10-Q 1 d70645_10q.htm FORM 10-Q FORM 10-Q

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 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 September 30, 2001

OR


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

For Transition Period From __________ To __________

Commission File Number 1-6802
Liberté Investors Inc.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)


Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)

200 Crescent Court, Suite 1365
Dallas, Texas

(Address of principal executive offices)
75-1328153
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

75201
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (214) 871-5935

_________________

(Former name, former address, and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

     YES [X]      NO [_]

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

20,256,097 shares of Liberté’s Common Stock, $.01 Par Value, were outstanding as of November 13, 2001.




LIBERTÉ INVESTORS INC.
FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001

INDEX


      Page
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
  Item 1.












Item 2.


Item 3.

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
September 30, 2001 and June 30, 2001

Consolidated Statements of Operations
Three Months Ended September 30, 2001 and 2000

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Three Months Ended September 30, 2001 and 2000

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

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

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures
About Market Risk




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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
 
  Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 10

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PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

LIBERTÉ INVESTORS INC.
AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
(Unaudited)


September 30,
2001
June 30,
2001


Assets      
Cash and cash equivalents  $   56,329,016   $   56,102,635  
Foreclosed real estate held for sale  2,359,334   2,359,334  
Accrued interest and other receivables  6,053   5,239  
Other assets, net  81,633   96,323  


      Total assets  $   58,776,036   $   58,563,531  


Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity 
Liabilities-accrued and other liabilities  $        505,009   $        530,999  
 
Stockholders’ Equity 
Common stock, $.01 par value, 
   50,000,000 shares authorized, 
   20,256,097 shares issued and outstanding  202,561   202,561  
Additional paid-in capital  309,392,398   309,392,398  
Accumulated deficit  (251,323,932 ) (251,562,427 )


     Total stockholders’ equity  58,271,027   58,032,532  


Commitments and contingencies 
     Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity  $   58,776,036   $   58,563,331  



See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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LIBERTÉ INVESTORS INC.
AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)


Three Months Ended
September 30,

2001 2000


Income      
  Interest on deposits in banks  $     455,094   $     817,406  
  Gain on sale of foreclosed real estate    44,632  
  Other    20,000  


Total income  455,094   882,038  


Expenses 
  Insurance  24,874   30,454  
  Compensation and employee benefits  37,759   21,530  
  Legal, audit and advisory fees  16,800   23,598  
  Franchise taxes  8,775   8,775  
  Foreclosed real estate operations  65,891   30,237  
  General and administrative  62,500   60,786  


Total expenses  216,599   175,380  


Net Income  $     238,495   $     706,658  


Basic and diluted net income per share of common stock  $           0.01   $           0.03  


Weighted average number of shares of 
  common stock  20,256,097   20,256,097  



See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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LIBERTÉ INVESTORS INC.
AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)



Three Months Ended
September 30,

2001 2000


Cash flows from operating activities:      
  Net income  $      238,495   $      706,658  
  Adjustments to reconcile net income 
  to net cash provided by operating activities: 
    Depreciation and amortization  1,438   2,605  
    Gain on sale of foreclosed real estate    (44,632 )
    Increase in accrued interest and other receivables  (814 ) (5,036 )
    Decrease in other assets  13,252   16,716  
    Increase/(decrease) in accrued and other liabilities  (25,990 ) 25,265  


        Net cash provided by operating activities  226,381   701,576  
  
Cash flows from investing activities — net proceeds 
    from sales of foreclosed real estate    112,134  


Net increase in cash and cash equivalents  226,381   813,710  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  56,102,635   55,887,941  


Cash and cash equivalents at end of period  $ 56,329,016   $ 56,701,651  



See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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LIBERTÉ INVESTORS INC.
AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2001
(Unaudited)

Note A — Organization

Liberté Investors Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), was organized in April 1996 in order to effect the reorganization of Liberté Investors, a Massachusetts business trust (the “Trust”). At a special meeting of the shareholders of the Trust held on August 15, 1996, (the “Special Meeting”), the Trust’s shareholders approved a plan of reorganization whereby the Trust contributed its assets to the Company and received all of the Company’s outstanding common stock, par value $.01 per share (“Shares” or “Common Stock”). The Trust then distributed to its shareholders in redemption of all outstanding shares of beneficial interest in the Trust (the “Beneficial Shares”) the Shares of the Company. The Company assumed all of the Trust’s assets and outstanding liabilities and obligations. Thereafter, the Trust was terminated.

