10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2012

OR

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

For the transition period from                to                

Commission file number: 0-26906

ASTA FUNDING, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Delaware	22-3388607
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)	(IRS Employer Identification No.)
210 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey	07632
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)	(Zip Code)

(201) 567-5648

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code:

Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report: N/A

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 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 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  x     No  ¨

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

Large accelerated filer	¨	Accelerated filer	x
Non-accelerated filer	¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company	¨

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

As of May 9, 2012, the registrant had 14,642,789 common shares outstanding.

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

Part I. Financial Information	3
Item 1. Financial Statements	3
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2012 (unaudited) and September  30, 2011	3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six month periods ended March  31, 2012 and 2011 (unaudited)	4
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity for the six month period ended March  31, 2012 (unaudited)	5
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six month periods ended March  31, 2012 and 2011 (unaudited)	6
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)	7
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	30
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	44
Item 4. Controls and Procedures	44
Part II. Other Information	44
Item 1. Legal Proceedings	44
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	45
Item 6. Exhibits	47
Signatures	48
Exhibit 31.1
Exhibit 31.2
Exhibit 32.1
Exhibit 32.2

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

	March 31,			September 30,
	2012			2011
	(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	87,635 ,000		$	84,347,000
Investments:
Available-for-sale		25,963,000			13,515,000
Certificates of Deposit		2,766,000			9,060,000
Restricted cash		1,090,000			1,031,000
Consumer receivables acquired for liquidation (at net realizable value)		101,836,000			115,195,000
Other investments		7,721,000			—
Due from third party collection agencies and attorneys		2,024,000			2,084,000
Prepaid and income taxes receivable		505,000			3,369,000
Furniture and equipment, net		363,000			563,000
Deferred income taxes		13,281,000			14,358,000
Other assets		4,381,000			4,529,000
Total assets	$	247,565,000		$	248,051,000
LIABILITIES
Non recourse debt	$	66,874,000		$	71,604,000
Other liabilities		2,385,000			3,167,000
Dividends payable		293,000			293,000
Income taxes payable		—			31,000
Total liabilities		69,552,000			75,095,000
Commitments and contingencies
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; authorized 5,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding — none		—			—
Common stock, $.01 par value; authorized 30,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding — 14,642,789 at March 31, 2012 and 14,639,456 at September 30, 2011		146,000			146,000
Additional paid-in capital		75,551,000			74,793,000
Retained earnings		103,230,000			98,377,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		30,000			(290,000	)
Treasury Stock (at cost)		(993,000	)		(70,000	)
Total stockholders’ equity		177,964,000			172,956,000
Non-controlling interest		49,000			—
Total Equity		178,013,000			172,956,000
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	247,565,000		$	248,051,000

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

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ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

	Three Months			Three Months		Six Months			Six Months
	Ended			Ended		Ended			Ended
	March 31, 2012			March 31, 2011		March 31, 2012			March 31, 2011
Revenues:
Finance income, net	$	10,470,000		$	11,137,000	$	20,260,000		$	21,896,000
Other income		1,000,000			97,000		1,649,000			176,000
		11,470,000			11,234,000		21,909,000			22,072,000
Expenses:
General and administrative		6,032,000			5,651,000		10,798,000			11,132,000
Interest (Related party — Period ended March 31, 2012 — Three months, $0; Six months, $0; Period ended March 31, 2011 — Three months, $0; Six months, $86,000)		646,000			739,000		1,320,000			1,618,000
Impairments of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation		611,000			49,000		611,000			49,000
		7,289,000			6,439,000		12,729,000			12,799,000
Income before income tax		4,181,000			4,795,000		9,180,000			9,273,000
Income tax expense		1,672,000			1,940,000		3,694,000			3,752,000
Net Income		2,509,000			2,855,000		5,486,000			5,521,000
Less: net income attributable to non-controlling interest		(49,000	)		—		(49,000	)		—
Net income attributable to Asta Funding, Inc.	$	2,460,000		$	2,855,000	$	5,437,000		$	5,521,000
Net income per share attributable to Asta Funding, Inc.:
Basic	$	0.17		$	0.20	$	0.37		$	0.38
Diluted	$	0.17		$	0.19	$	0.37		$	0.37
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic		14,642,174			14,633,655		14,640,800			14,619,917
Diluted		14,879,480			14,876,437		14,880,213			14,825,060

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

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ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Unaudited)

										Accumulated						Total
					Additional					Other						Stock-			Non-
	Common Stock				Paid-in		Retained			Comprehensive			Treasury			holders’			Controlling		Total
	Shares		Amount		Capital		Earnings			Income (Loss)			Stock			Equity			Interest		Equity
Balance, September 30, 2011		14,639,456	$	146,000	$	74,793,000	$	98,377,000		$	(290,000	)	$	(70,000	)	$	172,956,000		$	—	$	172,956,000
Exercise of options		3,333		—		14,000											14,000					14,000
Stock based compensation expense						744,000											744,000					744,000
Dividends								(584,000	)								(584,000	)				(584,000	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax											320,000						320,000					320,000
Net income								5,437,000									5,437,000					5,437,000
Purchase of Treasury Stock														(923,000	)		(923,000	)				(923,000	)
Non-controlling interest																	—			49,000		49,000
Balance, March 31, 2012		14,642,789	$	146,000	$	75,551,000	$	103,230 ,000		$	30,000		$	(993,000	)	$	177,964,000		$	49,000	$	178,013 ,000

Comprehensive income is as follows:

	Six Months		Six Months
	Ended		Ended
	March 31, 2012		March 31, 2011
Net income	$	5,437,000	$	5,521,000
Other comprehensive income , net of tax — foreign currency translation		—		76,000
Other comprehensive income, net of tax — unrealized gain on marketable securities		320,000		—
Other comprehensive income, net of tax — earnings attributable to non-controlling interest		49,000		—
Comprehensive income	$	5,806,000	$	5,597,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income	$	30,000	$	85,000

Non-controlling interest is as follows:

	Six Months Ended March  31, 2012		Six Months Ended March  31, 2011
Beginning balance	$	—	$	—
Earnings attributable to non-controlling interest		49,000		—
Ending balance	$	49,000	$	—

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

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ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

	Six Months			Six Months
	Ended			Ended
	March 31, 2012			March 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income attributable to Asta Funding, Inc.	$	5,437,000		$	5,521,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		260,000			125,000
Deferred income taxes		861,000			912,000
Impairments of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation		611,000			49,000
Stock based compensation		744,000			1,303,000
Changes in:
Other assets		148,000			(816,000	)
Due from third party collection agencies and attorneys		60,000			952,000
Income taxes payable and receivable		2,833,000			2,858,000
Other liabilities		(782,000	)		(532,000	)
Net cash provided by operating activities		10,172,000			10,372,000
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation		(2,675,000	)		(5,003,000	)
Principal collected on receivables acquired for liquidation		15,376,000			20,955,000
Principal collected on receivable accounts represented by account sales		47,000			152,000
Foreign exchange effect on receivables acquired for liquidation		—			(26,000	)
Investment in available-for-sale securities		(11,912,000	)		—
Net liquidation of certificates of deposits		6,294,000			—
Other investments		(7,721,000	)		—
Purchase of treasury stock		(923,000	)		—
Capital expenditures		(60,000	)		(186,000	)
Non-controlling interest		49,000			—
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities		(1,525,000	)		15,892,000
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from exercise of options		14,000			5,000
Change in restricted cash		(59,000	)		(124,000	)
Dividends paid		(584,000	)		(584,000	)
Repayments of debt, net		(4,730,000	)		(18,009,000	)
Net cash used in financing activities		(5,359,000	)		(18,712,000	)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		3,288,000			7,552,000
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period		84,347,000			84,235,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	87,635,000		$	91,787,000
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period
Interest (fiscal year 2012 Related Party — $0; 2011 Related Party — $122,000)	$	1,320,000		$	1,689,000
Income taxes	$	2,000		$	33,000

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 1: Business and Basis of Presentation

Business

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”) and other subsidiaries, not all wholly owned, and not considered material (the “Company”, “we” or “us” ) 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 the Company’s distressed consumer receivables are MasterCard^®, Visa^®, other credit card accounts, and telecommunication accounts which were charged-off by the issuers for non-payment. The Company acquires these portfolios at substantial discounts from their face values. The discounts are based on the characteristics (issuer, account size, debtor residence and age of debt) of the underlying accounts of each portfolio.

On December 28, 2011, the Company, through a newly-formed indirect subsidiary, ASFI Pegasus Holdings, LLC (“APH”), entered into a joint venture (the “Venture”) with Pegasus Legal Funding, LLC (“PLF”). The Venture was formed to purchase interests in personal injury claims from claimants who are a party to personal injury litigation with the expectation of a settlement in the future. The personal injury claims are purchased by Pegasus Funding, LLC (“Pegasus”), a newly-formed subsidiary in which APH owns 80% and PLF owns 20% of the outstanding membership interests. Pegasus will advance 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 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.

Basis of Presentation

The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2012, the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the six and three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the condensed consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity as of and for the six months ended March 31, 2012 and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the six month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 are unaudited. The September 30, 2011 financial information included in this report has been extracted from our audited financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly our financial position at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011, the results of operations for the six and three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 and cash flows for the six month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 have been made. The results of operations for the six and three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for any other interim period or the full fiscal year.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and, therefore, do not include all information and note disclosures required under generally accepted accounting principles. The Company suggests that these financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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. Actual results could differ from those estimates including management’s estimates of future cash flows and the resulting rates of return.

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ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 1: Business and Basis of Presentation (continued)

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-12, amended ASC Topic 220 “Comprehensive Income.” The amendments defer certain disclosure requirements regarding reclassifications within ASU No. 2011-05, until the FASB can deliberate further on these requirements. The amendments in this update are effective for the annual period beginning on or after December 15, 2012 and must be applied retrospectively. The implementation of ASU 2011-12 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-08, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350), which amends and simplifies the rules related to testing goodwill for impairment. The revised guidance allows an entity to make an initial qualitative evaluation, based on the entity’s events and circumstances, to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The results of this qualitative assessment determine whether it is necessary to perform the currently required two-step impairment test. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. As allowed by ASU 2011-08, the Company chose to early adopt this guidance for its fiscal year 2011 goodwill impairment test. Adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s result of operations or financial condition.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), in order to improve the comparability, consistency and transparency of financial reporting and to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. This standard eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. This update requires that all non-owner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In the two-statement approach, the first statement should present total net income and its components followed consecutively by a second statement that should present total other comprehensive income, the components of other comprehensive income, and the total of comprehensive income. This update is effective for public companies for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted because compliance with the amendments is already permitted. Adoption of this update did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820), which results in common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements for US GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. ASU No. 2011-04 is effective for the first annual period beginning on or after December 15, 2011. Adoption of this update is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition but may have an effect on disclosures.

In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-29, Business Combinations (Topic 805), to improve consistency in how the pro forma disclosures are calculated. Additionally, ASU 2010-29 enhances the disclosure requirements and requires description of the nature and amount of any material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to a business combination. The guidance became effective for us with the reporting period beginning October 1, 2011, and should be applied prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is after the effective date. Early adoption is permitted. Other than requiring disclosures for prospective business combinations, the adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-06, which amends the authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.” The update requires the following additional disclosures:

a. Separately disclose the amounts of significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and describe the reasons for the transfers;

b. Information about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements need to be disclosed separately in the reconciliation for fair value measurements using Level 3.

The update provides for amendments to existing disclosures as follows:

a. Fair value measurement disclosures are to be made for each class of assets and liabilities;

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ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 1: Business and Basis of Presentation (continued)

Recent Accounting Pronouncements (continued)

b. Disclosures about valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value for both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements. The update also includes conforming amendments to guidance on employers’ disclosures about postretirement benefit plan assets.

The update is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements. Those disclosures are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010, and for interim periods within those fiscal years.

The adoption in fiscal year 2011 did not have a material effect and future adoption is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

In December 2009, the FASB issued ASU 2009-17, Consolidations (Topic 810), which represents a revision to former FASB Interpretation No. 46 (Revised December 2003), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities”, and changes how a reporting entity determines when an entity that is insufficiently capitalized or is not controlled through voting (or similar rights) should be consolidated. ASU 2009-17 also requires a reporting entity to provide additional disclosures about its involvement with variable interest entities and any significant changes in risk exposure due to that involvement. ASU 2009-17 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009 and for interim periods within the first annual reporting period. The Company adopted ASU 2009-17 as of October 1, 2010, which did not have a significant effect on its financial statements.

Subsequent Events

The Company has evaluated events and transactions occurring subsequent to the Condensed Balance Sheet date of March 31, 2012, for items that should potentially be recognized or disclosed in these financial statements. The Company did not identify any items which would require disclosure in or adjustment to the Financial Statements.

Reclassifications

Certain items in the prior period’s financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation.

Note 2: Principles of Consolidation

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

Note 3: Investments

Available-for-Sale

Investments classified as available-for-sale at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011 consist of the following:

Mutual Funds	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
March 31, 2012	$	25,912,000	$	51,000	$	—		$	25,963,000
September 30, 2011	$	14,000,000	$	—	$	(485,000	)	$	13,515,000

The available-for-sale investments did not have any contractual maturities. There was one sale during the second quarter of fiscal year 2012, resulting in a realized gain of approximately $117,000.

At March 31, 2012, there were two investments in an unrealized gain position. At September 30, 2011, there were three investments in an unrealized loss position. All of these securities are considered to be acceptable credit risks.

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ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 3: Investments (continued)

Certificates of deposit

Certificates of deposit consist of the following:

	March 31,		September 30,
	2012		2011
Certificates of deposits in banks	$	2,766,000	$	9,060,000

Certificates are generally nonnegotiable and nontransferable, and may incur substantial penalties for withdrawal prior to maturity, which will be within one year. Of the amounts shown above, the following amounts are classified as brokered certificates of deposits:

	March 31,		September 30,
	2012		2011
Brokered certificates of deposits	$	250,000	$	1,483,000

Brokered certificates of deposit are subject to market fluctuations if sold prior to maturity; however, it is the Company’s intention to hold all certificates of deposit to maturity. All of the brokered securities referenced above are FDIC insured for the principal investment.

Note 4: 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 throughout the country and in Central and South America.

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

• the interest method; or

• the cost recovery method.

The Company accounts for its investment 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”). 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.

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). ASC 310 requires that the excess of the contractual cash flows over expected cash flows not be recognized as an adjustment of revenue or expense or on the balance sheet. ASC 310 initially freezes the internal rate of return, referred to as IRR, estimated when the accounts receivable are purchased, as the basis for subsequent impairment testing. Significant increases in actual or expected future cash flows may be recognized prospectively through an upward adjustment of the IRR over a portfolio’s remaining life. Any increase to the IRR then becomes the new benchmark for impairment testing. Rather than lowering the estimated IRR if the collection estimates are not received or projected to be received, the carrying value of a pool would be impaired, or written down to maintain the then current IRR. Under the interest method, income is recognized on the effective yield method based on the actual cash collected during a period and future estimated cash flows and timing of such collections and the portfolio’s cost. Revenue arising from collections in excess of anticipated amounts attributable to timing differences is deferred until such time as a review results in a change in the expected cash flows. The estimated future cash flows are reevaluated quarterly.

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 such case, all cash collections are recognized as revenue when received.

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ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 4: Consumer Receivables Acquired for Liquidation (continued)

The Company has liquidating experience in the fields of distressed credit card receivables, telecommunication receivables, consumer loan receivables, retail installment contracts, consumer receivables, litigation-related medical accounts, and auto deficiency receivables. The Company uses the interest method for accounting for asset acquisitions within these classes of receivables when it believes it can reasonably estimate the timing of the cash flows. In those situations where the Company diversifies its acquisitions into other asset classes in which the Company does not possess the same expertise or history, or the Company cannot reasonably estimate the timing of the cash flows, the Company utilizes the cost recovery method of accounting for those portfolios of receivables. At March 31, 2012, approximately $24.9 million of the consumer receivables acquired for liquidation are accounted for using the interest method, while approximately $76.9 million are accounted for using the cost recovery method, of which $72.2 million is concentrated in one portfolio, a $300 million portfolio purchase in March 2007 (the “Portfolio Purchase”).

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ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 4: Consumer Receivables Acquired for Liquidation (continued)

The Company aggregates portfolios of receivables acquired sharing specific common characteristics which were acquired within a given quarter. The Company currently considers for aggregation portfolios of accounts, purchased within the same fiscal quarter, that generally meet the following characteristics:

• same issuer/originator;

• same underlying credit quality;

• similar geographic distribution of the accounts;

• similar age of the receivable; and

• same type of asset class (credit cards, telecommunication, etc.)

The Company uses a variety of qualitative and quantitative factors to estimate collections and the timing thereof. This analysis includes the following variables:

• the number of collection agencies previously attempting to collect the receivables in the portfolio;

• the average balance of the receivables, as higher balances might be more difficult to collect while low balances might not be cost effective to collect;

• the age of the receivables, as older receivables might be more difficult to collect or might be less cost effective. On the other hand, the passage of time, in certain circumstances, might result in higher collections due to changing life events of some individual debtors;

• past history of performance of similar assets;

• time since charge-off;

• payments made since charge-off;

• the credit originator and its credit guidelines;

• our ability to analyze accounts and resell accounts that meet our criteria for resale;

• the locations of the debtors, as there are better states to attempt to collect in and ultimately the Company has better predictability of the liquidations and the expected cash flows. Conversely, there are also states where the liquidation rates are not as favorable and that is factored into our cash flow analysis;

• financial condition of the seller;

• jobs or property of the debtors found within portfolios. In our business model, this is of particular importance. Debtors with jobs or property are more likely to repay their obligation and, conversely, debtors without jobs or property are less likely to repay their obligation; and

• the ability to obtain timely customer statements from the original issuer.

