EX-13 4 exhibit13annualreport2006.htm SEC FORM 10-K EXHIBIT 13 Form 10K  1993



Exhibit 13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1st FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

DECEMBER 31, 2006






 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Company

 

  1

 

 

 

 

 

Chairman's Letter

 

  3

 

 

 

 

 

Selected Consolidated Financial Information

 

  4

 

 

 

 

 

Business

 

  5

 

 

 

 

 

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and

     Results of Operations

 


13

 

 

 

 

 

Management's Report

 

21

 

 

 

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

22

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Statements

 

23

 

 

 

 

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

42

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate Information

 

42

 

 

 

 

 

Ben F. Cheek, Jr.  Office of the Year

 

44

 

 

 

 





 

THE COMPANY

 

1st Franklin Financial Corporation has been engaged in the consumer finance business since 1941, particularly in making direct cash loans and real estate loans.  As of December 31, 2006 the business was operated through 108 branch offices in Georgia, 36 in Alabama, 36 in South Carolina, 29 in Mississippi and 17 in Louisiana.  Also on that date, the Company had 1,007 employees.

 

As of December 31, 2006, the resources of the Company were invested principally in loans, which comprised 69% of the Company's assets.  The majority of the Company's revenues are derived from finance charges earned on loans and other outstanding receivables.  Our remaining revenues are derived from earnings on investment securities, insurance income and other miscellaneous income.





1




EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT TEAM

 

“PICTURE OF EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT TEAM”

 



2






To Our Investors, Co-workers and Friends:

 

What a pleasure it is for me to write this letter and report to you that fiscal year 2006 was a very good year for 1st Franklin.  All of the corporate goals that had been set at the beginning of the year were either met or exceeded resulting in an overall successful performance.  Hopefully, you will review this Annual Report in its entirety, however, I would like to call your attention to certain important highlights which I feel will be of particular interest.

 

Total assets grew during the year to $362.6 million, which represented a 12% growth from December 2005.  This growth was primarily the result of an excellent year in our net loan growth made possible by a record loan volume of $449 million.  Our 226 branch offices are now serving approximately 153,000 loan customers and 164,000 accounts in the five southeastern states in which we operate.  Seven new offices were opened during the year, each of which made a valuable contribution to our loan growth - - 3 in Georgia, 2 in Alabama and 1 each in Louisiana and South Carolina.

 

Overall revenues of the Company increased approximately $14 million or 14% over the previous year resulting in a net income growth of $2.6 million.  Our expense to revenue goal that we set early in the year proved to be an important factor in attaining this net income growth.

 

A very important agreement was reached with Wachovia Bank, N.A. and BMO Capital Markets Financing, Inc., in December 2006 which increased our unsecured line of credit from $30 million to $50 million.  As our company has continued to grow, our need for additional funding has also continued to grow.  This increase in available funding under this new credit agreement, as well as continued growth from sales at our Investment Center is expected to provide the additional funding that we expect we will require in order for us to meet our growth goals in the months ahead.

 

Speaking of our Investment Center, our 5,868 investors continue to be a vital partner in funding our growth.  In 2006 the Investment Center provided more than $13 million in additional funds for our company which represents a 6.3% increase over 2005.  Needless to say, we continue to be very grateful for the confidence and support that our investors give to us.

 

During the year, three valuable long time members of our Executive Management Team retired.  Fortunately there were three very capable people from within the Company prepared to take their place and assume their responsibilities.  You will note on the adjoining page a picture of the new team.  The new members of the team are Mike Culpepper, Kay Lovern and Mike Haynie.

 

I am sure that I speak for all of my co-workers when I tell you how excited we are about the opportunities that 2007 will bring to us.  With the continued support of you our investors, bankers, customers and friends it will be another excellent year.  My sincere thanks to each of you for making 2006 a year in which we can all take pride.

 

Very sincerely yours,                        

 

 

 

 

Ben F. Cheek, III                             

   Chairman of the Board and CEO            




3




SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION


Set forth below is selected consolidated financial information of the Company. This information should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the more detailed financial statements and notes thereto included herein.


 

Year Ended December 31

 

2006

2005

 2004

 2003

 2002

Selected Income Statement Data:

(In 000's, except ratio data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

$

115,042

$

101,826

$

98,459

$

91,367

$

90,356

Net Interest Income

69,632

64,387

61,541

56,698

55,491

Interest Expense

11,994

8,016

7,137

6,813

7,952

Provision for Loan Losses

19,109

19,484

18,097

15,245

14,159

Income Before Income Taxes

11,023

7,621

7,527

11,159

10,802

Net Income

7,672

5,109

4,981

8,654

8,415

Ratio of Earnings to

  Fixed Charges


1.83


1.83


1.91


2.42


2.01

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31

 

2006

2005

 2004

 2003

 2002

Selected Balance Sheet Data:

(In 000's, except ratio data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Loans

$

249,862

$

224,660

$

218,893

$

206,462

$

188,083

Total Assets

362,567

324,910

312,366

292,868

278,258

Senior Debt

181,474

180,713

168,668

148,204

135,429

Subordinated Debt

67,190

38,902

41,311

44,076

46,778

Stockholders’ Equity

98,365

91,185

87,102

83,844

80,222

Ratio of Total Liabilities

  to Stockholders’ Equity


2.69


2.56


2.59


2.49


2.47





4




BUSINESS


References in this Annual Report to “1st Franklin”, “we”, “our” and “us” refer to 1st Franklin Financial Corporation and its subsidiaries.


1st Franklin is engaged in the consumer finance business, particularly in making consumer loans to individuals in relatively small amounts for relatively short periods of time, and in making first and second mortgage loans on real estate in larger amounts and for longer periods of time.  We also purchase sales finance contracts from various retail dealers.  At December 31, 2006, direct cash loans comprised 83% of our outstanding loans, real estate loans comprised 7% and sales finance contracts comprised 10%.

 

In connection with our business, we also offer optional credit insurance coverage to our customers when making a loan.  Such coverage may include credit life insurance, credit accident and health insurance, and/or credit property insurance.  Customers may request credit life insurance coverage to help assure any outstanding loan balance is repaid if the customer dies before the loan is repaid or they may request accident and health insurance coverage to help continue loan payments if the customer becomes sick or disabled for an extended period of time.  Customers may also choose property insurance coverage to protect the value of loan collateral against damage, theft or destruction.  We write these various insurance products as an agent for a non-affiliated insurance company.  Under various agreements, our wholly-owned insurance subsidiaries, Frandisco Life Insurance Company and Frandisco Property and Casualty Insurance Company, reinsure the insurance coverage on our customers written on behalf of this non-affiliated insurance company.


Earned finance charges generally account for the majority of our revenues.  The following table shows the sources of our earned finance charges over each of the past five years:


 

Year Ended December 31

 

 2006

    2005

    2004

    2003

    2002

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct Cash Loans

$68,358

$60,361

$56,364

$51,172

$49,985

 

Real Estate Loans

3,797

4,083

4,823

5,793

7,069

 

Sales Finance Contracts

   5,759

    4,785

    4,882

    3,808

    3,249

 

   Total Finance Charges

$77,914

$69,229

$66,069

$60,773

$60,303


We make direct cash loans primarily to people who need money for some unusual or unforeseen expense, for the purpose of debt consolidation or for the purchase of furniture and appliances.  These loans are generally repayable in 6 to 60 monthly installments and generally do not exceed $10,000 in principal amount.  The loans are generally secured by personal property, motor vehicles and/or real estate. We believe that the interest and fees we charge on these loans are in compliance with applicable federal and state laws.

 

First and second mortgage loans on real estate are made to homeowners who wish to improve their property or who wish to restructure their financial obligations.  We generally make such loans in amounts from $3,000 to $50,000 and with maturities of 35 to 180 months. We believe that the interest and fees we charge on these loans are in compliance with applicable federal and state laws.

 

Sales finance contracts are purchased from retail dealers.  These contracts have maturities that generally range from 3 to 60 months and generally do not individually exceed $7,500 in principal amount. We believe that the interest rates we charge on these contracts are in compliance with applicable federal and state laws.

 



5






Our business consists mainly of making loans to salaried people and other wage earners who depend on their earnings to make their repayments.  Prior to the making of a loan, we complete a credit investigation to determine the income, existing indebtedness, length and stability of employment, and other relevant information concerning a potential customer.  In making most loans, we receive a security interest in the real or personal property of the borrower. In making direct cash loans, we focus on the customer's ability to repay his or her loan to us rather than on the potential resale value of the underlying security.

 

1st Franklin competes with several national and regional finance companies, as well as a variety of local finance companies, in the communities we serve.  Competition is based primarily on interest rates and terms offered and on customer service.  We believe that our emphasis on customer service helps us compete effectively in the markets we serve.

 

Because of our reliance on the continued income stream of most of our loan customers, our ability to continue the profitable operation of our business depends to a large extent on the continued employment of these people and their ability to meet their obligations as they become due. Therefore, a sustained recession or a significant downturn in business with consequent unemployment, or continued increases in the number of personal bankruptcies within our typical customer base, may have a material adverse effect on our collection ratios and profitability.

 

The average annual yield on loans we make (the percentage of finance charges earned to average net outstanding balance) has been as follows:

 

 

Year Ended December 31

 

     2006

     2005

     2004

     2003

     2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct Cash Loans

31.37%

31.61%

30.26%

30.28%

32.82%

Real Estate Loans

16.12   

17.29   

17.13   

17.65   

20.37   

Sales Finance Contracts

20.61   

18.96   

19.35   

19.61   

23.65   





The following table contains certain information about our operations:


                                                   

 

As of December 31

 

     2006

     2005

     2004

       2003

       2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of Branch Offices

226  

219  

212  

203  

195  

Number of Employees

1,007  

964  

989  

921  

805  

Average Total Loans

   Outstanding Per

   Branch (in 000's)

         

  


$1,428  

  


$1,347  

  


$1,352  

  


$1,327  

  


$1,263  

Average Number of Loans

   Outstanding Per Branch


725  


699  


709  


686  


654  








6





DESCRIPTION OF LOANS



 

Year Ended December 31

     

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

DIRECT CASH LOANS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of Loans  Made to

New Borrowers


34,188


29,332


45,251


39,215


35,439

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of Loans Made to

Former Borrowers


27,247


20,694


20,965


19,012


19,048

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of Loans Made to

Present Borrowers


126,905


122,261


105,824


99,665


95,286

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Number of Loans Made

188,340

172,287

172,040

157,892

149,773

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Volume of Loans

Made (in 000’s)


$392,961


$348,620


$342,842


$313,361


$287,108

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average Size of Loan Made

$2,086

$2,023

$1,993

$1,985

$1,917

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of Loans Outstanding

139,589

128,794

124,599

115,590

108,811

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Loans Outstanding (in 000’s)

$267,999

$241,313

$229,044

$211,203

$191,819

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percent of Total Loans Outstanding

83%

82%

80%

78%

78%

Average Balance on

Outstanding Loans


$1,920


$1,874


$1,838


$1,827


$1,763

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REAL ESTATE LOANS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Number of Loans Made

1,026

683

735

960

2,104

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Volume of Loans Made (in 000’s)

$12,761

$8,018

$9,183

$9,829

$21,938

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average Size of Loan

$12,437

$11,739

$12,493

$10,239

$10,427

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of Loans Outstanding

2,230

2,441

2,895

3,389

3,842

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Loans Outstanding (in 000’s)

$23,564

$23,382

$26,989

$31,520

$36,613

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percent of Total Loans Outstanding

7%

8%

9%

12%

15%

Average Balance on

Outstanding Loans


$10,567


$9,579


$9,323


$9,301


$9,530

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SALES FINANCE CONTRACTS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of Contracts Purchased

23,571

22,413

25,642

24,166

16,282

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Volume of Contracts

Purchased (in 000’s)


$43,471


$37,201


$41,489


$37,858


$23,750

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average Size of Contract

Purchased


$1,844


$1,660


$1,618


$1,567


$1,459

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of Contracts Outstanding

22,066

21,879

22,721

20,194

14,829

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Contracts

Outstanding (in 000’s)


$33,724


$30,346


$30,511


$26,678


$17,788

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percent of Total Loans Outstanding

10%

10%

11%

10%

7%

Average Balance on

Outstanding Contracts


$1,528


$1,387


$1,343


$1,321


$1,200



7




LOANS ACQUIRED, LIQUIDATED AND OUTSTANDING

      

 

Year Ended December 31

 

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

(in thousands)


 

LOANS ACQUIRED

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct Cash Loans

$

391,388

$

348,501

$

342,812

$

313,322

$

287,077

Real Estate Loans

12,568

8,018

9,183

9,612

21,694

Sales Finance Contracts

41,661

35,618

39,473

35,441

21,302

Net Bulk Purchases

3,576

1,702

2,046

2,674

2,723

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Loans Acquired

$

449,193 

$

393,839

$

393,514

$

361,049

$

332,796

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOANS LIQUIDATED

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct Cash Loans

$

366,275

$

336,351

$

325,001

$

293,978

$

271,731

Real Estate Loans

12,579

11,625

13,714

14,922

17,620

Sales Finance Contracts

40,093

37,366

37,656

28,968

20,269

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Loans Liquidated

$

418,947

$

385,342

$

376,371

$

337,868

$

309,620

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOANS OUTSTANDING

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct Cash Loans

$267,999

$

241,313

$

229,044

$

211,203

$

191,819

Real Estate Loans

23,564

23,382

26,989

31,520

36,613

Sales Finance Contracts

33,724

30,346

30,511

26,678

17,788

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Loans Outstanding

$325,287

$

295,041

$

286,544

$

269,401

$

246,220

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UNEARNED FINANCE CHARGES

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct Cash Loans

$

31,374

$

29,709

$

28,795

$

26,329

$

24,637

Real Estate Loans

229

529

1,094

1,245

752

Sales Finance Contracts

5,013

4,423

4,454

3,945

2,006

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Unearned

   

Finance Charges


$

36,616


$

34,661


$

34,343


$

31,519


$

27,395

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





8





DELINQUENCIES

 

We classify delinquent accounts at the end of each month according to the number of installments past due at that time, based on the then-existing terms of the contract.  Accounts are classified in delinquency categories based on the number of days past due.  When three installments are past due, we classify the account as being 60-89 days past due; when four or more installments are past due, we classify the account as being 90 days or more past due.

