EX-99 2 finalmay142008pressrelease10.htm PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release

For Immediate Release

From:

Ameritrans Capital Corporation

For more information Contact:

Gary C. Granoff

(800) 214-1047


Ameritrans Capital Corporation Reports Third Quarter Fiscal 2008 Results


New York, NY, May 14, 2008 – Ameritrans Capital Corporation (NASDAQ: AMTC, AMTCP) today reported financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2008.  


Highlights for Third Quarter ending March 31, 2008:

·

Total Assets of $64.6 million

·

Total interest income increased 16% to $1.6 million

·

Net Asset Value at March 31, 2008 of $5.21 per share

·

Continued improved performance across all investment portfolios

·

Continued expansion of middle market corporate loan portfolio


Total investment income for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 was $1.68 million and $1.49 million, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, Ameritrans reported net income available to common stockholders (after payment of the preferred dividends) of $7,552 for the third quarter of fiscal year 2008, or $0.00 per basic and diluted common share compared to a net loss available to common stockholders of ($203,197), or ($0.06) per basic and diluted common share for the same period of fiscal year 2007.  


On an operating basis after taking into account other income and expense, and before payment of the Company's preferred stock dividends, the Company reported net income of $91,297 for the quarter ended March 31, 2008, compared to a net loss of ($118,822) for the quarter ended March 31, 2007.


For the nine months ended March 31, 2008, net loss available to common stockholders (after payment of the preferred dividends) totaled ($226,329), or ($0.07) per basic and diluted common share compared to a net loss available to common stockholders of ($341,559), or ($0.10) per basic and diluted common share for the same period of fiscal year 2007. On an operating basis after taking into account other income and expense, and before payment of the Company's preferred stock dividends, the Company reported net income of $26,796 for the nine months ended March 31, 2008, compared to a net loss of ($88,434) for the nine months ended March 31, 2007.


Commenting on the results, Gary C. Granoff, Ameritrans' Chairman and CEO, said, "We are extremely pleased with our portfolio performance during the quarter ending March 31, 2008.  Given the turmoil in the credit markets, we are pleased to show both growth and profitability.  Our portfolios remain stable, with record low delinquencies.  The taxicab medallion market continues to be extremely competitive.  The Chicago medallion market continued its increase in medallion prices with the current price of approximately $130,000 per medallion.  We continue to adhere to our strict underwriting standards which has allowed the Company to enjoy low default and loss rates on these assets."


Michael Feinsod, President of Ameritrans, added, "With our core medallion and diversified lending businesses stable and profitable, we continue to focus on new investment opportunities.  We are also re-focusing our efforts on enhancing our balance sheet and seeking the most attractive sources of permanent capital and debt capital possible."  Mr. Feinsod continued, "During the quarter, our credit lines were increased and we continue to look for new investments.  We are especially appreciative of this expanded credit and our relationships with our banks.  The disruptions in the credit markets and among traditional lenders continues to create what we believe are compelling investment opportunities.  Our strong underwriting capabilities coupled with our unique capital structure provide an



 


excellent foundation to expand our lending and investing activities. We continue to work with potential new partners to grow both our traditional SBIC lending business while deploying more capital in investments that are not subject to SBA guidelines."


Mr. Feinsod added “We believe the quality and diversity of our investments favorably position our portfolio in this environment.  From an earnings perspective, our high percentage of lower risk first lien assets at attractive spreads should provide a more stable earnings stream and more predictable dividend.  We continue to actively explore ways to expand our portfolio.''  


During the third quarter, Ameritrans completed two shareholder meetings.  These votes, among other things, approved:

·

The Advisory Agreement between Ameritrans and Velocity Capital Advisors (currently pending SBA review and approval)

·

Modification of Elk’s and Ameritrans’ fundamental investment policies

·

Authorization of private placements of both common and preferred stock offerings.


In April, 2008, a series of contracts were executed with respect to equity investments the Company held in Chicago taxicab medallions.  If and when these transactions close, the Company will receive approximately $395,000 of revenue concerning the liquidation and sale of its stock ownership interest in said investments.  


Ameritrans Capital Corporation is an internally managed, closed-end investment company that has elected to be regulated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.  Ameritrans originates, structures and manages a portfolio of medallion loans, secured business loans and selected equity securities.  Ameritrans' wholly owned subsidiary Elk Associates Funding Corporation is licensed by the United States Small Business Administration as a Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) in 1980.  The Company maintains its offices at 747 Third Avenue, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10017.

# # #

This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those presently anticipated or projected.  Ameritrans Capital Corporation cautions investors not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as to management's expectations on this date.