- 12 -

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 4: Consumer Receivables Acquired for Liquidation (continued)

The Company obtains and utilizes, as appropriate, inputs, including, but not limited to, monthly collection projections and liquidation rates from our 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 of the investment in receivable portfolios during the following periods.

	For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2012
	Interest Method			Cost Recovery Method			Total
Balance, beginning of period	$	31,193,000		$	84,002,000		$	115,195,000
Acquisitions of receivable portfolios, net		1,278,000			1,397,000			2,675,000
Net cash collections from collection of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation		(25,878,000	)		(9,727,000	)		(35,605,000	)
Net cash collections represented by account sales of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation		(78,000	)		—			(78,000	)
Impairment		(611,000	)		—			(611,000	)
Finance income recognized (1)		18,993,000			1,267,000			20,260,000
Balance, end of period	$	24,897,000		$	76,939,000		$	101,836,000
Finance income as a percentage of collections		73.2	%		13.0	%		56.8	%

(1) Includes approximately $17.8 million derived from fully amortized portfolios.

	For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2011
	Interest Method			Cost Recovery Method			Total
Balance, beginning of period	$	46,348,000		$	100,683,000		$	147,031,000
Acquisitions of receivable portfolios, net		4,530,000			473,000			5,003,000
Net cash collections from collection of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation		(32,281,000	)		(10,479,000	)		(42,760,000	)
Net cash collections represented by account sales of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation		(243,000	)		—			(243,000	)
Impairment		(49,000	)		—			(49,000	)
Effect of foreign currency translation		—			26,000			26,000
Finance income recognized (1)		20,509,000			1,387,000			21,896,000
Balance, end of period	$	38,814,000		$	92,090,000		$	130,904,000
Finance income as a percentage of collections		63.1	%		13.2	%		50.9	%

(1) Includes approximately $17.8 million derived from fully amortized portfolios.

- 13 -

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 4: Consumer Receivables Acquired for Liquidation (continued)

	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	Interest Method			Cost Recovery Method			Total
Balance, beginning of period	$	28,559,000		$	80,807,000		$	109,366,000
Acquisitions of receivable portfolios, net		421,000			903,000			1,324,000
Net cash collections from collections of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation		(13,180,000	)		(5,486,000	)		(18,666,000	)
Net cash collections represented by account sales of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation		(47,000	)		—			(47,000	)
Impairment		(611,000	)		—			(611,000	)
Finance income recognized (1)		9,755,000			715,000			10,470,000
Balance, end of period	$	24,897,000		$	76,939,000		$	101,836,000
Finance income as a percentage of collections		73.8	%		13.0	%		56.0	%

(1) Includes approximately $9.2 million derived from fully amortized portfolios.

	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
	Interest Method			Cost Recovery Method			Total
Balance, beginning of period	$	43,338,000		$	96,241,000		$	139,579,000
Acquisitions of receivable portfolios, net		1,871,000			249,000			2,120,000
Net cash collections from collections of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation		(16,702,000	)		(5,108,000	)		(21,810,000	)
Net cash collections represented by account sales of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation		(88,000	)		—			(88,000	)
Impairment		(49,000	)		—			(49,000	)
Effect of foreign currency translation		—			15,000			15,000
Finance income recognized (1)		10,444,000			693,000			11,137,000
Balance, end of period	$	38,814,000		$	92,090,000		$	130,904,000
Finance income as a percentage of collections		62.2	%		13.6	%		50.9	%

(1) Includes approximately $9.0 million derived from fully amortized portfolios.

- 14 -

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 4: Consumer Receivables Acquired for Liquidation (continued)

As of March 31, 2012, the Company had $101,836,000 in Consumer Receivables acquired for Liquidation, of which $24,897,000 are being accounted for on the interest method. Based upon current projections, net cash collections, applied to principal for accrual basis portfolios will be as follows for the twelve months in the periods ending:

September 30, 2012 (six months ending)	$	8,131,000
September 30, 2013		9,817,000
September 30, 2014		5,491,000
September 30, 2015		929,000
September 30, 2016		624,000
September 30, 2017		30,000
September 30, 2018		—
September 30, 2019		—
Subtotal		25,022,000
Deferred revenue		(125,000	)
Total	$	24,897,000

Accretable yield represents the amount of income the Company can expect to generate over the remaining life of its existing portfolios based on estimated future net cash flows as of March 31, 2012. The Company adjusts the accretable yield upward when it believes, based on available evidence, that portfolio collections will exceed amounts previously estimated. Changes in accretable yield for the six months and three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:

	Six Months			Six Months
	Ended			Ended
	March 31, 2012			March 31, 2011
Balance at beginning of period	$	7,473,000		$	15,255,000
Income recognized on finance receivables, net		(18,993,000	)		(20,510,000	)
Additions representing expected revenue from purchases		362,000			1,238,000
Reclassifications from nonaccretable difference		17,265,000			16,359,000
Balance at end of period	$	6,107,000		$	12,342,000

	Three Months			Three Months
	Ended			Ended
	March 31, 2012			March 31, 2011
Balance at beginning of period	$	6,500,000		$	13,874,000
Income recognized on finance receivables, net		(9,755,000	)		(10,445,000	)
Additions representing expected revenue from purchases		117,000			506,000
Reclassifications from nonaccretable difference		9,245,000			8,407,000
Balance at end of period	$	6,107,000		$	12,342,000

- 15 -

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 4: Consumer Receivables Acquired for Liquidation (continued)

During the three and six month periods ended March 31, 2012, the Company purchased $2.9 million and $6.0 million, respectively, of face value of charged-off consumer receivables at a cost of $1.3 million and $2.7 million, respectively.

The following table summarizes collections on a gross basis as received by our third-party collection agencies and attorneys, less commissions and direct costs for the six and three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively:

	For the Six Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011
Gross collections (1)	$	55,357,000	$	67,007,000
Commissions and fees (2)		19,674,000		24,004,000
Net collections	$	35,683,000	$	43,003,000

	For the Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011
Gross collections (1)	$	29,392,000	$	33,623,000
Commissions and fees (2)		10,679,000		11,725,000
Net collections	$	18,713,000	$	21,898,000

(1) Gross collections include: collections by third-party collection agencies and attorneys, collections from our internal efforts and collections represented by account sales.

(2) Commissions and fees are the contractual commission 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 received by the Company 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 5: Other Investments

On December 28, 2011, the Company, through a newly-formed indirect subsidiary, ASFI Pegasus Holdings, LLC (“APH”), entered into a joint venture (the “Venture”) with Pegasus Legal Funding, LLC (“PLF”). The Venture 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. The personal injury claims are purchased by Pegasus Funding, LLC (“Pegasus”), a newly-formed subsidiary in which APH owns 80% and PLF owns 20% of the outstanding membership interests, which resulted in $49,000 of net income attributable to non-controlling interest during the three and six month period ended March 31, 2012. The Venture 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 the Venture 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 Company invested in $8.3 million in personal injury claims through March 31 2012, through Pegasus and individual portfolios prior to the closing of the Venture. The investment in the Venture and individual cases invested in before the closing of the Venture, earned $492,000 in interest and fees through the six month period ended March 31, 2012. As of March 31, 2012 the Company’s invested balance in personal injury claims was $7.7 million including interest and fees receivable.

- 16 -

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 6: Furniture and Equipment

Furniture and equipment consist of the following as of the dates indicated:

	March 31,		September 30,
	2012		2011
Furniture	$	310,000	$	310,000
Equipment		3,350,000		3.290,000
Software		180,000		180,000
Leasehold improvements		99,000		99,000
		3,939,000		3,879,000
Less accumulated depreciation		3,576,000		3,316,000
Furniture and equipment balance at end of period, net	$	363,000	$	563,000

Note 7: Non Recourse Debt

Receivables Financing Agreement

In March 2007, Palisades XVI borrowed approximately $227 million under the Receivable Financing Agreement, as amended in July 2007, December 2007, May 2008, February 2009 and October 2010, in order to finance the Portfolio Purchase. The Portfolio Purchase had a purchase price of $300 million (plus 20% of net payments after Palisades XVI recovers 150% of its purchase price plus cost of funds, which recovery has not yet occurred). Prior to the modification, discussed below, the debt was full recourse only to Palisades XVI and accrued interest at the rate of approximately 170 basis points over LIBOR. The original term of the agreement was three years. This term was extended by each of the Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth Amendments to the Receivables Financing Agreement as discussed below. Proceeds received as a result of the net collections from the Portfolio Purchase are applied to interest and principal of the underlying loan. The Portfolio Purchase is serviced by Palisades Collection LLC, which has engaged unaffiliated subservicers for a majority of the Portfolio Purchase.

Since the inception of the Receivables Financing Agreement amendments have been signed to revise various terms of the Receivables Financing Agreement. Currently the Fifth Amendment is in effect.

On October 26, 2010, Palisades XVI entered into the Fifth Amendment to the Receivables Financing Agreement (the “Fifth Amendment”). The effective date of the Fifth Amendment was October 14, 2010. The Fifth Amendment (i) extended the expiration date of the Receivables Financing Agreement to April 14, 2014; (ii) reduced the minimum monthly total payment to $750,000; (iii) accelerated the Company’s guaranty credit enhancement of $8,700,000, which was paid upon execution of the Fifth Amendment; (iv) eliminated the Company’s limited guaranty of repayment of the loans outstanding by Palisades XVI; and (v) revised the definition of “Borrowing Base Deficit”, as defined in the Receivables Financing Agreement, to mean the excess, if any, of 105% of the loans outstanding over the borrowing base.

In connection with the Fifth Amendment, on October 26, 2010, the Company entered into the Omnibus Termination Agreement (the “Termination Agreement”). The limited recourse subordinated guaranty, discussed under the Fourth Amendment, was eliminated upon signing the Termination Agreement.

The aggregate minimum repayment obligations required under the Fifth Amendment, including interest and principal for fiscal years ending September 30, 2012 through 2014, is $4.5 million, $9.0 million and $53.4 million, respectively.

- 17 -

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 7: Non Recourse Debt (continued)

Receivables Financing Agreement (continued)

On March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011, the outstanding balance on this loan was approximately $66.9 million and $71.6 million, respectively. The applicable interest rate at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011 was 3.74% and 3.72%, respectively. The average interest rate of the Receivable Financing Agreement was 3.76% and for the six month period ended March 31, 2012 as compared to a 3.75% average interest rate for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011.

The Company’s average debt obligation for the six and three month periods ended March 31, 2012, was approximately $69.1 million as compared to a $77.2 million average debt obligation for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011. The average interest rate for the three month period ended March 31, 2012 was 3.77%.

Other significant amendments to the Receivable Financing Agreement are as follows:

Second Amendment — Receivables Financing Agreement, dated December 27, 2007, revised the amortization schedule of the loan from 25 months to approximately 31 months. BMO charged Palisades XVI a fee of $475,000 which was paid on January 10, 2008.

Third Amendment — Receivables Financing Agreement, dated May 19, 2008, extended the payments of the loan through December 2010. The lender also increased the interest rate from 170 basis points over LIBOR to approximately 320 basis points over LIBOR, subject to automatic reduction in the future if additional capital contributions are made by the parent of Palisades XVI.

Fourth Amendment — Receivables Financing Agreement, dated February 20, 2009, among other things, (i) lowered the collection rate minimum to $1 million per month (plus interest and fees) as an average for each period of three consecutive months, (ii) provided for an automatic extension of the maturity date from April 30, 2011 to April 30, 2012 should the outstanding balance be reduced to $25 million or less by April 30, 2011 and (iii) permanently waived the previous termination events. The interest rate remained unchanged at approximately 320 basis points over LIBOR, subject to automatic reduction in the future should certain collection milestones be attained.

As additional credit support for repayment by Palisades XVI of its obligations under the Receivables Financing Agreement and as an inducement for BMO to enter into the Fourth Amendment, the Company provided BMO a limited recourse, subordinated guaranty, secured by the assets of the Company, in an amount not to exceed $8.0 million plus reasonable costs of enforcement and collection. Under the terms of the guaranty, BMO could not exercise any recourse against the Company until the earlier of (i) five years from the date of the Fourth Amendment and (ii) the termination of the Company’s then-existing senior lending facility or any successor senior facility.

Senior Secured Discretionary Credit Facility

On December 30, 2011, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries obtained a $20,000,000 Senior Secured Discretionary Credit Facility (the “Credit Facility”) from Bank Leumi pursuant to a Loan Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) between certain of the Company’s subsidiaries and Bank Leumi. Under the Loan Agreement, certain subsidiaries issued a Revolving Note (the “Note”) to Bank Leumi in the principal amount of up to $20,000,000. Any outstanding balance under the Credit Facility accrues interest at an annual rate equal to the Prime Rate plus 50 basis points. The Company and certain subsidiaries have agreed to serve as guarantors of the obligations of the borrower subsidiaries and have entered into Guaranty Agreements. Pursuant to a series of Security Agreements and Pledge Agreements, the Credit Facility is collateralized by first priority perfected liens on substantially all of the Company’s assets and the assets of its subsidiaries, except those of Palisades XVI. The Credit Facility is subject to an administrative fee of $75,000 upon the first drawdown of the Credit Facility. The Loan Agreement contains standard and customary representations and warranties, covenants, events of default and other provisions including financial covenants that require us to: (i) maintain a minimum net worth of $150 million; and (ii) incur no net loss in any fiscal year. The term of the Credit Facility is through February 23, 2013. As of March 31, 2012, the Company has not utilized this facility.

- 18 -

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 8: Commitments and Contingencies

Employment Agreements

In January 2007, the Company entered into an employment agreement (the “Employment Agreement”) with Gary Stern, its Chairman, President and Chief Executive, which expired on December 31, 2009. This Employment Agreement was not renewed and Mr. Stern is continuing in his current roles at the discretion of the Board of Directors until a new agreement is signed. The Company intends to negotiate a new employment agreement with Mr. Stern during fiscal year 2012.

Leases

The Company leases its facilities in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey and Houston, Texas. Please refer to our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, for additional information.

Litigation

In the ordinary course of its business, the Company is involved in numerous legal proceedings. The Company regularly initiates collection lawsuits against consumers, using its network of third party law firms. In addition, consumers occasionally initiate litigation against the Company, alleging that the Company has violated a federal or state law in the process of collecting their account. The Company does not believe that these matters are material to its business and financial condition. The Company is not involved in any material litigation in which it is a defendant.

Note 9: Income Recognition and Impairments

Income Recognition

The Company accounts for its investment in consumer receivables acquired for liquidation using the interest method under the guidance of ASC 310. In 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.

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). ASC 310 requires that the excess of the contractual cash flows over expected cash flows not be recognized as an adjustment of revenue or expense or on the balance sheet. ASC 310 initially freezes the internal rate of return (“IRR”), estimated when the accounts receivable are purchased, as the basis for subsequent impairment testing. Significant increases in actual, or expected future cash flows may be recognized prospectively through an upward adjustment of the IRR over a portfolio’s remaining life. Any increase to the IRR then becomes the new benchmark for impairment testing. Under ASC 310, rather than lowering the estimated IRR if the collection estimates are not received or projected to be received, the carrying value of a pool would be written down to maintain the then current IRR.

Finance income is recognized on cost recovery portfolios after the carrying value has been fully recovered through collections or amounts written down.

The Company accounts for its investment in personal injury claims on a non-recourse basis at an agreed upon interest rate in anticipation of a future settlement. The interest purchased by the Venture 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.

- 19 -

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 9: Income Recognition and Impairments (continued)

Impairments

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. Increases in expected cash flows are recognized prospectively through an adjustment of the internal rate of return while decreases in expected cash flows are recognized as impairments. ASC 310 makes it more likely that impairment losses and accretable yield adjustments for portfolios’ performances which exceed original collection projections will be recorded, as all downward revisions in collection estimates will result in impairment charges, given the requirement that the IRR of the affected pool be held constant. An impairment of $611,000 was recorded during the three and six month periods ended March 31, 2012. An impairment of $49,000 was recorded during the same prior year periods. Finance income is not recognized on cost recovery method portfolios until the cost of the portfolio is fully recovered. Collection projections are performed on both interest method and cost recovery method portfolios. With regard to the cost recovery portfolios, if collection projections indicate the carrying value will not be recovered, a write down in value is required.

