investment company subsidiaries including:
| Medallion Funding Corp., or Medallion Funding, a Small Business Investment Company, or SBIC, and a regulated investment company, or RIC, our primary taxicab lending company; |
| Medallion Business Credit LLC, an originator of loans to small businesses for the purpose of financing inventory and receivables; |
| Medallion Capital, an SBIC and a RIC, which conducts a mezzanine financing business; and |
| Freshstart Venture Capital Corp., or Freshstart, an SBIC and a RIC, which originates and services taxicab medallion and commercial loans. |
We also conduct business through a wholly-owned portfolio company, Medallion Bank, a bank regulated by the FDIC and the Utah Department of Financial Institutions which originates taxicab medallion, commercial, and consumer loans, raises deposits, and conducts other banking activities. Medallion Bank provides us with our lowest costs of funds which it raises through bank certificates of deposits issued to its customers. To take advantage of this low cost of funds, we refer a portion of our taxicab medallion and commercial loans to Medallion Bank, which then originates these loans, which are serviced by us. We earn referral and servicing fees for these activities.
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
25
Table of Contents
Trends in Investment Portfolio
Our investment income is driven by the principal amount of and yields on our 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 our investments at fair value and the portfolio yields at the dates indicated.
March 31, 2007 | December 31, 2006 | March 31, 2006 (As Adjusted) | |||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) |
Interest Rate (1) |
Investment Balances |
Interest Rate (1) |
Investment Balances |
Interest Rate (1) |
Investment Balances |
|||||||||||||||
Medallion loans |
|||||||||||||||||||||
New York |
6.80 | % | $ | 349,945 | 6.74 | % | $ | 340,110 | 6.40 | % | $ | 329,758 | |||||||||
Boston |
8.24 | 33,641 | 8.12 | 32,787 | 7.62 | 27,835 | |||||||||||||||
Chicago |
7.10 | 32,434 | 6.88 | 31,077 | 6.97 | 47,319 | |||||||||||||||
Newark |
8.34 | 13,713 | 8.32 | 10,233 | 8.32 | 4,639 | |||||||||||||||
Cambridge |
8.05 | 8,236 | 7.93 | 8,184 | 7.36 | 5,978 | |||||||||||||||
Other |
7.55 | 5,523 | 7.55 | 5,586 | 7.46 | 5,917 | |||||||||||||||
Total medallion loans |
7.01 | 443,492 | 6.93 | 427,977 | 6.60 | 421,446 | |||||||||||||||
Deferred loan acquisition costs |
643 | 729 | 1,213 | ||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized depreciation on loans |
(473 | ) | (457 | ) | (1,094 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Net medallion loans |
$ | 443,662 | $ | 428,249 | $ | 421,565 | |||||||||||||||
Commercial loans |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Secured mezzanine |
13.80 | % | $ | 53,892 | 13.78 | % | $ | 53,732 | 13.74 | % | $ | 46,023 | |||||||||
Asset based |
10.18 | 21,243 | 10.28 | 18,668 | 9.93 | 21,879 | |||||||||||||||
Other secured commercial |
9.36 | 18,479 | 9.59 | 18,504 | 8.90 | 25,613 | |||||||||||||||
Total commercial loans(2) |
12.10 | 93,614 | 12.21 | 90,904 | 11.54 | $ | 93,515 | ||||||||||||||
Deferred loan acquisition costs |
(70 | ) | (98 | ) | 236 | ||||||||||||||||
Unrealized depreciation on loans |
(2,644 | ) | (2,599 | ) | (5,111 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Net commercial loans |
$ | 90,900 | $ | 88,207 | $ | 88,640 | |||||||||||||||
Investment securities |
5.03 | $ | 19,934 | 5.09 | % | $ | 9,961 | | |||||||||||||
Unrealized depreciation on investment securities |
| | | ||||||||||||||||||
Net investment securities |
$ | 19,934 | $ | 9,961 | | ||||||||||||||||
Equity investments |
3.44 | % | $ | 3,483 | 2.23 | % | $ | 13,955 | 6.59 | % | $ | 23,122 | |||||||||
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on equities |
1,046 | 2,113 | (404 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Net equity investments |
$ | 4,529 | $ | 16,068 | $ | 22,718 | |||||||||||||||
Investment in Medallion Bank and other controlled subsidiaries |
0.00 | % | $ | 53,379 | 0.00 | % | $ | 50,448 | 0.00 | % | $ | 41,479 | |||||||||
Investments at cost |
6.91 | % | $ | 613,903 | 6.89 | % | $ | 593,245 | 6.72 | % | $ | 579,562 | |||||||||
Deferred loan acquisition costs |
574 | 631 | 1,449 | ||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on equities |
1,046 | 2,113 | (404 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Unrealized depreciation on loans |
(3,118 | ) | (3,056 | ) | (6,205 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Net investments |
$ | 612,405 | $ | 592,933 | $ | 574,402 | |||||||||||||||
Medallion Bank investments |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Consumer loans |
18.50 | % | $ | 119,811 | 18.48 | % | $ | 113,777 | 18.44 | % | $ | 92,684 | |||||||||
Medallion loans |
6.67 | 87,542 | 6.65 | 94,176 | 6.30 | 76,454 | |||||||||||||||
Commercial loans |
10.35 | 60,600 | 10.35 | 60,929 | 10.06 | 58,938 | |||||||||||||||
Investment securities |
4.96 | 22,754 | 4.60 | 21,841 | 5.00 | 18,657 | |||||||||||||||
Medallion Bank investments at cost (2) |
12.18 | 290,707 | 11.90 | 290,723 | 11.66 | 246,733 | |||||||||||||||
Deferred loan acquisition costs |
3,439 | 3,155 | 1,969 | ||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized depreciation on investment securities |
(302 | ) | (402 | ) | (287 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Premiums paid on purchased securities |
191 | 245 | 421 | ||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized depreciation on loans |
(6,242 | ) | (6,057 | ) | (5,197 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Medallion Bank net investments |
$ | 287,793 | $ | 287,664 | $ | 243,639 | |||||||||||||||
(1) | Represents the weighted average interest rate of the respective portfolio as of the date indicated. |
(2) | The weighted average interest rate for the entire managed loan portfolio (medallion, commercial, and consumer loans) was 9.10%, 9.44% and 8.62% at March 31, 2007, December 31, 2006, and March 31, 2006. |
26
Table of Contents
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, | ||||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||||
Net investments at beginning of period |
$ | 592,932,636 | $ | 530,221,936 | ||||
Investments originated |
84,625,481 | 44,856,780 | ||||||
Purchase of Banco Popular medallion loan portfolio |
| 35,703,391 | ||||||
Repayments of investments |
(67,281,959 | ) | (36,486,754 | ) | ||||
Net realized gains (losses) on investments (2) |
10,011,590 | (1,856,236 | ) | |||||
Net increase in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) (1) |
(7,656,410 | ) | 2,005,568 | |||||
Amortization of origination costs |
(225,928 | ) | (43,092 | ) | ||||
Net increase in investments |
19,472,774 | 44,179,657 | ||||||
Net investments at end of period |
$ | 612,405,410 | $ | 574,401,593 | ||||
(1) | Excludes net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of $1,820,000 and ($90,000) for the quarters ended March 31, 2007, and 2006, respectively, related to foreclosed properties, which are carried in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet. |
(2) | Excludes net realized gains of $0 and $0 for the quarters ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, related to foreclosed properties, which are carried in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet. |
PORTFOLIO SUMMARY
Total Portfolio Yield
The weighted average yield of the total portfolio at March 31, 2007 was 6.91% (7.90% for the loan portfolio), an increase of 2 basis points from 6.89% at December 31, 2006, and an increase of 19 basis points from 6.72% at March 31, 2006. The weighted average yield of the total managed portfolio at March 31, 2007 was 9.10% (9.53% for the loan portfolio), an increase of 8 basis points from 9.02% at December 31, 2006, and an increase of 48 basis points from 8.62% at March 31, 2006. The increases in both years primarily reflected the market increase in interest rates, and the 2006 increase also reflected strong growth in the commercial loan portfolio. Managed portfolio yields were helped by the inclusion and growth of the high-yield consumer loan portfolio. We expect to try to increase the percentage of commercial 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. Additionally, Medallion Bank expects to try to increase the percentage of consumer loans originated for the managed portfolio to increase our overall returns.
Medallion Loan Portfolio
Our medallion loans comprised 72% of the net portfolio of $612,405,000 at March 31, 2007 compared to 72% of the net portfolio of $592,933,000 at December 31, 2006, and 73% of $574,402,000 at March 31, 2006. Our managed medallion loans of $530,976,000 comprised 62% of the net portfolio of $851,289,000 compared to $522,193,000 or 63% of the net portfolio of $833,639,000 at December 31, 2006, and 64% of $777,454,000 at March 31, 2006. The medallion loan portfolio increased by $15,414,000 or 4% in 2007 ($8,783,000 or 2% on a managed basis), primarily reflecting 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 $5,315,000 $5,783,000 and $6,944,000 at March 31, 2007, December 31, 2006 and March 31, 2006.
The weighted average yield of the medallion loan portfolio at March 31, 2007 was 7.01%, an increase of 8 basis points from 6.93% at December 31, 2006, and an increase of 41 basis points from 6.60% at March 31, 2006. The weighted average yield of the managed medallion loan portfolio at March 31, 2007 was 6.96 an increase of 8 basis points from 6.88% at December 31, 2006, and an increase of 5 basis points from 6.55% at March 31, 2006. The increase in yield primarily reflected the impact of rising interest rates in the economy and the effects of borrower refinancings. At March 31, 2007, 21% of the medallion loan portfolio represented loans outside New York, compared to 21% at December 31, 2006 and 22% at March 31, 2006. At March 31, 2007, 18% of the managed medallion loan portfolio represented loans outside New York, compared to 18% at December 31, 2006 and 20% at March 31, 2006. We continue to focus our efforts on originating higher yielding medallion loans outside the New York market.
27
Table of Contents
Commercial Loan Portfolio
Our commercial loans represented 15% of the net investment portfolio as of March 31, 2007, December 31,and March 31, 2006 and were 18%, 18% and 19% on a managed basis. Commercial loans increased by $2,710,000 or 3% during the three months ended March 31, 2007 (increased by $2,335,000 or 2% on a managed basis), primarily reflecting growth in the asset-based loan portfolio partially offset by payoffs and loan participations sold. Total commercial loans serviced for third parties were $8,050,000, $7,761,000, and $293,000 at March 31, 2007, December 31, 2006, and March 31, 2006.
