-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, VNxWv81/UiyNWWjQg0FDaf2CAl2ri8yGcBWKeDpyHcucj547qE1gIoCUx536atPJ lEyi0zSN6I9v4cPxEwxV4Q== 0000950134-03-002425.txt : 20030213 0000950134-03-002425.hdr.sgml : 20030213 20030213161915 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950134-03-002425 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-Q PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 3 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20021231 FILED AS OF DATE: 20030213 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: LIBERTE INVESTORS INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001017907 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: BLANK CHECKS [6770] IRS NUMBER: 751328153 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0630 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-Q SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-12117 FILM NUMBER: 03559863 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 200 CRESCENT COURT STREET 2: SUITE 1365 CITY: DALLAS STATE: TX ZIP: 75201 BUSINESS PHONE: 2148715935 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 200 CRESCENT COURT STREET 2: SUITE 1365 CITY: DALLAS STATE: TX ZIP: 75201 10-Q 1 d03087e10vq.htm FORM 10-Q e10vq
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

     
[X]   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
    For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2002
 
    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 1-6802

Liberté Investors Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

     
Delaware   75-1328153
(State or other jurisdiction   (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization)   Identification No.)
 
200 Crescent Court, Suite 1365   75201
Dallas, Texas   (Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive offices)    

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

     (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 by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes [   ]   No [ X ]

As of February 7, 2003, there were outstanding 20,422,764 shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share.

 


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
PART II. — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
EX-99.1 Chief Executive Officer's Certification
EX-99.2 Accounting Officer's Certification


Table of Contents

LIBERTÉ INVESTORS INC.
FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002

INDEX

           
      Page
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
       
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)
       
 
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
       
 
December 31, 2002 and June 30, 2002
    3  
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations
       
 
Six Months Ended December 31, 2002 and 2001
    4  
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations
       
 
Three Months Ended December 31, 2002 and 2001
    5  
 
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity
       
 
Six Months Ended December 31, 2002
    6  
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
       
 
Six Months Ended December 31, 2002 and 2001
    7  
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    8  
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial
       
 
Condition and Results of Operations
    13  
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
    16  
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
    16  
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
       
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
    17  
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
    19  

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PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

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

                       
          December 31,   June 30,
          2002   2002
         
 
Assets
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 57,301,725     $ 56,509,738  
Foreclosed real estate held for sale
    1,593,767       2,175,137  
Accrued interest and other receivables
    4,618       3,037  
Other assets, net
    195,783       231,575  
 
   
     
 
   
Total assets
  $ 59,095,893     $ 58,919,487  
 
   
     
 
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
               
 
Liabilities-accrued and other liabilities
  $ 564,982     $ 528,573  
 
Stockholders’ equity
               
   
Common stock, $.01 par value,
               
     
50,000,000 shares authorized, 20,422,764
               
     
and 20,256,097 shares issued and
               
     
outstanding at December 31, 2002
               
     
and June 30, 2002, respectively
    204,228       202,561  
   
Additional paid-in capital
    310,150,443       309,392,398  
   
Accumulated deficit
    (251,823,760 )     (251,204,045 )
 
   
     
 
   
Total stockholders’ equity
    58,530,911       58,390,914  
 
   
     
 
Commitments and contingencies
           
 
               
   
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 59,095,893     $ 58,919,487  
 
   
     
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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

                     
        Six Months Ended
        December 31,
       
        2002   2001
       
 
Income
               
 
Interest on deposits in banks
  $ 572,301     $ 789,922  
 
Gain on sale of foreclosed real estate, net
    233,248       138,605  
 
Other
          15  
 
   
     
 
Total income
    805,549       928,542  
 
   
     
 
Expenses
               
 
Insurance
    72,362       50,208  
 
Compensation and employee benefits
    682,979       75,738  
 
Legal, audit and advisory fees
    206,113       59,509  
 
Franchise taxes
    23,400       18,416  
 
Foreclosed real estate operations
    115,834       137,982  
 
Loss on write-down of foreclosed real estate
    141,777        
 
General and administrative
    182,799       131,845  
 
   
     