The Company’s analysis of the timing and amount of cash flows to be generated by our portfolio purchases are based on the following attributes:

• the type of receivable, the location of the debtor and the number of collection agencies previously attempting to collect the receivables in the portfolio. The Company has found that there are better states to try to collect receivables and factors this in when establishing initial cash flow expectations;

• the average balance of the receivables influences the analysis in that lower average balance portfolios tend to be more collectible in the short-term and higher average balance portfolios are more appropriate for lawsuit strategy and thus yield better results over the longer term. As the Company has significant experience with both types of balances, it is able to factor these variables into the initial expected cash flows;

• the age of the receivables, the number of days since charge-off, any payments since charge-off, and the credit guidelines of the credit originator also represent factors taken into consideration in the estimation process. For example, older receivables might be more difficult and/or require more time and effort to collect;

• past history and performance of similar assets acquired. As the Company purchases portfolios of like assets, it accumulates a significant historical database on the tendencies of debtor repayments and factor this into initial expected cash flows;

• the Company’s ability to analyze accounts and resell accounts that meet its criteria;

• jobs or property of the debtors found within portfolios. This is of particular importance with the business model. Debtors with jobs or property are more likely to repay their obligation through the lawsuit strategy and, conversely, debtors without jobs or property are less likely to repay their obligation. The Company believes that debtors with jobs or property are more likely to repay because courts have mandated the debtor must pay the debt. Ultimately, the debtor will pay to clear title or release a lien. The Company also believes that these debtors generally might take longer to repay and that is factored into the initial expected cash flows; and

• credit standards of the issuer.

The Company acquires accounts that have experienced deterioration of credit quality between origination and the date of our acquisition of the accounts. The amount paid for a portfolio of accounts reflects our determination that it is probable collecting all amounts due according to the portfolio of accounts’ contractual terms will not occur. The Company considers the expected payments and estimate the amount and timing of undiscounted expected principal, interest and other cash flows for each acquired portfolio, coupled with expected cash flows from accounts available for sales. The excess of this amount over the cost of the portfolio, representing the excess of the accounts’ cash flows expected to be collected over the amount paid, is accreted into income recognized on finance receivables over the expected remaining life of the portfolio.

- 20 -

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 9: Income Recognition and Impairments (continued)

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 debtors. The Company acquires these portfolios only after both qualitative and quantitative analyses of the underlying receivables are performed and a calculated purchase price is paid. The Company believes the estimated cash flow offers it an adequate return on its acquisition costs after its servicing expenses. Additionally, when considering larger portfolio purchases of accounts, or portfolios from issuers with whom the Company has limited experience, the Company has the added benefit of soliciting the Company’s third party servicers for their input on liquidation rates and, at times, incorporates such input into the estimates it uses for its expected cash flows. As a result of the recent and current challenging economic environment and the impact it has had on the collections, for portfolio purchases acquired since the beginning of fiscal year 2009, the Company has extended the time frame of the expectation of recovering 100% of the invested capital to within a 24-29 month period from an 18-28 month period, and the expectation of recovering 130-140% of invested capital to a period of seven years. Portfolios acquired during the first six months of fiscal year 2012 and 2011 include semi-performing litigation-related medical accounts receivable portfolios whereby the Company is assigned the revenue stream. As a portion of the accounts are performing, the cost of the portfolio is higher than the traditional charged off non-performing assets. The expectation of recovering 130% of the investment is projected to be over a three year period. The Company monitors expectations routinely against the actual cash flows and, in the event the cash flows are below the expectations and the Company believes there are no reasons relating to mere timing differences or explainable delays (such as can occur particularly when the court system is involved) for the reduced collections, an impairment would be recorded as a provision for credit losses. Conversely, in the event the cash flows are in excess of the expectations and the reason is due to timing, we would defer the “excess” collection as deferred revenue.

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.

Note 10: Income Taxes

Deferred federal and state taxes principally arise from (i) recognition of finance income collected for tax purposes, but not yet recognized for financial reporting; (ii) provision for impairments/credit losses; and (iii) stock based compensation for stock option grants and restricted stock awards recorded in the statement of operations for which no cash distribution has been made. Other components consist of state net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards. The provision for income tax expense for the three month periods ending March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, reflects income tax expense at an effective rate of 40.0% and 40.5%. The provision for income tax expense for the six month periods ending March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, reflects income tax expense at an effective rate of 40.2% and 40.5%.

The corporate federal income tax returns of the Company for 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 are subject to examination by the IRS, generally for three years after they are filed. The state income tax returns and other state filings of the Company are subject to examination by the state taxing authorities, for various periods generally up to four years after they are filed.

In April 2010, the Company received notification from the IRS that the Company’s 2008 and 2009 federal income tax returns would be audited. This audit is currently in progress. In addition, the Company’s 2010 federal income tax return has been included in the ongoing audit.

- 21 -

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 11: Net Income Per Share attributable to Asta Funding, Inc.

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. With respect to the assumed proceeds from the exercise of dilutive options, the treasury stock method is calculated using the average market price for the period.

The following table presents the computation of basic and diluted per share data for the six and three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:

	Six Months Ended March 31,
	2012						2011
			Weighted		Per				Weighted		Per
	Net		Average		Share		Net		Average		Share
	Income		Shares		Amount		Income		Shares		Amount
Basic	$	5,437,000		14,640,800	$	0.37	$	5,521,000		14,619,917	$	0.38
Effect of Dilutive Stock				239,413		—				205,143		(0.01	)
Diluted	$	5,437,000		14,880,213	$	0.37	$	5,521,000		14,825,060	$	0.37

At March 31, 2012, options to purchase 1,303,408 shares at a weighted average exercise price of $11.97 were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation as they were antidilutive.

At March 31, 2011, options to purchase 914,646 shares at a weighted average exercise price of $13.55 were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation as they were antidilutive.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012						2011
			Weighted		Per				Weighted		Per
	Net		Average		Share		Net		Average		Share
	Income		Shares		Amount		Income		Shares		Amount
Basic	$	2,460,000		14,642,174	$	0.17	$	2,855,000		14,633,655	$	0.20
Effect of Dilutive Stock				237,306		—				242,782		(0.01	)
Diluted	$	2,460,000		14,879,480	$	0.17	$	2,855,000		14,876,437	$	0.19

At March 31, 2012, options to purchase 1,450,075 shares at a weighted average exercise price of $11.55 were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation as they were antidilutive.

At March 31, 2011, options to purchase 1,021,049 shares at a weighted average exercise price of $12.93 were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation as they were antidilutive.

- 22 -

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 12: 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 statement of operations, rather than a disclosure in the notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In December 2011, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (“Compensation Committee”) granted 360,000 stock options, of which 150,000 options were awarded to the Chief Executive Officer, and 30,000 stock options were awarded to both the Chief Financial Officer and the Senior Vice President. Additionally, an aggregate of 60,000 shares were issued to five non-employee directors of the Company. The exercise price of these options, issued on December 13, 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	0.08	%
Expected term (years)	10.0
Expected volatility	103.9	%
Dividend yield	1.03	%

On December 22, 2011, the remaining 90,000 stock options were granted to selected full time employees of the Company, who had been employed at the Company for at least six months prior to the date of grant. The exercise price of all stock options was at the market price on the date of the grant.

The weighted average assumptions used in the option pricing model were as follows:

Risk-free interest rate	0.08	%
Expected term (years)	10.0
Expected volatility	95.7	%
Dividend yield	1.03	%

In June 2011, the Compensation Committee granted 50,000 stock options to a consultant of the Company. The exercise price of these options was $11.50 with a term of three years. The weighted average assumptions used in the option pricing model were as follows:

Risk-free interest rate	0.09	%
Expected term (years)	3.0
Expected volatility	105.4	%
Dividend yield	0.95	%

In March 2011, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Compensation Committee”) granted 10,000 stock options to an employee. The exercise price of these options was at the market price on the date of the grant. The weighted average assumptions used in the option pricing model were as follows:

Risk-free interest rate	0.10	%
Expected term (years)	10.0
Expected volatility	106.2	%
Dividend yield	0.94	%

In December 2010, the Compensation Committee granted 324,800 stock options, of which 30,000 options were issued to each non-employee independent director for a total of 150,000 stock options. 60,000 stock options were awarded to the Chief Executive Officer and 30,000 stock options were awarded to the Chief Financial Officer and the Senior Vice President. The remaining 54,800 stock options were granted to full time employees of the Company, who had been employed at the Company for at least six months prior to the date of grant. The grants to employees excluded officers of the Company. The exercise price of these options was at the market price on the date of the grant. Additionally, in December 2010, the Compensation Committee issued 32,765 shares of restricted stock to the Chief Executive Officer. The exercise price of all stock options was at the market price on the date of the grant. The weighted average assumptions used in the option pricing model were as follows:

Risk-free interest rate	0.17	%
Expected term (years)	10.0
Expected volatility	106.9	%
Dividend yield	0.98	%

- 23 -

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 13: 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 replaces the Equity Compensation Plan. The 2012 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. Two million shares were authorized for issuance under the 2012 Plan. The following description does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the 2012 Plan, which is included as an exhibit to the Company’s reports filed with the SEC.

The general purpose of the 2012 Plan is to provide an incentive to the Company’s employees, directors and consultants, including executive officers, employees and consultants of any subsidiaries, by enabling them to share in the future growth of the business. The Board of Directors believes that the granting of stock options and other equity awards promotes continuity of management and increases incentive and personal interest in the welfare of the Company by those who are primarily responsible for shaping and carrying out our long range plans and securing growth and financial success of the Company.

The Board believes that the 2012 Plan will advance the interests of the Company by enhancing the Company’s ability to (a) attract and retain employees, directors and consultants who are in a position to make significant contributions, (b) reward employees, directors and consultants for these contributions; and (c) encourage employees, directors and consultants to take into account the long-term interests of the Company through ownership of the Company’s shares. No awards have been issued under the 2012 Plan. As such, there are 2,000,000 shares available as of March 31, 2012. As of March 31, 2012, approximately 83 of the Company’s employees were eligible to participate in the 2012 Plan.

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 existing 2002 Stock Option Plan. In addition to permitting the grant of stock options as permitted under the 2002 Stock Option Plan, the Equity Compensation Plan allowed 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. One million shares were authorized for issuance under the Equity Compensation Plan. The following description does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Equity Compensation Plan, which is included as an exhibit to the Company’s reports filed with the SEC.

The general purpose of the Equity Compensation Plan was to provide an incentive to the Company’s employees, directors and consultants, including executive officers, employees and consultants of any subsidiaries, by enabling them to share in the future growth of the Company’s business. The Board of Directors believes that the granting of stock options and other equity awards promotes continuity of management and increases incentive and personal interest in the welfare of the Company by those who are primarily responsible for shaping and carrying out our long range plans and securing our growth and financial success.

The Company authorized 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance under the Equity Compensation Plan. All but 265,569 shares were utilized. As of March 21, 2012, no more awards could be issued under this plan.

- 24 -

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 13: Stock Option Plans (continued)

2002 Stock Option Plan

On March 5, 2002, the Board of Directors adopted the Asta Funding, Inc. 2002 Stock Option Plan (the “2002 Plan”), which plan 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 following description does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the 2002 Plan, which is included as an exhibit to the Company’s reports filed with the SEC.

The 2002 Plan authorized 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 for a ten-year period, 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. All but 6,034 shares were utilized. As of March 5, 2012, no more awards could be issued under this plan.

1995 Stock Option Plan

The 1995 Stock Option Plan expired on September 14, 2005. The plan was adopted in order to attract and retain qualified directors, officers and employees of, and consultants, to the Company. The following description does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the 1995 Stock Option Plan, which is included as an exhibit to the Company’s reports filed with the SEC.

The 1995 Stock Option Plan authorized the granting of incentive stock options (as defined in Section 422 of 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 to the Company.

The Company authorized 1,840,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance under the 1995 Stock Option Plan. All but 96,002 shares were utilized. As of September 14, 2005, no more awards could be issued under this plan.

- 25 -

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 13: Stock Option Plans (continued)

The following table summarizes stock option transactions under the plans:

	Six Months Ended March 31,
	2012					2011
				Weighted					Weighted
				Average					Average
				Exercise					Exercise
	Shares			Price		Shares			Price
Outstanding options at the beginning of period		1,294,271		$	11.41		922,039		$	12.70
Options granted		360,000			7.87		334,800			6.94
Options exercised		(3,333	)		4.13		(934	)		5.61
Options forfeited		(1,400	)		6.10		(1,400	)		5.79
Outstanding options at the end of period		1,649,538		$	10.66		1,254,505		$	11.17
Exercisable options at the end of period		1,128,205		$	11.88		953,175		$	12.56

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012					2011
				Weighted					Weighted
				Average					Average
				Exercise					Exercise
	Shares			Price		Shares			Price
Outstanding options at the beginning of period		1,652,871		$	10.64		1,245,439		$	11.18
Options granted		—			—		10,000			8.52
Options exercised		(3,333	)		4.13		(934	)		5.61
Options forfeited		—			—		—			—
Outstanding options at the end of period		1,649,538		$	10.66		1,254,505		$	11.17
Exercisable options at the end of period		1,128,205		$	11.88		953,175		$	12.56

The Company recognized $701,000 and $418,000 of compensation expense related to stock options during the six month and three month periods ended March 31, 2012. The Company recognized $1,105,000 and $163,000 of compensation expense related to stock options during the six month and three month periods ended March 31, 2011. As of March 31, 2012, there was $2,821,000 of unrecognized compensation expense related to stock option awards. There is no intrinsic value of the outstanding and exercisable options as of March 31, 2012. The intrinsic value of the stock options exercised during the three month period ended March 31, 2012 was approximately $12,000.

- 26 -

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 13: Stock Option Plans (continued)

The following table summarizes information about the Plans outstanding options as of March 31, 2012:

	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		186,867		3.4	$	3.96		182,667	$	3.99
$5.7501 – $8.6250		859,400		8.8		7.78		375,600		7.74
$8.6251– $14.3750		50,000		9.2		11.50		16,667		11.50
$14.3751 – $17.2500		198,611		1.6		14.88		198,611		14.88
$17.2501 – $20.1250		339,660		2.6		18.23		339,660		18.23
$25.8751 – $28.7500		15,000		4.7		28.75		15,000		28.75
		1,649,538		6.0	$	10.66		1,128,205	$	11.88

The following table summarizes information about restricted stock transactions:

	Six Months Ended March 31,
	2012					2011
				Weighted					Weighted
				Average					Average
				Grant					Grant
				Date Fair					Date Fair
	Shares			Value		Shares			Value
Unvested at the beginning of period		21,843		$	19.73		17,669		$	19.73
Awards granted		—			7.63		32,765			7.63
Vested		(10,921	)		15.11		(28,591	)		15.11
Forfeited		—			—		—			—
Unvested at the end of period		10,922		$	7.63		21,843		$	7.63

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012				2011
			Weighted				Weighted
			Average				Average
			Grant				Grant
			Date Fair				Date Fair
	Shares		Value		Shares		Value
Unvested at the beginning of period		10,922	$	7.63		21,843	$	7.63
Awards granted		—		—		—		—
Vested		—		—		—		—
Forfeited		—		—		—		—
Unvested at the end of period		10,922	$	7.63		21,843	$	7.63

- 27 -

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 13: Stock Option Plans (continued)

The Company recognized $43,000 and $21,000 of compensation expense related to the restricted stock awards during the six month and three month periods ended March 31, 2012. The Company recognized $288,000 and $142,000 of compensation expense related to restricted stock awards during the six and three month periods ended March 31, 2011. As of March 31, 2012, there was $59,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock.

Note 14: Stockholders’ Equity

For the six months ended March 31, 2012, the Company declared dividends of $584,000, or $.02 per share. Of this amount $292,000 was paid during the six months ended March 31, 2012 and $292,000 was accrued as of March 31, 2012 and paid May 1, 2012. As of March 31, 2012, stockholders’ equity includes an amount for other comprehensive income of $30,000, which relates to unrealized gains. In addition, $49,000 related to the non-controlling interest in the Venture, has been included in Stockholders’ Equity. On March 9, 2012, the Company adopted a Rule 10b5-1 Plan in conjunction with its share repurchase program. The Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to $20 million of the Company’s common stock, which is effective through March 11, 2013. This share repurchase authorization supersedes the authorization to repurchase shares in June 2011, pursuant to which the Company purchased approximately 59,000 shares of its common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $455,000. The Company has purchased approximately 66,000 shares at an aggregate purchase price of approximately $538,000 under the new plan.

Note 15: Fair Value of Financial Instruments

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:

	March 31, 2012				September 30, 2011
	Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
	Amount		Value		Amount		Value
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents (Level 1)	$	87,635,000	$	87,635,000	$	84,347,000	$	84,347,000
Available-for-sale investments (Level 1)		25,963,000		25,963,000		13,515,000		13,515,000
Certificates of deposit (Level 1)		2,766,000		2,766,000		9,060,000		9,060,000
Consumer receivables acquired for liquidation (Level 3)		101,836,000		119,701,000		115,195,000		135,234,000
Financial liabilities
Non Recourse Debt (Level 2)		66,874,000		66,874,000		71,604,000		71,604,000

- 28 -

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 15: Fair Value Of Financial Measurements and Disclosures (continued)

Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

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 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.

Certificates of deposit – The carrying amount approximates fair value.

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 4: Consumer Receivables Acquired for Liquidation. These cash flows are discounted to determine the fair value.

Debt and subordinated debt (related party) – The carrying value of debt and subordinated debt (related party) approximates fair value as the majority of these loan balances are variable rate and short-term in nature.

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, 2011, as required by FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”). There were no available-for-sale investments as of September 30, 2011. 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.

The Company’s available-for-sale investments are classified as Level 1 financial instruments based on the classifications described above. There have been no transfers in or out of Level 1. Additionally, there have been no investments in Level 2 or Level 3 to date.

