asta20160830_10k.htm Table Of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

 

Form 10-K

 

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

 

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016

 

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: 001-35637

ASTA FUNDING, INC.

 

(Exact Name of Registrant Specified in its Charter)

 

     

Delaware

 

22-3388607

(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

   

210 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood

Cliffs, NJ

 

07632

(Zip Code)

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

 

Registrants’s telephone number, including area code: (201) 567-5648

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:

 

     

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, par value $.01 per share

 

NASDAQ Global Select Market

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act    Yes            No  

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act    Yes           No    

 

    Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes           No  

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes           No  

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.    

 

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

 

             

Large accelerated filer   

  

Accelerated filer   

  

Non-accelerated filer   

  

Smaller reporting company   

                           (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

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

 

The aggregate market value of voting and nonvoting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $48,889,000 as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter.

 

As of December 12, 2016, the registrant had 11,876,224 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding.

  

 

 
 

Table Of Contents
 

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

In accordance with General Instruction G (3) of Form 10-K, certain information required by Part III hereof will either be incorporated into this Form 10-K by reference to the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for registrant’s 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed within 120 days of September 30, 2016 or will be included in an amendment to this Form 10-K filed within 120 days of September 30, 2016.

 

 
 

Table Of Contents
 

 

FORM 10-K

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

    Page
PART I

Item 1.

Business

3

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

17

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

28

Item 2.

Properties

28

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

28

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

28

 

PART II

Item 5.

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

29

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

31

Item 7.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

33

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

47

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

47

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

47

Item 9A

Controls and Procedures

47

Item 9B.

Other Information

50

 

PART III

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

50

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

50

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

50

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

50

Item 14.

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

50

 

PART IV

Item 15.

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

50

  

 

 
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Caution Regarding Forward Looking Statements

 

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended . All statements other than statements of historical facts included or incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including without limitation, statements regarding our future financial position, business strategy, budgets, projected revenues, projected costs and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” or “believes” or the negative thereof or any variation there on or similar terminology or expressions.

 

We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Important factors which could materially affect our results and our future performance include, without limitation, our ability to purchase defaulted consumer receivables at appropriate prices, changes in government regulations that affect our ability to collect sufficient amounts on our defaulted consumer receivables, our ability to employ and retain qualified employees, changes in the credit or capital markets, changes in interest rates, deterioration in economic conditions, negative press regarding the debt collection industry which may have a negative impact on a debtor’s willingness to pay the debt we acquire, and statements of assumption underlying any of the foregoing, as well as other factors set forth under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” beginning on page 13 of this report and “Item 7—Management’s Discussions and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation” below.

 

All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us, or persons acting on our behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing. Except as required by law, we assume no duty to update or revise any forward-looking statements.

 

 
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Part I

 

Item 1.

Business. 

 

Overview

 

Asta Funding, Inc., together with its wholly owned significant operating subsidiaries Palisades Collection LLC, Palisades Acquisition XVI, LLC (“Palisades XVI”), VATIV Recovery Solutions LLC (“VATIV”), ASFI Pegasus Holdings, LLC (“APH”), Fund Pegasus, LLC (“Fund Pegasus”), GAR Disability Advocates, LLC (“GAR Disability Advocates”), CBC Settlement Funding, LLC (“CBC”) and other subsidiaries, not all wholly owned (the “Company”, “we” or “us”), is engaged in several business segments in the financial services industry including structured settlements through our wholly owned subsidiary CBC, funding of personal injury claims, through our 80% owned subsidiary Pegasus Funding, LLC (“Pegasus”), social security and disability advocates through our wholly owned subsidiary GAR Disability Advocates and the business of purchasing, managing for its own account and servicing distressed consumer receivables, including charged off receivables, and semi-performing receivables. The Company started out in the consumer receivable business in 1995 as a subprime auto lender. The primary charged-off receivables are accounts that have been written-off by the originators and may have been previously serviced by collection agencies. Semi-performing receivables are accounts where the debtor is currently making partial or irregular monthly payments, but the accounts may have been written-off by the originators. Our efforts in this area have been in the international arena as we have discontinued our active purchasing of consumer receivables in the United States. We acquire these and other consumer receivable portfolios at substantial discounts to their face values. The discounts are based on the characteristics (issuer, account size, debtor location and age of debt) of the underlying accounts of each portfolio.

 

GAR Disability Advocates is a social security disability advocacy firm. GAR Disability Advocates assists claimants in obtaining long term disability and supplemental security benefits from the Social Security Administration.

 

The Company owns 80% of Pegasus, which invests in funding personal injury claims and 100% of CBC, which invests in structured settlements.

 

Pegasus provides funding for individuals in need of short term funds pending insurance settlements of their personal injury claims. The funds are recouped when the underlying insurance settlements are paid. The long periods of time taken by insurance companies to settle and pay such claims resulting from lengthy litigation and the court process is fueling the demand for such funding.

 

In November 2016, the Company formed Simia Capital, LLC (“Simia”), a 100% owned subsidiary. Simia will commence funding personal injury settlement claims in January 2017. Simia was formed in response to the Company’s decision not to renew its joint venture with Pegasus Legal Funding, LLC (“PLF”), which expires at the end of December 2016. Pegasus will continue to remain in operation to collect its current portfolio of advances, but will not fund any new advances after December 28, 2016. Simia will be operated by a new management team, with significant experience in the personal injury funding business.

 

CBC invests in structured settlements and provides liquidity to consumers by purchasing certain deferred payment streams including, but not limited to, structured settlements and annuities. CBC generates business from direct marketing as well as through wholesale purchases from brokers or other third parties. CBC has its principal office in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. CBC primarily warehouses the receivables it originates and periodically resells or securitizes those assets on a pooled basis. The structured settlement marketplace is regulated by federal and state law, requiring that each transaction is reviewed and approved by court order.

 

The Company operates principally in the United States in four reportable business segments.

 

Financial Information about Operating Segments

 

The Company operates through strategic business units that are aggregated into four reportable segments consisting of the following:

 

 

Consumer receivables segment is engaged in the business of purchasing, managing for its own account and servicing distressed consumer receivables, including charged off and semi-performing receivables, primarily in the international sector. The charged-off receivables are accounts that have been written-off by the originators and may have been previously serviced by collection agencies. Semi-performing receivables are accounts where the debtor is currently making partial or irregular monthly payments, but the accounts may have been written-off by the originators. Distressed consumer receivables are the unpaid debts of individuals to banks, finance companies and other credit providers. These receivables were acquired at substantial discounts to their face values. The discounts are based on the characteristics (issuer, account size, debtor location and age of debt) of the underlying accounts of each portfolio. Litigation related receivables are semi-performing investments whereby the Company is assigned the revenue stream from the proceeds received. The business conducts its activities primarily under the name Palisades Collection, LLC.

 

 
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Personal injury claims – Pegasus purchases interests in personal injury claims from claimants who are a party to personal injury litigation. Pegasus advances to each claimant funds on a non-recourse basis at an agreed upon interest rate, in anticipation of a future settlement. The interest in each claim purchased by Pegasus consists of the right to receive, from such claimant, part of the proceeds or recoveries which such claimant receives by reason of settlement, judgment or award with respect to such claimant’s claim. Effective January 2017, Simia will commence funding personal injury settlement claims while Pegasus will not fund any new advances, and will remain in operation to liquidate its current portfolio of advances.

 

 

Structured settlements – CBC purchases periodic structured settlements and annuity policies from individuals in exchange for a lump sum payment.

 

 

GAR Disability Advocates is a social security benefit and disability advocacy group, which obtains and represents individuals in their claims for social security disability and supplemental security income benefits from the Social Security Administration.

 

Three of the Company’s business lines accounted for 10% or more of consolidated net revenue during fiscal years 2016, 2015, and 2014. The following table summarizes the net revenues by percentage from the four lines of business for the fiscal years 2016, 2015, and 2014:

 

   

Years Ended September 30,

 
   

2016

   

2015

   

2014

 

Finance income (consumer receivables)

    33.4

%

    48.9

%

    60.9

%

Personal injury claims

    35.4       20.0       21.9  

Structured settlements

    24.2       27.8       16.0  

GAR Disability Advocates

    7.0       3.3       1.2  
                         

Total revenues

    100.0

%

    100.0

%

    100.0

%

 

Information about the results of each of the Company’s reportable segments for the last three fiscal years and total assets as of the end of the last three fiscal years, reconciled to the consolidated results, is set forth below. For additional information, refer to the information set forth under the caption “Segment Results from Continuing Operations” in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” below.

 

           

Personal

           

GAR

                 

(Dollars in millions)

 

Consumer
Receivables

   

Injury
Claims

   

Structured
Settlements

   

Disability
Advocates

   

Corporate

   

Total
Company

 

Fiscal Year Ended September 30,

                                               

2016:

                                               

Total Revenues

  $ 19.1     $ 20.2     $ 13.8     $ 4.0     $     $ 57.1  

Other income

                            1.6       1.6  

Income/(loss) before income tax

    14.1       13.1       4.7       (7.3 )     (11.1 )     13.5  

Total Assets(1)

    15.2       49.0       82.7       2.0       107.1       256.0  

2015:

                                               

Total Revenues

 

20.8

      8.5       11.8       1.4             42.5  

Other income

                            1.7       1.7  

Income/(loss) before income tax

    13.8       0.1       3.5       (5.8 )     (6.7 )     4.9  

Total Assets(1)

    17.0       39.6       63.1       2.6       115.1       237.4  

2014:

                                               

Total Revenues

 

19.8

      7.2       5.2       0.4             32.6  

Other income

    26.1                         1.4       27.5  

Income/(loss) before income tax

    18.9       2.3       0.4       (2.7 )     (7.9 )     11.0  

Total Assets(1)

    30.5       34.0       38.5       1.0       113.1       217.1  

 

The Company does not have any intersegment revenue transactions.

 

(1)

Includes other amounts in other line items on the consolidated balance sheet.

 

 
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Principal Markets and Methods of Distribution

 

All of the Company’s lines of business are principally conducted in the United States, with some investments overseas.

 

Consumer receivables

 

Prior to purchasing a portfolio, we perform a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the underlying receivables and calculate the purchase price which is intended to offer us an adequate return on our investment after servicing expenses. After purchasing a portfolio, we actively monitor performance and review and adjust our collection and servicing strategies accordingly.

 

We purchase receivables from credit grantors and others through privately negotiated direct sales, brokered transactions and auctions in which sellers of receivables seek bids from several pre-qualified debt purchasers. We fund portfolios through internally generated cash flow.

 

Our objective is to maximize our return on investment in acquired consumer receivable portfolios. As a result, before acquiring a portfolio, we analyze the portfolio to determine how to best maximize collections in a cost efficient manner and decide whether to use our internal servicing and collection department, third-party collection agencies, attorneys, or a combination of all three options.

 

When we outsource the servicing of receivables, our management typically determines the appropriate third-party collection agencies and attorneys based on the type of receivables purchased. Once a group of receivables is sent to third-party collection agencies and attorneys, our management actively monitors and reviews the third-party collection agencies’ and attorneys’ performance on an ongoing basis. Based on portfolio performance considerations, our management will either (i) move certain receivables from one third-party collection agency or attorney to another, or (ii) sell portions of the portfolio accounts. Our internal collection unit, which currently employs five collection-related staff, including senior management, assists us in benchmarking our third-party collection agencies and attorneys, and provides us with greater flexibility for servicing a percentage of our consumer receivable portfolios in-house.

 

We have increased our focus on purchasing consumer receivables internationally from foreign banks via direct sales or auctions, similar to the domestic purchase process. We have established relationships with agencies and attorneys in our selected countries, particularly Colombia and Peru, and we are committed to continue acquiring foreign consumer receivables to maximize our return on investment.

 

Personal injury claims

 

Pegasus conducts its business solely in the United States. Pegasus obtains its business from external brokers and internal sales professionals soliciting individuals with personal injury claims. Business is also obtained from the Pegasus web site and through attorneys. Simia will conduct its business similar to that of Pegasus.

 

Structured settlements

 

CBC purchases structured settlement and annuity policies through privately negotiated direct consumer purchases and brokered transactions across the United States. CBC funds the purchases primarily from cash, its line of credit and its securitized debt, issued through its BBR subsidiaries. Blue Bell Receivables I, LLC (“BBR I”), Blue Bell Receivables II, LLC (“BBR II”), Blue Bell Receivables III, LLC (“BBR III”), Blue Bell Receivables IV, LLC (“BBR IV”), Blue Bell Receivables V, LLC (“BBR V”), and Blue Bell Receivables VI, LLC (“BBR VI”), collectively the “Blue Bell Entities”, are variable interest entities (“VIEs”). CBC is considered the primary beneficiary because it has the power to direct the significant activities of the VIEs via its ownership and service contract. It also has the rights to receive benefits from the collections that exceed the payments to the note holders.

 

Social security benefit advocacy

 

GAR Disability Advocates provides its disability advocacy services throughout the United States. It relies upon search engine optimization (“SEO”) to bring awareness to its intended market.

 

 
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Industry Overview

 

Consumer receivables

 

The purchasing, servicing and collection of charged-off, semi-performing and performing consumer receivables is an industry that is driven by:

 

 

increasing levels of consumer debt;

 

 

increasing defaults of the underlying receivables; and

 

 

increasing utilization of third-party providers to collect such receivables.

 

Personal injury claims

 

The funding of personal claims is driven by the growth of the market for financing personal injury claims. Individuals with personal injury claims incur current cash obligations which will not be recouped until insurance settlements are paid. The demand for providing financing to individuals in need of short term funds pending insurance settlements of their personal injury claims is driven by the long periods of time taken by the insurance industry to settle and pay such claims, due to lengthy litigation and the court process.

 

Structured settlements

 

The investment in structured settlements is driven by the direct-to-consumer model. The structured settlement market became organized under the Model Act in 2001 and now 49 states abide by the guidelines. The underlying basis for a structured settlement transaction is a court order.

 

Social security benefit advocacy

 

The disability advocate industry is driven by the increasing number of disability applicants who find it difficult to obtain such benefits without the aid of third party assistance.

 

Strategy 

 

Consumer receivables

 

Our primary objective for our international sector is to utilize our management’s experience and expertise by identifying, evaluating, pricing and acquiring consumer receivable portfolios and maximizing collections of such receivables in a cost efficient manner. Our strategies include:

 

 

managing the collection and servicing of our consumer receivable portfolios, including outsourcing those activities to maintain low fixed overhead by partnering with experienced collection and debt buying firms;

 

 

selling accounts on an opportunistic basis, generally when our efforts have been exhausted through traditional collecting methods, or when we can capitalize on pricing during times when we feel the pricing environment is high; and

 

 

capitalizing on our strategic relationships to identify and acquire consumer receivable portfolios as pricing, financing and conditions permit.

 

Personal injury claims

 

Pegasus maintained , and Simia intends to attract new business through its attorneys, brokers and sales contacts.

 

Structured settlements

 

The success of CBC is tied to its ability to efficiently deploy marketing expenditures, negotiate the purchase of deferred cash flows at attractive yields and obtain asset based financing at competitive rates.

 

Social security benefit advocacy

 

GAR Disability Advocates intends to explore expansion into related businesses. In fiscal year 2015, GAR Disability Advocates began its Five Star Disability Department, assisting veterans in obtaining their benefits.

 

 
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Operations

 

Consumer Receivables

 

The Operations Servicing Division of consumer receivables consists of the Collection Department, which handles disputes and correspondence, and the Accounting and Finance Department.

 

Collection Department

 

The Collection Department is responsible for making contact with and receiving calls from consumers for the purpose of collecting upon the accounts contained in our consumer receivables portfolios. Collection efforts are specific to accounts that are not yet being serviced by our network of external agencies and attorneys. The Collection Department uses a friendly, customer service approach to collect receivables and utilizes collection software, a dialer and telephone system to accomplish this goal. Each collector is responsible for:

 

Initiating outbound collection calls and handling incoming calls from the consumer;

 

Identifying the debt and iterating the benefits of paying the obligation;

 

Working with the customer to develop acceptable means of satisfying the obligation; and

 

Offering (if necessary, and based upon the individual situation) an obligor a discount on the overall obligation.

 

Accounting and Finance Department

 

In addition to customary accounting activities, the Accounting and Finance Department is responsible for:

  

Making daily deposits of customer payments;

 

Posting payments to customers accounts; and

 

Providing senior management with daily, weekly and monthly receivable activity and performance reports.

 

Additionally, the Accounting Department reviews the results of the collection of consumer receivable portfolios that are being serviced by third-party collection agencies and attorneys. The Accounting and Finance Department also participates in the internal auditing and consolidation of all business segments.

 

 

 
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Personal Injury Claims

 

The operations structure of the personal injury claims unit of Pegasus, and newly formed Simia includes:

 

Sales — the sales group is responsible for business development and generating leads for possible funding of personal injury cases.

 

Underwriting — The underwriting group is responsible for analyzing the merits of the personal injury claims presented for possible funding.

 

Accounting — The accounting group is responsible for the reporting of all the financial operations of the personal injury claims unit.

 

Structured Settlements

 

The operations structure of the structured settlements unit of CBC includes:

 

Operations — Underwriting/Collections — The Operations Department is responsible for underwriting, processing and collecting structured settlement and annuity transactions. 

 

Social security benefit advocacy

 

GAR Disability Advocates utilizes SEO to bring more awareness to prospective clients. In particular, through substantial use of the internet, it intends to increase consumer awareness of its existence on various government websites.

 

Marketing — The Marketing Group is responsible for researching various court records to secure information to follow up for possible structured settlement cases.

 

Sales — The Sales Group is responsible for the sales strategy and advertising campaigns of CBC.

 

Accounting — The accounting group is responsible for the reporting of all the financial operations of the structured settlement unit.

 

GAR Disability Advocates consists of the following departments:

 

Intake — The Intake Department is responsible for client development, including screening leads and developing information on individual cases.

 

Case Management — The Case Management Department processes approved cases through the Social Security Disability process.

 

 
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Marketing

 

Consumer receivables

 

We made 18 portfolio consumer debt purchases in fiscal year 2016. We have expanded relationships with credit providers internationally, as well as maintained our existing relationships domestically with brokers, finance companies and other credit providers. We utilize a sales team internationally to expand our name recognition by attending international conferences, utilizing email solicitations and attending face-to-face bank meetings.

 

Personal injury claims

 

Pegasus will not invest in a formal marketing program at this time. It relies on external brokers, internal sales professionals and attorneys to maintain its market share. Simia also will not invest in a formal marketing program at this time. It will rely on external brokers, internal sales professionals and attorneys to acquire market share.

 

Structured settlements

 

CBC purchases deferred cash flow receivables through retail and wholesale channels. CBC invests in direct to consumer marketing, including, but not limited to, on line, television and direct mail.

 

Social security benefit advocacy

 

GAR Disability Advocates utilizes SEO to bring more awareness to prospective clients. In particular, through substantial use of the internet, it intends to increase consumer awareness of its existence on various government websites.

 

Competition

 

Consumer receivables

 

With the competitive nature of the domestic market, there are strategic advantages of acquiring portfolios internationally in specific foreign countries with less established competition. We feel our expertise in establishing alliances with third-party collection agencies and attorneys can be leveraged in the international sector to be successful against our competitors; however, we cannot assure that the international competition will not increase in the future, affecting our consumer receivables financial performance.

 

We compete with:

 

 

other purchasers of consumer receivables, including third-party collection companies; and

 

 

other financial services companies who purchase consumer receivables.

 

Some of our competitors are larger and more established and may have substantially greater financial, technological, personnel and other resources than we have, including greater access to the credit and capital markets. We believe that no individual competitor or group of competitors has a dominant presence in the market.

 

 

 
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We compete in the marketplace for consumer receivable portfolios based on many factors, including:

 

 

purchase price;

 

 

representations, warranties and indemnities requested;

 

 

timeliness of purchase decisions; and

 

 

reputation.

 

Our strategy is designed to capitalize on the market’s lack of a dominant industry player. We believe that our management’s experience and expertise in identifying, evaluating, pricing and acquiring consumer receivable portfolios and managing collections, coupled with our strategic alliances with third-party collection agencies and attorneys and our sources of financing, give us a competitive advantage. However, we cannot assure that we will be able to compete successfully against current or future competitors or that competition will not increase in the future. 

 

Personal injury claims

 

The litigation funding business is highly competitive and fragmented, and we expect that competition from new and existing companies will continue. We compete in the litigation funding marketplace based on many factors, including:

 

cost of funds lent;

 

application fee costs;

 

brokers’ commissions and bonuses paid;

 

reputation; and

 

direct and on-line marketing.

 

We believe that the management of Pegasus and Simia have the expertise and experience in identifying, evaluating, pricing and acquisition of litigating funding cases. However, we cannot assure that our litigation funding businesses will be able to compete against current or future competitors or that competition will not increase in the future.

 

 
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Structured settlements

 

CBC competes with brokers and other direct purchasers of deferred consumer receivables. We compete in the marketplace for the purchase of structured settlement and annuity cash flows on many factors, including purchase price, reputation, effectiveness of marketing message and reach. We expect competition from new and existing companies to continue. Some of our competitors are larger and more established and may have substantially greater financial, technological, personnel and other resources than we have, including greater access to credit and capital markets. We believe that one of our competitors may account for 50% or more of the industry volume and that the remaining competitors are fragmented.

 

Benefit advocacy

 

The social security benefit advocacy environment is competitive. We believe that the management of GAR Disability Advocates has the knowledge to compete in this environment. Nevertheless, we can offer no assurance that the business will remain competitive against current and future competitors.

 

 

Seasonality and Trends

 

Consumer receivables

 

Our management believes that our operations may, to some extent, be affected by high delinquency rates and by lower recoveries on consumer receivables acquired for liquidation during or shortly following certain holiday periods and during the summer months.

 

Personal injury claims

 

There are no discernible trends to indicate seasonality in the personal injury claims business.

 

Structured settlements

 

The purchase of deferred payment obligations is not significantly impacted by the time of year and consumer demand for advance funding remains reasonably constant.

 

Social security benefit advocacy

 

There is no indication that seasonality has any noticeable impact on the social security disability process.

 

 

 
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Technology

 

Consumer receivables

 

We believe that a high degree of automation is necessary to enable us to grow and successfully compete with other finance companies. Accordingly, we continually look to upgrade our technology systems to support the servicing and recovery of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation. Our telecommunications and technology systems allow us to quickly and accurately process large amounts of data necessary to purchase and service consumer receivable portfolios. In addition, we rely on the information technology of our third-party collection agencies and attorneys and periodically review their systems to ensure that they can adequately service the consumer receivable portfolios outsourced to them.

 

Due to our desire to increase productivity through automation, we periodically review our systems for possible upgrades and enhancements. We began the process of enhancing our international systems capabilities during fiscal year 2016, and we expect to complete the process during fiscal year 2017.

 

Personal injury claims

 

Pegasus is and Simia will be dependent on its website to maintain and increase its business and, therefore, must remain current its technology.

 

Structured settlements

 

CBC recognizes that a high level of automation is required to continue to grow and compete within the industry. CBC has invested significantly in technology since its inception and particularly in its customer relationship management (“CRM”) system in order to maximize large quantities of information. This technology provides CBC management with a necessary tool to optimize its processes to improve its efficiency. CBC intends to continue to invest in technology.

 

Social security benefit advocacy

 

GAR Disability Advocates relies on substantial use of the internet and, therefore, endeavors to remain current technologically. We completed the installation of a new client software system in fiscal year 2016, which has improved management reporting capabilities.

 

 
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Government Regulation

 

Consumer receivables

 

Our businesses are subject to extensive federal and state regulations. The relationship of a consumer and a creditor is extensively regulated by federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations and ordinances. These laws include, but are not limited to, the following federal statutes and regulations: the Federal Truth-In-Lending Act, the Fair Credit Billing Act (“FCBA”), the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”), as well as comparable statutes in states where consumers reside and/or where creditors are located. Among other things, the laws and regulations applicable to various creditors impose disclosure requirements regarding the advertisement, application, establishment and operation of credit card accounts or other types of credit programs. Federal law requires a creditor to disclose to consumers, among other things, the interest rates, fees, grace periods and balance calculation methods associated with their accounts. In addition, consumers are entitled to have payments and credits applied to their accounts promptly, to receive prescribed notices and to request that billing errors be resolved promptly. Moreover, some laws prohibit certain discriminatory practices in connection with the extension of credit. Further, state laws may limit the interest rate and the fees that a creditor may impose on consumers. Failure by creditors to comply with applicable laws could create claims and rights of offset by consumers that would reduce or eliminate their obligations, which could have a material adverse effect on our operations. Pursuant to agreements under which we purchase receivables, we are typically indemnified against losses resulting from the failure of the creditor to have complied with applicable laws relating to the receivables prior to our purchase of such receivables.

 

Certain laws, including the laws described above, may limit our ability to collect amounts owing with respect to the receivables regardless of any act or omission on our part. For example, under the FCBA, a credit card issuer may be subject to certain claims and defenses arising out of certain transactions in which a credit card is used if the consumer has made a good faith attempt to obtain satisfactory resolution of a problem relative to the transaction and, except in cases where there is a specified relationship between the person honoring the card and the credit card issuer, the amount of the initial transaction exceeds $50 and the place where the initial transaction occurred was in the same state as the consumer’s billing address or within 100 miles of that address. Accordingly, as a purchaser of defaulted receivables, we may purchase receivables subject to valid defenses on the part of the consumer. Other laws provide that, in certain instances, consumers cannot be held liable for, or their liability is limited to $50 with respect to, charges to the credit card credit account that were a result of an unauthorized use of the credit card account. No assurances can be given that certain of the receivables were not established as a result of unauthorized use of a credit card account, and, accordingly, the amount of such receivables may not be collectible by us.

 

Several federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations and ordinances, including, but not limited to, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (“FDCPA”) and the Federal Trade Commission Act and comparable state statutes, regulate consumer debt collection activity. Although, for a variety of reasons, we may not be specifically subject to the FDCPA or certain state statutes that govern third-party debt collectors, it is our policy to comply with laws in our collection activities. Additionally, our third-party collection agencies and attorneys may be subject to these laws. To the extent that some or all of these laws apply to our collection activities or our third-party collection agencies’ and attorneys’ collection activities, failure to comply with such laws could have a material adverse effect on us.

 

In order to comply with the foregoing laws and regulations, we provide a comprehensive development training program for our new collection/dispute department representatives and on-going training for all collection/dispute department associates. All collection and dispute representatives are tested annually on their knowledge of the FDCPA and other applicable laws. Account representatives not achieving our minimum standards are required to complete a FDCPA review session and are then retested. In addition, annual supplemental instruction in the FDCPA and collection techniques is provided to all our account representatives.

 

There are significant corporate governance and executive compensation-related provisions in the Dodd Frank Wall Street Reform and Provision Act (“Dodd-Frank Act”) that required the SEC to adopt additional rules and regulations in areas such as corporate governance, “say on pay” and proxy access. Our efforts to comply with these requirements have resulted in an increase in expenses and a diversion of management’s time from other business activities. We are subject to changing rules and regulations of federal and state governments, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) and NASDAQ, all of which have issued a significant number of new and increasingly complex requirements and regulations over the course of the last several years and continue to develop additional regulations and requirements in response to laws enacted by Congress.

 

The Dodd-Frank Act subjects us to substantial additional federal regulation, and we cannot predict the effect of such regulation on our business, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition. Through the Dodd-Frank Act, Congress established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the “CFPB”), which has regulatory, supervisory and enforcement authority over entities involved in consumer financial markets. The CFPB has the authority to conduct periodic examinations of “larger participants” in each market, and we believe it is likely that we will be subject to an examination.

 

The CFPB published a final rule that allows the agency to federally supervise the larger consumer debt collectors. The CFPB also released the field guide that examiners will use to ensure that companies and banks engaging in debt collection are following the law.

 

The consumer debt collection market covered by the rule includes three main types of debt collectors: first, firms that may buy defaulted debt and collect the proceeds for themselves; second, firms that may collect defaulted debt owned by another company in return for a fee; and third, debt collection attorneys that collect through litigation. A single company may be involved in any or all of these activities.

 

 
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The CFPB’s supervisory authority over these entities began when the rule took effect on January 2, 2013. Under the rule, any firm that has more than $10 million in annual receipts from consumer debt collection activities will be subject to the CFPB’s supervisory authority. This authority will extend to about 175 debt collectors, which, according to the CFPB, account for over 60 percent of the industry’s annual receipts in the consumer debt collection market.