 
Total expenses
    1,425,264       473,698  
 
   
     
 
Net (loss) income
  $ (619,715 )   $ 454,844  
 
   
     
 
Basic net (loss) income per share of common stock
  $ (0.03 )   $ 0.02  
 
   
     
 
Diluted net (loss) income per share of common stock
  $ (0.03 )   $ 0.02  
 
   
     
 
Weighted average number of shares of
               
   
common stock—basic and diluted
    20,415,518       20,256,097  
 
   
     
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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

                     
        Three Months Ended
        December 31,
       
        2002   2001
       
 
Income
               
 
Interest on deposits in banks
  $ 281,252     $ 334,828  
 
(Loss) gain on sales of foreclosed real estate, net
    (1,138 )     138,605  
 
Other
          15  
 
   
     
 
Total income
    280,114       473,448  
 
   
     
 
Expenses
               
 
Insurance
    37,737       25,334  
 
Compensation and employee benefits
    310,950       37,979  
 
Legal, audit and advisory fees
    44,655       42,709  
 
Franchise taxes
    11,700       9,641  
 
Foreclosed real estate operations
    51,530       72,091  
 
Loss on write-down of foreclosed real estate
    17,403        
 
General and administrative
    84,647       69,345  
 
   
     
 
Total expenses
    558,622       257,099  
 
   
     
 
Net (Loss) Income
  $ (278,508 )   $ 216,349  
 
   
     
 
Basic net (loss) income per share of common stock
  $ (0.01 )   $ 0.01  
 
   
     
 
Diluted net (loss) income per share of common stock
  $ (0.01 )   $ 0.01  
 
   
     
 
Weighted average number of shares of
               
   
common stock—basic and diluted
    20,422,764       20,256,097  
 
   
     
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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LIBERTÉ INVESTORS INC.
AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Unaudited)

                                         
    Number of   Common   Additional   Accumulated        
    Shares   Stock   Paid-In Capital   Deficit   Total
   
 
 
 
 
Balance at June 30, 2002
    20,256,097     $ 202,561     $ 309,392,398     $ (251,204,045 )   $ 58,390,914  
Net loss
                      (619,715 )     (619,715 )
Stock issued to officer
    166,667       1,667       598,333             600,000  
Issuance of stock options
                159,712             159,712  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Balance at December 31, 2002
    20,422,764     $ 204,228     $ 310,150,443     $ (251,823,760 )   $ 58,530,911  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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

                         
            Six Months Ended
            December 31,
           
            2002   2001
           
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
 
Net (loss) income
  $ (619,715 )   $ 454,844  
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net
               
 
cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
               
     
Depreciation and amortization
    1,543       2,849  
     
Amortization of deferred compensation expense
    159,712        
     
Compensation related to stock issued to officer
    100,000        
     
Gain from sale of foreclosed real estate
    (233,248 )     (138,605 )
     
Loss on write-down of foreclosed real estate
    141,777        
     
(Increase) decrease in accrued interest and other receivables
    (1,581 )     4,333  
     
Decrease in other assets
    49,059       35,010  
     
Increase (decrease) in accrued and other liabilities
    36,409       (1,628 )
 
   
     
 
       
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
    (366,044 )     356,803  
 
               
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
   
Net proceeds from sale of foreclosed real estate
    672,841       322,802  
   
Additions to fixed assets
    (14,810 )      
 
   
     
 
       
Net cash provided by investing activities
    658,031       322,802  
 
               
Cash flows from financing activity – net proceeds
               
   
from issuance of common stock
    500,000        
 
   
     
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    791,987       679,605  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    56,509,738       56,102,635  
 
   
     
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 57,301,725     $ 56,782,240  
 
   
     
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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LIBERTÉ INVESTORS INC.
AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2002
(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 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 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- and six-month periods ended December 31, 2002 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2003.