The weighted average yield of the commercial loan portfolio at March 31, 2007, was 12.10%, a decrease of 11 basis points from 12.21% at December 31, 2006, which was up 67 basis points from 11.54% at March 31, 2006. The weighted average yield of the managed commercial loan portfolio at March 31, 2007 was 11.41%, a decrease of 5 basis points from 11.46% at December 31, 2006, which was up 49 basis points from 10.97% at March 31, 2006. We continue to originate adjustable-rate and floating-rate loans tied to the prime rate to help mitigate our interest rate risk in a rising interest rate environment. At March 31, 2007, variable-rate loans represented approximately 28% of the commercial portfolio, compared to 26% and 33% at December 31, and March 31 2006, and were 55%, 55%, and 59% on a managed basis. 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
Our managed consumer loans, all of which are held in the portfolio managed by Medallion Bank, represented 14% of the managed net investment portfolio as of March 31, 2007, compared to 13% at December 31, 2006 and 12% at March 31, 2006. Medallion Bank 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 managed consumer loan portfolio was 18.50% at March 31, 2007, compared to 18.48% and 18.44% at December 31, and March 31 2006. Amortization of the portfolio purchase premium reduced the yield by an average of 0.68%, 0.96%, and 1.39%, respectively. Adjustable rate loans represented approximately 89% of the managed consumer portfolio at March 31, 2007 compared to 84% and 90% at December 31 and March 31, 2006.
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 as ongoing businesses, 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 Medallion Bank by the servicer.
28
Table of Contents
The following table shows the trend in loans 90 days or more past due:
March 31, 2007 | December 31, 2006 | March 31, 2006 | ||||||||||||||||
Medallion loans |
$ | 5,633,000 | 1.0 | %(1) | $ | 5,748,000 | 1.1 | %(1) | $ | 6,499,000 | 1.3 | %(1) | ||||||
Commercial loans |
||||||||||||||||||
Secured mezzanine |
4,734,000 | 0.9 | 3,459,000 | 0.7 | 5,433,000 | 1.1 | ||||||||||||
Asset-based receivable |
| | | | | | ||||||||||||
Other secured commercial |
1,640,000 | 0.3 | 1,651,000 | 0.3 | 4,045,000 | 0.8 | ||||||||||||
Total commercial loans |
6,374,000 | 1.2 | 5,110,000 | 1.0 | 9,478,000 | 1.8 | ||||||||||||
Total loans 90 days or more past due |
$ | 12,007,000 | 2.2 | % | $ | 10,858,000 | 2.1 | % | $ | 15,977,000 | 3.1 | % | ||||||
Total Medallion Bank loans |
$ | 503,000 | 0.1 | % | $ | 591,000 | 0.1 | % | $ | 383,000 | 0.1 | % | ||||||
Total managed loans 90 days or more past due |
$ | 12,510,000 | 1.6 | % | $ | 11,449,000 | 1.5 | % | $ | 16,360,000 | 2.2 | % | ||||||
(1) | Percentage is calculated against the total or managed loan portfolio, as appropriate |
In general, collection efforts since the establishment of our collection department have substantially contributed to the sizable reduction in overall delinquencies. Secured mezzanine financing delinquencies have increased, primarily as a result of an additional loan, not previously delinquent, becoming over ninety day past due in the current quarter. We are actively working with each delinquent borrower to bring them current, and believe that any potential loss exposure is reflected in our 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 borrowers 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.
29
Table of Contents
The following tables sets forth the changes in our unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006.
Loans | Equity Investments |
Foreclosed Properties |
Total | |||||||||||||
Balance December 31, 2006 |
($ | 3,055,696 | ) | $ | 2,112,846 | $ | 946,482 | $ | 3,632 | |||||||
Increase in unrealized |
||||||||||||||||
Appreciation on investments |
(63,562 | ) | 48,602 | 1,920,000 | 1,968,602 | |||||||||||
Depreciation on investments |
| (11,736 | ) | (73,000 | ) | (148,298 | ) | |||||||||
Reversal of unrealized appreciation (depreciation) related to realized |
||||||||||||||||
Gains on investments |
| (1,099,805 | ) | | (1,099,805 | ) | ||||||||||
Losses on investments |
1,260 | | | 1,260 | ||||||||||||
Other |
(3,807 | ) | (3,807 | ) | ||||||||||||
Balance March 31, 2007 |
($ | 3,117,998 | ) | $ | 1,046,100 | $ | 2,793,482 | $ | 721,584 | |||||||
Loans | Equity Investments |
Foreclosed Properties |
Total | |||||||||||||
Balance December 31, 2005 |
($ | 7,896,299 | ) | $ | 628,732 | ($ | 1,396,750 | ) | ($ | 8,664,317 | ) | |||||
Increase in unrealized |
||||||||||||||||
Depreciation on investments |
(90,819 | ) | (968,042 | ) | 27,000 | (1,031,859 | ) | |||||||||
Reversal of unrealized appreciation (depreciation) related to realized |
||||||||||||||||
Gains on investments |
| (64,500 | ) | | (64,500 | ) | ||||||||||
Losses on investments |
1,781,479 | 2 | | 1,781,479 | ||||||||||||
Balance March 31, 2006 |
($ | 6,205,639 | ) | ($ | 403,808 | ) | ($ | 1,369,750 | ) | ($ | 7,979,197 | ) | ||||
30
Table of Contents
The following table presents credit-related information for the investment portfolios for the quarters ended:
March 31, 2007 | December 31, 2006 | March 31, 2006 | ||||||||||
Total loans |
||||||||||||
Medallion loans |
$ | 443,662,404 | $ | 428,248,589 | $ | 421,564,303 | ||||||
Commercial loans |
90,900,308 | 88,206,661 | 88,639,938 | |||||||||
Total loans |
534,562,712 | 516,455,250 | 510,204,241 | |||||||||
Investment in Medallion Bank and other controlled subsidiaries |
53,379,411 | 50,448,032 | 41,478,935 | |||||||||
Equity investments (1) |
4,529,487 | 16,068,243 | 22,718,417 | |||||||||
Investment securities |
19,933,800 | 9,961,111 | | |||||||||
Net investments |
$ | 612,405,410 | $ | 592,932,636 | $ | 574,401,593 | ||||||
Net investments at Medallion Bank and other controlled subsidiaries |
$ | 287,792,554 | $ | 287,664,054 | $ | 243,639,143 | ||||||
Managed net investments |
$ | 851,288,540 | $ | 833,638,878 | $ | 777,453,627 | ||||||
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments |
||||||||||||
Medallion loans |
($ | 473,964 | ) | ($ | 456,587 | ) | ($ | 1,094,243 | ) | |||
Commercial loans |
(2,644,034 | ) | (2,599,109 | ) | (5,111,396 | ) | ||||||
Total loans |
(3,117,998 | ) | (3,055,696 | ) | (6,205,639 | ) | ||||||
Investment in Medallion Bank and other controlled subsidiaries(2) |
| | | |||||||||
Equity investments |
1,046,100 | 2,112,846 | (403,808 | ) | ||||||||
Investment securities |
| | | |||||||||
Total unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments(2) |
($ | 2,071,898 | ) | ($ | 942,850 | ) | ($ | 6,609,447 | ) | |||
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments at Medallion Bank and other controlled subsidiaries |
($ | 6,544,285 | ) | ($ | 6,459,096 | ) | ($ | 5,483,789 | ) | |||
Managed total unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments |
($ | 8,616,183 | ) | ($ | 7,401,946 | ) | ($ | 12,093,236 | ) | |||
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) as a % of balances outstanding (3) |
||||||||||||
Medallion loans |
(0.11 | %) | (0.11 | %) | (0.26 | %) | ||||||
Commercial loans |
(2.83 | ) | (2.86 | ) | (5.45 | ) | ||||||
Total loans |
(0.58 | ) | (0.59 | ) | (1.20 | ) | ||||||
Investment in Medallion Bank and other controlled subsidiaries |
| | | |||||||||
Equity investments |
30.03 | 15.14 | (1.75 | ) | ||||||||
Investment securities |
| | | |||||||||
Net investments |
(0.37 | ) | (0.16 | ) | (1.23 | ) | ||||||
Net investments at Medallion Bank and other controlled subsidiaries |
(2.22 | %) | (2.22 | %) | (2.20 | %) | ||||||
Managed net investments |
(1.00 | %) | (0.88 | %) | (1.53 | %) | ||||||
(1) | Represents common stock and warrants held as investments. |
(2) | Excludes $1,700,000, $1,250,000, and $0 for unrealized appreciation on Medallion Hamptons Holding, a wholly-owned subsidiary at March 31, 2007, December 31, 2006, and March 31, 2006. |
(3) | Unlike other lending institutions, we are not permitted to establish reserves for loan losses. Instead, the valuation of our portfolio is adjusted quarterly to reflect estimates of the current realizable value of the loan portfolio. These percentages represent the discount or premiums that investments are carried on the books at, relative to their par or gross value. |
31
Table of Contents
The following table presents the gain/loss experience on the investment portfolios for the quarters ended March 31, 2007, and 2006.
March 31, 2007 | March 31, 2006 | |||||||
Realized gains (losses) on loans and equity investments |
||||||||
Medallion loans |
($ | 7,597 | ) | $ | 26,890 | |||
Commercial loans |
9,655 | (2,058,615 | ) | |||||
Total loans |
2,058 | (2,031,725 | ) | |||||
Investment in Medallion Bank and other controlled subsidiaries |
| | ||||||
Equity investments |
10,009,532 | 175,489 | ||||||
Investment securities |
| | ||||||
Total realized gains (losses) on loans and equity investments |
10,011,590 | (1,856,236 | ) | |||||
Net realized gains (losses) on investments at Medallion Bank and other controlled subsidiaries |
(769,028 | ) | (385,187 | ) | ||||
Total managed realized gains (losses) on loans and equity investments (1) |
$ | 9,242,562 | ($ | 2,241,423 | ) | |||
Realized gains (losses) as a % of average balances outstanding |
||||||||
Medallion loans |
(0.01 | %) | 0.03 | % | ||||
Commercial loans |
0.04 | (8.68 | ) | |||||
Total loans |
0.00 | (1.70 | ) | |||||
Investment in Medallion Bank and other controlled subsidiaries |
| | ||||||
Equity investments |
665.33 | 3.12 | ||||||
Investment securities |
| | ||||||
Net investments |
7.52 | (1.48 | ) | |||||
Net investments at Medallion Bank and other controlled subsidiaries |
(1.07 | ) | (0.66 | ) | ||||
Managed net investments |
4.49 | % | (1.22 | % | ||||
(1) | Includes realized gains (losses) of $0 and $0 for the quarters ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, related to foreclosed properties which are carried in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet. |
32
Table of Contents
The table below summarizes components of unrealized and realized gains and losses in the investment portfolio.
