-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, M3+KpdkmFjBauPGxeHgh44K70k+3QVZ+m2Yw/GYqZRD9bN8wUJqnuFpdLQcbaJFA ZhnRL1b/cwyugLY2vHC7pg== 0000038723-06-000015.txt : 20060324 0000038723-06-000015.hdr.sgml : 20060324 20060323182539 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000038723-06-000015 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 12 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20051231 FILED AS OF DATE: 20060324 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20060323 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: FIRST FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000038723 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: PERSONAL CREDIT INSTITUTIONS [6141] IRS NUMBER: 580521233 STATE OF INCORPORATION: GA FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 002-27985 FILM NUMBER: 06707140 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 213 E TUGALO ST STREET 2: P O BOX 880 CITY: TOCCOA STATE: GA ZIP: 30577 BUSINESS PHONE: 4048867571 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: FRANKLIN DISCOUNT CO DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19840115 10-K 1 sec10k2005edgar.htm SEC FORM 10-K SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION




SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

 

Washington, D.C.  20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

------------------------------

 

(X)

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE

ACT OF 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005

 

OR

 

(  )

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES                

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from __________to _________

 
 

------------------------------

 

Commission File Number 2-27985

 
 

1st FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Georgia

58-0521233

(State or other jurisdiction of

(I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization)

Identification No.)

  

213 East Tugalo Street

 

Post Office Box 880

 

Toccoa, Georgia

30577

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)


Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (706) 886-7571

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None


Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  __   No   X 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  __   No   X 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.     Yes      No  __

 

(Cover page 1 of 2 pages)




1





Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.    X 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):  

                  Large Accelerated Filer  __    Accelerated Filer  __   Non Accelerated Filer   X 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).   Yes  __   No   X 


State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter:   Not Applicable.

  


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

 

Class

Outstanding at February 28, 2006

Common Stock, $100 Par Value

1,700 Shares

Non-Voting Common Stock, No Par Value

168,300 Shares



DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

 

Portions of the Registrant's Annual Report to security holders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 are incorporated by reference into Parts I, II and IV of this Form 10-K.

 
 

(Cover page 2 of 2 pages)





2



PART I

 

Item 1.

BUSINESS:

 

The Company, Page 1; Business, Pages 4-11; Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, Page 21; and the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto, Pages 22-40, of Company’s Annual Report to security holders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 (the “Annual Report”) are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 1A.

RISK FACTORS:

 

The risks described below set forth known material risks to a potential investor in 1st Franklin.  A potential investor should carefully consider the risks described below, as well as the other risks and information disclosed from time to time by 1st Franklin before deciding whether to invest in the Company.  If any of the situations described in the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected.  In any of these events, an investor may lose part or all of your investment.

 

Because we require a substantial amount of cash to service our debt, we may not be able to pay all of the obligations under our indebtedness.

 

To service our indebtedness, we require a significant amount of cash.  Our ability to generate cash depends on many factors, including our successful financial and operating performance.  We cannot assure you that our business strategy will continue to succeed or that we will achieve our anticipated financial results.


If we do not achieve our anticipated results, we may not be able to generate sufficient cash flow from operations or to obtain sufficient funding to satisfy all of our obligations.  The failure to do this would result in a material adverse affect on our business.

 

Because we depend on liquidity to operate our business, a decrease in the sale of our debt securities or an increase in requests for their redemption may make it more difficult for us to pay our obligations in a timely manner.

 

Our liquidity depends on, and we fund our operations through, the sale of our debt securities, the continued availability of unused borrowings under our credit agreement and the collection of our receivables.  Numerous existing investment alternatives have resulted in investors evaluating more critically their investment opportunities.  We cannot assure you that our debt securities will offer interest rates and redemption terms which will generate sufficient sales to meet our liquidity requirements.


As described more fully elsewhere in this Annual Report, our senior demand notes can be redeemed at any time without penalty.  Our variable rate subordinated debentures are subject to redemption at the end of any interest adjustment period prior to their maturity at the option of the Debenture holder and may be requested to be redeemed during an interest adjustment period, although we are not obligated to accept requests for redemption of Debentures during any interest adjustment period, and any of those requests are subject to one-half the interest earned since the most recent interest adjustment date, if applicable, or the purchase date.  It is possible that a significant number of redemption requests could adversely affect our liquidity.


In either event, our reduced liquidity could negatively impact our ability to pay the principal and interest on any of our outstanding debt securities when due.

 

All of our offers and sales of securities must comply with applicable securities laws, or we could be liable for damages, which could impact our ability to make payments on our outstanding debt securities.

 




3





Offers and sales of all of our securities must comply with all applicable federal and state securities laws, including Section 5 of the Securities Act of 1933.  If any of our offers, including those made pursuant to newspaper or radio advertisements, or sales are found not to be in compliance with any of these laws, we could be liable to certain purchasers of the security, could be required to repurchase the security, or could be liable for damages or other penalties.  If we are required to repurchase any of our securities other than in the ordinary course of our business as a result of any such violation, or otherwise are found to be liable for any damages or penalties as a result of any such violation, our financial condition could be materially adversely affected.  Any such adverse affect on our financial condition could materially impair our ability to pay principal a nd interest on our outstanding debt securities.