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 December 31, 2002, the Company held foreclosed real estate for sale in the form of undeveloped land. The December 31, 2002 carrying amount of these assets was approximately $1,594,000. The foreclosed real estate for sale consists of land totaling approximately 341 acres in San Antonio, Texas and approximately 38 acres in Arlington, Texas.

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 $27,538. A gain of approximately $138,600 was recorded as a result of this transaction.

In September 2002, the Company sold 51.57 acres of land in San Antonio, Texas to a discount department store chain for a price of $538,907, less associated selling costs of $13,928. A gain of approximately $234,000 was recorded as a result of this transaction.

In September 2002, the Company recorded a write-down on the book values of three parcels of land in San Antonio, Texas for an aggregate of approximately $124,000. The write-down was recorded to adjust for decreased market values on the properties due to a softening of the local real estate market as well as the continued general economic downturn.

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In November 2002, the Company sold 7 acres of land in San Antonio, Texas to a retail store owner for a price of $155,000, less associated selling costs of $7,000. A loss of approximately $1,000 was recorded as a result of this transaction.

In December 2002, the Company recorded a write-down on the book values of two parcels of land in San Antonio, Texas for an aggregate of approximately $17,000. The write-down was recorded to adjust for decreased market values on the properties due to a softening of the local real estate market as well as the continued general economic downturn.

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 approximately $1,569,000 including penalties and interest.

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. LNC Holdings Inc. notified the City of Arlington that it would execute a deed without warranty to allow the taxing units to obtain title to the property. No response has been received. LNC Holdings Inc. has accrued property taxes and related penalties and interest for calendar years 1996 through 2002 totaling $345,000. 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.

Note E — Federal Income Taxes

Although the Company had taxable income for the three- and six-month periods ended December 31, 2001, no tax liability was 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 December 31, 2002, the Company had certain concentrations of credit risk with three financial institutions in the form of cash, which amounted to approximately $57 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.

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Note G — Earnings (Loss) Per Share

Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 128 “Earnings Per Share” (“EPS”) specifies the computation, presentation and disclosure requirements for earnings per share. Basic EPS excludes all dilution while diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common shares were exercised or converted into common shares. The following table presents the basic and diluted EPS data for the three- and six-month periods ended December 31, 2002 and 2001.

                                                   
      For the Three Months Ended December 31,
     
      2002   2001
     
 
      Net   Wtd. Avg.   Per Share   Net   Wtd. Avg.   Per Share
      Loss   Shares   Amount   Income   Shares   Amount
     
 
 
 
 
 
Basic EPS -
                                               
Net income (loss)
  $ (278,508 )     20,422,764     $ (0.01 )   $ 216,349       20,256,097     $ 0.01  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Diluted EPS -
                                               
Net income (loss)
  $ (278,508 )     20,422,764     $ (0.01 )   $ 216,349       20,256,097     $ 0.01  
Effect of dilutive securities*:
                                               
Stock purchase rights
                      N/A       N/A       N/A  
Options under Long Term
                                               
 
Incentive Plan
                      N/A       N/A       N/A  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Net income (loss)
  $ (278,508 )     20,422,764     $ (0.01 )   $ 216,349       20,256,097     $ 0.01  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
 

  *Note: There were no dilutive securities during the three months ended December 31, 2001.

  Diluted weighted average shares for the three months ended December 31, 2002 excludes incremental shares from assumed conversion of stock options of 575,778 under the Company’s long term incentive plan and available shares of 27,778 under the stock purchase rights granted to the officer due to the net loss for the period.