Three Months ended March 31, | ||||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments |
||||||||
Unrealized appreciation |
$ | 48,602 | $ | | ||||
Unrealized depreciation |
(75,298 | ) | (1,058,350 | ) | ||||
Net unrealized appreciation on investment in Medallion Bank and other controlled subsidiaries |
2,202,110 | 1,346,939 | ||||||
Realized gains |
(9,833,084 | ) | (64,500 | ) | ||||
Realized losses |
1,260 | 1,781,479 | ||||||
Unrealized gains (losses) on foreclosed properties |
1,820,000 | (90,000 | ) | |||||
Total |
($ | 5,836,410 | ) | $ | 1,915,568 | |||
Net realized gains on investments |
||||||||
Realized gains |
$ | 1,099,805 | $ | 64,500 | ||||
Realized losses |
(1,260 | ) | (1,781,479 | ) | ||||
Other gains |
8,909,728 | 129,993 | ||||||
Direct recoveries (charge-offs) |
3,317 | (269,250 | ) | |||||
Total |
$ | 10,011,590 | ($ | 1,856,236 | ) | |||
Investment in Medallion Bank and Other Controlled Subsidiaries
Investment in Medallion Bank and other controlled subsidiaries were 9%, 9%, and 7% of our total portfolio at March 31, 2007, December 31, 2006, and March 31, 2006. The portfolio company investments primarily represent the wholly-owned unconsolidated subsidiaries of ours, substantially all of which is represented by our investment in Medallion Bank, a non-pass-through, taxpaying entity. We are currently in discussions with the IRS to obtain LLC tax treatment for Medallion Bank, which would provide pass-through taxation for our shareholders, and which has already been agreed to by the State of Utah. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in our efforts, but if we are successful, this treatment would reduce taxes and increase the reported net income of Medallion Bank. See Note 4 of the consolidated financial statements for additional information about these investments.
Equity Investments
Equity investments were 1%, 3%, and 4%, of our total portfolio at March 31, 2007, December 31, 2006, and March 31, 2006. Equity investments were 1%, 2%, and 3%, of our total managed portfolio March 31, 2007, December 31, 2006, and March 31, 2006. Equity investments are comprised of common stock, partnership interests, and warrants. The decrease in equity investments during the three months ended March 31, 2007 primarily reflected the sale of shares of common stock of Clear Channel that were received in a tax-free exchange for 100% of our ownership interest in Medallion Taxi Media.
Investment Securities
Investment securities were 3%, 2%, and 0% of our total portfolio at March 31, 2007, December 31, 2006, and March 31, 2006. Investment securities were 5%, 4%, and 2% of our total managed portfolio at March 31, 2007, December 31, 2006, and March 31, 2006. The investment securities are primarily US Treasuries and/or adjustable-rate mortgage-backed securities purchased by us and Medallion Bank to better utilize required cash liquidity.
Trend in Interest Expense
Our 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 Finance Corp. line of credit in September 2002, and its favorable subsequent renegotiations had the effect of substantially reducing our cost of funds. Most recently, in December 2006, we established an additional medallion lending relationship with Citibank that provides for future growth in the portfolio at lower rates than under the existing facility with Merrill Lynch. In addition, Medallion Bank began raising brokered bank certificates of deposit during 2004, which were at our lowest borrowing costs. As a result of Medallion Bank raising funds through certificates of deposits as previously noted, we were able to realign the ownership of some of our medallion loans and related assets to Medallion Bank allowing us and our subsidiaries to use
33
Table of Contents
cash generated through these transactions to retire debt with higher interest rates. In addition, Medallion Bank is able to bid on these deposits at a wide variety of maturity levels which allows for improved interest rate management strategies.
Our 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 5 and 6 to the consolidated financial statements for details on the terms of all outstanding debt. Our debentures issued to the SBA typically have terms of ten years.
We measure our borrowing costs as our aggregate interest expense for all of our 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 three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006. Average balances have increased, primarily reflecting the funding needs to support the growth in our 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.
Interest Expense |
Average Balance |
Average Borrowing Costs |
|||||||
March 31, 2007 |
|||||||||
Floating rate borrowings |
$ | 5,510,000 | $ | 376,113,000 | 5.94 | % | |||
Fixed rate borrowings |
1,240,000 | 77,250,000 | 6.51 | ||||||
Total |
6,750,000 | $ | 453,363,000 | 6.04 | |||||
Medallion Bank borrowings |
3,097,000 | 253,805,000 | 4.95 | ||||||
Total managed borrowings |
$ | 9,847,000 | $ | 707,168,000 | 5.65 | ||||
March 31, 2006 |
|||||||||
Floating rate borrowings |
$ | 4,147,000 | $ | 335,198,000 | 5.02 | % | |||
Fixed rate borrowings |
1,226,000 | 77,250,000 | 6.44 | ||||||
Total |
5,373,000 | $ | 412,448,000 | 5.28 | |||||
Medallion Bank borrowings |
2,060,000 | 211,659,000 | 3.95 | ||||||
Total managed borrowings |
$ | 7,433,000 | $ | 624,107,000 | 4.83 | ||||
We 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. We use SBA funding to fund loans that qualify under SBIA and SBA regulations. We believe that financing operations primarily with short-term floating rate secured bank debt has generally decreased our interest expense, but has also increased our exposure to the risk of increases in market interest rates, which we mitigate with certain interest rate strategies. At March 31, 2007 and 2006 short-term floating rate debt constituted 83%, and 81% of total debt, and was 90%, and 88% on a fully managed basis including the borrowings of Medallion Bank.
Factors Affecting Net Assets
Factors that affect our 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 our estimate of the fair value of our 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, our loan portfolio and other investments must be recorded at fair value.
Unlike certain lending institutions, we are not permitted to establish reserves for loan losses, but adjust quarterly the valuation of the loan portfolio to reflect our estimate of the current value of the total loan portfolio. Since no ready market exists for our loans, fair value is subject to our good faith determination. In determining such fair value, we and our Board of Directors consider factors such as the financial condition of its borrowers and the adequacy of their collateral. Any change in the fair value of portfolio loans or other investments as determined by us 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.
Our investment in Medallion Bank, as a wholly-owned portfolio investment, is also subject to quarterly assessments of fair value. We conduct a thorough valuation analysis as described previously, and determine whether any factors give rise to valuation different than recorded book value, including various regulatory restrictions that were established at Medallion Banks inception, by the FDIC and State of Utah, and also by additional marketplace restrictions, such as the ability to transfer industrial bank charters. As
34
Table of Contents
a result of this valuation process, we used Medallion Banks actual results of operations as the best estimate of changes in fair value, and recorded the results as a component of unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, although changes in these restrictions and other applicable factors could change these conclusions in the future.
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 quarter ended March 31, 2006. Because of the change in the reporting entity described in Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements, our financial condition and results of operations included in this quarterly report for March 31, 2006, have been adjusted to reflect the change retrospectively for the period and information presented.
Three Months ended March 31, | ||||||||
Dollars in thousands except for share amounts |
2007 | 2006 | ||||||
Statement of operations |
||||||||
Investment income |
$ | 10,439 | $ | 10,014 | ||||
Interest expense |
6,750 | 5,374 | ||||||
Net interest income |
3,689 | 4,640 | ||||||
Noninterest income |
490 | 616 | ||||||
Operating expenses |
4,575 | 3,529 | ||||||
Net investment income (loss) before income taxes |
(396 | ) | 1,727 | |||||
Income tax (provision) benefit |
0 | 0 | ||||||
Net investment income (loss) after income taxes |
(396 | ) | 1,727 | |||||
Net realized gains (losses) on investments |
10,012 | (1,856 | ) | |||||
Equity in net income of Medallion Bank and other controlled subsidiaries (1) |
2,203 | 1,347 | ||||||
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments (1) |
(8,039 | ) | 569 | |||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations |
$ | 3,780 | $ | 1,787 | ||||
Per share data |
||||||||
Net investment income (loss) |
($0.02 | ) | $ | 0.09 | ||||
Income tax (provision) benefit |
| | ||||||
Net realized gains (losses) on investments |
0.56 | (0.10 | ) | |||||
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments |
(0.33 | ) | 0.11 | |||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations |
$ | 0.21 | $ | 0.10 | ||||
Dividends declared per share |
$ | 0.19 | $ | 0.16 | ||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding |
||||||||
Basic |
17,427,387 | 17,211,707 | ||||||
Diluted |
17,764,663 | 17,722,064 | ||||||
Balance sheet data |
March 31, 2007 |
December 2006 | ||||||
Net investments |
$ | 612,405 | $ | 592,933 | ||||
Total assets |
665,890 | 631,605 | ||||||
Total borrowed funds |
488,945 | 455,136 | ||||||
Total liabilities |
495,649 | 461,977 | ||||||
Total shareholders equity |
170,240 | 169,628 | ||||||
Managed balance sheet data (2) |
||||||||
Net investments |
$ | 851,289 | $ | 833,639 | ||||
Total assets |
926,783 | 893,588 | ||||||
Total borrowed funds |
748,227 | 716,620 | ||||||
Total liabilities |
756,543 | 723,960 | ||||||
35
Table of Contents
Three Months ended March 31, |
||||||
Dollars in thousands |
2007 | 2006 | ||||
Selected financial ratios and other data |
||||||
Return on average assets (ROA) (3) |
||||||
Net investment income (loss) after taxes |
(0.25 | )% | 1.19 | % | ||
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations |
2.41 | 1.24 | ||||
Return on average equity (ROE) (4) |
||||||
Net investment income (loss) after taxes |
(0.94 | ) | 4.21 | |||
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations |
9.01 | 4.35 | ||||
Weighted average yields |
7.70 | % | 7.72 | % | ||
Weighted average cost of funds |
5.08 | 4.19 | ||||
Net interest margin (5) |
2.62 | 3.53 | ||||
Noninterest income ratio (6) |
0.37 | % | 0.48 | % | ||
Total expense ratio (7) |
7.22 | 6.16 | ||||
Operating expense ratio (8) |
3.44 | 2.75 | ||||
As a percentage of net investment portfolio |
||||||
Medallion loans |
73 | % | 73 | % | ||
Commercial loans |
15 | 15 | ||||
Investment in subsidiaries |
9 | 8 | ||||
Equity investments |
1 | 4 | ||||
Investment securities |
3 | 0 | ||||
Investments to assets (9) |
92 | % | 93 | % | ||
Equity to assets (10) |
26 | 27 | ||||
Debt to equity (11) |
287 | 270 | ||||
(1) | Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments represents the increase (decrease) for the year in the fair value of our investments, including the results of operations for Medallion Bank, Medallion Taxi Media, and other controlled subsidiaries, where applicable. |
(2) | Includes the balances of wholly-owned, unconsolidated portfolio companies, primarily Medallion Bank. |
(3) | ROA represents the net investment income after taxes or net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations, divided by average total assets. . |
(4) | ROE represents the net investment income after taxes or net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations divided by average shareholders equity. |
(5) | Net interest margin represents net interest income for the year divided by average interest earning assets, and includes interest recoveries of $151,000 and $965,000 in the three months, and was 2.50%, and 2.75% on a managed basis for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006. |
(6) | Noninterest income ratio represents noninterest income divided by average interest earning assets. |
(7) | Total expense ratio represents total expenses (interest expense, operating expenses, and income taxes) divided by average shareholders equity. |
(8) | Operating expense ratio represents operating expenses divided by average interest earning assets. |
(9) | Represents net investments divided by total assets as of March 31. |
(10) | Represents total shareholders equity divided by total assets as of March 31. |
(11) | Represents total debt (floating rate and fixed rate borrowings) divided by total shareholders equity as of March 31. |
Consolidated Results of Operations
Since Medallion Bank commenced operations in December 2003, we had historically consolidated Medallion Banks financial statements with those of our own. Although Medallion Bank is not an investment company, and SEC rules generally do not permit investment companies such as ours to consolidate the financial statements of non-investment companies, such as Medallion Bank, we had sought and obtained a letter from the SEC in March 2004 permitting such consolidation. We believed that consolidating Medallion Bank provided a more complete and accurate representation of our full scope of operations, and our complete financial position and results of operations.
