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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarter ended January 31, 2005
Commission file number 1-12006
FINANCIAL FEDERAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada 88-0244792
(State of incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
733 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10017
(Address of principal executive offices)
(212) 599-8000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes |X| No |_|
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer as defined
in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes |X| No |_|
At March 1, 2005, 17,419,800 shares of the registrant's common stock, $.50 par
value, were outstanding.
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FINANCIAL FEDERAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended January 31, 2005
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part I - Financial Information Page No.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------
Item 1. Financial Statements:
Consolidated Balance Sheets at January 31, 2005 (unaudited) and July 31, 2004 (audited) 3
Consolidated Income Statements for the three and six months ended January 31, 2005
and 2004 (unaudited) 4
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the six months ended
January 31, 2005 and 2004 (unaudited) 5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended January 31, 2005 and
2004 (unaudited) 6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) 7-11
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 11-20
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 20
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 20
Part II - Other Information
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 20-21
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 21
Item 5. Other Information 21
Item 6. Exhibits 21
Signatures 22
2
FINANCIAL FEDERAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except par value)
=========================================================================================================================
January 31, 2005* July 31, 2004
=========================================================================================================================
ASSETS
Finance receivables $ 1,534,130 $ 1,460,909
Allowance for credit losses (24,250) (24,081)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finance receivables - net 1,509,880 1,436,828
Cash 7,576 6,981
Other assets 11,474 20,109
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL ASSETS $ 1,528,930 $ 1,463,918
=========================================================================================================================
LIABILITIES
Debt:
Long-term ($7,400 at January 31, 2005 and $6,100 at July 31, 2004 due to
related parties) $ 851,800 $ 826,650
Short-term 290,300 267,050
Accrued interest, taxes and other liabilities 62,285 66,328
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities 1,204,385 1,160,028
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock - $1 par value, authorized 5,000 shares -- --
Common stock - $.50 par value, authorized 100,000 shares, shares issued
and outstanding (net of 1,672 treasury shares): 17,419 at January 31, 2005
and 17,269 at July 31, 2004 8,709 8,634
Additional paid-in capital 106,836 101,920
Retained earnings 209,000 193,336
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total stockholders' equity 324,545 303,890
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 1,528,930 $ 1,463,918
=========================================================================================================================
* Unaudited
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
3
FINANCIAL FEDERAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS *
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
===============================================================================================
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
January 31, January 31,
----------------------------------------
2005 2004 2005 2004
===============================================================================================
Finance income $31,064 $29,579 $60,956 $59,811
Interest expense 10,458 8,587 19,754 17,240
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net finance income before provision for credit
losses on finance receivables 20,606 20,992 41,202 42,571
Provision for credit losses on finance receivables 300 2,350 1,250 5,900
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net finance income 20,306 18,642 39,952 36,671
Salaries and other expenses 5,201 5,840 10,882 12,128
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before income taxes 15,105 12,802 29,070 24,543
Provision for income taxes 5,867 5,011 11,272 9,600
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME $ 9,238 $ 7,791 $17,798 $14,943
===============================================================================================
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:
Diluted $ 0.53 $ 0.42 $ 1.03 $ 0.81
===============================================================================================
Basic $ 0.54 $ 0.43 $ 1.05 $ 0.82
===============================================================================================
* Unaudited
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
4
FINANCIAL FEDERAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY *
(In thousands)
====================================================================================================================
Shares of Additional Total
Common Common Paid-In Retained Stockholders'
Stock Stock Capital Earnings Equity
====================================================================================================================
BALANCE AT JULY 31, 2003 18,483 $ 9,242 $ 105,464 $ 201,690 $ 316,396
Repurchases of common stock (142) (71) (2,568) (2,200) (4,839)
Employee stock plans:
Shares issued 336 168 6,326 -- 6,494
Compensation recognized -- -- 1,192 -- 1,192
Tax benefits -- -- 1,533 -- 1,533
Net income -- -- -- 14,943 14,943
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AT JANUARY 31, 2004 18,677 $ 9,339 $ 111,947 $ 214,433 $ 335,719
====================================================================================================================
====================================================================================================================
Shares of Additional Total
Common Common Paid-In Retained Stockholders'
Stock Stock Capital Earnings Equity
====================================================================================================================
BALANCE AT JULY 31, 2004 17,269 $ 8,634 $ 101,920 $ 193,336 $ 303,890
Repurchases of common stock
(retired) (20) (10) (369) (393) (772)
Employee stock plans:
Shares issued 170 85 3,346 -- 3,431
Compensation recognized -- -- 1,343 -- 1,343
Tax benefits -- -- 596 -- 596
Common stock cash dividend -- -- -- (1,741) (1,741)
Net income -- -- -- 17,798 17,798
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AT JANUARY 31, 2005 17,419 $ 8,709 $ 106,836 $ 209,000 $ 324,545
====================================================================================================================
* Unaudited
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
5
FINANCIAL FEDERAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS *
(In thousands)
====================================================================================================
Six Months Ended January 31, 2005 2004
====================================================================================================
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $ 17,798 $ 14,943
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Provision for credit losses on finance receivables 1,250 5,900
Depreciation and amortization 8,835 8,496
Decrease in other assets 9,030 11,513
Decrease in accrued interest, taxes and other liabilities (3,543) (5,260)
Tax benefits from stock plans 596 1,533
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by operating activities 33,966 37,125
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Finance receivables originated (492,777) (349,159)
Finance receivables collected 410,588 343,556
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash used in investing activities (82,189) (5,603)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Asset securitization borrowings 39,000 --
Commercial paper, net increase (decrease) 6,400 (16,963)
Bank borrowings, net increase (decrease) 22,500 (5,885)
Proceeds from term note -- 5,000
Repayments of term notes (20,000) (17,000)
Proceeds from stock option exercises 2,709 2,554
Common stock cash dividend (1,741) --
Repurchases of common stock (50) (900)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 48,818 (33,194)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH 595 (1,672)
Cash - beginning of period 6,981 8,015
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH - END OF PERIOD $ 7,576 $ 6,343
====================================================================================================
* Unaudited
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
6
FINANCIAL FEDERAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Description of Business
Financial Federal Corporation provides collateralized lending, financing
and leasing services nationwide to middle-market businesses in the general
construction, road and infrastructure construction and repair, road
transportation, waste disposal and manufacturing industries. We lend against,
finance and lease a wide range of new and used revenue-producing/essential-use
equipment such as cranes, earth movers, machine tools, personnel lifts, trailers
and trucks.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been
prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission. Certain information and note disclosures normally
included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) have
been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The July
31, 2004 Consolidated Balance Sheet was derived from audited financial
statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP.
However, we believe that the disclosures are adequate to make the
information presented not misleading. These Consolidated Financial
Statements and note disclosures should be read in conjunction with the
Consolidated Financial Statements and note disclosures included in our
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2004.
In our opinion, the Consolidated Financial Statements include all
adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring items) necessary to
present fairly our financial position and results of operations for the
periods presented therein. The results of operations for the three and six
months ended January 31, 2005 may not be indicative of full year results.