 

Pursuant to the CFPB’s supervisory authority, examiners will be assessing potential risks to consumers and whether debt collectors are complying with requirements of federal consumer financial law. Among other things, examiners will be evaluating whether debt collectors provide required disclosures; use accurate information; maintain a consumer complaint and dispute resolution process; and communicate with consumers in the manner required by law.

 

The CFPB’s general Supervision and Examination Manual, as well as its examination manual specific to the debt collection market, provide guidance on how the bureau will be conducting its monitoring of debt collection activities. Examiners will evaluate the quality of the regulated entity’s compliance management systems, review practices to ensure they comply with federal consumer financial law, and identify risks to consumers throughout the debt collection process. The CFPB can seek relief that includes: rescission or reformation of contracts, restitution, disgorgement of profits, payment of damages, limits on activities and civil money penalties of up to $1 million per day for knowing violations.

 

As a company that engages in debt collection, we need to understand the oversight that the CFPB brings. Preparing for a CFPB audit will cost time and money. Additionally, the CFPB has the power to bring an enforcement action or cause a required settlement. Another large concern is the amount of privileged and confidential information the CFPB could release, which can lead to private lawsuits — including class and mass actions — as well as other state and federal agency oversight.

 

The CFPB is expressly charged with prohibiting unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices. Through its broad powers to regulate and enforce federal consumer financial laws, the CFPB could place restrictions on our business, the businesses of our customers and the business of our affiliates, if the CFPB were to determine through rulemaking, supervisory or enforcement actions, for example, that particular acts or practices were unfair, deceptive or abusive to consumers.

 

The CFPB will thus exercise supervisory authority over us. At this time, it is not possible or practical to attempt to provide a comprehensive analysis of how these new laws and regulations may impact debt collectors.

 

Additionally, the Dodd-Frank Act empowers state attorneys general (or the equivalent thereof) to bring civil actions in federal district court (or a state court that is located in that state and that has jurisdiction over the defendant), to enforce Title X of the Act or regulations issued by the CFPB there under. Therefore, we could also be the subject of investigations and enforcement actions by the Federal Trade Commission or by state agencies (e.g., state attorneys general) with powers to enforce CFPB regulations and the FCRA. Additional laws or amendments to existing laws, may be enacted that could impose additional restrictions on the servicing and collection of receivables. Such new laws or amendments may adversely affect our ability to collect the receivables.

 

The Dodd-Frank Act authorized the CFPB to prescribe rules interpreting the FDCPA. On November 12, 2013, the CFPB signaled its intention to promulgate substantive rules under the FDCPA by publishing an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) with regard to debt collection practices. The ANPR requested comments with regard to a wide array of issues relating to debt collection. The comment period closed on February 28, 2014. The CFPB has not yet issued a proposed rule. In its Fall 2015 Regulatory Agenda, the CFPB stated that it expects “Pre-rule activities” are the steps that the CFPB takes in preparation for issuing proposed regulations.

 

 

 
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The Company has and will continue to have a substantive compliance program and maintain procedures to ensure that the law is followed and that consumer complaints are dealt with in an appropriate fashion.

 

We currently hold a number of licenses issued under applicable consumer credit laws or other licensing statutes or regulations. Certain of our current licenses, and any licenses that we may be required to obtain in the future, may be subject to periodic renewal provisions and/or other requirements. Our inability to renew licenses or to take any other required action with respect to such licenses could have a material adverse effect upon our results of operation and financial condition.

 

Personal injury claims

 

Numerous states have recently introduced legislation with respect to the litigation funding business, which, up to now, has been largely unregulated.  Recently proposed laws, while varying from state to state, generally would establish requirements for contracts relating to litigation funding, including setting maximum amounts of interest, fees and other charges that may be imposed.

 

Structured settlements

 

With respect to the structured settlement business, 49 states have enacted regulations commonly referred to as Structured Settlement Protection Acts (“SSPAs”). The statutes generally require certain consumer disclosures as well as requiring that each transaction be filed in court and receive judicial approval. In addition to the state SSPAs, U.S. Code 5891, passed into Federal law in 2002, imposes a 40% excise tax on any transactions not approved in compliance with the applicable SSPA.

 

Social security benefit advocacy

 

The availability of funds to pay Social Security disability benefits could have a material impact on the GAR Disability Advocates business.

 

 
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Employees

 

As of September 30, 2016, we had 188 full-time employees. We are not a party to any collective bargaining agreements.

 

Additional Information

 

Our web address is www.astafunding.com. Copies of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Form 8-Ks, proxy statements, amendments thereto, and other SEC reports are available on our website as soon as reasonably practical after filing electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission. No part of our website is incorporated by reference into this report.

 

 
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Item 1A. 

Risk Factors. 

 

Note Regarding Risk Factors

 

You should carefully consider the risk factors below in evaluating us. In addition to the following risks, there may also be risks that we do not yet know of or that we currently think are immaterial that may also impair our business operations. If any of the following risks occur, our business, results of operation or financial condition could be adversely affected, the trading price of our common stock could decline and stockholders might lose all or part of their investment. The risk factors presented below are those which we currently consider material. However, they are not the only risks facing our company. Additional risks not presently known to us, or which we currently consider immaterial, may also adversely affect us. There may be risks that a particular investor views differently from us, and our analysis might be wrong. If any of the risks that we face actually occur, our business, financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely affected and could differ materially from any possible results suggested by any forward-looking statements that we have made or might make. In such case, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you could lose part or all of your investment. Except as required by law, we expressly disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.

 

Government regulations may limit our ability to recover and enforce the collection of our receivables.

 

Federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations and ordinances may limit our ability to recover and enforce our rights with respect to the receivables acquired by us. These laws include, but are not limited to, the following federal statutes and regulations promulgated thereunder and comparable statutes in states and foreign jurisdictions such as Colombia and Peru where consumers reside and/or where creditors are located:

 

 

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act;

 

 

The Federal Trade Commission Act;

 

 

The Truth-In-Lending Act;

 

 

The Fair Credit Billing Act;

 

 

The Equal Credit Opportunity Act;

 

 

The Fair Credit Reporting Act;

 

 

The Financial Privacy Rule;

 

 

The Safeguards Rule;

 

 

Telephone Consumer Protection Act;

 

 

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”)/Health Information Technology for Economical and Clinical Health Act (“HITECH”);

 

 

U.S. Bankruptcy Code; and

 

 

Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009.

 

We may be precluded from collecting receivables we purchase where the creditor or other previous owner or third-party collection agency or attorney failed to comply with applicable law in originating or servicing such acquired receivables. Laws relating to the collection of consumer debt also directly apply to our business. Our failure to comply with any laws applicable to us, including state licensing laws, could limit our ability to recover on receivables and could subject us to fines and penalties, which could reduce our earnings and result in a default under our loan arrangements. In addition, our third-party collection agencies and attorneys may be subject to these and other laws and their failure to comply with such laws could also materially adversely affect our finance income and earnings.

 

Additional laws or amendments to existing laws may be enacted that could impose additional restrictions on the servicing and collection of receivables. Such new laws or amendments may adversely affect the ability to collect on our receivables, which could also adversely affect our finance income and earnings.

 

Because our receivables are generally originated and serviced pursuant to a variety of federal, state and/or local laws by a variety of entities and may involve consumers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and South America, there can be no assurance that all originating and servicing entities have, at all times, been in substantial compliance with applicable law. Additionally, there can be no assurance that we or our third-party collection agencies and attorneys have been or will continue to be at all times in substantial compliance with applicable law. Failure to comply with applicable law could materially adversely affect our ability to collect our receivables and could subject us to increased costs, fines and penalties.

 

We are subject to changing rules and regulations of federal and state government as well as the stock exchange on which our common stock is listed. These entities, including PCAOB, the SEC and the NASDAQ Global Market, have issued a significant number of new and increasingly complex requirements and regulations over the course of the last several years and continue to develop additional regulations and requirements in response to laws enacted by Congress.

 

 
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Changes in governmental laws and regulations could increase our costs and liabilities or impact our operations.

 

Title X of the Dodd-Frank Act (also referred to as the Consumer Financial Protection Act) created a new independent regulator, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ("CFPB"). The CFPB has rulemaking, supervisory, and enforcement and other authorities relating to consumer financial products and services, including debt collection, provided by covered persons. We are subject to the CFPB's supervisory and enforcement authority.

 

The relationship between consumers, lenders and credit card issuers is extensively regulated by consumer protection and related laws and regulations. Changes in laws and regulations or the manner in which they are interpreted or applied may alter our business environment. This could affect our results of operations or increase our liabilities. These negative impacts could result from changes in collection laws, laws related to credit reporting, statutes of limitation, laws related to consumer bankruptcy or insolvency, privacy protection, accounting standards, taxation requirements, employment laws and communications laws, among others.

 

The CFPB also accepts debt collection consumer complaints and has provided form letters for consumers to use in their correspondences with debt collectors. The CFPB makes publicly available its data on consumer complaints, and consumer complaints against us could result in reputational damage to us. The Dodd-Frank Act also mandates the submission of multiple studies and reports to Congress by the CFPB, and CFPB staff is regularly making speeches on topics related to credit and debt. All of these activities could trigger additional legislative or regulatory action.

 

The CFPB has rulemaking authority with respect to significant federal statutes that impact the debt collection industry, including the Federal Debt Collection Practices Act ("FDCPA"), the Fair Credit Reporting Act "FCRA", and Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC Act"), which prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices. As a result, the CFPB has the authority to adopt regulations that interpret the FDCPA, and the FTC Act, potentially describing specified acts and practices as being "unfair," "deceptive" or "abusive," impacting the manner in which we conduct our debt collection business.

 

The CFPB has the authority to conduct hearings and adjudication proceedings, impose monetary penalties for violations of applicable federal consumer financial laws (including Title X of the Dodd-Frank Act, FDCPA, and FCRA, among other consumer protection statutes) which may require remediation of practices and include enforcement actions. The CFPB also has the authority to obtain cease and desist orders (which can include orders for restitution or rescission of contracts, as well as other kinds of affirmative relief), costs, and monetary penalties. In addition, where a company has violated Title X of the Dodd-Frank Act or CFPB regulations implemented thereunder, the Dodd-Frank Act empowers state Attorneys General and other state regulators to bring civil actions to remedy violations under state law. The CFPB has been active in its supervision, examination and enforcement of financial services companies, most notably bringing enforcement actions imposing fines and mandating large refunds to customers of several financial institutions for practices relating to the extension and collection of consumer credit. If the CFPB, the FTC, acting under the FTC Act or other applicable statute such as the FDCPA, or one or more state Attorneys General or other state regulators make findings that we have violated any of the applicable laws or regulations, they could exercise their enforcement powers in ways that could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, or financial condition.

 

We may become subject to additional costs or liabilities in the future resulting from our own, or our vendors' supervision or examination by the CFPB, or by changes in, or additions to laws and regulations that could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Further, we cannot definitively predict the scope and substance of any such laws or regulations ultimately adopted by the CFPB related to our activities and the exact efforts required by us to comply therewith, nor can we have any way to know with certainty the ultimate impact on our business, results of operations, and financial condition that such regulations may have.

 

Investigations or enforcement actions by governmental authorities may result in changes to our business practices; negatively impact our receivables portfolio purchasing volume; make collection of receivables more difficult or expose us to the risk of fines, penalties, restitution payments and litigation.

 

Our business practices are subject to review from time to time by various governmental authorities and regulators, including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ("CFPB"), who may commence investigations or enforcement actions or reviews targeted at businesses in the financial services industry. These reviews may involve governmental authority consideration of individual consumer complaints, or could involve a broader review of our debt collection policies and practices. Such investigations could lead to assertions by governmental authorities that we are not complying with applicable laws or regulations. In such circumstances, authorities may request or seek to impose a range of remedies that could involve potential compensatory or punitive damage claims, fines, restitution payments, sanctions or injunctive relief, that if agreed to or granted, could require us to make payments or incur other expenditures that could have an adverse effect on our financial position. Government authorities could also request or seek to require us to cease certain of our practices or institute new practices.

 

 
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We may also elect to change practices that we believe are compliant with applicable law and regulations in order to respond to the concerns of governmental authorities. In addition, we may become required to make changes to our internal policies and procedures in order to comply with new statutory and regulatory requirements under the Dodd-Frank Act or other applicable laws. Such changes in practices or procedures could negatively impact our results of operations. Negative publicity relating to investigations or proceedings brought by governmental authorities could have an adverse impact on our reputation, could harm our ability to conduct business with industry participants, and could result in financial institutions reducing or eliminating sales of receivables portfolios to us which would harm our business and negatively impact our financial results. Moreover, changing or modifying our internal policies or procedures, responding to governmental inquiries and investigations and defending lawsuits or other proceedings could require significant efforts on the part of management and result in increased costs to our business. In addition, such efforts could divert management's full attention from our business operations. All of these factors could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

 

We are subject to various risks in connection with our litigation funding business.

 

Risks of the litigation funding business include the potential regulation or limitation of interest rates and other fees advanced by our litigation funding subsidiaries under federal and/or state regulation, a change in statutory or case law which limits or restricts the ability of our litigation funding subsidiaries to charge or collect fees and interest at anticipated levels, claimants being unsuccessful in whole or in part in the personal injury claims or divorce settlement upon which our funds are provided, the continued services of the senior management of our litigation funding subsidiaries to source and analyze cases in accordance with the subsidiaries’ respective underwriting guidelines.

 

We are subject to various risks in connection with our structured settlement funding business.

 

Risks of the structured settlement funding business include the potential regulation that could stem from the Dodd Frank Act, state regulation and/or any other change in statutory or case law which may limit or restrict the ability of our structured settlement business to: make investments; the effectiveness of our marketing programs; and our ability to continue to grow the volume of structured settlements. Competition in the marketplace could drive up the purchase price of structured settlement and annuity receivables. Additionally, the fact that one company controls at least 50% of the marketplace means that other players, including us, may be negatively impacted by strategic decisions employed by this competitor. Our failure or inability to execute any element of our business strategy and/or increased competition in the marketplace could materially adversely affect our business, financial position and results of operations. If we are unable to finance the payment streams we purchase at an interest rate that is sufficiently lower than the discount rate at which we make such purchases, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

We are exposed to interest rate volatility risk as interest rates can fluctuate in the period between when we purchase structured settlements payment streams and when we securitize such payment streams.

 

We purchase structured settlements at a discount rate based on, among other factors, our then estimates of the future interest rate environment. Once a critical mass of payment streams is achieved, those payment streams are then securitized, generally through fixed rate private placements. The discount rate at which our securitization is sold to investors is based on the current interest rates as of the time of the securitization. Interest rates may fluctuate significantly during the period between the purchase and securitization of payment streams, which can increase or decrease the spread between the discount rate at which we purchase the payment streams and the discount rate at which we securitize such payment streams, which could increase or decrease our revenues. Volatile interest rate environments can lead to volatility in our results of operations.

 

We are subject to various risks in connection to our disability advocacy business.

 

We have recently entered the disability advocacy business and are subject to all of the risks inherent in a new business. We are incurring substantial start-up costs and there can be no assurance this business segment will become profitable in the future. Risks of the disability advocacy business include the competition of other advocacy firms, statutory cut backs on the Federal Disability program and stricter guidelines in qualifying for disability benefits.

 

We may not be able to purchase consumer receivable portfolios domestically and internationally at favorable prices or on sufficiently favorable terms if at all.

 

Our success in this business segment depends upon the continued availability of consumer receivable portfolios that meet our purchasing criteria and our ability to identify and finance the purchases of such portfolios. The availability of consumer receivable portfolios at favorable prices and on terms acceptable to us, if at all, depends on a number of factors outside of our control, including:

 

 

the growth in consumer debt;

 

 

the volume of consumer receivable portfolios available for sale;

 

 
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availability of financing to fund purchases;

 

 

competitive factors affecting potential purchasers and sellers of consumer receivable portfolios; 

 

 

possible future changes in the bankruptcy laws, state laws and homestead acts which could make it more difficult for us to collect.

 

 

The foreign exchange rate changes of the countries in which we do business

 

There is no assurance that we will realize the full value of the deferred tax asset.

 

Although the carry forward period for income taxes is up to twenty years, such allowance period is outside a reasonable period to forecast full realization of the deferred tax asset. We continually monitor forecast information to ensure the valuation allowance is appropriate.

 

We may not be able to collect sufficient amounts on our consumer receivable portfolios to recover the costs associated with the purchase of those portfolios and to fund our operations.

 

We acquire and collect on consumer receivable portfolios that contain charged-off receivables. In order to operate profitably over the long term, we must continually purchase and collect on a sufficient volume of receivables to generate revenue that exceeds our purchase costs. For accounts that are charged-off or semi-performing, the originators or interim owners of the receivables generally have:

 

 

made numerous attempts to collect on these obligations, often using both their in-house collection staff and third-party collection agencies; and

 

 

subsequently deemed these obligations as uncollectible.

 

These receivable portfolios are purchased at significant discounts to the amount the consumers owe. These receivables are difficult to collect and actual recoveries may be less than the amount expected. In addition, our collections may worsen in a weak economic cycle. We may not recover amounts in excess of our acquisition and servicing costs.

 

Our ability to recover the purchase costs on our portfolios and produce sufficient returns can be negatively impacted by the quality of the purchased receivables. In the normal course of our portfolio acquisitions, some receivables may be included in the portfolios that fail to conform to certain terms of the purchase agreements and we may seek to return these receivables to the seller for payment or replacement receivables. However, we cannot guarantee that any of such sellers will be able to meet their payment obligations to us. Accounts that we are unable to return to sellers may yield no return. If cash flows from operations are less than anticipated as a result of our inability to collect sufficient amounts on our receivables, our ability to satisfy our debt obligations, purchase new portfolios, and achieve future growth and profitability may be materially adversely affected.

 

We may be subject to competition for the purchase of international consumer receivable portfolios which may result in an increase in prices of such portfolios.

 

We compete with other purchasers of consumer receivable portfolios, with third-party collection agencies and with financial services companies that manage their own consumer receivable portfolios. We compete on the basis of price, reputation, industry experience and performance. Some of our competitors have greater capital, personnel and other resources than we have. The possible entry of new competitors, including competitors that historically have focused on the acquisition of different asset types, and the expected increase in competition from current market participants may reduce our access to consumer receivable portfolios. Aggressive pricing by our competitors has raised the price of consumer receivable portfolios above levels that we are willing to pay, which could reduce the number of consumer receivable portfolios suitable for us to purchase or if purchased by us, reduce the profits, if any, generated by such portfolios. If we are unable to purchase receivable portfolios at favorable prices or at all, our finance income and earnings could be materially reduced.

 

 
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We depend upon third parties to service a significant portion of our domestic and international consumer receivable portfolios. The loss of certain servicers could have an adverse effect on our financial position and results of operation.

 

As 14% of our portfolio face value, which represents approximately 84% of the Company’s portfolio face value at all third party collection agencies and attorneys, is serviced by three organizations domestically, we are dependent upon the efforts of these collection agencies and attorneys to service and collect our consumer receivables. Any failure by our third-party collection agencies and attorneys to adequately perform collection services for us or remit such collections to us could materially reduce our finance income and our profitability. In addition, our finance income and profitability could be materially adversely affected if we are not able to secure replacement third party collection agencies and attorneys and redirect payments from the customers to our new third party collection agencies and attorneys promptly in the event our agreements with our third-party collection agencies and attorneys are terminated, our third-party collection agencies and attorneys fail to adequately perform their obligations or if our relationships with such third-party collection agencies and attorneys adversely change.

 

We may rely on third parties to locate, identify and evaluate consumer receivable portfolios available for purchase.

 

We may rely on third parties, including brokers and third-party collection agencies and attorneys, to identify consumer receivable portfolios and, in some instances, to assist us in our evaluation and purchase of these portfolios. As a result, if such third parties fail to identify receivable portfolios or if our relationships with such third parties are not maintained, our ability to identify and purchase additional receivable portfolios could be materially adversely affected. In addition, if we, or such parties, fail to correctly or adequately evaluate the value or collectability of these consumer receivable portfolios, we may pay too much for such portfolios and suffer an impairment, which would negatively impact our earnings.

 

We rely on our third party collectors to comply with all rules and regulations and maintain proper internal controls over their accounting and operations.

 

Because the receivables were originated and serviced pursuant to a variety of federal and/or state laws by a variety of entities and involved consumers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Panama, Puerto Rico, Columbia and Peru, there can be no assurance that all original servicing entities have, at all times, been in substantial compliance with applicable law. Additionally, there can be no assurance that we or our third-party collection agencies and attorneys have been or will continue to be at all times in substantial compliance with applicable law. The failure to comply with applicable law and not maintain proper controls in their accounting and operations could materially adversely affect our ability to collect our receivables and could subject us to increased costs, fines and penalties.

 

Our collections may decrease if bankruptcy filings increase.

 

During times of economic uncertainty, the amount of defaulted consumer receivables generally increases, which contributes to an increase in the amount of personal bankruptcy filings. Under certain bankruptcy filings, a debtor’s assets are sold to repay credit originators, but since the defaulted consumer receivables we purchase are generally unsecured, we may not be able to collect on those receivables. Our collections may decline with an increase in bankruptcy filings. If our actual collection experience with respect to a defaulted consumer receivable portfolio is significantly lower than we projected when we purchased the portfolio, our earnings could be negatively affected.

 

The loss of any of our executive officers may adversely affect our operations and our ability to successfully acquire receivable portfolios.

 

Our executive officers are responsible for making substantially all management decisions, including determining which portfolios to purchase, the purchase price and other material terms of such portfolio acquisitions. These decisions are instrumental to the success of our business. Significant losses of the services of our executive officers or the inability to replace our officers with individuals who have experience in the industry or with the Company could disrupt our operations and adversely affect our ability to successfully acquire receivable portfolios.

 

 
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The Stern family effectively controls the Company, substantially reducing the influence of our other stockholders.

 

Members of the Stern family own directly or indirectly, approximately 37% of our outstanding shares of common stock as of September 30, 2016. As a result, the Stern family is able to significantly influence the actions that require stockholder approval, including:

 

 

the election of our directors; and

 

 

the approval of mergers, sales of assets or other corporate transactions or matters submitted for stockholder approval.

 

As a result, our other stockholders may have reduced influence over matters submitted for stockholder approval. In addition, the Stern family’s influence could discourage any unsolicited acquisition of us and, consequently, materially adversely affect the price of our common stock.

 

Negative press regarding the debt collection industry may have a negative impact on a customer’s willingness to pay the debt we acquire.

 

Consumers are exposed to information from a number of sources that may cause them to be more reluctant to pay their debts or to pursue legal actions against us. Online, print and other media publish stories about the debt collection industry which cite specific examples of abusive collection practices. These stories can lead to the rapid dissemination of the story, adding to the level of exposure to negative publicity about our industry. Various internet sites are maintained where consumers can list their concerns about the activities of debt collectors and seek guidance from other website posters on how to handle the situation. Advertisements by debt relief attorneys and credit counseling centers are becoming more common, adding to the negative attention given to our industry. As a result of this negative publicity, customers may be more reluctant to pay their debts or could pursue legal action against us regardless of whether those actions are warranted. These actions could impact our ability to collect on the receivables we acquire and affect our revenues and profitability.

 

Class action suits and other litigation could divert our management’s attention from operating our business and increase our expenses.

 

Originators, debt purchasers and third-party collection agencies and attorneys in the consumer credit industry are frequently subject to putative class action lawsuits and other litigation. Claims include failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations and improper or deceptive origination and servicing practices. Being a defendant in such class action lawsuits or other litigation could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Currently the Company has set up a reserve for settlement costs of $2.3 million to cover a class action lawsuit.

 

Economic slowdowns increase our credit losses. 

 

During periods of economic slowdown or recession, we experience an increase in rates of delinquencies and frequency and severity of credit losses. Our actual rates of delinquencies and frequency and severity of credit losses may be comparatively higher during periods of economic slowdown or recession than those experienced by more traditional providers of consumer credit because of our focus on the financially underserved consumer market, which may be disproportionately impacted.

 

Because a significant portion of our reported income is based on management’s estimates of the future performance of our loans and fees receivable, differences between actual and expected performance of the receivables may cause fluctuations in net income.

 

Significant portions of our reported income (or losses) are based on management’s estimates of cash flows we expect to receive on our loans and fees receivable, particularly for such assets that we report based on fair value. The expected cash flows are based on management’s estimates of interest rates, default rates, payment rates, cardholder purchases, servicing costs, and discount rates. These estimates are based on a variety of factors, many of which are not within our control. Substantial differences between actual and expected performance of the receivables will occur and cause fluctuations in our net income. For instance, higher than expected rates of delinquencies and losses could cause our net income to be lower than expected. Similarly, levels of loss and delinquency can result in our being required to repay our lenders earlier than expected, thereby reducing funds available to us for future growth.

 

We may determine to incur near-term losses based on longer-term strategic considerations.

 

We may consider long-term strategic considerations more important than near-term economic gains when assessing business arrangements and opportunities. For example, we expect the structure and pricing terms in near-term future securitization transactions, if any, to be substantially different from our past transactions, including lower revenues and lower advance rates. We may nevertheless determine to participate in, or structure, future financing transactions based on longer-term strategic considerations. As a result, net cash flows over the life of a future securitization trust, particularly any trust that we may facilitate in the near-term as we re-enter the securitization market, could be negative as a result of transaction size, transaction expenses or financing costs.

 

We may experience losses on portfolios consisting of new types of receivables or receivables in new geographies due to our lack of collection experience with these receivables, which could harm our business, financial condition and operating results.

 

We continually look for opportunities to expand the classes of assets that make up the portfolios we acquire. Therefore, we may acquire portfolios consisting of assets with which we have little or no collection experience or portfolios of receivables in new geographies where we do not historically maintain an operational footprint. Our lack of experience with these assets may hinder our ability to generate expected levels of profits from these portfolios. Further, our existing methods of collections may prove ineffective for these new receivables, and we may not be able to collect on these portfolios. Our inexperience with these receivables may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

 

 
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We may not be able to manage our growth effectively, including the expansion of our foreign operations.

 

We have expanded significantly in recent years. Continued growth will place additional demands on our resources, and we cannot be sure that we will be able to manage our growth effectively. For example, continued growth could place strains on our management, operations, and financial resources that our infrastructure, facilities, and personnel may not be able to adequately support. In addition, the recent expansion of our foreign operations subjects us to a number of additional risks and uncertainties, including:

 

 

compliance with and changes in international laws, including regulatory and compliance requirements that could affect our business;§     o     

 

 

increased exposure to U.S. laws that apply abroad, such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act;

 

 

social, political and economic instability or recessions;

 

 

fluctuations in foreign economies and currency exchange rates;

 

 

difficulty in hiring, staffing and managing qualified and proficient local employees and advisors to run international operations;

 

 

the difficulty of managing and operating an international enterprise, including difficulties in maintaining effective communications with employees due to distance, language, and cultural barriers;

 

 

difficulties implementing and maintaining effective internal controls and risk management and compliance initiatives;

 

 

potential disagreements with our joint venture business partners;

 

 

differing labor regulations and business practices; and

 

 

foreign tax consequences.

 

To support our growth and improve our international operations, we continue to make investments in infrastructure, facilities, and personnel in our operations; however, these additional investments may not be successful or our investments may not produce profitable results. If we cannot manage our growth effectively, our business, financial condition and operating results may be adversely affected.

 

 

 
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We may seek to make acquisitions that prove unsuccessful or strain or divert our resources.

 

We may seek to grow through acquisitions of related businesses in the financial services sector. Such acquisitions present risks that could materially adversely affect our business and financial performance, including:

 

 

the diversion of our management’s attention from our everyday business activities;

 

 

the assimilation of the operations and personnel of the acquired business;

 

 

the contingent and latent risks associated with the past operations of, and other unanticipated problems arising in, the acquired business; and

 

 

the need to expand management, administration and operational systems.

 

If we make such acquisitions, we cannot predict whether:

 

 

we will be able to successfully integrate the operations of any new businesses into our business;

 

 

we will realize any anticipated benefits of completed acquisitions; or

 

 

there will be substantial unanticipated costs associated with acquisitions.

 

 
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In addition, future acquisitions by us may result in:

 

 

potentially dilutive issuances of our equity securities;

 

 

the incurrence of additional debt; and

 

 

the recognition of significant charges for depreciation and impairment charges related to goodwill and other intangible assets.

 

If our technology infrastructure is not operational, our operations could be disrupted and our ability to successfully operate the business could be compromised.