During August 2006, we filed a registration statement on Form N-2 which the SEC staff reviewed and on which they provided comments, including those relating to the consolidation of the accounts of Medallion Bank. Based on discussion with the SEC staff, we determined during the 2006 fourth quarter to voluntarily not consolidate Medallion Bank and present Medallion Bank as a portfolio company. We determined that this change represents a change in the reporting entity as described in SFAS No. 154, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections. Accordingly we have retrospectively applied this change to the financial statements of all prior periods presented, including previously issued interim periods presented. The effect of this retrospective application is to present our financial position and results of operations as if Medallion Bank had not been consolidated for all periods presented and to present Medallion Bank as an unconsolidated portfolio investment. Although this creates changes in the reported levels of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses, our net increase in net assets resulting from operations, shareholders equity, and the related amounts per common share are unchanged.
36
Table of Contents
2007 First Quarter compared to the 2006 First Quarter
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations was $3,780,000 or $0.21 per diluted common share in the 2007 first quarter, up $1,993,000 from $1,787,000 or $0.10 in the 2006 first quarter. The 2007 increase primarily reflected higher net realized/unrealized portfolio gains, partially offset by higher operating expenses and lower net interest and noninterest income. Net investment income (loss) after taxes was ($395,000) or ($0.02) per diluted common share in the 2007 quarter, down $2,122,000 from $1,727,000 or $0.10 per share in the 2006 quarter.
Investment income was $10,439,000 in the 2007 first quarter, up $425,000 or 4% from $10,014,000 a year ago, and included $151,000 from interest recoveries on certain investments in 2007, compared to $965,000 in 2006. Excluding those items, investment income increased $1,239,000 or 14% compared to a year ago, reflecting higher yields earned and growth in the investment portfolios. The yield on the investment portfolio was 7.70% in 2007, essentially flat with 7.72% in 2006, and was 7.58% and 6.97% excluding the interest recoveries, an increase of 9%, reflecting the general increase in market interest rates and the refinancing of fixed rate loans at current rates. Average investments outstanding were $538,964,000 in 2007, up 4% from $519,595,000 a year ago, primarily reflecting growth in the medallion loan portfolio.
Medallion loans were $443,662,000 at quarter end, up $22,098,000 or 5% from $421,564,000 a year ago, representing 72% of the investment portfolio compared to 73% a year ago, and were yielding 7.01% compared to 6.60% a year ago, an increase of 6%. The increase in outstandings primarily reflected efforts to book new business, primarily in the New York City and Boston markets, and also reflected the increase in medallion values, partially offset by several large fleet repayments, including reductions in Chicago. The managed medallion portfolio, which includes loans at Medallion Bank, was $536,292,000 at quarter end, up $31,444,000 or 6% from $504,848,000 a year ago. The commercial loan portfolio was $90,900,000 at quarter end, compared to $88,640,000 a year ago, an increase of $2,260,000 or 3%, and represented 15% of the investment portfolio at both quarter ends. The increase primarily reflected growth in the high-yield mezzanine loan portfolio, partially offset by the resolution of several large old nonperforming loans. Commercial loans yielded 12.10% at quarter end, compared to 11.54% a year ago, an increase of 5%, reflecting the increases in market interest rates and the floating rate nature of much of the portfolio. The managed commercial portfolio, which includes loans at Medallion Bank, was $158,830,000 at quarter end, up $11,678,000 or 8% from $147,152,000 a year ago, primarily reflecting the increases described above and the net increase in third party loan participations sold. Investments in Medallion Bank and other controlled subsidiaries was $53,379,000 at quarter end, up $11,900,000 or 29% from $41,479,000 a year ago, primarily reflecting the increased value of those investments, a large portion of which reflected the earnings of Medallion Bank. See Note 4 of the consolidated financial statements for additional information about Medallion Bank and the other controlled subsidiaries. Equity investments were $4,529,000, down $18,189,000 or 80% from $22,718,000 a year ago, primarily reflecting the sale of a portion of the Clear Channel common stock received for our ownership interest in Media, partially offset by portfolio appreciation, and represented 1% of the investment portfolio and had a dividend yield of 2.37%, compared to 4% and 1.49% a year ago. Investment securities of $19,934,000 were up from zero a year ago, and represented 3% of the investment portfolio and yielded 5.03%. See page 28 for a table that shows balances and yields by type of investment.
Interest expense was $6,750,000 in the 2007 first quarter, up $1,376,000 or 26% from $5,374,000 in the 2006 quarter. The increase in interest expense was due to the higher cost of borrowed funds compounded by increased levels of borrowings. The cost of borrowed funds was 6.04%, compared to 5.28% a year ago, an increase of 14%, reflecting increases in the general level of interest rates over the last year, and the adjustable rate nature of much of our borrowings. Average debt outstanding was $453,363,000 for the 2007 quarter, compared to $412,448,000 a year ago, an increase of 10%, primarily reflecting increased borrowings used to fund portfolio investment growth. See page 36 for a table which shows average balances and cost of funds for our funding sources.
Net interest income was $3,690,000 and the net interest margin was 2.62% for the 2007 quarter, down $951,000 or 20% from $4,641,000 a year ago, which represented a net interest margin of 3.53%, all reflecting the items discussed above.
Noninterest income was $490,000 in the 2007 first quarter, down $125,000 or 20% from $615,000 a year ago. Noninterest income, which is comprised of servicing fee income, prepayment fees, late charges, and other miscellaneous income included $161,000 of unusually large prepayment penalties from several large paid-off loans in the year ago quarter. Excluding those prepayment penalties, noninterest income was up 8%, primarily reflecting increased servicing fee income and a larger portfolio.
Operating expenses were $4,575,000 in the 2007 first quarter, compared to $3,529,000 in the 2006 first quarter, an increase of $1,046,000 or 30%. Salaries and benefits expense was $2,733,000 in the first quarter, up $812,000 or 42% from $1,921,000 in
37
Table of Contents
2006, primarily reflecting higher bonus accruals, lower amounts of salary deferrals related to loan originations, and an increase in headcount and salary levels. Professional fees were $605,000 in 2007, up $49,000 or 9% from $556,000 a year ago, primarily reflecting consultant services for operational reviews and higher investment project-related professional costs. Other operating expenses of $1,237,000 in the quarter were up $185,000 or 18% from $1,052,000 a year ago, reflecting higher office, rent, travel and entertainment expenses, and the writeoff of certain miscellaneous assets.
Income tax expense was $0 in both the 2007 and 2006 first quarters.
Net unrealized depreciation on investments was $5,836,000 in the 2007 first quarter, compared to appreciation of $1,916,000 in the 2006 first quarter, a decrease of $7,752,000. Net change in unrealized depreciation, net of the net unrealized appreciation on Medallion Bank and the other controlled subsidiaries was $8,038,000 in the 2007 quarter compared to net change in unrealized appreciation of $569,000 in 2006, resulting in increased depreciation of $8,607,000 in 2007. Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) arises when we make 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 2007 activity resulted from reversals of unrealized appreciation associated with equity investments that were sold of $9,833,000 and net unrealized depreciation on loans of $64,000, partially offset by net appreciation on Medallion Bank and other controlled subsidiaries of $2,202,000, net unrealized appreciation on foreclosed property of $1,820,000, net unrealized appreciation on equity investments of $37,000, and reversals of unrealized depreciation associated with fully depreciated loans which were charged off of $1,000. The 2006 activity resulted from net appreciation on Medallion Bank and other controlled subsidiaries of $1,347,000, reversals of unrealized depreciation associated with fully depreciated loans which were charged off of $1,782,000, and net unrealized appreciation on loans of $122,000, partially offset by net unrealized depreciation on equity investments of $1,181,000, net unrealized depreciation on foreclosed property of $90,000, and reversals of unrealized appreciation associated with equity investments that were sold of $65,000.
Also included in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments was the net unrealized appreciation on Medallion Bank and other controlled subsidiaries of $2,202,000 in the 2007 quarter and $1,347,000 in the 2006 quarter. Both years primarily reflected the results of operations of Medallion Bank. See Notes 3 and 4 to the consolidated financial statements for information about these controlled subsidiaries.
Our net realized gains on investments were $10,012,000 in the 2007 quarter, compared to losses of $1,856,000 in the 2006 quarter. The 2007 activity reflected the reversals described in the unrealized paragraph above and by net direct gains on sales of equity and other investments of $178,000 and net direct recoveries of $3,000. The 2006 activity reflected the above and net direct chargeoffs of $269,000, partially offset by net direct gains on sales of equity and other investments of $130,000.
The Companys net realized/unrealized gains on investments were $4,175,000 in the 2007 quarter, compared to $59,000 in the 2006 quarter, reflecting the above.
ASSET/LIABILITY MANAGEMENT
Interest Rate Sensitivity
We, like other financial institutions, are subject to interest rate risk to the extent that our interest-earning assets (consisting of medallion, commercial, and consumer loans; and investment securities) reprice on a different basis over time in comparison to our 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, we anticipate that approximately 40% of the taxicab medallion portfolio will mature or be prepaid each year. We believe that the average
38
Table of Contents
life of our 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 borrowers 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, we manage our 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. We had outstanding SBA debentures of $77,250,000 with a weighted average interest rate of 6.05%, constituting 16% of our total indebtedness as of March 31, 2007. Also, as of March 31, 2007, portions of the adjustable rate debt with Banks repriced at intervals of as long as 36 months, and certain of the certificates of deposit were for terms of up to 45 months, further mitigating the immediate impact of changes in market interest rates.