 

In 2003 the Company implemented a change in how accounts of individuals who have filed for bankruptcy protection are categorized for delinquency.  Prior to 2003, the delinquency rating on such an account was not changed, even though the repayment plan initiated by the bankruptcy court may have been at different payment amounts and terms than the original terms of the loan.  Beginning in 2003, the Company effectively resets the delinquency rating to coincide with the court initiated repayment plan.  Effectively, the account’s delinquency rating is changed going forward under normal grading parameters.

 

The following table shows the amount of certain classifications of delinquencies and the ratio such delinquencies bear to related outstanding loans:


 

Year Ended December 31

 

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

 

(in thousands, except % data)


DIRECT CASH LOANS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

60-89 Days Past Due

$

5,598

$

5,829

$

4,594

$

4,000

$

3,792

 

Percentage of Principal Outstanding

2.11%

2.44%

2.02%

1.90%

1.99%

 

90 Days or More Past Due

$

11,866

$11,206

7,290

7,285

9,602

 

Percentage of Principal Outstanding

4.47%

4.70%

3.20%

3.47%

5.03%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REAL ESTATE LOANS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

60-89 Days Past Due

$

176

$

350

$

241

$

416

$

422

 

Percentage of Principal Outstanding

.76%

1.55%

.91%

1.33%

1.17%

 

90 Days or More Past Due

522

$

768

$

689

$

1,089

$

1,616

 

Percentage of Principal Outstanding

2.26%

3.39%

2.58%

3.49%

4.47%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SALES FINANCE CONTRACTS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

60-89 Days Past Due

$

581

$

620

$

556

$

329

$

293

 

Percentage of Principal Outstanding

1.73%

2.05%

1.84%

1.25%

1.66%

 

90 Days or More Past Due

$

1,049

$

1,060

$

745

$

681

$

785

 

Percentage of Principal Outstanding

3.13%

3.51%

2.46%

2.58%

4.46%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




9




LOSS EXPERIENCE

 

Net losses (charge-offs less recoveries) and the percent of such net losses to average net loans (loans less unearned finance charges) and to liquidations (payments, refunds, renewals and charge-offs of customers' loans) are shown in the following table:



 

 

 

Year Ended December 31

 

 

 

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

 

 

 

 (in thousands, except % data)


 

DIRECT CASH LOANS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average Net Loans

$

217,919

$

195,563

$

186,271

$

168,998

$

152,321

Liquidations

$366,275

$336,351

$325,001

$

293,978

$

271,731

Net Losses

$

16,363

$

16,074

$

14,782

$

12,944

$

11,053

Net Losses as % of Average

   Net Loans


7.51%


8.22%


7.94%


7.66%


7.26%

Net Losses as % of Liquidations

4.47%

4.78%

4.55%

4.40%

4.07%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REAL ESTATE LOANS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average Net Loans

$

23,557

$

24,403

$

28,155

$

32,822

$

34,698

Liquidations

$

12,579

$

11,625

$

13,714

$

14,922

$

17,620

Net Losses

$

65

$

130

$

205

$

221

$

227

Net Losses as % of Average

    Net Loans


.28%


.53%


.73%


.67%


.65%

Net Losses as % of  Liquidations

.52%

1.12%

1.49%

1.48%

1.29%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SALES FINANCE CONTRACTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average Net Loans

$

27,950

$

25,802

$

25,236

$

19,425

$

13,734

Liquidations

$

40,093

$

37,366

$

37,656

$

28,968

$

20,269

Net Losses

$

1,481

$

1,680

$

1,339

$

760

$

856

Net Losses as % of Average

    Net Loans


5.30%


6.51%


5.31%


3.91%


6.23%

Net Losses as % of  Liquidations

3.69%

4.50%

3.56%

2.62%

4.22%




ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

 

 

We determine the allowance for loan losses by reviewing our previous loss experience, reviewing specifically identified loans where collection is doubtful and evaluating the inherent risks and change in the composition of our loan portfolio.  Such allowance is, in our opinion, sufficient to provide adequate protection against probable loan losses on the current loan portfolio.  




10





CREDIT INSURANCE

 

We offer optional credit insurance coverage to our customers when making a loan.  Such coverage may include credit life insurance, credit accident and health insurance and/or credit property insurance.  Customers may request credit life insurance coverage to help assure any outstanding loan balance is repaid if the customer dies before the loan is repaid or they may request accident and health insurance coverage to help continue loan payments if the customer becomes sick or disabled for an extended period of time.  Customers may also choose property insurance coverage to protect the value of loan collateral against damage, theft or destruction.  We write these various insurance products as agent for a non-affiliated insurance company.  Under various agreements, our wholly-owned insurance subsidiaries, Frandisco Life Insurance Company and Frandisco Property and Casualty Insurance Company, reinsure the insurance coverage on our customers written on behalf of this non-affiliated insurance company.

 

 

REGULATION AND SUPERVISION

 

State laws require that each office in which a small loan business is conducted be licensed by the state and that the business be conducted according to the applicable statutes and regulations.  The granting of a license depends on the financial responsibility, character and fitness of the applicant, and, where applicable, the applicant must show evidence of a need through convenience and advantage documentation.  As a condition to obtaining such license, the applicant must consent to state regulation and examination and to the making of periodic reports to the appropriate governing agencies.  Licenses are revocable for cause, and their continuance depends upon an applicant’s compliance with applicable  laws and in connection with its receipt of a license.  The Company has never had any of its licenses revoked.

 

We conduct all of our lending operations under the provisions of the Federal Consumer Credit Protection Act (the "Truth-in-Lending Act"), the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Federal Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act and other federal and state lending laws.  The Truth-in-Lending Act requires us to disclose to our customers the finance charge, the annual percentage rate, the total of payments and other material information on all loans.

 

A Federal Trade Commission ruling prevents us and other consumer lenders from using certain household goods as collateral on direct cash loans.  We collateralize such loans with non-household goods such as automobiles, boats and other exempt items.

 

We are also subject to state regulations governing insurance agents in the states in which we sell credit insurance.  State insurance regulations require that insurance agents be licensed and limit the premiums that insurance agents can charge.

 

Changes in the current regulatory environment, or the interpretation or application of current regulations, could impact our business.  While we believe that we are currently in compliance with all regulatory requirements, no assurance can be made regarding our future compliance or the cost thereof.




11





SOURCES OF FUNDS

 

Our sources of funds as a percent of total liabilities and stockholders’ equity and the number of persons investing in the Company's debt securities was as follows:



 

As of December 31

 

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002


Bank Borrowings

 7%

 3%

 3%

 -%

 -%

Senior Debt

 43 

 53 

 51 

 50 

49 

Subordinated Debt

 19 

 12 

 13 

 15 

17 

Other Liabilities

 4 

 4 

 5 

 6 

Stockholders’ Equity

   27 

   28 

   28 

   29 

  28 

    Total

 100%

 100%

 100%

 100%

100%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of Investors

 5,868 

 6,011 

 6,517 

6,391 

6,502 


 

As of March 16, 2007 all of our common stock was held by five related individuals and none of our common stock was traded in an established public trading market.  Cash dividends of $2.75 per share were paid in 2006 and 2005, primarily for the purpose of enabling the Company’s shareholders to pay their income tax obligations as a result of the Company’s status as an S Corporation.  No other cash dividends were paid during the applicable periods.  For the foreseeable future, the Company expects to pay annual cash distributions equal to an amount sufficient to enable the Company’s shareholders to pay their respective income tax obligations as a result of the Company’s status as an S Corporation.  The Company maintains no equity compensation plans.

 

The average interest rates we pay on borrowings, computed by dividing the interest paid by the average indebtedness outstanding, have been as follows:


 

Year Ended December 31

 

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002


Senior Borrowings

4.95%

3.74%

 3.25%

 3.23%

3.65%

Subordinated Borrowings

5.18   

3.97   

 4.22   

 4.50   

5.79

All Borrowings

5.01   

3.78   

 3.49   

 3.57   

4.31





Certain financial ratios relating to debt have been as follows:


                               

At December 31

 

2006

 2005

2004

2003

  2002


Total Liabilities to

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ Equity

2.69

2.56

2.59

2.49

2.47

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unsubordinated Debt to

 

 

 

 

 

Subordinated Debt plus

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ Equity

1.19

1.50

1.43

1.29

1.19




12




MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis provides a narrative on the Company’s financial condition and performance.  The narrative reviews the Company’s results of operations, liquidity and capital resources, critical accounting policies and estimates, and certain other matters. It includes Management’s interpretation of our financial results, the factors affecting these results and the major factors expected to affect future operating results. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained elsewhere in this Annual Report.

 

Certain information in this discussion and other statements contained in this Annual Report which are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.  Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein.  Possible factors which could cause future results to differ from expectations include, but are not limited to, the ability to manage cash flow, the accuracy of Management’s estimates and judgements, adverse economic conditions including the interest rate environment, federal and state regulatory changes, unfavorable outcome of litigation and other factors referenced in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Form 10-K and elsewhere herein.


Overview:

 


Fiscal year 2006 was one of the most successful in the Company’s history.  We met and/or exceeded each of our corporate goals established at the beginning of the year.  Record high revenue led to a 50% increase in net income during the year as compared to 2005.  We ended the year with a healthy balance sheet which we believe will support the continued growth of the Company.  A significant increase in loan originations, the introduction of two new products and a reduction in credit losses were some of the key factors contributing to the year’s strong financial performance.


As a service to our customers, two new products were introduced during the year just ended.  In May 2006, we began piloting our “Live Check” product in Alabama.  This new loan product focuses on former borrowers and/or sales finance customers.  The results of this pilot project have been very favorable and we are excited about expanding this product into the other states in which we operate.


Another new product the Company introduced in 2006 was the sale of auto club memberships.  This product provides an array of benefits for licensed drivers who opt for this service.  Beginning in October 2006 we began selling these memberships as an agent for a third party provider.  The Company has no risks associated with the memberships, as all claims for benefits are paid for by the third party provider.  The results have been very positive.


Six new offices were opened during the year and a seventh office was purchased from another finance company.  These new offices added $3.0 million to our net receivables during the year.  We ended the year with a total of 226 branch offices.


 

Financial Condition:

 


As previously mentioned, the Company ended the year with a strong balance sheet.  Total assets grew $37.7 million (12%) to $362.6 million at December 31, 2006 from $324.9 million at December 31, 2005.  The majority of the increase was in our unrestricted cash and cash equivalents position and in our loan portfolio.  

 

At December 31, 2006, the Company had $24.0 million in cash and cash equivalents on hand compared to $14.0 million at December 31, 2005, representing a $10.0 million (72%) increase.  The majority of the increase was due to surplus funds generated by the Company’s insurance subsidiaries.

 



13






During 2006, the Company generated approximately $449.2 million in loan acquisitions compared to $393.8 million during 2005.  Loan acquisitions represent credit extensions to new and former borrowers, refinanced balances of current customers and purchased sales finance contracts.  The increase in loan acquisitions resulted in a $31.0 million (14%) increase in our net loan portfolio at December 31, 2006 as compared to December 31, 2005.

 

Inherent in the loan portfolio are probable losses due to the inability of some customers to ultimately pay their obligations.  The creditworthiness of our loan portfolio is continually monitored and the Company maintains an allowance for loan losses to cover probable losses.  This allowance is shown by an off-setting account under our loan receivables category on the balance sheet.  We determine the amount of the allowance by reviewing our previous loss experience, reviewing specifically identified loans in which we believe collection is doubtful and evaluating the inherent risks and changes in the composition of our loan portfolio.  As a result of the increase in our loan portfolio, we increased the allowance for loan losses to $18.1 million as of December 31, 2006 compared to $16.9 million at December 31, 2005.  

 

Investing activity by the Company’s insurance subsidiaries also contributed to the overall increase in assets.  Our investment portfolio grew to $73.1 million at December 31, 2006 as compared to $71.5 million at the end of the previous year, representing a $1.6 million (2%) increase.  Management maintains what it believes to be a conservative approach when formulating its investment strategy.  The Company does not participate in hedging programs, interest rate swaps or other activities involving the use of off-balance sheet derivative financial instruments.  The investment portfolio consists mainly of U.S. Treasury bonds, government agency bonds and various municipal bonds.  Approximately 71% of these investment securities have been designated as “available for sale” with any unrealized gain or loss accounted for in the equity section of the Company’s balance sheet, net of deferred income taxes for those investments held by the insurance subsidiaries.  The remainder of the investment portfolio represents securities carried at amortized cost and designated “held to maturity”, as Management has both the ability and intent to hold these securities to maturity.