Stock-Based Compensation
We continue to apply Accounting Principles Board Opinion ("APB") No. 25,
"Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and related Interpretations to
account for our stock options. Under APB No. 25, we do not record compensation
expense for our stock options. If we applied the expense recognition provisions
of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 123, "Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation," compensation expense would have been recorded for
stock options based on their fair value computed with an option-pricing model.
The effect on net income and earnings per share had we recorded compensation
expense under SFAS No. 123 follow:
=============================================================================================
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
January 31, January 31,
-------------------------------------------
2005 2004 2005 2004
=============================================================================================
Net income, as reported $ 9,238 $ 7,791 $17,798 $14,943
Add: Compensation expense recorded for
stock awards (after-tax) 414 364 821 729
Deduct: Total stock-based compensation
expense determined under fair value based
method for all awards (after-tax) (868) (761) (1,807) (1,540)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pro forma net income $ 8,784 $ 7,394 $16,812 $14,132
=============================================================================================
Diluted earnings per common share:
As reported $ 0.53 $ 0.42 $ 1.03 $ 0.81
Pro forma 0.51 0.40 0.97 0.76
=============================================================================================
Basic earnings per common share:
As reported $ 0.54 $ 0.43 $ 1.05 $ 0.82
Pro forma 0.52 0.41 0.99 0.78
=============================================================================================
7
In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No.
123(R), "Share-Based Payment", which requires the measurement and recognition of
compensation expense for all stock awards (including stock options). SFAS No.
123(R) is effective with our fiscal quarter ending October 31, 2005. We are
currently evaluating the impact SFAS No. 123(R) will have on our operating
results and financial condition.
Use of Estimates
The consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes require
us to make significant estimates and assumptions affecting the amounts reported
therein. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.
NOTE 2 - FINANCE RECEIVABLES
Finance receivables comprise installment sale agreements and secured
loans (including line of credit arrangements), collectively referred to as
loans, with fixed or floating (indexed to the prime rate) interest rates, and
direct financing leases as follows:
====================================================================
January 31, July 31,
2005 2004
====================================================================
Loans:
Fixed rate $1,278,178 $1,183,812
Floating rate 83,142 71,742
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Total loans 1,361,320 1,255,554
Direct financing leases * 172,810 205,355
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Finance receivables $1,534,130 $1,460,909
====================================================================
* includes residual values of $36,300 at January 31, 2005 and $42,200
at July 31, 2004
The allowance for credit losses activity is summarized as follows:
=============================================================================================
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
January 31, January 31,
-------------------------------------------
2005 2004 2005 2004
=============================================================================================
Beginning balance $24,245 $23,592 $24,081 $23,754
Provision 300 2,350 1,250 5,900
Write-downs (1,552) (3,060) (3,084) (7,051)
Recoveries 1,257 589 2,003 868
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending balance $24,250 $23,471 $24,250 $23,471
=============================================================================================
Percentage of finance receivables 1.58% 1.67% 1.58% 1.67%
=============================================================================================
Net charge-offs * $ 295 $ 2,471 $ 1,081 $ 6,183
=============================================================================================
Loss ratio ** 0.08% 0.70% 0.14% 0.88%
=============================================================================================
* write-downs less recoveries
** net charge-offs over average finance receivables, annualized
Non-performing assets comprise finance receivables classified as
non-accrual (income recognition has been suspended) and assets received to
satisfy finance receivables (repossessed equipment, included in other assets) as
follows:
======================================================================
January 31, July 31,
2005 2004
======================================================================
Finance receivables classified as non-accrual $26,446 $29,251
Assets received to satisfy finance receivables 1,375 3,177
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-performing assets $27,821 $32,428
======================================================================
The allowance for credit losses included $470 at January 31, 2005 and $650
at July 31, 2004 specifically allocated to $5,000 and $7,500, respectively, of
impaired finance receivables.
8
We also provide commitments to extend credit. These commitments contain
off-balance sheet risk. We use the same credit policies and procedures in
providing these commitments as we do for finance receivables. At January 31,
2005 and July 31, 2004, the unused portion of these commitments was $15,100 and
$10,400, respectively.
NOTE 3 - DEBT
Debt is summarized as follows:
=======================================================================
January 31, July 31,
2005 2004
=======================================================================
Floating rate term notes due 2005 - 2010 * $ 338,750 $ 338,750
Fixed rate term notes due 2005 - 2008 * 161,250 181,250
2.0% convertible debentures due 2034 175,000 175,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Total term debt 675,000 695,000
Asset securitization financings 325,000 286,000
Commercial paper 110,000 103,600
Bank borrowings 34,500 12,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Total principal 1,144,500 1,096,600
Fair value adjustment of hedged debt (2,400) (2,900)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Total debt $1,142,100 $1,093,700
=======================================================================
* $143,250 at January 31, 2005 and July 31, 2004 of fixed rate term
notes swapped to floating rates have been classified as floating
rate term notes
Term Notes
In February 2005, we prepaid $46.5 million of floating rate term notes;
$40.5 million originally maturing in four to six months and $6.0 million in
three and a half years. We prepaid the notes with proceeds from borrowings under
bank credit facilities bearing lower interest rates.
Convertible Debentures
The convertible debentures were originally convertible into 3,969,000
shares of common stock at a conversion price of $44.10 per share resulting in an
initial conversion rate of 22.6778 shares per $1 (one thousand) of principal. On
December 8, 2004, we irrevocably elected to fix the payment of the value of
converted debentures, not exceeding the principal amount, in cash. Any value in
excess of principal will be paid in shares of common stock. This eliminated the
3,969,000 shares of common stock originally issuable upon conversion. At January
31, 2005, no event occurred that would have allowed for conversion of the
debentures.
In January 2005, we were required to adjust the conversion rate to 22.74
shares of common stock due to the payment of a quarterly cash dividend. The new
conversion price is $43.98 and we would have to deliver the value of 3,980,000
shares upon conversion of all of the debentures. Subsequent quarterly cash
dividends will require similar adjustments to the conversion rate.
Asset Securitization Financings
We have a $325,000 asset securitization facility that provides for
committed revolving financing for one year. If the facility is not renewed prior
to its current expiration date of April 29, 2005, we can convert borrowings
outstanding into term debt. Finance receivables include $395,000 and $347,900 of
securitized receivables at January 31, 2005 and July 31, 2004, respectively. At
January 31, 2005, we could securitize an additional $213,000 of finance
receivables. Borrowings are limited to 94% of securitized receivables.
Bank Borrowings
We have $315,000 of committed unsecured revolving credit facilities with
various banks expiring as follows: $157,500 within one year and $157,500 on
various dates from February 2006 through January 2010.
Other
The debt agreements of our major operating subsidiary contain restrictive
covenants including limitations on the subsidiary's indebtedness, encumbrances,
investments, dividends and other distributions to us, sales of assets, mergers
and other business combinations, capital expenditures, interest coverage and net
worth. None of the agreements contain a material adverse change clause. All of
our debt is senior.