A relative measure of interest rate risk can be derived from our 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.
The following table presents our interest rate sensitivity gap at March 31, 2007, compared to the respective positions at the end of 2006 and 2005. The principal amount of interest earning assets are assigned to the time frames in which such principal amounts are contractually obligated to be repriced. We have not reflected an assumed annual prepayment rate for such assets in this table.
March 31, 2007 Cumulative Rate Gap (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) |
Less Than 1 Year |
More Than 1 and Less |
More Than 2 and Less |
More Than 3 and Less Than 4 Years |
More Than 4 and Less Than 5 Years |
More Than 5 and Less |
Thereafter | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||
Earning assets |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Floating-rate |
$ | 21,699 | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | 21,699 | |||||||||||||
Adjustable rate |
20,528 | 10,059 | 4,547 | 59 | 33,642 | | | 68,835 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed-rate |
66,912 | 91,019 | 153,843 | 60,172 | 73,363 | 7,750 | 13,447 | 466,506 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Cash |
28,282 | | | | | | | 28,282 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total earning assets |
$ | 137,421 | $ | 101,078 | $ | 158,390 | $ | 60,231 | $ | 107,005 | $ | 7,750 | $ | 13,447 | $ | 585,322 | |||||||||||||
Interest bearing liabilities |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revolving line of credit |
$ | 392,862 | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | 392,862 | |||||||||||||
Notes payable to banks |
15,066 | | 3,767 | | | | | 18,833 | |||||||||||||||||||||
SBA debentures |
| | | | 28,485 | 19,300 | 29,465 | $ | 77,250 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total liabilities |
$ | 407,928 | $ | | $ | 3,767 | $ | | $ | 28,485 | $ | 19,300 | $ | 29,465 | $ | 488,945 | |||||||||||||
Interest rate gap |
($ | 270,507 | ) | $ | 101,078 | $ | 154,623 | $ | 60,231 | $ | 78,520 | ($11,550 | ) | ($ | 16,018 | ) | $ | 96,377 | |||||||||||
Cumulative interest rate gap (2) |
($ | 270,507 | ) | ($ | 169,429 | ) | ($14,806 | ) | $ | 45,425 | $ | 123,945 | $ | 112,395 | $ | 96,377 | | ||||||||||||
December 31, 2006 (2) |
($ | 267,015 | ) | ($ | 152,783 | ) | ($8,334 | ) | $ | 53,943 | $ | 127,019 | $ | 115,046 | $ | 89,104 | | ||||||||||||
December 31, 2005 (2) |
($99,581 | ) | ($ | 118,589 | ) | $ | 43,224 | $ | 105,049 | $ | 153,469 | $ | 139,543 | $ | 96,083 | | |||||||||||||
(1) | The ratio of the cumulative one year gap to total interest rate sensitive assets was (46%), (49%), and (20%), as of March 31, 2007, December 31, 2006 and 2005, and was (31%), (34%), and 11%, on a combined basis with Medallion Bank. |
(2) | Adjusted for the medallion loan 40% prepayment assumption results in cumulative one year negative interest rate gap and related ratio of ($133,282,000) or (23%) for March 31, 2007, compared to a negative rate gap of ($127,184,000) or ( 23%) and a positive rate gap of $10,768,000 or 2% for December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and was ($108,418,000) or (12%), ($117,151,000) or (14%), and $47,912,000 or 6% on a combined basis with Medallion Bank. |
Our interest rate sensitive assets were approximately $585,322,000 and interest rate sensitive liabilities were $488,945,000 at March 31, 2007. The one-year cumulative interest rate gap was a negative $270,507,000 or 46% of interest rate sensitive assets compared to a negative $267,015,000 or 49%, at December 31, 2006 and $99,581,000 or 20% at December 31, 2005. However, using our estimated 40% prepayment/refinancing rate for medallion loans to adjust the interest rate gap resulted in a negative gap of $133,282,000 or 23% at March 31, 2007. We seek 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.
39
Table of Contents
On a combined basis with Medallion Bank, our interest rate sensitive assets were approximately $890,517,000 and interest rate sensitive liabilities were $748,227,000 at March 31, 2007. The one-year cumulative interest rate gap was a negative $272,787,000 estimated 31% prepayment/refinancing rate for medallion loans to adjust the interest rate gap resulted in a negative gap of $108,418,000 or 12% at March 31, 2007.
Interest Rate Cap Agreements
From time-to time, we enter into interest rate cap agreements to manage the exposure of the portfolio to increases in market interest rates by hedging a portion of our variable-rate debt against increases in interest rates. There were no interest rate caps outstanding during 2007 and 2006.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our sources of liquidity are the revolving lines of credit with Merrill Lynch and Citibank, unfunded commitments from the SBA for long-term debentures that are issued to or guaranteed by the SBA, loan amortization and prepayments, and participations or sales of loans to third parties. 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 Trusts $375,000,000 revolving line of credit with Merrill Lynch had availability of $95,695, and Trust IIs $125,000,000 line had availability of $31,343,000 as of March 31, 2007. Medallion Capital and Freshstart have $13,500,000 and $6,000,000 of additional funding commitments with the SBA, which requires capital contributions from us of $6,750,000 and $2,000,000, respectively. Since SBA financing subjects its recipients to certain regulations, we will seek funding at the subsidiary level to maximize its benefits. Lastly $14,482,000 was available under revolving credit agreements with commercial banks, and approximately $1,218,000 was available under the companys margin loan.
Additionally, Medallion Bank, our wholly-owned, unconsolidated portfolio company has access to independent sources of funds for our business originated there, primarily through brokered certificates of deposit. At the current required capital levels, it is expected, although there can be no guarantee, that deposits of approximately $13,500,000 could be raised by Medallion Bank to fund future loan origination activity, and Medallion Bank also has $35,000,000 available under Fed Funds lines with several commercial banks. In addition, Medallion Bank as a non-RIC subsidiary of ours is allowed to retain all earnings in the business to fund future growth.
The components of our debt were as follows at March 31, 2007. See Notes 5 and 6 to the consolidated financial statements on page 17 for details of the contractual terms of our borrowings.
Balance | Percentage | Rate (1) | |||||||
Revolving lines of credit |
$ | 372,962,000 | 76 | % | 5.68 | % | |||
SBA debentures |
77,250,000 | 16 | 6.05 | ||||||
Notes payable to banks |
18,833,000 | 4 | 7.44 | ||||||
Margin loan |
19,900,000 | 4 | 5.67 | ||||||
Total outstanding debt |
$ | 488,945,000 | 100 | % | 5.81 | ||||
Certificates of deposit at Medallion Bank |
259,281,000 | | 4.52 | % | |||||
Total outstanding debt, including Medallion Bank |
$ | 748,226,000 | | 5.36 | |||||
(1) | Weighted average contractual rate as of March 31, 2007. |
40
Table of Contents
Our contractual obligations expire on or mature at various dates through September 1, 2015. The following table shows all contractual obligations at March 31, 2007.
Payments due by period | |||||||||||||||||||||
Less than 1 year |
1 2 years |
2 3 years |
3 4 years |
4 5 years |
More than 5 years |
Total | |||||||||||||||
Floating rate borrowings |
$ | 34,977,000 | $ | 279,305,000 | $ | 97,413,000 | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | 411,695,000 | |||||||
Fixed rate borrowings |
| | | | 28,485,000 | 48,765,000 | 77,250,000 | ||||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 34,977,000 | $ | 279,305,000 | $ | 97,413,000 | $ | | $ | 28,485,000 | $ | 48,765,000 | $ | 488,945,000 | |||||||
Certificates of deposit at Medallion Bank |
97,885,000 | 87,178,000 | 69,718,000 | 4,500,000 | | | 259,281,000 | ||||||||||||||
Total, including Medallion Bank |
$ | 132,862,000 | $ | 366,483,000 | $ | 167,131,000 | $ | 4,500,000 | $ | 28,485,000 | $ | 48,765,000 | $ | 748,226,000 | |||||||
We value our portfolio at fair value as determined in good faith by management and approved by the Board of Directors in accordance with our valuation policy. Unlike certain lending institutions, we are not permitted to establish reserves for loan losses. Instead, we must value each individual investment and portfolio loan on a quarterly basis. We record unrealized depreciation on investments and loans when we believe that an asset has been impaired and full collection is unlikely. We record unrealized appreciation on equities if we have a clear indication that the underlying portfolio company has appreciated in value and, therefore, our equity investment has also appreciated in value. Without a readily ascertainable market value, the estimated value of our 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. We adjust the valuation of the portfolio quarterly to reflect managements estimate of the current fair value of each investment in the portfolio. Any changes in estimated fair value are recorded in our statement of operations as net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments. Our investment in Medallion Bank, as a wholly-owned portfolio investment was also subject to quarterly assessments of its fair value. We conduct a thorough valuation analysis as described previously, and determine whether any factors give rise to valuation different than recorded book value. As a result of this valuation process, we used Medallion Banks actual results of operations as the best estimate of changes in fair value, and recorded the result as a component of 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. We have analyzed the potential impact of changes in interest rates on net interest income. Assuming that the balance sheet were to remain constant and no actions were taken to alter the existing interest rate sensitivity, and including the impact on Medallion Bank, a hypothetical immediate 1% increase in interest rates would have positively impacted net increase in net assets resulting from operations as of March 31, 2007 by approximately $314,000 on an annualized basis, compared to a positive impact of $399,000 at December 31, 2006, and the impact of such an immediate increase of 1% over a one year period would have been ($2,413,000) at March 31, 2007 compared to ($2,334,000) for December 31, 2006. Although management believes that this measure is indicative of our 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.
We continue 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.
41
Table of Contents
The following table illustrates sources of available funds for us and each of our subsidiaries, and amounts outstanding under credit facilities and their respective end of period weighted average interest rates at March 31, 2007. See Notes 5 and 6 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information about each credit facility.