 

Total liabilities of the Company increased $30.5 million (13%) at December 31, 2006 compared to December 31, 2005.  The majority of the increase resulted from additional obligations attendant to an increase in sales of the Company’s debt securities, and an increase in the amounts outstanding under the Company’s credit line.  Sales of the Company’s debt securities continue to be the primary funding source for the Company’s operations; however, the growth in sales in 2006 did not fully offset the increase in funding required for the growth in our loan portfolio.  Hence, the Company utilized amounts available under its credit agreement as an additional funding source.  In 2006, the Company experienced a shift in investor preference from purchases of its senior demand notes to its higher yielding subordinated debt, which has a fixed maturity.

 

An increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses also contributed to the overall increase in total liabilities at December 31, 2006.  Accounts payable and accrued expenses rose $1.4 million (10%) at the end of 2006 as compared to the end of 2005, mainly due to an increase in the accrual for the Company’s 2006 incentive bonus.

 

Results of Operations:

 

Revenues increased significantly during 2006 as compared to the preceding two years.  During 2006, the Company generated $115.0 million in revenues as compared to $101.8 and $98.5 million during 2005 and 2004, respectively.  Higher earnings on the loan portfolio, growth in insurance revenue and commissions received on sales of auto club memberships were the main contributing factors.

 

The higher revenues and lower credit losses during 2006 resulted in a significant improvement in net income during the year as compared to the preceding two years.  During 2006, net income was $7.7 million compared to $5.1 million and $5.0 million during 2005 and 2004, respectively.  Contributing to the lower net income levels during the preceding two years was the impact and related costs of the conversion of the Company’s loan and accounting operations to a new computer system.  In addition, expenses related to the impact of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita also contributed to lower net income during 2005.  



14






  


Net Interest Income:

 

Net interest income represents the margin between income earned on loans and investments and the interest paid on bank loans, debt securities and capital lease obligations.  Our operating results each year are contingent on our ability to successfully manage this margin.  Factors affecting the margin include the level of average net receivables and the interest income associated therewith, capitalized loan origination costs and average outstanding debt, as well as the general interest rate environment.   Volatility in interest rates has more impact on the income earned on investments and the Company’s borrowing costs than on interest income earned on loans.  Management does not normally change the rates charged on loans originated solely as a result of changes in the interest rate environment.

 

Our net interest margin was $69.6 million, $64.4 million and $61.5 million during each of the three years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.  Higher levels of average net receivables outstanding during 2006 and 2005, and the associated finance charge income earned thereon, led to the higher margins in each of those years.   Interest income increased $9.2 million (13%) during 2006 as compared to 2005 and $3.7 million (5%) during 2005 as compared to 2004.


During the two year period ended December 31, 2006, average interest rates the Company pays on its debt have increased significantly.  Our average interest rates increased to 5.01% during 2006, compared to 3.78% in 2005 and 3.49% in 2004.  The higher rates and an increase in average debt outstanding caused interest costs to increase $4.0 million (50%) during 2006 as compared to 2005, and $.9 million (12%) during 2005 as compared to 2004.

 

Net Insurance Income:

 

Earnings from our insurance operations increased $3.1 million during 2006 as compared to 2005 mainly due to increases in the amount of credit insurance in force.   A decrease in claims during the year just ended also contributed to higher insurance income.

 

Net insurance income during 2005 declined $1.0 million (5%) as compared to 2004.  Lower premium revenue and higher claims during the period were the cause of the decline.  A factor contributing to the lower premium revenue was a term limit of twelve months imposed by the Mississippi Insurance Department on limited physical damage insurance written in Mississippi, effective January 2005.

 

The decline in net insurance income during 2005 was also due to higher claims incurred, mainly as a result of the Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.   Many customers in the affected areas who had opted for credit insurance when they obtained their loans filed property claims for damages incurred by the storms.  


Other Revenue:

 

Other revenue encompasses various other sources of income including service charge income, rent income and other miscellaneous income.  During 2006, other revenue was $2.2 million as compared to $1.0 million and $.9 million during 2005 and 2004, respectively.  Beginning in October 2006, the Company began selling auto club memberships as an agent for a third party provider.  The commissions earned on the sale of these memberships produced approximately $1.3 million in additional revenue for the Company during 2006.

 

Provision for Loan Losses:

 

The Company’s provision for loan losses reflect the level of net charge-offs and adjustments to the allowance for loan losses to cover credit losses inherent in the outstanding loan portfolio at the balance sheet date.

 



15






Prior to 2006, the Company’s provision for loan losses had increased each year mainly due to higher write-offs of non performing loans.  During 2006, this trend reversed and the Company experienced a slight decrease in the provision.  Three factors attributed to the decline.  One factor was concerted collection efforts by our employees to collect accounts before they fell under our charge off policy.  A second factor was the sale of previously charged off accounts on which we had not received a payment in three or more years.  The sale enabled us to recover a portion of the originally charged off balance on the accounts sold.  The third factor was a reduction in bankruptcy filings which led to a reduction in charge offs.  Federal bankruptcy laws which became effective October 17, 2005 appear to have curtailed the number of bankruptcy filings the Company was experiencing prior to the laws being enacted.  Prior to October 1, 2005, the Company averaged approximately $1.0 million a month in bankruptcy filings by its loan customers.  During October 2005, bankruptcy filings by our loan customers more than doubled in amount as individuals made an increasing number of filings prior to the October 17th enactment of the new laws.  Since the law was enacted, customer bankruptcy filings have declined, resulting in charge offs of approximately $.7 million each month.  At December 31, 2006, the balance on bankrupt accounts was $9.7 million, compared to $11.8 million at December 31, 2005 and $12.3 million at December 31, 2004.

 

During 2006, 2005 and 2004 the provision for loan losses was $19.1 million, $19.5 million and $18.1 million, respectively.   Higher write-offs on non-performing loans led to the increases in the loss provision during 2005 as compared to 2004.  

 

The creditworthiness of the loan portfolio will continue to be monitored considering factors such as previous loss experience, delinquency status, bankruptcy trends, the perceived ability of the borrower to repay, value of the underlying collateral and changes in the size of the loan portfolio.  Additions will be made to the allowance for loan losses when we deem it appropriate to protect against probable losses in the current portfolio.  Currently, we believe the allowance for loan losses is adequate to absorb actual losses.  However, if conditions change, future additions to the allowance may be necessary in order to provide adequate protection against probable losses in the current portfolio.

 

Other Operating Expenses:

 

As the Company has expanded its operations, the level of employment has also expanded.  Personnel expense increased $4.5 million (12%) during 2006 as compared to 2005 due to the increase in the employee base, merit salary increases, increased accruals for incentive bonuses, increased accruals for profit sharing contributions, higher employee medical claims and a decline in deferred salary expense.  During 2005, personnel expense increased $1.6 million (5%) as compared to 2004 mainly due to merit salary increases and higher insurance claims incurred by the Company’s employee health insurance plan.

 

New office openings and lease renewals for existing branch offices were the main causes of the $.4 million (4%) and $.3 million (4%) increases in occupancy expense during 2006 and 2005, respectively.  Also contributing the increases each year were higher utility costs and depreciation on furniture and equipment.

 

Increases in advertising expenditures, collection expenses, travel expenses, management meetings, postage, consultant fees and stationery and supplies were the primary factors responsible for the $1.7 million (11%) increase in other miscellaneous operating expenses during 2006 as compared to the prior year.  A gain on the sale of certain property during 2005 which reduced expenses that year, also contributed to the increase in 2006.

 

Other miscellaneous operating expenses decreased $1.5 million (9%) during 2005 as compared to 2004 primarily due to a decline in computer system conversion expenses.  The majority of the cost associated with the actual conversion and training of employees occurred in 2004.  A gain on the sale of certain property added to the reduction of other expenses during 2005.  Also contributing to the decline in other expenses during 2005 was lower advertising expenses, lower legal expenses and a reduction in stationary and supply expenditures.


Income Taxes:

 



16






The Company has elected to be treated as an S Corporation for income tax reporting purposes.  Taxable income or loss of an S Corporation is included in the individual tax returns of the shareholders of the Company.  However, income taxes continue to be reported for the Company’s insurance subsidiaries, as they are not allowed to be treated as an S Corporation, and for the Company’s state taxes in Louisiana, which does not recognize S Corporation status.  Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized and provisions for current and deferred income taxes continue to be recorded by the Company’s subsidiaries.  The deferred income tax assets and liabilities are due to certain temporary differences between reported income and expenses for financial statement and income tax purposes.  

 

Effective income tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 were 30.4%, 33.0% and 33.8%, respectively.  The higher rates during 2005 and 2004 were due to higher losses of the S Corporation being passed to the shareholders for tax reporting, whereas income earned by the insurance subsidiaries was taxed at the corporate level.  Loses of the S Corporation were lower during 2006.

 

Other:

 

During 2005, the Company began the process of preparing to comply with certain requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  The original deadline for compliance with these requirements was prior to the completion of the Company’s fiscal year ending December 31, 2005; however, the deadline for certain companies, including 1st Franklin, has been extended to December 31, 2007.  The Sarbanes-Oxley Act sets out requirements with respect to, among other things, corporate governance and financial accounting disclosures.  During 2006, we incurred approximately $.1 million in expenses.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk:

 

Volatility of market rates of interest can impact the Company’s investment portfolio and the interest rates paid on its debt securities.  Volatility in interest rates has more impact on the income earned on investments and the Company’s borrowing costs than on interest income earned on loans.  Management does not normally change the rates charged on loans originated solely as a result of changes in the interest rate environment. These exposures are monitored and managed by the Company as an integral part of its overall cash management program.  It is Management’s goal to minimize any adverse effect that movements in interest rates may have on the financial condition and operations of the Company.  The information in the table below summarizes the Company’s risk associated with marketable debt securities and debt obligations as of December 31, 2006.  Rates associated with the marketable debt securities represent weighted averages based on the yield of each individual security.  No adjustment has been made to yield, even though many of the investments are tax-exempt.  For debt obligations, the table presents principal cash flows and related weighted average interest rates by contractual maturity dates.  The Company’s subordinated debt securities offer various interest adjustment periods, at which time the interest rate will reset, and which allows the holder to redeem that security prior to the contractual maturity without penalty.  It is expected that actual maturities on a portion of the Company’s subordinated debentures will occur prior to the contractual maturity.  Management estimates the carrying value of senior and subordinated debt approximates their fair values when compared to instruments of similar type, terms and maturity.  

 

Loans are excluded from the information below since interest rates charged on loans are based on rates allowable in compliance with federal and state guidelines.  Management does not believe that changes in market interest rates will significantly impact rates charged on loans.  The Company has no exposure to foreign currency risk.


 

Expected Year of Maturity

 

 

 

 

 

 

2012 &

 

Fair

 

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Beyond

Total

Value

Assets:

(in millions)

   Marketable Debt Securities

$ 10

$ 11

$ 11

$ 10

   $ 10

$ 21

$73

$73

   Average Interest Rate

3.9%

4.0%

3.9%

4.1%

4.2%

4.4%

4.3%

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Senior Debt:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



17






      Senior Demand Notes

$49

$49

$49

      Average Interest Rate

3.3%

3.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



18




 

Expected Year of Maturity

 

 

 

 

 

 

2011 &

 

Fair

 

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Beyond

Total

Value

Liabilities (continued):

(in millions)

      Commercial Paper

$108

$108

$108

      Average Interest Rate

6.7%

6.7%

 

      Notes Payable to Banks

--

$ 25

$  25

$ 25

      Average Interest Rate

--

7.8%

7.8%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Subordinated Debentures

$   7

$  9

$ 10

$ 41

$ 67

$ 67

      Average Interest Rate

5.4%

6.1%

5.7%

6.5%

6.2%

 



Liquidity and Capital Resources:

 

Liquidity is the ability of the Company to meet short-term financial obligations, either through the collection of receivables or by generating additional funds through liability management. The Company’s liquidity is therefore dependent on the collection of its receivables, the sale of debt securities and the continued availability of funds under the Company’s revolving credit agreement (the “Revolver”).

 

As of December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, the Company had $24.0 million and $14.0 million, respectively, invested in cash and short-term investments readily convertible into cash with original maturities of three months or less.  

 

The Company's investments in marketable securities can be converted into cash, if necessary.  As of December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, 95% and 97% of the Company's cash and cash equivalents and investment securities were maintained in the Company’s insurance subsidiaries.  State insurance regulations limit the use an insurance company can make of assets.  Dividend payments to the Company by its wholly owned insurance subsidiaries are subject to annual limitations and are restricted to the greater of 10% of statutory surplus or statutory earnings before recognizing realized investment gains of the individual insurance subsidiaries.  At December 31, 2006, Frandisco Property and Casualty Insurance and Frandisco Life Insurance Company had a statutory surplus of $34.3 million and $36.0 million, respectively.  The maximum aggregate amount of dividends these subsidiaries can pay to the Company in 2007 without prior approval of the Georgia Insurance Commissioner is approximately $8.3 million.  The Company does not currently believe that any statutory limitations on the payment of cash dividends by the Company’s subsidiaries will materially affect the Company’s liquidity.