- 29 -

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Caution Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. 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 objective 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” in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011.

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.

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”) and other subsidiaries, not all wholly owned, including Pegasus Funding, LLC, and others not considered material (collectively, the “Company,” “we” or “us”), is primarily engaged in the business of acquiring, managing, servicing and recovering on portfolios of consumer receivables, and through Pegasus Funding, LLC, funding of personal injury litigation 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;

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

• performing receivables — accounts where the debtor is making regular monthly payments that may or may not have been delinquent in the past.

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 acquisition costs and 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 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, collection agencies, investors and our financing sources;

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

• other sources.

- 30 -

Personal Injury Litigation Funding Business

We have recently entered into a joint venture with Pegasus Legal Funding, LLC, forming Pegasus Funding, LLC, pursuant to which we purchase interests in personal injury claims from claimants who are a party to personal injury litigation with the expectation of a settlement in the future. Through the joint venture, we advance to each personal injury claimant funds on a non-recourse basis at an agreed upon interest rate in anticipation of a future settlement. The interest purchased by us in each claim 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.

Critical Accounting Policies

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

• the interest method; or

• the cost recovery method.

As we believe our liquidating experience in certain asset classes such as distressed credit card receivables, telecom receivables, consumer loan receivables, litigation-related medical accounts 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 and we do not possess the same expertise, or we cannot reasonably estimate the timing of the cash flows, we utilize the cost recovery method of accounting for those portfolios of receivables.

We account for our investment in finance receivables using the interest method under the guidance of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 310, Receivables — Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorating Credit Quality, (“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. We currently consider for aggregation portfolios of accounts, purchased within the same fiscal quarter, that generally have the following characteristics:

• same issuer/originator;

• same underlying credit quality;

• similar geographic distribution of the accounts;

• similar age of the receivable; and

• same type of asset class (credit cards, telecommunications, etc.).

After determining that an investment will yield an adequate return on our acquisition cost after servicing fees, including court costs which are expensed as incurred, we use a variety of qualitative and quantitative factors to determine the estimated cash flows. As previously mentioned, included in our analysis for purchasing a portfolio of receivables and determining a reasonable estimate of collections and the timing thereof, the following variables are analyzed and factored into our original estimates:

• the number of collection agencies previously attempting to collect the receivables in the portfolio;

• the average balance of the receivables;

• the age of the receivables (as older receivables might be more difficult to collect or might be less cost effective);

• past history of performance of similar assets — as we purchase portfolios of similar assets, we believe we have built significant history on how these receivables will liquidate and cash flow;

• number of months since charge-off;

• payments made since charge-off;

• the credit originator and their credit guidelines;

- 31 -

• the locations of the debtors as there are better states to attempt to collect in and ultimately we have better predictability of the liquidations and the expected cash flows. Conversely, there are also states where the liquidation rates are not as good and that is factored into our cash flow analysis;

• financial wherewithal of the seller;

• jobs or property of the debtors found within portfolios-with our business model, this is of particular importance as debtors with jobs or property are more likely to repay their obligation and conversely, debtors without jobs or property are less likely to repay their obligation; and

• the ability to obtain customer statements from the original issuer.

We will obtain and utilize as appropriate input including, but not limited to, monthly collection projections and liquidation rates, from our third party collection agencies and attorneys, as further evidentiary matter, to assist us in developing collection strategies and in modeling the expected cash flows for a given portfolio.

We acquire accounts that have experienced deterioration of credit quality between origination and the date of our acquisition of the accounts. The amount paid for a portfolio of accounts reflects our determination that it is probable we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the portfolio of accounts’ contractual terms. We consider the expected payments and estimate the amount and timing of undiscounted expected principal, interest and other cash flows for each acquired portfolio coupled with expected cash flows from accounts available for sales. The excess of this amount over the cost of the portfolio, representing the excess of the accounts’ cash flows expected to be collected over the amount paid, is accreted into income recognized on finance receivables over the expected remaining life of the portfolio.

We believe we have significant experience in acquiring certain distressed consumer receivable portfolios at a significant discount to the amount actually owed by underlying debtors. We acquire these portfolios only after both qualitative and quantitative analyses of the underlying receivables are performed and a calculated purchase price is paid so that we believe our estimated cash flow offers us an adequate return on our costs, including servicing expenses. Additionally, when considering portfolio purchases of accounts, or portfolios from issuers from whom we have little or limited experience, we have the added benefit of soliciting our third party collection agencies and attorneys for their input on liquidation rates and, at times, incorporate such input into the price we offer for a given portfolio and the estimates we use for our expected cash flows.

As a result of the recent and current challenging economic environment and the impact it has had on the collections, for the non medical account portfolio purchases acquired since the beginning of fiscal year 2009, we have extended our time frame of the expectation of recovering 100% of our invested capital to within a 24-29 month period from an 18-28 month period, and the expectation of recovering 130-140% of invested capital to a period of seven years, which is an increase from the previous five year expectation. The medical accounts have a shorter three year collection curve based on the nature of these accounts. We routinely monitor these expectations against the actual cash flows and, in the event the cash flows are below our expectations and we believe there are no reasons relating to mere timing differences or explainable delays (such as can occur particularly when the court system is involved) for the reduced collections, an impairment would be recorded as a provision for credit losses. Conversely, in the event the cash flows are in excess of our expectations and the reason is due to timing, we would defer the “excess” collection as deferred revenue.

We use 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.

We account for the investment in personal injury claims on a non-recourse basis at an agreed upon interest rate in anticipation of a future settlement. The interest purchased by Pegasus Funding, LLC in each claim 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.

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Results of Operations

The six-month period ended March 31, 2012, compared to the six-month period ended March 31, 2011

Finance income. For the six month period ended March 31, 2012, finance income decreased $1.6 million or 7.5% to $20.3 million from $21.9 million for the six month period ended March 31, 2011. Finance income has decreased primarily due to the lower level of portfolio purchases and, as a result, the increased percentage of our portfolio balances are in the later stages of their yield curves. We purchased $6.0 million in face value of new portfolios at a cost of $2.7 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2012 as compared to purchased $13.7 million in face value at a cost of $5.0 million, in the same prior year period.

During the first six months of fiscal year 2012, gross collections decreased 17.4% to $55.4 million from $67.0 million for the six months ended March 31, 2011, reflecting the lower level of purchases, and the age of our portfolios. Commissions and fees associated with gross collections from our third party collection agencies and attorneys decreased $4.3 million, or 18.0% for the six months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the same period in the prior year and averaged 35.5% of collections for the six months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to 35.8% in the same prior year period. Net collections decreased 17.0% to $35.7 million from $43.0 million for the six months ended March 31, 2011. Income recognized from fully amortized portfolios (zero based revenue) was $17.8 million for the six month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Other income. The following table summarizes Other income for the six month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011

	2012		2011
Interest and dividend income	$	803,000	$	238,000
Personal injury fee income		492,000		—
Realized gain		117,000		—
Service fee income		54,000		33,000
Other		183,000		(95,000	)
	$	1,649,000	$	176,000

General and administrative expenses. During the six months ended March 31, 2012, general and administrative expenses decreased $334,000 or 3% to $10.8 million from $11.1 million for the six months ended March 31, 2011. The decrease in general and administrative expenses is attributable to, among other items, the decrease in compensation expenses, including stock based compensation expense, lower collection expenses and technology costs.

Interest expense. During the six month period ended March 31, 2012, interest expense decreased $298,000 or 18% to $1.3 million from $1.6 million in the same prior year period. The decrease in interest expense is primarily the result of the continued repayment of our non-recourse debt.

Impairments. Impairments of $611,000 were recorded in the six month period ended March 31, 2012 as compared to an impairment of $49,000 recorded during the six month period ended March 31, 2011.

Income tax expense. Income tax expense, consisting of federal and state income taxes, was $3.7 million for the six months ended March 31, 2012, as compared to income tax expense of $3.8 million for the comparable 2011 period.

Income attributable to non-controlling interest. The income attributable to non-controlling interest of $49,000 in fiscal year 2012 related to Pegasus Legal Funding, LLC’s 20% interest in Pegasus Funding, LLC.

Net income attributable to Asta Funding, Inc. For the six months ended March 31, 2012, net income was $5.4 million, as compared to net income of $5.5 million for the six month period ended March 31, 2011.

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The three-month period ended March 31, 2012, compared to the three-month period ended March 31, 2011

Finance income. For the three month period ended March 31, 2012, finance income was $10.5 million as compared to $11.1 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2011. Although portfolio purchases have been limited and has produced lower finance income, this lower level of finance income was offset by increased zero based income. The Company purchased $2.9 million in face value of new portfolios at a cost of $1.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2012 as compared to the purchase of portfolios with a face value of $6.1 million at a cost of $2.1 million in the same prior year period.

During the second quarter of fiscal year 2012, gross collections decreased 12.6%. to $29.4 million from $33.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011. Commissions and fees associated with gross collections from our third party collection agencies and attorneys decreased $1.0 million, or 8.9%, for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the same period in the prior year and averaged 36.3% of collections during the three-month period ended March 31, 2012. Net collections decreased by 14.5% to $18.7 million from $21.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011. Income recognized from fully amortized portfolios (zero based revenue) was $9.2 million and $9.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Other income. The following table summarizes Other income for the three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011

	2012		2011
Interest and dividend income	$	358,000	$	144,000
Personal injury fee income		492,000		—
Realized gain		117,000		—
Service fee income		30,000		16,000
Other		3,000		(63,000	)
	$	1,000,000	$	97,000

General and administrative expenses. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2012, general and administrative expenses increased $381,000 or 6.7% to $6.0 million from $5.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 The increase in general & administrative expenses in the second quarter of fiscal year 2012 was related to an increase in non-cash related stock based compensation expense, depreciation expense and expenses related to the new joint venture, Pegasus Funding, LLC.

Interest expense. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2012, interest expense was $647,000 compared to $739,000 in the same period in the prior year. The decrease in interest expense is the result of the continued repayment of our non-recourse debt.

Impairments. Impairments of $611,000 were recorded in the three month period ended March 31, 2012 as compared to an impairment of $49,000 recorded during the three month period ended March 31, 2011.

Income tax expense. Income tax expense was $1.7 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2012 as compared to $1.9 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2011.

Income attributable to non-controlling interest. The income attributable to non-controlling interest of $49,000 in fiscal year 2012 related to Pegasus Legal Funding, LLC’s 20% interest in Pegasus Funding, LLC.

Net income attributable to Asta Funding, Inc. Net income was $2.5 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2012 as compared to $2.9 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2011.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary source of cash from operations is collections on receivable portfolios we have acquired. Our primary uses of cash include repayments of debt, investment in personal injury claims through Pegasus Funding, LLC, 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 entered into a receivables financing agreement (the “Receivables Financing Agreement”) with the Bank of Montreal (“BMO”), as amended in July 2007, December 2007, May 2008, February 2009 and October 2010 in order to finance the Portfolio Purchase. The Portfolio Purchase had a purchase price of $300 million (plus 20% of net payments after Palisades XVI recovers 150% of its purchase price plus cost of funds, which recovery has not yet occurred). Prior to the modifications, discussed below, the debt was full recourse only to Palisades XVI and accrued interest at the rate of approximately 170 basis points over LIBOR. The original term of the agreement was three years. This term was extended by each of the Second, Third Fourth and Fifth Amendments to the Receivables Financing Agreement as discussed below. Proceeds received as a result of the net collections from the Portfolio Purchase are applied to interest and principal of the underlying loan. The Portfolio Purchase is serviced by Palisades Collection LLC, our wholly-owned subsidiary, which has engaged unaffiliated subservicers for a majority of the Portfolio Purchase.

Since the inception of the Receivables Financing Agreement amendments have been signed to revise various terms of the Receivables Financing Agreement. The following is a summary of the material amendments:

Second Amendment — Receivables Financing Agreement, dated December 27, 2007 revised the amortization schedule of the loan from 25 months to approximately 31 months. BMO charged Palisades XVI a fee of $475,000 which was paid on January 10, 2008.

Third Amendment — Receivables Financing Agreement, dated May 19, 2008 extended the payments of the loan through December 2010. The lender also increased the interest rate from 170 basis points over LIBOR to approximately 320 basis points over LIBOR, subject to automatic reduction in the future if additional capital contributions are made by the parent of Palisades XVI.

Fourth Amendment — Receivables Financing Agreement, dated February 20, 2009, among other things, (i) lowered the collection rate minimum to $1 million per month (plus interest and fees) as an average for each period of three consecutive months, (ii) provided for an automatic extension of the maturity date from April 30, 2011 to April 30, 2012 should the outstanding balance be reduced to $25 million or less by April 30, 2011 and (iii) permanently waived the previous termination events. The interest rate remained unchanged at approximately 320 basis points over LIBOR, subject to automatic reduction in the future should certain collection milestones be attained.

As additional credit support for repayment by Palisades XVI of its obligations under the Receivables Financing Agreement and as an inducement for BMO to enter into the Fourth Amendment, we provided BMO a limited recourse, subordinated guaranty, secured by our assets of the Company, in an amount not to exceed $8.0 million plus reasonable costs of enforcement and collection. Under the terms of the guaranty, BMO cannot exercise any recourse against us until the earlier of (i) five years from the date of the Fourth Amendment and (ii) the termination of our existing senior lending facility or any successor senior facility.

On October 26, 2010, Palisades XVI entered into the Fifth Amendment to the Receivables Financing Agreement (the “Fifth Amendment”). The effective date of the Fifth Amendment was October 14, 2010. The Fifth Amendment (i) extended the expiration date of the Receivables Financing Agreement to April 14, 2014; (ii) reduced the minimum monthly payment to $750,000; (iii) accelerated our guaranty credit enhancement of $8,700,000, which was paid upon the execution of the Fifth Amendment; (iv) eliminated our limited guaranty of repayment of the loans outstanding by Palisades XVI; and (v) revised the definition of “Borrowing Base Deficit”, as defined in the Receivables Financing Agreement, to mean the excess, if any, of 105% of the loans outstanding over the borrowing base.

In connection with the Fifth Amendment, on October 26, 2010, we entered into the Omnibus Termination Agreement (the “Termination Agreement”). The Termination Agreement provides that, upon payment of $8,700,000 to the Lender and execution of the Fifth Amendment, the following agreements, which were entered into by us and certain of our affiliated entities in connection with the guaranty of the outstanding loans under the Receivables Financing Agreement, were terminated: (i) the Subordinated Limited Recourse Guaranty Agreement, dated February 20, 2009, among us, our subsidiaries, and BMO; (ii) the Subordinated Guarantor Security Agreement, dated February 20, 2009; (iii) the Limited Recourse Guaranty Agreement, dated as of February 20, 2009; and (iv) the Intercreditor Agreement, dated February 20, 2009. The Termination Agreement was effective as of October 14, 2010.

The aggregate minimum repayment obligations required under the Fifth Amendment, including interest and principal, for fiscal years ending September 30, 2012 through 2014, is $4.5 million. $9.0 million and $53.4 million, respectively.

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On March 31, 2012 and 2011, the outstanding balance on this loan was approximately $66.9 million and $76.9 million, respectively. The applicable interest rate at March 31, 2012 and 2011 was 3.74% and 3.76%, respectively. The average interest rate of the Receivable Financing Agreement was 3.76 and 3.77% for the six-month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. We were in compliance with all covenants that support the Receivables Financing Agreement at March 31, 2012.

Senior Secured Discretionary Credit Facility

On December 30, 2011, we and certain of our subsidiaries obtained a $20,000,000 Senior Secured Discretionary Credit Facility (the “Credit Facility”) from Bank Leumi pursuant to a Loan Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) between certain of our subsidiaries and Bank Leumi. Under the Loan Agreement, certain of our subsidiaries issued a Revolving Note (the “Note”) to Bank Leumi in the principal amount of up to $20,000,000. Any outstanding balance under the Credit Facility accrues interest at an annual rate equal to the Prime Rate plus 50 basis points. We and certain of our subsidiaries have agreed to serve as guarantors of the obligations of the borrower subsidiaries and have entered into Guaranty Agreements. Pursuant to a series of Security Agreements and Pledge Agreements, the Credit Facility is collateralized by first priority perfected liens on substantially all of our assets and the assets of our subsidiaries, except those of Palisades XVI. The Credit Facility is subject to an administrative fee of $75,000 upon the first drawdown of the Credit Facility. The Loan Agreement contains standard and customary representations and warranties, covenants, events of default and other provisions including financial covenants that require us to: (i) maintain a minimum net worth of $150 million; and (ii) incur no net loss in any fiscal year. The term of the Credit Facility is through February 23, 2013. As of March 31, 2012, we have not utilized the Credit Facility.

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Other Investments – Pegasus Funding, LLC

On December 28, 2011, we, through ASFI Pegasus Holdings, LLC (“APH”), our newly-formed indirect subsidiary, entered into a joint venture (the “Venture”) with Pegasus Legal Funding, LLC (“PLF”). The Venture 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. The personal injury claims are purchased by Pegasus Funding, LLC (“Pegasus”), a newly-formed subsidiary in which APH owns 80% and PLF owns 20% of the outstanding membership interests. Pegasus will advance 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.