Note B — Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X and therefore do not include all of the information and footnotes necessary for a fair presentation of financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2001, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2002.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and LNC Holdings, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary whose sole asset is approximately 38 acres of land located in Arlington, Texas. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Note C — Foreclosed Real Estate Held For Sale

At September 30, 2001, the Company held foreclosed real estate for sale in the form of undeveloped land. The September 30, 2001 carrying amount of these assets was approximately $2,359,000. The foreclosed real estate for sale consists of land totaling approximately 458 acres in San Antonio, Texas and approximately 38 acres in Arlington, Texas.

In August 2000, the Company sold 6.46 acres of land in San Antonio, Texas to a developer for a price of $114,100, less associated selling costs of $1,966. A gain of approximately $45,000 was recorded as a result of this transaction. The proceeds from the sale of the 6.46 acres was reduced by $660 for property taxes paid by the purchaser, which is treated as a non-cash item in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

Note D — Commitments and Contingencies

The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, LNC Holdings, Inc., owns approximately 38 acres of land located in Arlington, Texas which is encumbered by property tax liens totaling $1,430,000, including penalties and interest. There is no carrying value of the property due to the encumbrances.

On April 16, 1997, LNC Holdings, Inc. received a notice of judgment from the City of Arlington with regard to the delinquent taxes through that date. On June 28, 2001 LNC Holdings Inc. received an additional notice of judgment from the City of Arlington with regard to the delinquent taxes from 1997 through that date.

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LNC Holdings, Inc. notified the City of Arlington that it would execute a deed without warranty to allow the taxing authorities to obtain title to the property. No response has yet been received. LNC Holdings, Inc. has accrued property taxes and related penalties and interest for calendar years 1996 through 2000 and for the nine month period ended September 30, 2001 totaling $276,000. Management believes that resolution of the delinquent tax issue with the taxing authorities will not result in a material adverse impact on the consolidated financial statements.

The Company is from time to time involved in routine litigation arising in the normal course of business, which, in the opinion of management, will not result in a material adverse impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

Note E — Federal Income Taxes

Although the Company had taxable income for the three months ended September 30, 2001 and 2000, no tax liability has been recognized due to a reduction in the valuation allowance related to its net operating loss carryforwards. Based on current business activity, management believes it is more likely than not that the Company will not realize the benefits of the loss carryforwards. Therefore, a full valuation allowance has been established. In the event the Company expands its business operations through an acquisition, the ability to use the loss carryforwards may change.

Note F — Concentrations of Credit Risk

At September 30, 2001, the Company had certain concentrations of credit risk with two financial institutions in the form of cash, which amounted to approximately $56 million. For purposes of evaluating credit risk, the stability of financial institutions conducting business with the Company is periodically reviewed. If the financial institutions failed to completely perform under the terms of the financial instruments, the exposure for credit loss would be the amount of the financial instruments less amounts covered by regulatory insurance.

Note G — Long-Lived Assets

In August 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (SFAS 144), establishing financial accounting and reporting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets. The provisions of SFAS 144 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001. The Company is currently assessing the impact of such adoption and currently believes the effect, if any, will not be material to the Company’s financial position or operating results.

Note H — Subsequent Events

In November 2001, the Company sold 59.39 acres of land in San Antonio, Texas to a developer for a price of $350,340, less associated selling costs of $27,638. A gain of approximately $138,500 was recorded as a result of this transaction, subsequent to September 30, 2001.

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

General

During the three months ended September 30, 2001, Liberté Investors Inc. continued to explore the potential acquisition of a viable operating company in order to increase value to existing stockholders and provide a new focus and direction for the Company. Although substantial efforts have been made in fiscal 2002 to identify quality acquisitions, the Company has not yet entered into any definitive acquisition agreements.