 

Our success depends, in part, on sophisticated telecommunications and computer systems. The temporary loss of our computer or telecommunications systems, through casualty, operating malfunction or service provider failure, could disrupt our operations. In addition, we must record and process significant amounts of data quickly and accurately to properly bid on prospective acquisitions of receivable portfolios and to access, maintain and expand the databases we use for our collection and monitoring activities. Any failure of our information systems and their backup systems could interrupt our operations. We may not have adequate backup arrangements for all of our operations and we may incur significant losses if an outage occurs. In addition, we rely on third-party collection agencies and attorneys who also may be adversely affected in the event of an outage in which the third-party collection agencies and attorneys do not have adequate backup arrangements. Any interruption in our operations or our third-party collection agencies’ and attorneys’ operations could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. We have implemented a disaster recovery program to mitigate this risk.

 

A cyber security incident could have a negative effect on our business as we outsource a significant amount of the collection accounts with personal information electronically.

 

A security breach could have a detrimental effect on our business as we maintain a significant amount of personal information in our electronic files. A breach of our system or a leak of the personal information we maintain could leave us vulnerable to, among other things, loss of information and potential litigation each of which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

Our organizational documents and Delaware law may make it harder for us to be acquired without the consent and cooperation of our board of directors and management.

 

Several provisions of our organizational documents and Delaware law may deter or prevent a takeover attempt, including a takeover attempt in which the potential purchaser offers to pay a per share price greater than the current market price of our common stock. Under the terms of our certificate of incorporation, our board of directors has the authority, without further action by the stockholders, to issue shares of preferred stock in one or more series and to fix the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions thereof. The ability to issue shares of preferred stock could tend to discourage takeover or acquisition proposals not supported by our current board of directors. In addition, we are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which restricts business combinations with some stockholders once the stockholder acquires 15% or more of our common stock.

 

 
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Future sales of our common stock by our affiliates or other stockholders may depress our stock price.

 

Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market could cause a decrease in the market price of our common stock. We had 11,876,224 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of December 12, 2016. Of these shares, 8,427,772 are owned by affiliates of the company, which are defined as in Rule 405 under the Act as a “person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with”, an issuer. In addition, options to purchase 949,667 shares of our common stock were outstanding as of September 30, 2016, of which 830,326 were exercisable. We may also issue additional shares in connection with our business and may grant additional stock options or restricted shares to our employees, officers, directors and consultants under our present or future equity compensation plans or we may issue warrants to third parties outside of such plans. As of September 30, 2016, there were 1,329,243 shares available for such purpose with such shares available under the 2012 Stock Option and Performance Award Plan. If a significant portion of these shares were sold in the public market, the market value of our common stock could be adversely affected.

 

We have the ability to issue preferred shares, warrants, convertible debt and other securities without stockholder approval which could dilute the relative ownership interest of current stockholders and adversely affect our share price.

 

Future sales of our equity-related securities in the public market, including sales of our common stock pursuant to our shelf-registration statement, could adversely affect the trading price of our common stock and our ability to raise funds in new stock offerings. Our common shares may be subordinate to classes of preferred shares issued in the future in the payment of dividends and other distributions made with respect to common shares, including distributions upon liquidation or dissolution. Our certificate of incorporation permits our board of directors to issue preferred shares without first obtaining stockholder approval. If we issued preferred shares, these additional securities may have dividend or liquidation preferences senior to our common shares. If we issue convertible preferred shares, a subsequent conversion may dilute the current common stockholders’ interest. We have similar abilities to issue convertible debt, warrants and other equity securities.

 

Climate change and related regulatory responses may adversely impact our business.

 

Climate change as a result of emissions of greenhouse gases is a significant topic of discussion and may generate federal and other regulatory responses in the near future, including the imposition of a so-called “cap and trade” system. It is impracticable to predict with any certainty the impact on our business of climate change or the regulatory responses to it, although we recognize that they could be significant. The most direct impact is likely to be an increase in energy costs, which would increase slightly our operating costs, primarily through increased utility and transportations costs. In addition, increased energy costs could impact consumers and their ability to incur and repay indebtedness. However, it is too soon for us to predict with any certainty the ultimate impact, either directionally or quantitatively, of climate change and related regulatory responses.

 

 

 
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Our quarterly operating results may fluctuate and cause our stock price to decline.

 

Because of the nature of our business, our quarterly operating results may fluctuate, which may adversely affect the market price of our common stock. Our results may fluctuate as a result of any of the following:

 

 

 

the timing and amount of collections on our consumer receivable portfolios;

 

 

 

our inability to identify and acquire additional consumer receivable portfolios;

 

 

 

a decline in the estimated future value of our consumer receivable portfolio recoveries;

 

 

 

increases in operating expenses associated with the growth of our operations;

 

 

 

general and economic market conditions; and within various jurisdictions;

 

 

 

prices we are willing to pay for consumer receivable portfolios.

 

 Our financial performance is subject to risks associated with changes in the value of the U.S. dollar versus local currencies.

 

Our primary exposure to movements in foreign currency exchange rates relates to non- U.S. dollar denominated sales and operating expenses worldwide. The Company does not use derivative instruments, such as foreign currency forward and option contracts, to hedge certain exposures to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

 

Our business could be negatively affected as a result of actions of activist shareholders, and such activism could impact the trading value of our securities.

 

Responding to activist shareholders can be costly and time-consuming, disrupting our operations and diverting the attention of management and our employees. Such activities could interfere with our ability to execute our strategic plan. In addition, a proxy contest for the election of directors at our annual meeting would require us to incur significant legal fees and proxy solicitation expenses and require significant time and attention by management and our board of directors. The perceived uncertainties as to our future direction also could affect the market price and volatility of our securities.

 

 
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Item 1B. 

Unresolved Staff Comments. 

 

None

 

Item 2. 

Properties 

 

Our executive and administrative offices are located in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, where we lease approximately 13,400 square feet of general office space for approximately $21,000 per month, plus utilities. The lease was renewed September 1, 2015 and expires on August 31, 2020.

 

Our office in Houston, Texas occupies approximately 900 square feet of general office space for approximately $1,300 per month. The lease expires on August 31, 2019.

 

Our New York City office occupies approximately 6,600 square feet for approximately $22,000 per month, including electricity. The lease expires in September 2017.

 

Our Conshohocken, Pennsylvania office occupies approximately 5,800 square feet for approximately $15,000 per month, plus utilities. The lease expires in January 2020.

 

We believe that our existing facilities are adequate for our current needs.

 

Item 3. 

Legal Proceedings. 

 

In the ordinary course of our business, we are involved in numerous legal proceedings. We regularly initiate collection lawsuits, using third party law firms, against consumers. Also, consumers occasionally initiate litigation against us, in which they allege that we have violated a federal or state law in the process of collecting on their account. We do not believe that these ordinary course matters are material to our business and financial condition. As of the date of this report, we were not involved in any material litigation in which we were a defendant.

 

Originators, debt purchasers and third-party collection agencies and attorneys in the consumer credit industry are frequently subject to putative class action lawsuits and other litigation. Claims include failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations and improper or deceptive origination and servicing practices. Being a defendant in such class action lawsuits or other litigation could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Currently the Company has set up a reserve for settlement costs of $2.3 million to cover a class action lawsuit.

 

Legal proceedings are subject to substantial uncertainties concerning the outcome of material factual and legal issues relating to the litigation. Accordingly, we cannot currently predict the manner and timing of the resolution of some of these matters and may be unable to estimate a range of possible losses or any minimum loss from such matters.

 

Item 4. 

Mine Safety Disclosures. 

 

Not applicable.

 

 
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PART II

 

Item 5. 

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities. 

 

Our common stock is quoted on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “ASFI.” On December 12, 2016 there were 16 holders of record of our common stock. High and low sales prices of our common stock since October 1, 2015 as reported by NASDAQ are set forth below (such quotations reflect inter-dealer prices without retail markup, markdown, or commission, and may not necessarily represent actual transactions):

  

   

High

   

Low

 

2015

               

October 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014

  $ 9.50     $ 7.81  

January 1, 2015 to March 31, 2015

    8.94       8.02  

April 1, 2015 to June 30, 2015

    8.40       8.00  

July 1, 2015 to September 30, 2015

    9.38       7.57  

2016

               

October 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015

  $ 8.85     $ 7.51  

January 1, 2016 to March 31, 2016

    9.25       6.82  

April 1, 2016 to June 30, 2016

    10.98       9.42  

July 1, 2016 to September 30, 2016

    11.97       9.35  

  

Dividends

 

Future dividend payments will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon our financial condition, operating results, capital requirements and any other factors our board of directors deems relevant. In addition, our agreements with our lender may, from time to time, restrict our ability to pay dividends. Currently there are no restrictions in place. The Company did not declare any dividends for fiscal years 2016 and 2015.

 

Share Repurchase Program

 

On August 11, 2015, the Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to $15 million of the Company’s common stock and authorized management of the Company to enter into the Shares Repurchase Plan under Sections 10b-18 and 10(b)5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act (“the Shares Repurchase Plan”). The Shares Repurchase Plan was to have been effective to December 31, 2015. On December 17, 2015 the Board of Directors approved the extension of the Plan to March 31, 2016. On March 17, 2016, having repurchased approximately $9.9 million of the Company’s common stock, the Board of Directors approved further extension of the Plan to December 31, 2016. On March 22, 2016, a Company shareholder commenced a tender offer for the Company’s common stock. Per the provisions of the Shares Repurchase Plan, it terminated immediately, and no further purchases were permitted under the Shares Repurchase Plan. For the year ended September 30, 2016, the Company purchased approximately 984,000 shares at an aggregate cost of approximately $8.4 million under the Company’s Shares Repurchase Plan.

 

On April 11, 2016, the Company commenced a Tender Offer to purchase of up to 3,000,000 shares of its common stock, par value $0.01 per share, pursuant to auction tenders at prices specified by the tendering shareholders of not greater than $10.25 per share nor less than $9.50 per share. The expiration date for the Company’s Tender Offer was May 12, 2016. On that date, the Company repurchased 274,284 shares at a price of $10.25 per share, for an aggregate cost of $2,811,411.

 

The following table sets forth information regarding our repurchases or acquisitions of common stock during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016.

 

Period

 

Total
Number of
Shares)
Purchased

   

Average
Price Paid
per Share

   

Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part
of Publicly
Announced
Plans
or Programs

   

Maximum Number
(or Approximate
Dollar Value)
of Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs

 

Repurchases from October 1, 2015 through September 30, 2016

    1,258,484     $ 8.86       1,258,484     $  

 

 
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Performance Graph

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in any of our filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that might incorporate by reference this Form 10-K, in whole or in part, the following Performance Graph shall not be incorporated by reference into any such filings.

 

 

   

2011

   

2012

   

2013

   

2014

   

2015

   

2016

 

ASTA FUNDING, INC.

    100.00       116.86       111.57       103.04       107.05       131.78  

NASDAQ MARKET INDEX

    100.00       130.53       160.26       193.28       201.01       234.02  

PEER GROUP INDEX

    100.00       154.16       257.46       229.81       222.15       142.86  

PEER GROUP INDEX + ASTA FUNDING, INC.

    100.00       151.67       248.35       221.88       214.92       142.06  

 

 
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Item 6. 

Selected Financial Data 

 

The following tables set forth a summary of our consolidated financial data as of and for the five fiscal years ended September 30, 2016. The selected financial data for the five fiscal years ended September 30, 2016, have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements. The selected financial data presented below should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements, related notes, and other financial information included elsewhere in this report, including the information set forth in Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”. Certain items in prior years’ information have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

 

   

Year Ended September 30,

 
   

(In thousands, except per share data)

 
   

2016

   

2015

   

2014

   

2013

   

2012

 

Income Statement Data:

                                       

Finance income, net

  $ 19,056     $ 20,757     $ 19,865     $ 31,762     $ 40,803  

Personal injury claims income

    20,212       8,482       7,134       6,438       1,647  

Unrealized gain on structured settlements

    7,657       7,146       2,840              

Interest income on structured settlements

    6,192       4,672       2,368              

Disability fee income

    4,011       1,434       378       2        
                                         

Total revenues

    57,128       42,491       32,585       38,202       42,450  

Forgiveness of non-recourse debt

                26,101              

Other income

    1,585       1,687       1,399       1,609       2,256  
                                         
      58,713       44,178       60,085       39,811       44,706  
                                         

Expenses:

                                       

General and administrative expenses

    41,797       36,933       28,192       24,212       23,640  

Interest expense

    3,223       2,395       1,260       1,300       2,539  

Impairments of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation

    164             19,591       10,990       1,771  
                                         
      45,184       39,328       49,043       36,502       27,950  
                                         

Income before income tax

    13,529       4,850       11,042       3,309       16,756  

Income tax expense

    2,901       2,122       4,613       894       6,797  
                                         

Net income

    10,628       2,728       6,429       2,415       9,959  

Less: net income attributable to non-controlling interests

    2,768       712       528       406       31  
                                         

Net income attributable to Asta Funding, Inc.

  $ 7,860     $ 2,016     $ 5,901     $ 2,009     $ 9,928  
                                         

Basic net income per share

  $ 0.66     $ 0.15     $ 0.45     $ 0.16     $ 0.71  
                                         

Diluted net income per share

  $ 0.63     $ 0.15     $ 0.45     $ 0.15     $ 0.69  

 

 
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(In millions)

 
   

2016

   

2015

   

2014

   

2013

   

2012

 

Other Financial Data (Unaudited):

                                       

For the Year ended September 30

                                       

Cash collections

  $ 29.0     $ 36.7     $ 40.2     $ 51.7     $ 70.0  

Portfolio purchases, at cost

    8.2       2.1       5.1       3.3       2.5  

Portfolio purchases, at face value

    162.9       28.0       478.9       53.5       6.0  

Return on average assets

    3.2

%

    1.0

%

    4.7

%(2)

    1.2

%

    4.2

%

Return on average stockholders’ equity(1)

    4.3

%

    1.3

%

    5.7

%(2)

    1.6

%

    5.9

%

Dividends declared per share

  $ 0.00     $ 0.00     $ 0.00     $ 0.08     $ 0.08  

At September 30,

                                       

Total assets

    256.0       237.4       217.1       211.5       237.6  

Total debt and other liabilities

    73.9       56.1       35.8       38.2       64.6  

Total stockholders’ equity

    182.0       181.3       181.3       173.3       173.0  

Inception to date — September 30,

                                       

Cumulative aggregate purchases, at face value

    32,628.2       32,465.3       32,437.3       31,958.3       31,904.9  

  


(1)

The return on average assets is computed by dividing net income by average total assets for the fiscal year. The return on average stockholders’ equity is computed by dividing net income by the average stockholders’ equity for the fiscal year. Both ratios have been computed using beginning and period-end balances.

 

(2)

Return calculations in fiscal year 2014 were significantly improved by the $26.1 million loan forgiveness recorded in that fiscal year.

 

 
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Item 7. 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation. 

 

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and other parts of this Annual Report on Form 10-K contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. All forward-looking statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are based on information available to us on the date hereof, and except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those set forth under the caption “Risk Factors” contained in this report and elsewhere herein. The following should be read in conjunction with our annual financial statements contained elsewhere in this report.

 

Overview

 

We are engaged in the businesses of acquiring, managing, servicing and recovering on portfolios of consumer receivables, and, through Pegasus, funding of personal injury claims, through CBC, investing in structured settlements and through GAR Disability Advocates, assisting claimants in the process of disability and social security claims.

 

Consumer Receivables

 

The consumer receivable portfolios generally consist of one or more of the following types of consumer receivables:

 

 

charged-off receivables — accounts that have been written-off by the originators and may have been previously serviced by collection agencies; and

 

 

semi-performing receivables — accounts where the debtor is making partial or irregular monthly payments, but the accounts may have been written-off by the originators.

 

We acquire these consumer receivable portfolios at a significant discount to the amount actually owed by the borrowers. We acquire these portfolios after a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the underlying receivables and calculate the purchase price so that our estimated cash flow offers us an adequate return on our investment after servicing expenses. After purchasing a portfolio, we actively monitor its performance and review and adjust our collection and servicing strategies accordingly.

 

We purchase receivables from credit grantors and others through privately negotiated direct sales, brokered transactions and auctions in which sellers of receivables seek bids from several pre-qualified debt purchasers. We pursue new acquisitions of consumer receivable portfolios on an ongoing basis through:

 

 

our relationships with industry participants, financial institutions, collection agencies, investors and our financing sources;

 

 

brokers who specialize in the sale of consumer receivable portfolios; and

 

 

other sources.

 

Litigation Funding Business

 

In 2011, the Company purchased an 80% interest in Pegasus. PLF, an unrelated third party, holds the other 20% interest. The Company is committed to loan up to $22.4 million per year to Pegasus for a term of five (5) years, all of which is secured by the assets of Pegasus. These loans will provide financing for the personal injury litigation claims and operating expenses of Pegasus.

 

The Pegasus business model entails the outlay of non-recourse advances to a plaintiff with an agreed-upon fee structure to be repaid from the plaintiff’s recovery. Typically, such advances to a plaintiff approximate 10-20% of the anticipated recovery. These funds are generally used by the plaintiff for a variety of urgent necessities, ranging from surgical procedures to everyday living expenses.

 

Pegasus’s profits and losses are distributed at 80% to the Company and 20% to PLF.  These distributions will be made only after the repayment of Fund Pegasus’ principal amount loaned, plus an amount equal to advances for overhead expenses.  While the overall returns to Pegasus are currently estimated to be in excess of 20% per annum, the Company has reserved the right to terminate Pegasus if returns to the Company for any rolling twelve (12) month period, after the first year of operations, do not exceed 15%. As of September 30, 2016, the Company had a net invested balance of approximately $48.3 million in personal injury cases. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, distributions of $1.5 million were made to PLF.

 

On November 8, 2016, the Company entered into a binding Term Sheet (the “Term Sheet”) with ASFI Pegasus Holdings, LLC, Fund Pegasus, LLC, Pegasus Funding, LLC, Pegasus Legal Funding, LLC, Max Alperovich and Alexander Khanas. The Company and PLF have decided not to renew the Pegasus joint venture that, by its terms, terminates on December 28, 2016. The Term Sheet amends certain provisions to Pegasus’ operating agreement dated as of December 28, 2011 and governs the terms relating to the liquidation of the existing Pegasus portfolio.

 

Pursuant to the Term Sheet, the parties thereto have agreed that Pegasus will continue in existence to collect advances on its Portfolio. The Company will fund overhead expenses relating to its Portfolio based on a budget agreed upon by the Company and PLF. Any cash received by Pegasus will be distributed to its members in the order provided for in the Operating Agreement. The Company will be allocated an amount equal to 20% of all principal collected on each investment paid back beginning October 1, 2016 and continuing through the collection of the Portfolio, which will be applied against the outstanding balance of overhead expenses previously advanced by the Company to Pegasus. After January 2, 2017, additional overhead expenses advanced will be paid back monthly as incurred by the Company prior to the calculation and distribution of any profits.

 

In connection with the Term Sheet, the parties thereto have also entered into a customary mutual release and non-disparagement agreement as well as a release from the non-competition obligations under the Operating Agreement.

 

 
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On November 11, 2016, the Company formed Simia, a wholly owned subsidiary. Simia will commence funding personal injury settlement claims in January 2017. Simia was formed in response to the Company’s decision not to renew its joint venture with PLF.

 

In 2012, the Company announced the formation of BP Case Management, LLC (“BPCM”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. BPCM entered into a joint venture (the “Venture”) with California-based Balance Point Divorce Funding, LLC (“BP Divorce Funding”). The Venture provides non-recourse funding to a spouse in a matrimonial action where the marital assets exceed $2,000,000. Such funds can be used for legal fees, expert costs and necessary living expenses. The Venture receives an agreed percentage of the proceeds received by such spouse upon final resolution of the case. BP Divorce Funding's profits and losses will be distributed 60% to BPCM and 40% to BP Divorce Funding, after the return of BPCM’s investment on a case by case basis and after a 15% preferred return to us. BPCM’s initial investment in the Venture consisted of up to $15 million to fund divorce claims to be fulfilled in three tranches of $5 million each. Each investment tranche is contingent upon a minimum 15% cash-on-cash return to us. At BPCM’s option, there could be an additional $35 million investment in divorce claims in tranches of $10 million, $10 million, and $15 million, also with a 15% preferred return and such investments may even exceed a total of $50 million, at BPCM’s sole option. Should the preferred return be less than 15% on any $5 million tranche, the 60%/40% profit and loss split would be adjusted to reflect BPCM’s priority to a 15% preferred return. As of September 30, 2016, BPCM has invested $2.5 million, net of reserve charges, in cases managed by this Venture.

 

In 2012, BPCM provided a $1.0 million revolving line of credit to partially fund BP Divorce Funding’s operations with such loan bearing interest at the prevailing prime rate with an initial term of twenty four months. In September 2014, the agreement was revised to extend the term of the loan to August 2016, increase the credit line to $1.5 million and include a personal guarantee of the principal of BP Divorce Funding. The revolving line of credit is collateralized by BP Divorce Funding’s profits share in the venture and other assets. At September 30, 2016, the balance in the revolving line of credit was approximately $1.5 million. Effective August 14, 2016, BPCM extended its revolving line of credit with BP Divorce Funding until March 31, 2017, at substantially the same terms as the September 2014 amendment.

 

Structured Settlement Business

 

On December 31, 2013, the Company acquired 80% ownership of CBC and its affiliate, CBC Management Services, LLC for approximately $5.9 million. In addition, the Company agreed to provide financing to CBC of up to $5.0 million, amended to $7.5 million in March 2015. On December 31, 2015, the Company acquired the remaining 20% ownership of CBC for $1.8 million, through the issuance of restricted stock valued at $1.0 million and $800,000 in cash. Each of the two original principals received 61,652 shares of restricted stock at an agreed upon market price of $8.11 per share and a total of $400,000 in cash. An aggregate of 123,304 shares of restricted stock were issued.

 

CBC purchases periodic payments under structured settlements and annuity policies from individuals in exchange for a lump sum payment. The operating principals of CBC, William J. Skyrm, Esq. and James Goodman, have over 30 years combined experience in the structured settlement industry.

 

CBC has a portfolio of structured settlements which is financed by approximately $67.4 million of debt, consisting of a $10.1 million line of credit with an institutional source and $57.3 million in notes issued by CBC to third party investors. At September 30, 2016, the Company had an invested value of $85.7 million in structured settlements. The employment contracts of the original two principals expire at the end of December 2016. The Company will not be renewing those contracts, and suitable replacements will be found to fill those positions.

 

Disability Advocacy Business

 

GAR Disability Advocates is a social security disability advocacy group, which obtains and represents individuals in their claims for social security disability and supplemental security income benefits from the Social Security Administration.

 

 
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Critical Accounting Policies

 

We may account for our investments in consumer receivable portfolios, using either:

 

 

 

The interest method; or

 

 

 

The cost recovery method.

 

Our extensive liquidating experience in certain asset classes such as distressed credit card receivables, consumer loan receivables and mixed consumer receivables has matured, we use the interest method when we believe we can reasonably estimate the timing of the cash flows. In those situations where we diversify our acquisitions into other asset classes in which we do not possess the same expertise or history, or we cannot reasonably estimate the timing of the cash flows, we utilize the cost recovery method of accounting for those portfolios of receivables.

 

The Company accounts for certain of its investments in finance receivables using the interest method under the guidance of FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”), Receivables — Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality, (“ASC 310-30”). Under the guidance of ASC 310-30, static pools of accounts are established. These pools are aggregated based on certain common risk criteria. Each static pool is recorded at cost and is accounted for as a single unit for the recognition of income, principal payments and loss provision. Due to the substantial reduction of portfolios reported under the interest method, and the inability to reasonably estimate cash collections required to account for those portfolios under the interest method, the Company concluded the cost recovery method is the appropriate accounting method under the circumstances.

 

Under the guidance of ASC 310-30, the Company must analyze a portfolio upon acquisition to ensure which method is appropriate, and once a static pool is established for a quarter, individual receivable accounts are not added to the pool (unless replaced by the seller) or removed from the pool (unless sold or returned to the seller).

 

The Company uses the cost recovery method when collections on a particular pool of accounts cannot be reasonably predicted. Under the cost recovery method, no income is recognized until the cost of the portfolio has been fully recovered. A pool can become fully amortized (zero carrying balance on the balance sheet) while still generating cash collections. In this case, all cash collections are recognized as revenue when received.

 

The Company accounts for its investments in personal injury claims at an agreed upon interest rate, in anticipation of a future settlement. The interest purchased by Pegasus in each claim will consist of the right to receive from such claimant part of the proceeds or recoveries which such claimant receives by reason of a settlement, judgment or reward with respect to such claimant’s claim. Open case revenue is estimated, recognized and accrued at a rate based on the expected realization and underwriting guidelines and facts and circumstances for each individual case. These personal injury claims are non-recourse. When a case is closed and the cash is received for the advance provided to a claimant, revenue is recognized based upon the contractually agreed upon interest rate, and, if applicable, adjusted for any changes due to a settled amount and fees charged to the claimant.

 

CBC purchases periodic payments under structured settlements and annuity policies from individuals in exchange for a lump sum payment. The Company elected to carry structured settlements at fair value. Unearned income on structured settlements is recognized as interest income using the effective interest method over the life of the related settlement. Changes in fair value are recorded in unrealized gain (loss) in structured settlements in our statements of income.

 

The Company recognizes revenue for GAR Disability Advocates when cases close and fees are collected.

 

 
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Results of Operations

 

The following discussion of our operations and financial condition should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this report. In these discussions, most percentages and dollar amounts have been rounded to aid presentation. As a result, all such figures are approximations. 

 

   

Years Ended September 30,

 
   

2016

   

2015

   

2014

 

Finance income, net

    33.4

%

    48.9

%

    60.9

%

Personal injury claim income

    35.4       20.0       21.9  

Unrealized gain on structured settlements

    13.4       16.8       8.7  

Interest income on structured settlements

    10.8       11.0       7.3  

Disability fee income

    7.0       3.3       1.2  
                         

Total revenues

    100.0       100.0       100.0  

Debt forgiveness

                80.1  

Other income

    2.8       3.9       4.3  
                         
      102.8       103.9       184.4  
                         

General and administrative expenses

    73.2       86.9       86.5  

Interest expense

    5.6       5.6       3.9  

Impairments of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation

    0.3             60.1  
                         
      79.1       92.5       150.5  
                         

Income before income taxes

    23.7       11.4       33.9  

Income tax expense

    5.1       5.0       14.2  
                         

Net income

    18.6       6.4       19.7  

Less: net income attributable to non-controlling interest

    4.8       1.7       1.6  
                         

Net income attributable to Asta Funding, Inc.

    13.8

%

    4.7

%

    18.1

%

 

Year Ended September 30, 2016 Compared to the Year Ended September 30, 2015

 

Finance income.     For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 (“fiscal year 2016”), finance income from consumer receivables decreased $1.7 million, or 8.2%, to $19.1 million from $20.8 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 (“fiscal year 2015”). During fiscal year 2016, we acquired $162.9 million in face value of new portfolios at a cost of $8.2 million as compared to $28.0 million of face value portfolios at a cost of approximately $2.1 million, during fiscal year 2015. The portfolios purchased during fiscal year 2016 are accounted for on the cost recovery method.

 

Net collections decreased $7.7 million, or 21.0%, to $29.0 million for fiscal year 2016 from $36.7 million for fiscal year 2015. During fiscal year 2016, gross collections decreased 20.8% to $44.5 million from $56.2 million for fiscal year 2015, reflecting the lower level of purchases over the last few years. Commissions and fees associated with gross collections from our third party collection agencies and attorneys decreased $4.1 million, or 21.0% as compared to the same period in the prior year and averaged 35.1% of collections for fiscal year 2016 as compared to 34.8% in the same prior year period.

 

Personal injury claims income.     Personal injury claims income increased $11.7 million or 138.3% to $20.2 million from the prior year level of $8.5 million, as a result of additional interest income earned on its investment in personal injury claims. Additionally, investment in personal injury claims in fiscal years 2014 translated into more closed cases in fiscal year 2016 than in the prior year (cases take an average of 18 months to mature), in addition to increased level of investment in personal injury claims.

 

Structured settlement income. Structured settlement income of $13.8 million, which includes $7.6 million of unrealized gains and $6.2 million of interest income, is included in the Company’s results in fiscal year 2016, compared to $11.8 million, which includes $7.1 million of unrealized gains and $4.7 million of interest income in fiscal year 2015. This increase in income is the result of increased investments in structured settlements in the current fiscal year. Unrealized gains on structured settlements is comprised of both unrealized gains resulting from fair market valuation at the date of acquisition of the structured settlements and the subsequent fair value adjustments resulting from the change in the discount rate. Of the $7.6 million of unrealized gains recognized in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, approximately $8.0 million is due to day one gains on new structured settlements financed during the period, $1.3 million due to a change in the discount rate, offset by a decrease of $1.7 million in realized gains recognized as realized interest income on structured settlements during the period. There were no other changes in assumptions during the period.