(Dollars in thousands) |
The Company |
MFC | MCI | MBC | FSVC | UTAH | Total | 12/31/06 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash |
$ | 1,607 | $ | 11,243 | $ | 6,052 | $ | 2,922 | $ | 6,458 | $ | 28,282 | $ | 15,399 | |||||||||||||||||
Bank loans (1) |
20,000 | 8,000 | 28,000 | 26,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amounts undisbursed |
12,000 | 2,482 | 14,282 | 15,425 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amounts outstanding |
8,000 | 10,833 | 18,833 | 15,210 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Average interest rate |
7.30 | % | 7.52 | % | 7.43 | % | 7.41 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Maturity |
06/07 | 06/07-01/10 | 06/07-01/10 | 06/07-12/09 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lines of Credit |
500,000 | 500,000 | 500,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amounts undisbursed |
127,038 | 127,038 | 151,251 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amounts outstanding |
372,962 | 372,962 | 348,749 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Average interest rate |
5.68 | % | 5.68 | % | 5.52 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Maturity |
09/08-12/09 | 09/08-12/09 | 09/08-12/09 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Margin loan |
19,900 | 19,900 | 13,927 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Average interest rate |
5.67 | % | 5.67 | % | 6.19 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Maturity |
N/A | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
SBA debentures |
46,750 | 50,000 | 96,750 | 96,750 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amounts undisbursed |
13,500 | 6,000 | 19,500 | 19,500 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amounts outstanding |
33,250 | 44,000 | 77,250 | 77,250 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Average interest rate |
6.02 | % | 6.08 | % | 6.05 | % | 6.05 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Maturity |
9/11-9/15 | 9/11-3/16 | 9/11-3/16 | 9/11-3/16 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total cash and amounts remaining undisbursed under credit facilities |
$ | 13,607 | $ | 140,762 | $ | 19,552 | $ | 2,922 | $ | 12,458 | $ | | $ | 189,303 | $ | 201,575 | |||||||||||||||
Total debt outstanding |
$ | 27,900 | $ | 383,795 | $ | 33,250 | $ | | $ | 44,000 | $ | | $ | 488,944 | $ | 455,136 | |||||||||||||||
Including Medallion Bank |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash |
$ | 14,487 | $ | 14,487 | $ | 14,699 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Certificates of deposit |
259,281 | 259,281 | 261,484 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Average interest rate |
4.52 | % | 4.52 | % | 4.36 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Maturity |
04/07-10/10 | 04/07-10/10 | 01/07-10/10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total cash and amounts remaining undisbursed under credit facilities |
$ | 13,607 | $ | 140,762 | $ | 19,552 | $ | 2,922 | $ | 12,458 | $ | 14,487 | $ | 203,790 | $ | 216,274 | |||||||||||||||
Total debt outstanding |
$ | 27,900 | $ | 383,795 | $ | 33,250 | $ | | $ | 44,000 | $ | 259,281 | $ | 748,227 | $ | 716,620 | |||||||||||||||
(1) | In March 2007, we amended our revolving secured line of credit with Atlantic Bank, a division of New York Commercial bank, to increase the line from $6,000,000 to $8,000,000. |
Loan amortization, prepayments, and sales also provide a source of funding for us. Prepayments on loans are influenced significantly by general interest rates, medallion loan market values, economic conditions, and competition. We believe that our credit facilities with Merrill Lynch and Citibank, deposits generated at Medallion Bank, and cash flow from operations (after distributions to shareholders) will be adequate to fund the continuing operations of our loan portfolio. Also, Medallion Bank is not a RIC, and therefore is able to retain earnings to finance growth.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which includes an amendment to SFAS No. 115. This statement permits entities to choose to measure eligible financial instruments and certain other items at fair value at specified election dates. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We do not believe that this pronouncement will have an impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, Employers Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R) (SFAS 158). SFAS No. 158 requires an employer to: (a) recognize in its statement of financial position the funded status of a benefit plan; (b) measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations as of the end of the employers fiscal year (with limited exceptions); and (c) recognize as a component of other comprehensive income, net of tax, the gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that arise but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs pursuant to prior existing guidance, any adjustments to amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. The provisions governing recognition of the funded status of a defined benefit plan and related disclosures are effective as of the end of fiscal years ending after December 15, 2006 and not before June 16, 2007. The requirement to measure
42
Table of Contents
plan assets and benefit obligations as of the date of the employers fiscal year-end statement of financial position is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008. We do not believe that this pronouncement will have an impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No.157, Fair Value Measurement. This statement defines fair values, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. We currently follow fair market value accounting in our consolidated financial statements as a RIC; hence we do not expect the adoption of SFAS No.157 to have a material effect on our financial condition and results of operations. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.
In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting For Uncertainty in Income Taxes. The interpretation sets a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for recognizing tax positions in a companys financial statements based on a determination whether it is likely or not that the tax position would withstand a tax audit, without regard for the likelihood of a tax audit taking place. Assuming a position meets the more-likely-than-not threshold, the interpretation also prescribes a measurement attribute requiring determination of how much of the tax position would ultimately be allowed if challenged. The interpretation is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007. We do not believe that this pronouncement will have an impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
In March 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 156, Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets (SFAS No. 156). SFAS No. 156 stipulates the accounting for Mortgaging Servicing Rights (MSRs) and requires that they be recorded initially at fair value. SFAS No. 156 also permits, but does not require, that we may subsequently record those MSRs at fair value with changes to fair value recognized in the consolidated statement of operations. Alternatively, we may amortize the MSRs over their projected service periods. We have adopted SFAS No. 156, as required in the current quarter, however, this adoption has an immaterial effect on our financial statements.
In February 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 155, Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments, an amendment of SFAS Nos. 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 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 entitys first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006, as defined. The adoption of SFAS No. 155 does not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
Common Stock
Our common stock is quoted on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol TAXI. Our common stock commenced trading on May 23, 1996. As of May 10, 2007, there were approximately 118 holders of record of the Companys common stock.
On May 9, 2007, the last reported sale price of our common stock was $12.22 per share. Historically, our common stock has traded at a premium to net asset value per share, but there can be no assurance that our stock will 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 our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market.
2007 |
DIVIDENDS DECLARED | HIGH | LOW | ||||||
First Quarter |
$ | 0.19 | $ | 12.34 | 10.80 | ||||
2006 |
|||||||||
Fourth Quarter |
$ | 0.19 | $ | 12.52 | $ | 11.17 | |||
Third Quarter |
0.18 | 13.43 | 10.67 | ||||||
Second Quarter |
0.17 | 13.74 | 12.74 | ||||||
First Quarter |
0.16 | 13.55 | 11.12 |
43
Table of Contents
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.
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 the American Stock Transfer & Trust Company at 59 Maiden Lane, New York, NY, 10038.
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES (1)
Period |
Total Number of Shares |
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 December 31, 2006 |
| | | 7,720,523 | ||||||
January 1 through March 31, 2007 (2) |
| | | 7,720,523 | ||||||
Total |
1,353,233 | 9.07 | 1,353,233 | | ||||||
(1) | We publicly announced our 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 our 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 July 2006, we extended the terms of the Stock Repurchase Program. Purchases were to commence no earlier than August 2006, and were to conclude 180 days after the commencement of the purchases. There were no repurchases made during the 2007 first quarter. |
44
Table of Contents
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, 2006.
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, 2007 and December 31, 2006, and (ii) no change in internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarters ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, such internal control over financial reporting.
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 Companys 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 Companys results of operations or financial condition.
ITEM 1A. | RISK FACTORS |
Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure
Based on discussions with the SEC, we have determined that we should no longer consolidate Medallion Banks accounts with those of our own.
Since the inception of Medallion Bank, we have historically consolidated the financial position and results of operations of Medallion Bank with those of our own. We did so in reliance upon a letter from the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, permitting such consolidation. During August 2006, we filed the initial registration statement related to this offering which the SEC staff reviewed and on which they provided comments, including the appropriateness of consolidating the accounts of Medallion Bank. Based on several discussions with the SEC, our management, Audit Committee, and Board of Directors have determined, and our auditors have concurred, that we should no longer consolidate Medallion Bank in reliance upon the SEC letter, and have determined, and our auditors have concurred, that this change represents a change in the reporting entity as described in SFAS No. 154, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections. Accordingly we have adopted the retrospective treatment provided for in that statement, including for any interim periods presented. Based on the available facts, and after due investigation, we believe we relied upon the no-action letter in good faith and with a reasonable basis for such reliance and we have articulated these facts to the SEC. After reviewing our response, the SEC has indicated it has no further comments regarding the consolidation of Medallion Bank, but they have not formally concurred with our conclusion. We cannot assure you that the SEC or any other regulatory agency may not come to a different conclusion than ours. Such a different conclusion could result in our having to restate our financial statements.
We have a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting.
Management has identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting for the year ended December 31, 2006 relating the documentation and oversight of the monitoring of certain loans and/or investments included in the portfolio of one of our subsidiaries, Medallion Capital. Although we are taking corrective action, we have not yet completed our remediation of the material weakness. Although we believe that the consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus present fairly, in all material respects, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with GAAP, we cannot assure you that additional material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting will not be identified in the future. Our failure to remediate this material weakness or any material weakness which may arise in the future could cause us to fail to meet our periodic reporting obligations or result in material misstatements in our financial statements. Any such failure could also adversely affect the results of periodic management evaluations and annual auditor reports regarding the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting required under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules promulgated under Section 404.
45
Table of Contents
We are dependent upon our key investment personnel for our future success.
We depend on the diligence, skill, and network of business contacts of the investment professionals we employ for sourcing, evaluating, negotiating, structuring, and monitoring our investments. Our future success will also depend, to a significant extent, on the continued service and coordination of our senior management team, particularly, Alvin Murstein, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Andrew M. Murstein, our President, and Larry D. Hall, our Chief Financial Officer. The departure of Messrs. Murstein or Mr. Hall, or any member of our senior management team could have a material adverse effect on our ability to achieve our investment objective.
We operate in a highly regulated environment which may constrain our ability to grow our business.
The 1940 Act imposes numerous constraints on the operations of business development companies. For example, business development companies are required to invest at least 70% of their total assets in qualifying assetsprimarily securities of eligible portfolio companies (as defined under the 1940 Act), cash, cash equivalents, US government securities, and other high quality debt investments that mature in one year or less. Our regulatory requirements may hinder our ability to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities and, as a result, achieve our investment objective. In addition, we rely upon several exemptive orders from the SEC permitting us to consolidate our financial reporting and operate our business as presently conducted. Our failure to satisfy the conditions set forth in those exemptive orders could result in our inability to rely upon such orders or to cause the SEC to revoke the orders which could result in material changes in our financial reporting or the way in which we conduct our business. Furthermore, any failure to comply with the requirements imposed on business development companies by the 1940 Act could cause the SEC to bring an enforcement action against us. If we do not remain a business development company, we might be regulated as a closed-end investment company under the 1940 Act, which would further significantly decrease our operating flexibility.
Regulations governing our operation as a business development company will affect our ability to, and the way in which we raise additional capital.
