EX-99.3 4 ex993.htm MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 ex993.htm
 
Exhibit 99.3

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MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

For the three and twelve months ended September 30, 2011

 
 

 
 
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
    4  
BUSINESS PROFILE AND STRATEGY
    4  
    Accelerate Direct Lending Model
    5  
    Introduce Additional New Products and Services
    5  
    Continue to Grow Canadian Operations
    5  
    Pursue International Expansion
    5  
    Selected Annual Information
    6  
OVERALL FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
    7  
    2011 Highlights and Outlook
    7  
SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
    10  
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
    10  
    Branch Count
    11  
    Revenue
    11  
    Same Branch Revenues
    14  
    Branch Operating Income
    14  
    Expenses (excluding retention payments, depreciation, amortization and class action settlements)
    15  
    Retention Payments
    15  
    Depreciation and Amortization
    16  
    Income Taxes
    16  
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
    16  
    Consumer Loans Receivable
    16  
    Normal Course Issuer Bid
    17  
    Contractual Obligations
    17  
SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS
    18  
    Fourth Quarter
    18  
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
    21  
RISK FACTORS AFFECTING PERFORMANCE
    21  
    Consumer Protection Regulations
    22  
    Legal Proceedings
    24  
    Third Party Lenders/Retention Payments
    25  
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
    26  
    Revenue Recognition
    26  
    Retention Payments
    26  
    Provisions for Loan Losses
    27  
    Stock Based Compensation
    28  
    Consumer Loans Receivable
    28  
    Income Tax Estimates and Future Income Taxes
    28  
    Long-term investments
    28  
    Amortization Policies and Useful Lives
    28  
    Intangible Assets
    29  
    Goodwill
    29  
    Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
    30  
    Leases
    30  


 
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    Contingencies
    30  
CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND PRACTICES
    30  
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUCEMENTS NOT YET ADOPTED
    30  
    International Financial Reporting Standards
    30  
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
    30  
    Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures
    30  
    Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
    31  
    Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
    31  
OUTSTANDING SHARE DATA
    31  
DIVIDENDS
    32  
OTHER
    32  
    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-looking Information
    32  
    Non-GAAP Measures
    33  
    EBITDA Reconciliation
    33  
 

 

 
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INTRODUCTION
 
The following management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) should be read in conjunction with The Cash Store Financial Services Inc.’s (“Cash Store Financial” or the “Company”) audited consolidated financial statements for the twelve and fifteen months ended September 30, 2011, and September 30, 2010 which are available at SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and at the United States Securities and Exchange Commission website (www.sec.gov).
 
All figures are presented in Canadian dollars and are reported in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.
 
This MD&A is dated as of November 16, 2011.
 
BUSINESS PROFILE AND STRATEGY
 
This section contains forward-looking statements.  See Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information located at the end of this MD&A.
 
Cash Store Financial is an alternative to traditional banks, providing short-term advances and other financial services, to serve the needs of everyday people in Canada through our two branch banners: Cash Store Financial and Instaloans.  Cash Store Financial and Instaloans act as brokers and lenders to facilitate short-term advances and to provide other financial services to income-earning consumers. We also provide a range of financial products that are not supplied by traditional financial institutions. As of September 30, 2011, we owned and operated 586 branches in nine Canadian provinces, two Canadian territories and the United Kingdom (the “UK”).  Our workforce is dynamic and we operate within a performance-based culture.  We employ approximately 2,300 associates across Canada and the UK.  Cash Store Financial is the only broker and lender of short-term advances and provider of other financial services in Canada that is publicly traded on both the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges. Cash Store Financial trades under the symbol “CSF” on the Toronto Stock Exchange and under the symbol “CSFS” on the New York Stock Exchange.
 
Our business is based on the recognition that the needs of a segment of the Canadian and UK population are not being properly serviced by traditional financial institutions. Our strategic objective is to establish Cash Store Financial and Instaloans as the provider of choice, in the jurisdictions in which we operate, for short-term advances and other financial services by offering a wide range of products, a high level of customer service and convenient locations and hours of operation.
 
In addition to meeting our customers’ needs by providing small, short-term loans which can be accessed quickly, we also offer financial product insurance, cheque cashing products, bank accounts, money transfers, pre-paid master cards, debit cards, and prepaid phone cards.
 
A key component of our long-term business strategy has been product diversification.  This strategy has and should continue to assist us in offsetting downward pressure on revenue and earnings resulting from provincially regulated rate caps on payday loans.  In the third quarter of 2010, through an agency agreement with DC Bank, a federally regulated Canadian Schedule 1 bank, we introduced a basic deposit account product. A new premium bank account product that features unlimited free cheque cashing and free on-line bill payments was introduced in late Q2 2011. Both types of account are insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation. On a national basis, consumer acceptance of both products has been high.
 

 
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Cash Store Financial’s strategic priorities are:
 
Accelerate Direct Lending Model
 
 
Reducing our cost of capital.
 
Introduce Additional New Products and Services
 
Growing existing product lines and implementation of new product initiatives
 
 
Providing superior service in relation to existing product offerings; and
 
 
Accelerating revenue growth through further new product initiatives.
 
Continue to Grow Canadian Operations
 
Driving market penetration
 
 
Maximizing the potential of our expanding branch network;
 
 
Continuing to focus on improving Branch Operating Income (“BOI”) margins for all our branches;
 
 
Continuing to educate, motivate and improve the performance of our associates through an integrated communication and training strategy that includes Cash Store Financial College, Cash Store FinancialTV and our annual President’s Forum with every branch manager; and
 
 
Providing strong leadership through in-the-field, hands-on involvement of senior management and getting back to the basics throughout the company.
 
New branch openings
 
 
Further expanding our position in the Canadian alternative financial services industry through organic growth into underserved communities based on new branch profitability or via the acquisition of existing operators.
 
Pursue International Expansion
 
 
Aggressive expansion of our network in the UK; and
 
 
Establish infrastructure in the UK to facilitate aggressive expansion.
 
Cash Store Financial has recognized its corporate responsibility to contribute to the communities in which we do business. In 2008, we partnered with the Alberta Diabetes Foundation to raise $7.5 million for research to be undertaken at the Alberta Diabetes Institute, a globally-recognized centre of research excellence. In 2010 the Company was one of 16 companies recognized with a “Roll of Honour” award by the Alberta Association of Fund Raising Executives. The “Roll of Honour” award celebrates extraordinary commitment and contributions to the non-profit sector from corporate citizens and individuals around Alberta. In calendar 2011, Cash Store Financial hosted 33 “freedom” runs across Canada.
 

 
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Selected Annual Information
 
Thousands of dollars, except for per share amounts and branch figures
 
Twelve Months Ended
   
Fifteen Months Ended
   
Twelve Months Ended
 
Consolidated results
 
September 30
   
September 30
   
June 30
 
       
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
 
No. of branches
Canada
    574       542       424  
   
United Kingdom
    12       2       -  
          586       544       424  
Revenue
                           
     Loan fees
    $ 136,623     $ 170,659     $ 122,572  
     Other income
      53,276       49,859       27,933  
          189,899       220,518       150,505  
                             
Branch expenses
                         
     Salaries and benefits
    57,576       62,265       40,634  
     Retention payments
    26,786       28,167       17,988  
     Selling, general and adminstrative
    17,518       21,673       17,326  
     Rent
        18,216       17,868       11,300  
     Advertising and promotion
    5,440       5,535       3,971  
     Provision for loan losses
    2,559       788       49  
     Depreciation of property and equipment
    6,803       7,006       4,679  
          134,898       143,302       95,947  
Branch operating income
    55,001       77,216       54,558  
                             
Regional expenses
    16,750       13,359       8,169  
Corporate expenses
    18,266       21,127       16,627  
Other amortization
    2,112       2,055       1,333  
Income before income taxes and class action settlements
    17,873       40,675       28,429  
Class action settlements
    3,206       2,915       6,910  
EBITDA *
      24,514       48,100       28,583  
Net income and comprehensive income
  $ 9,042     $ 26,464     $ 14,647  
Weighted average number of shares outstanding
                           
  - basic
        17,259       16,913       17,958  
  - diluted
      17,663       17,522       18,040  
Basic earnings per share
                       
     Income before class action settlement costs
  $ 0.71     $ 1.74     $ 1.58  
     Net income and comprehensive income
  $ 0.52     $ 1.56     $ 0.82  
Diluted earnings per share
                       
     Income before class action settlement costs
    0.69       1.68       1.58  
     Net income and comprehensive income
  $ 0.51     $ 1.51     $ 0.81  
Consolidated Balance Sheet Information
                         
Working capital
    $ 17,122     $ 14,980     $ 9,667  
Total assets
      121,839       115,045       83,796  
Total long-term liabilities
    9,082       9,882       2,959  
Total liabilities
      34,493       31,690       17,944  
Cash dividends declared per share
    0.46       0.54       0.20  
Shareholders' equity
  $ 87,346     $ 83,355     $ 65,852  

*EBITDA – earnings from operations before interest, income taxes, stock-based compensation, depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of intangible assets.
 
 
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OVERALL FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
 
2011 Highlights and Outlook
 
This section contains forward-looking statements.  See “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information” located at the end of the MD&A.
 
Thousands of dollars, except for per share amounts
 
Three Months Ended
      Twelve Months Ended    
Twelve Months Ended
   
Fifteen Months Ended
 
Consolidated results
 
September 30
   
September 30
   
September 30
   
September 30
   
September 30
 
     
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
   
2010
 
Revenue
    $ 47,181     $ 49,279     $ 189,899     $ 178,982     $ 220,518  
Branch operating income
    13,913       16,640       55,001       61,592       77,216  
Net income
                                       
 
Before class action expenses net of normalized tax
    2,035       7,682       11,277       22,867       28,508  
 
Net income and comprehensive income
    2,035       7,682       9,042       20,824       26,464  
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, class action
                                       
 
expenses and effective interest component of retention payments
    11,319       16,476       49,005       59,155       73,971  
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization
    6,207       11,132       24,514       37,375       48,100  
Diluted earnings per share
                                       
 
Before class action expenses net of normalized tax
  $ 0.12     $ 0.42     $ 0.64     $ 1.31     $ 1.63  
 
Net income and comprehensive income
  $ 0.12     $ 0.42     $ 0.51     $ 1.18     $ 1.51  
 
Net income and comprehensive income for the twelve months ended September 30, 2011, was $9.0 million (after removing class action settlement costs and related taxes was $11.3 million), compared to $20.8 million (after removing class action settlement costs and related taxes was $22.9 million) for the twelve months ended September 30, 2010.
 