 

Disability Fee income. Disability fee income of $4.0 million in fiscal year 2016 compared to $1.4 million in fiscal year 2015 is the result of a significant increase in cases being processed in the current fiscal year, translating into a significant increase in closed cases.

 

 
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Other income.     The following table summarizes other income for the years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015:

 

 

2016

2015

Interest and dividend income

  $ 1,183,000     $ 1,223,000  

Realized gains

    29,000       369,000  

Other

    373,000       95,000  
                 
    $ 1,585,000     $ 1,687,000  

 

General and administrative expenses.     For the year ended September 30, 2016, general and administrative expenses increased $4.9 million, or 13.2%, to $41.8 million from $36.9 million for the year ended September 30, 2015. The increase in general and administrative expenses is related to legal settlement costs of $2.3 million, increased personnel costs of $2.1 million, primarily related to the growth of GAR Disability Advocates, and a reserve for loss on other investments of $1.0 million, partially offset by a net decrease in other expenses.

 

Interest expense.     For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, interest expense increased $0.8 million to $3.2 million from $2.4 million in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015. The increased interest expense is attributable to the additional CBC debt issued in the current and prior fiscal year in support of the increased investment in structured settlements.

 

Impairments.     For the fiscal ended September 30, 2016, an impairment of $0.2 million has been recorded. There were no impairments in the fiscal ended September 30, 2015.

 

Net income before taxes — Consumer Receivables.     Net income before taxes increased $0.3 million, from $13.8 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 as compared to $14.1 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, primarily due to decreased foreign exchange losses, $0.3 million, and other expenses, partially offset by a class action suit settlement of $2.0 million during the current fiscal year.

 

Net income before taxes — Personal Injury Claims.     Net income before taxes increased $13.0 million to $13.1 million in fiscal year 2016 from $0.1 million for the prior fiscal year. The improved results are attributable to increased revenues, $11.7 million, decreased general and administrative expenses, $1.3 million, primarily outside services, $1.2 million.

 

Net income before taxes — Structured Settlements.     Net income before taxes was $4.7 million in fiscal year 2016 compared to $3.5 million in fiscal year 2015. The increase is due to the continued growth in the investment of the structured settlements.

 

Net loss before taxes — GAR Disability Advocates.     Net loss before taxes was $7.3 million in the 2016 fiscal year compared to a net loss of $5.8 million in the 2015 fiscal year. GAR Disability Advocates is continuing to build the business and has increased costs associated with acquiring disability cases, marketing and servicing its clients in the current year compared to the prior year. These costs were comprised of increased personnel costs, $3.0 million, advertising, $0.5 million, and postage, $0.3 million, travel expense $0.1 million, partially offset by increased revenues $2.6 million.

 

Income tax expense.     Income tax expense, consisting of federal and state income taxes, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, was $2.9 million as compared to $2.1 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015. The increase in income tax expense is attributed to the increase in taxable income for the current fiscal year. The state portion of the income tax provision for the fiscal year 2016 was $0.8 million. The state portion of the income tax provision for the fiscal year 2015 has been offset against state net operating loss carry forwards, and, as a result, no state taxes were payable.

 

Net income.     As a result of the above, the Company had net income for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 of $10.6 million, and $2.7 million, respectively.

 

Income attributable to non-controlling interest.     The income attributable to non-controlling interest of $2.8 million is the portion of results attributable to Pegasus and CBC for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 as compared to $0.7 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015.

 

Net income attributable to Asta Funding, Inc.     Net income attributable to Asta Funding, Inc. was $7.9 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 as compared to net income of $2.0 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015.

 

 
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The following tables detail non-controlling interest for the year ended September 30, 2016:

 

   

Pegasus Funding
LLC

   

CBC
Settlement
Funding, LLC

   

Total Non-
Controlling
Interests

 

Balance, beginning of period

  $ (1,768,000

)

  $ 771,000     $ (997,000

)

Non-controlling interest

    2,612,000       156,000       2,768,000  

Purchase of CBC non-controlling interest

          (927,000

)

    (927,000

)

Distributions

    (1,489,000

)

          (1,489,000

)

                         

Balance, end of period

  $ (645,000

)

  $     $ (645,000

)

 

The non-controlling interests are related to Pegasus and CBC. The distribution to non-controlling interests is the distributions made to the 20% non-controlling interest owners of Pegasus Funding, LLC (“Pegasus Funding”). The distribution, based upon the profitability of the closed personal injury cases using the formula included in the operating agreement signed December 28, 2011, as revised, are calculated with a 20% deduction for overhead expenses of the Pegasus Funding operation unit and a 20% write off of the personal injury cases deemed to be lost. The 20% write off amount is deducted directly from the distribution amount. Distributions have been greater than the net income attributable to Asta Funding, primarily due to bad debt reserves reducing the net income attributable to Asta Funding, but not specifically factored into the formula to determine the distributions to non-controlling interest owners based on the operating agreement. Ultimately, this timing difference will reverse when personal injury cases are actually written-off. No distributions have been made to CBC.

 

Year Ended September 30, 2015 Compared to the Year Ended September 30, 2014

 

Finance income.     For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 (“fiscal year 2015”), finance income from consumer receivables increased $1.0 million, or 5.1%, to $20.8 million from $19.8 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 (“fiscal year 2014”) , reflecting increased zero basis income. During fiscal year 2015, we acquired $28.0 million in face value of new portfolios at a cost of $2.1 million as compared to $478.9 million of face value portfolios at a cost of approximately $5.1 million, during fiscal year 2014. The portfolios purchased during fiscal year 2015 are accounted for on the cost recovery method.

 

Net collections decreased $3.5 million, or 8.7%, to $36.7 million for fiscal year 2015 from $40.2 million for fiscal year 2014. During fiscal year 2015, gross collections decreased 17.2% to $56.2 million from $67.9 million for fiscal year 2014, reflecting the lower level of purchases. Commissions and fees associated with gross collections from our third party collection agencies and attorneys decreased $8.2 million, or 29.7% as compared to the same period in the prior year and averaged 34.8% of collections for fiscal year 2015 as compared to 40.9% in the same prior year period The lower rate is the result of lower commissioned collections and lower search costs in the current year.

 

Personal injury claims income.     Personal injury claims income increased $1.4 million or 19.7% to $8.5 million from the prior year level of $7.1 million, as investment in personal injury claims in fiscal years 2013 and 2014 translated into more closed cases in fiscal year 2015 than in the prior year (cases take an average of 18 months to mature), in addition to increased level of investment in personal injury claims.

 

Structured settlement income. Structured settlement income of $11.8 million, which includes $7.1 million of unrealized gains and $4.7 million of interest income, is included in the Company’s results in fiscal year 2015, compared to $5.2 million, which includes $2.8 million of unrealized gains and $2.4 million of interest income in fiscal year 2014. This increase in income is the result of increased investments in structured settlements in the current fiscal year in addition, fiscal year 2015 was the first full year of results included as CBC Settlement Funding, LLC was acquired on December 31, 2013. Unrealized gains on structured settlements is comprised of both unrealized gains resulting from fair market valuation at the date of acquisition of the structured settlements and the subsequent fair value adjustments resulting from the change in the discount rate. Of the $7.1 million of unrealized gains recognized in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015, approximately $7.1 million is due to day one gains on new structured settlements financed during the period, $1.8 million due to a change in the discount rate, offset by a decrease of $1.8 million in realized gains recognized as realized interest income on structured settlements during the period. There were no other changes in assumptions during the period.

 

 
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Disability Fee income. Disability fee income of $1.4 million in fiscal year 2015 compared to $0.4 million in fiscal year 2014 is the result of a significant increase in manpower in the current fiscal year, translating into a significant increase in closed cases.

 

Forgiveness of debt. Forgiveness of debt is the result of the Settlement Agreement with the Bank of Montreal (“BMO”), reached in August of fiscal year 2013. The Company made the final payment of the Remaining Amount in June 2014. This was accompanied by a one-time $26.1 million forgiveness of debt.

 

Other income.     The following table summarizes other income for the years ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:

 

 

2015

2014

Interest and dividend income

  $ 1,223,000     $ 1,315,000  

Realized gains

    369,000       43,000  

Other

    95,000       41,000  
                 
    $ 1,687,000     $ 1,399,000  

 

General and administrative expenses.     For the year ended September 30, 2015, general and administrative expenses increased $8.7 million, or 31.0%, to $36.9 million from $28.2 million for the year ended September 30, 2014. The increase in general and administrative expenses is related to the growth of GAR Disability Advocates, $4.2 million and the full year inclusion of CBC Settlement Funding, LLC, $2.2 million. In addition, there was an increase of bad debt expense at Pegasus Funding, LLC, $2.1million.

 

Interest expense.     For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015, interest expense increased $1.1 million to $2.4 million from $1.3 million in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014. The increase is due to the growth of CBC and completion of CBC’s fourth private placement of approximately $20.9 million of fixed rate asset-backed notes in November 2014, as a result of the expanding structured settlement business. Additionally, we recognized 12 months of interest expense in the fiscal year 2015 compared to only nine months in fiscal year 2014.

 

Impairments – There were no impairments in the fiscal ended September 30, 2015 as compared to $19.5 million recorded during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014. The $19.6 million of impairments in the fiscal year 2014 was comprised of $14.1 million for the Great Seneca Portfolio, $4.8 million for the medical receivables portfolio and $0.7 million for other portfolios.

 

The Great Seneca portfolio was purchased in March 2007. The portfolio was purchased on the secondary market and as such accounts included in the portfolio were 5 to 6 years old at the time of purchase. Purchasing portfolios on the secondary market was not a normal course of action for us at the time, as we primarily purchased accounts from the originator of the accounts. This action of purchasing from the secondary market played a role in the determination in March 2008 that we could no longer reasonably forecast cash collections and therefore switched the portfolio to the cost recovery method. Based upon the age of the Great Seneca portfolio in June 2014 (over seven years from our purchase date, and 12 to 13 years from the inception of the portfolio) the portfolio was clearly on the outer bounds of our collection forecasts. Based upon the significantly reduced collection forecast and the lower valuation of the judgments as they age, we determined an impairment of $14 million was necessary in June 2014.

 

The medical receivables were related to a market that we are no longer in. We exited the market in terms of financing such receivables in 2012 and impaired the portfolio and switched to the cost recovery method at that time. The collections continued to deteriorate and fell short of expectations by a significant margin and, therefore, we impaired the remaining value of the portfolio of $4.8 million in June 2014.

 

 
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Net income before taxes — Consumer Receivables.     Net income before taxes decreased $5.1 million, from $18.9 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 as compared to $13.8 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015, primarily due to BMO debt forgiveness in fiscal year 2014, partially offset by reduced impairments in the current fiscal year.

 

Net income before taxes — Personal Injury Claims.     Net income before taxes decreased $2.2 million to $0.1 million in fiscal year 2015 from $2.3 million for the prior fiscal year, as increased revenues, $1.3 million, were offset by the increase in bad debt reserves, $3.0 million.

 

Net income before taxes — Structured Settlements.     Net income before taxes was $3.5 million in fiscal year 2015 compared to $0.4 million in fiscal year 2014. The increase is due to the continued growth in the investment of the structured settlements. Additionally, we recognized 12 months of net income before taxes in the current fiscal year versus nine months in fiscal year 2014.

 

Net loss before taxes — GAR Disability Advocates.     Net loss before taxes was $5.8 million in the 2015 fiscal year compared to a net loss of $2.7 million in the same prior year period, reflecting increased start-up costs in the current fiscal year. Salaries increased by $1.9 million and marketing expense increased by $1.4 million compared to the prior fiscal year.

 

Income tax expense.     Income tax expense of $2.1 million recorded for fiscal year 2015 consists of a $7.4 million current income tax expense and a $5.3 million deferred income tax benefit. Income tax expense was lower primarily due to lower pre-tax income, significantly influenced by the $26.1 million of debt forgiveness in the prior fiscal year. In fiscal year 2014, income tax expense of $4.6 million consisted of a current income tax expense of $4.1 million and a $0.5 million deferred income tax expense.

 

Net income.     For the year ended September 30, 2015, net income decreased $3.7 million to $2.7 million from $6.4 million for the year ended September 30, 2014, primarily reflecting the forgiveness of debt of $26.1 million in the prior fiscal year, in addition to higher general and administrative expenses, $9.1 million, in the current fiscal year, partially offset by the impairments of $19.6 million in the prior fiscal year.

 

Income attributable to non-controlling interest.     Income to non-controlling interests increased $184,000 from $528,000 for the year ended September 30, 2014 to $712,000 for the year ended September 30, 2015, due to the improvement in the results of CBC.

 

Net income attributable to Asta Funding, Inc.     For the year ended September 30, 2015, net income attributable to Asta Funding, Inc. decreased $3.9 million to $2.0 million from $5.9 million for the year ended September 30, 2014, primarily reflecting the forgiveness of debt of $26.1 million in the prior fiscal year, plus increased general and administrative expenses, $9.1 million, partially offset by decreased impairments, $19.6 million. Net income per diluted share for the year ended September 30, 2015 decreased to $0.17 per diluted share from $0.45 per diluted share for the year ended September 30, 2014.

 

 

The following tables detail non-controlling interest for the year ended September 30, 2015:

 

   

Pegasus Funding
LLC

   

CBC
Settlement
Funding, LLC

   

Total Non-
Controlling
Interests

 

Balance, beginning of period

  $ (783,000

)

  $ 70,000     $ (713,000

)

Non-controlling interest

    11,000       701,000       712,000  

Distributions

    (996,000

)

          (996,000

)

                         

Balance, end of period

  $ (1,768,000

)

  $ 771,000     $ (997,000

)

 

The non-controlling interests are related to Pegasus and CBC. The distribution to non-controlling interests is the distributions made to the 20% non-controlling interest owners of Pegasus Funding, LLC (“Pegasus Funding”). The distribution, based upon the profitability of the closed personal injury cases using the formula included in the operating agreement signed December 28, 2011, as revised, are calculated with a 20% deduction for overhead expenses of the Pegasus Funding operation unit and a 20% write off of the personal injury cases deemed to be lost. The 20% write off amount is deducted directly from the distribution amount. Distributions have been greater than the net income attributable to Asta Funding, primarily due to bad debt reserves reducing the net income attributable to Asta Funding, but not specifically factored into the formula to determine the distributions to non-controlling interest owners based on the operating agreement. Ultimately, this timing difference will reverse when personal injury cases are actually written-off. No distributions have been made to CBC.

 

 
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Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Our primary source of cash from operations is collections on the receivable portfolios we have acquired and the funds generated from the Pegasus and CBC business segments. Our primary uses of cash include repayments of debt, our purchases of consumer receivable portfolios, interest payments, costs involved in the collections of consumer receivables, taxes and dividends, if approved. In the past, we relied significantly upon our lenders to provide the funds necessary for the purchase of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation.

 

Receivables Financing Agreement

 

In March 2007, Palisades XVI borrowed approximately $227 million under the Receivables Financing Agreement, as amended in July 2007, December 2007, May 2008, February 2009, October 2010 and August 2013 from BMO, in order to finance the Portfolio Purchase which had a purchase price of $300 million. The original term of the agreement was three years. This term was extended by each of the Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth Amendments and the most recent agreement signed in August 2013, discussed below.

 

Financing Agreement. The Settlement Agreement and Omnibus Amendment (“Settlement Agreement”) was in effect on August 7, 2013, Palisades XVI, a 100% owned bankruptcy remote subsidiary, entered into a Settlement Agreement with BMO as an amendment to the Receivables Financing Agreement. In consideration for a $15 million prepayment funded by the Company, BMO has agreed to significantly reduce minimum monthly collection requirements and the interest rate. If and when BMO were to receive the next $15 million of collections from the Portfolio Purchase, (the “Remaining Amount”) less certain credits for payments made prior to the consummation of the Settlement Agreement, the Company would be entitled to recover from future net collections the $15 million prepayment that it funded. Thereafter, BMO would have the right to receive 30% of future net collections. Upon repayment of the Remaining Amount to BMO, the Company would be released from the remaining contractual obligation of the Receivables Financing Agreement (“RFA”) and the Settlement Agreement.

 

On June 3, 2014, Palisades XVI finished paying the Remaining Amount. The final principal payment of $2.9 million included a voluntary prepayment of $1.9 million provided from funds of the Company. Accordingly, Palisades XVI was entitled to receive $16.9 million of future collections from the Portfolio Purchase before BMO is entitled to receive any payments with respect to its Income Interest. During the month of June 2016, the Company received the balance of the $16.9 million, and, as of September 30, 2016, the Company recorded a liability to BMO of approximately $0.2 million. The funds were subsequently remitted to BMO on October 11, 2016. The liability to BMO is recorded when actual collections are received.

 

With the payment of the Remaining Amount and upon completion of the documents granting the Palisades XVI Income Interest, including a written confirmation from BMO that the obligation has been paid in full, Palisades XVI has been released from further debt obligations from the RFA. We have recorded as other income, forgiveness of non-recourse debt, in the amount of approximately $26.1 million, pre-tax in the third quarter of fiscal year 2014.

 

Bank Hapoalim B.M. (“Bank Hapoalim”) Line of Credit

On May 2, 2014, the Company obtained a $20 million line of credit facility from Bank Hapoalim, pursuant to a Loan Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) among the Company and its subsidiary, Palisades Collection, LLC, as borrowers, and Bank Hapoalim, as agent and lender. The Loan Agreement provides for a $20.0 million committed line of credit and an accordion feature providing an increase in the line of credit of up to $30 million, at the discretion of the lenders. The facility is for a term of three years at an interest rate of either LIBOR plus 275 basis points or prime, at the Company’s option. The Loan Agreement includes covenants that require the Company to maintain a minimum net worth of $150 million and pay an unused line fee. The facility is secured pursuant to a Security Agreement among the parties to the Loan Agreement. On March 30, 2016, the Company signed the First Amendment to the Loan Agreement (the “First Amendment”) with Bank Hapoalim which amended certain terms of their banking arrangement. The First Amendment includes (a) the reduction of the interest rate to LIBOR plus 225 basis points; (b) a decrease in the Net Equity requirement by $50 million, to $100 million and (c) modifies the No Net Loss requirement from a quarterly to an annual basis. All other terms of the original agreement remain in effect. As of September 30, 2016, the Company had not used this facility.

 

Tender Offer of Company Common Shares

 

On March 22, 2016, MPF InvestCo 4, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Mangrove Partners Master Fund, Ltd. (“Mangrove”), filed a Tender Offer Statement with the SEC, announcing the commencement of an unsolicited tender offer to acquire up to 3,000,000 shares of Asta common stock at price of $9.00 per share (“the Mangrove Offer”). The Mangrove Offer was sent to the holders of common stock of the Issuer. If the Offer were subscribed, the Mangrove Offer would represent approximately 25.0% of the issued and outstanding shares and would result in Mangrove owning an aggregate of approximately 5,102,427 shares, which would have represented approximately 43.1% of issued and outstanding shares, based on the 11,837,224 shares, issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2016.

 

On March 31, 2016, the Company announced that its Board of Directors, after careful consideration and in consultation with a special committee of the Board and its financial and legal advisors, has unanimously determined to recommend that shareholders reject the Mangrove Offer. Furthermore, the Company has announced its intention to commence an issuer tender offer for 3,000,000 shares of Asta common stock pursuant to a “Dutch Auction” format at a price range of $9.50 to $10.25 per share.

 

 
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On April 11, 2016, the Company commenced a Tender Offer to purchase of up to 3,000,000 shares of its common stock, par value $0.01 per share, pursuant to auction tenders at prices specified by the tendering shareholders of not greater than $10.25 per share nor less than $9.50 per share. The expiration date for the Company’s Tender Offer was May 12, 2016. On that date, the Company repurchased 274,284 shares at a price of $10.25 per share, for an aggregate cost of $2,811,411.

 

On April 15, 2016, MPF InvestCo 4, LLC and Mangrove amended its previously announced unsolicited tender offer to acquire up to 3,000,000 shares of Asta’s common stock, increasing the price per share from $9.00 to $9.50, and extending the expiration date to May 9, 2016. In addition, the amendment added certain additional conditions to Mangrove’s obligation to consummate its offer. On April 21, 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors unanimously reaffirmed its recommendation to shareholders that they reject the unsolicited offer, citing the fact that the increased offer was still at the bottom of the range in the Company’s self-tender, as described above. On April 26, 2016, Mangrove announced the termination of its Tender Offer, which had been due to expire on May 9, 2016. Mangrove stated that it had terminated its offer because it determined that a condition of the offer would not be satisfied. None of the shares of the Company’s common stock were purchased under the Mangrove offer.

 

On May 25, 2016, the Company entered into a Mutual Confidentiality Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Mangrove Partners (“Mangrove”), pursuant to which Mangrove and the Company agreed to (1) provide certain Confidential Information (as defined below) to the other party to the Agreement and the other party’s representatives, (2) the confidentiality of the Confidential Information, and (3) certain restrictions on the activities of the parties to the Agreement.

 

Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company agreed to make available to Mangrove and its representatives certain confidential information relating to the Company or its subsidiaries, and Mangrove has agreed to make available to the Company and its representatives certain confidential information relating to Mangrove and its affiliates (collectively, the “Confidential Information”). The Company and Mangrove agreed not to disclose the Confidential Information, and to cause each of their representatives, respectively, not to disclose the Confidential Information, except as required by law. Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company provided information requested by Mangrove to one or more of Mangrove’s representatives and such representatives prepared summaries of such information (the “Summaries”). Following the Company’s approval of the Summaries, the approved Summaries were provided to Mangrove. The Company has agreed to release the approved Summaries publicly on or prior to the end of the Extended Period (as defined in the Agreement), to the extent that the information contained in the Summaries has not already been disclosed.

 

Further, under the terms of the Agreement, Mangrove and the Company have agreed to certain restrictions during the Discussion Period, which began on May 25, 2016 and the Extended Period (each as defined in the Agreement), including that, unless consented to by the other party to the Agreement or required by applicable law, neither party will, and shall cause its affiliates and representatives not to, (i) commence any litigation against the other party, (ii) make any filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission of proxy solicitation materials, preliminary proxy statement, definitive proxy statement or otherwise or call any annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Company, (iii) publicly refer to: (a) the Confidential Information or Discussion Information (as defined in the Agreement), (b) any annual or special meetings of stockholders of the Company or (c) any prior discussions between the parties, including in any filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (including any proxy solicitation materials, preliminary proxy statement, definitive proxy statement or otherwise), in any press release or in any other written or oral disclosure to a third party, (iv) make any purchases of the Company’s securities, including, but not limited to, pursuant to any stock buyback plans, tender offers, open-market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, (v) make any demand under Section 220 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, (vi) make or propose to make any amendments to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, or By-laws, as amended, (vii) adopt, renew, propose or otherwise enter into a Shareholder Rights Plan with respect to the Company’s securities, (viii) adopt or propose any changes to the Company’s capital structure or (ix) negotiate, discuss, enter into, propose or otherwise transact in any extraordinary transactions with respect to the Company, outside the ordinary course of business, including, but not limited to, any mergers, asset sales or asset purchases.

 

On November 21, 2016, Mangrove notified the Company that they were terminating the Agreement with the Company. Upon termination of the Discussion Period, the Agreement provides for a period of thirty (30) days thereafter, the Extended Period. Throughout the Extended Period of the Agreement, the parties are subject to the standstill provisions of the Agreement. Following the Discussion Period and the Extended Period, nothing in the Agreement shall prohibit any party from taking any of the activities referred to as the Restricted Activities, and specifically nothing shall restrict Mangrove or its representatives from calling a special meeting, nominating one or more candidates to serve as directors of the Company or commencing, or announcing its intention to commence, a “solicitation” of “proxies” (as such terms are used in Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) to vote with respect to any meeting of stockholders of the Company. The effective termination date of this Agreement is January 6, 2017.

 

Personal Injury Claims

 

On December 28, 2011, we formed a joint venture Pegasus Funding, LLC (“Pegasus”) with Pegasus Legal Funding, LLC (“PLF”). Pegasus purchases interests in personal injury claims from claimants who are a party to personal injury litigation with the expectation of a settlement in the future. Pegasus advances to each claimant funds on a non-recourse basis at an agreed upon interest rate in anticipation of a future settlement. The interest purchased by Pegasus in each claim will consist of the right to receive from such claimant part of the proceeds or recoveries which such claimant receives by reason of a settlement, judgment or award with respect to such claimant’s claim. The profits from the joint venture are distributed based on the ownership percentage of the parties — Asta Funding, Inc. 80% and PLF, 20%.

 

On November 8, 2016, the Company entered into a binding Term Sheet (the “Term Sheet”) with Pegasus, and PLF. The Company and PLF have decided not to renew the Pegasus joint venture that by its terms terminates on December 28, 2016. The Term Sheet amends certain provisions to Pegasus’ operating agreement dated as of December 28, 2011 (as amended, the “Operating Agreement”) and governs the terms relating to the collection of its existing Pegasus portfolio (the “Portfolio”). 

 

Pursuant to the Term Sheet, the parties thereto have agreed that Pegasus will continue in existence in order to collect advances on its existing Portfolio. The Company will fund overhead expenses relating to the collection of the Portfolio based on a budget agreed upon by the Company and PLF. Any cash received by Pegasus will be distributed to its members in the order provided for in the Operating Agreement. The Company will be allocated an amount equal to 20% of all principal collected on each investment paid back beginning October 1, 2016 and continuing through the collection of the Portfolio, which will be applied against the outstanding balance of overhead expenses previously advanced by the Company to Pegasus. After January 2, 2017, additional overhead expenses advanced will be paid back monthly as incurred by the Company prior to the calculation and distribution of any profits.

 

 
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In connection with the Term Sheet, the parties thereto have also entered into a customary mutual release and non-disparagement agreement as well as a release from the non-competition obligations under the Operating Agreement.

  

Divorce Funding

 

On May 18, 2012, the formed BP Case Management, LLC (“BPCM”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. BPCM entered into a joint venture with California-based Balance Point Divorce Funding, LLC (“BP Divorce Funding”). BPCM provides non-recourse funding to a spouse in a matrimonial action. The Company provides a $1.5 million revolving line of credit to partially fund BP Divorce Funding’s operations, with such loan bearing interest at the prevailing prime rate, with an initial term of twenty-four months. The term of the loan was to end in May 2014, but had been extended to August 2016. Effective August 14, 2016, the Company extended its revolving line of credit with Balance Point until March 31, 2017, at substantially the same terms as the September 14, 2014 amendment. The revolving line of credit is collateralized by BP Divorce Funding’s profit share in BPCM and other assets.

  

Structured Settlements

 

On December 31, 2013, the Company acquired 80% ownership of CBC and its affiliate, CBC Management Services, LLC for approximately $5.9 million. At the closing, the operating principals of CBC, namely William J. Skyrm, Esq. and James Goodman, were each issued a 10% interest in CBC. In addition, the Company agreed to provide financing to CBC of up to $5 million, amended to $7.5 million in March 2015. Through the transaction we acquired structured settlements valued at $30.4 million and debt that totaled $23.4 million, consisting of $9.6 million of a revolving line of credit with a financial institution and $13.8 million of non-recourse notes issued by CBC’s subsidiaries. On December 31, 2015, the Company acquired the remaining 20% ownership of CBC for $1,800,000, through the issuance of restricted stock valued at approximately $1,000,000 and $800,000 in cash. Each of the two original principals received 61,652 shares of restricted stock at fair market value of $7.95 per share and $400,000 in cash. An aggregate of 123,304 shares of restricted stock was issued. As of September 30, 2016, CBC had structured settlements valued at $85.7 million and debt of $67.4 million, consisting of a $10.1 million line of credit and an aggregate of $57.3 million of non-recourse notes.

 

Cash Flow

 

As of September 30, 2016, our cash and cash equivalents decreased $5.8 million to $18.5 million, from $24.3 million at September 30, 2015. Although our cash flow remains strong, we have diversified some of our cash flow into other investments.

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $5.0 million during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, as compared to $21.1 million used in operating activities for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015. Net cash used in investing activities was $15.2 million during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, as compared to $0.3 million during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015. The change in cash in investing activities is primarily due to increased investments in personal injury claims. Net cash provided by financing activities was $4.4 million during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, as compared to $17.0 million provided by financing activities in the same 2015 period. The increased use in financing activities for the purchase of treasury stock in the current year period was partially offset by the decrease in net CBC borrowings in the current fiscal year.