 

We depend on funds from our credit facility to meet our obligations and fund a portion of our general operations.  If we are unable to continue to borrow under this credit facility, we may not be able to pay our obligations.

 

We rely on borrowings under our credit facility to meet the redemption requests of our security holders and our other liquidity and operating requirements.  Our credit facility provides for maximum borrowings of $30.0 million or 70% of our net finance receivables, whichever is less.  The credit facility has a commitment termination date of September 25 in any year in which written notice of termination is given by the bank. If written notice of termination is given under the credit facility, the outstanding balance of the loans must be paid in full three years after the commitment termination date. The bank also may terminate the credit facility if we violate any of the financial ratio requirements or covenants contained in the credit agreement, or in September of any calendar year if our financial condition becomes unsatisfactory to the bank, according to standards contained in the credit agree ment. If we lose our ability to borrow money under the credit facility or if the credit facility is terminated, we may not be able to make payments on our outstanding debt securities.

 

Because our liquidity also depends on receivables collections, if our collections are reduced, it may make it more difficult for us to pay our obligations.

 

Our liquidity is also dependent on, among other things, the collection of our receivables.  Delinquencies in our consumer finance receivables are likely to be affected by worsening general economic conditions and, because we mainly make loans to individuals who depend on their earnings to make repayments, are often dependent upon the continued employment of those people.  If general economic conditions worsen, or we are otherwise unable to collect on our receivables, we may not be able to make payments on our outstanding obligations.

 

An increase in the interest we pay on our debt and borrowings can materially and adversely affect our net interest margin.

 

Net interest margin represents the difference between the amount that we earn on loans and investments and the amount that we pay on debt securities and other borrowings.  The loans we make in the ordinary course of our business are subject to the interest rate and regulatory provisions of each applicable state's lending laws and are sometimes made at fixed rates which are not adjustable during the term of the loan. Since some loans are made at fixed interest rates and are made using the proceeds from the sale of our fixed and variable rate securities (including the Debentures), we may experience a decrease in our net interest margin because increased interest costs cannot be passed on to all of our loan customers.  A reduction in our net interest margin could adversely affect our ability to make payments on our outstanding debt securities.

 

Neither the Company nor any of its debt securities are or will be rated by any nationally recognized statistical rating agency, and this may increase the risk of your investment.

 




4





Neither 1st Franklin nor any of its debt securities are, or are expected to be, rated by any nationally recognized statistical rating organization.  Typically, credit ratings assigned by such organizations are based upon an assessment of a company’s creditworthiness and are a measure used in establishing the interest rate that a company offers on debt securities it issues.  Without any such rating, it is possible that fluctuations in general economic, or industry specific, business conditions, changes in results of operations, or other factors that affect the creditworthiness of a debt issuer may not be fully reflected in the interest rate on any outstanding indebtedness of that issuer.  Investors in the Company’s securities must depend solely on the creditworthiness of 1st Franklin for the payment of principal and interest on those securities.  In the absence of any third party credit rating, it is possible that the interest rates offered by the Company on its debt securities may not represent the credit risk that an investor assumes in purchasing any of these securities.

 

Consumer finance companies such as the Company are subject to an increasing number of laws and government regulations, and if we fail to comply with these laws or regulations, our business may suffer and our ability to pay our obligations may be impaired.

 

Our operations are subject to increasing focus by federal, state and local government authorities and state attorneys general and are subject to various laws and judicial and administrative decisions imposing various requirements and restrictions on certain lending practices by companies in the consumer finance industry, sometimes referred to as "predatory lending" practices.  These requirements and restrictions, among other things:


require that we obtain and maintain certain licenses and qualifications;

limit the interest rates, fees and other charges that we are allowed to charge;

require specified disclosures to borrowers;

limit or prescribe other terms of our loans;

govern the sale and terms of insurance products that we offer and the insurers for which we act as agent; and

define our rights to repossess and sell collateral.


In addition, other state and local laws, public policy and general principles of equity relating to the protection of consumers, unfair and deceptive practices and debt collection practices may apply to the loans we make.  Although we believe that we are in compliance in all material respects with applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations, there can be no assurance that a change in any of those laws, or in their interpretation, will not make our compliance therewith more difficult or expensive, restrict our ability to originate loans, further limit or restrict the amount of interest and other charges we earn under such loans, or otherwise adversely affect our financial condition or business operations.  The burdens of complying with these laws and regulations, and the possible sanctions if we do not so comply, are significant, and may result in a downturn in our business or our inability to carry on our business in a manner similar to how we currently operate.

 

If we experience unfavorable litigation results, our ability to pay our obligations may be impaired.