Net income and comprehensive income was $26.5 million (after removing class action settlement costs and related taxes was $28.5 million) for the fifteen months ended September 30, 2010.
 
Diluted earnings per share were $0.51 for the twelve months ended September 30, 2011 ($0.64 after removing class action settlement costs and related taxes), compared to $1.18 ($1.31 after removing class action settlement costs and related taxes) for the twelve months ended September 30, 2010.  Loan volumes and loan fees were lower than anticipated leading to lower than expected earnings during the year in addition to an increase in expenditures relating to regulations and increased infrastructure costs associated with collections, future expansion in the UK and new product additions.
 
Diluted earnings per share were $1.51 ($1.63 after removing class action settlement costs and related taxes) for the fifteen months ended September 30, 2010.
 
Significant factors impacting the twelve months results as compared to the trailing twelve month results of 2010 and fifteen month results of 2010 include:
 
 
Revenue increased by 6.1% comparing the twelve months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010. For the year ended September 30, 2011 compared to the fifteen months ended September 30, 2010 overall revenue decreased by 13.9%;
 
 
Loan fees decreased slightly by 0.1% comparing the twelve months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010. The slight decrease is as a result of decreases in same branch loan volumes, same branch revenues as it relates to loan fees, rate compression in Manitoba, and Nova Scotia offset by 44 new branches. Loan fees were down 19.9% to $136.6 million for the year compared to $170.7 million for the fifteen months ended September 30, 2010 given decreases in same branch loan volumes, same branch revenues as it relates to loan fees, rate compression in Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Ontario and three fewer months of reported results given change in year-end.  The effect of rate compression reduced our rates by 4.1%, 0.8% and 3.4% in Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Ontario respectively;
 

 
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Other revenue increased by 26.2% or $11.1 million when comparing the twelve months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 reflecting continued success on our product diversification strategy.  As a percentage of total revenue, other revenue increased to 28.1% from 23.6% or a 19.0% increase when comparing the twelve month periods.When comparing the year ended September 30, 2011 to the fifteen months ended September 30, 2010 we grew other revenues by 6.9% to $53.3 million.  For the year ended September 30, 2011 other revenues was 28.1% of total revenue compared to 22.6% for the fifteen months ended September 30, 2010 or a 24.1% increase;
 
 
Loan volumes increased by 6.3% from $772.6 million comparing the twelve months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, as a result of branch openings. Loan volumes for the year ended September 30, 2011 were down 12.5% to $821.4 million as compared to the fifteen month period ended September 30, 2010 as a result of reduced volumes, rate compression in Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Ontario and three fewer months of reported results due to the change in year-end;
 
 
Earnings decreased by $4.3 million for the year as a result of a drag on earnings from new branch openings;
 
 
Retention payments increased by $3.7 million or 16.1% comparing the twelve months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 as a result of the effects of rate compression in the regulated provinces. Retention payments decreased by $1.4 million for the year ended September 30, 2011 when compared to the fifteen months ended September 30, 2010. The decrease is due to three fewer months of reported results given the change in year-end;
 
 
Provision for loan losses for on-balance sheet lending increased $1.8 million for the year ended September 30, 2011 compared to the fifteen months ended September 30, 2010 as a result of a full year’s lending compared to one quarter in the twelve months last year. Comparing the twelve months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 the provision for loan losses increased by $1.8 million;
 
 
Branch selling, general and administration (“SG&A”) increased by 1.5% when comparing the twelve months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010.  During the year and for comparative quarters certain fees that were previously recorded as an increase to SG&A have been reclassified to other income.  Branch SG&A costs decreased $4.2 million for the twelve months ended September 30, 2011 compared to the fifteen months ended September 30, 2010 given cost containment measures at the branch level and three fewer months of reported results given the change in year-end;
 
 
Corporate expenses increased by 7.6% when comparing the twelve months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 as a result of increased professional and legal fees, UK expansion costs, and increased corporate salary costs. Corporate expenses decreased by $2.9 million for the year ended September 30, 2011 when compared to the fifteen months ended September 30, 2010 due to three fewer months of reported results given the change in year-end offset by increased professional and legal fees, UK expansion, and increased corporate salary costs;
 
 
Regional expenses increased by 50.2% when comparing the twelve months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 given enhancements to collection infrastructure, a reorganization at the regional and division vice president level and infrastructure additions in both Canada and the UK. Regional expenses increased by $3.4 million for the twelve months versus the fifteen months given enhancements to collection infrastructure, a reorganization at the regional and division vice president level, infrastructure additions in both Canada and the UK offset by three fewer months of reported results given the change in year-end;
 

 
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Revenues decreased in Manitoba and Nova Scotia by $2.3 million and $578,000 respectively for the twelve months as a result of rate compression; and
 
 
Working capital increased by $2.1 million for the year ended September 30, 2011 compared to last year.
 
Our EBITDA was $24.5 million for the year ended September 30, 2011, compared to $37.4 million for the twelve months ended September 30, 2010. This decrease is due to rate compression, reduced loan volumes, increased regional and corporate infrastructure costs compared to the same period last year partially offset by increases in other revenues. EBITDA, adjusted to remove class action settlements and the effective interest component of retention payments, was $49.0 million for the year, compared to $59.2 million in the twelve month period ended September 30, 2010.
 
EBITDA for the fifteen months ended September 30, 2010 was $48.1 million. This decrease in the current year compared to the fifteen month period ended September 30, 2010 is due to the same reasons noted above for the twelve months and three fewer months of reported results given the change in the year-end periods. EBITDA, adjusted to remove class action settlements and the effective interest component of retention payments, was $74.0 million for the fifteen month period ended September 30, 2010.
 
The implementation of provincial industry rate regulations commenced in August 2009 and continued through until March 2010.  Rate regulations have been implemented in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba and Nova Scotia, representing markets in which 86% of our branches are located.  Although we have experienced a decrease in our margins as a result of provincial rate caps, we continue to view regulation as positive for the industry and critical to our long-term growth and success.  
 
Product and revenue diversification initiatives continue to generate positive results. Revenue from other services (including fees from bank accounts, financial product insurance, pre-paid master cards, debit cards, money transfers, cheque cashing and prepaid phone cards) increased to $53.3 million in the year, up $11.1 million from $42.2 million in the twelve months ended September 30, 2010.  We have made significant improvements in products and services which complement our existing product lines.  We will continue to progress towards our objectives of diversifying our revenue stream with products which enhance and augment our core products, and increasing the value generated from our existing suite of products. When comparing to the fifteen month ended September 30, 2010 our revenue from other services went up $3.4 million.
 
There has been a significant realignment of the regional and senior management structure of our operations group.  We expect that these changes will lead to strong growth in future periods. Further expansion of our infrastructure will take place in order to facilitate our aggressive growth plans in the UK.
 

 
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SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Thousands of dollars, except for per share amounts and branch figures
 
Three Months Ended
   
Twelve Months Ended
   
Twelve Months Ended
   
Fifteen Months Ended
 
Consolidated results
 
September 30
   
September 30
   
September 30
   
September 30
   
September 30
 
       
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
   
2010
 
 
No. of branches
Canada
    574       542       574       542       542  
   
United Kingdom
    12       2       12       2       2  
          586       544       586       544       544  
Loan volumes
                                         
     Loan fees included
  $ 201,720     $ 216,027     $ 821,401     $ 772,617     $ 938,483  
                                             
Revenue
                                           
     Loan fees
    $ 33,552     $ 36,195     $ 136,623     $ 136,782     $ 170,659  
     Agency fee income
    -               -       -          
     Other income
      13,629       13,084       53,276       42,200       49,859  
          47,181       49,279       189,899       178,982       220,518  
                                             
Branch expenses
                                         
     Salaries and benefits
    14,490       13,698       57,576       51,293       62,265  
     Retention payments
    6,245       6,934       26,786       23,067       28,167  
     Selling, general and administrative
    4,156       4,545       17,518       17,262       21,673  
     Rent
        4,656       4,219       18,216       14,786       17,868  
     Advertising and promotion
    1,398       1,223       5,440       4,475       5,535  
     Provision for loan losses
    580       454       2,559       756       788  
     Depreciation of property and equipment
    1,743       1,566       6,803       5,751       7,006  
          33,268       32,639       134,898       117,390       143,302  
Branch operating income
    13,913       16,640       55,001       61,591       77,216  
                                             
Regional expenses
    4,523       2,358       16,749       11,149       13,359  
Corporate expenses
    5,177       5,026       18,266       16,972       21,127  
Other depreciation and amortization
    570       13       2,112       1,484       2,054  
Income before income taxes and class action settlements
    3,643       9,243       17,874       31,987       40,676  
Class action settlements
    -       -       3,206       2,915       2,915  
EBITDA *
      6,207       11,132       24,514       37,375       48,100  
Net income and comprehensive income
  $ 2,035     $ 7,682     $ 9,042     $ 20,824     $ 26,464  
Weighted average number of shares
                                       
     outstanding - basic
    17,407       17,071       17,259       16,938       16,913  
diluted
        17,643       17,533       17,663       17,547       17,522  
Basic earnings per share
                                       
     Income before class action settlement costs net of taxes
  $ 0.12     $ 0.44     $ 0.64     $ 1.35     $ 1.69  
     Net income and comprehensive income
  $ 0.12     $ 0.44     $ 0.52     $ 1.22     $ 1.56  
Diluted earnings per share
                                       
     Income before class action settlement costs net of taxes
  $ 0.12     $ 0.42     $ 0.64     $ 1.31     $ 1.63  
     Income from continuing operations
            0.31               0.62       0.62  
     Loss from discontinued operations
            -                          
     Net income and comprehensive income
  $ 0.12     $ 0.42     $ 0.51     $ 1.18     $ 1.51  
Consolidated Balance Sheet Information
                                       
Working capital
    $ 17,122     $ 14,980     $ 17,122     $ 14,980     $ 14,980  
Total assets
      121,839       115,045       121,839       115,045       115,045  
Total long-term liabilities
    9,082       9,882       9,082       9,882       9,882  
Total liabilities
      34,493       31,690       34,493       31,690       31,690  
Shareholders' equity
  $ 87,346     $ 83,355     $ 87,346     $ 83,355     $ 83,355  
*EBITDA – earnings from operations before interest, income taxes, stock-based compensation, depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of intangible assets.
 