9
Long-term debt comprised the following:
==========================================================================
January 31, July 31,
2005 2004
==========================================================================
Term notes $361,100 $409,350
Convertible debentures 175,000 175,000
Asset securitization financings 171,200 126,700
Bank borrowings and commercial paper supported by
bank credit facilities expiring after one year 144,500 115,600
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total long-term debt $851,800 $826,650
==========================================================================
NOTE 4 - DERIVATIVES
At January 31, 2005 and July 31, 2004, the notional amount of interest
rate swaps was $143,250. The swaps have been designated as fair value hedges of
fixed rate term notes. We receive fixed rates equal to the rates of the
respective hedged notes and pay floating rates indexed to six-month LIBOR on the
swaps' notional amounts. The swaps expire on the maturity dates of the
respective notes. The fair value of the swaps was a liability of $2,400 and
$2,900 at January 31, 2005 and July 31, 2004, respectively.
NOTE 5 - STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
In 2005, we received 20,000 shares of common stock from senior officers at
an average price of $37.93 per share in exchange for their exercise of 39,000
stock options. These shares were retired. At January 31, 2005, $19,228 was
available for future repurchases under our repurchase program.
In December 2004, we initiated a quarterly cash dividend and paid our
first dividend of $0.10 per share of common stock in January 2005.
NOTE 6 - STOCK PLANS
In October 2004, we awarded 10,000 shares of restricted stock to our Chief
Executive Officer under the 2001 Management Incentive Plan as part of the Chief
Executive Officer's fiscal 2004 bonus. The shares vest evenly over their
five-year life. Vesting of the shares may be accelerated and unvested shares are
subject to forfeiture.
In October 2004, we granted 11,000 stock options to employees with an
exercise price of $36.97 per share under our 1998 Stock Option and Restricted
Stock Plan. The options vest evenly over four years starting in October 2006 and
expire in October 2010.
NOTE 7 - EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
Earnings per common share ("EPS") was calculated as follows (in thousands,
except per share amounts):
==========================================================================================
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
January 31, January 31,
----------------------------------------
2005 2004 2005 2004
==========================================================================================
Net income $ 9,238 $ 7,791 $17,798 $14,943
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted average common shares outstanding
(used for basic EPS) 16,978 18,240 16,936 18,179
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options 291 244 278 275
Restricted stock/stock units 147 106 130 95
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adjusted weighted average common shares
outstanding (used for diluted EPS) 17,416 18,590 17,344 18,549
==========================================================================================
Earnings per common share:
Diluted $ 0.53 $ 0.42 $ 1.03 $ 0.81
Basic 0.54 0.43 1.05 0.82
==========================================================================================
10
On September 30, 2004, the Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") Issued EITF
No. 04-8, "The Effect of Contingently Convertible Debt on Diluted Earnings per
Share." EITF No. 04-8 eliminated the exclusion of convertible debentures with a
contingent conversion feature from the computation of diluted earnings per
share. Our convertible debentures contain this feature. On December 8, 2004, we
irrevocably elected to fix the payment of the value of converted debentures, not
exceeding the principal amount, in cash. Any value in excess of principal will
be paid in shares of common stock. This eliminates the 3,980,000 shares (as
adjusted) of common stock issuable upon conversion. As a result, EITF 04-8 will
not affect the computation of diluted earnings per share.
The debentures will not affect the computation of diluted EPS until the
price of our common stock exceeds the adjusted conversion price of $43.98. In
fiscal periods in which the average price of our common stock exceeds $43.98, a
percentage (equal to the excess of the average price above $43.98, divided by
the average price) of the number of shares of common stock required to deliver
the value of the converted debentures over principal would be treated as shares
outstanding in the computation of diluted EPS (referred to as the treasury stock
method). Our common stock closed at $34.50 per share on January 31, 2005.
Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
OVERVIEW
Financial Federal Corporation is an independent financial services company
operating through three wholly-owned subsidiaries. We do not have any
unconsolidated subsidiaries, partnerships or joint ventures. We also do not have
any off-balance sheet assets or liabilities or goodwill recorded and we are not
involved in any income tax shelters. We have one fully consolidated special
purpose entity that we established for our on-balance-sheet asset securitization
facility.
We have one line of business; lending money in the form of secured loans
and leases (collectively referred to as finance receivables) to small and medium
sized businesses for their equipment financing needs. Our revenue is generated
solely by interest and other fees/charges earned on our finance receivables. We
need to borrow most of the money we lend; therefore liquidity is of paramount
importance to us. Typically, we borrow from banks and insurance companies and
issue commercial paper directly and indirectly to money market funds and other
investors. At January 31, 2005, approximately 75% of our finance receivables
were funded with debt and 25% with equity.
We earn interest income on our finance receivables and incur interest
expense on our debt. We focus on maximizing the spread between the rates we earn
on our receivables and the rates we incur on our debt, maintaining the credit
quality of our receivables and managing our interest rate risk. Interest rates
earned on our finance receivables are currently 95% fixed and 5% floating and
interest rates incurred on our debt are currently 29% fixed and 71% floating.
Therefore, our profitability can be affected significantly by changes in market
interest rates. Our profitability can also be affected significantly by the
credit quality of our finance receivables. Credit quality can affect revenue,
provisions for credit losses and operating expenses through reclassifying
receivables to/from non-accrual status, incurring charge-offs and incurring
costs associated with non-performing assets. We use various strategies to manage
our interest rate risk and credit risk.
Our main areas of focus are asset quality, liquidity and interest rate
risk. Each is discussed in detail in separate sections of this discussion. These
areas are integral to our long-term profitability. Our key performance measures
are net charge-offs and loss ratio, non-performing assets, delinquencies,
receivables growth, leverage, available liquidity, net interest margin and net
interest spread and expense ratio.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
requires us to make judgments, assumptions and estimates that affect the amounts
reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Note 1
to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the fiscal year ended July 31, 2004 describes the significant accounting
policies and methods used in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial
Statements. Estimates are used for, but not limited to, the accounting for the
allowance for credit losses on finance receivables, impaired finance
receivables, assets received to satisfy receivables and residual values on
direct financing leases. The following critical accounting policies are impacted
significantly by judgments, assumptions and estimates used in the preparation of
the Consolidated Financial Statements.
11
The allowance for credit losses on finance receivables is an estimate of
losses inherent in our finance receivables at the balance sheet date. The
allowance is difficult to determine and requires a significant degree of
judgment. The allowance is based on total finance receivables, charge-off
experience, non-accrual/delinquent finance receivables and our current
assessment of the risks inherent in our finance receivables from national and
regional economic conditions, industry conditions, concentrations, the financial
condition of counterparties (includes the obligor/lessee and other parties we
may have recourse to such as equipment vendors/manufacturers and
owners/affiliates of the obligor/lessee), equipment collateral values and other
factors. The allowance level may need to be changed significantly due to
unexpected changes in these factors. Increases in the allowance would reduce net
income through higher provisions for credit losses. The allowance was $24.3
million (1.58% of finance receivables) at January 31, 2005 including $0.5
million specifically allocated to impaired receivables.