Three Months Ended September 30, 2001 versus Three Months Ended September 30, 2000

Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2001 was $238,000 compared to net income of $707,000 for the same period in 2000. The change in operating results for the three months was due to various factors discussed below.

Interest income related to interest-bearing deposits in banks decreased to $455,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2001 from $817,000 for the same period in 2000. This decrease is due to decreased interest rates and a decrease in the average balance outstanding on the Company’s interest-bearing deposits during the three months ended September 30, 2001 versus the three months ended September 30, 2000. Cash and cash equivalents decreased from $56,702,000 at September 30, 2000 to $56,329,000 at September 30, 2001 primarily due to a dividend payment to stockholders during June 2001, offset by interest earned on the cash accounts.

There were no gains on the sales of foreclosed real estate for the three months ended September 30, 2001 as compared to $45,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2000. The gain on sale of real estate represents proceeds received from the sale of foreclosed real estate in excess of carrying value. The gain recognized for the three months ended September 30, 2000 was from the sale of 6.46 acres in San Antonio, Texas.

Other income for the three months ended September 30, 2000 was $20,000, which was a distribution from a trust regarding an acquisition, development and construction loan made to Village Park Homes, Venture II, which was comprised of 55 lots in Fontana, California. The Company had foreclosed on the 55 lots in January 1998 and sold the 55 lots in September 1998. There was no other income for the three months ended September 30, 2001.

Compensation and benefit expense was $38,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2001 as compared to $22,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2000. The increase in expense is due to the hiring of a contract employee, offset by the replacement of a full-time employee with a part-time employee.

Legal, audit and advisory fees were $17,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2001 as compared to $24,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2000. Legal and accounting expenses were higher for the three months ended September 30, 2000 due to additional legal and accounting fees for due diligence on a potential business transaction.

Foreclosed real estate operations expense increased from $30,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2000 to $66,000 for the same period in 2001. Foreclosed real estate operations expense was higher for the three months ended September 30, 2001 due to increased property tax expenses and real estate consulting expenses.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company’s principal funding requirements are operating expenses, including legal, audit, and advisory expenses incurred in connection with evaluation of potential acquisition candidates and other strategic opportunities. The Company anticipates that its primary sources of funding for operating expenses will be proceeds from the sale of foreclosed real estate, interest income on cash and cash equivalents, and cash on hand.

Forward-Looking Information

Statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q which are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. In addition, the Company, through its senior management, from time to time makes forward-looking public statements concerning its expected future operations and performance, including its ability to acquire businesses in the future, and other developments. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily estimates reflecting the Company’s best judgment based upon current information, involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and there can be no assurance that other factors will not affect the accuracy of such forward-looking statements. While it is impossible to identify all such factors, factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimated by the Company include, but are not limited to, the uncertainty as to whether the Company will be able to make future business acquisitions or that any such acquisitions will be successful, the Company’s ability to obtain financing for any possible acquisitions, general conditions in the economy and capital markets, and other factors which may be identified from time to time in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings and other public announcements. Words or phrases when used in this Form 10-Q or other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as “does not believe” and “believes”, or similar expressions are intended to identify “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents. The Company has approximately $56 million of its cash in interest bearing deposits in two financial institutions, which are due on demand. Fair value of these financial instruments approximates carrying value due to the liquidity and short-term nature of these instruments. The Company is subject to interest rate risk should rates fluctuate as it relates to interest income earned from these financial instruments although the Company’s deposits do adjust for interest rate changes. It is the intention of management to ultimately acquire a viable operating company in order to increase value to existing shareholders and provide a new focus and direction for the Company. These financial instruments would be used to fund such acquisitions.

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PART II. — OTHER INFORMATION

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K


(a) Exhibits:

  None

(b) Reports on Form 8-K:

  None

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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 thereunder duly authorized.





November 13, 2001
LIBERTÉ INVESTORS INC.


By: /s/ Gerald J. Ford
——————————————
Gerald J. Ford
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board


November 13, 2001

By: /s/ Ellen V. Billings
——————————————
Ellen V. Billings
Controller and Principal Accounting Officer

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