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
 
This analysis provides an overview of our financial results for the twelve months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the fifteen months ended September 30, 2010. Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the presentation adopted for the current period. Specifically, certain amounts that were previously recorded within SG&A expense have been reclassified to other income for all periods presented.
 

 
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Branch Count
 
This section contains forward-looking statements.  See “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information” located at the end of the MD&A.
 
At September 30, 2011 we had a total of 586 branches in operation, an increase of 42 branches, compared to 544 branches at the end of the last year. During the year, 44 new branches were opened, one branch was acquired and three branches were consolidated. Branch performance continues to be monitored and branch consolidations will occur when efficiencies can be achieved.
GRAPHIC
 
We increased our net number of branches by 42 over the year as compared to 93 over the twelve month period ended September 30, 2010 or 120 branches over the fifteen months ended September 30, 2010.  For the year ended September 30, 2011 we consolidated three branches compared to six branches for the fifteen month period last year. We reached our goal of having 12 branches in the UK by the end of this year.  
 
Material factors that determine the number of branch openings include availability of suitable locations with suitable lease terms, branch performance within similar areas and favorable market rates. In the coming year, we will be aggressively growing our branch network in the UK. We anticipate adding minimal branches next year in Canada.
 
Revenue
 
For the year ended September 30, 2011, revenues increased by $10.9 million to $189.9 million or 6.1% as compared to the twelve months ended 2010 which is mainly due to record other revenue.  Loan volumes were $821.4 million in the year, up 6.3% from $772.6 million for the twelve months last year.  Loan fees for the year were down slightly by 0.1% to $136.6 million compared to $136.8 million for the twelve month period last year.  The slight decrease is as a result of decreases in same branch loan volumes, same branch revenues as it relates to loan fees, rate compression in Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Ontario offset by 44 new branches.

 
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GRAHIC


As compared to the fifteen months ended September 30, 2011, revenues were down 13.9% compared to $220.5 million.  Loan volumes were $821.4 million in the year, down 12.5% from $938.5 million for the fifteen months last year.  Loan fees for the year were down 19.9% to $136.6 million compared to $170.7 million for the fifteen month period last year.  The loan fees were down in the year as a result of decreased loan volumes, rate compression and three fewer months of reported results given the change in year-end.
 
The implementation of cost of borrowing rate caps commenced in August 2009 and continued through until April 2011.  The following cost of borrowing rate caps are currently in place: Nova Scotia - $25 per hundred dollars loaned; British Columbia - $23 per hundred dollars loaned; Ontario - $21 per hundred dollars loaned; Manitoba - $17 per hundred dollars loaned; Alberta - $23 per hundred dollars loaned. We had an average loan fee of $25.30 per hundred dollars loaned prior to regulations. For the twelve and fifteen months year ended September 30, 2010, our average loan fee earned per hundred dollars loaned was $20.30. For the year ended September 30, 2011, our average loan fees earned per hundred dollars was $19.70.  This equates to a 3% reduction in loan fees earned.
 
The table below illustrates branch aging categories by year opened (twelve versus twelve months).
 
(Thousands of dollars, except branch figures)
   
Revenues
         
Average Revenue per Branch per Quarter
 
Year
Opened
   
Number of
Branches
   
Report
Name
   
September 30,
2010
   
%
Change
   
Report
Name
   
September 30,
2010
 
  2001 *     94     $ 35,402     $ 38,617       -8 %   $ 94     $ 103  
  2002       13       6,367       7,274       -12 %     122       140  
  2003       35       15,351       16,374       -6 %     110       117  
  2004       52       20,762       21,941       -5 %     100       105  
  2005       66       24,777       25,989       -5 %     94       98  
  2006       50       17,945       19,020       -6 %     90       95  
  2007 **     37       12,083       9,943       22 %     82       67  
  2008       34       10,367       11,081       -6 %     76       81  
  2009       48       12,340       11,567       7 %     64       60  
  2010       112       26,900       15,093       78 %     60       34  
  2011       45       5,732       -       100 %     32       -  
          586       188,026       176,899       6 %   $ 80     $ 75  
Consolidation of branches
      128       880                          
Other
              1,745       1,203                          
Continuing operations
    $ 189,899     $ 178,982                          
 
* Instaloans branches were acquired by Cash Store Financial on April 22, 2005; they have been operating since 2001.
 
** EZ Cash branches were acquired by Cash Store Financial on April 26, 2010; they have been assumed on average to be operating since 2007.
 
Set forth below is a breakdown of our revenue that can be attributed to payday loans, segregated by loans internally originated and loans generated by third-party lenders. Types of revenue that can be attributed to the generation of payday loans include brokerage and loan fees, interest income and default fees.  For the year ended September 30, 2011, the following table summarizes the allocation of types of revenue segregated between internally originated loans and third-party funded loans:

 
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GRAHIC


   
Third Party Funded
   
Internally
       
(thousands of dollars)
 
Loan
   
Originated Loan
   
Total
 
Loan fees
    126,681       9,943       136,623  
Interest
    -       523       523  
Default fees
    3,429       150       3,579  
 
Loan volumes related to internally originated loans increased to $41.4 million in the year from $7.9 million in the twelve month period last year.
 
For the fifteen month period ended September 30, 2010, the following table summarizes the allocation of types of revenue segregated between internally originated loans and third-party funded loans:
 
   
Third Party Funded
   
Internally
       
(thousands of dollars)
 
Loan
   
Originated Loan
   
Total
 
Loan fees
    169,363       1,297       170,659  
Interest
    -       23       23  
Default fees
    2,011       121       2,131  
 
The following table depicts the split between loan fees, agency fees, and other revenues:
 
(thousands of dollars)
 
Three Months Ended
   
Three Months Ended
   
Twelve Months Ended
   
Twelve Months Ended
 
   
September 30 2011
   
September 30 2010
   
September 30 2011
   
September 30 2010
 
Loan fees
  $ 33,552.00     $ 36,195.00     $ 136,623.00     $ 136,782.00  
Agency fees
    12,308.00       9,916.00       46,809.00       31,472.00  
Other
    1,321.00       3,168.00       6,467.00       10,728.00  
Total Revenue
  $ 47,181.00     $ 49,279.00     $ 189,899.00     $ 17,982.00  
 
When comparing the twelve months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 overall loan fees decreased slightly by 0.1% given the decreases in same branch revenues as it relates to loan fees offset by the increased number of branches in operation during fiscal 2011.  For the twelve months ended September 30, 2011, loan fees were $136.6 million compared to $170.7 million for the fifteen months ended September 30 2010.  The decline was due to three fewer months of reported results given change in year-end, decreases in same branch revenues as it relates to loan fees and decreases in same branch loan volumes.
 
Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the presentation adopted for the current period. Specifically, certain amounts previously recorded within SG&A expense have been reclassified to other income for all periods presented.
 
Revenue from other services (including fees from bank accounts, financial product insurance, pre-paid master cards, debit cards, money transfers, cheque cashing and prepaid phone cards) for the year was $53.3 million, up 26.2% from $42.2 million for the same period last year.  Agency fee income has increased significantly as a result of the introduction of new products and other product enhancements namely bank accounts. These new products and enhancements are part of our long-term strategy to diversify revenue streams by providing our customers with a broader suite of financial services and products. Other revenue increased 6.9% or 28.1% of total revenue, up from $49.9 million or 22.6% of revenue as compared to the fifteen month period ended September 30, 2010.
 

 
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GRAHIC


The most significant components of “other” revenue were agency fees at $46.8 million in the year, which represented 87.9% of other revenue for the year or a 17.8% increase in the year. Compared to the twelve month period last year, agency fees were $42.2 million or 74.6% of other revenue. Agency fees include fees earned from the provision of debit and prepaid credit cards and all other agency fees we earn from financial product insurance, money transfers and prepaid phone cards.  The largest contributor to the increase was the introduction of bank accounts being offered to our customers. For the year, 99% of customers who secured a loan also purchased one or more of the following optional financial services: bank accounts, financial product insurance, pre-paid master cards, and/or debit cards, which is similar to the twelve and fifteen months ended September 30, 2010.
 
For the fifteen month period last year, agency fees were $36.7 million or 73.6% of other revenue.  As a percentage of other revenue, these agency fees increased 19.3% in the year.
 
In the year ended September 30, 2011, the average loan size was $492 compared to $469 per loan for the twelve and fifteen month period last year.
 
Due to the seasonal nature of our business, we anticipate revenues will decrease next quarter as compared to the current quarter.
 
Same Branch Revenues
 
Same branch revenues for the 445 locations open since October 1, 2009 decreased by 5.1% as compared to the same twelve month period last year, with same branch revenues averaging $356,250 in the year compared to $375,400 in the same period last year. Same branch revenues decreased as a result of rate compression in Alberta, Manitoba and Nova Scotia and a drop in same branch loan volumes.  The corresponding decreases in same branch revenues for Alberta, Manitoba and Nova Scotia in total were $2.0 million, $2.8 million and $535,000 respectively in the year.
 