The allowance includes amounts specifically allocated to impaired
receivables and an unallocated general amount to provide for losses inherent in
the remainder of the receivables portfolio. Upon evaluating the net realizable
value of impaired receivables, we may record a write-down or establish a
specific allowance based on the probability of loss. Write-downs are recorded
based on the fair value of the underlying collateral. Specific allowances are
established when the collection of all amounts due is not fully supported solely
by the value of the underlying primary equipment collateral depending on the
level and type of other items supporting collectibility. The general allowance
is supported by an analysis of historical losses (charge-offs) covering two
years (comparable with the average life of our receivables) from which
percentage loss ranges are developed and applied to receivables based on their
assigned risk profile. Risk profiles are assigned to receivables based on
industry and past due status. The computed range of losses is adjusted for
expected recoveries and differences between current and historical loss trends
and other factors. The analysis is performed quarterly and is reviewed by senior
management. At January 31, 2005, the computed range of losses was adjusted
upward to account for the potential effects that significantly higher oil prices
could have on our customers' cash flows and ability to remit payments to us.
Although our methodology is designed to compute probable losses, due to the
significance of the estimates used, the computed range of losses, as adjusted,
may differ significantly from actual losses.
Impaired finance receivables are recorded at their current estimated net
realizable value (if less than their carrying amount). Assets received to
satisfy receivables are recorded at their current estimated fair value less
selling costs (if less than their carrying amount). These estimated values are
based on our evaluation of the expected cash flows and market value/condition of
the collateral/assets. Values are estimated by analyzing recent sales of similar
equipment, used equipment publications, market knowledge and equipment vendor
inquiries. Unexpected adverse changes in or incorrect conclusions regarding
expected cash flows, market value/condition of collateral/assets or length of
time needed to sell the equipment would require a write-down to be recorded.
This would reduce net income. Impaired finance receivables and assets received
to satisfy receivables totaled $27.8 million (1.8% of finance receivables) at
January 31, 2005.
Residual values are recorded on direct financing leases at the lowest of
(i) any stated purchase option, (ii) the present value at the end of the initial
lease term of rentals due under any renewal options or (iii) our projection of
the equipment's fair value at the end of the lease. Residual values may not be
fully realized due to subsequent unexpected adverse changes in equipment values.
This would result in a write-down and reduce net income. Residual values were
$36.3 million (2.4% of finance receivables) at January 31, 2005. Historically,
we have realized the recorded residual value upon disposition.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Comparison of three months ended January 31, 2005 to three months ended January
31, 2004
===============================================================================
Three Months Ended
January 31,
($ in millions, except per ------------------
share amounts) 2005 2004 $ Change % Change
===============================================================================
Finance income $ 31.1 $ 29.6 $ 1.5 5%
Interest expense 10.5 8.6 1.9 22
Net finance income before
provision for credit losses 20.6 21.0 (0.4) (2)
Provision for credit losses 0.3 2.4 (2.1) (88)
Salaries and other expenses 5.2 5.8 (0.6) (11)
Provision for income taxes 5.9 5.0 0.9 17
Net income 9.2 7.8 1.4 19
Diluted earnings per share 0.53 0.42 0.11 26
Basic earnings per share 0.54 0.43 0.11 26
===============================================================================
12
Net income increased by 19% to $9.2 million in the second quarter of
fiscal 2005 from $7.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2004. The increase
resulted from the effects of significantly fewer non-performing assets and
receivables growth, partially offset by the effects of significantly higher
short-term market interest rates, continued low market interest rates, and, to a
lesser extent, increased costs associated with being a public company (includes
external and internal audit costs, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance costs, legal fees,
insurance and board of directors fees).
Finance income increased by 5% to $31.1 million in the second quarter of
fiscal 2005 from $29.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2004. The
increase resulted from the 7% increase in average finance receivables ($103.9
million) to $1.514 billion in the second quarter of fiscal 2005 from $1.410
billion in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 and, to a lesser extent, lower
non-accrual receivables. Partially offsetting these positive factors was the
lower net yield of finance receivables. Continued low market interest rates
reduced the net yield on finance receivables to 8.1% in the second quarter of
fiscal 2005 from 8.3% in the second quarter of fiscal 2004. This trend in yield
may reverse due to recent increases in market interest rates.
Interest expense, incurred on borrowings used to fund finance receivables,
increased by 22% to $10.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2005 from $8.6
million in the second quarter of fiscal 2004. The increase resulted from higher
average short-term market interest rates and the 11% ($107.2 million) increase
in average debt. Increases in short-term market interest rates, partially offset
by the lower average rate on our fixed rate term debt, raised our weighted
average cost of funds to 3.7% in the second quarter of fiscal 2005 from 3.4% in
the second quarter of fiscal 2004.
Net finance income before provision for credit losses on finance
receivables decreased by 2% to $20.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal
2005 from $21.0 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2004. Net interest
margin (net finance income before provision for credit losses expressed as an
annual percentage of average finance receivables) decreased to 5.4% in the
second quarter of fiscal 2005 from 5.9% in the second quarter of fiscal 2004.
Net interest margin decreased because our weighted average cost of funds was
higher, the net yield on our finance receivables was lower and our leverage
increased to 3.5 from 3.0.
The provision for credit losses on finance receivables decreased to $0.3
million in the second quarter of fiscal 2005 from $2.4 million in the second
quarter of fiscal 2004. The decrease resulted from significantly lower net
charge-offs and, to a lesser extent, improved asset quality, partially offset by
receivables growth. The provision for credit losses is the amount required to
change the allowance for credit losses to the appropriate estimated level. Net
charge-offs (write-downs of finance receivables less recoveries) decreased to
$0.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2005 from $2.5 million in the
second quarter of fiscal 2004. The loss ratio (net charge-offs expressed as an
annual percentage of average finance receivables) decreased to 0.08% in the
second quarter of fiscal 2005 from 0.70% in the second quarter of fiscal 2004.
Net charge-offs decreased due to a higher level of recoveries, fewer non-accrual
receivables and improved equipment resale values.
Salaries and other expenses decreased by 11% to $5.2 million in the second
quarter of fiscal 2005 from $5.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2004.
The decrease resulted from cost savings generated by fewer non-performing assets
partially offset by higher costs associated with being a public company. Salary
expense did not change significantly. The expense ratio (salaries and other
expenses expressed as an annual percentage of average finance receivables)
decreased to 1.4% in the second quarter of fiscal 2005 from 1.6% in the second
quarter of fiscal 2004 due to the decrease in expenses and receivables growth.
The efficiency ratio (expense ratio expressed as a percentage of net interest
margin) decreased to 25.2% in the second quarter of fiscal 2005 from 27.8% in
the second quarter of fiscal 2004.