                                                   
      For the Six Months Ended December 31,
     
      2002   2001
     
 
      Net   Wtd. Avg.   Per Share   Net   Wtd. Avg.   Per Share
      Loss   Shares   Amount   Income   Shares   Amount
     
 
 
 
 
 
Basic EPS -
                                               
Net income (loss)
  $ (619,715 )     20,415,518     $ (0.03 )   $ 454,844       20,256,097     $ 0.02  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Diluted EPS -
                                               
Net income (loss)
  $ (619,715 )     20,415,518     $ (0.03 )   $ 454,844       20,256,097     $ 0.02  
Effect of dilutive securities*:
                                               
Stock purchase rights
                      N/A       N/A       N/A  
Options under Long Term
                                               
 
Incentive Plan
                      N/A       N/A       N/A  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Net income (loss)
  $ (619,715 )     20,415,518     $ (0.03 )   $ 454,844       20,256,097     $ 0.02  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
 

  *Note: There were no dilutive securities during the six months ended December 31, 2001.

  Diluted weighted average shares for the six months ended December 31, 2002 excludes incremental shares from assumed conversion of stock options of 564,121 under the Company’s long term incentive plan and available shares of 26,570 under the stock purchase rights granted to the officer due to the net loss for the period.

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Note H – Recent Pronouncements

On July 1, 2002, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144, “Accounting for the Disposal or Impairment of Long-Lived Assets.” SFAS 144 supersedes SFAS 121 and the portion of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30 that deals with the disposal of a business segment. The implementation of SFAS 144 had no effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Effective April 30, 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 145, “Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44 and 62, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections.” The main provisions of this statement address classification of debt extinguishments and accounting for certain lease transactions. Implementation of this statement is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Effective July 30, 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.” The main provisions of this statement address the recognition of liabilities associated with an exit or disposal activity. Implementation of this statement is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure,” which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2002. SFAS 148 amends FASB Statement No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” to provide alternative methods of transition to the fair value method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, SFAS No. 148 amends the disclosure provisions of Statement 123 to require disclosure in the summary of significant accounting policies of the effects of an entity’s accounting policy with respect to stock-based employee compensation on reported net income and earnings per share in annual and interim financial statements. Implementation of this statement is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Note I – Stock-based Compensation

Stock-based compensation is accounted for using Accounting Principles Board Opinion (“APB”) No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” Under APB 25, if the exercise price of the options is greater than or equal to the market price at date of grant, no compensation expense is recorded. The disclosure-only provisions of SFAS 123, “Accounting for Stock-based Compensation” for options issued to employees are also disclosed by the Company.

In July 2002, the Company and Donald J. Edwards entered into an employment agreement, which was approved by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Employment Agreement”), that sets forth the terms and conditions of Mr. Edwards’ employment as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer. The Employment Agreement provides for a grant of a stock option to Mr. Edwards pursuant to a Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement by and between the Company and Mr. Edwards (the “Option Agreement”). In addition, in July 2002 the Company’s Board of Directors also approved the Company’s 2002 Long Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). Under the Plan, and in accordance with the terms of the Employment Agreement, in July 2002, the Company’s Board of Directors granted to Mr. Edwards an option to purchase 2,573,678 shares of common stock of the Company at an exercise price of $3.00 per share pursuant to the terms of the Option Agreement. The option expires on July 9, 2012. A portion of Mr. Edwards’ option shares vest and become exercisable as of the first day of each month following the grant date. The aggregate market value of the securities underlying Mr. Edwards’ options at the grant date was approximately $9,265,000.

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The Employment Agreement further grants Mr. Edwards, as an inducement to his employment with the Company, the right to purchase up to 333,333 shares of common stock of the Company (the “Purchased Shares”) at a price of $3.00 per share. The right expires June 30, 2003. On July 9, 2002, Mr. Edwards purchased 166,667 of the 333,333 Purchased Shares contemplated by the Employment Agreement. The aggregate market value of the Purchased Shares at the purchase date was $600,000. The difference between the aggregate market value and purchase price of the Purchased Shares of $100,000 was recorded as compensation expense in the consolidated statement of operations for the six months ended December 31, 2002.

In December 2002, in accordance with the terms of the Plan, the Company’s Board of Directors granted to an employee an option to purchase 250,000 shares of common stock of the Company at an exercise price of $3.00 per share. The option expires on November 30, 2012. Ten percent of the employee’s option shares vest and become exercisable on May 31, 2003, and an additional 1 2/3 % of the employee’s option shares vest and become exercisable as of the last day of each month following May 31, 2003 through November 30, 2007. The aggregate market value of the securities underlying the employee’s options at the grant date was approximately $1,068,000.