Also, same branch revenue, as it relates to the brokering of loans, was down 10.9% for the year as a result of loan fee rate compression in Alberta, Manitoba and Nova Scotia coupled with decreased loan volumes. The corresponding decreases in total same branch revenue, as it relates to the brokering of loans in Alberta, Manitoba and Nova Scotia were $3.2 million, $3.4 million and $710,000 respectively for the year ended September 30, 2011.
 
Branch Operating Income
 
BOI in the year was $55.0 million (29.0% of revenue), compared to $61.6 million (34.4% of revenue) for the twelve months ended September 30, 2010. BOI was $77.2 million (35.0% of revenue) for the fifteen month period last year.
 
BOI was down as a percentage of revenue as a result of decreased same branch revenues, increases in expenses due to the opening of 44 new branches adding to the drag on earnings, and provision for loan losses. The decreased margins and increased expenses have been partially offset by positive trending in revenues from other services.
 

 
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GRAHIC


BOI, by maturity level is outlined below (twelve months versus twelve months):
 
(Thousands of dollars, except branch figures)
   
BOI (Loss)
   
BOI % of Revenues
 
Year
Opened
   
Number of
 Branches
   
September 30,
2011
   
September 30,
2010
   
September 30,
2011
   
September 30,
2010
 
  2001 *     94     $ 14,915     $ 17,138       42.1 %     44.40 %
  2002       13       2,905       3,332       45.6 %     45.80 %
  2003       35       7,393       7,521       48.2 %     45.90 %
  2004       52       9,111       9,179       43.9 %     41.80 %
  2005       66       9,993       10,016       40.3 %     38.50 %
  2006       50       6,804       7,253       37.9 %     38.10 %
  2007 **     37       4,693       3,738       38.8 %     37.60 %
  2008       34       4,070       4,226       39.3 %     38.10 %
  2009       48       1,381       1,090       11.2 %     9.40 %
  2010       112       (3,270 )     (2,121 )     -12.2 %     -14.10 %
  2011       45       (2,585 )     2       -45.1 %     -  
          586       55,410       61,374                  
    Branches not yet open
      (33 )     (70 )                
    Consolidation of branches
      (104 )     (122 )                
    Other
      (272 )     409                  
Branch Operating Income
    $ 55,001     $ 61,591                  
 
* Instaloans branches were acquired by Cash Store Financial on April 22, 2005; they have been operating since 2001.
 
** EZ Cash branches were acquired by Cash Store Financial on April 26, 2010; they have been assumed on average to be operating since 2007.
 
Expenses (excluding retention payments, depreciation, amortization and class action settlements)
 
Expenses increased by $19.6 million or 16.8% given the addition of 44 new branches, increased professional fees, increased collection infrastructure costs, increased provision for loan losses for on-balance sheet lending, an increase in regional and corporate infrastructure costs and costs associated with expanding into the UK when comparing the twelve months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010.  Expenses in the year have decreased to $136.3 million, compared to $142.6 million for the fifteen month period last year. The decrease is primarily due to three fewer months of reported results given change in the year-end periods which offset the addition of 44 new branches, increased professional fees, collection fees, increased provision for loan losses for on-balance sheet lending, an increase in regional and corporate infrastructure costs and costs associated with expanding into the UK.
 
Retention Payments
 
Third-party lender retention payments for the year totalled $26.8 million (3.3% of loans brokered), compared to $23.1 million (3.0% of loans brokered) for the twelve months ended September 30, 2010. Retention payments as a percentage of loan fees have increased to 19.6% in the year ended September 30, 2011, compared to 16.9% in the twelve month period last year. The increases as a percentage of loan fees and loans brokered are primarily as a result of rate compression. In the fifteen months ended September 30, 2010, retention payments were $28.2 million (3.0% of loans brokered). As a percentage of loan fees, retention payments have increased to 16.5% in the fifteen month period last year.
 

 
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GRAHIC


Depreciation and Amortization
 
Depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of intangible assets for the year totalled $8.9 million, compared to $7.2 million in the twelve month period ended September 30, 2010 and $9.1 million in the fifteen month period last year. Amortization increased for the year as compared to the twelve month period last year as a result of 44 new branches and a large scale refresh program for our mature branches.
 
Income Taxes
 
Our effective tax rate was 38.3% in the year, compared to 28.4% for the twelve month period last year and 29.9% for the fifteen month period last year. The effective tax rate is higher than the statutory tax rate of 28.0% due to adjustments for prior year immaterial errors.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
Our cash decreased by $348,000 to $19.3 million at September 30, 2011 compared to $19.6 million as of September 30, 2010.  Our cash, excluding restricted cash, decreased by $3.6 million to $13.0 million at September 30, 2011 compared to $16.7 million as of September 30, 2010. Significant items impacting cash in the year ended September 30, 2011 included:
 
 
Cash generated from operating activities, before non-cash operating items, of $20.4 million;
 
 
A $2.9 million increase in amounts due from suppliers, $2.4 million increase in prepaids, $2.0 million decrease in income taxes payable offset by a $2.8 million increase in amounts due third party lenders;
 
 
A $3.3 million increase in cash restricted for class action settlements. Subsequent to year-end all funds segregated for the BC class action were transferred to a third party administrator;
 
 
Property and equipment and intangible asset expenditures of $10.0 million;
 
 
Cash required for on balance sheet lending of $2.9 million;
 
 
Dividend payments of $7.9 million; and
 
 
Issuance of common shares for proceeds from exercised options and warrants of $2.1 million.
 
At September 30, 2011, our working capital position totalled $17.1 million compared to $15.0 million as at September 30, 2010. We expect our cash to decrease in the future due to growth in our UK consumer loans receivable.
 
Consumer Loans Receivable
 
During the year, we increased our overall consumer loans receivable balance to $4.8 million from $4.5 million in the prior year. We internally originated all our loans in the UK.  Given our strategy of growth in the UK we expect amounts due from consumers will increase substantially in the coming year.
 
The benefit to us of originating loans is to reduce our cost of capital, thereby increasing our profitability. The most significant risk related to originating loans is that we assume the risk of default.
 

 
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GRAHIC


The aging of customer loans receivable is as follows:
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Consumer loans receivable, net of allowance for consumer loan losses
           
Current
  $ 2,176     $ 3,410  
1-30 days past due date
    856       992  
31-60 days past due date
    531       306  
61-90 days past due date
    417       119  
Greater than 90 days past due date
    3,584       144  
Consumer loans receivable
    7,564       4,971  
Allowance for consumer loan losses
    (2,783 )     (511 )
    $ 4,781     $ 4,460  
 
Due to certain banking process and collection restrictions we were unable to effectively process collections on accounts in the UK.  These issues were resolved on August 25, 2011.

On average, for internally originated loans 60.2% of our customers or $24.9 million of payday cash advances were paid in full on or before their due date for the year ended September 30, 2011 as compared to 49.1% of our customers or $3.9 million for the fifteen months ended September 30, 2010.
Normal Course Issuer Bid
 
On June 30, 2009, we announced our intention to make a normal course issuer bid (“Bid”) to purchase, through the facilities of the Toronto Stock Exchange, certain of our outstanding common shares. We repurchased no common shares (fifteen months ended September 30, 2010 - 387,799 common shares) during the year ended September 30, 2011 (at a cost of $3.3 million for the fifteen months ended September 30, 2010). Common shares purchased pursuant to the Bid were cancelled.
 
Contractual Obligations
 
Our contractual obligations over the next five years and thereafter are summarized in the table below. For additional information, see Notes 15 and 20 (a) of our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2011:
 
Payments due by Period
(amounts in thousands of $CAN)
Contractual Obligations
Total
Less than 1 year
1-3 years
3-5 years
More than 5 years
Capital (Finance) Lease Obligations
$1,443
$750
$693
$ -
$ -
Operating Lease Obligations
85,662
19,981
44,090
5,042
16,548
Total:
$87,905
$20,731
$44,783
$5,042
$16,548


 
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GRAHIC


SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS
 
The financial results for each of the last eight quarters are summarized in the following table.
 
In general, more recent results have been negatively impacted by rate compression in the regulated provinces partially offset by growth in other revenue. There was an increase in overall revenues over prior periods due to our strategy of diversifying our other revenue. Branch expenses and overall expenses have also steadily increased due to an increased number of branches in operation and costs associated with growth in the UK, adding infrastructure at the regional and corporate levels, increased professional and legal fees related to regulatory matters, class actions, and other lawsuits, and continued costs associated with the class action settlements.
 
From a seasonality perspective, we believe that our revenues are generally stronger in the third and fourth quarters followed by the first and second quarter. In addition, quarterly results of operations are impacted by the number and timing of new branch openings.
 