 



 



AMERITRANS CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

AS OF MARCH 31, 2008 (UNAUDITED) AND JUNE 30, 2007


ASSETS



 

March 31, 2008
(unaudited)


June 30, 2007

 

 

 

Loans receivable

$57,056,417 

$57,693,496 

Less: unrealized depreciation on loans receivable

(282,708)

(286,550)

Loans receivable, net

56,773,709 

57,406,946 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

                      1,090,182 

251,394 

Accrued interest receivable, net of unrealized depreciation of $20,000 and $51,500, respectively

725,820 

596,553 

Assets acquired in satisfaction of loans

                        38,250 

56,030 

Receivables from debtors on sales of assets acquired in satisfaction of loans

278,940 

225,625 

Equity investments

2,312,995 

                 2,837,719 

Investment in life settlement contracts

2,587,455 

1,910,077 

Furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements, net

163,462 

183,043 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

625,039 

477,496 

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

$64,595,852 

$63,944,883 


 



 


AMERITRANS CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)

AS OF MARCH 31, 2008 (UNAUDITED) AND JUNE 30, 2007

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY


 

March 31, 2008
(unaudited)

June 30, 2007

LIABILITIES

 

 

Debentures payable to SBA

$12,000,000 

$12,000,000 

Notes payable, banks

30,495,697 

29,332,500 

Notes payable, related parties

100,000 

150,000 

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

454,557 

431,577 

Accrued interest payable

180,404 

301,591 

Dividends payable

84,375 

84,375 

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

43,315,033 

42,300,043 

 

 

 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Notes 3,4, 5, 6 and 9)

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

Preferred stock 9,500,000 and 500,000 shares authorized, respectively, none issued or outstanding

-

-

9 3/8% cumulative participating callable preferred stock $0.01 par value, $12.00 face value, 500,000 shares authorized; 300,000 shares issued and outstanding

3,600,000 

3,600,000 

Common stock, $0.0001 par value;  45,000,000 and 50,000,000 shares authorized, respectively; 3,405,583 and 3,401,208 shares issued and 3,395,583 and 3,391,208 shares outstanding, respectively

341 

340 

Additional paid-in-capital

21,139,504 

21,119,817 

Deferred compensation (Note 7)

(40,639)

(94,475)

Stock options outstanding (Note 7)

133,613 

118,475 

Accumulated deficit

(3,281,781)

(2,987,539)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(200,219)

(41,778)

 

 

 

 

21,350,819 

21,714,840 

Less:  Treasury stock, at cost, 10,000 shares of common stock

(70,000)

(70,000)

 

 

 

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

21,280,819 

21,644,840 

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

$64,595,852 

$63,944,883 


 



 


AMERITRANS CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE THREE MONTHS AND NINE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2008 AND 2007 (UNAUDITED)



 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2008

Three Months Ended March 31, 2007

Nine Months
Ended March 31, 2008

Nine Months
Ended March 31, 2007

INVESTMENT INCOME

 

 

 

 

Interest on loans receivable

 $ 1,598,059 

 $ 1,376,993 

 $ 4,707,598 

 $ 3,978,125 

Gain on sale of medallions and automobiles

19,058 

28,373 

Realized losses on equity securities, net

(29,914)

Equity in loss of investee (Note 2)

(44,675)

(161,469)

(83,183)

Fees and other income

80,884 

126,531 

236,429 

364,750 

Leasing income

13,566 

76,383 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENT INCOME

1,678,943 

1,491,473 

4,752,644 

4,364,448 

OPERATING EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

Interest

587,253 

537,964 

1,897,087 

1,619,609 

Salaries and employee benefits

437,890 

423,811 

1,223,314 

1,041,889 

Occupancy costs

62,168 

59,764 

199,211 

169,506 

Professional fees

154,214 

244,701 

503,057 

603,371 

Other administrative expenses

340,482 

331,680 

872,816 

879,814 

Loss and impairments on assets acquired in satisfaction of loans, net

6,400 

38,069 

Write off and depreciation on interest and loans receivable, net

5,009 

5,975 

30,363 

100,624 

TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES

1,587,016 

1,610,295 

4,725,848 

4,452,882 

NET INCOME (LOSS)

 $ 91,927 

 $ (118,822)

 $ 26,796 

 $ (88,434)

DIVIDENDS ON PREFERRED STOCK

 $ (84,375)

 $ (84,375)

 $ (253,125)

 $ (253,125)

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS) AVAILABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS

 $ 7,552 

 $  (203,197)

 $ (226,329)

 $ (341,559)

 

 

 

 

 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING

 

 

 

 

- Basic and diluted

3,395,583 

3,391,208 

3,394,835 

3,391,208 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS) PER
COMMON SHARE

 

 

 

 

- Basic and diluted

 $ 0.00 

 $ (0.06)

 $ (0.07)

 $ (0.10)