The Company applies APB No. 25 in accounting for employee stock options. Accordingly, the difference between the aggregate market value and exercise price of the securities underlying the stock options at grant date is recorded as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. For the three- and six- month periods ended December 31, 2002, approximately $83,000 and $160,000 in expense, respectively, was recorded related to the employee stock options in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

If the compensation cost during the three- and six-month periods ended December 31, 2002 for the employee stock options had been determined based on the fair value at the grant date, consistent with SFAS Nos. 123 and 148, the Company’s pro forma net loss would have been $417,915 and $894,243, respectively and basic and diluted loss per share would have been $(0.02) and $(0.04). The fair value of the options was estimated at the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which includes the following assumptions: risk-free interest rate based on the ten-year U.S. Treasury Note rate; expected option life of ten years; expected volatility of 3%; and no expected dividends.

Note J — Subsequent Event

On January 17, 2003, the Company entered into an operating lease for additional office space in Chicago, Illinois. The lease commences May 1, 2003, or earlier upon substantial completion of improvements to the space. The lease expires on the fifth anniversary of the commencement date, contains a renewal option and requires the Company to pay a proportionate share of operating expenses of the building. Assuming the lease commences on May 1, 2003, future minimum lease payments under this lease are as follows:

           
Fiscal Year Ending        
June 30,   Amount

 
 
2003
  $ 18,416  
 
2004
    110,868  
 
2005
    113,087  
 
2006
    115,352  
 
2007
    117,636  
 
2008
    99,680  
 
   
 
Total minimum payments
  $ 575,039  
 
   
 

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

General

During the three- and six-month periods ended December 31, 2002, 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 2003 to identify quality acquisitions, the Company has not yet entered into any definitive acquisition agreements.

In July 2002, the Company’s Board of Directors elected Donald J. Edwards of Chicago, Illinois, President, Chief Executive Officer and as a Director of the Company. Mr. Edwards has extensive experience in acquisitions and is employed by the Company pursuant to a five-year employment agreement. Additionally, in connection with Mr. Edwards’ employment, the Company’s Board of Directors approved an initial annual expense budget of approximately $3,000,000 to cover the increased costs related to the search for suitable acquisition candidates and the associated diligence efforts. The Company is continuing to use its available resources to find a suitable operating company acquisition, such as working with investment bankers, business brokers and other intermediaries, researching public companies and meeting directly with private companies.

Six Months Ended December 31, 2002 versus Six Months Ended December 31, 2001

For the six months ended December 31, 2002, a net loss of $620,000 was incurred, compared to net income of $455,000 for the same period in 2001. The change in operating results for the six months was due to various factors discussed below.

Interest income related to interest-bearing deposits in banks decreased to $572,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2002 from $790,000 for the same period in 2001. This decrease is due to substantially lower interest rates on the Company’s interest-bearing deposits during the six months ended December 31, 2002 versus the six months ended December 31, 2001. Cash and cash equivalents increased from $56,782,000 at December 31, 2001 to $57,302,000 at December 31, 2002 primarily due to the Company’s issuance of common stock in July 2002 for $500,000.

Gains on the sales of foreclosed real estate were $233,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2002 as compared to $139,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2001. The gains on sales of real estate represent proceeds received from the sale of foreclosed real estate in excess of carrying value. The gains recognized for the six months ended December 31, 2002 were from the sale of 58.6 acres in San Antonio, Texas and the gain recognized for the six months ended December 31, 2001 was from the sale of 59.4 acres in San Antonio, Texas.

Insurance expense was $72,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2002 as compared to $50,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2001. The increase reflects higher premiums on the insurance policies carried by the Company, primarily on the insurance policy covering directors and officers.