In connection with the Venture, pursuant to a Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), Security Agreement (the “Security Agreement”) and Secured Revolving Credit Note (the “Note”), Fund Pegasus, LLC, our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary (“Fund Pegasus”), agreed to fund Pegasus an aggregate of up to $109 million over a five (5) year period, payable in one or more installments up to a maximum of $21.8 million per year, consisting of up to $20,000,000 to purchase claims and up to $1.8 million to cover Pegasus’ overhead expenses (which amount includes a 4% management fee payable by Pegasus to PLF). The amounts shall accrue interest at the annual rate of 1%, which interest shall be paid monthly to Fund Pegasus by Pegasus.

The rights, duties and obligations of APH and PLF with respect to Pegasus are set forth in an Operating Agreement (the “Operating Agreement”), which provides, among other things, that all profits and losses of Pegasus will be allocated to APH and PLF on a pro rata basis in accordance with their respective ownership interests, subject to certain exceptions including the repayment of the loan made to Pegasus by Fund Pegasus prior to the distribution of profits. We have agreed, among other things, to guarantee the funding obligations of Fund Pegasus to Pegasus. The Operating Agreement also provides that Fund Pegasus has the right to suspend financing to Pegasus, and APH has the right to terminate the Operating Agreement, if there is a material change in the applicable laws or case law affecting Pegasus’s business. In addition, if returns for any consecutive twelve month period after the first year of operations do not exceed 15%, APH may terminate the Operating Agreement without penalty. If we enter into new personal injury claim funding ventures in the future, PLF shall have the right to participate in such ventures by purchasing up to 20% of the equity in such ventures.

Any cash received by Pegasus (“Distributable Cash Flow”) from the payment to Pegasus with respect to all or part of a purchased claim upon the adjudication or settlement of such claim (“Liquidation”), shall be distributed by Pegasus within ten days following the end of each calendar month, subject to certain exceptions, in the following order:

(i) First, to Fund Pegasus, until Fund Pegasus has received an amount equal to the funds provided to Pegasus corresponding to each claim for which a Liquidation has been received by Pegasus during the prior 90 day period;

(ii) Next, to Fund Pegasus in the amount equal to 9% of the amount paid to Fund Pegasus under Section (i) above; and

(iii) Next, to APH and PLF in accordance with their respective percentage interests in Pegasus.

PLF has granted to APH an option to purchase 50% of the outstanding equity interests of PLF. The option is exercisable within 18 months of the effective date of the Operating Agreement. If APH chooses to exercise this option, the percentage interests of Pegasus owned by APH and PLF shall automatically adjust such that APH and PLF will each own 50% of the outstanding membership interests of Pegasus. Moreover, APH has a right to purchase PLF’s current investment portfolio at a discount within fourteen days of the effective date of the Operating Agreement, at APH’s discretion and subject to applicable third party consents.

Max Alperovich and Alexander Khanas, who are members of PLF, will manage the day-to-day operations of Pegasus. In addition to paying to PLF a 4% management fee on funds advanced to purchase claims, Pegasus will also pay to each of Messrs. Alperovich and Khanas the sum of $100,000 per annum pursuant to consulting agreements entered into by Messrs. Alperovich and Khanas, respectively, and Pegasus.

In addition, A.L. Piccolo & Co., Inc., which is owned by Louis Piccolo, a director of the Company, will receive a fee from Pegasus which is calculated at $350,000 per $10,000,000 loaned to Pegasus by Fund Pegasus up to a maximum of $700,000, which fee is payable over eight years from Pegasus’s operating expenses during the term of the Operating Agreement and thereafter by PLF and its affiliates.

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Cash Flow

During the six month period ended March 31, 2012, our cash and cash equivalents increased $3.3 million compared to $7.6 million during the same prior year period as reductions in cash used in financing in the current year period were more than offset by increases in cash used in investing activities. Net cash provided by operations for the two six month periods was essentially flat.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $10.2 million during the six month period ended March 31, 2012, compared to $10.4 million for the six months ended March 31, 2011. The slight decrease in net cash provided by operating activities is primarily attributable to lower net income. Net cash used in investing activity was $1.5 million during the six months ended March 31, 2012 compared to net cash provided by investing activities of $15.9 million for the six months ended March 31, 2011. The reduction in net cash provided by investing activity is primarily attributable to investments in available-for-sale securities in the current period and also a reflection of lower collections, largely resulting from reduced purchase levels compared to recent years. Net cash used in financing activities decreased to $5.4 million for the six months ended March 31, 2012 from $18.7 million for the same prior year period. The decrease reflects the prior fiscal year payment associated with the Fifth Amendment to the Receivable Financing Agreement and the final payments of the subordinated debt in the prior fiscal year.

Our cash requirements have been and will continue to be significant and have, in the past, depended on external financing to acquire consumer receivables and operate the business. Significant requirements include repayments under our debt facilities, investment in the Venture, interest payments, costs involved in the collections of consumer receivables, and taxes. In addition, dividends are paid if approved by the Board of Directors. Acquisitions have been financed primarily through cash flows from operating activities and a credit facility. We believe we will be less dependent on a credit facility in the short-term as our cash flow from operations will be sufficient to purchase portfolios and operate the business. However, as the collection environment remains challenging, we may borrow funds under our Credit Facility or seek additional financing.

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. Accordingly, we filed a $100 million shelf registration statement with the SEC which was declared effective during the third quarter of 2010. As of the date of this report, we have not issued any securities under this registration statement. The outcome of any future transaction(s) is subject to market conditions. Our business model affords us the ability to sell accounts on an opportunistic basis; however, account sales have been immaterial in recent quarters.

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

	For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2012
	Interest Method			Cost Recovery Method			Total
Balance, beginning of period	$	31,193,000		$	84,002,000		$	115,195,000
Acquisitions of receivable portfolios, net		1,278,000			1,397,000			2,675,000
Net cash collections from collection of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation		(25,878,000	)		(9,727,000	)		(35,605,000	)
Net cash collections represented by account sales of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation		(78,000	)		—			(78,000	)
Impairment		(611,000	)		—			(611,000	)
Finance income recognized (1)		18,993,000			1,267,000			20,260,000
Balance, end of period	$	24,897,000		$	76,939,000		$	101,836,000
Finance income as a percentage of collections		73.2	%		13.0	%		56.8	%

(1) Includes approximately $17.8 million derived from fully amortized portfolios.

	For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2011
	Interest Method			Cost Recovery Method			Total
Balance, beginning of period	$	46,348,000		$	100,683,000		$	147,031,000
Acquisitions of receivable portfolios, net		4,530,000			473,000			5,003,000
Net cash collections from collection of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation		(32,281,000	)		(10,479,000	)		(42,760,000	)
Net cash collections represented by account sales of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation		(243,000	)		—			(243,000	)
Impairment		(49,000	)		—			(49,000	)
Effect of foreign currency translation		—			26,000			26,000
Finance income recognized (1)		20,509,000			1,387,000			21,896,000
Balance, end of period	$	38,814,000		$	92,090,000		$	130,904,000
Finance income as a percentage of collections		63.1	%		13.2	%		50.9	%

(1) Includes approximately $17.8 million derived from fully amortized portfolios.

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	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	Interest Method			Cost Recovery Method			Total
Balance, beginning of period	$	28,559,000		$	80,807,000		$	109,366,000
Acquisitions of receivable portfolios, net		421,000			903,000			1,324,000
Net cash collections from collections of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation		(13,180,000	)		(5,486,000	)		(18,666,000	)
Net cash collections represented by account sales of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation		(47,000	)		—			(47,000	)
Impairment		(611,000	)		—			(611,000	)
Finance income recognized (1)		9,755,000			715,000			10,470,000
Balance, end of period	$	24,897,000		$	76,939,000		$	101,836,000
Finance income as a percentage of collections		72.6	%		13.0	%		50.9	%

(1) Includes approximately $9.2 million derived from fully amortized portfolios.

	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
	Interest Method			Cost Recovery Method			Total
Balance, beginning of period	$	43,338,000		$	96,241,000		$	139,579,000
Acquisitions of receivable portfolios, net		1,871,000			249,000			2,120,000
Net cash collections from collections of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation		(16,702,000	)		(5,108,000	)		(21,810,000	)
Net cash collections represented by account sales of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation		(88,000	)		—			(88,000	)
Impairments		(49,000	)		—			(49,000	)
Effect of foreign currency translation		—			15,000			15,000
Finance income recognized (1)		10,444,000			693,000			11,137,000
Balance, end of period	$	38,814,000		$	92,090,000		$	130,904,000
Finance income as a percentage of collections		62.2	%		13.6	%		50.9	%

(1) Includes approximately $9.0 million derived from fully amortized portfolios.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of March 31, 2012, 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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Additional Supplementary Information:

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 revenues from these accounts acquired for liquidation. Since we purchased these accounts at significant discounts, we anticipate collecting only a small portion of the face amounts. During the six months ended March 31, 2012, we purchased portfolios with a face value of $6.0 million for an aggregate purchase price of $2.7 million.

For additional information regarding our methods of accounting for our investment in finance receivables, the qualitative and quantitative factors we use to determine estimated cash flows, and our performance expectations of our portfolios, see “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Policies” above.

Collections Represented by Account Sales

Period	Collections Represented By Account Sales		Finance Income Earned
Six months ended March 31, 2012	$	78,000	$	31,000
Three months ended March 31, 2012	$	47,000	$	19,000
Six months ended March 31, 2011	$	243,000	$	91,000
Three months ended March 31, 2011	$	88,000	$	36,000

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Portfolio Performance (1)

(Interest method portfolios only)

			Cash						Total estimated
			Collections		Estimated		Total		Collections as a
	Purchase		Including Cash		Remaining		Estimated		Percentage of
Purchase Period	Price (2)		Sales (3)		Collections (4)		Collections (5)		Purchase Price
2001	$	65,120,000	$	105,656,000	$	—	$	105,656,000		162	%
2002		36,557,000		48,269,000		—		48,269,000		132	%
2003		115,626,000		220,121,000		—		220,121,000		190	%
2004		103,743,000		189,596,000		49,000		189,645,000		183	%
2005		126,023,000		221,667,000		1,759,000		223,426,000		177	%
2006		163,392,000		263,089,000		3,718,000		266,807,000		163	%
2007		109,235,000		102,515,000		13,254,000		115,769,000		106	%
2008		26,626,000		48,175,000		95,000		48,270,000		181	%
2009		19,127,000		32,926,000		3,182,000		36,108,000		189	%
2010		7,698,000		16,198,000		1,092,000		17,290,000		225	%
2011		6,619,000		2,488,000		6,378,000		8,866,000		134	%
2012		1,278,000		162,000		1,477,000		1,639,000		128	%

(1) Total collections do not represent full collections of the Company with respect to this or any other year.

(2) Purchase price refers to the cash paid to a seller to acquire a portfolio less the purchase price refunded by a seller due to the return of non-compliant accounts (also defined as put-backs).

(3) Net cash collections include: net collections from our third-party collection agencies and attorneys, net collections from our in-house efforts and collections represented by account sales.

(4) Does not include estimated collections from portfolios that are zero basis.

(5) Total estimated collections refers to the actual net cash collections, including cash sales, plus estimated remaining net collections.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2011, Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) FASB Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-12, amended ASC Topic 220 “Comprehensive Income.” The amendments defer certain disclosure requirements regarding reclassifications within ASU No. 2011-05, until the FASB can deliberate further on these requirements. The amendments in this update are effective for the annual period beginning on or after December 15, 2012 and must be applied retrospectively. The implementation of ASU 2011-12 is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-08, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350), which amends and simplify the rules related to testing goodwill for impairment. The revised guidance allows an entity to make an initial qualitative evaluation, based on the entity’s events and circumstances, to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The results of this qualitative assessment determine whether it is necessary to perform the currently required two-step impairment test. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. As allowed by ASU 2011-08, we adopted this guidance for its fiscal year 2011 goodwill impairment test. Adoption of this guidance did not to have a material effect on our result of operations or financial condition.

- 42 -

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), in order to improve the comparability, consistency and transparency of financial reporting and to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. This standard eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. This update requires that all non-owner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In the two-statement approach, the first statement should present total net income and its components followed consecutively by a second statement that should present total other comprehensive income, the components of other comprehensive income, and the total of comprehensive income. This update is effective for public companies for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted because compliance with the amendments is already permitted. Adoption of this update did not have a material effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820), which results in common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements for US GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. ASU No. 2011-04 is effective for the first annual period beginning on or after December 15, 2011. Adoption of this update is not expected to have a material effect on our results of operations or financial condition but may have an effect on disclosures.

In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-29, Business Combinations (Topic 805), to improve consistency in how the pro forma disclosures are calculated. Additionally, ASU 2010-29 enhances the disclosure requirements and requires description of the nature and amount of any material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to a business combination. The guidance will become effective for us with the reporting period beginning October 1, 2011, and should be applied prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is after the effective date. Early adoption is permitted. Other than requiring disclosures for prospective business combinations, the adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-06, which amends the authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.” The update requires the following additional disclosures:

a. Separately disclose the amounts of significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and describe the reasons for the transfers;

b. Information about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements need to be disclosed separately in the reconciliation for fair value measurements using Level 3.

The update provides for amendments to existing disclosures as follows:

a. Fair value measurement disclosures are to be made for each class of assets and liabilities;

b. Disclosures about valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value for both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements. The update also includes conforming amendments to guidance on employers’ disclosures about postretirement benefit plan assets.

The update is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements. Those disclosures are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010, and for interim periods within those fiscal years.

The adoption in fiscal year 2011 did not have a material effect and future adoption is not expected to have a material effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

In December 2009, the FASB issued ASU 2009-17, Consolidations (Topic 810), which represents a revision to former FASB Interpretation No. 46 (Revised December 2003), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities”, and changes how a reporting entity determines when an entity that is insufficiently capitalized or is not controlled through voting (or similar rights) should be consolidated. ASU 2009-17 also requires a reporting entity to provide additional disclosures about its involvement with variable interest entities and any significant changes in risk exposure due to that involvement. ASU 2009-17 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009 and for interim periods within the first annual reporting period. We adopted ASU 2009-17 as of October 1, 2010, which did not have a significant effect on our financial statements.

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Item 3. 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. A material change in these rates could adversely affect our operating results and cash flows. At March 31, 2012, our Receivable Financing Agreement, which is variable debt, had an outstanding balance of $66.9 million. A 25 basis-point increase in interest rates would have increased our interest expense for the six month period ended March 31, 2012 by approximately $86,000 based on the average debt outstanding during the period. We do not currently invest in derivative financial or commodity instruments.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

a. Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

As of March 31, 2012, we carried out an evaluation, with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2012 are effective in providing reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officers and our principal financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

b. Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting.

There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during our fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

In the ordinary course of our business, we are involved in numerous legal proceedings. We regularly initiate collection lawsuits, using our network of 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 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 Form 10-Q, we are not involved in any material litigation in which we are a defendant.

Item 1A. Risk factors

There were no material changes in any risk factors previously disclosed in the Company’s Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission on December 14, 2011.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Purchases of Common Stock

We have a share repurchase program that authorizes us to purchase up to $20.0 million of shares of our common stock through March 11, 2013. The share repurchases may occur from time-to-time through open market purchases at prevailing market prices or through privately negotiated transactions as permitted by securities laws and other legal requirements. The following table sets forth information regarding our repurchases or acquisitions of common stock during the second quarter of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012.

Period	Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased		Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit)		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(1)
Repurchases from January 1, 2012 through January 31, 2012		-0-		-0-		-0-	$	19,930,000
Repurchases from February 1, 2012 through February 29, 2012		33,207	$	7.69		33,207	$	19,675,000
Repurchases from March 1, 2012 through March 31, 2012		83,231	$	8.01		83,231	$	19,007,000

(1) On March 9, 2012, our board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to $20.0 million of shares of our common stock through a non-discretionary stock re-purchase plan.

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Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibit No.	Description
10.1	Revolving Credit Agreement, dated December 28, 201 1, by and between Pegasus Funding, LLC and Fund Pegasus, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 4, 2012)
10.2	Security Agreement, dated December 28, 2011, by and between Pegasus Funding, LLC and Fund Pegasus, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 4, 2012)
10.3	Secured Revolving Credit Note, dated December 28, 2011, by Pegasus Funding, LLC in favor of Fund Pegasus, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 4, 2012)
10.4	Operating Agreement of Pegasus Funding, LLC, dated December 28, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 4, 2012)
10.5	Loan Agreement, dated December 30, 2011, by and between certain subsidiaries of the Company and Bank Leumi USA (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 6, 2012)
10.6	Form of Revolving Note (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 6, 2012)
10.7	Form of Guaranty (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 6, 2012)
10.8	Form of Security Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 6, 2012)
10.9	Form of Pledge Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 6, 2012)
31.1	Certification of the Registrant’s Chief Executive Officer, Gary Stern, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2	Certification of the Registrant’s Chief Financial Officer, Robert J. Michel, 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, Robert J. Michel, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

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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.