 

Most of the Company's loan portfolio is financed through sales of its various debt securities, which, because of certain redemption features, have a shorter average maturity than the loan portfolio as a whole.  The difference in maturities may adversely affect liquidity if the Company is not able to continue to sell debt securities at interest rates and terms that are responsive to the demands of the marketplace or maintain sufficient unused bank borrowings.

 



19






In addition to funding liquidity through the sales of its debt securities, the Company maintains an external source of funds through its Revolver.  Prior to December 15, 2006 the Company had a credit agreement with Wachovia Bank, N.A., which provided for unsecured borrowings up to $30.0 million. Effective December 15, 2006, a new credit line agreement was executed with Wachovia Bank, N.A. and BMO Capital Markets Financing, Inc., which provides for unsecured borrowings up to $50.0 million, subject to certain limitations.  This agreement expires three years from its date.  Any amounts then outstanding will be due and payable on such date.  Available but unborrowed amounts under the Revolver are subject to a periodic unused line fee, the percentage and amount of which is dependent on the then-outstanding amounts under the Revolver.  The interest rate under the Revolver is equivalent to either (a) the base rate (which equals the higher of the Prime Rate or 0.5% above the Federal Funds Rate, each as defined) or (b) the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) determined on an interest period of 1-month, 2-months, 3-months or 6-months, at the option of the Company, plus, in each case, an Applicable Margin (as defined).  Base rate borrowings may be converted to LIBOR borrowings, and vice versa, at the option of the Company.  As of December 31, 2006, $24.9 million was outstanding under the Revolver at an interest rate of 7.75%, and available borrowings under the Revolver were $25.1 million.  Periodic funding of amounts available under the Revolver is subject to conditions customary for financing transactions of this nature, including various debt covenants.

 

The credit agreement governing the Revolver requires the Company to comply with certain covenants customary for financing transactions of this nature, including, among others, maintaining a minimum interest coverage ratio, a minimum consolidated tangible net worth ratio, and a maximum debt to tangible net worth ratio, each as defined. The Company must also comply with certain restrictions on its activities consistent with credit agreements of this type, including limitations on: (a) restricted payments; (b) additional debt obligations (other than specified debt obligations); (c) investments (other than specified investments); (d) mergers, acquisitions, or a liquidation or winding up; (e) modifying its organizational documents or changing lines of business; (f) modifying Material Contracts (as defined); (g) certain affiliate transactions; (h) sale-leaseback, synthetic lease, or similar transactions; (i) guaranteeing additional indebtedness (other than specified indebtedness); (k) capital expenditures; or (l) speculative transactions.  The credit agreement governing the Revolver also restricts the Company or any of its subsidiaries from creating or allowing certain liens on their assets, entering into agreements that restrict their ability to grant liens (other than specified agreements), or creating or allowing restrictions on any of their ability to make dividends, distributions, inter-company loans or guaranties, or other inter-company payments, or inter-company asset transfers.  At December 31, 2006, the Company was in compliance with all covenants.



 

The Company was subject to the following contractual obligations and commitments at December 31, 2006:

      

 

 

 

 

 

 

2012 &

 

 

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Beyond

Total

(in millions)

Contractual Obligations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Credit Line *

$    2.0

$ 2.0

$26.8

$     -

 $     -

$      -

$ 30.8

   Bank Commitment Fee **

.1

.1

.1

    -

      -

      -

.3

   Senior Demand Notes *

50.5

     -

     -

    -

      -

      -

50.5

   Commercial Paper *

109.7

-

-

-

-

-

109.7

   Subordinated Debt *

56.6

15.5

1.0

11.5

-

-

84.6

   Operating leases (offices)

 3.4

 2.7

 1.8

 1.1

     .5

   -

9.5

   Operating leases (equipment)

.9

.8

.1

._

-

-

1.8

   Capitalized leases (equipment)

.3

.2

._

._

-

-

.5

Software service contract **

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

7.1

19.1

Data communication lines

contract **


      2.7


    1.8


       -


       -


       -


       -


     4.5

       Total

$228.6  

$25.5

$32.2

$15.0

$ 2.9

$ 7.1

$311.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



20






    *

Includes estimated interest at current rates.

 

 

 

 

 

    **

Based on current usage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


The increase in the loan loss allowance also did not directly affect liquidity as the allowance is maintained out of income; however, an increase in the loss rate may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s earnings.  However, the inability to collect loans could eventually impact the Company’s liquidity in the future.

 

 

Critical Accounting Policies:

 

The accounting and reporting policies of 1st Franklin and its subsidiaries are in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and conform to general practices within the financial services industry.  The more critical accounting and reporting policies include the allowance for loan losses, revenue recognition and insurance claims reserves.



Allowance for Loan Losses:

The allowance for loan losses is based on the Company's previous loss experience, a review of specifically identified loans where collection is doubtful and Management's evaluation of the inherent risks and changes in the composition of the Company's loan portfolio.  Specific provision for loan losses is made for impaired loans based on a comparison of the recorded carrying value in the loan to either the present value of the loan’s expected cash flow, the loan’s estimated market price or the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral.


Revenue Recognition:

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States require that an interest yield method be used to calculate the income recognized on accounts which have precomputed charges.  An interest yield method is used by the Company on each individual precomputed account to calculate income for on-going precomputed accounts; however, state regulations often allow interest refunds to be made according to the “Rule of 78's” method for payoffs and renewals.  Since the majority of the Company's precomputed accounts are paid off or renewed prior to maturity, the result is that most of the precomputed accounts effectively yield on a Rule of 78's basis.

 

Precomputed finance charges are included in the gross amount of certain direct cash loans, sales finance contracts and certain real estate loans.  These precomputed charges are deferred and recognized as income on an accrual basis using the effective interest method.  Some other cash loans and real estate loans, which are not precomputed, have income recognized on a simple interest accrual basis.  Income is not accrued on a loan that is more than 60 days past due.

 

Loan fees and origination costs are deferred and recognized as an adjustment to the loan yield over the contractual life of the related loan.  

 

The property and casualty credit insurance policies written by the Company, as agent for a non-affiliated insurance company, are reinsured by the Company’s property and casualty insurance subsidiary.  The premiums are deferred and earned over the period of insurance coverage using the pro-rata method or the effective yield method, depending on whether the amount of insurance coverage generally remains level or declines.

 

The credit life and accident and health policies written by the Company, as agent for a non-affiliated insurance company, are reinsured by the Company’s life insurance subsidiary.  The premiums are deferred and earned using the pro-rata method for level-term life policies and the effective yield method for decreasing-term life policies.  Premiums on accident and health policies are earned based on an average of the pro-rata method and the effective yield method.

 



21






Insurance Claims Reserves:

Included in unearned insurance premiums and commissions on the consolidated statements of financial position are reserves for incurred but unpaid credit insurance claims for policies written by the Company and reinsured by the Company’s wholly-owned insurance subsidiaries.  These reserves are established based on acceptable actuarial methods.  In the event that the Company’s actual reported losses for any given period are materially in excess of the previous estimated amounts, such losses could have a material adverse affect on the Company’s results of operations.

 

Different assumptions in the application of these policies could result in material changes in the Company’s consolidated financial position or consolidated results of operations.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements:


In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”), an interpretation of FASB No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes.  FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for income taxes by prescribing how companies should recognize, measure, present and disclose uncertain tax positions that have been taken on a tax return.  The Company will adopt FIN 48 as of January 1, 2007, as required, and is still in the process of evaluating the impact that FIN 48 may have on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”, (“SFAS No.157”), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements disclosures about fair value measurements.  SFAS No. 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements and does not require any new assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value.  SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact that SFAS No. 157 may have on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115,” (“SFAS No. 159”), which permits companies to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value.  SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.  Management is currently evaluating the effect that SFAS No. 159 may have on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission’s staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 108, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements.  SAB NO. 108 requires companies to evaluate the materiality of identified unadjusted errors on each financial statement and related financial statement disclosure using both the rollover approach and the iron curtain approach, as those terms are defined in SAB No. 108.  The rollover approach quantifies misstatements based on the amount of the error in the current year financial statement, whereas the iron curtain approach quantifies misstatements based on the effects of correcting the misstatement existing in the balance sheet at the end of the current year, irrespective of the misstatement’s year(s) of origin.  Financial statements would require adjustment when either approach results in quantifying a misstatement that is material.  Correcting prior year financial statements for immaterial errors would not require previously filed reports to be amended.  If a Company determines that an adjustment to prior year financial statements is required upon adoption of SAB No. 108 and does not elect to restate its previous financial statements, then it must recognize the cumulative effect of applying SAB No. 108 in fiscal 2006 beginning balances of the affected assets and liabilities with a corresponding adjustment to fiscal 2006 opening balance in retained earnings.  SAB No. 108 is effective for interim periods of the first fiscal year ending after November 15, 2006.  The adoption of SAB No. 108 did not impact our consolidated financial statements.






22





MANAGEMENT'S REPORT


The accompanying consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States by management of the Company, who assume responsibility for their integrity and reliability.

 

The Company maintains a system of internal accounting controls, which is supported by a program of internal audits with appropriate management follow-up action.  The integrity of the financial accounting system is based on careful selection and training of qualified personnel, on organizational arrangements which provide for appropriate division of responsibilities and on the communication of established written policies and procedures.

 

The financial statements of the Company included in this Annual Report have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm. Their report expresses an opinion as to the fair presentation of the financial statements and is based upon their independent audit conducted in accordance with auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).

 

The Company’s Audit Committee, comprised solely of outside directors, meets periodically with Deloitte & Touche LLP, the internal auditors and representatives of management to discuss auditing and financial reporting matters. Deloitte & Touche LLP has free access to meet with the Audit Committee without management representatives present to discuss the scope and results of its audit and its opinions on the quality of financial reporting.




23




REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To:

The Board of Directors

1st Franklin Financial Corporation

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of 1st Franklin Financial Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.  

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal controls over financial reporting.  Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate for the circumstances, but not for the purposes of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.  Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of 1st Franklin Financial Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

 

 

Atlanta, Georgia

March 15, 2007



24





1st FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

 

DECEMBER 31, 2006 AND 2005

 

ASSETS


 

 

 

2006   

  2005     


CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (Note 4):

 

 

   Cash and Due From Banks

$

4,290,337

$

2,202,925

   Short-term Investments

19,738,430

11,785,166

 

24,028,767

13,988,091

 

 

 

RESTRICTED CASH (Note 1)

1,869,583

1,591,967

 

 

 

LOANS (Note 2):

 

 

   Direct Cash Loans

267,999,176

241,313,264

   Real Estate Loans

23,563,575

23,382,248

   Sales Finance Contracts

33,724,033

30,345,466

 

 

325,286,784

 

295,040,978

 

 

 

   Less:

Unearned Finance Charges

36,615,665

34,661,179

 

Unearned Insurance Premiums

20,723,607

18,834,971

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

18,085,085

16,885,085

 

        

249,862,427

224,659,743

 

 

 

MARKETABLE DEBT SECURITIES (Note 3):

 

 

   Available for Sale, at fair market value

52,032,039

48,431,606

   Held to Maturity, at amortized cost

21,034,074

23,041,123

 

73,066,113

71,472,729

 

 

 

OTHER ASSETS:

 

 

   Land, Buildings, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements,

 

 

      less accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

 

         of $13,361,391 and $12,770,424 in 2006

         and 2005, respectively


7,062,439


7,217,783

   Deferred Acquisition Costs

1,160,106

1,024,096

   Due from Non-affiliated Insurance Company

1,581,854

1,299,766

   Miscellaneous

3,935,980

3,655,586

 

13,740,379

13,197,231

 

 

 

                TOTAL ASSETS

$

362,567,269

$

324,909,761

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements




25





1st FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

       

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

 

DECEMBER 31, 2006 AND 2005


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY


 

2006

 2005


SENIOR DEBT (Note 5):

 

 

   Notes Payable to Banks

$

24,827,681

$

9,018,370

   Senior Demand Notes, including accrued interest

 48,851,811

 64,120,201

   Commercial Paper

107,794,812

107,574,284

 

181,474,304

180,712,855

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES

15,538,750

14,110,767

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUBORDINATED DEBT (Note 6)

67,189,657

38,901,635

 

 

 

 

 

 

        Total Liabilities

264,202,711

233,725,257

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 7)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:

 

 

   Preferred Stock; $100 par value

 

 

6,000 shares authorized; no shares outstanding

--

--

   Common Stock:

 

 

Voting Shares; $100 par value;

 

 

       

2,000 shares authorized; 1,700 shares outstanding

170,000

170,000

   

Non-Voting Shares; no par value;

 

 

        

198,000 shares authorized; 168,300 shares

 

 

         

outstanding as of December 31, 2006 and 2005

--

--

   Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

243,805

268,012

   Retained Earnings

97,950,753

90,746,492

               Total Stockholders' Equity

98,364,558

91,184,504

 

 

 

                    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY


$

362,567,269

 


$

324,909,761

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements




26




1st FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006, 2005 AND 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006

2005

2004

INTEREST INCOME:

Finance Charges

Investment Income


$

77,914,247 

3,710,980 

81,625,227 


$

69,228,623 

3,174,145 

72,402,768 


$

66,068,779 

2,609,639 

68,678,418 

INTEREST EXPENSE:

Senior Debt

Subordinated Debt



8,875,312 

3,118,314 

11,993,626 


6,309,551 

1,706,478 

8,016,029 


5,073,818 

2,063,150 

7,136,968 

 