Diluted earnings per share increased by 26% to $0.53 per share in the
second quarter of fiscal 2005 from $0.42 per share in the second quarter of
fiscal 2004, and basic earnings per share increased by 26% to $0.54 per share in
the second quarter of fiscal 2005 from $0.43 per share in the second quarter of
fiscal 2004. The percentage increases in diluted and basic earnings per share
were higher than the percentage increase in net income due to the repurchase of
1.5 million shares of common stock in April 2004.
13
Comparison of six months ended January 31, 2005 to six months ended January 31,
2004
===============================================================================
Six Months Ended
January 31,
($ in millions, except per ------------------
share amounts) 2005 2004 $ Change % Change
===============================================================================
Finance income $ 61.0 $ 59.8 $ 1.2 2%
Interest expense 19.8 17.2 2.6 15
Net finance income before
provision for credit losses 41.2 42.6 (1.4) (3)
Provision for credit losses 1.3 5.9 (4.6) (78)
Salaries and other expenses 10.9 12.2 (1.3) (10)
Provision for income taxes 11.2 9.6 1.6 17
Net income 17.8 14.9 2.9 19
Diluted earnings per share 1.03 0.81 0.22 27
Basic earnings per share 1.05 0.82 0.23 28
===============================================================================
Net income increased by 19% to $17.8 million in the first half of fiscal
2005 from $14.9 million in the first half of fiscal 2004. The increase resulted
from the effects of significantly fewer non-performing assets and, to a lesser
extent, receivables growth, partially offset by the effects of significantly
higher short-term market interest rates, continued low market interest rates,
and, to a lesser extent, increased costs associated with being a public company.
Finance income increased by 2% to $61.0 million in the first half of
fiscal 2005 from $59.8 million in the first half of fiscal 2004. The increase
resulted from the 6% increase in average finance receivables ($83.2 million) to
$1.495 billion in the first half of fiscal 2005 from $1.412 billion in the first
half of fiscal 2004 and, to a lesser extent, lower non-accrual receivables.
Partially offsetting these positive factors was the lower net yield of finance
receivables. Continued low market interest rates reduced the net yield on
finance receivables to 8.1% in the first half of fiscal 2005 from 8.4% in the
first half of fiscal 2004.
Interest expense increased by 15% to $19.8 million in the first half of
fiscal 2005 from $17.2 million in the first half of fiscal 2004. The increase
resulted from higher average short-term market interest rates and the 9% ($90.2
million) increase in average debt. Increases in short-term market interest
rates, partially offset by the lower average rate on our fixed rate term debt,
raised our weighted average cost of funds to 3.5% in the first half of fiscal
2005 from 3.3% in the first half of fiscal 2004.
Net finance income before provision for credit losses on finance
receivables decreased by 3% to $41.2 million in the first half of fiscal 2005
from $42.6 million in the first half of fiscal 2004. Net interest margin
decreased to 5.5% in the first half of fiscal 2005 from 6.0% in the first half
of fiscal 2004. Net interest margin decreased because our weighted average cost
of funds was higher, the net yield on our finance receivables was lower and our
leverage increased to 3.5 from 3.0.
The provision for credit losses on finance receivables decreased to $1.3
million in the first half of fiscal 2005 from $5.9 million in the first half of
fiscal 2004. The decrease resulted from significantly lower net charge-offs and,
to a lesser extent, improved asset quality, partially offset by receivables
growth. Net charge-offs decreased to $1.1 million in the first half of fiscal
2005 from $6.2 million in the first half of fiscal 2004. The loss ratio
decreased to 0.14% in the first half of fiscal 2005 from 0.88% in the first half
of fiscal 2004. Net charge-offs decreased due to a higher level of recoveries,
fewer non-accrual receivables and improved equipment resale values.
Salaries and other expenses decreased by 10% to $10.9 million in the first
half of fiscal 2005 from $12.2 million in the first half of fiscal 2004. The
decrease resulted from cost savings generated by fewer non-performing assets
partially offset by higher costs associated with being a public company. Salary
expense did not change significantly. The expense ratio decreased to 1.4% in the
first half of fiscal 2005 from 1.7% in the first half of fiscal 2004 due to the
decrease in expenses and receivables growth. The efficiency ratio decreased to
26.4% in the first half of fiscal 2005 from 28.5% in the first half of fiscal
2004.
Diluted earnings per share increased by 27% to $1.03 per share in the
first half of fiscal 2005 from $0.81 per share in the first half of fiscal 2004,
and basic earnings per share increased by 28% to $1.05 per share in the first
half of fiscal 2005 from $0.82 per share in the first half of fiscal 2004. The
percentage increases in diluted and basic earnings per share were higher than
the percentage increase in net income due to the repurchase of 1.5 million
shares of common stock in April 2004.
14
RECEIVABLE PORTFOLIO AND ASSET QUALITY
This section discusses trends and characteristics of our finance
receivables and our approach to managing credit risk. A key part of this section
is asset quality. Asset quality statistics measure our underwriting standards,
skills and policies/procedures and can indicate the direction and levels of
future charge-offs.
==================================================================================
January 31, July 31,
($ in millions) 2005* 2004* $ Change % Change
==================================================================================
Finance receivables $1,534.1 $1,460.9 $ 73.2 5%
Allowance for credit losses 24.3 24.1 0.2 1
Non-performing assets 27.8 32.4 (4.6) (14)
Delinquent finance receivables 12.8 15.0 (2.2) (15)
Net charge-offs 1.1 3.3 (2.2) (67)
As a percentage of receivables:
-------------------------------
Allowance for credit losses 1.58% 1.65%
Non-performing assets 1.81 2.22
Delinquent finance receivables 0.83 1.03
Net charge-offs (annualized) 0.14 0.46
==================================================================================
* as of and for the six months ended
Finance receivables comprise installment sale agreements and secured loans
(collectively referred to as loans) and direct financing leases. Finance
receivables outstanding increased by 5% ($73.2 million) to $1.534 billion at
January 31, 2005 from $1.461 billion at July 31, 2004. At January 31, 2005, 89%
($1,361.3 billion) of finance receivables were loans and 11% ($172.8 million)
were leases.
Finance receivables originated in the second quarter of fiscal 2005 and
2004 were $274 million and $180 million, respectively, and finance receivables
originated in the first half of fiscal 2005 and 2004 were $493 million and $349
million, respectively. Originations increased due to greater demand for domestic
equipment financing, the hiring of additional marketing professionals and
possibly due to the 50% bonus depreciation tax deduction on new equipment that
expired on December 31, 2004 as customers may have accelerated equipment
purchases to benefit from this expiring tax incentive. Finance receivables
collected in the second quarter of fiscal 2005 and 2004 were $225 million and
$171 million, respectively, and finance receivables collected in the first half
of fiscal 2005 and 2004 were $411 million and $344 million, respectively.
Collections increased due to higher average receivables and increased
pre-payment activity.