	ASTA FUNDING, INC. (Registrant)
Date: May 10, 2012	By:	/s/ Gary Stern
		Gary Stern, Chairman, President,
		Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
Date: May 10, 2012	By:	/s/ Robert J. Michel
		Robert J. Michel, Chief Financial Officer
		(Principal Financial Officer and
		Principal Accounting Officer)

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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
No.	Description
31.1	Certification of the Registrant’s Chief Executive Officer, Gary Stern, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2	Certification of the Registrant’s Chief Financial Officer, Robert J. Michel, 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, Robert J. Michel, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

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EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Gary Stern, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Asta Funding, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d — 15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

May 10, 2012

/s/ Gary Stern

Gary Stern,

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 302 has been provided to Asta Funding, Inc. and will be retained by Asta Funding, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Robert J. Michel, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Asta Funding, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d — 15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

May 10, 2012

/s/ Robert J. Michel

Robert J. Michel, Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer and

Principal Accounting Officer)

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 302 has been provided to Asta Funding, Inc. and will be retained by Asta Funding, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Asta Funding, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), I, Gary Stern, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the consolidated financial condition of the Company as of the dates presented and the consolidated result of operations of the Company for the periods presented.

Dated: May 10, 2012

/s/ Gary Stern

Gary Stern

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code) and is not being filed as part of the Form 10-Q or as a separate disclosure document.

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Asta Funding, Inc. and will be retained by Asta Funding, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT

TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Asta Funding, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), I, Robert J. Michel, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the consolidated financial condition of the Company as of the dates presented and the consolidated result of operations of the Company for the periods presented.

Dated: May 10, 2012

/s/ Robert J. Michel

Robert J. Michel

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer and

Principal Accounting Officer)

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code) and is not being filed as part of the Form 10-Q or as a separate disclosure document.

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Asta Funding, Inc. and will be retained by Asta Funding, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Interest paid to related party	$ 0	$ 122,000

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income attributable to Asta Funding, Inc.	$ 5,437,000	$ 5,521,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	260,000	125,000
Deferred income taxes	861,000	912,000
Impairments of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation	611,000	49,000
Stock based compensation	744,000	1,303,000
Changes in:
Other assets	148,000	(816,000)
Due from third party collection agencies and attorneys	60,000	952,000
Income taxes payable and receivable	2,833,000	2,858,000
Other liabilities	(782,000)	(532,000)
Net cash provided by operating activities	10,172,000	10,372,000
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation	(2,675,000)	(5,003,000)
Principal collected on receivables acquired for liquidation	15,376,000	20,955,000
Principal collected on receivable accounts represented by account sales	47,000	152,000
Foreign exchange effect on receivables acquired for liquidation		(26,000)
Investment in available-for-sale securities	(11,912,000)
Net liquidation of certificates of deposits	6,294,000
Other investments	(7,721,000)
Purchase of treasury stock	(923,000)
Capital expenditures	(60,000)	(186,000)
Non-controlling interest	49,000
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(1,525,000)	15,892,000
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from exercise of options	14,000	5,000
Change in restricted cash	(59,000)	(124,000)
Dividends paid	(584,000)	(584,000)
Repayments of debt, net	(4,730,000)	(18,009,000)
Net cash used in financing activities	(5,359,000)	(18,712,000)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	3,288,000	7,552,000
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period	84,347,000	84,235,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	87,635,000	91,787,000
Cash paid during the period
Interest (fiscal year 2012 Related Party - $0; 2011 Related Party - $122,000)	1,320,000	1,689,000
Income taxes	$ 2,000	$ 33,000

XML

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 87,635,000	$ 84,347,000
Investments:
Available-for-sale	25,963,000	13,515,000
Certificates of Deposit	2,766,000	9,060,000
Restricted cash	1,090,000	1,031,000
Consumer receivables acquired for liquidation (at net realizable value)	101,836,000	115,195,000
Other investments	7,721,000	0
Due from third party collection agencies and attorneys	2,024,000	2,084,000
Prepaid and income taxes receivable	505,000	3,369,000
Furniture and equipment, net	363,000	563,000
Deferred income taxes	13,281,000	14,358,000
Other assets	4,381,000	4,529,000
Total assets	247,565,000	248,051,000
LIABILITIES
Non recourse debt	66,874,000	71,604,000
Other liabilities	2,385,000	3,167,000
Dividends payable	293,000	293,000
Income taxes payable	0	31,000
Total liabilities	69,552,000	75,095,000
Commitments and contingencies
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; authorized 5,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding- none
Common stock, $.01 par value; authorized 30,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding -14,642,789 at March 31, 2012 and 14,639,456 at September 30, 2011	146,000	146,000
Additional paid-in capital	75,551,000	74,793,000
Retained earnings	103,230,000	98,377,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	30,000	(290,000)
Treasury Stock (at cost)	(993,000)	(70,000)
Total stockholders' equity	177,964,000	172,956,000
Non-controlling interest	49,000	0
Total Equity	178,013,000	172,956,000
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 247,565,000	$ 248,051,000

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Non-Controlling Interest	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Treasury Stock	Total Stock-holders' Equity
Beginning Balance at Sep. 30, 2011	$ 172,956,000	$ 146,000	$ 0	$ 74,793,000	$ 98,377,000	$ (290,000)	$ (70,000)	$ 172,956,000
Beginning Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2011		14,639,456
Exercise of options	14,000			14,000				14,000
Exercise of options, shares		3,333
Stock based compensation expense	744,000			744,000				744,000
Dividends	(584,000)				(584,000)			(584,000)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	320,000					320,000		320,000
Net income	5,437,000				5,437,000			5,437,000
Purchase of Treasury Stock	(923,000)						(923,000)	(923,000)
Non-controlling interest	49,000		49,000
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2012	$ 177,964,000	$ 146,000	$ 49,000	$ 75,551,000	$ 103,230,000	$ 30,000	$ (993,000)	$ 177,964,000
Ending Balance, shares at Mar. 31, 2012		14,642,789

XML

Stock Option Plans

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Stock Option Plans [Abstract]

Stock Option Plans

Note 13: 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 replaces the Equity Compensation Plan. The 2012 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. Two million shares were authorized for issuance under the 2012 Plan. The following description does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the 2012 Plan, which is included as an exhibit to the Company’s reports filed with the SEC.

The general purpose of the 2012 Plan is to provide an incentive to the Company’s employees, directors and consultants, including executive officers, employees and consultants of any subsidiaries, by enabling them to share in the future growth of the business. The Board of Directors believes that the granting of stock options and other equity awards promotes continuity of management and increases incentive and personal interest in the welfare of the Company by those who are primarily responsible for shaping and carrying out our long range plans and securing growth and financial success of the Company.

The Board believes that the 2012 Plan will advance the interests of the Company by enhancing the Company’s ability to (a) attract and retain employees, directors and consultants who are in a position to make significant contributions, (b) reward employees, directors and consultants for these contributions; and (c) encourage employees, directors and consultants to take into account the long-term interests of the Company through ownership of the Company’s shares. No awards have been issued under the 2012 Plan. As such, there are 2,000,000 shares available as of March 31, 2012. As of March 31, 2012, approximately 83 of the Company’s employees were eligible to participate in the 2012 Plan.

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 existing 2002 Stock Option Plan. In addition to permitting the grant of stock options as permitted under the 2002 Stock Option Plan, the Equity Compensation Plan allowed 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. One million shares were authorized for issuance under the Equity Compensation Plan. The following description does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Equity Compensation Plan, which is included as an exhibit to the Company’s reports filed with the SEC.

The general purpose of the Equity Compensation Plan was to provide an incentive to the Company’s employees, directors and consultants, including executive officers, employees and consultants of any subsidiaries, by enabling them to share in the future growth of the Company’s business. The Board of Directors believes that the granting of stock options and other equity awards promotes continuity of management and increases incentive and personal interest in the welfare of the Company by those who are primarily responsible for shaping and carrying out our long range plans and securing our growth and financial success.

The Company authorized 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance under the Equity Compensation Plan. All but 265,569 shares were utilized. 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 Asta Funding, Inc. 2002 Stock Option Plan (the “2002 Plan”), which plan 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 following description does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the 2002 Plan, which is included as an exhibit to the Company’s reports filed with the SEC.

The 2002 Plan authorized 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 for a ten-year period, 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. All but 6,034 shares were utilized. As of March 5, 2012, no more awards could be issued under this plan.

1995 Stock Option Plan

The 1995 Stock Option Plan expired on September 14, 2005. The plan was adopted in order to attract and retain qualified directors, officers and employees of, and consultants, to the Company. The following description does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the 1995 Stock Option Plan, which is included as an exhibit to the Company’s reports filed with the SEC.

The 1995 Stock Option Plan authorized the granting of incentive stock options (as defined in Section 422 of 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 to the Company.

The Company authorized 1,840,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance under the 1995 Stock Option Plan. All but 96,002 shares were utilized. As of September 14, 2005, no more awards could be issued under this plan.

The following table summarizes stock option transactions under the plans:

	Six Months Ended March 31,
	2012					2011
				Weighted					Weighted
				Average					Average
				Exercise					Exercise
	Shares			Price		Shares			Price
Outstanding options at the beginning of period		1,294,271		$	11.41		922,039		$	12.70
Options granted		360,000			7.87		334,800			6.94
Options exercised		(3,333	)		4.13		(934	)		5.61
Options forfeited		(1,400	)		6.10		(1,400	)		5.79
Outstanding options at the end of period		1,649,538		$	10.66		1,254,505		$	11.17
Exercisable options at the end of period		1,128,205		$	11.88		953,175		$	12.56

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012					2011
				Weighted					Weighted
				Average					Average
				Exercise					Exercise
	Shares			Price		Shares			Price
Outstanding options at the beginning of period		1,652,871		$	10.64		1,245,439		$	11.18
Options granted		—			—		10,000			8.52
Options exercised		(3,333	)		4.13		(934	)		5.61
Options forfeited		—			—		—			—
Outstanding options at the end of period		1,649,538		$	10.66		1,254,505		$	11.17
Exercisable options at the end of period		1,128,205		$	11.88		953,175		$	12.56

The Company recognized $701,000 and $418,000 of compensation expense related to stock options during the six month and three month periods ended March 31, 2012. The Company recognized $1,105,000 and $163,000 of compensation expense related to stock options during the six month and three month periods ended March 31, 2011. As of March 31, 2012, there was $2,821,000 of unrecognized compensation expense related to stock option awards. There is no intrinsic value of the outstanding and exercisable options as of March 31, 2012. The intrinsic value of the stock options exercised during the three month period ended March 31, 2012 was approximately $12,000.

The following table summarizes information about the Plans outstanding options as of March 31, 2012:

	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		186,867		3.4	$	3.96		182,667	$	3.99
$5.7501 – $8.6250		859,400		8.8		7.78		375,600		7.74
$8.6251 – $14.3750		50,000		9.2		11.50		16,667		11.50
$14.3751 – $17.2500		198,611		1.6		14.88		198,611		14.88
$17.2501 – $20.1250		339,660		2.6		18.23		339,660		18.23
$25.8751 – $28.7500		15,000		4.7		28.75		15,000		28.75
		1,649,538		6.0	$	10.66		1,128,205	$	11.88

The following table summarizes information about restricted stock transactions:

	Six Months Ended March 31,
	2012					2011
				Weighted					Weighted
				Average					Average
				Grant					Grant
				Date Fair					Date Fair
	Shares			Value		Shares			Value
Unvested at the beginning of period		21,843		$	19.73		17,669		$	19.73
Awards granted		—			7.63		32,765			7.63
Vested		(10,921	)		15.11		(28,591	)		15.11
Forfeited		—			—		—			—
Unvested at the end of period		10,922		$	7.63		21,843		$	7.63

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012				2011
			Weighted				Weighted
			Average				Average
			Grant				Grant
			Date Fair				Date Fair
	Shares		Value		Shares		Value
Unvested at the beginning of period		10,922	$	7.63		21,843	$	7.63
Awards granted		—		—		—		—
Vested		—		—		—		—
Forfeited		—		—		—		—
Unvested at the end of period		10,922	$	7.63		21,843	$	7.63

The Company recognized $43,000 and $21,000 of compensation expense related to the restricted stock awards during the six month and three month periods ended March 31, 2012. The Company recognized $288,000 and $142,000 of compensation expense related to restricted stock awards during the six and three month periods ended March 31, 2011. As of March 31, 2012, there was $59,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock.

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Fair Value of Financial Instruments

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Note 15: Fair Value of Financial Instruments

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:

	March 31, 2012				September 30, 2011
	Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
	Amount		Value		Amount		Value
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents (Level 1)	$	87,635,000	$	87,635,000	$	84,347,000	$	84,347,000
Available-for-sale investments (Level 1)		25,963,000		25,963,000		13,515,000		13,515,000
Certificates of deposit (Level 1)		2,766,000		2,766,000		9,060,000		9,060,000
Consumer receivables acquired for liquidation (Level 3)		101,836,000		119,701,000		115,195,000		135,234,000
Financial liabilities
Non Recourse Debt (Level 2)		66,874,000		66,874,000		71,604,000		71,604,000

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 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.

Certificates of deposit – The carrying amount approximates fair value.

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 4: Consumer Receivables Acquired for Liquidation. These cash flows are discounted to determine the fair value.

Debt and subordinated debt (related party) – The carrying value of debt and subordinated debt (related party) approximates fair value as the majority of these loan balances are variable rate and short-term in nature.

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, 2011, as required by FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”). There were no available-for-sale investments as of September 30, 2011. 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.

The Company’s available-for-sale investments are classified as Level 1 financial instruments based on the classifications described above. There have been no transfers in or out of Level 1. Additionally, there have been no investments in Level 2 or Level 3 to date.

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Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Comprehensive income as follows:
Net income	$ 5,437,000	$ 5,521,000
Other comprehensive income , net of tax - foreign currency translation		76,000
Other comprehensive income, net of tax - unrealized gain on marketable securities	320,000
Other comprehensive income, net of tax - earnings attributable to non-controlling interest	49,000
Comprehensive income	5,806,000	5,597,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income	30,000	85,000
Non-controlling interest is as follows:
Beginning balance	0	0
Earnings attributable to non-controlling interest	49,000
Ending balance	$ 49,000

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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued
Preferred stock, shares outstanding
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	30,000,000	30,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	14,642,789	14,639,456
Common stock, shares outstanding	14,642,789	14,639,456

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Commitments and Contingencies

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

Note 8: Commitments and Contingencies

Employment Agreements

In January 2007, the Company entered into an employment agreement (the “Employment Agreement”) with Gary Stern, its Chairman, President and Chief Executive, which expired on December 31, 2009. This Employment Agreement was not renewed and Mr. Stern is continuing in his current roles at the discretion of the Board of Directors until a new agreement is signed. The Company intends to negotiate a new employment agreement with Mr. Stern during fiscal year 2012.

Leases

The Company leases its facilities in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey and Houston, Texas. Please refer to our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, for additional information.

Litigation

In the ordinary course of its business, the Company is involved in numerous legal proceedings. The Company regularly initiates collection lawsuits against consumers, using its network of third party law firms. In addition, consumers occasionally initiate litigation against the Company, alleging that the Company has violated a federal or state law in the process of collecting their account. The Company does not believe that these matters are material to its business and financial condition. The Company is not involved in any material litigation in which it is a defendant.

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Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	May 09, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	ASTA FUNDING INC
Entity Central Index Key	0001001258
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2012
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		14,642,789

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Income Recognition and Impairments

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Income Recognition and Impairments [Abstract]

Income Recognition and Impairments

Note 9: Income Recognition and Impairments

Income Recognition

The Company accounts for its investment in consumer receivables acquired for liquidation using the interest method under the guidance of ASC 310. In 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.

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). ASC 310 requires that the excess of the contractual cash flows over expected cash flows not be recognized as an adjustment of revenue or expense or on the balance sheet. ASC 310 initially freezes the internal rate of return (“IRR”), estimated when the accounts receivable are purchased, as the basis for subsequent impairment testing. Significant increases in actual, or expected future cash flows may be recognized prospectively through an upward adjustment of the IRR over a portfolio’s remaining life. Any increase to the IRR then becomes the new benchmark for impairment testing. Under ASC 310, rather than lowering the estimated IRR if the collection estimates are not received or projected to be received, the carrying value of a pool would be written down to maintain the then current IRR.

Finance income is recognized on cost recovery portfolios after the carrying value has been fully recovered through collections or amounts written down.

The Company accounts for its investment in personal injury claims on a non-recourse basis at an agreed upon interest rate in anticipation of a future settlement. The interest purchased by the Venture 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.

Impairments

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. Increases in expected cash flows are recognized prospectively through an adjustment of the internal rate of return while decreases in expected cash flows are recognized as impairments. ASC 310 makes it more likely that impairment losses and accretable yield adjustments for portfolios’ performances which exceed original collection projections will be recorded, as all downward revisions in collection estimates will result in impairment charges, given the requirement that the IRR of the affected pool be held constant. An impairment of $611,000 was recorded during the three and six month periods ended March 31, 2012. An impairment of $49,000 was recorded during the same prior year periods. Finance income is not recognized on cost recovery method portfolios until the cost of the portfolio is fully recovered. Collection projections are performed on both interest method and cost recovery method portfolios. With regard to the cost recovery portfolios, if collection projections indicate the carrying value will not be recovered, a write down in value is required.