Our business may periodically require capital. We may acquire additional capital from the following sources:
Senior Securities and Other Indebtedness. We may issue debt securities or preferred stock, and/or borrow money from banks or other financial institutions, which we refer to collectively as senior securities, up to the maximum amount permitted by the 1940 Act. If we issue senior securities, including debt or preferred stock, we will be exposed to additional risks, including the following:
| Under the provisions of the 1940 Act, we are permitted, as a business development company, to issue senior securities only in amounts such that our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 200% after each issuance of senior securities. If the value of our assets declines, we may be unable to satisfy this test. If that happens, we may be restricted from issuing additional debt, may be limited in making distributions on our stock, and may be required to sell a portion of our investments and, depending on the nature of our leverage, to repay a portion of our debt at a time when such sales and/or repayments may be disadvantageous. |
| Any amounts that we use to service our debt or make payments on preferred stock will not be available for dividends to our common shareholders. |
| It is likely that any senior securities or other indebtedness we issue will be governed by an indenture or other instrument containing covenants restricting our operating flexibility. Additionally, some of these securities or other indebtedness may be rated by rating agencies, and in obtaining a rating for such securities and other indebtedness, we may be required to abide by operating and investment guidelines that further restrict operating and financial flexibility. |
| We and, indirectly, our shareholders will bear the cost of issuing and servicing such securities and other indebtedness. |
| Preferred stock or any convertible or exchangeable securities that we issue in the future may have rights, preferences, and privileges more favorable than those of our common stock, including separate voting rights, and could delay or prevent a transaction or a change in control to the detriment of the holders of our common stock. |
Additional Common Stock. We are not generally able to issue and sell our common stock at a price below net asset value per share. We may, however, sell our common stock, warrants, options, or rights to acquire our common stock, at a price below the current net asset value of the common stock if our Board of Directors determines that such sale is in our best interests and that of our shareholders, and our shareholders approve such sale. In any such case, the price at which our securities are to be issued and sold may not be less than a price which, in the determination of our Board of Directors, closely approximates the market value of such securities (less any distributing commission or discount). We may also make rights offerings to our shareholders at prices per share less than the net asset value per share, subject to applicable requirements of the 1940 Act. If we raise additional funds by issuing more common stock or senior securities convertible into, or exchangeable for, our common stock, the percentage ownership of our shareholders at that time would decrease and they may experience dilution. Moreover, we can offer no assurance that we will be able to issue and sell additional equity securities in the future, on favorable terms or at all.
46
Table of Contents
If our primary investments are deemed not to be qualifying assets, we could be deemed to be in violation of the 1940 Act.
As a business development company, we are not permitted to acquire any assets other than qualifying assets unless, at the time of such acquisition, at least 70% of our total assets are qualifying assets.
At the end of each fiscal quarter, we may take proactive steps to prospectively preserve investment flexibility in the next quarter which is assessed against our total assets at our most recent quarter end. We can accomplish this in many ways including purchasing US Treasury bills or other investment-grade debt securities, and closing out our position on a net cash basis subsequent to quarter end. However, if such proactive measures are ineffective and our primary investments are deemed not to be qualifying assets, we could be deemed in violation of the 1940 Act, which could have a material effect on our business.
We will be subject to corporate-level income tax if we are unable to qualify as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code.
To obtain and maintain RIC tax treatment under the Code, we must meet the following annual distribution, income source, and asset diversification requirements.
| The annual distribution requirement for a RIC will be satisfied if we distribute to our shareholders on an annual basis at least 90% of our net ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses, if any. Because we use debt financing, we are subject to certain asset coverage ratio requirements under the 1940 Act and financial covenants under loan and credit agreements that could, under certain circumstances, restrict us from making distributions necessary to satisfy the distribution requirement. If we are unable to obtain cash from other sources, we could fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment and thus become subject to corporate-level income tax. |
| The income source requirement will be satisfied if we obtain at least 90% of our income for each year from dividends, interest, gains from the sale of stock or securities or similar sources. |
| The asset diversification requirement will be satisfied if we meet certain asset diversification requirements at the end of each quarter of our taxable year. Failure to meet those requirements may result in our having to dispose of certain investments quickly in order to prevent the loss of RIC status. Because most of our investments will be in private companies, and therefore will be relatively illiquid, any such dispositions could be made at disadvantageous prices and could result in substantial losses. |
If we do not qualify 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 shareholders as a taxable distribution.
If we fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment for any reason and are subject to corporate income tax, the resulting corporate taxes could substantially reduce our net assets, the amount of income available for distribution and the amount of our distributions. 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. Additionally, we could fail to satisfy the requirement that a RIC derive at least 90% of its gross income from qualifying sources, with the result that we would not qualify as a RIC. Qualification as a RIC is made on an annual basis and, although we and some of our subsidiaries have qualified in the past, we cannot assure you that we will qualify for such treatment in the future.
We may have difficulty paying our required distributions if we recognize income before or without receiving cash representing such income.
For federal income tax purposes, we will include in taxable income certain amounts that we have not yet received in cash, such as original issue discount, which may arise if we receive warrants in connection with the origination of a loan or possibly in other circumstances, or contractual payment-in-kind interest, which represents contractual interest added to the loan balance and due at the end of the loan term. Such original issue discount or increases in loan balances as a result of payment-in-kind interest will be included in income before we receive any corresponding cash payments. We also may be required to include in income certain other amounts that we will not receive in cash.
Since, in certain cases, we may recognize income before or without receiving cash representing such income, we may have difficulty meeting the annual distribution requirement necessary to obtain and maintain RIC tax treatment under the Code. Accordingly, we may have to sell some of our investments at times and/or at prices we would not consider advantageous, raise additional debt or equity capital, or reduce new investment originations for this purpose. If we are not able to obtain cash from other sources, we may fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment and thus become subject to corporate-level income tax.
47
Table of Contents
Our Small Business Investment Company subsidiaries may be unable to meet the investment company requirements, which could result in the imposition of an entity-level tax.
Some of our subsidiaries are subject to the Small Business Investment Act, or SBIA. Our Small Business Investment Company, or SBIC, subsidiaries that are also RICs are prohibited by the SBIA 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 a waiver of the SBAs restrictions. While the current policy of the SBAs Office of SBIC Operations is to grant such waivers if the SBIC makes certain offsetting adjustments to its paid-in capital and surplus accounts, we cannot assure you that this will continue to be the SBAs 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 Codes diversification requirements may limit our ability to expand our business.
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. As of December 31, 2006, our two largest investments subject to this test were our investments in Medallion Bank, representing 22% of our RIC assets, and our investment in Medallion Business Credit, representing 4% of our RIC assets. We will continue to monitor the levels of these and any other investment concentrations in conjunction with the diversification tests.
We operate in a highly competitive market for investment opportunities.
We compete for investments with other business development companies and other investment funds as well as traditional financial services companies such as commercial banks and credit unions. Many of our competitors are substantially larger and have considerably greater financial, technical, and marketing resources than we do. For example, some competitors may have a lower cost of funds and access to funding sources that are not available to us. In addition, some of our competitors may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments. These characteristics could allow our competitors to consider a wider variety of investments, establish more relationships, and offer better pricing and more flexible structuring than us. We may lose investment opportunities if we do not match our competitors pricing, terms, and structure. If we are forced to match our competitors pricing, terms, and structure, we may not be able to achieve acceptable returns on our investments or may bear substantial risk of capital loss. Furthermore, many of our competitors are not subject to the regulatory restrictions that the 1940 Act imposes on us as a business development company.
We cannot assure you that the competitive pressures we face will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Also, as a result of this competition, we may not be able to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities from time to time.
We borrow money, which magnifies the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested, and may increase the risk of investing in us.
Borrowings, also known as leverage, magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested, and therefore increase the risk associated with investing in us. We borrow from and issue senior debt securities to banks and other lenders, and through long-term subordinated SBA debentures. These creditors have fixed dollar claims on our assets that are superior to the claims of our common shareholders. If the value of our assets increases, then leveraging would cause the net asset value attributable to our common stock to increase more sharply than it would have had we not leveraged. Conversely, if the value of our assets decreases, leveraging would cause net asset value to decline more sharply than it otherwise would have had we not leveraged. Similarly, any increase in our income in excess of interest payable on the borrowed funds would cause our net income to increase more than it would without the leverage, while any decrease in our income would cause net income to decline more sharply than it would have had we not borrowed. Such a decline could reduce the amount available for common stock dividend payments.
As of March 31, 2007, we had approximately $488,945,000 of outstanding indebtedness, which had a weighted average borrowing cost of 5.81% at March 31, 2007, and our wholly-owned unconsolidated portfolio companies, primarily Medallion Bank, had $259,281,000 of outstanding indebtedness at a weighted average borrowing cost of 4.52%.
Changes in interest rates may affect our cost of capital and net investment income.
Because we borrow to fund our investments, a portion of our income is dependent upon the difference between the interest rate at which we borrow funds and the interest rate at which we invest these funds. A portion of our investments, such as taxi medallion loans, will have fixed interest rates, while a portion of our borrowings will likely have floating interest rates. As a result, a significant change in market interest rates could have a material adverse effect on our net investment income. In periods of rising interest rates, our cost of funds could increase, which would reduce our net investment income. We may hedge against interest rate fluctuations by using standard hedging instruments, subject to applicable legal requirements. These activities may limit our ability to participate in the benefits of lower interest rates with respect to the hedged portfolio. Adverse developments resulting from changes in interest rates or
48
Table of Contents
hedging transactions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Also, we will have to rely on our counterparties to perform their obligations under such hedges.
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 we cannot assure you 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, Medallion Bank was precluded from making any dividend payments for its first three years of operations.
Medallion Banks use of brokered deposit sources for its deposit-gathering activities may not be available when needed.
Medallion Bank relies on the established brokered deposit market to originate deposits to fund its operations. While Medallion Bank 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 Medallion Bank fall below the well-capitalized level, or if Medallion Bank experiences a period of sustained operating losses, the cost of attracting deposits from the brokered deposit market could increase significantly, and the ability of Medallion Bank to raise deposits from this source could be impaired. Medallion Banks ability to manage its growth to stay within the well-capitalized level, and the capital level currently required by the FDIC during Medallion Banks first three years of operation, which is also considerably higher than the level required to be classified as well-capitalized, is critical to Medallion Banks retaining open access to this funding source.
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 for standard commodity loans, and for higher amounts, as negotiated, for larger more custom loan arrangements. A borrower is likely to exercise prepayment rights at a time when the interest rate payable on the borrowers 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 income that we receive. When this occurs, we will generally reinvest these proceeds in temporary investments, pending their future investment in new portfolio companies. These temporary investments will typically have substantially lower yields than the debt being prepaid and we could experience significant delays in reinvesting these amounts. Any future investment in a new portfolio company may also be at lower yields than the debt that was repaid. As a result, our results of operations could be materially adversely affected if a substantial number of our portfolio companies elect to prepay amounts owed to us and we are not able to reinvest the proceeds for comparable yields in a timely fashion. Additionally, prepayments could negatively impact our return on equity, which could result in a decline in the market price of our common stock.