Maintaining the credit quality of our portfolio is our primary focus. We
manage our credit risk by using disciplined and established underwriting
policies and procedures, by closely monitoring our portfolio and by effectively
handling non-performing accounts. Our underwriting policies and procedures
require obtaining a first lien on equipment financed. We focus on financing
equipment that has an economic life exceeding the term of the transaction,
historically low levels of technological obsolescence, use in multiple
industries, ease of access and transporting, and a broad, established resale
market. Securing our receivables with such equipment can mitigate potential
charge-offs. We may also obtain additional equipment or other collateral,
third-party guarantees, advanced payments and/or hold back a portion of the
amount financed. We do not finance/lease aircraft or railcars, computer related
equipment, telecommunications equipment or equipment located outside the United
States, and we do not lend to consumers.
Our underwriting policies limit our credit exposure with any single
customer. At January 31, 2005, this limit was $28.5 million. Our largest and ten
largest customer(s) accounted for $12.4 million (0.8%) and $83.3 million (5.4%),
respectively, of total finance receivables at January 31, 2005.
The allowance for credit losses was $24.3 million at January 31, 2005 and
$24.1 million at July 31, 2004. The allowance level declined to 1.58% of finance
receivables at January 31, 2005 from 1.65% at July 31, 2004 due to the
improvement in asset quality statistics. We periodically review the allowance to
determine that its level is appropriate. The allowance level may decline further
if our asset quality statistics remain at favorable levels.
Net charge-offs of finance receivables (write-downs less recoveries)
decreased to $1.1 million in the first six months of fiscal 2005 from $3.3
million in the last six months of fiscal 2004 and the loss ratio decreased to
0.14% from 0.46%. Net charge-offs of finance receivables decreased to $0.3
million in the second quarter of fiscal 2005 from $0.8 million in the first
quarter of fiscal 2005 and the loss ratio decreased to 0.08% from 0.21%. Net
charge-offs have been decreasing due to a
15
higher level of recoveries of amounts previously written-down, fewer
non-performing assets and improved economic conditions and equipment resale
values.
Non-performing assets comprise non-accrual finance receivables and
repossessed equipment (assets received to satisfy receivables) as follows (in
millions):
====================================================================
January 31, July 31,
2005 2004
====================================================================
Non-accrual finance receivables $26.4 $29.2
Repossessed equipment 1.4 3.2
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Total non-performing assets $27.8 $32.4
====================================================================
Delinquent finance receivables (transactions with a contractual payment 60
or more days past due) were $12.8 million at January 31, 2005 compared to $15.0
million at July 31, 2004.
Our asset quality statistics remained at favorable levels during the
quarter; improving slightly. Repossessed equipment, delinquencies and net
charge-offs are below expected levels. Therefore, further improvement in these
measures is not expected. Non-accrual finance receivables may decline further
(decreases in non-accrual receivables typically trail decreases in delinquencies
since several months of payment performance is required to reclassify a
receivable to accrual status). At January 31, 2005, 70% of non-accrual finance
receivables were not delinquent. Reductions in net charge-offs and non-accrual
receivables would have a positive effect on earnings through decreases in the
provision for credit losses and by increasing finance income.
Although we expect our asset quality statistics to remain at favorable
levels, significantly higher oil prices and market interest rates could
adversely affect our statistics. Gasoline and interest are significant costs for
a majority of our customers and higher than normal increases in these costs
could adversely impact their operating cash flows and their ability to remit
payments to us. In addition, we have several customers that owe us over $5.0
million. If any of these receivables became delinquent, impaired or repossessed,
our asset quality statistics could worsen even though the overall trend for the
portfolio may remain positive.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
This section describes our needs for substantial amounts of capital (debt
and equity), our approach to managing liquidity and our current funding sources.
Key indicators are leverage, available ongoing liquidity and credit ratings. Our
credit rating was recently raised, our leverage is low by finance company
standards, we have ample liquidity available and the maturities of our term debt
are staggered and exceed the maturities of our finance receivables.
Liquidity and access to capital are vital to our operations and growth. We
need continued availability of funds to originate/acquire finance receivables,
to purchase portfolios of finance receivables and to repay maturing debt. To
ensure that we have adequate liquidity; we project our financing needs based on
estimated receivables growth and maturing debt, we closely monitor capital
markets and we diversify our funding sources. We can obtain funds from many
sources, including operating cash flow, private and public issuances of term
debt, conduit and term securitizations of finance receivables, committed
unsecured revolving credit facilities, dealer placed and directly issued
commercial paper and sales of common and preferred equity. We believe that our
sources of liquidity are well diversified. We are not dependent on any funding
source or on any credit provider.
At January 31, 2005, we had $170.5 million of unused bank credit
facilities (net of commercial paper outstanding). We can also issue an
additional $200.0 million of asset securitization financings. We believe, but
cannot assure, that sufficient liquidity is available to us to support our
future operations and growth.
Our term debt is rated 'BBB+' by Fitch Ratings, Inc. ("Fitch") and the
commercial paper our major operating subsidiary issues ($98.3 million at January
31, 2005) is rated 'F2' by Fitch. Our access to capital markets at competitive
rates is partly dependent on these investment grade credit ratings.
Our major operating subsidiary's debt agreements contain restrictive
covenants including limitations on indebtedness, encumbrances, investments,
dividends and other distributions to us, sales of assets, mergers and other
business combinations, capital expenditures, interest coverage and net worth.
None of the agreements contain a material adverse change clause.
16
Total debt increased by 4% ($48.4 million) to $1.142 billion at January
31, 2005 from $1.094 billion at July 31, 2004 and stockholders' equity increased
by 7% ($20.7 million) to $324.5 million at January 31, 2005 from $303.9 million
at July 31, 2004. Leverage (debt-to-equity ratio) decreased to a low 3.5 at
January 31, 2005 from 3.6 at July 31, 2004 allowing for substantial asset
growth. Historically, our leverage has not exceeded 5.5.
Debt comprised the following ($ in millions):
============================================================================================
January 31, 2005 July 31, 2004
-----------------------------------------------
Amount Percent Amount Percent
============================================================================================
Term notes $ 500.0 44% $ 520.0 48%
Asset securitization financings 325.0 28 286.0 26
Convertible debentures 175.0 15 175.0 16
Commercial paper 110.0 10 103.6 9
Borrowings under bank credit facilities 34.5 3 12.0 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total principal 1,144.5 100% 1,096.6 100%
Fair value adjustment of hedged debt (2.4) (2.9)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total debt $1,142.1 $1,093.7
============================================================================================
Term Notes
In February 2005, we prepaid $46.5 million of floating rate term notes;
$40.5 million originally maturing in four to six months and $6.0 million in
three and a half years. We prepaid the notes with proceeds from borrowings under
bank credit facilities bearing lower interest rates. In January 2005, we repaid
$20.0 million of 6.68% fixed rate term notes at maturity.
At January 31, 2005, the $500.0 million of term notes outstanding
comprised $455.0 million of private placements and medium term notes with
insurance companies and $45.0 million of bank term loans.
Asset Securitization Financings
We have a $325.0 million asset securitization facility. In January 2005,
we borrowed the $39.0 million available under the facility and used the proceeds
to repay bank borrowings. The facility expires in April 2005 subject to renewal
(we expect that the facility will be renewed for another year). The facility has
been renewed three times since it was established in July 2001. Borrowings under
the facility are limited to a minimum level of securitized receivables. If
borrowings exceed the minimum level, we must repay the excess or securitize more
receivables. We can securitize more receivables during the term of the facility.