Compensation and benefit expense was $683,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2002 as compared to $76,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2001. The increased expense includes the addition of salary expense for the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and two other new employees. In addition, the salary expense for two employees had been shared with another company until November 2002, at which time the Company began to record the entire associated expense. The expense also includes $260,000 in non-cash compensation resulting from the issuance of common stock to Donald J. Edwards at a price less than the then current market value, as well as the grant of in-the-money stock options to Mr. Edwards and one other employee. The transactions with Mr. Edwards occurred in July 2002, in connection

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with Mr. Edwards’ employment agreement with the Company. The grant of options to the other employee occurred in December 2002, under the Liberté Investors Inc. 2002 Long Term Incentive Plan.

Legal, audit and advisory fees were $206,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2002 as compared to $60,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2001. Legal expenses were higher for the six months ended December 31, 2002 due to the legal fees associated with the drafting of documents related to the employment of Donald J. Edwards, legal fees associated with the drafting of the Company’s proposed 2002 Long Term Incentive Plan and legal fees associated with the implementation and compliance with certain regulations under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Foreclosed real estate operations expense decreased from $138,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2001 to $116,000 for the same period in 2002. Foreclosed real estate operations expense was higher for the six months ended December 31, 2001 primarily due to increased accruals for property taxes resulting from higher valuations of land owned by the Company, as well as additional spending on real estate consultations and studies.

There was a loss on the write-down of foreclosed real estate of $142,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2002. The Company recorded a write-down on the book values of certain parcels of land in San Antonio, Texas to adjust for decreased market values on the properties due to a softening of the local real estate market as well as the continued general economic downturn. No losses on write-downs of real estate were recognized in the same period in 2001.

General and administrative expense increased from $132,000 during the six months ended December 31, 2001 to $183,000 for the same period in 2002. The increase was primarily due to increased office rent and stockholder relations expense, as well as increases in various general and administrative expenses for the six months ended December 31, 2002.

Three Months Ended December 31, 2002 versus Three Months Ended December 31, 2001

For the three months ended December 31, 2002, a net loss of $279,000 was incurred, compared to net income of $216,000 for the same period in 2001. 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 $281,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2002 from $335,000 for the same period in 2001. This decrease is due to substantially lower interest rates on the Company’s interest-bearing deposits during the three months ended December 31, 2002 versus the three months ended December 31, 2001. Cash and cash equivalents increased from $56,782,000 at December 31, 2001 to $57,302,000 at December 31, 2002 primarily due to the Company’s issuance of common stock in July 2002 for $500,000.

For the three months ended December 31, 2002, a loss on the sale of real estate was recognized of $1,000, as compared to a gain of $139,000 for the same period in 2001. The gains on sales of real estate represent proceeds received from the sale of foreclosed real estate in excess of carrying value. The loss recognized for the three months ended December 31, 2002 was from the sale of 7 acres in San Antonio, Texas, and the gain recognized for the three months ended December 31, 2001 was from the sale of 59.39 acres in San Antonio, Texas.

Insurance expense was $38,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2002 as compared to $25,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2001. The increase reflects higher premiums on the insurance policies carried by the Company, primarily on the insurance policy covering directors and officers.

Compensation and benefit expense was $311,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2002 as compared to $38,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2001. The increased expense includes the

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addition of salary expense for the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and two other new employees. In addition, the salary expense for two employees had been shared with another company until November 2002, at which time the Company began to record the entire associated expense. The expense also includes $83,000 in non-cash compensation resulting from the grant of in-the-money stock options to Mr. Edwards and one other employee. The transaction with Mr. Edwards occurred in July 2002, in connection with Mr. Edwards’ employment agreement with the Company. The grant of options to the other employee occurred in December 2002, under the Liberté Investors Inc. 2002 Long Term Incentive Plan.

Foreclosed real estate operations expense decreased from $72,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2001 to $52,000 for the same period in 2002. Foreclosed real estate operations expense was higher for the three months ended December 31, 2001 primarily due to higher property taxes resulting from increased valuations of land owned by the Company, as well as additional spending on real estate consultations and studies.