 

 

 

NET INTEREST INCOME

69,631,601 

64,386,739 

61,541,450 

 

 

 

 

PROVISION FOR

LOAN LOSSES (Note 2)


19,108,562 


19,483,632 


18,096,969 

 

 

 

 

NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER

PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES


50,523,039 


44,903,107 


43,444,481 

 

 

 

 

NET INSURANCE INCOME:

Premiums

Insurance Claims and Expense


31,256,387 

(6,416,995)

24,839,392 


28,438,711 

(6,732,679)

21,706,032 


28,864,383 

(6,133,770)

22,730,613 

 

 

 

 

OTHER REVENUE

2,160,753 

985,194 

915,745 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING EXPENSES:

Personnel Expense

Occupancy Expense

Other Expense


40,378,370 

8,979,037 

17,143,101 

66,500,508 


35,926,511 

8,622,917 

15,424,125 

59,973,553 


34,312,589 

8,287,737 

16,963,690 

59,564,016 

 

 

 

 

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

11,022,676 

7,620,780 

7,526,823 

 

 

 

 

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES (Note 10)

 

3,350,914 

2,512,081 

2,545,601 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME

$

7,671,762 

$

5,108,699 

$

4,981,222 

 

 

 

 

BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE:

170,000 Shares Outstanding for All

Periods ( 1,700 voting, 168,300

non-voting)




$45.13 




$30.05 




$29.30 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements




27





1st FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006, 2005 AND 2004


 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

Common Stock

 

Retained

Comprehensive

 

 

Shares

Amount

Earnings

Income

Total


Balance at December 31, 2003

170,000

 $170,000

$82,622,954 

  $ 1,051,078   

$83,844,032 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Comprehensive Income:

 

 

 

 

 

       Net Income for 2004

4,981,222 

— 

 

       Net Change in Unrealized Gain

          On Available-For-Sale Securities



 

 —  


(224,686)

 

   Total Comprehensive Income

—  

— 

4,756,536 

   Cash Distributions Paid

          —

            —

   (1,498,882)

               — 

   (1,498,882)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2004

170,000

170,000

86,105,294 

826,392 

87,101,686 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Comprehensive Income:

 

 

 

 

 

       Net Income for 2005

5,108,699 

 

       Net Change in Unrealized Gain

          On Available-For-Sale Securities




— 


(558,380)

 

   Total Comprehensive Income

— 

— 

4,550,319 

   Cash Distributions Paid

          —

            —

     (467,501)

               — 

     (467,501)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at  December 31, 2005

170,000

170,000

90,746,492 

268,012 

91,184,504 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Comprehensive Income:

 

 

 

 

 

       Net Income for 2006

7,671,762 

— 

 

       Net Change in Unrealized Gain

          On Available-For-Sale Securities




— 


(24,207)

 

     Total Comprehensive Income

— 

— 

7,647,555 

     Cash Distributions Paid

          —

            —

     (467,501)

              — 

     (467,501)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2006

170,000

$170,000

$97,950,753 

$   243,805 

$98,364,558 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disclosure of reclassification amount:

 

2006

2005

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period,

net of applicable income tax benefits of $54,772, $230,317

and 125,976 for 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively

 

 

 


 $    (17,527)

 

$    (565,267)

 

$    (203,796)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less: Reclassification adjustment for net gains (losses)

included in income, net of applicable income taxes of

$2,471, ($2,521) and $6,660 for 2006, 2005 and 2004,

respectively




          6,680 




        (6,887)




        20,890 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities,

net of applicable income tax benefits of $57,243, $227,696

and $132,636 of 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively



$    (24,207)



$    (558,380)



$    (224,686)


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 



28




 1st FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006, 2005 AND 2004


 

2006       

2005       

2004       

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

   Net Income

$

7,671,762 

$

5,108,699 

$

4,981,222 

   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net

 

 

 

       cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

    

Provision for loan losses

19,108,562 

19,483,632 

18,096,969 

    

Depreciation and amortization

1,888,433 

1,827,138 

1,754,700 

    

Provision for deferred taxes

286,851 

46,005 

79,896 

    

Losses due to called redemptions on marketable

       

securities, loss on sales of equipment and

 

 

 

       

amortization on securities

7,205 

(247,414)

116,407 

    

(Increase) decrease in Miscellaneous

Assets and other


(698,492)


(778,605)


413,522 

    

Increase (decrease) in Other Liabilities

1,198,375 

(964,319)

(1,404,963)

          

Net Cash Provided

29,462,696 

24,475,138 

24,037,753 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

   Loans originated or purchased

(231,849,878)

(196,159,931)

(196,761,835)

   Loan payments

187,538,632 

170,909,595 

166,233,836 

   Increase in restricted cash

(277,616)

(35,037)

(1,206,930)

   Purchases of securities, available for sale

(9,537,168)

(16,172,200)

(9,658,757)

   Purchases of securities, held to maturity

-- 

-- 

(7,429,492)

   Redemptions of securities, available for sale

5,778,000 

4,195,250 

7,816,250 

   Redemptions of securities, held to maturity

1,995,000 

3,255,000 

3,105,000 

   Principal payments on securities, available for sale

-- 

-- 

248,854 

   Capital expenditures

(2,089,399)

(2,086,599)

(3,499,585)

   Proceeds from sale of equipment

438,439 

581,808 

210,732 

          

Net Cash Used

(48,003,990)

(35,512,114)

(40,941,927)

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

   Net increase (decrease) in Notes Payable to

 

 

 

       Banks and Senior Demand Notes

540,921 

(3,579,488)

8,812,994 

   Commercial Paper issued

44,177,066 

44,700,469 

28,626,116 

   Commercial Paper redeemed

(43,956,538)

(29,075,878)

(16,975,372)

   Subordinated Debt issued

35,526,664 

6,669,812 

5,754,767 

   Subordinated Debt redeemed

(7,238,642)

(9,078,706)

(8,520,172)

   Dividends / Distributions paid

(467,501)

(467,501)

(1,498,882)

          

Net Cash Provided

28,581,970 

9,168,708 

16,199,451 

 

 

 

 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN

 

 

 

     CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

10,040,676   

(1,868,268)  

(704,723)  

 

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning

13,988,091 

15,856,359 

16,561,082 

 

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, ending

$

24,028,767 

$

13,988,091 

$

15,856,359 


Cash paid during the year for:

Interest

$

11,694,753 

$

7,964,734 

$

7,101,750 

 

Income Taxes

3,137,391 

2,571,625 

2,517,856 

 

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



29




1ST FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006, 2005 AND 2004

 

 

1.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Business:

 

1st Franklin Financial Corporation (the "Company") is a consumer finance company which acquires and services direct cash loans, real estate loans and sales finance contracts through 226 branch offices located throughout the southeastern United States.  (See inside front cover of this Annual Report for branch office locations.)  In addition to this business, the Company writes credit insurance when requested by its loan customers as an agent for a non-affiliated insurance company specializing in such insurance.  Two of the Company's wholly owned subsidiaries, Frandisco Life Insurance Company and Frandisco Property and Casualty Insurance Company, reinsure the life, the accident and health and the property insurance so written.

 

Basis of Consolidation:

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries.  Inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

 

Fair Values of Financial Instruments:

 

The following methods and assumptions are used by the Company in estimating fair values for financial instruments:

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents.  Cash includes cash on hand and with banks.  Cash equivalents are short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.  The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value due to the relatively short period of time between the origination of the instruments and their expected realization.

 

Loans.  The fair value of the Company's direct cash loans and sales finance contracts approximate the carrying value since the estimated life, assuming prepayments, is short-term in nature.  The fair value of the Company's real estate loans approximate the carrying value since the rate charged by the Company approximates market rates.

 

Marketable Debt Securities.  The fair value for marketable debt securities is based on quoted market prices.  If a quoted market price is not available, fair value is estimated using market prices for similar securities.  See Note 3 for the fair value of marketable debt securities.

 

Senior Debt.  The carrying value of the Company's senior debt approximates fair value due to the relatively short period of time between the origination of the instruments and their expected payment.

 

Subordinated Debt.  The carrying value of the Company's subordinated debt approximates fair value due to the repricing frequency of the debt.

 

Use of Estimates:

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires Management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could vary from these estimates; however, in the opinion of Management, such variances would not be material.

 

Income Recognition:

 



30






Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States require that an interest yield method be used to calculate the income recognized on accounts which have precomputed charges.  An interest yield method is used by the Company on each individual precomputed account to calculate income for on-going precomputed accounts, however, state regulations often allow interest refunds to be made according to the “Rule of 78's” method for payoffs and renewals.  Since the majority of the Company's precomputed accounts are paid off or renewed prior to maturity, the result is that most of the precomputed accounts effectively yield on a Rule of 78's basis.

 

Precomputed finance charges are included in the gross amount of certain direct cash loans, sales finance contracts and certain real estate loans.  These precomputed charges are deferred and recognized as income on an accrual basis using the effective interest method.  Some other cash loans and real estate loans, which are not precomputed, have income recognized on a simple interest accrual basis.  Income is not accrued on a loan that is more than 60 days past due.

 

Loan fees and origination costs are deferred and recognized as an adjustment to the loan yield over the contractual life of the related loan.  

 

The property and casualty credit insurance policies written by the Company are reinsured by the Company’s property and casualty insurance subsidiary.  The premiums are deferred and earned over the period of insurance coverage using the pro-rata method or the effective yield method, depending on whether the amount of insurance coverage generally remains level or declines.

 

The credit life and accident and health policies written by the Company are reinsured by the Company’s life insurance subsidiary.  The premiums are deferred and earned using the pro-rata method for level-term life policies and the effective yield method for decreasing-term life policies.  Premiums on accident and health policies are earned based on an average of the pro-rata method and the effective yield method.

 

Claims of the insurance subsidiaries are expensed as incurred and reserves are established for incurred but not reported (IBNR) claims.  Reserves for claims totaled $854,592 and $984,775 at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and are included in unearned insurance premiums on the balance sheet.

 

Policy acquisition costs of the insurance subsidiaries are deferred and amortized to expense over the life of the policies on the same methods used to recognize premium income.

 

Commissions received from the sale of auto club memberships are earned at the time the membership is sold.  The Company sells the memberships as an agent for a third party.  The Company has no further obligations after the date of sale as all claims for benefits are paid and administered by the third party.

 

Depreciation and Amortization:

 

Office machines, equipment (including equipment and capital leases) and Company automobiles are recorded at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over a period of three to ten years.  Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over five years or less depending on the term of the applicable lease.

 

Restricted Cash:

 

At December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, the Company had cash of $1,869,583, $1,591,967 and $1,556,930, respectively, that was held in restricted accounts at its insurance subsidiaries in order to meet the deposit requirements of the State of Georgia and to meet the reserve requirements of its reinsurance agreements.  

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets:

 



31






The Company annually evaluates whether events and circumstances have occurred or triggering events have occurred that indicate the carrying amount of property and equipment may warrant revision or may not be recoverable.  When factors indicate that these long-lived assets should be evaluated for possible impairment, the Company assesses the recoverability by determining whether the carrying value of such long-lived assets will be recovered through the future undiscounted cash flows expected from use of the asset and its eventual disposition.  In Management's opinion, there has been no impairment of carrying value of the long-lived assets, including property and equipment and other intangible assets, at December 31, 2006.


Income Taxes:

 

In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”), an interpretation of FASB No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes.  FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for income taxes by prescribing how companies should recognize, measure, present and disclose uncertain tax positions that have been taken on a tax return.  The Company will adopt FIN 48 as of January 1, 2007, as required, and is still in the process of evaluating the impact that FIN 48 may have on its consolidated financial statements.  

 

No provision for income taxes has been made by the Company since it has elected to be treated as an S Corporation. However, the state of Louisiana does not recognize S Corporations, and the Company has accrued amounts necessary to pay the required income taxes in such state. The Company’s insurance subsidiaries remain taxable and income taxes are provided where applicable (Note 10).

 

Collateral Held for Resale:

 

When the Company takes possession of the collateral which secures a loan, the collateral is recorded at the lower of its estimated resale value or the loan balance.  Any losses incurred at that time are charged against the Allowance for Loan Losses.


Bulk Purchases:

 

A bulk purchase is a group of loans purchased by the Company from another lender.  Bulk purchases are recorded at the outstanding loan balance and an allowance for losses is established in accordance with Management's evaluation of the specific loans purchased and their comparability to similar type loans in the Company's existing portfolio.

 

For loans with precomputed charges, unearned finance charges are also recorded using the effective interest method.  Any difference between the purchase price of the loans and their net balance (outstanding balance less allowance for losses and unearned finance charges) is amortized or accreted to income over the estimated average life of the loans purchased using the APR (FASB 91) method.

 

Marketable Debt Securities:  

 

Management has designated a significant portion of the marketable debt securities held in the Company's investment portfolio at December 31, 2006 and 2005 as being available-for-sale.  This portion of the investment portfolio is reported at fair market value with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported, net of taxes, in accumulated other comprehensive income which is a separate component of stockholders' equity.  Gains and losses on sales of securities available-for-sale are determined based on the specific identification method.  The remainder of the investment portfolio is carried at amortized cost and designated as held-to-maturity as Management has both the ability and intent to hold these securities to maturity.

 

Earnings per Share Information:

 

The Company has no contingently issuable common shares, thus basic and diluted per share amounts are the same.