(thousands of dollars, except for per share amounts
and branch figures)
       2011        
2010
             
September 30
 
          Q4       Q3       Q2       Q1       Q5       Q4       Q3       Q2       2011       2010  
Consolidated Results
                                                                                 
 
No. of branches
Canada
    574       574       573       566       542       523       489       469       574       542  
   
United Kingdom
    12       8       6       4       2       2       -       -       12       2  
          586       582       579       570       544       525       489       469       586       544  
                                                                                     
Loan volumes
                                                                                   
    Loan fees included
  $ 201,720     $ 204,616     $ 198,775     $ 216,290     $ 216,027     $ 205,659     $ 178,826     $ 172,105     $ 821,401     $ 772,617  
    Regulated definition (excluding loan fee upon
       regulation)
    168,641       172,602       167,327       182,031       184,110       174,902       157,653       164,819       690,601       681,484  
    Loan fees excluded in regulated provinces
  $ 168,641     $ 172,602     $ 167,327     $ 182,031     $ 181,071     $ 172,043     $ 149,357     $ 141,851     $ 690,601     $ 644,322  
                                                                                     
    Revenue
                                                                                   
       Loan fees
    $ 33,552     $ 33,944     $ 32,813     $ 36,314     $ 36,195     $ 35,161     $ 31,308     $ 34,118     $ 136,623     $ 136,782  
   Other income
      13,629       14,983       13,246       11,418       13,084       11,699       9,351       8,066       53,276       42,200  
          47,181       48,927       46,059       47,732       49,279       46,860       40,659       42,184       189,899       178,982  
    Branch expenses
                                                                                 
       Salaries and benefits
    14,490       14,591       14,113       14,382       13,698       13,695       12,206       11,694       57,576       51,293  
       Selling, general and administrative
    4,156       4,486       4,681       4,195       4,545       4,361       4,242       4,114       17,518       17,262  
       Rent
        4,656       4,589       4,566       4,405       4,219       3,780       3,480       3,307       18,216       14,786  
       Advertising and promotion
    1,398       1,313       1,303       1,426       1,223       1,170       1,023       1,059       5,440       4,475  
       Provision for loan losses
    580       662       654       663       454       200       86       16       2,559       756  
       Depreciation of property and equipment
    1,743       1,713       1,687       1,660       1,566       1,477       1,374       1,334       6,803       5,751  
          33,268       34,128       33,582       33,920       32,639       30,516       27,711       26,524       134,898       117,390  
    Branch operating income
    13,913       14,799       12,477       13,811       16,640       16,344       12,948       15,660       55,001       61,592  
    Regional expenses
    4,523       4,169       3,863       4,194       2,358       3,173       2,864       2,754       16,748       11,149  
    Corporate expenses
    5,177       4,795       4,255       4,039       5,026       4,513       3,703       3,730       18,266       16,972  
    Other depreciation and amortization
    570       455       547       540       13       405       279       787       2,112       1,484  
    Net income before income taxes and class
       action settlements
    3,643       5,380       3,812       5,038       9,243       8,253       6,102       8,389       17,874       31,987  
    Class action settlements
    -       3,206       -       -       -       100       2,715       100       3,206       2,915  
    EBITDA*
      6,207       4,547       6,260       7,500       11,132       10,325       5,275       10,643       24,514       37,375  
Net income and comprehensive income
  $ 2,035     $ 1,155     $ 2,500     $ 3,352     $ 7,682     $ 5,476     $ 2,199     $ 5,467     $ 9,042     $ 20,824     
    Basic earnings per share
                                                                               
       Before class action expenses net of
          normalized tax
  $ 0.12     $ 0.19     $ 0.15     $ 0.20     $ 0.44     $ 0.33     $ 0.23     $ 0.34     $ 0.66     $ 1.35  
       Net income and comprehensive income
  $ 0.12     $ 0.07     $ 0.15     $ 0.20     $ 0.44     $ 0.32       0.13     $ 0.33     $ 0.52     $ 1.22     
    Diluted earnings per share
                                                                               
       Before class action expenses net of
          normalized tax
  $ 0.12     $ 0.19     $ 0.14     $ 0.19     $ 0.42     $ 0.31     $ 0.23     $ 0.32     $ 0.64     $ 1.31  
       Net income and comprehensive income
  $ 0.12     $ 0.07     $ 0.14     $ 0.19     $ 0.42     $ 0.31     $ 0.13     $ 0.32     $ 0.51     $ 1.18  
 
*EBITDA – earnings from operations before interest, income taxes, stock-based compensation, depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of intangible assets.
 
Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the presentation adopted for the current period. Specifically, certain amounts previously recorded within SG&A expense have been reclassified to other income for all periods presented.
 
Fourth Quarter
 
The fourth quarter of 2011 (July 1, 2011 to September 30, 2011) is used as the comparison to the fifth quarter of 2010 (July 1, 2010 to September 30, 2010) as they are comprised of the same calendar months.
 
Significant factors impacting the fourth quarter include:
 
 
Reductions in overall revenue of 4.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period last year due to a decrease in same branch revenues as it relates to loans fees. Revenue decreased in Manitoba by $883,000 in the quarter;
 

 
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GRAHIC


 
Loan fees were down 7.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2011, at $33.6 million compared to $36.2 million in the same period last year given decreases in same branch loan volumes, same branch revenues as it relates to loan fees and some rate compression in Nova Scotia.  The effect of rate compression reduced our rates by 21.6% in Nova Scotia;
 
 
Growth in other income of 4.2% to $13.6 million for the three months period ended September 30, 2011 when compared to the same period last year.  As a percentage of total revenue, other income increased to 28.9% from 26.6% or an 8.8% increase for the quarter.  Agency fee income was up $24.1% or $2.4 million in the quarter offset by decreases in other revenue of $1.8 million;
 
 
Loan volumes for the three months ended September 30, 2011 were down 6.6% to $201.7 million;
 
 
Earnings decreased by $476,000 in the quarter as a result of a drag on earnings from branches opened less than one year;
 
 
Retention payments decreased by $689,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2011 compared to the same period last year;
 
 
Provision for loan losses for on-balance sheet lending increased by $126,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 compared to the same period last year;
 
 
Branch SG&A costs decreased $389,000 as a result of cost containment measures for the fourth quarter compared to the same period last year;
 
 
Regional expenses increased by $2.2 million related to increased collection related costs, a reorganization at the regional and division vice president level, enhancement of collection infrastructure and infrastructure additions in the UK;
 
 
Corporate expenses increased by $151,000 in the quarter due to the UK expansion and increased corporate salary costs as a result of infrastructure additions in marketing, training and new product development, increased director costs and increased legal fees;and
 
 
Working capital increased by $687,000 in the quarter compared to last year.
 
Our EBITDA was $6.2 million for the quarter, compared to $11.1 million for the same period last year.  This decrease in the current quarter is due to rate compression, reduce loan volumes, and increased regional and corporate infrastructure costs compared to the same period last year partially offset by increases in other revenues.
 
Net income for the quarter decreased to $2.0 million, compared to $7.7 million for the fifth quarter of 2010.  Diluted earnings per share for the quarter were $0.12 per share ($0.12 basic), compared to $0.42 per share ($0.44 basic) for the fifth quarter of 2010.
 

 
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GRAHIC


BOI for the quarter, by maturity level, is outlined below:
 
(Thousands of dollars, except branch figures)
   
BOI (Loss)
   
BOI % of Revenues
 
Year
Opened
   
Number of
Branches
   
September 30
2011
   
September 30
 2010
   
September 30
2011
   
September 30
2010
 
  2001 *     94     $ 3,502     $ 4,798       40.9 %     48.5 %
  2002       13       756       997       47.9 %     52.4 %
  2003       35       1,834       2,120       49.9 %     50.2 %
  2004       52       2,125       2,429       42.5 %     43.2 %
  2005       66       2,447       2,855       40.9 %     42.0 %
  2006       50       1,583       1,864       37.0 %     38.4 %
  2007 **     37       1,219       1,222       41.1 %     38.1 %
  2008       34       1,039       1,308       41.1 %     45.1 %
  2009       48       437       290       14.1 %     9.2 %
  2010       112       (552 )     (1,162 )     -8.0 %     -19.2 %
  2011       45       (796 )     -       -35.4 %     -  
          586       13,594       16,721                  
    Branches not yet open
      (13 )     (64 )                
    Consolidation of branches
      (3 )     (48 )                
    Other
      335       31                  
Branch Operating Income
    $ 13,913     $ 16,640                  
 
* Instaloans branches were acquired by Cash Store Financial on April 22, 2005; they have been operating since 2001.
 
** EZ Cash branches were acquired by Cash Store Financial on April 26, 2010; they have been assumed on average to be operating since 2007.
 
BOI has decreased 16.4% to $13.9 million in the quarter compared to $16.6 million in the fifth quarter of 2010.  The decrease was caused by rate compression, decreased loan volumes and same branch revenues and increased drag on earnings from new branches.
 
Revenue for the quarter decreased to $47.2 million, compared to $49.3 million for the fifth quarter of 2010 due to rate compression and decreases in same branch revenues.
 
(Thousands of dollars, except branch figures)
   
Revenues
         
Average Revenue per Branch per Month
 
Year
Opened
   
Number of
Branches
   
September 30
2011
   
September 30
2010
   
%
Change
   
September 30
2011
   
September 30
2010
 
  2001 *     94     $ 8,572     $ 9,896       -13 %   $ 30     $ 35  
  2002       13       1,577       1,901       -17 %     40       49  
  2003       35       3,676       4,221       -13 %     35       40  
  2004       52       5,000       5,617       -11 %     32       36  
  2005       66       5,981       6,793       -12 %     30       34  
  2006       50       4,279       4,854       -12 %     29       32  
  2007 **     37       2,966       3,206       -7 %     27       29  
  2008       34       2,531       2,901       -13 %     25       28  
  2009       48       3,091       3,166       -2 %     21       22  
  2010       112       6,888       6,064       14 %     21       18  
  2011       45       2,249       -       100 %     17       -  
          586       46,810       48,619       -4 %   $ 27     $ 28  
    Consolidation of branches
      -       174                          
    Other
              371       486                          
Continuing operations
    $ 47,181     $ 49,279                          
 
* Instaloans branches were acquired by Cash Store Financial on April 22, 2005; they have been operating since 2001.
 
** EZ Cash branches were acquired by Cash Store Financial on April 26, 2010; they have been assumed on average to be operating since 2007.
 
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GRAHIC


Loan fees for the three months ended September 30, 2011 decreased to $33.6 million from $36.2 million in the same period last year, as a result of a decrease in same branch loan volumes and rate compression of 21.6% in Nova Scotia.
 
Same branch revenues for the 522 locations open since the beginning of July 2010 for the three month period, decreased by 9.7% compared to the same period last year, with same branch revenue averaging $83,800 this period compared to $92,700 in the same period last year. Same branch revenues decreased as a result of rate compression and decreased loan volumes partially offset by improvements in other revenue. Same branch revenues, as it relates to the brokering of loans were down 13.2% in the quarter.
 
Loans brokered for the quarter, were $201.7 million and averaged $501 per loan, compared to $216.0 million and an average of $474 per loan for the three months ended September 30, 2010.
 