There was a loss on the write-down of foreclosed real estate of $17,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2002. The Company recorded a write-down on the book values of certain parcels of land in San Antonio, Texas to adjust for decreased market values on the properties, due to a softening of the local real estate market as well as the continued general economic downturn. No losses on write-downs of real estate were recognized in the same period in 2001.

General and administrative expense increased from $69,000 during the three months ended December 31, 2001 to $85,000 for the same period in 2002. The increase was due to higher spending for various general and administrative expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2002.

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.

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.

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

There has been no material change from the information provided in Item 7A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2002.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Principal Accounting Officer have reviewed and evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) Rules 240.13a-14(c) and 15d-14(c)) as of a date within 90 days before the filing date of this quarterly report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Principal Accounting Officer have concluded that the Company’s current disclosure controls and procedures are effective and timely, providing them with material information relating to the Company required to be disclosed in the reports the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act.

Changes in Internal Controls

There have not been any significant changes in the Company’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation. The Company is not aware of any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses; therefore, no corrective actions were taken.

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PART II. — OTHER INFORMATION

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

       The Annual Meeting of the Company’s stockholders was held on November 8, 2002 for the purpose of voting on four proposals.
     The proposals, including the results of the voting, are as follows:

     
Proposal No. 1.   Proposal to elect each of Messrs. Gene H. Bishop, Harvey B. Cash, Donald J. Edwards, Gerald J. Ford, Jeremy B. Ford, Edward W. Rose, III, and Gary Shultz as directors of the Company until expiration of his term at the 2003 Annual Meeting of stockholders and until his successor is elected and qualified or until his earlier death, resignation or removal from office.
                 
    Number of Shares of Common Stock
   
    For   Withheld
   
 
G. Bishop
    19,299,164       68,522  
H. Cash
    19,289,614       78,072  
D. Edwards
    19,278,484       89,202  
G. Ford
    19,289,664       78,022  
J. Ford
    19,267,749       99,937  
E. Rose
    19,287,579       80,107  
G. Shultz
    19,285,779       81,907  
     
Proposal No. 2   Proposal to approve the Liberté Investors Inc. 2002 Long Term Incentive Plan.
         
    Number of Shares of
    Common Stock
   
For
    13,311,568  
Against
    241,944  
Abstain
    381,912  
Broker Non-Votes
    5,432,262  
     
Proposal No. 3   Proposal to approve the grant of non-qualified stock options to Donald J. Edwards, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to his Employment Agreement and Option Agreement with the Company.
         
    Number of Shares of
    Common Stock
   
For
    13,245,432  
Against
    290,855  
Abstain
    399,137  
Broker Non-Votes
    5,432,262  

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Proposal No. 4   Proposal to approve the ratification of the selection of KPMG LLP as the Company’s independent accountants for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2003.
         
    Number of Shares of
    Common Stock
   
For
    19,316,320  
Against
    21,631  
Abstain
    29,735  

The total number of shares of common stock voted on Proposals No. 1 and 4 was 19,367,686, or approximately 94.7% of the outstanding shares of common stock. The total number of shares of common stock voted on Proposals No. 2 and 3 was 13,935,424, or approximately 68.2% of the outstanding shares of common stock.

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Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a)                  Exhibits:

     
3.1   The Company’s Charter (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Registration Statement dated July 2, 1996).
3.2   The Company’s Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company’s Form S-4 Registration Statement dated July 2, 1996).
4.1   Specimen Common Stock Certificate of Liberté Investors Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Form S-8 Registration Statement dated December 26, 2002).
4.2   Registration Rights Agreement dated as of July 1, 2002, by and between Liberté Investors Inc. and Donald J. Edwards (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated July 11, 2002).
10.1   Employment Agreement dated as of July 1, 2002, by and between Liberté Investors Inc. and Donald J. Edwards (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated July 11, 2002).
10.2   Liberté Investors Inc. 2002 Long Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated July 11, 2002).
10.3   Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement dated as of July 9, 2002, by and between Liberté Investors Inc. and Donald J. Edwards (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated July 11, 2002).
10.4   Indemnification Agreement dated as of July 1, 2002, by and between Liberté Investors Inc. and Donald J. Edwards (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated July 11, 2002).
99.1   Chief Executive Officer’s Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
99.2   Principal Accounting Officer’s Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

(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.