 

 

2.

LOANS

 

The Company's consumer loans are made to individuals in relatively small amounts for relatively short periods of time.  First and second mortgage loans on real estate are made in larger amounts and for longer periods of time.  The Company also purchases sales finance contracts from various dealers.  All loans and sales contracts are held for investment.

 



32




Contractual Maturities of Loans:

 

An estimate of contractual maturities stated as a percentage of the loan balances based upon an analysis of the Company's portfolio as of December 31, 2006 is as follows:


 

 

Direct

Real

Sales

 

Due In      

Cash

Estate

Finance

 

Calendar Year    

   Loans   

   Loans    

Contracts

 

2007

67.03%

19.73%

63.13%

 

2008

28.07

18.92

26.81

 

2009

4.05

17.15

8.06

 

2010

.59

14.44

1.78

 

2011

.12

10.03

.19

 

2012 & beyond

      .14

  19.73

         .03

 

 

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%


Historically, a majority of the Company's loans have renewed many months prior to their final contractual maturity dates, and the Company expects this trend to continue in the future.  Accordingly, the above contractual maturities should not be regarded as a forecast of future cash collections.

 

Cash Collections on Principal:

 

During the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, cash collections applied to the principal of loans totaled $187,538,632 and $170,909,595, respectively, and the ratios of these cash collections to average net receivables were 69.61% and 69.54%, respectively.

 

Allowance for Loan Losses:

 

The Allowance for Loan Losses is based on the Company's previous loss experience, a review of specifically identified loans where collection is doubtful and Management's evaluation of the inherent risks and changes in the composition of the Company's loan portfolio.  Such allowance is, in the opinion of Management, sufficiently adequate for probable losses in the current loan portfolio.  Specific provision for loan losses is made for impaired loans based on a comparison of the recorded carrying value in the loan to either the present value of the loan’s expected cash flow, the loan’s estimated market price or the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral.  As the estimates used in determining the loan loss reserve are influenced by outside factors, such as consumer payment patterns and general economic conditions, there is uncertainty inherent in these estimates, making it reasonably possible that they could change.

 

When a loan becomes five installments past due, it is charged off unless Management directs that it be retained as an active loan. In making this charge off evaluation, Management considers factors such as pending insurance, bankruptcy status and other measures of collectibility.  In addition, no installment is counted as being past due if at least 80% of the contractual payment has been paid.  The amount charged off is the unpaid balance less the unearned finance charges and the unearned insurance premiums.

 

The Company held $27,982,307 and $29,229,634 of loans in a non-accrual status at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

 

An analysis of the allowance for loan losses for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 is shown in the following table:


 

2006

2005

2004

Beginning Balance

$

16,885,085 

$

15,285,085 

$

13,515,085 

Provision for Loan Losses

19,108,562 

19,483,632 

18,096,969 

Charge-Offs

(23,115,442)

(22,315,779)

(20,669,102)

Recoveries

5,206,880 

4,432,147 

4,342,133 

Ending Balance

$18,085,085 

$

16,885,085 

$

15,285,085 




33




3.

MARKETABLE DEBT SECURITIES

 

Debt securities available for sale are carried at estimated fair market value.  The amortized cost and estimated fair market values of these debt securities are as follows:


 


Amortized

Cost

Gross

Unrealized

Gains

Gross

Unrealized

Losses

Estimated

Fair Market

Value

December 31, 2006

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury securities and


 

 


obligations of U.S. government

 

 

 

 

corporations and agencies

$

12,512,644

$

10,176

$

(174,160)

$

12,348,660

Obligations of states and

 

 

 

 

political subdivisions

39,275,384

141,238

(474,866)

38,941,756

Corporate securities

130,316

611,307

-- 

741,623

 

$

51,918,344

$

762,721

$

(649,026)

$

52,032,039


 


Amortized

Cost

Gross

Unrealized

Gains

Gross

Unrealized

Losses

Estimated

Fair Market

Value

December 31, 2005

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury securities and


 

 


obligations of U.S. government

 

 

 

 

corporations and agencies

$

11,086,541

$

9,083

$

(210,238)

$

10,885,386

Obligations of states and

 

 

 

 

political subdivisions

36,768,810

247,430

(366,806)

36,649,434

Corporate securities

381,110

515,677

-- 

896,787

 

$

48,236,461

$

772,190

$

(577,044)

$

48,431,607



 

Debt securities designated as "Held to Maturity" are carried at amortized cost based on Management's intent and ability to hold such securities to maturity.  The amortized cost and estimated fair market values of these debt securities are as follows:


 


Amortized

Cost

Gross

Unrealized

Gains

Gross

Unrealized

Losses

Estimated

Fair Market

Value

December 31, 2006

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury securities and


 

 


obligations of U.S. government

 

 

 

 

corporations and agencies

$

5,467,437

$

2,076

$

(129,458)

$

5,340,055

Obligations of states and

 

 

 

 

political subdivisions

15,566,637

114,481

      (87,911)

15,593,207

Corporate securities

--

--

-- 

--

 

$

21,034,074

$

116,557

$

(217,369)

$

20,933,262

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2005

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury securities and


 

 


obligations of U.S. government

 

 

 

 

corporations and agencies

$

5,469,203

$

9,612

$

(137,190)

$

5,341,625

Obligations of states and

 

 

 

 

political subdivisions

17,071,209

191,357

      (85,344)

17,177,222

Corporate securities

500,711

1,444

-- 

502,155

 

$

23,041,123

$

202,413

$

(222,534)

$

23,021,002



 

  The amortized cost and estimated fair market values of marketable debt securities at December 31, 2006, by contractual maturity, are shown below:


 

Available for Sale

Held to Maturity

 

 

Estimated

 

Estimated

 

Amortized

Fair Market

Amortized

Fair Market

 

Cost

Value

Cost

Value

 

 

 

 

 

Due in one year or less

$

7,452,464

$

8,046,729

$

2,233,290

$

2,225,733

Due after one year through five years

28,005,024

27,743,973

14,204,644

14,090,482

Due after five years through ten years

16,061,428

15,856,963

4,096,140

4,127,047

Due after ten years

399,428

384,374

500,000

490,000

 

$

51,918,344

$

52,032,039

$

21,034,074

$

20,933,262


The following table is an analysis of investment securities in an unrealized loss position for which other-than-temporary impairments have not been recognized as of December 31, 2006:


 

 

Less than 12 Months

12 Months or Longer

Total

 

 

Fair

Value

Unrealized

Losses

Fair

Value

Unrealized

Losses

Fair

Value

Unrealized

Losses

 

Available for Sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury securities

and obligations of U.S.

government

corporations and

agencies





$

996,719





$

770





$

9,421,477





$

173,390





$

10,418,196





$

174,160

 

Obligations of states and

political subdivisions


7,195,756


21,052


20,618,380


453,814


27,814,136


474,866

 

Total

8,192,475

21,822

30,039,857

627,204

38,232,332

649,026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Held to Maturity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury securities

and obligations of U.S.

government

corporations and

agencies





--





--





4,631,086





129,458





4,631,086





129,458

 

Obligations of states and

political subdivisions


1,895,693


3,399


3,811,884


84,512


5,707,577


87,911

 

Total

1,895,693

3,399

8,442,970

213,970

10,338,663

217,369

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall Total

$

10,088,168

$

25,221

$

38,482,827

$

841,173

$

48,570,995

$

866,394

 

The table above represents 149 investments held by the Company, the majority of which are rated AAA.  The unrealized losses on the Company’s investments were the result of interest rate increases.  The total impairment was less than 2% of the fair value of the affected investments.  Based on the ratings of these investments, the Company’s ability and intent to hold these investments until a recovery of fair value and after considering the severity and duration of the impairments, the Company does not consider the impairment of these investments to be other-than-temporary at December 31, 2006.


There were no sales of investments in debt securities available-for-sale during 2006.  Proceeds from redemptions of investment securities due to call provisions and regularly scheduled maturities during 2006 were $7,775,000.  Gross gains of $9,151 were realized on these redemptions.

 

There were no sales of investments in debt securities available-for-sale during 2005.  Proceeds from redemptions of investment securities due to call provisions and regularly scheduled maturities during 2005 were $7,450,250.  Gross gains of $8,810 and gross losses of $18,218 were realized on these redemptions.

 

There were also no sales of investments in debt securities available-for-sale during 2004.  Proceeds from redemptions of investment securities due to call provisions and regularly scheduled maturities during 2004 were $11,170,104.  Gross gains of $29,223 and gross losses of $1,673 were realized on these redemptions.


4.

INSURANCE SUBSIDIARY RESTRICTIONS

 

As of December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, 95% and 97% of the Company's cash and cash equivalents and investment securities were maintained in the Company’s insurance subsidiaries.  State insurance regulations limit the types of investments an insurance company may hold in its portfolio.  These limitations specify types of eligible investments, quality of investments and the percentage a particular investments that may constitute an insurance company’s portfolio.


Dividend payments to the Company by its wholly owned insurance subsidiaries are subject to annual limitations and are restricted to the greater of 10% of statutory surplus or statutory earnings before recognizing realized investment gains of the individual insurance subsidiaries.  At December 31, 2006, Frandisco Property and Casualty Insurance and Frandisco Life Insurance Company had a statutory surplus of $34.3 million and $36.0 million, respectively.  The Company did not receive any dividends from its insurance subsidiaries for any period presented.  The maximum aggregate amount of dividends these subsidiaries can pay to the Company in 2007 without the prior approval of the Georgia Insurance Commissioner is approximately $8.3 million.

 

5.

SENIOR DEBT

 

Effective December 15, 2006, the Company entered into a revolving credit agreement which governs the terms of a revolving credit facility (the “Credit Agreement”) with Wachovia Bank, N.A. and BMO Capital Markets Financing, Inc. and which provides for maximum borrowings of up to $50.0 million or 80% of our net finance receivables (as defined in the Credit Agreement), whichever is less.  The borrowings are on an unsecured basis.  All borrowings bear interest at .5% below the prime rate of interest or at a defined margin above a chosen LIBOR term, at the option of the Company.  A commitment fee is paid quarterly based on the unused funds available.  If unused funds are less than $30 million, the fee is .25% of the unused amount and if unused funds are greater than or equal to $30 million, the fee rate is .50% of the unused amount.  In addition, a facility fee of $50,000 was paid to the banks when the Credit Agreement was executed.  

 

The Credit Agreement has a commitment termination date of December 15, 2009.  Any then- outstanding balance under the Credit Agreement would be due and payable on such date.  The banks also may terminate the agreement upon the violation of any of the financial ratio requirements or covenants contained in the Credit Agreement or if the financial condition of the Company becomes unsatisfactory to the banks, according to standards set forth in the Credit Agreement.  Such financial ratio requirements include a minimum equity requirement, an interest expense coverage ratio and a minimum debt to equity ratio, among others.

 

Prior to December 15, 2006, the Company had a line of credit with a bank which provided for maximum unsecured borrowings of $30.0 million or 80% of our net finance receivables (as defined in the credit agreement), whichever was less.  Interest rates were similar to those contained in the Credit Agreement.  At December 31, 2006 and 2005, the Company had balances of $24.8 million and $9.0 million, respectively, in borrowings against the credit facilities in existence at the applicable dates at interest rates of 7.75% and 6.75%, respectively.

 

At December 31, 2006 and 2005, the Company had balances of $24.8 million and $9.0 million, respectively, in borrowings against the credit facilities in existence at the applicable dates.

 

The Company’s Senior Demand Notes are unsecured obligations which are payable on demand. The interest rate payable on any Senior Demand Note is a variable rate, compounded daily, established from time to time by the Company.

 

Commercial Paper is issued by the Company in amounts in excess of $50,000, with maturities of less than 270 days and at competitive interest rates that the Company believes are competitive in its market.

 



34




Additional data related to the Company's senior debt is as follows:


 

Weighted

 

 

 

 

Average

Maximum

Average

Weighted

 

Interest

Amount

Amount

Average

Year Ended

Rate at end

Outstanding

Outstanding

Interest Rate

December 31

of Year

During Year

During Year

During Year

 

 (In thousands, except % data)

2006:

 

 

 

 

Bank

7.75%

$

24,828

$

14,988

7.59%

Senior Demand Notes

3.30   

63,945

55,508

3.14   

Commercial Paper

6.65   

108,406

105,481

5.72   

All Categories

5.90   

181,474

175,977

5.07   

 

 

 

 

 

2005:

 

 

 

 

Bank

6.75%

$

10,387

$

1,953

5.54%

Senior Demand Notes

2.91   

67,523

64,419

2.45   

Commercial Paper

4.93   

108,544

101,725

4.44   

All Categories

4.30   

180,713

168,097

3.69   

 

 

 

 

 

2004:

 

 

 

 

Bank

5.00%

$

10,387

$

1,789

4.46%

Senior Demand Notes

2.28   

67,905

65,046

2.28   

Commercial Paper

4.11   

93,076

85,859

3.97   

All Categories

3.44   

168,667

152,694

3.25   


6.

SUBORDINATED DEBT

 

The payment of the principal and interest on the Company’s subordinated debt is subordinate and junior in right of payment to all unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company.