Upon expiration and non-renewal of the facility, we must repay borrowings
outstanding or convert them into term debt. The term debt would be repaid
monthly in amounts equal to collections of securitized receivables less interest
incurred. Currently, we would exercise the conversion option upon non-renewal.
Based on the contractual payments of the $395.0 million of securitized
receivables at January 31, 2005, the term debt would be fully repaid by April
2007.
The unsecured debt agreements of our major operating subsidiary allow 40%
of its finance receivables to be securitized; approximately $608.0 million at
January 31, 2005. Therefore, we can securitize an additional $213.0 million of
finance receivables at January 31, 2005. Borrowings are limited to 94% of
securitized receivables.
Convertible Debentures
The convertible debentures were convertible into 4.0 million shares (as
adjusted) of common stock at the adjusted conversion price of $43.98 per share
resulting in an adjusted conversion rate of 22.74 shares per $1,000 of
principal. In December 2004, we irrevocably elected to fix the payment of the
value of converted debentures, not exceeding the principal amount, in cash. Any
value in excess of principal would be paid in shares of common stock. This
eliminated the 4.0 million shares of common stock issuable upon conversion. At
January 31, 2005, no event occurred that would have allowed for conversion of
the debentures.
Commercial Paper
We issue commercial paper directly and through a $350.0 million program.
Commercial paper is unsecured and matures between 1 and 270 days. We have not
obtained commitments from any purchaser of our commercial paper for additional
or future purchases. Increases in commercial paper are generally offset by
decreases in bank and other borrowings, and vice versa. We are required (as a
condition of our credit rating) to maintain committed revolving credit
facilities from banks so that the aggregate amount available thereunder exceeds
commercial paper outstanding. Therefore, at January 31, 2005, the combined
amount of commercial paper and bank borrowings outstanding was limited to $315.0
million ($144.5 million was outstanding at January 31, 2005).
17
Bank Credit Facilities
We have $315.0 million of committed unsecured revolving credit facilities
from seven banks (a $10.0 million decrease from July 31, 2004). This includes
$202.5 million of facilities with original terms ranging from two to five years
and $112.5 million of facilities with an original term of one year. These
facilities provide us with a dependable, low-cost source of funds and support
for our commercial paper program. We can borrow the full amount under each
facility. None of the facilities are for commercial paper back-up only. These
facilities may or may not be renewed upon expiration.
MARKET INTEREST RATE RISK AND SENSITIVITY
This section discusses how changes in market interest rates can affect our
profitability and our approach to managing interest rate risk. Market interest
rates have been rising and are expected to continue to rise. This has and would
continue to reduce our net income as explained below.
Our earnings are sensitive to fluctuations in market interest rates
(includes LIBOR, rates on U.S. Treasury securities, money market rates and the
prime rate). Changes in these rates affect our finance income and interest
expense. Rate increases would reduce earnings (this is occurring currently) and
rate decreases would increase earnings because floating rate debt (includes
short-term debt) significantly exceeds floating rate finance receivables. When
market interest rates rise, the resulting increase in interest expense would
significantly exceed the resulting increase in finance income. Conversely, when
market interest rates decline, the resulting decrease in interest expense would
significantly exceed the resulting decrease in finance income. These effects
would diminish over time. In addition, since our interest earning assets exceed
our interest bearing liabilities, eventually, continued low market interest
rates would reduce earnings and continued high rates would increase earnings.
These broad statements do not take into account the effects of economic and
other conditions that could accompany interest rate fluctuations. Increases in
market interest rates increased interest expense by approximately $2.0 million
and $3.0 million in the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2005,
respectively.
Our earnings are subject to the risk of rising interest rates at January
31, 2005 because of our high ratios of fixed rate receivables and floating rate
debt. Floating rate debt exceeded floating rate receivables by $721.6 million as
shown in the table below. This risk is mitigated by the terms and prepayment
experience of our receivables. Finance receivables provide for monthly payments
over relatively short periods of two to five years that historically have been
accelerated by prepayments. At January 31, 2005, $551.0 million (38%) of fixed
rate finance receivables are scheduled to be collected within one year and the
weighted average remaining maturity of fixed rate finance receivables is under
two years. We do not match the maturities of our debt to our finance
receivables.
=============================================================================================
Fixed Rate Floating Rate
---------------------------------------------
($ in millions) Amount Percent Amount Percent Total
=============================================================================================
Finance receivables $1,449.9 95% $ 84.2 5% $1,534.1
=============================================================================================
Debt (principal) $ 336.2 29% $ 805.9 71% $1,142.1
Stockholders' equity 324.5 100 -- -- 324.5
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total debt and equity $ 660.7 45% $ 805.9 55% $1,466.6
=============================================================================================
At January 31, 2005, floating rate debt (asset securitization financings,
floating rate term notes, fixed rate term notes swapped to floating rates,
commercial paper and bank borrowings) reprices (interest rate changes) as
follows: $422.6 million (52%) within one month; $351.1 million (44%), within the
following two months and the remainder, $31.8 million (4%), within the following
six months. Floating rate notes last repriced in January 2005 and the majority
of the floating rate swaps of fixed rate notes last repriced in October 2004.
The repricing periods of floating rate debt at January 31, 2005 follow ($ in
millions):
=======================================================================================
Balance Repricing Frequency
=======================================================================================
Asset securitization financings $325.0 monthly
Floating rate notes 195.5 quarterly
Floating rate swaps of fixed rate notes 143.3 semi-annually
Commercial paper 110.0 1 to 220 days (26 day average)
Bank borrowings 34.5 generally daily
=======================================================================================
18
We quantify interest rate risk by calculating the effect on net income of
a hypothetical, immediate 100 basis point (1.0%) rise in market interest rates.
At January 31, 2005, such a hypothetical adverse change in rates would reduce
quarterly net income by approximately $0.7 million based on scheduled repricings
of floating rate debt and fixed rate term debt maturing within one year and the
expected effects on the yields of new receivables. We believe this amount
represents an acceptable level of risk considering the lower cost of floating
rate debt. Actual future changes in market interest rates and the effect on net
income may differ materially due to changes in finance receivable and debt
repricing structures. In addition, other factors that may accompany an actual
immediate 100 basis point increase in market interest rates were not considered
in the calculation.
We monitor and manage our exposure to market interest rate fluctuations
through risk management procedures that include using certain derivative
financial instruments and changing the proportion of our fixed rate term debt
versus our floating rate debt. We may use derivatives to hedge our exposure to
interest rate risk on certain debt obligations. We do not speculate with nor do
we trade derivatives.