         
        LIBERTÉ INVESTORS INC.
 
February 13, 2003   By:   /s/ Donald J. Edwards

Donald J. Edwards
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
February 13, 2003   By:   /s/ Ellen V. Billings

Ellen V. Billings
Controller and Principal Accounting Officer

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CERTIFICATIONS

I, Donald J. Edwards, President and Chief Executive Officer of Liberté Investors Inc., certify that:

  1.   I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Liberté Investors Inc.;
 
  2.   Based on my knowledge, this quarterly 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 quarterly report;
 
  3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly 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 quarterly report;
 
  4.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

    a)   designed such disclosure controls and procedures 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 quarterly report is being prepared;
 
    b)   evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”); and
 
    c)   presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

  5.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

    a)   all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and
 
    b)   any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

  6.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

Date: February 13, 2003

   
  /s/ DONALD J. EDWARDS

Donald J. Edwards
President and Chief Executive Officer

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CERTIFICATIONS

I, Ellen V. Billings, Vice President, Controller and Principal Accounting Officer of Liberté Investors Inc., certify that:

  1.   I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Liberté Investors Inc.;
 
  2.   Based on my knowledge, this quarterly 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 quarterly report;
 
  3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly 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 quarterly report;
 
  4.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

    a)   designed such disclosure controls and procedures 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 quarterly report is being prepared;
 
    b)   evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”); and
 
    c)   presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

  5.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

    a)   all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and
 
    b)   any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

  6.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

Date: February 13, 2003

   
  /s/ ELLEN V. BILLINGS

Ellen V. Billings
Vice President, Controller and
Principal Accounting Officer

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EXHIBIT INDEX

     
EXHIBIT    
NUMBER   DESCRIPTION

 
3.1   The Company’s Charter (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Registration Statement dated July 2, 1996).
 
3.2   The Company’s Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company’s Form S-4 Registration Statement dated July 2, 1996).
 
4.1   Specimen Common Stock Certificate of Liberté Investors Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Form S-8 Registration Statement dated December 26, 2002).
 
4.2   Registration Rights Agreement dated as of July 1, 2002, by and between Liberté Investors Inc. and Donald J. Edwards (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated July 11, 2002).
 
10.1   Employment Agreement dated as of July 1, 2002, by and between Liberté Investors Inc. and Donald J. Edwards (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated July 11, 2002).
 
10.2   Liberté Investors Inc. 2002 Long Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated July 11, 2002).
 
10.3   Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement dated as of July 9, 2002, by and between Liberté Investors Inc. and Donald J. Edwards (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated July 11, 2002).
 
10.4   Indemnification Agreement dated as of July 1, 2002, by and between Liberté Investors Inc. and Donald J. Edwards (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated July 11, 2002).
 
99.1   Chief Executive Officer’s Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
99.2   Principal Accounting Officer’s Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

  EX-99.1 3 d03087exv99w1.htm EX-99.1 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S CERTIFICATION exv99w1

 

Exhibit 99.1

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 Liberté Investors Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended December 31, 2002, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Donald J. Edwards, President and 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) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)  The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 
/s/ DONALD J. EDWARDS

Donald J. Edwards
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
February 13, 2003

  EX-99.2 4 d03087exv99w2.htm EX-99.2 ACCOUNTING OFFICER'S CERTIFICATION exv99w2

 

Exhibit 99.2

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 Liberté Investors Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended December 31, 2002, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Ellen V. Billings, Vice President, Controller and Principal Accounting 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) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)  The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 
/s/ ELLEN V. BILLINGS

Ellen V. Billings
Vice President, Controller and
Principal Accounting Officer
 
February 13, 2003

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