Our investment portfolio is, and will continue to be, recorded at fair value as determined in good faith by our management and approved by our Board of Directors and, as a result, there is, and will continue to be, uncertainty as to the value of our portfolio investments.
Under the 1940 Act, we are required to carry our portfolio investments at market value or, if there is no readily available market value, at fair value as determined by our management and approved by our Board of Directors. Unlike other lending institutions, we are not permitted to maintain a general reserve for anticipated losses. Instead, we are required by the 1940 Act to specifically value each individual investment and record an unrealized gain or loss for any asset we believe has increased or decreased in value. Typically, there is not a public market for most of the investments in which we have invested and will generally continue to invest. As a result, we value our investments on a quarterly basis based on a determination of their fair value made in good faith and in accordance with the written guidelines approved by our Board of Directors. The types of factors that may be considered in determining the fair value pricing of our investments include the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the portfolio companys earnings and its ability to make payments on its indebtedness, the markets in which the portfolio company does business, comparison to publicly traded companies, discounted cash flow, and other relevant factors. Because such valuations, and particularly valuations of private securities and private companies, are inherently uncertain, the valuations may fluctuate over short periods of time and may be based on estimates. As a result, our determinations of fair value may differ materially from the values that would have been used if a ready market for these investments existed. Our net asset value could be adversely affected if our determinations regarding the fair value of our investments were materially higher than the values that we ultimately realize upon the disposal of such securities. Considering these factors, we have determined that the fair value of our portfolio is below its cost basis. As of March 31, 2007, our net unrealized depreciation on investments was approximately $2,071,898 or 0.34% of our investment portfolio.
49
Table of Contents
The lack of liquidity in our investments may adversely affect our business.
We generally make investments in private companies. Substantially all of these securities are subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or are otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities. The illiquidity of our investments may make it difficult for us to sell such investments if the need arises. In addition, if we are required to liquidate all or a portion of our portfolio quickly, we may realize significantly less than the value at which we had previously recorded our investments. We may also face other restrictions on our ability to liquidate an investment in a portfolio company to the extent that we have material non-public information regarding such portfolio company.
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. We have analyzed the potential impact of changes in interest rates on net interest income. Assuming that the balance sheet were to remain constant and no actions were taken to alter the existing interest rate sensitivity, and including the impact on Medallion Bank, a hypothetical immediate 1% increase in interest rates would have positively impacted net increase in net assets resulting from operations as of March 31, 2007 by approximately $314,000 on an annualized basis, compared to a positive impact of $399,000 at December 31, 2006, and the impact of such an immediate increase of 1% over a one year period would have been ($2,413,000) at March 31, 2007 compared to ($2,334,000) for December 31, 2006. Although management believes that this measure is indicative of our 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.
We may experience fluctuations in our quarterly results.
We could experience fluctuations in our quarterly operating results due to a number of factors, including our ability to make investments in companies that meet our investment criteria, the interest rate payable on the debt securities we acquire, the level of our expenses, variations in and the timing of the recognition of realized and unrealized gains or losses, the degree to which we encounter competition in our markets, and general economic conditions. As a result of these factors, results for any period should not be relied upon as being indicative of performance in future periods.
Terrorist attacks and other acts of violence or war may affect any market for our common stock, impact the businesses in which we invest, and harm our operations and profitability.
Terrorist attacks may harm our results of operations and your investment. We cannot assure you that there will not be further terrorist attacks against the US or US businesses. Such attacks or armed conflicts in the US or elsewhere may impact the businesses in which we invest directly or indirectly, by undermining economic conditions in the United States. In addition, a substantial portion of our business is focused in the New York City metropolitan area, which suffered a terrorist attack in 2001. Another terrorist attack in New York City could severely impact our results of operations. Losses resulting from terrorist attacks are generally uninsurable.
Our financial condition and results of operations will depend on our ability to manage growth effectively.
Our ability to achieve our investment objective will depend on our ability to grow, which will depend, in turn, on our management teams ability to identify, evaluate and monitor, and our ability to finance and invest in, companies that meet our investment criteria.
Accomplishing this result on a cost-effective basis will be largely a function of our management teams handling of the investment process, its ability to provide competent, attentive, and efficient services, and our access to financing on acceptable terms. In addition to monitoring the performance of our existing investments, members of our management team and our investment professionals may also be called upon to provide managerial assistance to our portfolio companies. These demands on their time may distract them or slow the rate of investment. In order to grow, we will need to hire, train, supervise and manage new employees. However, we cannot assure you that any such employees will contribute to the success of our business. Any failure to manage our future growth effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
50
Table of Contents
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. We cannot assure you 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.
Our ability to enter into transactions with our affiliates is restricted.
The 1940 Act restricts our ability to knowingly participate in certain transactions with our affiliates. These restrictions limit our ability to buy or sell any security from or to our affiliates, or engage in joint transactions with our affiliates, which could include investments in the same portfolio company (whether at the same or different times). With respect to controlling or certain closely affiliated persons, we will generally be prohibited from engaging in such transactions absent the prior approval of the SEC. With respect to other affiliated persons, we may engage in such transactions only with the prior approval of our independent directors.
Our Board of Directors may change our operating policies and strategies without prior notice or shareholder approval, the effects of which may be adverse.
Our Board of Directors has the authority to modify or waive our current operating policies and strategies without prior notice and without shareholder approval. We cannot predict the effect any changes to our current operating policies and strategies would have on our business, operating results, and value of our stock. However, the effects might be adverse, which could negatively impact our ability to pay you dividends and cause you to lose all or part of your investment.
Risks Relating to Our Investments
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 may have limited resources and that are generally unable to obtain 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 portfolio is and may continue to be concentrated in a limited number of portfolio companies and industries, which will subject us to a risk of significant loss if any of these companies defaults on its obligations to us or by a downturn in the particular industry.
Our portfolio is and may continue to be concentrated in a limited number of portfolio companies and industries. As of March 31, 2007, investments in New York City taxi medallion loans represented approximately 79% of our managed taxi medallion loans. Beyond the asset diversification requirements associated with our qualification as a RIC, we do not have fixed guidelines for diversification, and while we are not targeting any specific industries, our investments are, and could continue to be, concentrated in relatively few industries. As a result, the aggregate returns we realize may be adversely affected if a small number of investments perform poorly or if we need to write down the value of any one investment. Additionally, a downturn in any particular industry in which we are invested could also negatively impact the aggregate returns we realize.
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.
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. We cannot assure you that we will be able to sufficiently diversify our operations geographically.
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 loan and consumer loan portfolios.
51
Table of Contents
Changes in taxicab industry regulations that result in the issuance of additional medallions or increases the expenses involved in operating a medallion 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. 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, could cause borrowers to default on loans from us, and could potentially adversely affect the value of our collateral.
A significant portion of our loan revenue is derived from loans collateralized by New York City taxicab medallions. According to New York City TLC data, over the past 20 years New York City taxicab medallions have appreciated in value from under $100,000 to $525,000 for corporate medallions and over $417,000 for individual medallions. However, for sustained periods during that time, taxicab medallions have declined in value. Since December 31, 2005, the value of New York City taxicab medallions increased by approximately 19% for individual medallions and 34% for corporate medallions.
Our portfolio companies may incur debt that ranks equally with, or senior to, our investments in such companies.
We invest primarily in senior secured loans, junior secured loans, and subordinated debt issued by small- to mid-sized companies. Our portfolio companies may have, or may be permitted to incur, other debt that ranks equally with, or senior to, the debt in which we invest. By their terms, such debt instruments may entitle the holders to receive payment of interest or principal on or before the dates on which we are entitled to receive payments with respect to the debt instruments in which we invest. Also, in the event of insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization, or bankruptcy of a portfolio company, holders of debt instruments ranking senior to our investment in that portfolio company would typically be entitled to receive payment in full before we receive any distribution. After repaying such senior creditors, such portfolio company may not have any remaining assets to use for repaying its obligation to us. In the case of debt ranking equally with debt instruments in which we invest, we would have to share on an equal basis any distributions with other creditors holding such debt in the event of an insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization, or bankruptcy of the relevant portfolio company.
There may be circumstances where our debt investments could be subordinated to claims of other creditors or we could be subject to lender liability claims.
Even though we may have structured most of our investments as senior loans, if one of our portfolio companies were to go bankrupt, depending on the facts and circumstances, including the extent to which we actually provided managerial assistance to that portfolio company, a bankruptcy court might recharacterize our debt investment and subordinate all or a portion of our claim to that of other creditors. We may also be subject to lender liability claims for actions taken by us with respect to a borrowers business or instances where we exercise control over the borrower. It is possible that we could become subject to a lenders liability claim, including as a result of actions taken in rendering significant managerial assistance.
We may not control many of our portfolio companies.
We may not control many of our portfolio companies, even though we may have board representation or board observation rights, and our debt agreements may contain certain restrictive covenants. As a result, we are subject to the risk that a portfolio company in which we invest may make business decisions with which we disagree, and the management of such company may take risks or otherwise act in ways that do not serve our interests as debt investors.
Consumer lending is a new product line for Medallion Bank that carries a higher risk of loss and could be adversely affected by an economic downturn.
The acquisition of our consumer loan portfolio, and the subsequent commencement of lending operations in this line of business, represents an entry into the relatively new market of consumer lending for us. Although the purchased portfolio was seasoned and Medallion Banks management has considerable experience in originating and managing consumer loans, we cannot assure you that these loans will perform at their historical levels as expected under Medallion Banks 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 us 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.
52
Table of Contents
We may not realize gains from our equity investments.
Certain investments that we have made in the past and may make in the future include warrants or other equity securities. In addition, we may from time to time make non-control, equity co-investments in companies in conjunction with private equity sponsors. Our goal is ultimately to realize gains upon our disposition of such equity interests. However, the equity interests we receive may not appreciate in value and, in fact, may decline in value. Accordingly, we may not be able to realize gains from our equity interests, and any gains that we do realize on the disposition of any equity interests may not be sufficient to offset any other losses we experience. We also may be unable to realize any value if a portfolio company does not have a liquidity event, such as a sale of the business, recapitalization or public offering, which would allow us to sell the underlying equity interests.
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. |
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-Q 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.
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.
53
Table of Contents
MEDALLION FINANCIAL CORP. | ||
Date: | May 10, 2007 | |
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. |
54