Expenses for the quarter totalled $35.0 million, compared to $31.5 million in the fifth quarter of 2010. These increased costs are due to increases in the number of branches, infrastructure additions at the regional, corporate levels and in the UK along with increased costs associated with provincial regulations and legal matters. Retention payments totalled $6.2 million in the quarter, compared to $6.9 million in the fifth quarter of fiscal 2010. The depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of intangible assets was $2.3 million.
 
Our effective tax rate was 44.0% for the quarter, compared to 16.9% for the fifth quarter of fiscal 2010. The effective tax rate is higher than the statutory tax rate of 28.0% due to adjustments for prior year immaterial errors.
 
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
We own 18.3% of the outstanding common shares of The Cash Store Australia Holdings Inc. (“AUC”). Included in other receivables as of September 30, 2011, was a $16,000 (September 30, 2010 - $7,000) receivable from AUC.  We entered into an interim service agreement with AUC to provide ongoing services such as financial, accounting and HR support and contracts administrative services, and the use of our IT and telecommunication systems. Included in SG&A expenses is a recovery of $363,000 (September 30, 2010 - $362,000) related to these services.  These transactions were subject to normal trade terms and were measured at the actual exchange amount. Amounts due are non-interest bearing, unsecured and have no specified terms of repayment. Certain employees, directors, and officers have an ownership in AUC.
 
We own 15.7% of the outstanding common shares of RTF Financial Holdings Inc. (RTF). We entered into an interim service agreement with RTF to provide ongoing services such as financial and accounting support and contracts administrative services.  Included in SG&A expenses is a recovery of $240,000 (September 30, 2010 - $120,000) relating to these services. These transactions were subject to normal trade terms and were measured at the actual exchange amount.  We have a $45,000 (September 30, 2010 - $485,000) receivable from RTF. Amounts due are non-interest bearing, unsecured and have no specified terms of repayment. Certain employees, directors, and officers have an ownership in RTF.
 
RISK FACTORS AFFECTING PERFORMANCE
 
Our financial and operational performance is potentially affected by a number of factors including, but not limited to, changing consumer protection regulations, industry and company specific class action lawsuits, access to third-party lenders and other issues described in our most recent Annual Information Form (“AIF”).  A more detailed discussion of our risk factors is presented in our most recent AIF filed with the securities regulatory authorities on SEDAR (www.sedar.com). Our Risk Management department works continually to assess and mitigate the impact of potential risks to our stakeholders.

 
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GRAHIC


Consumer Protection Regulations
 
“Consumer protection measures” relates broadly to two categories of regulation: 1) measures that restrict rates or fees that may be charged both in respect of a loan and regarding other services or fees that may be charged in relation to a payday loan or related services; and 2) general business practices issues which would include, for example, prohibitions on rollovers, concurrent loans, maximum allowable loans based on a percentage of a customer’s net income and certain collection practices.  These measures vary considerably from one jurisdiction to the next.  Rates are generally structured as a maximum allowable charge per $100 loaned.  Interest may be charged up to a regulated maximum amount when a loan is in default.  This maximum varies by jurisdiction but in no jurisdiction does it exceed 59% per annum.  Some jurisdictions restrict the amount that may be charged when a customer’s cheque or pre-authorized debit is dishonored.
 
The following rate caps are currently in effect:  Nova Scotia - $25 per hundred dollars loaned; British Columbia - $23 per hundred dollars loaned; Ontario - $21 per hundred dollars loaned; Manitoba - $17 per hundred dollars loaned; and Alberta - $23 per hundred dollars loaned.  Newfoundland has announced that it does not intend to implement industry specific consumer protection legislation.  In October 2011 Saskatchewan received a federal designation that will facilitate implementation of new consumer protection measures, including a rate cap of $23 per hundred dollars loaned. We anticipate that these measures will be implemented in Saskatchewan early in calendar year 2012.  The provinces of New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island have passed legislation to facilitate the implementation of rate caps and other industry specific consumer protection measures; however, at this stage it remains difficult to specify expected rates for these provinces or when these provinces will actually implement rate caps or other consumer protection measures.   All Canadian jurisdictions that have implemented industry specific consumer protection measures appear to be committed to facilitating a competitive industry. Below is a summary of rate caps per province:
 
 
Rate
 
 
per
Date enacted or
 
$100
anticipated
Nova Scotia
25
April 1, 2011
British Columbia
23
November 18, 2009
Ontario
21
December 15, 2009
Alberta
23
March 1, 2010
Manitoba
17
October 18, 2010
Saskatchewan
23
Early calender 2012
 
Restrictions on the size and duration of a payday loan are uniformly applied in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Nova Scotia. Specifically, a payday loan is defined by statute or regulation as a loan of $1,500 or less for a period of 62 days or less. Saskatchewan restricts loan sizes to a maximum of $1,000.  Saskatchewan is expected to adopt the previously described definition of a payday loan, if new regulations are implemented in 2012 as anticipated.  Similar restrictions do not exist in the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland.

 
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GRAHIC


In the first quarter of fiscal 2011, the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board conducted administrative hearings to review the rate cap of $31 per hundred dollars loaned that was in force in that province at that time.   As of April 1, 2011 the new rate cap in Nova Scotia is $25 per hundred dollars loaned. 
 
On November 9, 2010, Consumer Protection BC issued a compliance order requiring Cash Store Financial to: (i) reimburse all borrowers with loan agreements negotiated with Cash Store Financial and its subsidiaries between November 1, 2009, and November 9, 2010, the amount charged, required or accepted in relation to the issuance of a cash card; (ii) provide the option to any borrower negotiating a loan agreement with Cash Store Financial and its subsidiaries, of receiving a cheque, cash or some other financial instrument which provides the loan proceeds to the borrower at the time the loan agreement is negotiated; and, (iii) make a payment of $4,006 in respect of costs.
 
The Company has formally disputed certain findings upon which this compliance order was based, and on December 9, 2010 filed a Request for Redetermination.  The basis of our submission is that Cash Store Financial does not issue and has never issued cash cards to its customers. Rather, customers are issued cash cards by an arms-length third party.  This arms-length third party is a federally regulated Canadian Schedule I bank.  Cash Store Financial is not a party to any agreements in respect of cash cards.  All contracts in respect of cash cards are directly between individuals and the arms-length third party. Through agreements with an arms-length third party, Cash Store Financial’s customers are given the option, following the completion of a loan agreement offered or arranged by Cash Store Financial, of receiving a cash card and related services from an arms-length third party. All fees associated with the issuance of these cash cards accrue directly to an arms-length third party. Customers also have the option of receiving their loan proceeds by way of a cheque.
 
We anticipate no material impact from the determination. Consumer Protection BC has advised us they will reconsider their original determination.
 
On May 10, 2011, Service Alberta issued an Interim Order (the “Order”) directing Cash Store Financial to cease certain practices. Pursuant to minor adjustments to our sales processes and compliance systems and ongoing discussions with officials in the Office of the Director of Fair Trade, we consider this matter to be resolved.  The Government of Alberta had stated in the Order that it had been based on allegations that unfair lending activities were being practiced by Cash Store Financial.  Of particular concern to Cash Store Financial were reported allegations that the Company required customers to purchase ancillary services, such as a pre-paid cash card, as a condition for receiving a loan. This is not and never has been Company policy, but it was the major issue identified in the Order.  Company policy is to provide customers with the ability to immediately receive proceeds of their loan by way of cheque, immediately upon request.   
 
In 2005, Cash Store Financial implemented a voluntary prohibition on rollovers which is the extension of an existing loan for a fee. More specifically, we disallowed the provision of a new loan to payout an existing loan.  We do not provide any rollovers in any jurisdictions in Canada.  Customers must repay a loan in full before a new loan may be secured.  In some jurisdictions customers may borrow against more than one source of income. In some instances a customer may be indebted to a third-party lender for more than one loan at a time. In these cases, each of these loans and the repayment requirements for each loan are structured and secured against a specific source of income. 

 
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GRAHIC


Legal Proceedings
 
British Columbia
On March 5, 2004, an action under the Class Proceedings Act was commenced in the Supreme Court of British Columbia by Andrew Bodnar and others proposing that a class action be certified on his own behalf and on behalf of all persons who have borrowed money from the defendants: The Cash Store Inc. (Canada), Cash Store Financial and All Trans Credit Union Ltd. The action stems from the allegations that all payday loan fees collected by the defendants constitute interest and therefore violate s. 347 of the Criminal Code of Canada. On May 25, 2006, the claim in British Columbia was affirmed as a certified class proceeding of Canada by the B.C. Court of Appeal. In fiscal 2007, the plaintiffs in the British Columbia action brought forward an application to have certain of our customers’ third-party lenders added to the claim.  On March 18, 2008, another action commenced in the Supreme Court of British Columbia by David Wournell and others against Cash Store Financial, Instaloans Inc. and others in respect of the business carried out under the name Instaloans since April 2005. Collectively, these actions are referred to as the “British Columbia Related Actions”.
 
On May 12, 2009, we settled the British Columbia Related Actions in principle.  The settlement has been approved by the Court. The settlement does not constitute any admission of liability by us. The settlement is a compromise of disputed claims.
 
Under the terms of the court approved settlement, the Company is to pay to the eligible class members who were advanced funds under a loan agreement and who repaid the payday loan plus brokerage fees and interest in full, or who met certain other eligibility criteria, a maximum estimated amount of $9.4 million in cash and $9.4 million in credit vouchers. Thus, the estimated maximum exposure with respect to this settlement is approximately $18.8 million including approved legal expenses.  The credit vouchers may be used to pay existing outstanding brokerage fees and interest or to pay a portion of brokerage fees and interest which may arise in the future through new loans advanced. The credit vouchers are not transferable and have no expiry date. In addition, the Company is to pay the legal fees and costs of the class. Based on the Company’s estimate of the rate of take-up of the available cash and credit vouchers, an expense of $10.9 million to date has been recorded to cover the estimated costs of the settlement, including legal fees of the Class and costs to administer the settlement fund.  It is possible that additional settlement costs could be required. In the current year, the Company increased the provision by $3.2 million due to new information being received (2010 - $2.9 million). As at September 30, 2011, the remaining accrual is $4.0 million.Subsequent to year-end the administration of the settlement fund was transferred to a third-party based on a court approved order. The total amount transferred was $6.3 million.
 