 

Subordinated debt consists of Variable Rate Subordinated Debentures which mature four years after their date of issue.  The maturity date is automatically extended for an additional four years unless the holder or the Company redeems the debenture on its original maturity date or within any applicable grace period thereafter.  The debentures have various minimum purchase amounts with varying interest rates and interest adjustment periods for each respective minimum purchase amount, each as established. Interest rates on the debentures are adjusted at the end of each adjustment period.  The debentures may also be redeemed by the holder at the applicable interest adjustment date or within any applicable grace period thereafter without penalty.  Redemptions at any other time are at the discretion of the Company and are subject to an interest penalty. The Company may redeem the debentures for a price equal to 100% of the principal plus accrued but unpaid interest upon 30 days’ notice to the holder.

 

Interest rate information on the Company’s subordinated debt at December 31 is as follows:


Weighted Average Rate at

 

Weighted Average Rate

End of Year

 

During Year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006 

2005  

2004  

 

2006

2005

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.16%

4.36%

3.96%

 

5.43%

4.01%

4.19%



 

Maturity information on the Company's subordinated debt at December 31, 2006 is as follows:


 

Amount Maturing

 

Based on Maturity

Based on Interest

 

Date

Adjustment Period

 

 

 

2007

$

7,054,247

$

45,365,707

2008

8,543,968

12,076,612

2009

10,443,380

806,170

2010

41,148,063

8,941,169

 

$

67,189,658

$

67,189,658


 

7.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

The Company's operations are carried on in locations which are occupied under operating lease agreements.  These lease agreements usually provide for a lease term of five years with the Company holding a renewal option for an additional five years.  There are also operating and capitalized leases for computer equipment the Company uses in its operations.  Operating leases for equipment have terms of three years and the capitalized leases have terms of five years.  Total operating lease expense was $4,463,315, $4,267,824 and $4,117,558 for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.  The Company’s minimum aggregate lease commitments at December 31, 2006 are shown in the table below.  

 

 

 



Year

Capitalized

Equipment

Leases

Operating

Equipment

Leases

Operating

Occupancy

Leases

Total

Operating

Leases

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007

$

244,803

$

842,242

$

3,397,552

$

4,239,794

 

 

2008

214,349

828,072

2,737,750

3,565,822

 

 

2009

9,282

101,623

1,745,550

1,847,173

 

 

2010

--

--

1,140,629

1,140,629

 

 

2011

--

--

531,534

531,534

 

 

2012 and beyond

--

--

29,812

29,812

 

 

   Total

494,434

$

1,771,937

$

9,582,827

$

11,354,764

 

 

Less: Amount representing interest

25,857

 

 

 

 

 

Capital lease obligation

$

442,577

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2006 and 2005, the Company had capital lease obligations of $442,577 and $658,277, respectively, recorded in accounts payable and accrued expenses.


The Company is involved in various other claims and lawsuits incidental to its business from time to time.  In the opinion of Management, the ultimate resolution of any such claims and lawsuits will not have a material effect on the Company's financial position, liquidity or results of operations.

 

 

8.

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

 

The Company maintains a profit sharing and 401(k) plan, which is qualified under Section 401(a) and Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as amended, to cover employees of the Company.

 

Any employee who has attained the age of 18, worked 1,000 hours and twelve consecutive months for the Company is eligible to participate in the profit sharing portion of the plan; automatic enrollment takes place on the January 1st or July 1st after meeting the requirements.   The Company’s contribution to the profit sharing plan is determined at the discretion of the executive officers of the Company and approved by the Board of Directors, based on the profits of 1st Franklin Financial Corporation.   An employee becomes 100% vested in his/her profit sharing account after he/she has completed at least five years of service, with 1,000 hours completed in each year.  Total contributions by the Company were $992,018, $620,000, and $620,000 for the years 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively.

 

Upon hire, any employee who has attained the age of 18 is eligible to participate in the 401(k) portion of the plan; voluntary enrollment may take place any time during the first month of each quarter.  These funds are deferred on a pre-tax basis.  An employee is immediately 100% vested in these funds and currently there is no match of Company funds.

 

The Company also maintains a non-qualified deferred compensation plan for employees who receive compensation in excess of the amount provided in Section 401(a)(17) of the Code, as said amount may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with the Code.

 

 

9.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

The Company leases a portion of its properties (see Note 7) for an aggregate of $155,700 per year from certain officers or stockholders. In Management's opinion, these leases are at rates which approximate those obtainable from independent third parties.

 

Prior to July 20, 2005, beneficial owners of the Company were also beneficial owners of Liberty Bank & Trust (“Liberty”).  Effective July 20, 2005, Liberty merged with Habersham Bank and the Company’s beneficial owners no longer maintain an ownership interest in Liberty or Habersham Bank.  Prior to the merger, the Company and Liberty had certain management and data processing agreements whereby the Company provided certain administrative and data processing services to Liberty for a fee.  Annual income recorded by the Company in 2005 and 2004 was $7,467 and $12,800, respectively.

 

Liberty also leased its office space and equipment from the Company prior to the merger.  Lease income to the Company in 2005 and 2004 was $35,100 and $60,100, respectively.

 

During 1999, a loan was extended to a real estate development partnership of which one of the Company’s beneficial owners (David W. Cheek) is a partner.  David Cheek (son of Ben F. Cheek, III) owns 10.59% of the Company’s voting stock. The loan was renewed on November 27, 2006.  The balance on this commercial loan (including principal and accrued interest) was $2,216,613 at December 31, 2006 and this amount was the maximum amount outstanding during the year.  No principal or interest payments were applied against this loan during 2006.  The loan is a variable-rate loan with the interest based on the prime rate plus 1%. The interest rate adjusts whenever the prime rate changes.

 

Effective September 23, 1995, the Company entered into a Split-Dollar Life Insurance Agreement with the Trustee of an executive officer’s irrevocable life insurance trust.  The life insurance policy insures one of the Company’s executive officers.  As a result of certain changes in tax regulations relating to split-dollar life insurance policies, the agreement was amended effectively making the premium payments a loan to the Trust.  The interest on the loan is a variable rate adjusting monthly based on the federal mid-term Applicable Federal Rate.  A payment of $9,030 for interest accrued during 2006 was applied to the loan on December 31, 2006.  No principal payments on this loan were made in 2006.  The balance on this loan at December 31, 2006 was $197,446.  This was the maximum loan amount outstanding during the year.

 

10.

INCOME TAXES

 

The Company has elected to be treated as an S corporation for income tax reporting purposes for the parent company (the “Parent”).  The taxable income or loss of an S corporation is included in the individual tax returns of the shareholders of the company.  Accordingly, deferred income tax assets and liabilities have been eliminated and no provisions for current and deferred income taxes were made by the Parent other than amounts related to prior years when the Parent was a taxable entity and for amounts attributable to state income taxes for the state of Louisiana, which does not recognize S corporation status for income tax reporting purposes.  Deferred income tax assets and liabilities will continue to be recognized and provisions for current and deferred income taxes will be made by the Company’s subsidiaries.

 

The provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 is made up of the following components:


 

2006      

2005      

2004      

 

 

 

 

Current – Federal

$

3,042,559 

$

2,453,491 

$

2,426,277 

Current – State

21,504 

12,585 

39,428 

Total Current

3,064,063 

2,466,076 

2,465,705 

 

 

 

 

Deferred – Federal

286,851 

46,005 

79,896 

 

 

 

 

Total Provision

$

3,350,914 

$

2,512,081 

$

2,545,601 




35




 

Temporary differences create deferred federal tax assets and liabilities, which are detailed below for December 31, 2006 and 2005.  These amounts are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position.


 

     Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities)

 

 

 

 

2006       

2005       

Insurance Commission

$

(3,633,540)

$

(3,226,700)

Unearned Premium Reserves

1,352,937 

1,195,433 

Unrealized Loss (Gain) on

 

 

Marketable Debt Securities

130,109 

72,866 

Other

(241,998)

(204,483)

 

$

(2,392,492)

$

(2,162,884)




The Company's effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 is analyzed as follows.  Rates were higher during the year ended December 31, 2005 due to losses in the S corporation being passed to the shareholders for tax reporting, whereas income earned by the insurance subsidiaries was taxed at the corporate level.  Shareholders were able to use S corporation losses to offset other income they may have had to the extent of their basis in their S corporation stock.


 

2006 

2005  

2004  

Statutory Federal income tax rate

34.0%

34.0%

34.0%

State income tax, net of Federal

 

 

 

tax effect

.1   

.1   

.3   

Net tax effect of IRS regulations

 

 

 

on life insurance subsidiary

(4.3)  

(6.8)  

(7.1)  

Tax effect of S corporation status

4.8   

11.3   

12.0   

Other Items

 (4.2)  

 (5.6)  

(5.4)  

Effective Tax Rate

30.4%

33.0%

33.8%



 

11.

SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

 

The Company discloses segment information in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 131, “Disclosure about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” which the Company adopted in 1998.  SFAS No. 131 requires companies to determine segments based on how management makes decisions about allocating resources to segments and measuring their performance.

  

Effective January 1, 2006, the Company realigned its reportable business segments in Georgia, dividing the previous two divisions into three divisions.  The Company now has six reportable segments: Division I through Division V and Division VII.  Each segment is comprised of a number of branch offices that are aggregated based on vice president responsibility and geographical location.  Division I is comprised of offices located in South Carolina.  Division II is comprised of offices in North Georgia, Division III encompasses Central and South Georgia offices, and Division VII is comprised of offices in West Georgia.  Division IV represents our Alabama offices, and our offices in Louisiana and Mississippi encompass Division V.  Division VI is reserved for future use.

  

Accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies.  Performance is measured based on objectives set at the beginning of each year and include various factors such as segment profit, growth in earning assets and delinquency and loan loss management.  All segment revenues result from transactions with third parties.  The Company does not allocate income taxes or corporate headquarter expenses to the segments.




36




Below is a performance recap of each of the Company's reportable segments for the year ended December 31, 2006 followed by a reconciliation to consolidated Company data.  



Year 2006

 

Division

I

Division

II

Division

III

Division

IV

Division

V

Division

VII

Total

Segments

Revenues:

 

( In Millions)

Finance Charges Earned

$  11.6

$  10.3

$  15.9

$ 14.6

$  12.7

$   12.5

$   77.6

Insurance Income

    2.8

     4.3

     7.2

    4.0

    3.6

   5.4

   27.3

Other


       .1

       .3

       .4

       .4

       .3

        .4

      1.9

 

 

   14.5

   14.9

   23.5

   19.0

   16.6

    18.3

   106.8

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Cost

1.6

1.7

2.7

2.2

1.7

 2.0

11.9

Provision for Loan Losses

3.6

1.7

3.9

3.2

2.6

2.9

17.9

Depreciation

     .3

      .2

      .2

     .2

      .3

      .2

      1.4

Other


    7.2

   6.9

     9.4

     6.7

     7.7

      6.9

    44.8


  12.7

   10.5

   16.2

   12.3

   12.3

    12.0

    76.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment Profit

$   1.8

$   4.4

$   7.3

$  6.7

$   4.3

$    6.3

$  30.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Receivables

$ 35.0

$ 38.6

$ 60.7

$ 53.6

$ 39.5

$ 47.6

$275.0

Cash


.5

.5

.8

.7

.7

.6

3.8

Net Fixed Assets

.8

.7

.7

.8

.7

.7

4.4

Other Assets

       .1

        .1

        .1

       .0

        .1

       .0

       .4

Total Segment Assets

$ 36.4

$ 39.9

$ 62.3

$ 55.1

$ 41.0

$ 48.9

$283.6

 








RECONCILIATION:







2006

Revenues:






 

(In Millions)

Total revenues from  reportable segments

$ 106.8

Corporate finance charges earned not allocated to segments

.2

Reclass of investment income net against interest cost

(.0)

Reclass of insurance expense against insurance income

3.7

Timing difference of insurance income allocation to segments

4.0

Other revenues not allocated to segments

        .3

Consolidated Revenues

$115.0

 

 

 

 

 

 



Net Income:

 

 

 

 

 



Total profit or loss for reportable segments

$  30.8

Corporate earnings not allocated

8.2

Corporate expenses not allocated

(28.0)

Income taxes not allocated

    (3.3)

Consolidated Net Income

$    7.7

 








Assets:








Total assets for reportable segments

$283.7

Loans held at corporate home office level

2.6

Unearned insurance at corporate level

(9.7)

Allowance for loan losses at corporate level

(18.1)

Cash and cash equivalents held at  corporate level

22.1

Investment securities at corporate level

73.1

Fixed assets at corporate level

2.6

Other assets at corporate level

      6.3

Consolidated Assets

$362.6



37




Below is a performance recap of each of the Company's reportable segments for the year ended December 31, 2005 followed by a reconciliation to consolidated Company data.  The segment date for 2005 has been restated to reflect the aforementioned realignment of the Company’s business segments effective January 1, 2006.