The Company’s analysis of the timing and amount of cash flows to be generated by our portfolio purchases are based on the following attributes:

• the type of receivable, the location of the debtor and the number of collection agencies previously attempting to collect the receivables in the portfolio. The Company has found that there are better states to try to collect receivables and factors this in when establishing initial cash flow expectations;

• the average balance of the receivables influences the analysis in that lower average balance portfolios tend to be more collectible in the short-term and higher average balance portfolios are more appropriate for lawsuit strategy and thus yield better results over the longer term. As the Company has significant experience with both types of balances, it is able to factor these variables into the initial expected cash flows;

• the age of the receivables, the number of days since charge-off, any payments since charge-off, and the credit guidelines of the credit originator also represent factors taken into consideration in the estimation process. For example, older receivables might be more difficult and/or require more time and effort to collect;

• past history and performance of similar assets acquired. As the Company purchases portfolios of like assets, it accumulates a significant historical database on the tendencies of debtor repayments and factor this into initial expected cash flows;

• the Company’s ability to analyze accounts and resell accounts that meet its criteria;

• jobs or property of the debtors found within portfolios. This is of particular importance with the business model. Debtors with jobs or property are more likely to repay their obligation through the lawsuit strategy and, conversely, debtors without jobs or property are less likely to repay their obligation. The Company believes that debtors with jobs or property are more likely to repay because courts have mandated the debtor must pay the debt. Ultimately, the debtor will pay to clear title or release a lien. The Company also believes that these debtors generally might take longer to repay and that is factored into the initial expected cash flows; and

• credit standards of the issuer.

The Company acquires accounts that have experienced deterioration of credit quality between origination and the date of our acquisition of the accounts. The amount paid for a portfolio of accounts reflects our determination that it is probable collection of all amounts due according to the portfolio of accounts’ contractual terms will not occur. The Company considers the expected payments and estimate the amount and timing of undiscounted expected principal, interest and other cash flows for each acquired portfolio, coupled with expected cash flows from accounts available for sales. The excess of this amount over the cost of the portfolio, representing the excess of the accounts’ cash flows expected to be collected over the amount paid, is accreted into income recognized on finance receivables over the expected remaining life of the portfolio.

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 debtors. The Company acquires these portfolios only after both qualitative and quantitative analyses of the underlying receivables are performed and a calculated purchase price is paid. The Company believes the estimated cash flow offers it an adequate return on its acquisition costs after its servicing expenses. Additionally, when considering larger portfolio purchases of accounts, or portfolios from issuers with whom the Company has limited experience, the Company has the added benefit of soliciting the Company’s third party servicers for their input on liquidation rates and, at times, incorporates such input into the estimates it uses for its expected cash flows. As a result of the recent and current challenging economic environment and the impact it has had on the collections, for portfolio purchases acquired since the beginning of fiscal year 2009, the Company has extended the time frame of the expectation of recovering 100% of the invested capital to within a 24-29 month period from an 18-28 month period, and the expectation of recovering 130-140% of invested capital to a period of seven years. Portfolios acquired during the first six months of fiscal year 2012 and 2011 include semi-performing litigation-related medical accounts receivable portfolios whereby the Company is assigned the revenue stream. As a portion of the accounts are performing, the cost of the portfolio is higher than the traditional charged off non-performing assets. The expectation of recovering 130% of the investment is projected to be over a three year period. The Company monitors expectations routinely against the actual cash flows and, in the event the cash flows are below the expectations and the Company believes there are no reasons relating to mere timing differences or explainable delays (such as can occur particularly when the court system is involved) for the reduced collections, an impairment would be recorded as a provision for credit losses. Conversely, in the event the cash flows are in excess of the expectations and the reason is due to timing, we would defer the “excess” collection as deferred revenue.

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.

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Revenues:
Finance income, net	$ 10,470,000	$ 11,137,000	$ 20,260,000	$ 21,896,000
Other income	1,000,000	97,000	1,649,000	176,000
Total revenues	11,470,000	11,234,000	21,909,000	22,072,000
Expenses:
General and administrative	6,032,000	5,651,000	10,798,000	11,132,000
Interest (Related party - Period ended March 31, 2012 - Three months, $0; Six months, $0; Period ended March 31, 2011 - Three months, $0; Six months, $86,000)	646,000	739,000	1,320,000	1,618,000
Impairments of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation	611,000	49,000	611,000	49,000
Total expenses	7,289,000	6,439,000	12,729,000	12,799,000
Income before income tax	4,181,000	4,795,000	9,180,000	9,273,000
Income tax expense	1,672,000	1,940,000	3,694,000	3,752,000
Net Income	2,509,000	2,855,000	5,486,000	5,521,000
Less: net income attributable to non-controlling interest	(49,000)		(49,000)
Net income attributable to Asta Funding, Inc.	$ 2,460,000	$ 2,855,000	$ 5,437,000	$ 5,521,000
Net income per share attributable to Asta Funding, Inc.:
Basic	$ 0.17	$ 0.20	$ 0.37	$ 0.38
Diluted	$ 0.17	$ 0.19	$ 0.37	$ 0.37
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic	14,642,174	14,633,655	14,640,800	14,619,917
Diluted	14,879,480	14,876,437	14,880,213	14,825,060

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Investments

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Investments [Abstract]

Investments

Note 3: Investments

Available-for-Sale

Investments classified as available-for-sale at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011 consist of the following:

Mutual Funds	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
March 31, 2012	$	25,912,000	$	51,000	$	—		$	25,963,000
September 30, 2011	$	14,000,000	$	—	$	(485,000	)	$	13,515,000

The available-for-sale investments did not have any contractual maturities. There was one sale during the second quarter of fiscal year 2012, resulting in a realized gain of approximately $117,000.

At March 31, 2012, there were two investments in an unrealized gain position. At September 30, 2011, there were three investments in an unrealized loss position. All of these securities are considered to be acceptable credit risks.

Certificates of deposit

Certificates of deposit consist of the following:

	March 31,		September 30,
	2012		2011
Certificates of deposits in banks	$	2,766,000	$	9,060,000

Certificates are generally nonnegotiable and nontransferable, and may incur substantial penalties for withdrawal prior to maturity, which will be within one year. Of the amounts shown above, the following amounts are classified as brokered certificates of deposits:

	March 31,		September 30,
	2012		2011
Brokered certificates of deposits	$	250,000	$	1,483,000

Brokered certificates of deposit are subject to market fluctuations if sold prior to maturity; however, it is the Company’s intention to hold all certificates of deposit to maturity. All of the brokered securities referenced above are FDIC insured for the principal investment.

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Principles of Consolidation

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Business and Basis of Presentation/Principle of Consolidation [Abstract]

Principles of Consolidation

Note 2: Principles of Consolidation

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

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Stockholders' Equity

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity

Note 14: Stockholders’ Equity

For the six months ended March 31, 2012, the Company declared dividends of $584,000, or $.02 per share. Of this amount $292,000 was paid during the six months ended March 31, 2012 and $292,000 was accrued as of March 31, 2012 and paid May 1, 2012. As of March 31, 2012, stockholders’ equity includes an amount for other comprehensive income of $30,000, which relates to unrealized gains. In addition, $49,000 related to the non-controlling interest in the Venture, has been included in Stockholders’ Equity. On March 9, 2012, the Company adopted a Rule 10b5-1 Plan in conjunction with its share repurchase program. The Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to $20 million of the Company’s common stock, which is effective through March 11, 2013. This share repurchase authorization supersedes the authorization to repurchase shares in June 2011, pursuant to which the Company purchased approximately 59,000 shares of its common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $455,000. The Company has purchased approximately 66,000 shares at an aggregate purchase price of approximately $538,000 under the new plan.

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Income Taxes

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Income Taxes

Note 10: Income Taxes

Deferred federal and state taxes principally arise from (i) recognition of finance income collected for tax purposes, but not yet recognized for financial reporting; (ii) provision for impairments/credit losses; and (iii) stock based compensation for stock option grants and restricted stock awards recorded in the statement of operations for which no cash distribution has been made. Other components consist of state net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards. The provision for income tax expense for the three month periods ending March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, reflects income tax expense at an effective rate of 40.0% and 40.5%. The provision for income tax expense for the six month periods ending March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, reflects income tax expense at an effective rate of 40.2% and 40.5%.

The corporate federal income tax returns of the Company for 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 are subject to examination by the IRS, generally for three years after they are filed. The state income tax returns and other state filings of the Company are subject to examination by the state taxing authorities, for various periods generally up to four years after they are filed.

In April 2010, the Company received notification from the IRS that the Company’s 2008 and 2009 federal income tax returns would be audited. This audit is currently in progress. In addition, the Company’s 2010 federal income tax return has been included in the ongoing audit.

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Furniture and Equipment

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Furniture and Equipment [Abstract]

Furniture and Equipment

Note 6: Furniture and Equipment

Furniture and equipment consist of the following as of the dates indicated:

	March 31,		September 30,
	2012		2011
Furniture	$	310,000	$	310,000
Equipment		3,350,000		3.290,000
Software		180,000		180,000
Leasehold improvements		99,000		99,000
		3,939,000		3,879,000
Less accumulated depreciation		3,576,000		3,316,000
Furniture and equipment balance at end of period, net	$	363,000	$	563,000

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Consumer Receivables Acquired for Liquidation

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Consumer Receivables Acquired for Liquidation [Abstract]

Consumer Receivables Acquired for Liquidation

Note 4: 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 throughout the country and in Central and South America.

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

• the interest method; or

• the cost recovery method.

The Company accounts for its investment 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”). 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.

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). ASC 310 requires that the excess of the contractual cash flows over expected cash flows not be recognized as an adjustment of revenue or expense or on the balance sheet. ASC 310 initially freezes the internal rate of return, referred to as IRR, estimated when the accounts receivable are purchased, as the basis for subsequent impairment testing. Significant increases in actual or expected future cash flows may be recognized prospectively through an upward adjustment of the IRR over a portfolio’s remaining life. Any increase to the IRR then becomes the new benchmark for impairment testing. Rather than lowering the estimated IRR if the collection estimates are not received or projected to be received, the carrying value of a pool would be impaired, or written down to maintain the then current IRR. Under the interest method, income is recognized on the effective yield method based on the actual cash collected during a period and future estimated cash flows and timing of such collections and the portfolio’s cost. Revenue arising from collections in excess of anticipated amounts attributable to timing differences is deferred until such time as a review results in a change in the expected cash flows. The estimated future cash flows are reevaluated quarterly.

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 such case, all cash collections are recognized as revenue when received.

The Company has liquidating experience in the fields of distressed credit card receivables, telecommunication receivables, consumer loan receivables, retail installment contracts, consumer receivables, litigation-related medical accounts, and auto deficiency receivables. The Company uses the interest method for accounting for asset acquisitions within these classes of receivables when it believes it can reasonably estimate the timing of the cash flows. In those situations where the Company diversifies its acquisitions into other asset classes in which the Company does not possess the same expertise or history, or the Company cannot reasonably estimate the timing of the cash flows, the Company utilizes the cost recovery method of accounting for those portfolios of receivables. At March 31, 2012, approximately $24.9 million of the consumer receivables acquired for liquidation are accounted for using the interest method, while approximately $76.9 million are accounted for using the cost recovery method, of which $72.2 million is concentrated in one portfolio, a $300 million portfolio purchase in March 2007 (the “Portfolio Purchase”).

The Company aggregates portfolios of receivables acquired sharing specific common characteristics which were acquired within a given quarter. The Company currently considers for aggregation portfolios of accounts, purchased within the same fiscal quarter, that generally meet the following characteristics:

• same issuer/originator;

• same underlying credit quality;

• similar geographic distribution of the accounts;

• similar age of the receivable; and

• same type of asset class (credit cards, telecommunication, etc.)

The Company uses a variety of qualitative and quantitative factors to estimate collections and the timing thereof. This analysis includes the following variables:

• the number of collection agencies previously attempting to collect the receivables in the portfolio;

• the average balance of the receivables, as higher balances might be more difficult to collect while low balances might not be cost effective to collect;

• the age of the receivables, as older receivables might be more difficult to collect or might be less cost effective. On the other hand, the passage of time, in certain circumstances, might result in higher collections due to changing life events of some individual debtors;

• past history of performance of similar assets;

• time since charge-off;

• payments made since charge-off;

• the credit originator and its credit guidelines;

• our ability to analyze accounts and resell accounts that meet our criteria for resale;

• the locations of the debtors, as there are better states to attempt to collect in and ultimately the Company has better predictability of the liquidations and the expected cash flows. Conversely, there are also states where the liquidation rates are not as favorable and that is factored into our cash flow analysis;

• financial condition of the seller;

• jobs or property of the debtors found within portfolios. In our business model, this is of particular importance. Debtors with jobs or property are more likely to repay their obligation and, conversely, debtors without jobs or property are less likely to repay their obligation; and

• the ability to obtain timely customer statements from the original issuer.

The Company obtains and utilizes, as appropriate, inputs, including, but not limited to, monthly collection projections and liquidation rates from our 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 of the investment in receivable portfolios during the following periods.

	For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2012
	Interest Method			Cost Recovery Method			Total
Balance, beginning of period	$	31,193,000		$	84,002,000		$	115,195,000
Acquisitions of receivable portfolios, net		1,278,000			1,397,000			2,675,000
Net cash collections from collection of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation		(25,878,000	)		(9,727,000	)		(35,605,000	)
Net cash collections represented by account sales of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation		(78,000	)		—			(78,000	)
Impairment		(611,000	)		—			(611,000	)
Finance income recognized (1)		18,993,000			1,267,000			20,260,000
Balance, end of period	$	24,897,000		$	76,939,000		$	101,836,000
Finance income as a percentage of collections		73.2	%		13.0	%		56.8	%

(1) Includes approximately $17.8 million derived from fully amortized portfolios.

	For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2011
	Interest Method			Cost Recovery Method			Total
Balance, beginning of period	$	46,348,000		$	100,683,000		$	147,031,000
Acquisitions of receivable portfolios, net		4,530,000			473,000			5,003,000
Net cash collections from collection of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation		(32,281,000	)		(10,479,000	)		(42,760,000	)
Net cash collections represented by account sales of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation		(243,000	)		—			(243,000	)
Impairment		(49,000	)		—			(49,000	)
Effect of foreign currency translation		—			26,000			26,000
Finance income recognized (1)		20,509,000			1,387,000			21,896,000
Balance, end of period	$	38,814,000		$	92,090,000		$	130,904,000
Finance income as a percentage of collections		63.1	%		13.2	%		50.9	%

(1) Includes approximately $17.8 million derived from fully amortized portfolios.

	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	Interest Method			Cost Recovery Method			Total
Balance, beginning of period	$	28,559,000		$	80,807,000		$	109,366,000
Acquisitions of receivable portfolios, net		421,000			903,000			1,324,000
Net cash collections from collections of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation		(13,180,000	)		(5,486,000	)		(18,666,000	)
Net cash collections represented by account sales of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation		(47,000	)		—			(47,000	)
Impairment		(611,000	)		—			(611,000	)
Finance income recognized (1)		9,755,000			715,000			10,470,000
Balance, end of period	$	24,897,000		$	76,939,000		$	101,836,000
Finance income as a percentage of collections		73.8	%		13.0	%		56.0	%

(1) Includes approximately $9.2 million derived from fully amortized portfolios.

	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
	Interest Method			Cost Recovery Method			Total
Balance, beginning of period	$	43,338,000		$	96,241,000		$	139,579,000
Acquisitions of receivable portfolios, net		1,871,000			249,000			2,120,000
Net cash collections from collections of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation		(16,702,000	)		(5,108,000	)		(21,810,000	)
Net cash collections represented by account sales of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation		(88,000	)		—			(88,000	)
Impairment		(49,000	)		—			(49,000	)
Effect of foreign currency translation		—			15,000			15,000
Finance income recognized (1)		10,444,000			693,000			11,137,000
Balance, end of period	$	38,814,000		$	92,090,000		$	130,904,000
Finance income as a percentage of collections		62.2	%		13.6	%		50.9	%

(1) Includes approximately $9.0 million derived from fully amortized portfolios.

As of March 31, 2012, the Company had $101,836,000 in Consumer Receivables acquired for Liquidation, of which $24,897,000 are being accounted for on the interest method. Based upon current projections, net cash collections, applied to principal for accrual basis portfolios will be as follows for the twelve months in the periods ending:

September 30, 2012 (six months ending)	$	8,131,000
September 30, 2013		9,817,000
September 30, 2014		5,491,000
September 30, 2015		929,000
September 30, 2016		624,000
September 30, 2017		30,000
September 30, 2018		—
September 30, 2019		—
Subtotal		25,022,000
Deferred revenue		(125,000	)
Total	$	24,897,000

Accretable yield represents the amount of income the Company can expect to generate over the remaining life of its existing portfolios based on estimated future net cash flows as of March 31, 2012. The Company adjusts the accretable yield upward when it believes, based on available evidence, that portfolio collections will exceed amounts previously estimated. Changes in accretable yield for the six months and three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:

	Six Months			Six Months
	Ended			Ended
	March 31, 2012			March 31, 2011
Balance at beginning of period	$	7,473,000		$	15,255,000
Income recognized on finance receivables, net		(18,993,000	)		(20,510,000	)
Additions representing expected revenue from purchases		362,000			1,238,000
Reclassifications from nonaccretable difference		17,265,000			16,359,000
Balance at end of period	$	6,107,000		$	12,342,000

	Three Months			Three Months
	Ended			Ended
	March 31, 2012			March 31, 2011
Balance at beginning of period	$	6,500,000		$	13,874,000
Income recognized on finance receivables, net		(9,755,000	)		(10,445,000	)
Additions representing expected revenue from purchases		117,000			506,000
Reclassifications from nonaccretable difference		9,245,000			8,407,000
Balance at end of period	$	6,107,000		$	12,342,000

During the three and six month periods ended March 31, 2012, the Company purchased $2.9 million and $6.0 million, respectively, of face value of charged-off consumer receivables at a cost of $1.3 million and $2.7 million, respectively.