Alberta
We have been served in prior fiscal periods with a Statement of Claim issued in Alberta alleging that we are in breach of s. 347 of the Criminal Code of Canada (the interest rate provision) and certain provincial consumer protection statutes.
 
The certification motion has been pending since fiscal 2006 and has not yet been heard.  On January 19, 2010, the plaintiffs in the Alberta action brought forward an application to have a related subsidiary, certain of our customers’ third-party lenders, directors and officers added to the Claim.
 
We have agreed to a motion to certify the class action proceeding if the lender, officers and directors are removed as defendants.  Class counsel has agreed to our proposal.
 
We believe that we conduct our business in accordance with applicable laws and are defending the action vigorously. However, the likelihood of loss, if any, is not determinable at this time.
 

 
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GRAHIC


Manitoba
On April 23, 2010, an action under the Manitoba Class Proceedings Act was commenced in the Manitoba Court of Queen’s Bench by Scott Meeking against The Cash Store (Canada), Instaloans, and Cash Store Financial proposing that a class action be certified on his own behalf and on behalf of all persons in Manitoba and others outside the province who elect to claim in Manitoba and who obtained a payday loan from the Cash Store Financial or Instaloans. The action stems from the allegations that all payday loan fees collected by the defendants constitute interest and therefore violate s. 347 of the Criminal Code of Canada.
 
We believe that we conducted our business in accordance with applicable laws and are defending the action vigorously. Further it will be maintained that most of the proposed class members are bound by the judgment in the settlement of the Ontario class action in 2008, as approved by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and that accordingly the action should be dismissed.  However, the likelihood of loss, if any, is not determinable at this time.
 
Other
We are also involved in other claims related to the normal course of operations.  Management believes that it has adequately provided for these claims.
 
Third Party Lenders/Retention Payments
 
Most funding of short-term advances is currently provided by independent third party lenders.  As a result, our business is highly dependent on third party lenders who are willing to make significant funds available for lending to our customers. There are no assurances that the existing or new third party lenders will continue to make funds available. Any reduction or withdrawal of funds could have a significant material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition.
 
To facilitate the short-term advance business, we have entered into written agreements with a number of third party lenders who are prepared to consider lending to our customers. Pursuant to these agreements, we provide services to the lenders related to the collection of documents and information as well as loan collection services. Material terms of our agreements with third-party lenders include ensuring that any proposed loan was applied for through an authorized outlet, ensuring each potential customer meets the loan selection criteria as set forth by the third-party lender prior to approval and release of funding, satisfying the documentation requirements in a full and timely manner, providing loan management services throughout the term of the loan, and providing default realization services on behalf of the third party lender for all loans funded which are not paid in full by the due date, all while ensuring information system integrity is maintained. Losses suffered on account of uncollectible loans are not contractually the Company’s responsibility as long as it has performed and fulfilled its duties under the terms of the third party lender agreements.In the event we do not properly perform our duties and the lenders make a claim as required under the agreement, we may be liable to the lenders for losses they have incurred. A liability is recorded when it is determined that we have a liability under the agreement.
 
Our board of directors regularly approves a resolution which authorizes us to pay a maximum amount of retention payments per quarter to third-party lenders as consideration to those lenders who continue to be willing to fund advances to our customers. While the third-party lenders have not been guaranteed a return, the decision has been made to voluntarily make retention payments to the lenders to deflect the impact of the loan losses they experienced.  Retention payments are recorded in the period in which a commitment is made to a lender pursuant to the resolution approved by the board of directors.
 

 
- 25 -

 
 
GRAHIC


During the year we have three lenders that have helped us generate ten percent or more of our consolidated revenues: 367463 Alberta Ltd., Trimor Annuity Focus Limited Partnerships and Assistive Financial Corp.  The loss of any of these three third-party lenders would have a material adverse effect on us if alternative lenders could not be located or other financing was not available to permit direct lending.
 
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
 
Our accounting policies are integral to understanding and interpreting the financial results reported in this MD&A. The significant accounting policies used in preparing our consolidated financial statements are summarized in Note 1 to those statements which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Certain policies included in Note 1 are considered to be particularly important to the presentation of our financial position and results of operations, because they require Management to make difficult, complex or subjective judgments and estimates, often as a result of matters that are inherently uncertain, which may result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. The following is a discussion of those critical accounting estimates. These estimates are adjusted in the normal course to reflect changing underlying circumstances. The impact and any associated risks related to these critical accounting estimates on our business may also be discussed elsewhere in this MD&A.
 
Revenue Recognition
 
Revenue arising from brokering short-term advances for customers is recognized once all services have been rendered, all advance amounts have been received by the customer, and the brokerage fee has been received by the Company.
 
Revenue arising from direct lending of short-term advances to customers is recognized on a constant yield basis ratably over the term of the related loan.
 
Revenue from the Company’s cheque cashing, money order sales, money transfer, bill payment services and other miscellaneous services is recognized when the transactions are completed at the point-of-sale in the branch and the related fee charged by the Company has been received.  Revenue from the Company’s banking and non-sufficient funds fees are recognized when collected.
 
Revenue from each of these sources is recorded in other income in the statement of operations.
 
Retention Payments
 
When the Company acts as a broker on behalf of income earning consumers seeking short-term advances, the funding of short-term advances is provided by independent third party lenders.  The advances provided by the third party lenders are repayable by the customer to the third party lenders and represent assets of the lenders; accordingly, they are not included on the Company’s balance sheet.
 

 
- 26 -

 
 
GRAHIC


To facilitate the short term advance business, the Company has entered into written agreements with third party lenders who are prepared to consider lending to the Company’s customers.  Pursuant to these agreements, the Company provides services to the lenders related to the collection of documents and information as well as loan collection services. Under the terms of the Company’s agreements with third party lenders, responsibility for losses suffered on account of uncollectible loans rests with the third party lender, unless the Company has not properly performed its duties as set forth under the terms of the agreement.  The significant duties under the terms of the agreements generally include ensuring that any proposed loan was applied for through an authorized outlet, ensuring each potential customer meets the loan selection criteria as set forth by the third party lender prior to approval and release of funding, satisfying the documentation requirements in a full and timely manner, providing loan management services throughout the term of the loan, and providing collection services on behalf of the third party lender for all loans funded which are not paid in full by the due date, all of which while ensuring information system integrity is maintained. In the event the Company does not properly perform its duties and the lenders make a claim as required under the agreement, the Company may be liable to the lenders for losses they have incurred. A liability is recorded when it is determined that the Company has a liability under the agreement.
 
The Company’s Board of Directors regularly approves a resolution which authorizes management to pay a maximum amount of retention payments per quarter to third party lenders as consideration to those lenders that continue to be willing to fund advances to the Company’s customers. While the third party lenders have not been guaranteed a return, the decision has been made to voluntarily make retention payments to the lenders to lessen the impact of loan losses experienced by the third party lenders.  Retention payments are recorded in the period in which a commitment is made to a lender pursuant to the resolution approved by the Board of Directors.
 
Provisions for Loan Losses
 
Loans in default consist of direct lending short-term consumer loans originated by the Company which are past due. The Company defines a past due or delinquent account whereby payment has not been received in full from the customer on or before the maturity date of the loan. A provision for loan losses is recorded when the Company no longer has reasonable assurance of timely collection of the full amount of principal and interest (included in loan fee). In determining whether the Company will be unable to collect all principal and interest payments due, the Company assesses relevant internal and external factors that affect loan collectability, including the amount of outstanding loans owed to the Company, historical percentages of loans written off, current collection patterns and other current economic trends. The provision for loan losses reduces the carrying amount of consumer loan receivables to their estimated realizable amounts. The provision is primarily based upon models that analyze specific portfolio statistics, and also reflect, to a lesser extent, management judgment regarding overall accuracy.  The analytical model takes into account several factors, including the number of transactions customers complete and charge-off and recovery rate.   The provision is reviewed monthly, and any additional provision as a result of historical loan performance, current and expected collection patterns and current economic trends is included in the provision for the loan losses at that time. If the loans remain past due for an extended period of time, an allowance for the entire amount of the loan is recorded and the loan is ultimately written off. The Company’s policy for charging off uncollectible consumer loans is to write the loan off when a loan remains in default status for an extended period of time without any extended payment arrangements made, typically 210 days. Loans to customers who file for bankruptcy are written off upon receipt of the bankruptcy notice.

 
- 27 -

 
 
GRAHIC


Stock Based Compensation
 
We have a stock based compensation plan, which is described in Note 16 (b) of our audited consolidated financial statements.  We account for all stock based compensation payments that are settled by the issuance of equity in accordance with a fair value-based method of accounting. Stock based compensation awards are recognized in the financial statements over the period in which the related services are rendered, which is usually the vesting period of the option, or as applicable, over the period to the date an employee is eligible to retire, whichever is shorter, with a corresponding increase recorded in contributed surplus. The fair value is calculated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. When options are exercised, the proceeds received by us, together with the amount in contributed surplus associated with the exercised options, are credited to share capital.
 
Consumer Loans Receivable
 
Unsecured short-term and longer-term advances that the Company originates on its own behalf are reflected on the balance sheet in consumer loans receivable. Consumer loans receivable are reported net of a provision. In regulated jurisdictions, interest is charged on consumer loans commencing upon default; however, it is not recorded as income until payment is received in full or partially from the consumer.  In unregulated jurisdictions, interest is charged on consumer loans over the period of the loan and is recorded in income as it is earned.
 
Income Tax Estimates and Future Income Taxes
 
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Future tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Future tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted or substantively enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on future tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment or substantive enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded against any future tax assets if it is more likely than not that the asset will not be realized.
Long-term investments
 
We apply the equity method of accounting for its investment in The Cash Store Australia Holdings Inc. and RTF Financial Holdings Inc. These investments are recorded at cost plus our share of net income or loss to date.
 