Year 2005

 

Division

I

Division

II

Division

III

Division

IV

Division

V

Division

VII

Total

Segments

Revenues:

 

( In Millions)

Finance Charges Earned

$  11.1

$   9.5

$  14.8

$ 12.4

$   9.9

$   11.4

$   69.1

Insurance Income

    2.1

     4.0

     6.6

    3.4

   3.1

   5.1

   24.3

Other


       .1

       .2

       .1

       .1

       .1

        .1

        .7

 

 

   13.3

   13.7

   21.5

   15.9

   13.1

    16.6

    94.1

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Cost

1.1

1.1

1.8

1.4

1.1

 1.4

 7.9

Provision for Loan Losses

3.3

2.0

4.3

2.8

2.8

2.6

17.8

Depreciation

     .2

      .2

      .2

     .2

      .3

      .2

      1.3

Other


    6.9

     6.3

     8.3

     5.8

     7.1

      6.1

    40.5


  11.5

    9.6

   14.6

   10.2

   11.3

    10.3

    67.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment Profit

$   1.8

$   4.1

$   6.9

$  5.7

$   1.8

$    6.3

$  26.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Receivables

$ 34.6

$ 34.4

$ 55.6

$ 46.6

$ 34.0

$  42.8

$248.0

Cash


.4

.4

.8

.5

.5

.5

3.1

Net Fixed Assets

.9

.7

.6

.6

.7

.6

4.1

Other Assets

       .0

        .2

        .0

       .1

       .1

       .0

       .4

Total Segment Assets

$ 35.9

$  35.7

$  57.0

$ 47.8

$ 35.3

$ 43.9

$255.6

 








RECONCILIATION:







2005

Revenues:






 

(In Millions)

Total revenues from  reportable segments

$  94.1

Corporate finance charges earned not allocated to segments

.1

Reclass of investment income net against interest cost

(.1)

Reclass of insurance expense against insurance income

6.8

Timing difference of insurance income allocation to segments

.6

Other revenues not allocated to segments

        .3

Consolidated Revenues

$101.8

 

 

 

 

 

 



Net Income:

 

 

 

 

 



Total profit or loss for reportable segments

$  26.6

Corporate earnings not allocated

1.0

Corporate expenses not allocated

(20.0)

Income taxes not allocated

    (2.5)

Consolidated Net Income

$    5.1

 








Assets:








Total assets for reportable segments

$255.6

Loans held at corporate home office level

2.3

Unearned insurance at corporate level

(8.8)

Allowance for loan losses at corporate level

(16.9)

Cash and cash equivalents held at  corporate level

12.5

Investment securities at corporate level

71.5

Fixed assets at corporate level

3.1

Other assets at corporate level

      5.6

Consolidated Assets

$324.9




38




Below is a performance recap of each of the Company's reportable segments for the year ended December 31, 2004 followed by a reconciliation to consolidated Company data.  The segment date for 2005 has been restated to reflect the aforementioned realignment of the Company’s business segments effective January 1, 2006.



Year 2004

 

Division

I

Division

II

Division

III

Division

IV

Division

V

Division

VII

Total

Segments

Revenues:

 

( In Millions)

Finance Charges Earned

$  10.7

$  10.5

$  16.2

$ 12.3

$   9.2

$   12.2

$   71.1

Insurance Income

    2.0

     4.2

     7.0

    3.4

    2.7

   5.3

   24.6

Other


       .1

       .1

       .1

       .1

       .0

        .2

        .6

 

 

   12.8

   14.8

   23.3

   15.8

   11.9

    17.7

    96.3

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Cost

.9

1.1

1.7

1.2

.8

 1.3

 7.0

Provision for Loan Losses

2.8

1.9

4.4

2.6

2.1

2.5

16.3

Depreciation

     .2

      .2

      .2

     .2

      .3

      .1

      1.2

Other


    7.3

     7.0

     9.7

     6.6

     7.8

      7.3

    45.6


  11.2

   10.2

   16.0

   10.6

   11.0

    11.2

    70.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment Profit

$   1.6

$   4.6

$   7.3

$   5.2

$     .9

$    6.5

$  26.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Receivables

$ 33.1

$ 35.6

$ 56.3

$ 41.9

$ 30.9

$ 42.7

$240.5

Cash


.0

.1

.1

.0

.0

.0

.2

Net Fixed Assets

.7

.7

.5

.6

.7

.6

3.8

Other Assets

       .0

        .1

        .1

       .0

       .1

       .0

       .3

Total Segment Assets

$ 33.8

$  36.5

$  57.0

$ 42.5

$ 31.7

$ 43.3

$244.8

 








RECONCILIATION:







2004

Revenues:






 

(In Millions)

Total revenues from  reportable segments

$  96.3

Corporate finance charges earned not allocated to segments

(5.0)

Reclass of investment income net against interest cost

(.0)

Reclass of insurance expense against insurance income

6.2

Timing difference of insurance income allocation to segments

.7

Other revenues not allocated to segments

        .3

Consolidated Revenues

$  98.5

 

 

 

 

 

 



Net Income:

 

 

 

 

 



Total profit or loss for reportable segments

$  26.1

Corporate earnings not allocated

(3.9)

Corporate expenses not allocated

(14.6)

Income taxes not allocated

    (2.6)

Consolidated Net Income

$    5.0

 








Assets:








Total assets for reportable segments

$244.8

Loans held at corporate home office level

2.2

Unearned insurance at corporate level

(8.4)

Allowance for loan losses at corporate level

(15.3)

Cash and cash equivalents held at  corporate level

17.2

Investment securities at corporate level

63.6

Fixed assets at corporate level

3.4

Other assets at corporate level

      4.9

Consolidated Assets

$312.4




39




DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

 

Directors

Principal Occupation,

 Has Served as a

      Name

Title and Company

Director Since

 

Ben F. Cheek, III

Chairman of Board and Chief Executive Officer,

1967

1st Franklin Financial Corporation

 

Ben F. Cheek, IV

Vice Chairman of Board,

2001

1st Franklin Financial Corporation

 

A. Roger Guimond

Executive Vice President and

2004

Chief Financial Officer,

1st Franklin Financial Corporation

 

John G. Sample, Jr.

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer,

2004

Atlantic American Corporation

 

C. Dean Scarborough

Real Estate Agent

2004

 

 

Jack D. Stovall

President,

1983

Stovall Building Supplies, Inc.

 

Robert E. Thompson

Retired

1970

 

Keith D. Watson

Vice President and Corporate Secretary,

2004

Bowen & Watson, Inc.

 

Executive Officers

Served in this

     Name

Position with Company

Position Since

 

Ben F. Cheek, III

Chairman of Board and CEO

1989

 

Ben F. Cheek, IV

Vice Chairman of Board

2001

 

Virginia C. Herring

President

2001

 

A. Roger Guimond

Executive Vice President and

   Chief Financial Officer

1991

 

C. Michael Haynie

Executive Vice President -

2006

   Human Resources

 

Kay S. Lovern

Executive Vice President -

2006

   Strategic and Organization Development

 

Lynn E. Cox

Vice President / Secretary & Treasurer

1989

 

CORPORATE INFORMATION

 

Corporate Offices   

Legal Counsel   

Independent Registered Public

P.O. Box 880

Jones Day

Accounting Firm

213 East Tugalo Street

Atlanta, Georgia

Deloitte & Touche LLP

Toccoa, Georgia 30577

Atlanta, Georgia

(706) 886-7571

 

Requests for Additional Information

Informational inquiries, including requests for a copy of the Company’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K, and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, should be addressed to the Company's Secretary at the corporate offices listed above.




40




BRANCH OPERATIONS

 

 

 

 

 

Division I - South Carolina

 

 

 

 

 

 

Virginia K. Palmer

----------

Vice President

 

 

Regional Operations Directors

 

 

Glenn M. Drawdy

 

Brian L. McSwain

 

 

Patricia Dunaway

 

Roy M. Metzger

 

 

Judy E. Mayben

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Division II - Northeast Georgia

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ronald F. Morrow

----------

Vice President

 

 

Regional Operations Directors

 

 

A. Keith Chavis

 

Harriet Healey

 

 

Shelia H. Garrett

 

Sharon S. Langford

 

 

Bruce A. Hooper

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Division III – Northwest / Central Georgia

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ronald E. Byerly

----------

Vice President

 

 

Regional Operations Directors

 

 

Jack L. Hobgood

 

Michelle M. Rentz

 

 

James A. Mahaffey

 

Diana L. Vaughn

 

 

R. Gaines Snow

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Division IV - South Georgia

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dianne H. Moore

----------

Vice President

 

 

Regional Operations Directors

 

 

Bertrand P. Brown

 

Jeffrey C. Lee

 

 

William J. Daniel

 

Thomas C. Lennon

 

 

Judy A. Landon

 

Marcus C. Thomas

 

 

 

 

 

 

Division V - Alabama

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael J. Whitaker

----------

Vice President

 

 

Regional Operations Directors

 

 

Jerry H. Hughes

 

Hilda L. Phillips

 

 

Janice B. Hyde

 

Henrietta R. Reathford

 

 

Johnny M. Olive

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Division VI - Louisiana and Mississippi

 

 

 

 

 

 

James P. Smith, III

----------

Vice President

 

 

Regional Operations Directors

 

 

Sonya L. Acosta

 

T. Loy Davis

 

 

Bryan W. Cook

 

John B. Gray

 

 

Charles R. Childress

 

Marty B. Miskelly

 

 

Jeremy R. Cranfield

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADMINISTRATION

 

 

 

 

 

Lynn E. Cox

Vice President –

 

Investment Center

 

Pamela S. Rickman

Vice President  -

Compliance / Audit

Cindy Mullin

Vice President –

   Information Technology

 

 R. Darryl Parker

Vice President -

   Employee Development

 

 

 

 

 



_________,________

 

___________________

 

2006 BEN F. CHEEK, JR. "OFFICE OF THE YEAR"

 

 

*********************

** PICTURE OF EMPLOYEES **

*********************

 

 

This award is presented annually in recognition of the office that represents the highest overall performance within the Company.  Congratulations to the entire Sylvania, Georgia staff for this significant achievement.  The Friendly Franklin Folks salute you!





41




                                   INSIDE BACK COVER PAGE OF ANNUAL REPORT

 

(Graphic showing state maps of Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and South Carolina which is regional operating territory of Company and listing of branch offices)

 

1st FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION BRANCH OFFICES


ALABAMA

Albertville

Center Point

Fayette

Moody

Oxford

Sylacauga

Alexander City

Clanton

Florence

Moulton

Pelham

Troy

Andalusia

Cullman

Gadsden

Muscle Shoals

Prattville

Tuscaloosa

Arab

Decatur

Hamilton

Opelika

Russellville (2)

Wetumpka

Athens

Dothan

Huntsville (2)

Opp

Scottsboro

 

Bessemer

Enterprise

Jasper

Ozark

Selma

 


GEORGIA

Adel

Canton

Dahlonega

Glennville

Madison

Statesboro

Albany (2)

Carrollton

Dallas

Gray

Manchester

Stockbridge

Alma

Cartersville

Dalton

Greensboro

McDonough

Swainsboro

Americus

Cedartown

Dawson

Griffin (2)

Milledgeville

Sylvania

Athens (2)

Chatsworth

Douglas (2)

Hartwell

Monroe

Sylvester

Bainbridge

Clarkesville

Douglasville

Hawkinsville

Montezuma

Thomaston

Barnesville

Claxton

East Ellijay

Hazlehurst

Monticello

Thomson

Baxley

Clayton

Eastman

Helena

Moultrie

Tifton

Blairsville

Cleveland

Eatonton

Hinesville (2)

Nashville

Toccoa

Blakely

Cochran

Elberton

Hogansville

Newnan

Valdosta (2)

Blue Ridge

Colquitt

Fitzgerald

Jackson

Perry

Vidalia

Bremen

Commerce

Flowery Branch

Jasper

Pooler

Villa Rica

Brunswick

Conyers

Forsyth

Jefferson

Richmond Hill

Warner Robins

Buford

Cordele

Fort Valley

Jesup

Rome

Washington

Butler

Cornelia

Gainesville

LaGrange

Royston

Waycross

Cairo

Covington

Garden City

Lavonia

Sandersville

Waynesboro

Calhoun

Cumming

Georgetown

Lawrenceville

Savannah

Winder


LOUISIANA

Alexandria

DeRidder

Houma

Leesville

Natchitoches

Pineville

Crowley

Franklin

Jena

Marksville

New Iberia

Prairieville

Denham Springs

Hammond

Lafayette

Morgan City

Opelousas

 

DeRidder

MISSISSIPPI

Batesville

Corinth

Hazlehurst

Kosciusko

Newton

Senatobia

Bay St. Louis

Forest

Hernando

Magee

Oxford

Starkville

Booneville

Grenada

Houston

McComb

Pearl

Tupelo

Carthage

Gulfport

Iuka

Meridian

Picayune

Winona

Columbia

Hattiesburg

Jackson

New Albany

Ripley

 

Columbia

SOUTH CAROLINA

Aiken

Charleston

Easley

Lancaster

North Augusta

Simpsonville

Anderson

Chester

Florence

Laurens

North Charleston

Spartanburg

Barnwell

Clemson

Gaffney

Lexington

North Greenville

Summerville

Batesburg-      Leesville

Columbia

Greenville

Lugoff

Orangeburg

Sumter

Boling Springs

Conway

Greenwood

Marion

Rock Hill

Union

Cayce

Dillon

Greer

Newberry

Seneca

York

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

1st FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

 

 

MISSION STATEMENT:

 

 "1st Franklin Financial is a major provider of consumer financial and consumer services to individuals and families.  

Our business will be managed according to best practices that will allow us to maintain a healthy financial position.”

 

 

 

 

CORE VALUES:

 

Ø

Integrity Without Compromise

 

Ø

Open Honest Communication

 

Ø

Respect all Customers and Employees

 

Ø

Teamwork and Collaboration

 

Ø

Personal Accountability

 

Ø

Run It Like You Own It





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