The following table summarizes collections on a gross basis as received by our third-party collection agencies and attorneys, less commissions and direct costs for the six and three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively:

	For the Six Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011
Gross collections (1)	$	55,357,000	$	67,007,000
Commissions and fees (2)		19,674,000		24,004,000
Net collections	$	35,683,000	$	43,003,000

	For the Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011
Gross collections (1)	$	29,392,000	$	33,623,000
Commissions and fees (2)		10,679,000		11,725,000
Net collections	$	18,713,000	$	21,898,000

(1) Gross collections include: collections by third-party collection agencies and attorneys, collections from our internal efforts and collections represented by account sales.

(2) Commissions and fees are the contractual commission 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 received by the Company 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.

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Other Investments

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Other Investments [Abstract]

Other Investments

Note 5: Other Investments

On December 28, 2011, the Company, through a newly-formed indirect subsidiary, ASFI Pegasus Holdings, LLC (“APH”), entered into a joint venture (the “Venture”) with Pegasus Legal Funding, LLC (“PLF”). The Venture 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. The personal injury claims are purchased by Pegasus Funding, LLC (“Pegasus”), a newly-formed subsidiary in which APH owns 80% and PLF owns 20% of the outstanding membership interests, which resulted in $49,000 of net income attributable to non-controlling interest during the three and six month period ended March 31, 2012. The Venture 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 the Venture 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 Company invested in $8.3 million in personal injury claims through March 31 2012, through Pegasus and individual portfolios prior to the closing of the Venture. The investment in the Venture and individual cases invested in before the closing of the Venture, earned $492,000 in interest and fees through the six month period ended March 31, 2012. As of March 31, 2012 the Company’s invested balance in personal injury claims was $7.7 million including interest and fees receivable.

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Non Recourse Debt

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Non Recourse Debt [Abstract]

Non Recourse Debt

Note 7: Non Recourse Debt

Receivables Financing Agreement

In March 2007, Palisades XVI borrowed approximately $227 million under the Receivable Financing Agreement, as amended in July 2007, December 2007, May 2008, February 2009 and October 2010, in order to finance the Portfolio Purchase. The Portfolio Purchase had a purchase price of $300 million (plus 20% of net payments after Palisades XVI recovers 150% of its purchase price plus cost of funds, which recovery has not yet occurred). Prior to the modification, discussed below, the debt was full recourse only to Palisades XVI and accrued interest at the rate of approximately 170 basis points over LIBOR. The original term of the agreement was three years. This term was extended by each of the Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth Amendments to the Receivables Financing Agreement as discussed below. Proceeds received as a result of the net collections from the Portfolio Purchase are applied to interest and principal of the underlying loan. The Portfolio Purchase is serviced by Palisades Collection LLC, which has engaged unaffiliated subservicers for a majority of the Portfolio Purchase.

Since the inception of the Receivables Financing Agreement amendments have been signed to revise various terms of the Receivables Financing Agreement. Currently the Fifth Amendment is in effect.

On October 26, 2010, Palisades XVI entered into the Fifth Amendment to the Receivables Financing Agreement (the “Fifth Amendment”). The effective date of the Fifth Amendment was October 14, 2010. The Fifth Amendment (i) extended the expiration date of the Receivables Financing Agreement to April 14, 2014; (ii) reduced the minimum monthly total payment to $750,000; (iii) accelerated the Company’s guaranty credit enhancement of $8,700,000, which was paid upon execution of the Fifth Amendment; (iv) eliminated the Company’s limited guaranty of repayment of the loans outstanding by Palisades XVI; and (v) revised the definition of “Borrowing Base Deficit”, as defined in the Receivables Financing Agreement, to mean the excess, if any, of 105% of the loans outstanding over the borrowing base.

In connection with the Fifth Amendment, on October 26, 2010, the Company entered into the Omnibus Termination Agreement (the “Termination Agreement”). The limited recourse subordinated guaranty, discussed under the Fourth Amendment, was eliminated upon signing the Termination Agreement.

The aggregate minimum repayment obligations required under the Fifth Amendment, including interest and principal for fiscal years ending September 30, 2012 through 2014, is $4.5 million, $9.0 million and $53.4 million, respectively.

On March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011, the outstanding balance on this loan was approximately $66.9 million and $71.6 million, respectively. The applicable interest rate at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011 was 3.74% and 3.72%, respectively. The average interest rate of the Receivable Financing Agreement was 3.76% for the six month period ended March 31, 2012 as compared to a 3.75% average interest rate for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011.

The Company’s average debt obligation for the six and three month periods ended March 31, 2012, was approximately $69.1 million as compared to a $77.2 million average debt obligation for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011. The average interest rate for the three month periods ended March 31, 2012 was 3.77%.

Other significant amendments to the Receivable Financing Agreement are as follows:

Second Amendment — Receivables Financing Agreement, dated December 27, 2007, revised the amortization schedule of the loan from 25 months to approximately 31 months. BMO charged Palisades XVI a fee of $475,000 which was paid on January 10, 2008.

Third Amendment — Receivables Financing Agreement, dated May 19, 2008, extended the payments of the loan through December 2010. The lender also increased the interest rate from 170 basis points over LIBOR to approximately 320 basis points over LIBOR, subject to automatic reduction in the future if additional capital contributions are made by the parent of Palisades XVI.

Fourth Amendment — Receivables Financing Agreement, dated February 20, 2009, among other things, (i) lowered the collection rate minimum to $1 million per month (plus interest and fees) as an average for each period of three consecutive months, (ii) provided for an automatic extension of the maturity date from April 30, 2011 to April 30, 2012 should the outstanding balance be reduced to $25 million or less by April 30, 2011 and (iii) permanently waived the previous termination events. The interest rate remained unchanged at approximately 320 basis points over LIBOR, subject to automatic reduction in the future should certain collection milestones be attained.

As additional credit support for repayment by Palisades XVI of its obligations under the Receivables Financing Agreement and as an inducement for BMO to enter into the Fourth Amendment, the Company provided BMO a limited recourse, subordinated guaranty, secured by the assets of the Company, in an amount not to exceed $8.0 million plus reasonable costs of enforcement and collection. Under the terms of the guaranty, BMO could not exercise any recourse against the Company until the earlier of (i) five years from the date of the Fourth Amendment and (ii) the termination of the Company’s then-existing senior lending facility or any successor senior facility.

Senior Secured Discretionary Credit Facility

On December 30, 2011, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries obtained a $20,000,000 Senior Secured Discretionary Credit Facility (the “Credit Facility”) from Bank Leumi pursuant to a Loan Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) between certain of the Company’s subsidiaries and Bank Leumi. Under the Loan Agreement, certain subsidiaries issued a Revolving Note (the “Note”) to Bank Leumi in the principal amount of up to $20,000,000. Any outstanding balance under the Credit Facility accrues interest at an annual rate equal to the Prime Rate plus 50 basis points. The Company and certain subsidiaries have agreed to serve as guarantors of the obligations of the borrower subsidiaries and have entered into Guaranty Agreements. Pursuant to a series of Security Agreements and Pledge Agreements, the Credit Facility is collateralized by first priority perfected liens on substantially all of the Company’s assets and the assets of its subsidiaries, except those of Palisades XVI. The Credit Facility is subject to an administrative fee of $75,000 upon the first drawdown of the Credit Facility. The Loan Agreement contains standard and customary representations and warranties, covenants, events of default and other provisions including financial covenants that require us to: (i) maintain a minimum net worth of $150 million; and (ii) incur no net loss in any fiscal year. The term of the Credit Facility is through February 23, 2013. As of March 31, 2012, the Company has not utilized this facility.

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Stock Based Compensation

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Stock Based Compensation [Abstract]

Stock Based Compensation

Note 12: 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 statement of operations, rather than a disclosure in the notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In December 2011, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (“Compensation Committee”) granted 360,000 stock options, of which 150,000 options were awarded to the Chief Executive Officer, and 30,000 stock options were awarded to both the Chief Financial Officer and the Senior Vice President. Additionally, an aggregate of 60,000 shares were issued to five non-employee directors of the Company. The exercise price of these options, issued on December 13, 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	0.08	%
Expected term (years)	10.0
Expected volatility	103.9	%
Dividend yield	1.03	%

On December 22, 2011, the remaining 90,800 stock options were granted to selected full time employees of the Company, who had been employed at the Company for at least six months prior to the date of grant. The exercise price of all stock options was at the market price on the date of the grant.

The weighted average assumptions used in the option pricing model were as follows:

Risk-free interest rate	0.08	%
Expected term (years)	10.0
Expected volatility	95.7	%
Dividend yield	1.03	%

In June 2011, the Compensation Committee granted 50,000 stock options to a consultant of the Company. The exercise price of these options was $11.50 with a term of three years. The weighted average assumptions used in the option pricing model were as follows:

Risk-free interest rate	0.09	%
Expected term (years)	3.0
Expected volatility	105.4	%
Dividend yield	0.95	%

In March 2011, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Compensation Committee”) granted 10,000 stock options to an employee. The exercise price of these options was at the market price on the date of the grant. The weighted average assumptions used in the option pricing model were as follows:

Risk-free interest rate	0.10	%
Expected term (years)	10.0
Expected volatility	106.2	%
Dividend yield	0.94	%

In December 2010, the Compensation Committee granted 324,800 stock options, of which 30,000 options were issued to each non-employee independent director for a total of 150,000 stock options. 60,000 stock options were awarded to the Chief Executive Officer and 30,000 stock options were awarded to the Chief Financial Officer and the Senior Vice President. The remaining 54,800 stock options were granted to full time employees of the Company, who had been employed at the Company for at least six months prior to the date of grant. The grants to employees excluded officers of the Company. The exercise price of these options was at the market price on the date of the grant. Additionally, in December 2010, the Compensation Committee issued 32,765 shares of restricted stock to the Chief Executive Officer. The exercise price of all stock options was at the market price on the date of the grant. The weighted average assumptions used in the option pricing model were as follows:

Risk-free interest rate	0.17	%
Expected term (years)	10.0
Expected volatility	106.9	%
Dividend yield	0.98	%

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]
Interest expense to related party	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 86,000

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Business and Basis of Presentation

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Business and Basis of Presentation/Principle of Consolidation [Abstract]

Business and Basis of Presentation

Note 1: Business and Basis of Presentation

Business

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”) and other subsidiaries, not all wholly owned, and not considered material (the “Company”, “we” or “us” ) 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 the Company’s distressed consumer receivables are MasterCard^®, Visa ^®, other credit card accounts, and telecommunication accounts which were charged-off by the issuers for non-payment. The Company acquires these portfolios at substantial discounts from their face values. The discounts are based on the characteristics (issuer, account size, debtor residence and age of debt) of the underlying accounts of each portfolio.

On December 28, 2011, the Company, through a newly-formed indirect subsidiary, ASFI Pegasus Holdings, LLC (“APH”), entered into a joint venture (the “Venture”) with Pegasus Legal Funding, LLC (“PLF”). The Venture was formed to purchase interests in personal injury claims from claimants who are a party to personal injury litigation with the expectation of a settlement in the future. The personal injury claims are purchased by Pegasus Funding, LLC (“Pegasus”), a newly-formed subsidiary in which APH owns 80% and PLF owns 20% of the outstanding membership interests. Pegasus will advance 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 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.

Basis of Presentation

The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2012, the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the six and three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the condensed consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity as of and for the six months ended March 31, 2012 and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the six month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 are unaudited. The September 30, 2011 financial information included in this report has been extracted from our audited financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly our financial position at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011, the results of operations for the six and three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 and cash flows for the six month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 have been made. The results of operations for the six and three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for any other interim period or the full fiscal year.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and, therefore, do not include all information and note disclosures required under generally accepted accounting principles. The Company suggests that these financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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. Actual results could differ from those estimates including management’s estimates of future cash flows and the resulting rates of return.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-12, amended ASC Topic 220 “Comprehensive Income.” The amendments defer certain disclosure requirements regarding reclassifications within ASU No. 2011-05, until the FASB can deliberate further on these requirements. The amendments in this update are effective for the annual period beginning on or after December 15, 2012 and must be applied retrospectively. The implementation of ASU 2011-12 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-08, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350), which amends and simplifies the rules related to testing goodwill for impairment. The revised guidance allows an entity to make an initial qualitative evaluation, based on the entity’s events and circumstances, to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The results of this qualitative assessment determine whether it is necessary to perform the currently required two-step impairment test. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. As allowed by ASU 2011-08, the Company chose to early adopt this guidance for its fiscal year 2011 goodwill impairment test. Adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s result of operations or financial condition.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), in order to improve the comparability, consistency and transparency of financial reporting and to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. This standard eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. This update requires that all non-owner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In the two-statement approach, the first statement should present total net income and its components followed consecutively by a second statement that should present total other comprehensive income, the components of other comprehensive income, and the total of comprehensive income. This update is effective for public companies for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted because compliance with the amendments is already permitted. Adoption of this update did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820), which results in common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements for US GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. ASU No. 2011-04 is effective for the first annual period beginning on or after December 15, 2011. Adoption of this update is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition but may have an effect on disclosures.

In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-29, Business Combinations (Topic 805), to improve consistency in how the pro forma disclosures are calculated. Additionally, ASU 2010-29 enhances the disclosure requirements and requires description of the nature and amount of any material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to a business combination. The guidance became effective for us with the reporting period beginning October 1, 2011, and should be applied prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is after the effective date. Early adoption is permitted. Other than requiring disclosures for prospective business combinations, the adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-06, which amends the authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.” The update requires the following additional disclosures:

a. Separately disclose the amounts of significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and describe the reasons for the transfers;

b. Information about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements need to be disclosed separately in the reconciliation for fair value measurements using Level 3.

The update provides for amendments to existing disclosures as follows:

a. Fair value measurement disclosures are to be made for each class of assets and liabilities;

b. Disclosures about valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value for both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements. The update also includes conforming amendments to guidance on employers’ disclosures about postretirement benefit plan assets.

The update is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements. Those disclosures are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010, and for interim periods within those fiscal years.

The adoption in fiscal year 2011 did not have a material effect and future adoption is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

In December 2009, the FASB issued ASU 2009-17, Consolidations (Topic 810), which represents a revision to former FASB Interpretation No. 46 (Revised December 2003), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities”, and changes how a reporting entity determines when an entity that is insufficiently capitalized or is not controlled through voting (or similar rights) should be consolidated. ASU 2009-17 also requires a reporting entity to provide additional disclosures about its involvement with variable interest entities and any significant changes in risk exposure due to that involvement. ASU 2009-17 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009 and for interim periods within the first annual reporting period. The Company adopted ASU 2009-17 as of October 1, 2010, which did not have a significant effect on its financial statements.

Subsequent Events

The Company has evaluated events and transactions occurring subsequent to the Condensed Balance Sheet date of March 31, 2012, for items that should potentially be recognized or disclosed in these financial statements. The Company did not identify any items which would require disclosure in or adjustment to the Financial Statements.

Reclassifications

Certain items in the prior period’s financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation.

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Net Income Per Share attributable to Asta Funding, Inc.

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Net Income Per Share attributable to Asta Funding, Inc. [Abstract]

Net Income Per Share attributable to Asta Funding, Inc.

Note 11: Net Income Per Share attributable to Asta Funding, Inc.

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. With respect to the assumed proceeds from the exercise of dilutive options, the treasury stock method is calculated using the average market price for the period.

The following table presents the computation of basic and diluted per share data for the six and three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:

	Six Months Ended March 31,
	2012						2011
			Weighted		Per				Weighted		Per
	Net		Average		Share		Net		Average		Share
	Income		Shares		Amount		Income		Shares		Amount
Basic	$	5,437,000		14,640,800	$	0.37	$	5,521,000		14,619,917	$	0.38
Effect of Dilutive Stock				239,413		—				205,143		(0.01	)
Diluted	$	5,437,000		14,880,213	$	0.37	$	5,521,000		14,825,060	$	0.37

At March 31, 2012, options to purchase 1,303,408 shares at a weighted average exercise price of $11.97 were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation as they were antidilutive.

At March 31, 2011, options to purchase 914,646 shares at a weighted average exercise price of $13.55 were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation as they were antidilutive.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012						2011
			Weighted		Per				Weighted		Per
	Net		Average		Share		Net		Average		Share
	Income		Shares		Amount		Income		Shares		Amount
Basic	$	2,460,000		14,642,174	$	0.17	$	2,855,000		14,633,655	$	0.20
Effect of Dilutive Stock				237,306		—				242,782		(0.01	)
Diluted	$	2,460,000		14,879,480	$	0.17	$	2,855,000		14,876,437	$	0.19

At March 31, 2012, options to purchase 1,450,075 shares at a weighted average exercise price of $11.55 were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation as they were antidilutive.

At March 31, 2011, options to purchase 1,021,049 shares at a weighted average exercise price of $12.93 were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation as they were antidilutive.