Amortization Policies and Useful Lives
 
We depreciate the cost of property and equipment and intangible assets over the estimated useful service lives of the items.  These estimates of useful lives involve considerable judgment.  In determining these estimates, we take into account industry trends and company-specific factors, including changing technologies and expectations for the in-service period of these assets.  On an annual basis, were assess our existing estimates of useful lives to ensure they match the anticipated life of the asset from a revenue-producing perspective.  If the in-service period change happens more quickly than we have anticipated, we may have to shorten the estimated life of certain property and equipment or intangible assets, which could result in higher depreciation expenses in future periods or an impairment charge to write down the value of property and equipment or intangible assets.
 

 
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Intangible Assets
 
Intangible assets acquired individually or as part of a group of other assets are initially recognized and measured at cost.  The cost of a group of intangible assets acquired in a transaction, including those acquired in a business combination that meet the specified criteria for recognition apart from goodwill, is allocated to the individual assets acquired based on their fair values.
 
Both internal and external costs incurred to purchase and develop computer software are capitalized after the preliminary project stage is completed and management authorizes the computer software project.

Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives.  Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized and are tested for impairment annually on July 1st of each year, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that such assets might be impaired.

The amortization methods and estimated useful lives of intangible assets, which are reviewed annually, are as follows:

Customer list, contracts and relationships
 
Straight-line - 3 years
Computer software
 
Straight-line - 5 years
Non-compete agreements
 
Term of the agreements
Brand name
 
Indefinite life
 
Goodwill
 
Goodwill represents the residual amount that results when the fair value of an acquired business exceeds the sum of the amounts allocated to the identifiable assets acquired, and liabilities assumed, based on their fair values. Goodwill is allocated as of the date of the business combination to the Company’s reporting units that are expected to benefit from the business combination. Goodwill is initially recognized as an asset at cost and is subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses.
Goodwill is not amortized and is tested for impairment annually on July 1st of each year, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate it may be impaired. The impairment test is carried out in two steps. In the first step, the carrying amount of the reporting unit is compared to its fair value. When the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not to be impaired and the second step of the impairment test is unnecessary. The second step is carried out when the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, in which case the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is compared with its carrying amount to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the value of goodwill is determined in a business combination described in the preceding paragraph, using the fair value of the reporting unit.
 
When the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess.
 

 
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Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
 
Long-lived assets and identifiable intangibles subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a group of assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is assessed by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the sum of future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the use and eventual disposition of the group of assets. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the group of assets exceeds the fair value of the group of assets. Any assets to be disposed by sale are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. Such assets are not amortized while they are classified as held-for-sale.
 
Leases
 
Leases are classified as capital or operating depending upon the terms and conditions of the contracts. Obligations under capital leases are recorded as an asset with a corresponding liability. Asset values recorded under capital leases are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life. Obligations under capital leases are reduced by lease payments net of imputed interest. Computer and phone operating lease expenses are recorded in selling, general, and administrative expenses.  Branch leases are recorded in rent.
 
Contingencies
 
We are subject to various claims and contingencies related to lawsuits, taxes and commitments under contractual and other commercial obligations.  We recognize liabilities for contingencies and commitments when a loss is probable and capable of being reasonably estimated.  Significant changes in assumptions as to the likelihood and estimates of the amount of a loss could result in recognition of an additional liability.
 
CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND PRACTICES
 
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUCEMENTS NOT YET ADOPTED
 
International Financial Reporting Standards
 
The Accounting Standards Board of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants previously announced its decision to require all publicly accountable enterprises to report under IFRS for years beginning on or after January 1, 2011. However, National Instrument 52-107 allows Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) registrants, such as the Company, to file financial statements with Canadian securities regulators that are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Company has decided to adopt U.S. GAAP instead of IFRS as its primary basis of financial reporting commencing in fiscal 2012.
 
The decision to adopt U.S. GAAP was made to enhance communication with shareholders and improve the comparability of financial information reported with its U.S. based competitors and peer group.
 
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures
 
Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information we are required to disclose is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified under Canadian and US securities laws. They include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

 
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As of September 30, 2011, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision of and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d - 15(e) under the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and in National Instrument 52-109 under the Canadian Securities Administrators Rules and Policies. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of the Evaluation Date such disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
 
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable, but not absolute, assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and of the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with US GAAP. Management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (ICFR), as such term is defined in Rule 13(a)-15(e) under the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and in National Instrument 52-109 under the Canadian Securities Administrators Rules and Policies. A material weakness in ICFR exists if the deficiency is such that there is reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim consolidated financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
 
Because of its inherent limitations, ICFR may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections or any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
As of September 30, 2011, we assessed the effectiveness of our ICFR. In making this assessment, we used the criteria set forth in the Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this assessment, management has concluded that, as of September 30, 2011, our internal control over financial reporting is effective. Our independent auditor, KPMG LLP, has issued an audit report that we, as at September 30, 2011, maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the COSO.
 
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
During the period ended September 30, 2011, no change occurred in our internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
OUTSTANDING SHARE DATA
 
As at November 16, 2011, we had 17,420,880 common shares outstanding.  There were also options to purchase 977,502 common shares, which if exercised, would provide us with proceeds of approximately $9.2 million.
 

 
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DIVIDENDS
 
On November 16, 2011, we declared a quarterly dividend of $0.12 per common share. The dividend is payable on December 14, 2011, to shareholders of record on November 29, 2011.
 
The Company reviews its dividend distribution policy on a quarterly basis, evaluating its financial position, profitability, cash flow and other factors the Board of Directors considers relevant. Prior to August 31, 2007, we had not declared or paid a dividend on the common shares.  We declared our first dividend on August 31, 2007, in the amount of $.025 cents per common share.  In total, dividends of $3.6 million were paid to holders of common shares in fiscal 2008, $5.3 million in fiscal 2009, $9.1 million in the fifteen months of fiscal 2010 and $7.9 million in fiscal 2011. The following table sets forth the quarterly dividends paid by the Company in the last quarter ended:
 
 
2011
2010
2009
2008
 
Dividend per share
 
$ 0.120
 
$ 0.100
 
$0.065
 
$0.025
Percentage increase
20%
54%
160%
 
 
OTHER
 
Cash Store Financial is a Canadian corporation that is not affiliated with Cottonwood Financial Ltd. or the outlets Cottonwood Financial Ltd. operates in the United States under the name "Cash Store."  Cash Store Financial does not do business under the name "Cash Store" in the United States and does not own or provide any consumer lending services in the United States.
 
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-looking Information
 
This MD&A contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, information with respect to our objectives, strategies, operations and financial results, competition as well initiatives to grow revenue or reduce retention payments. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "does not anticipate", or "believes" or variations of such words and phrases, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", or "will be taken", "occur", or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including, but not limited to, changes in economic and political conditions, legislative or regulatory developments, technological developments, third-party arrangements, competition, litigation, risks associated with but not limited to, market conditions, the availability of alternative transactions, shareholder, legal, regulatory and court approvals and third party consents, and other factors described in the our latest AIF filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.comunder the heading “Risk Factors”. Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
 

 
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Non-GAAP Measures
 
This MD&A refers to certain financial measures that are not determined in accordance with GAAP in Canada.  These measures do not have standardized meanings and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.  Although a measure such as ‘Earnings Before Interest, Income Taxes, Stock-based Compensation, Depreciation of Property and Equipment and Amortization of Intangible Assets’(EBITDA) does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP, this measure is used herein or can be determined by reference to our financial statements.  Same branch revenues” is a non-GAAP measure tracked and reported by us and is generally used to compare the average revenue for a particular group of branches in a current period to that same particular group of branches in a prior period. This non-GAAP measure is a way to gauge the performance of a particular group of branches and is directly related to, and helps explain, changes in total revenue.  Average revenue is defined as revenue for the period divided by the number of branches. “BOI” is a non-GAAP measure tracked and reported by us and is generally used to compare the performance at branch level and includes expenses which primarily relate to the operations of the branch network. “Operating income” (OI) is a non-GAAP measure tracked and reported by us and is generally used to compare the income before income taxes and other non-recurring items which primarily relates to the overall operations of the branch, regional and corporate network.  “Regional expenses” is a non-GAAP measure which is used to gauge expenditures at the regional and divisional level and includes compensation of associates including centralized regional departments, Regional Managers, Divisional Vice Presidents and President, as well as other expenses related to the functions of these groups. “Corporate expenses” is a non-GAAP measure which is used to gauge expenditures at the corporate level and includes compensation of associates and related expenses at the corporate office level. These measures are discussed because management believes that they facilitate the understanding of our results as it relates to our operational and financial position.
 
The following table provides a reconciliation of net income in accordance with GAAP to EBITDA for the past eight quarters.
 
EBITDA Reconciliation
 
(thousands of dollars)
 
2011
   
2010
 
      Q4       Q3       Q2       Q1       Q5       Q4       Q3       Q2  
                                                                 
Consolidated Results
                                                               
Net income and comprehensive income
  $ 2,035     $ 1,155     $ 2,500     $ 3,352     $ 7,682     $ 5,476     $ 2,199     $ 5,467  
Interest
    33       34       36       43       51       44       29       29  
Income tax
    1,608       1,019       1,311       1,687       1,561       2,676       1,190       2,822  
Stock-based compensation
    218       171       180       217       260       247       205       204  
Depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of intangible assets
    2,313       2,168       2,233       2,201       1,578       1,882       1,652       2,121  
EBITDA
  $ 6,207     $ 4,547     $ 6,260     $ 7,500     $ 11,132     $ 10,325     $ 5,275     $ 10,643  
Adjustments:
                                                               
Class action settlements
  $ -     $ 3,206     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 100     $ 2,715     $ 100  
Effective interest component of retention payments
    5,112       5,107       5,561       5,505       5,344       4,895       4,400       4,226  
Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 11,319     $ 12,860     $ 11,821     $ 13,005     $ 16,476     $ 15,320     $ 12,390     $ 14,969  
 

 
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