 

Our cash requirements have been and will continue to be significant and include external financing to operate various lines of business. Significant requirements include investment in personal injury claims, investment in structured settlements, costs involved in the collections of consumer receivables, repayment of CBC debt and investment in consumer receivable portfolios. In addition, dividends could be paid if approved by the Board of Directors. Acquisitions recently have been financed through cash flows from operating activities. We believe we will be less dependent on a credit facility (with the exception of CBC) in the short-term, as our cash balances will be sufficient to invest in personal injury claims, purchase portfolios and finance the early stages of the disability advocacy business. Structured settlements are financed through the use of a credit line, warehouse facility, and private placement financing.

 

We believe our available cash resources and expected cash flows from operations will be sufficient to fund operations for the next twelve months. We do not expect to incur any material capital expenditures during the next twelve months.

 

We are cognizant of the current market fundamentals in the debt purchase and company acquisition markets which, because of significant supply and tight capital availability, could result in increased buying opportunities. The outcome of any future transaction(s) is subject to market conditions. In addition, due to these opportunities, we continue to seek opportunities with banking organizations and others on a possible financing loan facility

 

 
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Share Repurchase Program

 

On August 11, 2015, the Board of Directors of the Company (“Board of Directors”) approved the repurchase of up to $15 million of the Company’s common stock and authorized management of the Company to enter into the Shares Repurchase Plan under Sections 10b-18 and 10(b)5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act (“the Shares Repurchase Plan”). The Shares Repurchase Plan was to have been effective to December 31, 2015. On December 17, 2015 the Board of Directors approved the extension of the Plan to March 31, 2016. On March 17, 2016, having repurchased approximately $9.9 million of the Company’s common stock, the Board of Directors approved a further extension of the Plan to December 31, 2016. On March 22, 2016, a Company shareholder commenced a tender offer for the Company’s common stock. Per the provisions of the Shares Repurchase Plan, it terminated immediately, and no further purchases were permitted under the Stock Repurchase Plan. Through September 30, 2016, the Company purchased approximately 1,186,000 shares at an aggregate cost of approximately $10.1 million under the Company’s Shares Repurchase Plan. Through September 30, 2015, the company had purchased 201,800 shares at a cost of approximately $1,751,000.

 

 On April 11, 2016, the Company commenced a Tender Offer to purchase of up to 3,000,000 shares of its common stock, par value $0.01 per share, pursuant to auction tenders at prices specified by the tendering shareholders of not greater than $10.25 per share nor less than $9.50 per share. The expiration date for the Company’s Tender Offer was May 12, 2016. On that date, the Company repurchased 274,284 shares at a price of $10.25 per share, for an aggregate cost of $2,811,411.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations in future fiscal years:

 

Payments Due By Period

 

   

Total

   

Less Than
1 Year

   

1-3 Years

   

3-5 Years

   

More Than
5 Years

 

Long Term Debt Obligations

  $ 57,282,000     $ 4,391,000     $ 7,390,000     $ 7,984,000     $ 37,517,000  

Operating Lease Obligations

    1,871,000       690,000       892,000       289,000        
                                         

Total

  $ 59,153,000     $ 5,081,000     $ 8,282,000     $ 8,273,000     $ 37,517,000  

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

As of September 30, 2016, we did not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partners, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. As such, we are not materially exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in such relationships.

 

 
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The following table shows the changes in finance receivables, including amounts paid to acquire new portfolios:

 

   

Year Ended September 30,

 
   

2016

   

2015

   

2014

   

2013

   

2012

 
   

(In millions)

 

Balance at beginning of period

  $ 15.6     $ 29.4     $ 64.3     $ 94.2     $ 122.7  

Acquisitions of finance receivables, net of buybacks

    8.2       2.1       5.1       3.3       2.5  

Cash collections from customers applied to principal(1)

    (9.3

)

    (15.8

)

    (20.4

)

    (22.2

)

    (29.1

)

Cash collections represented by account sales applied to principal(1)

          (0.1

)

    (0.1

)

          (0.1

)

Impairments/Portfolio write down

    (0.2

)

          (19.5

)

    (11.0

)

    (1.8

)

                                         

Balance at end of period

  $ 14.3     $ 15.6     $ 29.4     $ 64.3     $ 94.2  

 


(1)

Cash collections applied to principal consists of cash collections less income recognized on finance receivables plus amounts received by us from the sale of consumer receivable portfolios to third parties.

 

Portfolio Purchases

 

   

Year Ended September 30,

 
   

2016

   

2015

   

2014

 
   

(In millions)

 

Aggregate Purchase Price

  $ 8.2     $ 2.1     $ 5.1  

Aggregate Portfolio Face Amount

    162.9       28.0       478.9  

 

The prices we pay for our consumer receivable portfolios are dependent on many criteria including the age of the portfolio, the number of third party collection agencies and attorneys that have been involved in the collection process and the geographical distribution of the portfolio. When we pay higher prices for portfolios which are performing or fresher, we believe it is not at the sacrifice of our expected returns. Price fluctuations for portfolio purchases from quarter to quarter or year to year are primarily indicative of the overall mix of the types of portfolios we are purchasing.

 

Schedule of Cost Recovery Portfolios

 

   

September 30, 2016

   

September 30, 2015

   

September 30, 2014

 
           

(In millions)

         

Original Purchase Price (at period end)

  $ 1,264.9     $ 1,256.7     $ 1,254.6  

Cumulative Aggregate Managed Portfolios (at period end)

    32,628.2       32,465.3       32,437.3  

Receivable Carrying Value (at period end)

    14.3       15.6       29.4  

Finance Income Earned (for the respective period)

 

19.1

   

20.8

   

19.5

 

Total Cash Flows (for the respective period)

    29.0       36.7       40.2  

 

The original purchase price reflects what we paid for the receivables from 1998 through the end of the respective period. The cumulative aggregate managed portfolio balance is the original aggregate amount owed by the borrowers at the end of the respective period. Additional differences between year to year period end balances may result from the transfer of portfolios between the interest method and the cost recovery method. We purchase consumer receivables at substantial discounts from the face amount. We record finance income on our receivables under either the cost recovery or interest method. The receivable carrying value represents the current basis in the receivables after collections and amortization of the original price.

 

 
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We do not anticipate collecting the majority of the purchased principal amounts. Accordingly, the difference between the carrying value of the portfolios and the gross receivables is not indicative of future finance income from these accounts acquired for liquidation. Since we purchased these accounts at significant discounts, we anticipate collecting only a portion of the face amounts.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued an update to ASC 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” that will supersede virtually all existing revenue guidance. Under this update, an entity is required to recognize revenue upon transfer of promised goods or services to customers, in an amount that reflects the entitled consideration received in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from the customer contracts. This update is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application is permitted for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this update will have on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, “Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis,” which amends the consolidation requirements in ASC 810. This update is effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company has reviewed this ASU and determined that it will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In January 2016, the FASB issued Update No. 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The main objective in developing this update is enhancing the reporting model for financial instruments to provide users of financial statements with more decision-useful information. The amendments in this update address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. The effective date for this update is for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this update will have on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued Update No. 2016-02 to amend lease accounting requirements and requires entities to generally recognize on the balance sheet operating and financing lease liabilities and corresponding right-of-use assets. The new standard will require significant additional disclosures about the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows from leases. The standard update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those years and early adoption is permitted. The standard is to be applied using a modified retrospective approach and includes a number of optional practical expedients that entities may elect to apply. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this update on its consolidated financial statements and expects that most of its operating leases will be recognized as operating lease liabilities and right-of-use assets upon adoption.

 

 
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In March 2016, the FASB issued Update No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share Based Payment Accounting, to simplify and improve areas of generally accepted accounting principles for which cost and complexity can be reduced while maintaining or improving the usefulness of the information provided to users of financial statements. The effective date for this update is for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this update will have on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.  The ASU requires an organization to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Additionally, the ASU amends the accounting for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration.  For the Company, this update will be effective for interim periods and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Upon adoption, the Company will accelerate the recording of its credit losses in its financial statements.

 

In August 2016 the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments."  This ASU will make eight targeted changes to how cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The new standard will require adoption on a retrospective basis unless it is impracticable to apply, in which case the Company would be required to apply the amendments prospectively as of the earliest date practicable. The Company is in the process of evaluating the provisions of the ASU, but does not expect it to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows.

 

Inflation

 

We believe that inflation has not had a material impact on our results of operations for the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014.

 

Item 7A. 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 

 

We are exposed to various types of market risk in the normal course of business, including the impact of interest rate changes and changes in corporate tax rates. The debt associated with CBC, had a balance of approximately $67.4 million, consisting of $10.1 million through a line of credit, at a rate of LIBOR plus 4%, with a floor of 4.1%, from a financial institution, and $57.3 million of notes at varying rates, from 4.85% to 8.75%, issued by CBC’s subsidiaries. At September 30, 2016, the LIBOR rate was 0.5311%. Thus, a 25 basis point change in the LIBOR rate would have had no impact on the line of credit interest expense, as the resulting rate would still have been below the 4.1% floor.

 

We have elected to measure structured settlements at fair value under ASC 825. However, the debt used to finance our investments in structured settlements is measured at cost. This results in an accounting mismatch that yields potential gains or losses, recognized in the consolidated statements of income, depending primarily on changes in interest rates.

 

We monitor changes in market rate primarily based on our periodic securitization of assets, whereby we are able to determine a market rate. A significant change in the rate at which we can securitize can increase or decrease the gain or loss. We partially mitigate the risk over the long term by pricing new structured settlements originations relative to current market rates. As benchmark rates decrease, we can purchase structured settlements at lower discount rates to the consumer, while maintaining spread or gain. As benchmark rates increase, the market value of the entire portfolio could lose value. As such, future structured settlement purchases must be purchased at an increased discount rate in order to maintain or increase spread or gain. The Company does not currently purchase derivative products to mitigate risk.

 

Item 8. 

Financial Statements And Supplementary Data. 

 

The Financial Statements of the Company, the Notes thereto and the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm thereon required by this item begin on page F-1 of this report located immediately preceding the signature page.

 

Item 9. 

Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure. 

 

None.

 

Item 9A. 

Controls and Procedures. 

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of September 30, 2016. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives. Based on their evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2016.

 

 
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Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting. In making this assessment, we used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO 2013”) in Internal Control — Integrated Framework, issued in 2013. Based on management’s assessment, and based on the criteria in COSO 2013, we believe that we maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2016.

 

Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

 

As required by Rule 13a-15(d) under the Exchange Act, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have evaluated our internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the 2016 fourth quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting, and have concluded that there have been no changes that occurred during the 2016 fourth quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

 
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Asta Funding, Inc.

 

We have audited Asta Funding, Inc. and subsidiaries’ (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

In our opinion, management’s assessment that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2016, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”).

 

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of September 30, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the three-year period ended September 30, 2016, and our report dated December 14, 2016, expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

 

/s/WeiserMazars LLP

 

Edison, New Jersey

December 14, 2016

 

 
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Item 9B. 

Other Information. 

 

None.

 

PART III

 

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance. 

 

The information required by this item will be set forth in our definitive proxy statement with respect to our 2017 annual meeting of stockholders to be filed not later than 120 days after September 30, 2016 and is incorporated herein by this reference.

 

Item 11 .

Executive Compensation. 

 

The information required by this item will be set forth in our definitive proxy statement with respect to our 2017 annual meeting of stockholders to be filed not later than 120 days after September 30, 2016 and is incorporated herein by this reference.

 

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters. 

 

The information required by this item will be set forth in our definitive proxy statement with respect to our 2017 annual meeting of stockholders to be filed not later than 120 days after September 30, 2016 and is incorporated herein by this reference.

 

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence. 

 

The information required by this item will be set forth in our definitive proxy statement with respect to our 2017 annual meeting of stockholders to be filed not later than 120 days after September 30, 2016 and is incorporated herein by this reference.

 

Item 14.

Principal Accounting Fees and Services. 

 

The information required by this item will be set forth in our definitive proxy statement with respect to our 2017 annual meeting of stockholders to be filed not later than 120 days after September 30, 2016 and is incorporated herein by this reference.

 

Part IV

 

Item 15. 

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules. 

 

(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report

 

Exhibit

Number

  

   

3.1

  

Certificate of Incorporation(1)

3.2

  

Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation(2)

3.3

  

Certificate of Designation of Series A Preferred Stock(3)

3.4

  

Bylaws(4)

3.5

  

Amendments to Article IX of the By-Laws of Asta Funding, Inc.(5)

4.1

  

Rights Agreement, dated as of August 23, 2012, between Asta Funding, Inc. and American Stock Transfer & Trust Co., LLC(6)

10.1

  

Asta Funding, Inc 1995 Stock Option Plan as Amended(1)

10.2

  

Asta Funding, Inc. 2002 Stock Option Plan(2)

 

 
50

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Exhibit

Number

  

   

10.3

  

Asta Funding, Inc. Equity Compensation Plan(7)

10.4

  

Asta Funding, Inc. 2012 Stock Option and Performance Award Plan(8)

10.5

  

Form of Intercreditor Agreement between Asta Funding and IDB as lending agent(9)

10.6

  

Amended and Restated Management Agreement, dated as of January 16, 2009, between Palisades Collection, L.L.C., and [*](10)

10.7

  

Amended and Restated Master Servicing Agreement, dated as of January 16, 2009, between Palisades Collection, L.L.C., and [*](11)

10.8

  

First Amendment to Amended and Restated Master Servicing Agreement, dated as of September 16, 2007, by and among Palisades Collection, L.L.C., and [*], and [*](12)

10.9

  

Indemnification agreement between Asta Funding and GMS Family Investors LLC. (13)

10.10

  

Settlement Agreement and Omnibus Amendment among Asta Funding, Inc., Palisades Acquisition XVI and BMO Capital Markets dated August 7, 2013. (20)

10.11

  

Lease agreement between the Company and ESL200 LLC dated August 2, 2010 (14)

10.12

  

Revolving Credit Agreement, dated December 28, 2011, by and between Pegasus Funding, LLC and Fund Pegasus, LLC(15)

10.13

  

Security Agreement, dated December 28, 2011, by and between Pegasus Funding, LLC and Fund Pegasus, LLC(16)

10.14

  

Secured Revolving Credit Note, dated December 28, 2011, by Pegasus Funding, LLC in favor of Fund Pegasus, LLC(17)

10.15

  

Operating Agreement of Pegasus Funding, LLC, dated December 28, 2011(18)

10.16

  

Consulting Agreement, dated December 12, 2011, by and between the Company and A.L. Piccolo & Co., Inc.(20)

10.17

  

Membership Interest Purchase Agreement by and among CBC Settlement, LLC, CBC Management Services Group, LLC, Asta Funding, Inc. and Other Parties Hereto (22) (24)

10.18

  

Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of CBC Settlement Funding, LLC (23) (24)

10.19

  

Asta Funding, Inc. lease agreement with ESL 200 LLC (25)

21.1

  

Subsidiaries of the Registrant*

23.1

  

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm*

31.1

  

Certification of Registrant’s Chief Executive Officer, Gary Stern, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

31.2

  

Certification of Registrant’s Chief Financial Officer, Bruce Foster, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

32.1

  

Certification of the Registrant’s Chief Executive Officer, Gary Stern, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

32.2

  

Certification of the Registrant’s Chief Financial Officer, Bruce Foster, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

 

101.INS

  

XBRL Instance

  

  

101.SCH

  

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

  

  

101.CAL

  

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation

  

  

101.DEF

  

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition

  

  

101.LAB

  

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels

  

  

101.PRE

  

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation


 

* Filed herewith 
   

(1)

Incorporated by reference to an Exhibit to Asta Funding’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (File No. 33-97212).

 

(2)

Incorporated by reference to an Exhibit to Asta Funding’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the three months ended March 31, 2002.

 

(3)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Asta Funding’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 24, 2012.

 

(4)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Asta Funding’s Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended September 30, 1998.

 

 
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(5)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Asta Funding’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 24, 2012.

 

(6)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Asta Funding’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 24, 2012.

 

(7)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Asta Funding’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 3, 2006.

 

(8)

Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to Asta Funding’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed on February 17, 2012 for the March 21, 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

 

(9)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to Asta Funding’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2008.

 

(10)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to Asta Funding’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2008.

 

(11)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to Asta Funding’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2008.

 

(12)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to Asta Funding’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2008.

 

(13)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to Asta Funding’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2009.

 

(14)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Asta Funding’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 5, 2010.

 

(15)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Asta Funding’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 4, 2012.

 

(16)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Asta Funding’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 4, 2012.

 

(17)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Asta Funding’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 4, 2012.

 

(18)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Asta Funding’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 4, 2012.

 

(19)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Asta Funding’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 6, 2012.

 

(20)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Asta Funding’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2011.

 

(21)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Asta Funding’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 9, 2012.

 

(22)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Asta Funding’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 7, 2014.

 

(23)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Asta Funding’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 7, 2014.

 

(24)

The schedules to Exhibits 10.17 and 10.18 have not been filed with this registration statement as they contain due diligence information which the Registrant does not believe is material to an investment decision.

 

(25)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Asta Funding’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 29, 2015.

   

(26)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Asta Funding’s current report on Form 8-K filed March 31, 2016.

   

(27)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Asta Funding’s current report on Form 8-K filed May 26, 2016.

 

 
52

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ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Contents

 

 

Page

   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

F-2

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2016 and 2015

 

F-3

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014

 

F-4

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended September  30, 2016, 2015 and 2014

 

F-5

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended September  30, 2016, 2015 and 2014

 

F-6

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014

 

F-7

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

F-8

 

 
F-1

Table Of Contents
 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Asta Funding, Inc.

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Asta Funding, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of September 30, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the three-year period ended September 30, 2016. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of September 30, 2016 and 2015, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the three-year period ended September 30, 2016, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) and our report dated December 14, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

/s/WeiserMazars LLP

 

Edison, New Jersey

December 14, 2016

 

 
F-2

Table Of Contents
 

 

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

   

September 30,

 
   

2016

   

2015

 

ASSETS

               

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 18,526,000     $ 24,315,000  

Available-for-sale investments

    56,764,000       59,727,000  

Consumer receivables acquired for liquidation (at net realizable value)

    14,320,000       15,608,000  

Structured settlements

    85,708,000       64,635,000  

Investment in personal injury claims, net

    48,289,000       36,668,000  

Other investments

    3,590,000       4,239,000  

Due from third party collection agencies and attorneys

    1,005,000       1,422,000  

Prepaid and income taxes receivable

    880,000       6,744,000  

Furniture and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation of $1,758,000 at September 30, 2016 and $4,865,000 at September 30, 2015)

    243,000       480,000  

Deferred income taxes

    15,530,000       12,279,000  

Goodwill

    2,770,000       2,770,000  

Other assets

    8,423,000       8,485,000  
                 

Total assets

  $ 256,048,000     $ 237,372,000  
                 
                 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

               

Other debt — CBC (includes non-recourse notes payable amounting to $57.3 million at September 30, 2016 and $47.0 million at September 30, 2015)

  $ 67,435,000     $ 51,611,000  

Other liabilities

    5,974,000       4,441,000  

Income taxes payable

    493,000        
                 

Total liabilities

    73,902,000       56,052,000  
                 

Commitments and contingencies

               

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

               

Preferred stock, $.01 par value; authorized 5,000,000; issued and outstanding — none

           

Common stock, $.01 par value, authorized 30,000,000 shares; issued 13,336,508 at September 30, 2016 and 13,061,673 at September 30, 2015; and outstanding 11,876,224 at September 30, 2016 and 12,859,873 at September 30, 2015

    133,000       131,000  

Additional paid-in capital

    67,026,000       65,011,000  

Retained earnings

    128,471,000       120,611,000  

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes

    86,000       (1,685,000

)

Treasury stock (at cost), 1,460,284 shares at September 30, 2016 and 201,800 shares at September 30, 2015

    (12,925,000

)

    (1,751,000

)

Non-controlling interests

    (645,000

)

    (997,000

)

                 

Total stockholders’ equity

    182,146,000       181,320,000  
                 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $ 256,048,000     $ 237,372,000  

 

See notes to accompanying consolidated financial statements

 

 
F-3

Table Of Contents
 

 

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

   

Year Ended September 30,

 
   

2016

   

2015

   

2014

 

Revenues:

                       

Finance income, net

  $ 19,056,000     $ 20,757,000     $ 19,865,000  

Personal injury claims income

    20,212,000       8,482,000       7,134,000  

Unrealized gain on structured settlements

    7,657,000       7,146,000       2,840,000  

Interest income on structured settlements

    6,192,000       4,672,000       2,368,000  

Disability fee income

    4,011,000       1,434,000       378,000  
                         

Total revenues

    57,128,000       42,491,000       32,585,000  

Forgiveness of non-recourse debt

                26,101,000  

Other income (includes ($63,000), ($155,000), and ($143,000) during the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, of accumulated other comprehensive income reclassifications for realized net losses on securities).

    1,585,000       1,687,000       1,399,000  
                         
      58,713,000       44,178,000       60,085,000  
                         

Expenses:

                       

General and administrative expenses

    41,797,000       36,933,000       28,192,000  

Interest expense

    3,223,000       2,395,000       1,260,000  

Impairments of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation

    164,000             19,591,000  
                         
      45,184,000       39,328,000       49,043,000  
                         

Income before income tax

    13,529,000       4,850,000       11,042,000  

Income tax expense (includes tax benefit (expense) of $24,000, $68,000 and $59,000 during the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, of accumulated other comprehensive income reclassifications for realized net (losses) gains on available for sales securities)

    2,901,000       2,122,000       4,613,000  
                         

Net income

    10,628,000       2,728,000       6,429,000  

Less: net income attributable to non-controlling interests

    2,768,000       712,000       528,000  
                         

Net income attributable to Asta Funding, Inc.

  $ 7,860,000     $ 2,016,000     $ 5,901,000  
                         

Net income per share attributable to Asta Funding, Inc.:

                       

Basic

  $ 0.66     $ 0.15     $ 0.45  

Diluted

  $ 0.63     $ 0.15     $ 0.45  

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:

                       

Basic

    11,996,500       13,044,215       12,981,076  

Diluted

    12,508,561       13,314,605       13,205,933  

 

See notes to accompanying consolidated financial statements

 

 
F-4

Table Of Contents
 

 

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

 

   

Year Ended September 30,

 
   

2016

   

2015

   

2014

 

Comprehensive income is as follows:

                       

Net income

  $ 10,628,000     $ 2,728,000     $ 6,429,000  
                         

Net unrealized securities gain/(loss), net of tax benefit / (expense) of ($529,000), $303,000 and ($599,000), during the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

    868,000       (260,000

)

    900,000  

Reclassification adjustments for securities sold, net of tax benefit of $24,000, $68,000 and $59,000, during the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

    (39,000

)

    (87,000

)

    (84,000

)

Foreign currency translation, net of tax (expense) benefit of ($628,000) and $987,000, during the years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

    942,000       (1,480,000

)

     
                         

Other comprehensive income (loss)

    1,771,000       (1,827,000

)

    816,000  
                         

Total comprehensive income

  $ 12,399,000     $ 901,000     $ 7,245,000  

 

See notes to accompanying consolidated financial statements

 

 
F-5

Table Of Contents
 

 

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

 

For the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014

 

   

Common Stock

   

Additional
Paid-in
Capital

   

Retained
Earnings

   

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

   

Treasury
Stock

   

Non-
Controlling
Interests

   

Total
Stockholders’
Equity

 
   

Issued
Shares

   

Amount

                                                 

Balance, September 30, 2013

    14,917,977     $ 149,000     $ 79,104,000     $ 112,694,000     $ (674,000

)

  $ (17,805,000

)

  $ (184,000

)

  $ 173,284,000  
                                                                 

Exercise of options

    11,600             40,000                               40,000  

Stock based compensation expense

                1,744,000                                 1,744,000  

Net income,

                      5,901,000                   528,000       6,429,000  

Unrealized gain on marketable securities

                            816,000                   816,000  

Retirement of treasury stock

    (1,943,738

)

    (19,000

)

    (17,786,000

)

                17,805,000              

Distributions to non-controlling interest

                                        (1,057,000

)

    (1,057,000

)

                                                                 

Balance, September 30, 2014

    12,985,839       130,000       63,102,000       118,595,000       142,000             (713,000

)

    181,256,000  

Exercise of options

    60,834       1,000       475,000                               476,000  

Stock based compensation expense

                1,434,000                               1,434,000  

Restricted stock

    15,000                                            

Net income

                      2,016,000                   712,000       2,728,000  

Unrealized loss on marketable securities

                            (347,000

)

                (347,000

)

Purchase of treasury stock

                                  (1,751,000

)

          (1,751,000

)

Foreign currency translation, net

                            (1,480,000

)

                (1,480,000

)

Distributions to non-controlling interest

                                        (996,000

)

    (996,000

)

                                                                 

Balance, September 30, 2015

    13,061,673       131,000       65,011,000       120,611,000       (1,685,000

)

    (1,751,000

)

    (997,000

)

    181,320,000  

Exercise of options

    146,531       1,000       1,203,000                               1,204,000  

Stock based compensation expense

                686,000                               686,000  

Restricted stock

    5,000                                            

Net income

                      7,860,000                   2,768,000       10,628,000  

Unrealized gain on marketable securities

                            829,000                   829,000  

Purchase of treasury stock

                                  (11,174,000

)

          (11,174,000

)

Foreign currency translation, net

                            942,000                   942,000  

Purchase of subsidiary shares from non-controlling interest

    123,304       1,000       126,000

 

                      (927,000

)

    (800,000

)

Distributions to non-controlling interest

                                        (1,489,000

)

    (1,489,000

)

Balance, September 30, 2016

    13,336,508     $ 133,000     $ 67,026,000     $ 128,471,000     $ 86,000     $ (12,925,000

)

  $ (645,000

)

  $ 182,146,000  

  

See notes to accompanying consolidated financial statements

 

 
F-6

Table Of Contents
 

  

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

   

Year Ended September 30,

 
   

2016

   

2015

   

2014

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

                       

Net income

  $ 10,628,000     $ 2,728,000     $ 6,429,000  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

                       

Depreciation and amortization

    497,000       366,000       363,000  

Deferred income taxes

    (3,251,000

)

    (5,343,000

)

    446,000  

Impairments of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation

    164,000             19,591,000  

Stock based compensation

    686,000       1,434,000       1,744,000  

Loss on sale of available-for-sale securities

    63,000       155,000       143,000  

Structured settlements — accrued interest

    (5,414,000

)

    (4,330,000

)

    (2,282,000

)

Structured settlements — gains

    (7,657,000

)

    (7,146,000

)

    (2,840,000

)

Unrealized gain on other investments

    (359,000

)

    (68,000

)

     

Unrealized foreign exchange loss on other investments

    8,000       829,000        

Reserve for loss on investment

    1,000,000              

Operating Lease Adjustment

    21,000              

Forgiveness of non-recourse debt

                (26,101,000

)

Changes in:

                       

Prepaid and income taxes receivable

    5,864,000       (6,314,000

)

    1,066,000  

Due from third party collection agencies and attorneys

    417,000       (396,000

)

    143,000  

Other assets

    (597,000

)

    (2,551,000

)

    (1,592,000

)

Income taxes payable

    493,000              

Other liabilities

    2,475,000       (489,000

)

    745,000  
                         

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

    5,038,000       (21,125,000

)

    (2,145,000

)

                         

Cash flows from investing activities:

                       

Purchase of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation

    (8,162,000

)

    (2,110,000

)

    (5,078,000

)

Principal collected on consumer receivables acquired for liquidation

    9,286,000       15,944,000       20,271,000  

Principal collected on consumer receivable accounts represented by account sales

          2,000       26,000  

Purchase of available-for-sale securities

    (12,020,000

)

    (17,843,000

)

    (20,111,000

)

Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities

    16,302,000       24,178,000       12,560,000  

Purchase of other investments

          (5,000,000

)

     

Cash paid for acquisition (net of cash acquired)

                (5,588,000

)

Purchase of non-controlling interest

    (800,000

)

           

Investments in personal injury claims — advances

    (36,890,000

)

    (25,077,000

)

    (22,218,000

)

Investments in personal injury claims — receipts

    25,269,000       20,761,000       25,624,000  

Investments in structured settlements — advances

    (15,962,000

)

    (16,615,000

)

    (9,808,000

)

Investments in structured settlements — receipts

    7,960,000       5,535,000       3,287,000  

Capital expenditures

    (175,000

)

    (90,000

)

    (13,000

)

                         

Net cash used in investing activities

    (15,192,000

)

    (315,000

)

    (1,048,000

)

                         

Cash flows from financing activities:

                       

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

    1,204,000       476,000       40,000  

Purchase of treasury stock

    (11,174,000

)

    (1,751,000

)

     

Change in restricted cash

                968,000  

Distributions to non-controlling interest

    (1,489,000

)

    (996,000

)

    (1,057,000

)

Repayments of non-recourse debt — Bank of Montreal, net

                (9,659,000

)

Borrowings of other debt — CBC

    32,102,000       54,766,000       9,903,000  

Repayments of other debt — CBC

    (16,278,000

)

    (35,450,000

)

    (3,471,000

)

                         

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

    4,365,000       17,045,000       (3,276,000

)

                         

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

    (5,789,000

)

    (4,395,000

)

    (6,469,000

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

    24,315,000       28,710,000       35,179,000  
                         

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

  $ 18,526,000     $ 24,315,000     $ 28,710,000  
                         

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

                       

Cash paid for:

                       

Interest

  $ 3,252,000     $ 2,398,000     $ 1,004,000  
                         

Income taxes

  $ 307,000     $ 13,060,000     $ 3,100,000  
                         

Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing and financing activities:

                       

Issuance of restricted stock to purchase subsidiary shares from non-controlling interest

  $ 1,000,000              

Structured settlements

              $ 30,436,000  

Other debt — CBC

              $ 23,363,000  

Retirement of treasury stock

              $ 17,505,000  

 

See notes to accompanying consolidated financial statements

 

 
F-7

Table Of Contents
 

 

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2016 and 2015

 

NOTE A — THE COMPANY AND ITS SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

[1] The Company:

 

Asta Funding, Inc., together with its wholly owned significant operating subsidiaries Palisades Collection LLC, Palisades Acquisition XVI, LLC (“Palisades XVI”), VATIV Recovery Solutions LLC (“VATIV”), ASFI Pegasus Holdings, LLC (“APH”), Fund Pegasus, LLC (“Fund Pegasus”), GAR Disability Advocates, LLC (“GAR Disability Advocates”), CBC Settlement Funding, LLC (“CBC”) and other subsidiaries, not all wholly owned (the “Company”, “we” or “us”), is engaged in several business segments in the financial services industry including structured settlements through our wholly owned subsidiary CBC Settlement Funding, LLC, funding of personal injury claims, through our 80% owned subsidiary Pegasus Funding, LLC (“Pegasus”), social security and disability advocates through our wholly owned subsidiary GAR Disability Advocates and the business of purchasing, managing for its own account and servicing distressed consumer receivables, including charged off receivables, and semi-performing receivables.