At January 31, 2005, fixed rate notes swapped to floating rates totaled
$143.3 million. Under the terms of the swaps, we receive fixed rates equal to
the rates on the respective hedged notes and pay floating rates indexed to
six-month LIBOR (2.9% at January 31, 2005). The weighted average receive rate
(4.9%) exceeded the current weighted average pay rate (3.9%) by 100 basis points
(1.0%) at January 31, 2005. Information on our swaps at January 31, 2005 follows
($ in millions):
===============================================================================
Notional Receive
Issued Expires Amount Rate Pay Rate Reprices
===============================================================================
April 2003 April 2010 $12.5 4.96% 3.40% April 2005
July 2003 April 2008 25.0 4.37 3.09 April 2005
July 2003 June 2008 12.5 4.37 3.73 April 2005
July 2003 June 2008 25.0 4.37 3.54 April 2005
July 2003 June 2010 12.5 4.96 3.71 April 2005
August 2003 April 2008 24.5 4.37 2.99 April 2005
April 2004 August 2007 31.3 6.23 5.99 July 2005
===============================================================================
The net yield of finance receivables less the weighted average cost of
borrowed funds represents the net interest spread, a key measure of a finance
company's profitability.
===================================================================================
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
January 31, January 31,
----------------------------------------
2005 2004 2005 2004
===================================================================================
Net yield of finance receivables 8.1% 8.3% 8.1% 8.4%
Weighted average cost of borrowed funds 3.7 3.3 3.5 3.3
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net interest spread 4.4% 5.0% 4.6% 5.1%
===================================================================================
The net yield of finance receivables declined in fiscal 2005 from fiscal
2004 because yields on receivables originated were lower than yields on
receivables collected. This was caused by the extended period of low interest
rates. The net yield is not expected to decline further and may increase since
yields on originations have been trending higher. The net yield increased to
8.1% in the second quarter of fiscal 2005 from 8.0% in the first quarter.
The average cost of funds increased in fiscal 2005 from fiscal 2004 due to
higher short-term borrowing costs resulting from rising market interest rates.
Short-term market interest rates have risen approximately 150 basis points
(1.50%) since the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004. This increase, and any future
increases in short-term rates, will raise our average cost of funds as our
floating rate debt reprices. We expect our weighted average cost of funds to
rise 25-30 basis points (0.25%-0.30%) in the third quarter of fiscal 2005.
19
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No.
123(R), "Share-Based Payment", which requires the measurement and recognition of
compensation expense for all stock awards. SFAS No. 123(R) is effective with our
fiscal quarter ending October 31, 2005. We are currently evaluating the impact
SFAS No. 123(R) will have on our operating results and financial condition.
On September 30, 2004, the Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") Issued EITF
No. 04-8, "The Effect of Contingently Convertible Debt on Diluted Earnings per
Share." EITF No. 04-8 eliminated the exclusion of convertible debentures with a
contingent conversion feature from the computation of diluted earnings per
share. Our convertible debentures contain this feature. In December 2004, we
irrevocably elected to fix the payment of the value of converted debentures, not
exceeding the principal amount, in cash. Any value in excess of principal will
be paid in shares of common stock. This eliminates the 4.0 million shares of
common stock issuable upon conversion. As a result, EITF 04-8 will not affect
the computation of diluted earnings per share.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements in this document may include the words or phrases "can
be," "expects," "plans," "may," "may affect," "may depend," "believe,"
"trending," "hopeful," "endeavor," "estimate," "intend," "could," "should,"
"would," "if" and similar words and phrases that constitute "forward-looking
statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements
are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties and we caution
that any forward-looking information provided by or on our behalf is not a
guarantee of future performance. Our actual results could differ materially from
those anticipated by such forward-looking statements due to a number of factors,
some beyond our control, including, without limitation, (i) the ability to
obtain funding on acceptable terms, (ii) changes in the risks inherent in
finance receivables and the adequacy of our allowance for credit losses, (iii)
changes in market interest rates, (iv) changes in economic, financial and market
conditions, (v) changes in competitive conditions and (vi) the loss of key
executives or personnel. Forward-looking statements apply only as of the date
made and we are not required to update forward-looking statements for subsequent
or unanticipated events or circumstances.
Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
----------------------------------------------------------
See the Market Interest Rate Risk and Sensitivity section in Item 2
Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
-----------------------
a. Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. Our Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Financial Officer have conducted an evaluation of our
disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and
15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the
period covered by this report and each has concluded that such disclosure
controls and procedures were effective as of such date to ensure that
information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and
reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange
Commission rules and forms.
b. Changes in internal control over financial reporting. There were no
changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred
during the last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is
reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over
financial reporting.
20
PART II
Item 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
-----------------------------------------------------------
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
For the Quarter Ended January 31, 2005
====================================================================================================
Month (a) Total (b) Average (c) Total Number of (d) Maximum Number
Number Price Paid Shares Purchased (or Approximate Dollar
of Shares per Share as Part of Publicly Value) of Shares that May
Purchased Announced Plans or Yet Be Purchased Under
Programs the Plans or Programs
====================================================================================================
December 2004 7,258 $39.00 7,258 $19,228,000
====================================================================================================
We established our common stock repurchase program in August 1996 and
subsequently expanded it to include repurchases of convertible debentures. A
total of $40.7 million has been authorized for repurchases of common stock and
convertible debentures, and through January 31, 2005, $14.3 million of common
stock and $7.2 million of convertible debentures have been repurchased.
Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
---------------------------------------------------
At our Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on December 14, 2004, our
stockholders voted on the following matters:
The following nominees were elected to the Board of Directors:
====================================================================
Number of Votes
---------------------------
Nominee For Withheld
====================================================================
Lawrence B. Fisher 15,519,151 842,738
William C. MacMillen, Jr. 16,022,898 338,991
Michael C. Palitz 15,995,578 366,311
Thomas F. Robards 16,232,330 129,559
Paul R. Sinsheimer 15,996,410 365,479
H. E. Timanus, Jr. 16,041,965 319,924
Michael J. Zimmerman 16,253,546 108,343
====================================================================
The appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public
accounting firm for our fiscal year ending July 31, 2005 was ratified by a vote
of 16,158,361 shares for, 186,569 shares against and 16,959 shares abstained.
Item 5. OTHER INFORMATION
-----------------
On March 7, 2005, we issued a press release reporting our results for the
quarter ended January 31, 2005. The press release is attached hereto as Exhibit
99.1. Exhibit 99.1 shall not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), or otherwise
subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated
by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the
Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in
such a filing.
On March 7, 2005, we issued a press release announcing that our Board of
Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.10 per share on our common stock.
The dividend is payable on April 29, 2005 to stockholders of record at the
close of business on March 28, 2005. The dividend rate is unchanged from the
previous quarter.
21
Item 6. EXHIBITS
--------
Exhibit No. Description of Exhibit
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
31.1 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive
Officer
31.2 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial
Officer
32.1 Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
32.2 Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
99.1 Press release dated March 7, 2005
99.2 Press release dated March 7, 2005
21
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
FINANCIAL FEDERAL CORPORATION
-----------------------------
(Registrant)
By: /s/ Steven F. Groth
-----------------------------------
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
By: /s/ David H. Hamm
-----------------------------------
Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
March 8, 2005
- -------------
(Date)
22