 

Consumer receivables

 

The Company started out in the consumer receivable business in 1994. Recently, our effort has been in the international areas (mainly South America), as we have curtailed our active purchasing of consumer receivables in the United States. We define consumer receivables as primary charged-off, semi-performing and distressed depending on their collectability. We acquire these consumer receivables at substantial discounts to their face values, based on the characteristics of the underlying accounts of each portfolio.

 

Personal injury claims

   

Pegasus conducts its business solely in the United States. Pegasus obtains its business from external brokers and internal sales professionals soliciting individuals with personal injury claims. Business is also obtained from the Pegasus website and through attorneys.

 

Structured settlements

 

CBC purchases structured settlement and annuity policies through privately negotiated direct consumer purchases and brokered transactions across the United States. CBC funds the purchases primarily from cash, and its securitized debt, issued through its BBR subsidiaries. Blue Bell Receivables I, LLC (“BBR I”), Blue Bell Receivables II, LLC (“BBR II”), Blue Bell Receivables III, LLC (“BBR III”), Blue Bell Receivables IV, LLC (“BBR IV”), Blue Bell Receivables V, LLC (BBR V”) and Blue Bell Receivables VI, LLC (BBR VI”), collectively the “Blue Bell Entities,” are variable interest entities (“VIEs”). CBC is considered the primary beneficiary because it has the power to direct the significant activities of the VIEs via its ownership and service contract. It also has the rights to receive benefits from the collections that exceed the payments to the note holders.

 

Social security benefit advocacy

 

GAR Disability Advocates provides its disability advocacy services throughout the United States. It relies upon search engine optimization (“SEO”) to bring awareness to its intended market.

 

The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) and industry practices.

 

[2] Liquidity:

 

Consumer receivables

 

The Company’s cash requirements have been and will continue to be significant. In the past, we have depended upon external financing to acquire consumer receivables, fund operating expenses, interest and income taxes. We have depended solely on operating cash flow to fund the acquisition of portfolios, pay operating expenses, and taxes. Net collections decreased $7.7 million or 21.0% from $36.7 million in fiscal year 2015 to $29.0 million in fiscal year 2016. Although the Company’s collections decreased from the prior year, the Company believes its net cash collections over the next twelve months, coupled with its current liquid cash balances, will be sufficient to cover its operating expenses.

  

 

 

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2016 and 2015

 

NOTE A — THE COMPANY AND ITS SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

 

[2] Liquidity (Continued):

 

Personal Injury Claims

 

On December 28, 2011, we formed a joint venture Pegasus with Pegasus Legal Funding, LLC (“PLF”). Pegasus purchases interests in personal injury claims from claimants who are a party to a personal injury litigation with the expectation of a settlement in the future. Pegasus advances to each claimant funds on a non-recourse basis at an agreed upon interest rate in anticipation of a future settlement. The interest purchased by Pegasus in each claim will consist of the right to receive from such claimant part of the proceeds or recoveries which such claimant receives by reason of a settlement, judgment or award with respect to such claimant’s claim. The profits from the joint venture are distributed based on the ownership percentage of the parties — Asta Funding, Inc. 80% and PLF, 20%. Funding for the business comes from internally-generated revenue and the Company.

 

On November 8, 2016, the Company entered into a binding Term Sheet (the “Term Sheet”) with ASFI Pegasus Holding, LLC, Fund Pegasus, LLC, Pegasus, PLF, Max Alperovich and Alexander Khanas. The Company and PLF decided not to renew the Pegasus joint venture that by its terms terminates on December 28, 2016. The Term Sheet amends certain provisions to Pegasus’ operating agreement dated as of December 28, 2011 (as amended, the “Operating Agreement”) and governs the terms relating to the collection of its existing Pegasus portfolio (the “Portfolio”). (See Note V - Subsequent Events).

 

Pursuant to the Term Sheet, the parties thereto have agreed that Pegasus will continue in existence in order to collect advances on its existing Portfolio. The Company will fund overhead expenses relating to the collection of the portfolio based on a budget agreed upon by the Company and PLF. Any cash received by Pegasus will be distributed to its members in the order provided for in the Operating Agreement. The Company will be allocated an amount equal to 20% of all principal collected on each investment paid back beginning October 1, 2016 and continue through the collection of the Portfolio, which will be applied against the outstanding balance of overhead expenses previously advanced by the Company to Pegasus. After January 2, 2017, additional overhead expenses advanced will be paid back monthly as incurred to the Company prior to the calculation and distribution of any profits.

 

Structured Settlements

 

On December 31, 2013, the Company acquired 80% ownership of CBC and its affiliate, CBC Management Services, LLC for approximately $5.9 million. The principals of CBC, William J. Skyrm, Esq. and James Goodman, each retained a 10% interest in CBC. In addition, the Company has agreed to provide financing to CBC of up to $5 million, amended to $7.5 million in March 2015. Through the transaction we acquired structured settlements valued at $30.4 million and debt that totaled $23.4 million, consisting of $9.6 million of a revolving line of credit with a financial institution and $13.8 million of non-recourse notes issued by CBC’s subsidiaries. On November 26, 2014, CBC announced the completion of its fourth private placement, backed by structured settlement and fixed annuity payments. CBC issued, through its subsidiary, BBR IV, LLC, approximately $20.8 million of fixed rate asset-backed notes with a yield of 5.4%. On September 30, 2015, CBC completed its fifth private placement backed by structured settlements and fixed annuity payments. CBC issued through its subsidiary, BBRV, LLC, approximately $16.6 million of fixed rate asset-backed notes with a yield of 5.1%. On July 8, 2016, CBC issued, through its subsidiary, BBR VI, LLC, approximately $14.8 million of fixed asset-backed notes, with a yield of 4.85% and a maturity date of February 15, 2043. The original loan balance at the time of closing was approximately $13.7 million. On March 1, 2015 CBC entered into the 9th amendment to the line of credit agreement with a new maturity date of March 1, 2017, increased the credit to $25.0 million and lowered the floor to 4.1%. On December 31, 2015, the Company acquired the remaining 20% ownership of CBC for $1,800,000, through the issuance of restricted stock valued at approximately $1,000,000 and $800,000 in cash. Each of the two original principals received 61,652 shares of restricted stock at a fair market value of $7.95 per share and $400,000 in cash. An aggregate of 123,304 shares of restricted stock was issued. As of September 30, 2016, the debt approximated $67.4 million.

 

Disability Advocates

 

Funding for the GAR Disability Advocates business is from the Company and internally-generated revenues.

 

[3] Principles of consolidation:

 

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

 

Palisades XVI is a variable interest entity (“VIE”). Asta Funding, Inc. is considered the primary beneficiary because it has the power to direct the significant activities of the VIE via its ownership and service contract. Palisades XVI holds the Great Seneca portfolio, a $300 million portfolio purchased in March 2007 (the “Portfolio Purchase”), which, as of September 30, 2016, had a value of $4.2 million. (See Note H —Non-Recourse Debt — Bank of Montreal for additional details)

 

 

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2016 and 2015

 

NOTE A — THE COMPANY AND ITS SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

 

[3] Principles of consolidation(continued):

 

Blue Bell Receivables I, LLC, Blue Bells Receivables II, LLC, Blue Bell Receivables III, LLC, Blue Bell Receivables IV, LLC, Blue Bell Receivables V, LLC and Blue Bell Receivables VI, LLC (the “Blue Bell Entities”) are VIEs. CBC is considered the primary beneficiary because it has the power to direct the significant activities of the VIEs via its ownership and service contract. It also has the rights to receive benefits from the collections that exceed the payments to the note holders. The Blue Bell Entities held structured settlements of $85.7 million and non-recourse notes payable of $57.3 million as of September 30, 2016.

 

[4] Concentration of Credit Risk — Cash:

 

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents.

 

Cash balances are maintained at various depository institutions and are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). The Company had cash balances with 10 banks that exceeded the balance insured by the FDIC by approximately $14.0 million at September 30, 2016. The Company is not exposed to any significant credit risk due to concentration of cash.

 

[5] Available-for-Sale Investments:

 

Investments that the Company intends to hold for an indefinite period of time, but not necessarily to maturity, are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are determined using the specific-identification method.

 

Declines in the fair value of individual available-for-sale securities below their respective costs that are other than temporary will result in write-downs of the individual securities to their fair value. Factors affecting the determination of whether another-than-temporary impairment has occurred include: a downgrading of the security by a rating agency, a significant deterioration in the financial condition of the issuer, or that management would not have the ability to hold a security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.

 

[6] Income recognition, Impairments and Accretable yield adjustments:

 

Income Recognition

 

The Company accounts for certain of its investments in finance receivables using the guidance of FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”), Receivables — Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality (“ASC 310”). Under the guidance of ASC 310, static pools of accounts are established. These pools are aggregated based on certain common risk criteria. Each static pool is recorded at cost and is accounted for as a single unit for the recognition of income, principal payments and loss provision. Due to the substantial reduction of portfolios reported under the interest method, and the inability to reasonably estimate cash collections required to account for those portfolios under the interest method the Company concluded the cost recovery method is the appropriate accounting method under the circumstances

 

Under the guidance of ASC 310-30, the Company must analyze a portfolio upon acquisition to ensure which method is appropriate, and once a static pool is established for a quarter, individual receivable accounts are not added to the pool (unless replaced by the seller) or removed from the pool (unless sold or returned to the seller).

  

The Company uses the cost recovery method when collections on a particular pool of accounts cannot be reasonably predicted. Under the cost recovery method, no income is recognized until the cost of the portfolio has been fully recovered. A pool can become fully amortized (zero carrying balance on the balance sheet) while still generating cash collections. In this case, all cash collections are recognized as revenue when received.

 

The Company accounts for its investments in personal injury claims at an agreed upon interest rate, in anticipation of a future settlement. The interest purchased by Pegasus in each claim will consist of the right to receive from such claimant part of the proceeds or recoveries which such claimant receives by reason of a settlement, judgment or reward with respect to such claimant’s claim. Open case revenue is estimated, recognized and accrued at a rate based on the expected realization and underwriting guidelines and facts and circumstances for each individual case. These personal injury claims are non-recourse. When a case is closed and the cash is received for the advance provided to a claimant, revenue is recognized based upon the contractually agreed upon interest rate, and, if applicable, adjusted for any changes due to a settled amount and fees charged to the claimant.

 

The funding of matrimonial actions is on a non-recourse basis. Revenue from matrimonial actions is recognized under the cost recovery method.

 

 
F-10

Table Of Contents
 

 

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2016 and 2015

 

NOTE A — THE COMPANY AND ITS SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

 

[6] Income recognition, Impairments and Accretable yield adjustments (Continued):

 

CBC purchases periodic payments under structured settlements and annuity policies from individuals in exchange for a lump sum payment. The Company elected to carry structured settlements at fair value. Unearned income on structured settlements is recognized as interest income using the effective interest method over the life of the related settlement. Changes in fair value are recorded in unrealized gain (loss) in structured settlements in our statements of operations.

 

The Company recognizes revenue for GAR Disability Advocates when cases close and fees are collected.

 

Impairments and accretable yield adjustments

 

The Company accounts for its impairments in accordance with ASC 310, which provides guidance on how to account for differences between contractual and expected cash flows from an investor’s initial investment in loans or debt securities acquired in a transfer if those differences are attributable, at least in part, to credit quality. The recognition of income under ASC 310 is dependent on the Company having the ability to develop reasonable expectations of both the timing and amount of cash flows to be collected. In the event the Company cannot develop a reasonable expectation as to both the timing and amount of cash flows expected to be collected, ASC 310 permits the change to the cost recovery method. The Company will recognize income only after it has recovered its carrying value.

 

If collection projections indicate the carrying value will not be recovered, an impairment is required. The impairment will be equal to the difference between the carrying value at the time of the forecast and the corresponding estimated remaining future collections. The Company believes it has significant experience in acquiring certain distressed consumer receivable portfolios at a significant discount to the amount actually owed by underlying customers. The Company invests in these portfolios only after both qualitative and quantitative analyses of the underlying receivables are performed and a calculated purchase price is paid so that it believes its estimated cash flow offers an adequate return on acquisition costs after servicing expenses. Additionally, when considering larger portfolio purchases of accounts, or portfolios from issuers with whom the Company has limited experience, it has the added benefit of soliciting its third party collection agencies and attorneys for their input on liquidation rates and, at times, incorporates such input into the estimates it uses for its expected cash flows.

 

[7] Commissions and fees:

 

Commissions and fees are the contractual commissions earned by third party collection agencies and attorneys, and direct costs associated with the collection effort- generally court costs. The Company expects to continue to purchase portfolios and utilize third party collection agencies and attorney networks.

 

[8] Furniture and equipment:

 

Furniture and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets (3 to 7 years). Amortization on leasehold improvements is provided by the straight line-method of the remaining life of the respective lease. An accelerated depreciation method is used for tax purposes.

 

[9] Income taxes:

 

Deferred federal and state taxes arise from (i) recognition of finance income collected for tax purposes, but not yet recognized for financial reporting; (ii) provision for impairments/credit losses, all resulting in timing differences between financial accounting and tax reporting; (iii) amortization of leasehold improvements resulting in timing differences between financial accounting and tax reporting; (iv) stock based compensation; and (v) partnership investments.

   

 

 
F-11

Table Of Contents
 

 

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2016 and 2015

 

NOTE A — THE COMPANY AND ITS SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

 

[10] Net income per share:

 

Basic per share data is determined by dividing net income by the weighted average shares outstanding during the period. Diluted per share data is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average shares outstanding, assuming all dilutive potential common shares were issued. The assumed proceeds from the exercise of dilutive options are calculated using the treasury stock method based on the average market price for the period.

  

The following table presents the computation of basic and diluted per share data for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014:

 

   

2016

   

2015

   

2014

 
   

Net
Income

   

Weighted
Average
Shares

   

Per
Share
Amount

   

Net
Income

   

Weighted
Average
Shares

   

Per
Share
Amount

   

Net
Income

   

Weighted
Average
Shares

   

Per
Share
Amount

 

Basic

  $ 7,860,000       11,996,500     $ 0.66     $ 2,016,000       13,044,215     $ 0.15     $ 5,901,000       12,981,076     $ 0.45  
                                                                         

Dilutive effect of stock options

            512,061       (0.03

)

            270,390       0.00               224,857       0.00  
                                                                         

Diluted

  $ 7,860,000       12,508,561     $ 0.63     $ 2,016,000       13,314,605     $ 0.15     $ 5,901,000       13,205,933     $ 0.45  

 

At September 30, 2016, 300,470 options at a weighted average exercise price of $9.82 were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation as they were anti-dilutive. At September 30, 2015, 418,962 options at a weighted average exercise price of $9.57 were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation as they were anti-dilutive. At September 30, 2014, 960,559 options at a weighted average exercise price of $12.12 were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation as they were anti-dilutive.

 

[11] Use of estimates:

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. With respect to income recognition the Company takes into consideration the relative credit quality of the underlying receivables constituting the portfolio acquired, the strategy involved to maximize the collections thereof, the time required to implement the collection strategy as well as other factors to estimate the anticipated cash flows. Actual results could differ from those estimates including management’s estimates of future cash flows and the resultant allocation of collections between principal and interest resulting there from. Downward revisions to estimated cash flows will result in impairments.

 

[12] Stock-based compensation:

 

The Company accounts for stock-based employee compensation under FASB ASC 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation , (“ASC 718”). ASC 718 requires that compensation expense associated with stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards be recognized in the statement of operations.

 

 

 
F-12

Table Of Contents
 

 

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2016 and 2015

 

NOTE A — THE COMPANY AND ITS SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

  

[13] Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards:

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued an update to ASC 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” that will supersede virtually all existing revenue guidance. Under this update, an entity is required to recognize revenue upon transfer of promised goods or services to customers, in an amount that reflects the entitled consideration received in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from the customer contracts. This update is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application is permitted for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this update will have on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, “Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis,” which amends the consolidation requirements in ASC 810. This update is effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company has reviewed this ASU and determined that it will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. 

 

In January 2016, the FASB issued Update No. 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The main objective in developing this update is enhancing the reporting model for financial instruments to provide users of financial statements with more decision-useful information. The amendments in this update address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. The effective date for this update is for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this update will have on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued Update No. 2016-02 to amend lease accounting requirements and requires entities to generally recognize on the balance sheet operating and financing lease liabilities and corresponding right-of-use assets. The new standard will require significant additional disclosures about the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows from leases. The standard update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those years and early adoption is permitted. The standard is to be applied using a modified retrospective approach and includes a number of optional practical expedients that that entities may elect to apply. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this update on its consolidated financial statements and expects that most of its operating leases will be recognized as operating lease liabilities and right-of-use assets upon adoption.

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued Update No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share Based Payment Accounting, to simplify and improve areas of generally accepted accounting principles for which cost and complexity can be reduced while maintaining or improving the usefulness of the information provided to users of financial statements. The effective date for this update is for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this update will have on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.  The ASU requires an organization to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Additionally, the ASU amends the accounting for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration.  For the Company, this update will be effective for interim periods and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Upon adoption, the Company will accelerate the recording of its credit losses in its financial statements.

 

In August 2016 the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments."  This ASU will make eight targeted changes to how cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The new standard will require adoption on a retrospective basis unless it is impracticable to apply, in which case the Company would be required to apply the amendments prospectively as of the earliest date practicable. The Company is in the process of evaluating the provisions of the ASU, but does not expect it to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows.

  

 

 
F-13

Table Of Contents
 

 

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2016 and 2015

 

NOTE A — THE COMPANY AND ITS SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

 

[14] Foreign Currency Translation

 

The U.S. dollar is the functional currency for the majority of our business. For local currency functional locations, assets and liabilities are translated at end-of-period rates while revenues and expenses are translated at average rates in effect during the period. Equity is translated at historical rates and the resulting cumulative translation adjustments are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income.

  

NOTE B — AVAILABLE - FOR -SALE INVESTMENTS

 

Mutual funds investments classified as available-for-sale at September 30, 2016 and 2015 consist of the following:

 

   

Amortized
Cost

   

Unrealized
Gains

   

Unrealized
Losses

   

Fair Value

 

2016

  $ 55,724,000     $ 1,089,000     $ (49,000

)

  $ 56,764,000  

2015

  $ 60,069,000     $ 98,000     $ (440,000

)

  $ 59,727,000  

 

The available-for-sale investments did not have any contractual maturities. The Company sold three investments during the year ended September 30, 2016, with an aggregate realized loss of $63,000. Additionally, the Company received $92,000 in capital gains distributions during fiscal year 2016. The Company sold four investments during the year ended September 30, 2015, with an aggregate realized loss of $155,000. Additionally, the Company received $234,000 in capital gains distributions during fiscal year 2015. The realized gains and losses are all included as part of other income.

 

At September 30, 2016, there were six investments, two of which were in an unrealized loss position that had existed for 12 months or more. At September 30, 2015, there were six investments, four of which were in an unrealized loss position. Three of the four investments had unrealized losses existing for more than 12 months and one of the four for 12 months or less. All of these securities were considered to be acceptable credit risks. Based on the evaluation of the available evidence at that time, including changes in market rates and credit rating information, management believed that any decline in fair value for these instruments would be temporary. In addition, management had the ability but did not believe it would be required to sell those investment securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for an anticipated recovery or maturity. Should the impairment of any of those securities become other than temporary, the cost basis of the investment will be reduced and the resulting loss recognized in net income in the period in which the other-than-temporary impairment were identified.

 

Unrealized holding gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are included in other comprehensive income within stockholders’ equity. Realized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities are included in other income and, when applicable, are reported as a reclassification adjustment in other comprehensive income.

 

 

 
F-14

Table Of Contents
 

 

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2016 and 2015

  

NOTE C — CONSUMER RECEIVABLES ACQUIRED FOR LIQUIDATION

  

Accounts acquired for liquidation are stated at their net estimated realizable value and consist primarily of defaulted consumer loans to individuals primarily throughout the United States.

 

The Company may account for its investments in consumer receivable portfolios, using either:

 

 

 

the interest method; or

 

 

 

the cost recovery method.

 

Prior to October 1, 2013 the Company accounted for certain of its investments in finance receivables using the interest method in accordance with the guidance of ASC 310-30. Under the guidance of ASC 310-30, static pools of accounts are established. These pools are aggregated based on certain common risk criteria. Each static pool is recorded at cost and is accounted for as a single unit for the recognition of income, principal payments and loss provision. Effective October 1, 2013, due to the substantial reduction of portfolios reported under the interest method, and the ability to reasonably estimate cash collections required to account for those portfolios under the interest method, the Company concluded the cost recovery method is the appropriate accounting method in the circumstances.

 

Although the Company has switched to the cost recovery method on its current inventory of portfolios, the Company must still analyze a portfolio upon acquisition to ensure which method is appropriate, and once a static pool is established for a quarter, individual receivable accounts are not added to the pool (unless replaced by the seller) or removed from the pool (unless sold or returned to the seller).

 

The Company uses the cost recovery method when collections on a particular pool of accounts cannot be reasonably predicted. Under the cost recovery method, no income is recognized until the cost of the portfolio has been fully recovered. A pool can become fully amortized (zero carrying balance on the balance sheet) while still generating cash collections. In this case, all cash collections are recognized as revenue when received.

 

The Company has extensive liquidating experience is in the field of distressed credit card receivables, telecommunication receivables, consumer loan receivables, retail installment contracts, consumer receivables, and auto deficiency receivables.

 

The Company aggregates portfolios of receivables acquired sharing specific common characteristics which were acquired within a given quarter. In addition, the Company uses a variety of qualitative and quantitative factors to estimate collections and the timing thereof. The Company obtains and utilizes, as appropriate, input, including but not limited to, monthly collection projections and liquidation rates, from third party collection agencies and attorneys, as further evidentiary matter, to assist in evaluating and developing collection strategies and in evaluating and modeling the expected cash flows for a given portfolio.

 

The following tables summarize the changes in the balance sheet account of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation during the following periods:

 

   

For the Year Ended September 30,

 
   

2016

   

2015

 

Balance, beginning of period

  $ 15,608,000     $ 29,444,000  

Acquisitions of receivable portfolio

    8,162,000       2,110,000  

Net cash collections from collection of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation

    (28,827,000

)

    (36,361,000

)

Net cash collections represented by account sales of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation

    (84,000

)

    (79,000

)

Impairment

    (164,000

)

     

Effect of foreign currency translation

    569,000       (263,000

)

Finance income recognized

    19,056,000       20,757,000  
                 

Balance, end of period

  $ 14,320,000     $ 15,608,000  
                 

Finance income as a percentage of collections

    65.9

%

    57.0

%

 

 

 
F-15

Table Of Contents
 

 

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2016 and 2015

 

NOTE C — CONSUMER RECEIVABLES ACQUIRED FOR LIQUIDATION (CONTINUED)

  

During the year ended September 30, 2016, the Company purchased $162.9 million in face value receivables at a cost of $8.2 million. During the year ended September 30, 2015, the Company purchased $28.0 million in face value receivables at cost of $2.1 million.

 

The following table summarizes collections received by the Company’s third-party collection agencies and attorneys, less commissions and direct costs for the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

   

For the Years Ended September 30,

 
   

2016

   

2015

   

2014

 

Gross collections(1)

  $ 44,523,000     $ 56,195,000     $ 67,913,000  

Less: commissions and fees(2)

    15,612,000       19,755,000       27,751,000  
                         

Net collections

  $ 28,911,000     $ 36,440,000     $ 40,162,000  

  


(1)

Gross collections include collections from third-party collection agencies and attorneys, collections from in-house efforts and collections represented by account sales.

 

(2)

Commissions and fees are the contractual commissions earned by third party collection agencies and attorneys, and direct costs associated with the collection effort, generally court costs. Includes a 3% fee charged by a servicer on gross collections in connection with the Portfolio Purchase. Such arrangement was consummated in December 2007. The fee is charged for asset location, skip tracing and ultimately suing debtors in connection with this portfolio purchase.

  

NOTE D — ACQUISITION OF CBC

 

On December 31, 2013, the Company acquired 80% ownership of CBC and its affiliate, CBC Management Services, LLC for approximately $5.9 million.

 

On December 31, 2015, the Company acquired the remaining 20% ownership of CBC for $1,800,000, through the issuance of restricted stock valued at approximately $1,000,000 and $800,000 in cash. Each of the two original principals received 61,652 shares of restricted stock at a fair market value of $7.95 per share and $400,000 in cash. An aggregate of 123,304 shares of restricted stock were issued as part of the transaction. These shares are subject to a one year lock-up period in which the holders cannot sell the shares. In addition, the shares are subject to certain sales restrictions following the initial lock-up period (see Note N – Stock Based Compensation).

 

On January 1, 2016, the Company renewed the expiring two-year employment agreements of the two CBC principals for one year terms (see Note L – Commitments and Contingencies).

   

 

 
F-16

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ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2016 and 2015

   

NOTE E — STRUCTURED SETTLEMENTS (AT FAIR VALUE)

 

CBC purchases periodic payments under structured settlements and annuity policies from individuals in exchange for a lump sum payment. The Company elected to carry the structured settlements at fair value. Unearned income on structured settlements is recognized as interest income using the effective interest method over the life of the related structured settlement. Changes in fair value are recorded in unrealized gain (loss) on structured settlements in the Company’s statements of income. Unrealized gains on structured settlements is comprised of both unrealized gains resulting from fair market valuation at the date of acquisition of the structured settlements and the subsequent fair value adjustments resulting from the change in the discount rate. Of the $7.7 million of unrealized gains recognized in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, approximately $8.0 million is due to day one gains on new structured settlements financed during the period, $1.3 million due to a change in the discount rate, offset by a decrease of $1.6 million in realized gains recognized as realized interest income on structured settlements during the period. There were no other changes in assumptions during the period.

 

The Company elected the fair value treatment under ASC 825-10-50-28 through 50-32 to be transparent to the user regarding the underlying fair value of the structured settlement which collateralizes the debt of CBC. The Company believes any change in fair value is driven by market risk associated with the underlying structured settlement annuity issuer.

 

The purchased personal injury structured settlements result in payments over time through an annuity policy. Most of the annuities acquired involve guaranteed payments with specific defined ending dates. CBC also purchases a small number of life contingent annuity payments with specific ending dates but the actual payments to be received could be less due to the mortality risk associated with the measuring life. CBC records a provision for loss each period. The life contingent annuities are not a material portion of assets at September 30, 2016 and revenue for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016.

 

Structured settlements consist of the following as of September 30, 2016 and 2015:

 

   

September 30,
201
6

   

September 30,
201
5

 

Maturity(1)(2)

  $ 133,059,000     $ 99,135,000  

Unearned income

    (47,351,000

)

    (34,500,000

)

                 

Net carrying value

  $ 85,708,000     $ 64,635,000  

 

(1)

The maturity value represents the aggregate unpaid principal balance at September 30, 2016 and 2015.

   
(2) There are no amounts of structured settlements that are past due, or in non-accrual status at September 30, 2016 and 2015.

 

 

 
F-17

Table Of Contents
 

  

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2016 and 2015

  

NOTE E — STRUCTURED SETTLEMENTS (AT FAIR VALUE) (CONTINUED)

  

Encumbrances on structured settlements as of September 30, 2016 and 2015 are as follows:

 

   

September 30,
201
6

   

September 30,
201
5

 

Notes payable secured by settlement receivables with principal and interest outstanding payable until June 2025 (3)

  $ 1,862,000     $ 2,270,000  

Notes payable secured by settlement receivables with principal and interest outstanding payable until August 2026 (3)

    4,242,000       4,713,000  

Notes payable secured by settlement receivables with principal and interest outstanding payable until April 2032 (3)

    3,987,000       4,497,000  

Notes payable secured by settlement receivables with principal and interest outstanding payable until February 2037 (3)

    18,979,000       20,147,000  

Notes payable secured by settlement receivables with principal and interest outstanding payable until March 30, 2034 (3)

    14,507,000       15,361,000  

Notes payable secured by settlement receivables with principal and interest outstanding payable until February 2043 (3)

    13,705,000        

$25,000,000 revolving line of credit (3)

    10,154,000       4,623,000  
                 

Encumbered structured settlements

    67,435,000       51,611,000  

Structured settlements not encumbered

    18,273,000       13,024,000  
                 

Total structured settlements

  $ 85,708,000     $ 64,635,000  

  

(3)

See Note I — Other Debt — CBC

 

At September 30, 2016, the expected cash flows of structured settlements based on maturity value are as follows:

 

September 30, 2017

  $ 9,295,000  

September 30, 2018

    8,093,000  

September 30, 2019

    8,122,000  

September 30, 2020

    7,538,000  

September 30, 2021

    8,334,000  

Thereafter

    91,677,000  
         

Total

  $ 133,059,000  

  

 

 
F-18

Table Of Contents
 

  

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2016 and 2015

 

NOTE F — LITIGATION FUNDING

 

Personal Injury Claims

 

On December 28, 2011, the Company entered into a joint venture with Pegasus Legal Funding, LLC (“PLF”) in the operating subsidiary of Pegasus. Pegasus purchases interests in claims from claimants who are a party to personal injury litigation. Pegasus advances, to each claimant, funds, on a non-recourse basis at an agreed upon interest rate, in anticipation of a future settlement. The interest in each claim purchased by Pegasus consists of the right to receive, from such claimant, part of the proceeds or recoveries which such claimant receives by reason of a settlement, judgment or award with respect to such claimant’s claims. The Company, through Pegasus, earned $20.2 million in interest and fees during fiscal year 2016 compared to $8.5 million and $7.1 during fiscal years 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company had a net invested balance in personal injury claims of $48.3 million and $36.7 million on September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Pegasus records reserves for bad debts, which, at September 30, 2016 and 2015 amounted to $8.5 million, and $5.5 million, respectively, as follows:

 

   

For the Years Ended
September 30,

 
   

2016

   

2015

 

Balance at beginning of period

  $ 5,459,000     $ 2,474,000  

Provisions for losses

    3,785,000       3,789,000  

Write offs

    (702,000

)

    (804,000

)

                 

Balance at end of period

  $ 8,542,000     $ 5,459,000  

 

On November 8, 2016, the Company entered into a binding Term Sheet (the “Term Sheet”) with ASFI Pegasus Holdings, LLC, Fund Pegasus, LLC, Pegasus Funding, LLC, Pegasus Legal Funding, LLC, Max Alperovich and Alexander Khanas. The Company and PLF have decided not to renew the Pegasus joint venture that, by its terms, terminates on December 28, 2016. The Term Sheet amends certain provisions to Pegasus’ operating agreement dated as of December 28, 2011 (as amended, the “Operating Agreement”) and governs the terms relating to the liquidation of the existing Pegasus portfolio (the “Portfolio”). (See Note V – Subsequent Events)

 

Matrimonial Claims

 

On May 18, 2012, the Company formed BP Case Management, LLC (“BPCM”) a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. BPCM entered into a joint venture with California-based Balance Point Divorce Funding, LLC (“BP Divorce Funding”). BPCM provides non-recourse funding to a spouse in a matrimonial action. The Company provided a $1.0 million revolving line of credit to partially fund BPCM’s operations, with such loan bearing interest at the prevailing prime rate, with an initial term of twenty-four months. In September 2014, the agreement was revised to extend the term of the loan to August 2016, increase the credit line to $1.5 million and include a personal guarantee of the principal of BP Divorce Funding. Effective August 14, 2016, the Company extended its revolving line of credit with BP Divorce Funding until March 31, 2017, at substantially the same terms as the September 2014 amendment. The loan balance at September 30, 2016 was approximately $1.5 million. The revolving line of credit is collateralized by BP Divorce Funding’s profits share in BPCM and other assets. As of September 30, 2016, the Company’s investment in cases through BPCM was approximately $2.5 million. A net loss of approximately $461,000 has been recognized during the year ended September 30, 2016 which includes a bad debt expense of approximately $524,000. There was no income recognized for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.

  

 

 
F-19

Table Of Contents
 

 

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2016 and 2015

  

NOTE G — FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT

 

Furniture and equipment as of September 30, 2016 and 2015 consist of the following:

 

   

2016

   

2015

 

Furniture

  $ 417,000     $ 414,000  

Equipment

    234,000       3,622,000  

Software

    1,350,000       1,210,000  

Leasehold improvements

          99,000  
                 
      2,001,000       5,345,000  

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

    1,758,000       4,865,000  
                 
    $ 243,000     $ 480,000  

 

Depreciation expense for the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014 aggregated $391,000, $366,000, and $363,000, respectively.

 

NOTE H — NON RECOURSE DEBT

 

Non-Recourse Debt — Bank of Montreal (“BMO”)

 

In March 2007, Palisades XVI borrowed approximately $227 million under the Receivables Financing Agreement, as amended in July 2007, December 2007, May 2008, February 2009, October 2010 and August 2013 (the “RFA”) from Bank of Montreal (“BMO”), in order to finance the Portfolio Purchase which had a purchase price of $300 million. The original term of the agreement was three years. This term was extended by each of the Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth Amendments and the most recent agreement signed in August 2013.

 

On August 7, 2013, Palisades XVI, a 100% owned bankruptcy remote subsidiary, entered into a Settlement Agreement and Omnibus Amendment (the “Settlement Agreement”) with BMO as an amendment to the RFA. In consideration for a $15 million prepayment funded by the Company, BMO agreed to significantly reduce minimum monthly collection requirements and the interest rate. If and when BMO receives the next $15 million of collections from the Portfolio Purchase or from voluntary prepayments by Asta Funding, Inc., less certain credits for payments made prior to the consummation of the Settlement Agreement (the “Remaining Amount”), Palisades XVI and its affiliates would be automatically released from liability in connection with the RFA (subject to customary exceptions). A condition to the release was Palisade XVI’s agreement to grant BMO, as of the time of the payment of the Remaining Amount, the right to receive 30% of net collections from the Portfolio Purchase once Palisades XVI has received from future net collections, the sum of $15 million plus voluntary prepayments included in the payment of the Remaining Amount (the “Income Interest”). On June 3, 2014, Palisades XVI paid the Remaining Amount. The final principal payment of $2,901,199 included a voluntary prepayment of $1,866,036 provided from funds of the Company. Accordingly, Palisades XVI was entitled to receive $16.9 million of future collections from the Portfolio Purchase before BMO would be entitled to receive any payments with respect to its Income Interest.

 

During the month of June, the Company received the balance of the $16.9 million, and, as of September 30, 2016, the Company recorded a liability to BMO of approximately $159,000. The funds were subsequently remitted to BMO on October 11, 2016. The liability to BMO is recorded when actual collections are received.

 

Bank Hapoalim B.M. (“Bank Hapoalim”) Line of Credit

 

On May 2, 2014, the Company obtained a $20 million line of credit facility from Bank Hapoalim, pursuant to a Loan Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) among the Company and its subsidiary, Palisades Collection, LLC, as borrowers (“the Borrowers”), and Bank Hapoalim, as agent and lender. The Loan Agreement provides for a $20.0 million committed line of credit and an accordion feature providing an increase in the line of credit of up to $30 million, at the discretion of the lenders. The facility is for a term of three years at an interest rate of either LIBOR plus 275 basis points or prime, at the Company’s option. The Loan Agreement includes covenants that require the Company to maintain a minimum net worth of $150 million and pay an unused line fee. The facility is secured pursuant to a Security Agreement among the parties to the Loan Agreement, with property of the Borrowers serving as collateral. On March 30, 2016, the Company signed the First Amendment to the Loan Agreement (the “First Amendment”) with Bank Hapoalim which amended certain terms of their banking arrangement. The First Amendment includes (a) the reduction of the interest rate to LIBOR plus 225 basis points; (b) a decrease in the Net Equity requirement by $50 million, to $100 million and (c) modifies the No Net Loss requirement from a quarterly to an annual basis. All other terms of the original agreement remain in effect. The Company has not borrowed against the facility and no amounts were outstanding as of September 30, 2016.

 

 

 
F-20

Table Of Contents
 

  

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2016 and 2015

 

NOTE I — OTHER DEBT — CBC

 

The Company assumed $25.9 million of debt related to the CBC acquisition (see Note 5) on December 31, 2013, including a $12.5 million line of credit with an interest rate floor of 5.5%. Between March 27, 2014 and September 29, 2014, CBC entered into three amendments (Sixth Amendment through Eighth Amendment), resulting in the line of credit increasing to $22.0 million and the interest rate floor reduced to 4.75%. On March 11, 2015, CBC entered into the Ninth Amendment. This amendment, effective March 1, 2015, extended the maturity date on its credit line from February 28, 2015 to March 1, 2017. Additionally, the credit line was increased from $22.0 million to $25.0 million and the interest rate floor was decreased from 4.75% to 4.1%. Other terms and conditions were materially unchanged. On November 26, 2014, CBC completed its fourth private placement, backed by structured settlement and fixed annuity payments. CBC issued, through its subsidiary, BBR IV, LLC, approximately $21.8 million of fixed rate asset-backed notes with a yield of 5.4%. On September 25, 2015, CBC completed its fifth private placement, backed by structured settlement and fixed annuity payments. CBC issued, through its subsidiary, BBR V, LLC, approximately $16.6 million of fixed rate asset-backed notes with a yield of 5.1%. On July 8, 2016, CBC issued, through its subsidiary, BBR VI, approximately $14.8 million of fixed rate asset-backed notes with a yield of 4.85%.

 

 

As of September 30, 2016, the remaining debt amounted to $67.4 million, which consisted of $10.1 million drawdown from a line of credit from an institutional source and $57.3 million notes issued by entities 100%-owned and consolidated by CBC. These entities are bankruptcy-remote entities created to issue notes secured by structured settlements. The following table details the other debt at September 30, 2016 and 2015:

 

   

Interest Rate

   

September 30,
201
6

   

September 30,
201
5

 

Notes payable secured by settlement receivables with principal and interest outstanding payable until June 2025

    8.75

%

  $ 1,862,000     $ 2,270,000  

Notes payable secured by settlement receivables with principal and interest outstanding payable until August 2026

    7.25

%

    4,242,000       4,713,000  

Notes payable secured by settlement receivables with principal and interest outstanding payable until April 2032

    7.125

%

    3,987,000       4,497,000  

Notes payable secured by settlement receivables with principal and interest outstanding payable until February 2037

    5.39

%

    18,978,000       20,147,000  

Notes payable secured by settlement receivables with principal and interest outstanding payable until March 2034

    5.07

%

    14,507,000       15,361,000  

Notes payable secured by settlement receivables with principal and interest outstanding payable until February 2043

    4.85

%

    13,705,000      
                         

Subtotal notes payable

            57,281,000       46,988,000  

$25,000,000 revolving line of credit expiring on March 1, 2017

    4.1

%

    10,154,000       4,623,000  
                         

Total debt — CBC

          $ 67,435,000     $ 51,611,000  

 

NOTE J — OTHER LIABILITIES

 

Other liabilities as of September 30, 2016 and 2015 are as follows:

 

   

2016

   

2015

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

  $ 3,104,000     $ 3,394,000  

Lawsuit reserve (see Note L – Commitments and Contingencies – Legal Matters)

    2,345,000        

IRS interest payable (see Note K – Income Taxes)

          624,000  

Other

    525,000       423,000  
                 

Total other liabilities

  $ 5,974,000     $ 4,441,000  

 

 

 
F-21

Table Of Contents
 

  

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2016 and 2015

 

NOTE K — INCOME TAXES

 

The components of the provision for income taxes for the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:

 

   

2016

   

2015

   

2014

 

Current:

                       

Federal

  $ 5,162,000     $ 6,841,000     $ 4,166,000  

State

    799,000              

Interest on IRS payment

    10,000       624,000        
                         
      5,971,000       7,465,000       4,166,000  
                         

Deferred:

                       

Federal

    (2,345,000

)

    (7,282,000

)

    (1,620,000

)

State

    (725,000 )     1,939,000       2,067,000  
                         
      (3,070,000

)

    (5,343,000

)

    447,000  
                         

Provision for income taxes

  $ 2,901,000     $ 2,122,000     $ 4,613,000  

 

The difference between the statutory federal income tax rate on the Company’s pre-tax income and the Company’s effective income tax rate is summarized for the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014 as follows:

 

   

2016

   

2015

   

2014

 

Statutory federal income tax rate

    34.0

%

    34.0

%

    34.0

%

State income tax, net of federal benefit

    5.9       5.9       4.5  

State tax rate change

    (4.8

          8.4  

Permanent difference in municipal interest

    (2.9

)

    (6.6

)

    (3.3

)

Permanent difference other

    0.3             0.2  

Federal prior year provision to return difference

    1.3             0.2  
Other state tax items primarily related to change in New York tax law     (6.5 )                

Interest on IRS payment

          12.9        

Non-controlling interests

    (7.2

)

    (5.9

)

    (0.3

)

Change in valuation allowance     3.8              

Other

    (2.5

)

    3.4

 

    (1.9

)

                         

Effective income tax rate

    21.4

%

    43.7

%

    41.8

%

 

The Company recognized a net deferred tax asset of $15,530,000 and $12,279,000 as of September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The components are as follows:

 

   

September 30,
20
16

   

September 30,
201
5

 

Impairments/bad debt reserves

    4,374,000       1,752,000  

Revenue recognition pertaining to the cost over estimated collections method

    13,463,000       9,911,000  

State tax net operating loss carry forward

    6,879,000       6,684,000  

Stock based compensation

    3,385,000       3,062,000  

Unrealized gain on structured settlements

    (6,311,000

)

    (3,644,000

)

Depreciation, amortization and other

    (190,000

)

    77,000  
                 

Deferred income taxes

    21,600,000       17,842,000  

Deferred tax valuation allowance

    (6,070,000

)

    (5,563,000

)

                 

Deferred income taxes

  $ 15,530,000     $ 12,279,000  

 

 

 
F-22

Table Of Contents
 

 

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2016 and 2015

 

NOTE K — INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)

  

The Company files consolidated Federal and state income tax returns. Substantially all of the Company’s subsidiaries are single member limited liability companies and, therefore, do not file separate tax returns. Majority and minority owned subsidiaries file separate partnership tax returns. The expiration date for state net operating loss (“NOL”) carry forwards (from September 30, 2009) is September 30, 2029. The New Jersey NOL carry forward balance as of September 30, 2016 is approximately $73.9 million. In addition, the Company has New York State and City NOL of approximately $1.0 million as of September 30, 2016. Included in the Federal current tax provision is the effect of an IRS audit, taking into consideration the adjustment affected in fiscal year 2013 for the tax periods 2009 through 2013, coupled with the Federal tax refund carry back claim resulting from the carry back of the current net operating loss. This current tax provision was offset by a deferred tax provision of the same amount because the IRS adjustment was temporary in nature. There are no federal NOL carry forwards.

 

The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and, if applicable, deferred tax liabilities, for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and, if applicable, liabilities. Additionally, the Company would adjust deferred taxes to reflect estimated tax rate changes, if applicable. The Company conducts periodic evaluations to determine whether it is more likely than not that some or all of its deferred tax assets will not be realized. Among the factors considered in this evaluation are estimates of future earnings, the future reversal of temporary differences and the impact of tax planning strategies that the Company can implement, if warranted. The Company is required to provide a valuation allowance for any portion of our deferred tax assets that, more likely than not, will not be realized at September 30, 2016. Based on this evaluation, the Company has a deferred tax asset valuation allowance of approximately $6.1 million as of September 30, 2016 as compared to $5.6 million reported on September 30, 2015. Although the carry forward period for state income tax purposes is up to twenty years, given the economic conditions, such economic environment could limit growth over a reasonable time period to realize the deferred tax asset. The Company determined the time period allowance for carry forward is outside a reasonable period to forecast full realization of the deferred tax asset, therefore recognized the deferred tax asset valuation allowance. The Company continually monitors forecast information to ensure the valuation allowance is at the appropriate value. As required by FASB ASC 740, Income Taxes, the Company recognizes the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more likely than not sustain the position following an audit. For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority.

 

Interest and penalties are presented as a component of income taxes. $10,000 and $624,000 of interest was recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for 2016 and 2015 respectively. On July 16, 2015, the Company made a payment to the IRS of approximately $13 million in anticipation of the conclusion of the examination by the IRS and in accordance with the notice of proposed adjustment, for the fiscal years September 30, 2009 through September 30, 2013. The adjustment was the result of a change in the accounting method for income tax purposes. Apart from the change in accounting method for income tax purposes, there were no other material disallowances or adjustments to other items of income, deductions, and credits to the tax returns under examination. The payment does not include approximately $633,000 of interest related to the tax year of the IRS adjustment, September 30, 2013, which has been accrued as of July 15, 2015, classified in the income tax line of the statements of income. As a result of the IRS examination, the Company has amended its federal tax return for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, to reflect the new accounting method for tax purposes, and the state tax returns for theirs audit periods covered. There is no state and local tax liability as a result of the federal tax examination; however, the New Jersey state NOL was adjusted to reflect the current year and revised previous years’ results. On December 1, 2015, the Company received notification that the Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation completed its consideration on the income tax returns and took no exception to the conclusions reached by the IRS.

 

The tax returns for the 2014 and 2015 fiscal years are subject to examination. The Company does not have any uncertain tax positions.

  

 

 
F-23

Table Of Contents
 

 

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2016 and 2015

  

NOTE L — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Leases

 

The Company leases its facilities in (i) Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, (ii) Houston, Texas, (iii) New York, New York and (iv) Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. The leases are operating leases, and the Company incurred related rent expense in the amounts of $936,000, $967,000 and $617,000 during the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The future minimum lease payments are as follows:

 

Year

Ending

September 30,

       

2017

  $ 690,000  

2018

    444,000  

2019

    448,000  

2020

    289,000  
         
    $ 1,871,000  

  

Employment Agreement

 

On March 10, 2016, the Company entered into an employment agreement with an executive of the Company. Under this Agreement, he will receive a base salary of $275,000, subject to annual increases, and will be eligible to receive cash and non-cash bonuses. The Agreement has an 18 month non-compete and non-solicitation provision and has a one (1) year term, and the term will be extended by one year on each anniversary date of the Agreement.

 

On January 1, 2016, the Company renewed the expiring two-year employment agreements of the two CBC principals for one year terms. The new agreements provide each of the two CBC principals with a base salary of $250,000. Other terms remain unchanged from the original agreement, including:

 

 

Sixty day notification required by either party to terminate the employment agreement; and

 

 

Standard non-compete clause during the term of the employment agreement and for two years thereafter (see Note D—Acquisition of CBC).

 

The employment contracts of the original two principals expire at the end of December 2016. The Company will not be renewing those contracts, and suitable replacements will be found to fill those positions.

 

On November 11, 2016, the Company’s newly formed wholly owned subsidiary, Simia Capital, LLC, entered into an employment agreement with Patrick F. Preece (see Note V – Subsequent Events).

 

 

 
F-24

Table Of Contents
 

 

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2016 and 2015

  

NOTE L — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)

 

Legal Matters

 

In June 2015, a punitive class action complaint was filed against the Company, and one of its third-party law firm servicers, alleging violation of the federal Fair Debt Collection Practice Act and Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (“RICO”) and state law arising from debt collection activities and default judgments obtained against certain debtors.

 

The Company filed a motion to strike the class action allegations and compel arbitration or, to the extent the court declines to order arbitration, to dismiss the RICO claims. On or about March 31, 2015, the court denied the Company’s motion. The Company filed an appeal with the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. A mediation session was held in July 2015, at which the Company agreed to settle the action on an individual basis for a payment of $13,000 to each named plaintiff, for a total payment of $39,000. Payment was made on or about July 24, 2015. The third-party law firm servicer has not yet settled and remains a defendant in the case.

 

The plaintiffs’ attorneys advised that they are contemplating the filing of another punitive class action complaint against the Company alleging substantially the same claims as those that were asserted in this matter. In anticipation of such an eventuality, the Company agreed to non-binding mediation in order to reach a global settlement with other putative class members, which would avert the possibility of further individual or class actions with respect to the affected accounts. Through March 31, 2016, the parties had attended two mediation sessions and were continuing to discuss a global settlement. In connection with such discussions, the settlement demand from plaintiffs was $4 million and the counteroffer from the Company and its third-party law firm servicer was $3.875 million (which would be split equally between the Company and the law firm servicer). The Company and law firm servicer had also offered, as part of the counteroffer, to cease collection activity on the affected accounts. Accordingly, the Company set up a reserve for settlement costs of $2.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016, which was included in general and administrative expenses in the Company’s statement of operations.

 

The Company reassessed the situation as of September 30, 2016 and deemed that an additional $0.3 million was necessary to account for legal expenses, which were made during the three month period ended September 30, 2016 (see Note J – Other Liabilities).

 

In the ordinary course of the Company’s business, it is involved in numerous legal proceedings. The Company regularly initiates collection lawsuits, using its network of third party law firms, against consumers. Also, consumers occasionally initiate litigation against the Company, in which they allege that the Company has violated a federal or state law in the process of collecting their account. The Company does not believe that these ordinary course matters are material to its business and financial condition. As of the date of this Form 10-K, the Company is not involved in any other material litigation in which it is a defendant.

 

NOTE M — CONCENTRATIONS

 

At September 30, 2016, approximately 14% of the Company’s portfolio face value was serviced by three collection organizations. The Company has servicing agreements in place with these three collection organizations, as well as all of the Company’s other third party collection agencies and attorneys that cover standard contingency fees and servicing of the accounts. While the three collection organizations represent only 14% of the Company’s portfolio face value, it does represent approximately 84% of the Company’s portfolio face value at all third party collection agencies and attorneys. Primarily, as a result of the inventory of a major servicer being reassigned to in-house collections in March 2016, the percentage of total face value inventory represented by third party collection agencies and attorneys plummeted from approximately 41% of the total at September 30, 2015 to approximately 17% at September 30, 2016.

 

NOTE N — STOCK OPTION PLANS

 

2012 Stock Option and Performance Award Plan

 

On February 7, 2012, the Board of Directors adopted the Company’s 2012 Stock Option and Performance Award Plan (the “2012 Plan”), which was approved by the stockholders of the Company on March 21, 2012. The 2012 Plan replaced the Equity Compensation Plan (as defined below).

 

The 2012 Plan provides the Company with flexibility with respect to equity awards by also providing for grants of stock awards (i.e., restricted or unrestricted), stock purchase rights and stock appreciation rights, in addition to the granting of stock options.

 

The Company authorized 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance under the 2012 Plan. As of September 30, 2016, the Company has granted 484,200options and 245,625 shares of restricted stock since inception of the 2012 Plan. Additionally, 59,068 options have been cancelled during that time period, leaving 1,329,243 shares available as of September 30, 2016. As of September 30, 2016, approximately 120 of the Company’s employees were eligible to participate in the 2012 Plan.

  

 

 
F-25

Table Of Contents
 

 

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2016 and 2015

  

NOTE N — STOCK OPTION PLANS (CONTINUED)

 

Equity Compensation Plan

 

On December 1, 2005, the board of directors adopted the Company’s Equity Compensation Plan (the “Equity Compensation Plan”), which was approved by the stockholders of the Company on March 1, 2006. The Equity Compensation Plan was adopted to supplement the Company’s 2002 Stock Option Plan (as defined below).

 

In addition to permitting the grant of stock options as are permitted under the 2002 Stock Option Plan, the Equity Compensation Plan allows the Company flexibility with respect to equity awards by also providing for grants of stock awards (i.e., restricted or unrestricted), stock purchase rights and stock appreciation rights.

The Company authorized 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance under the Equity Compensation Plan. As of March 21, 2012, no more awards could be issued under this plan.

 

2002 Stock Option Plan

 

On March 5, 2002, the board of directors adopted the Company’s 2002 Stock Option Plan (the “2002 Plan”), which was approved by the Company’s stockholders on May 1, 2002. The 2002 Plan was adopted in order to attract and retain qualified directors, officers and employees of, and consultants to, the Company.

 

The 2002 Plan authorizes the granting of incentive stock options (as defined in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“the “Code”)) and non-qualified stock options to eligible employees of the Company, including officers and directors of the Company (whether or not employees) and consultants of the Company.

 

The Company authorized 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance under the 2002 Plan. As of March 5, 2012, no more awards could be issued under this plan.

 

Stock Based Compensation

 

The Company accounts for stock-based employee compensation under ASC 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”). ASC 718 requires that compensation expense associated with stock options and other stock based awards be recognized in the income statement rather than a disclosure in the notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

On December 16, 2015, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (“Compensation Committee”) granted 67,100 stock options to non-officer employees of the Company, of which 9,100 options vested immediately and the remaining 58,000 stock options vest in three equal annual installments and accounted for as one graded vesting award. The exercise price of these options was at the market price on that date. The weighted average assumptions used in the option pricing model were as follows:

 

Risk-free interest rate

    0.24

%

Expected term (years)

    6.25  

Expected volatility

    23.4

%

Dividend yield

    0.00

%

 

On December 16, 2015, the Compensation Committee granted 5,000 restricted shares to a non-officer employee of the Company. These shares vested fully as of June 30, 2016.

  

In February 2015, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (“Compensation Committee”) granted 45,400 options to employees of the Company. The exercise price of these options, issued on February 23, 2015, was at the market price on that date. The options generally vest in three equal annual installments and are accounted for as one graded vesting award. The weighted average assumptions used in the option pricing model were as follows:

 

Risk-free interest rate

    0.12

%

Expected term (years)

    5.9  

Expected volatility

    32.7

%

Dividend yield

    0.00

%

  

 On October 2, 2014, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (“Compensation Committee”) granted 15,000 restricted shares to an employee of the Company. These shares vest in three equal installments, starting on the first anniversary of the grant.

 

 

 
F-26

Table Of Contents
 

  

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2016 and 2015

  

NOTE N — STOCK OPTION PLANS (CONTINUED)

 

Stock Based Compensation (Continued)

  

In February 2014, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (“Compensation Committee”) granted 5,000 stock options to a consultant of the Company. The exercise price of these was at the market price on that date. The options vested immediately. The weighted average assumptions used in the option pricing model were as follows:

 

Risk-free interest rate

    0.06

%

Expected term (years)

    5.9  

Expected volatility

    35.3

%

Dividend yield

    0.00

%

 

In December 2013, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (“Compensation Committee”) granted 156,700 stock options, of which 70,000 options were awarded to the Officers of the Company and the remaining 86,700 stock options were awarded to non-officer employees of the Company. The exercise price of these options, issued on December 12, 2013, was at the market price on that date. The options vest in three equal annual installments and accounted for as one graded vesting award. The weighted average assumptions used in the option pricing model were as follows:

 

Risk-free interest rate

    0.08

%

Expected term (years)

    6.5  

Expected volatility

    98.3

%

Dividend yield

    0.00

%

 

The following table summarizes stock option transactions under the plans:

 

   

Year Ended September 30,

 
   

2016

   

2015

   

2014

 
   

Shares

   

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

   

Shares

   

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

   

Shares

   

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 

Outstanding options at the beginning of year

    1,043,566     $ 8.47       1,403,259     $ 10.78       1,622,771     $ 11.31  

Options granted

    67,100       7.93       45,400       8.37       161,700       8.48  

Options forfeited/cancelled

    (14,468

)

    8.12       (344,259

)

    17.90       (369,612

)

    12.33  

Options exercised

    (146,531

)

    8.22       (60,834

)

    7.83       (11,600

)

    3.46  
                                                 

Outstanding options at the end of year

    949,667     $ 8.47       1,043,566     $ 8.47       1,403,259     $ 10.78  
                                                 

Exercisable options at the end of year

    830,326     $ 8.51       860,891     $ 8.41       888,587     $ 12.15  

 

The Company recognized $558,000, $1,063,000 and $1,418,000 of compensation expense related to stock options, for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. As of September 30, 2016, there was $163,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options. The weighted average remaining period over which such costs are expected to be recognized is 1.2 years.

 

The intrinsic value of the outstanding and exercisable options as of September 30, 2016 was approximately $2,199,000 and $1,925,000 respectively. The intrinsic value of the options exercised during fiscal years 2016 and 2015 was approximately $338,000 and $76,000, respectively. The fair value of the options exercised during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was approximately $918,000 and $379,000, respectively. The proceeds from the exercise of stock options during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were approximately $1,205,000and $476,000, respectively. The weighted average remaining contractual life of exercisable options as of September 30, 2016 is 5.0 years. The fair value of the stock options that vested during the 2016 and 2015 fiscal years was approximately $1,359,000 and $3,201,000, respectively. The fair value of options granted during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was approximately $532,000 and $298,000, respectively.

 

 
F-27

Table Of Contents
 

 

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2016 and 2015

  

NOTE N — STOCK OPTION PLANS (CONTINUED)

 

Stock Based Compensation (Continued)

 

The following table summarizes information about the plans’ outstanding options as of September 30, 2016:

 

         

Options Outstanding

   

Options Exercisable

 

Range of

Exercise Price

   

Number
Outstanding

   

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (In Years)

   

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

   

Number
Exercisable

   

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 
$2.8751 - $5.7500       3,800       2.6     $ 2.95       3,800     $ 2.95  
$5.7501 - $8.6250       798,867       5.4       7.96       679,526       7.92  
$8.6251 - $11.5000       132,000       6.3       9.41       132,000       9.41  
$11.5001 - $28.7500       15,000       0.2       28.75       15,000       28.75  
                                               
            949,667       5.5     $ 8.47       830,326     $ 8.51  

 

The following table summarizes information about restricted stock transactions:

 

   

Year Ended
September 30, 201
6
Shares

   

Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

   

Year Ended
September 30, 201
5
Shares

   

Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

 

Unvested at the beginning of period

    44,107     $ 9.28       68,214     $ 9.57  

Awards granted

    5,000       7.89       15,000       8.30  

Vested

    (49,107

)

    9.36       (39,107

)

    9.41  

Forfeited

          0.00             0.00  
                                 

Unvested at the end of period

        $ 8.00       44,107     $ 9.28  

 

The Company recognized $128,000, $371,000 and $326,000 of compensation expense during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, for restricted stock. As of September 30, 2016, there was a total of $67,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock. The weighted average remaining period over which such costs are recognized is 1.4 years. An aggregate of 5,000 shares of restricted stock was granted during the fiscal year 2016, with a fair value of $40,000, all of which were granted to a non-officer employee. There was 15,000 of restricted stock awards granted during the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, with a fair value of $125,000. The fair value of the restricted stock awards vested during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was approximately $460,000 and $368,000, respectively.

 

The Company recognized an aggregate total of $686,000, $1,434,000 and $1,744,000 in compensation expense for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, for the stock options and restricted stock grants. As of September 30, 2016, there was a total of $230,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options and restricted stock grants. The method used to calculate stock based compensation is the straight line pro-rated method.

 

 

 
F-28

Table Of Contents
 

  

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2016 and 2015

  

NOTE O — STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

Dividends are declared at the discretion of the Board of Directors and depend upon the Company’s financial condition, operating results, capital requirements and other factors that the Board of Directors deems relevant. In addition, agreements with the Company’s lenders may, from time to time, restrict the ability to pay dividends. As of September 30, 2016, there were no such restrictions. No dividends were declared for fiscal years 2016 and 2015.

 

On August 11, 2015, the Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to $15,000,000 of the Company’s common stock and authorized management of the Company to enter into the Shares Repurchase Plan under Sections 10b-18 and 10(b)5-1 of the Securities and Exchange Act (“the Shares Repurchase Plan”). The Shares Repurchase Plan was to have been effective to December 31, 2015. On December 17, 2015 the Board of Directors approved the extension of the Plan to March 31, 2016 and reset the maximum to an additional $15 million in repurchases. On March 17, 2016, having repurchased approximately $9.9 million of the Company’s common stock, the Board of Directors approved further extension of the Plan to December 31, 2016 and reset the maximum to $15 million in repurchases. On March 22, 2016, a Company shareholder commenced a tender offer on the Company’s common stock. Per the provisions of the Shares Repurchase Plan, it terminated immediately, and no further purchases were permitted under the Shares Repurchase Plan. Through September 30, 2016, the Company purchased approximately 1,186,000 shares at an aggregate cost of approximately $10.1 million under the Shares Repurchase Plan.

 

On May 25, 2016, the Company entered into a Mutual Confidentiality Agreement (the “Agreement”) with MPF InvestCo 4, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Mangrove Partners Master Fund, Ltd. (“Mangrove”), pursuant to which Mangrove and the Company agreed to (1) provide certain Confidential Information (as defined below) to the other party to the Agreement and the other party’s representatives, (2) the confidentiality of the Confidential Information, and (3) certain restrictions on the activities of the parties to the Agreement. 

 

As of and for the year ended September 30, 2016, Mangrove due to their ownership in the Company's common stock, which was acquired in a series of OTC transactions, was deemed to be a related party.

 

Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company made available to Mangrove and its representatives certain confidential information relating to the Company or its subsidiaries, and Mangrove agreed to make available to the Company and its representatives certain confidential information relating to Mangrove and its affiliates (collectively, the “Confidential Information”). The Company and Mangrove agreed not to disclose the Confidential Information, and to cause each of their representatives, respectively, not to disclose the Confidential Information, except as required by law. Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company provided information requested by Mangrove to one or more of Mangrove’s representatives and such representatives prepared summaries of such information (the “Summaries”). The Company approved the Summaries, the approved Summaries were provided to Mangrove. The Company agreed to release the approved Summaries publicly on or prior to the end of the Extended Period (as defined in the Agreement), to the extent that the information contained in the Summaries has not already been disclosed. 

 

Further, under the terms of the Agreement, Mangrove and the Company have agreed to certain restrictions during the Discussion Period, which began on May 25, 2016 and the Extended Period, including that, unless consented to by the other party to the Agreement or required by applicable law, neither party will, and shall cause its affiliates and representatives not to, (i) commence any litigation against the other party, (ii) make any filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission of proxy solicitation materials, preliminary proxy statement, definitive proxy statement or otherwise or call any annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Company, (iii) publicly refer to: (a) the Confidential Information or Discussion Information (as defined in the Agreement), (b) any annual or special meetings of stockholders of the Company or (c) any prior discussions between the parties, including in any filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (including any proxy solicitation materials, preliminary proxy statement, definitive proxy statement or otherwise), in any press release or in any other written or oral disclosure to a third party, (iv) make any purchases of the Company’s securities, including, but not limited to, pursuant to any stock buyback plans, tender offers, open-market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, (v) make any demand under Section 220 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, (vi) make or propose to make any amendments to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, or By-laws, as amended, (vii) adopt, renew, propose or otherwise enter into a Shareholder Rights Plan with respect to the Company’s securities, (viii) adopt or propose any changes to the Company’s capital structure or (ix) negotiate, discuss, enter into, propose or otherwise transact in any extraordinary transactions with respect to the Company, outside the ordinary course of business, including, but not limited to, any mergers, asset sales or asset purchases.

 

 

 
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ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2016 and 2015 

 

NOTE O — STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (CONTINUED)

 

On November 21, 2016, Mangrove notified the Company that Mangrove was terminating the Agreement with the Company. Under the Agreement, the Company and Mangrove agreed to (1) provide certain Confidential Information (as defined below) to the other party to the Agreement and the other party’s representatives, (2) maintain the confidentiality of the Confidential Information, and (3) certain restrictions on the activities of the parties to the Agreement. Upon termination of the Discussion Period, the agreement provides for a period of 30 days thereafter (the “Extended Period”). Throughout the Extended Period of the Agreement, the parties are subject to the standstill provisions of the Agreement. Following the Discussion Period and the Extended Period, nothing in the Agreement shall prohibit any party from taking any of the activities referred to as the Restricted Activities, and specifically nothing shall restrict Mangrove or its representatives from calling a special meeting, nominating one or more candidates to serve as directors of the Company or commencing, or announcing its intension to commence, a “solicitation” of “proxies” (as such terms are used in Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) to vote with respect to any meeting of stockholders of the Company. The effective termination date of this Agreement is January 6, 2017.

 

NOTE P — RETIREMENT PLAN

 

The Company maintains a 401(k) Retirement Plan covering all of its eligible employees. Matching contributions made by the employees to the plan are made at the discretion of the board of directors each plan year. Contributions for the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were $140,000, $113,000 and $119,000, respectively.

 

NOTE Q — FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL MEASUREMENTS AND DISCLOSURES

 

Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

FASB ASC 825, Financial Instruments, (“ASC 825”), requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized on the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate that value. Because there are a limited number of market participants for certain of the Company’s assets and liabilities, fair value estimates are based upon judgments regarding credit risk, investor expectation of economic conditions, normal cost of administration and other risk characteristics, including interest rate and prepayment risk. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of judgment, which significantly affect the estimates.

 

The estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments is summarized as follows:

 

   

September 30, 2016

   

September 30, 2015

 
   

Carrying
Amount

   

Fair
Value

   

Carrying
Amount

   

Fair
Value

 

Financial assets

                               

Cash and cash equivalents (Level 2)

  $ 18,526,000     $ 18,526,000     $ 24,315,000     $ 24,315,000  

Available-for-sale investments (Level 1)

    56,764,000       56,764,000       59,727,000       59,727,000  

Consumer receivables acquired for liquidation (Level 3)

    14,320,000       47,233,000       15,608,000       31,339,000  

Structured settlements (Level 3)

    85,708,000       85,708,000       64,635,000       64,635,000  

Other investments(1)

    3,590,000       3,590,000       4,239,000       4,239,000  

Financial liabilities

                               

Other debt — CBC, revolving line of credit (Level 3)

    10,154,000       10,154,000       4,623,000       4,623,000  

Other debt — CBC, non-recourse notes payable with varying installments (Level 3)

    57,281,000       57,281,000       46,988,000       46,988,000  

  

(1)

The Company has elected to early adopt ASU 2015-07 and in accordance with ASU 2015-07, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheet.

 

Disclosure of the estimated fair values of financial instruments often requires the use of estimates. The Company uses the following methods and assumptions to estimate the fair value of financial instruments:

 

Cash and cash equivalents — The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value.

 

Available-for-sale investments — The available-for-sale securities consist of mutual funds that are valued based on quoted prices in active markets.

 

Consumer receivables acquired for liquidation — The Company computed the fair value of the consumer receivables acquired for liquidation using its proprietary forecasting model. The Company’s forecasting model utilizes a discounted cash flow analysis. The Company’s cash flows are an estimate of collections for consumer receivables based on variables fully described in Note C: Consumer Receivables Acquired for Liquidation. These cash flows are discounted to determine the fair value.

 

 

 
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ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2016 and 2015

 

NOTE Q — FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL MEASUREMENTS AND DISCLOSURES (CONTINUED)

 

Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Continued) 

 

Structured settlements — The Company determined the fair value based on the discounted forecasted future collections of the structured settlements. Unrealized gains on structured settlements is comprised of both unrealized gains resulting from fair market valuation at the date of acquisition of the structured settlements and the subsequent fair value adjustments resulting from the change in the discount rate. Of the $7.7 million of unrealized gains recognized in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, approximately $8.0 million is due to day one gains on new structured settlements financed during the period, $1.3 million due to a change in the discount rate, offset by a decrease of $1.6 million in realized gains recognized as realized interest income on structured settlements during the period. There were no other changes in assumptions during the period.

 

Other investments — The Company estimated the fair value using the net asset value per share of the investment. There are no unfunded commitments and the investment cannot be redeemed for 5 years.

 

Other debt CBC, revolving line of credit — The Company determined the fair value based on similar instruments in the market.

 

Other debt CBC, notes payable with varying installments — The fair value at September 30, 2016 was based on the discounted forecasted future collections of the structured settlements.

 

Fair Value Hierarchy

 

The Company recorded its available-for-sale investments at estimated fair value on a recurring basis. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include estimated fair value information regarding its available-for-sale investments as of September 30, 2016, as required by FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”). ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. ASC 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input significant to the fair value measurement.

 

Level 1 — Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to assess at the measurement date.

 

Level 2 — Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar assets or liabilities; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

 

Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities that are developed using the reporting entities’ estimates and assumptions, which reflect those that market participants would use.

 

A significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of structured settlements is the discount rate. Significant increases and decreases in the discount rate used to estimate the fair value of structured settlements could decrease or increase the fair value measurement of the structured settlements. The discount rate could be affected by factors, which include, but are not limited to, creditworthiness of insurance companies, market conditions, specifically competitive factors, credit quality of receivables purchased, the diversity of the payers of the receivables purchased, the weighted average life of receivables, current benchmark rates (i.e. 10 year treasury or swap rate) and the historical portfolio performance of the originator and/or servicer.

 

The Company’s available-for-sale investments are classified as Level 1 financial instruments based on the classifications described above. The Company did not have any transfers into (out of) Level 1 investments during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016. The Company had no Level 2 or Level 3 available-for-sale investments during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016.

 

 

 
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ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2016 and 2015

 

NOTE Q — FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL MEASUREMENTS AND DISCLOSURES (CONTINUED)

 

Fair Value Hierarchy (Continued)

 

The following table sets forth the Company’s quantitative information about its Level 3 fair value measurements as of September 30, 2016:

 

   

Fair Value

 

Valuation
Technique

Unobservable
Input

 

Rate

 

Structured settlements at fair value

  $ 85,708,000  

Discounted cash

flow

Discount

rate

    4.85

%

 

The changes in structured settlements at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the year ended September 30, 2016 were as follows:

 

Balance at September 30, 2015

  $ 64,635,000  

Total gains included in earnings

    7,657,000  

Purchases

    15,962,000  

Sales

     

Interest accreted

    5,414,000  

Payments received

    (7,960,000

)

         

Total

  $ 85,708,000  
         

The amount of total gains for the year included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets held at September 30, 2016

  $ 7,657,000  

 

Realized and unrealized gains and losses included in earnings in the accompanying consolidated statements of income for the year ended September 30, 2016 are reported in the following revenue categories:

 

Total gains (losses) included in earnings in fiscal year 2016

  $ 7,657,000  
         

Change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets still held at September 30, 2016

  $ 7,657,000  

 

NOTE R — RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

On December 12, 2011, the Company and Piccolo Business Advisory (“Piccolo”), which is owned by Louis Piccolo, a director of the Company, entered into a Consulting Agreement, pursuant to which Piccolo provided consulting services which included, but was not limited to, analysis of proposed debt and equity transactions, due diligence and financial analysis and management consulting services (“Services”). The Consulting Agreement was for a period of two years, which ended on December 31, 2013 and Piccolo received compensation of $150,000 per annum payable monthly, a bonus of $25,000 per new transaction closed by the Company with Piccolo’s assistance (if any), and 30,000 options per year, with such options vesting in three equal annual installments on the first, second and third anniversaries of the first grant date. The Company paid Piccolo $25,000 in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014. This agreement was not immediately renewed.

 

On September 17, 2015, the Company and Piccolo agreed to terms to a new two-year, $80,000 contract, pursuant to which Piccolo will provide consulting services, as described above. The compensation is to be paid quarterly. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Company paid Piccolo approximately $80,000 for such services. 

 

In addition, A. L. Piccolo & Co., Inc. (“ALP”), which is also owned by Louis Piccolo, receives a fee from Pegasus which is calculated based on amounts loaned to Pegasus by Fund Pegasus up to maximum of $700,000. The fee is payable over six years including interest at 4% per annum from Pegasus during the term of the Pegasus Operating Agreement that expires December 28, 2016, and, thereafter, by PLF and its affiliates.  For fiscal years ended September 30, 2016, 2015and 2014, Pegasus paid ALP $133,000 each year, which includes fees and interest paid during the periods. As of September 30, 2016, the Company owed Piccolo $193,000, which has been recorded in other liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. 

 

On July 1, 2015, Mr. Arthur Stern, former Chairman Emeritus of the Company, retired from the Board of Directors and became a consultant to the Company. As of April 30, 2016, the consulting agreement with Mr. Stern was terminated. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, Mr. Stern was paid $88,000.

 

 

 
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ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2016 and 2015

 

NOTE S — SUMMARIZED QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)

 

Quarter

 

First
Quarter

   

Second
Quarter

   

Third
Quarter

   

Fourth
Quarter

   

Full
Year

 

2016

                                       

Total revenue

  $ 11,820,000     $ 10,570,000     $ 18,806,000     $ 15,932,000     $ 57,128,000  

Income (loss) before income taxes

    3,368,000       (3,173,000

)

    7,598,000       5,736,000       13,529,000  

Net income (loss) attributable to Asta Funding, Inc.

    1,806,000       (1,831,000

)

    3,196,000       4,689,000       7,680,000  

Basic net income per share attributable to Asta Funding, Inc.

  $ 0.15     $ (0.15

)

  $ 0.27     $ 0.39     $ 0.66  

Diluted net income per share attributable to Asta Funding, Inc.

  $ 0.15     $ (0.15

)

  $ 0.26     $ 0.37     $ 0.63  

2015

                                       

Total revenue

  $ 9,827,000     $ 10,398,000     $ 10,032,000     $ 12,234,000     $ 42,491,000  

Income before income taxes

    419,000       1,143,000       408,000       2,880,000       4,850,000  

Net income attributable to Asta Funding, Inc.

    370,000       345,000       161,000       1,140,000       2,016,000  

Basic net income per share attributable to Asta Funding, Inc.

  $ 0.03     $ 0.03     $ 0.01     $ 0.08     $ 0.15  

Diluted net income per share attributable to Asta Funding, Inc.

  $ 0.03     $ 0.03     $ 0.01     $ 0.08     $ 0.15  

  

*

Due to rounding the sum of quarterly totals for earnings per share may not add to the yearly total.

   

NOTE T — SEGMENT REPORTING

 

The Company operates through strategic business units that are aggregated into four reportable segments: Consumer receivables, Personal injury claims, structured settlements and disability advocacy. The four reportable segments consist of the following:

 

 

 

Consumer receivables — segment is engaged in the business of purchasing, managing for its own account and servicing distressed consumer receivables, including charged off receivables, semi-performing receivables and performing receivables. The primary charged-off receivables are accounts that have been written-off by the originators and may have been previously serviced by collection agencies. Semi-performing receivables are accounts where the debtor is currently making partial or irregular monthly payments, but the accounts may have been written-off by the originators. Performing receivables are accounts where the debtor is making regular monthly payments that may or may not have been delinquent in the past. Distressed consumer receivables are the unpaid debts of individuals to banks, finance companies and other credit providers. A large portion of our distressed consumer receivables are MasterCard ® , Visa ® and other credit card accounts which were charged-off by the issuers or providers for non-payment. We acquire these and other consumer receivable portfolios at substantial discounts to their face values. The discounts are based on the characteristics (issuer, account size, debtor location and age of debt) of the underlying accounts of each portfolio. The business conducts its activities primarily under the name Palisades Collection, LLC.

 

 

 
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ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2016 and 2015

 

NOTE T — SEGMENT REPORTING (CONTINUED)

  

 

 

Personal injury claims — Pegasus Funding, LLC , an 80% owned subsidiary, purchases interests in personal injury claims from claimants who are a party to personal injury litigation. Pegasus advances to each claimant funds on a non-recourse basis at an agreed upon interest rate, in anticipation of a future settlement. The interest in each claim purchased by Pegasus consists of the right to receive, from such claimant, part of the proceeds or recoveries which such claimant receives by reason of a settlement, judgment or award with respect to such claimant’s claim.

 

 

 

Structured settlements — CBC purchases periodic structured settlements and annuity policies from individuals in exchange for a lump sum payment.

 

 

 

GAR Disability Advocates is a non-attorney advocacy group, which obtains and represents individuals nationwide in their claims for social security disability and supplemental security income benefits from the Social Security Administration.

 

Certain non-allocated administrative costs, interest income, interest expense and various other non-operating income and expenses are reflected in Corporate. Corporate assets include cash and cash equivalents, available-for-sale securities, property and equipment, goodwill, deferred taxes and other assets.

 

           

Personal

           

GAR

                 

(Dollars in millions)

 

Consumer
Receivables

   

Injury
Claims

   

Structured
Settlements

   

Disability
Advocates

   

Corporate

   

Total
Company

 

Fiscal Year Ended September 30,

                                               

2016:

                                               

Total Revenues

  $ 19.1     $ 20.2     $ 13.8     $ 4.0     $     $ 57.1  

Other income

                            1.6       1.6  

Income/(loss) before income tax

    14.1       13.1       4.7       (7.3 )     (11.1 )     13.5  

Total Assets(1)

    15.2       49.0       82.7       2.0       107.1       256.0  

2015:

                                               

Total Revenues

 

20.8

      8.5       11.8       1.4             42.5  

Other income

                            1.7       1.7  

Income/(loss) before income tax

    13.8       0.1       3.5       (5.8 )     (6.7 )     4.9  

Total Assets(1)

    17.0       39.6       63.1       2.6       115.1       237.4  

2014:

                                               

Total Revenues

 

19.8

      7.2       5.2       0.4             32.6  

Other income

    26.1                         1.4       27.5  

Income/(loss) before income tax

    18.9       2.3       0.4       (2.7 )     (7.9 )     11.0  

Total Assets(1)

    30.5       34.0       38.5       1.0       113.1       217.1  

 

The Company does not have any intersegment revenue transactions.

  

(1)

Includes other amounts in other line items on the consolidated balance sheet.

 

NOTE U - ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consists of:

   

2016

   

2015

   

2014

 
   

Unrealized

gain on

marketable

securities

   

Foreign

currency

translation,

net

   

Total

   

Unrealized

gain on

marketable

securities

   

Foreign

currency

translation,

net

   

Total

   

Unrealized

gain on

marketable

securities

 

Beginning Balance

  $ (205,000 )   $ (1,480,000 )   $ (1,685,000 )   $ 142,000     $ -     $ 142,000     $ (674,000 )
                                                         

Change in unrealized gains (losses) on foreign currency translation, net

    -       942,000       942,000       -       (1,480,000 )     (1,480,000 )     -  

Change in unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities

    868,000       -       868,000       (260,000 )     -       (260,000 )     900,000  

Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income

    (39,000 )     -       (39,000 )     (87,000 )     -       (87,000     (84,000 )
                                                         

Net current-period other comprehensive income

    829,000       942,000       1,771,000       (347,000 )     (1,480,000 )   $ (1,827,000 )     816,000  
                                                         

Ending balance

  $ 624,000     $ (538,000 )   $ 86,000     $ (205,000 )   $ (1,480,000 )   $ (1,685,000 )   $ 142,000  

 

NOTE V — SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

On November 8, 2016, the Company entered into a binding Term Sheet (the “Term Sheet”) with ASFI Pegasus Holdings, LLC, Fund Pegasus, LLC, Pegasus Funding, LLC, Pegasus Legal Funding, LLC, Max Alperovich and Alexander Khanas. Pegasus is currently the Company’s personal injury claims funding business and is a joint venture that is 80% owned by the Company and 20% owned by PLF. The Company and PLF have decided not to renew the Pegasus joint venture that, by its terms, terminates on December 28, 2016. The Term Sheet amends certain provisions to Pegasus’ operating agreement dated as of December 28, 2011 (as amended, the “Operating Agreement”) and governs the terms relating to the collection of its existing Pegasus portfolio (the “Portfolio”).

 
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ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2016 and 2015

 

NOTE V — SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (CONTINUED)

 

Pursuant to the Term Sheet, the parties thereto have agreed that Pegasus will continue in existence in order to collect advances on its existing Portfolio. The Company will fund overhead expenses relating to the collection of its Portfolio based on a budget agreed upon by the Company and PLF. Any cash received by Pegasus will be distributed to its members in the order provided for in the Operating Agreement. The Company will be repaid an amount equal to 20% of all principal collected on each investment paid back beginning October 1, 2016 and continuing through the collection of the Portfolio, which will be applied against the outstanding balance of overhead expenses previously advanced by the Company to Pegasus. After January 2, 2017, additional overhead expenses advanced will be paid back monthly as incurred by the Company prior to the calculation and distribution of any profits.

 

In connection with the Term Sheet, the parties thereto have also entered into a customary mutual release and non-disparagement agreement as well as a release from the non-competition obligations under the Operating Agreement.

 

On November 11, 2016, the Company announced that it will continue its personal injury claims funding business through the formation of a wholly owned subsidiary, Simia Capital, LLC (“Simia”). In connection with its formation, Simia entered into an employment agreement (the “Employment Agreement”) with Patrick F. Preece to serve as its Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Preece will be a named executive officer of the Company.

 

Under the Employment Agreement, Mr. Preece will receive an annual base salary of $250,000, subject to annual increase at the discretion of the compensation committee (the “Compensation Committee”) of the board of directors of the Company (the “Board”). Mr. Preece will be eligible to receive an annual cash or non-cash bonus in the sole and exclusive discretion of the Compensation Committee. Mr. Preece will also be eligible to receive a cash or non-cash profit bonus of an aggregate amount up to 15% of the profit of the business of Simia (the “Business”) for each fiscal year in which the Business achieves an internal rate of return of at least 18%. In the event that the Business is sold to a third-party solely for cash consideration during Mr. Preece’s employment period, he will be eligible to receive a cash or non-cash sale profit bonus of up to 15% of the closing consideration received by the Company. He will also be entitled to participate in any other benefit plans established by the Company for management employees.

 

The Employment Agreement has a five year term. Under the Employment Agreement, Mr. Preece may be terminated with or without “cause” (as defined in the Employment Agreement) and may resign with or without “good reason” (as defined in the Employment Agreement). If Mr. Preece is terminated without “cause” or resigns for “good reason” he will receive severance equal to two years of his base salary. He will also be entitled to a pro-rata share of the profit bonus and his deferred compensation will vest immediately. Mr. Preece is also subject to a non-compete and non-solicitation provision during the term of his employment and, unless his employment is terminated without “cause” or he resigns for “good reason,” for two years thereafter.

  

 

 
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Table Of Contents
 

    

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

ASTA FUNDING, INC.

   

By:

 

/s/ Gary Stern

 

 

Gary Stern

 

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

Dated: December 14, 2016

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

 

Signature

  

Title

  

Date

/s/ Gary Stern

  Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive   December 14, 2016

Gary Stern

  

 Officer

  

 

         

/s/ Bruce R. Foster

 

Chief Financial Officer

  December 14, 2016

Bruce R. Foster

  

(Principal Financial Officer and Accounting Officer)

  

 

     

/s/ Edward Celano

  

Director

  

December 14, 2016

Edward Celano        
     

/s/ Harvey Leibowitz

  

Director

  

December 14, 2016

Harvey Leibowitz        
     

/s/ David Slackman

  

Director

  

December 14, 2016

David Slackman        
     

/s/ Louis A. Piccolo

  

Director

  

December 14, 2016

Louis A. Piccolo        
         

/s/ Mark Levenfus

  

Director

  

December 14, 2016

Mark Levenfus        
         
/s/ Patrick F. Preece   Director   December 14, 2016
Patrick F. Preece