 




5





As a consumer finance company, we are subject to various consumer claims and litigation seeking damages and statutory penalties.  The damages and penalties claimed by consumers and others can be substantial.  The relief requested by the plaintiffs varies but generally includes requests for compensatory, statutory and punitive damages.  Unfavorable outcomes in any of our current or future litigation proceedings could materially and adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows and our ability to make payments on our outstanding obligations.


While we intend to vigorously defend ourselves against any of these proceedings, there is a chance that our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected by unfavorable outcomes which, in turn, could affect our ability to make payments on, or repay, our outstanding obligations.

 

We are spending significant time and expense in order to comply with various provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and this may reduce the resources we have available to focus on our core business.

 

In order to ensure compliance with the various provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, we are in the process of, among other things, evaluating our internal controls to allow management to report on, and our independent registered public accounting firm to attest to, our internal controls systems.  We are performing the system and process evaluation and testing (and any necessary remediation) required to comply with the management certification and auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. During the course of our testing, we may identify deficiencies which we may not be able to remediate in time to meet our deadline for compliance with Section 404.  The processes involved in testing and maintaining internal controls also involves significant costs and can divert our management's attention from other matters that are important to our business.  Among other thi ngs, we may not be able to conclude on an ongoing basis that we have effective internal controls over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404, and our independent auditors may not be able or willing to issue a favorable assessment of our conclusions.  Either of these, or any other failures to comply with the various requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, may require significant management time and expenses, and divert attention or resources away from our core business.

 

Item 1B.

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS:

 

Not Applicable.

 

Item 2.

PROPERTIES:

 

Paragraph 1 of The Company, Page 1; paragraphs 1 and 2 of Footnote 7 (Commitments and Contingencies) of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Page 34; and map of branch offices, page 44 of the Annual Report are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 3.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS:


1st Franklin Financial Corporation v. Locke D. Barkley, in her capacity as Standing Trustee of the Chapter 13 Estate of Eugene and Arleen Anthony, et al., In the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Mississippi, Adversary Proceeding Nos., 02-01105,et al.

 

Locke D. Barkley (the "Trustee"), Bankruptcy Court Trustee for the Northern District of Mississippi, filed applications to employ attorneys to sue the Company in March 2002, and those applications were granted by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Mississippi (the “Northern District Court”).  The Company then filed its own complaint against Locke D. Barkley in May 2002 seeking to bar her from bringing suit on behalf of debtors of the Company. The Company's complaint was based on certain bankruptcy-related defenses and contained requests for arbitration with respect to the Trustee's allegations.  In May 2004, the Northern District Court ruled against the Company on the claims of its bankruptcy-related defenses.  The Company filed a motion for summary judgment regarding arbitration and, on December 6, 2005, the Northern District Court granted t he Company's motion and ordered the Trustee to arbitrate the claims of the debtors.




6





 

1st Franklin Financial Corporation v. Harold J. Barkley, Jr., in his capacity as Standing Trustee of the Chapter 13 Estate of Susan Ann Bozeman, et al., in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, Adversary Proceeding Nos., 02-000101, et al.

 

The Company filed a complaint against Harold J. Barkley, Jr., ("Trustee") Bankruptcy Court Trustee for the Southern District of Mississippi, in May 2002 seeking to bar him from bringing suit on behalf of debtors of the Company. The Company's complaint was based on bankruptcy related defenses and also contained requests for arbitration with respect to the Trustee's allegations.  The Company has filed a motion for summary judgment regarding arbitration, and the Court has not yet ruled on this motion.  Management believes that it is too early to assess the Company’s potential liability in connection with any of these proceedings.  The Company is diligently contesting and defending the claim in this and the prior proceedings.

 

Harold J. and Locke D. Barkley, in their respective capacities as Standing Chapter 13 Trustees of various debtor bankruptcy estates v. 1st Franklin Financial Corporation, et al., In the Circuit Court of Copiah County, Mississippi, Civil Action No., 04-134

 

On February 13, 2004, various debtors that the Company had filed suit against in the Northern and Southern District Bankruptcy Court cases discussed above sued the Company and two current and former employees.  The lawsuit alleges various claims relating to the Company's credit insurance and loan practices in Mississippi, and requests actual and compensatory damages, punitive damages, disgorgement of insurance premiums, and attorney's fees.

 

The claims of a number of the plaintiffs/debtors have been compelled to arbitration by the Northern District Bankruptcy Court as discussed above.  The claims of other remaining plaintiffs/debtors are subject to the Company's pending Motion for Summary Judgment regarding arbitration in the Southern District Bankruptcy Court as described above.

 

As to the merits of the Trustees' complaint, the Company believes that it is too early to assess its potential liability in connection with this suit and intends to diligently contest and defend the complaint.

 

Harold J. and Locke D. Barkley, in their capacities as Standing Chapter 13 Trustees of various debtor bankruptcy estates v. 1st Franklin Financial Corporation, et al., in the Circuit Court of Holmes County, Mississippi, Civil Action No. 04-263

 

On February 17, 2004, various debtors that the Company had filed suit against in the Northern and Southern Bankruptcy Court cases discussed above sued the Company and approximately 20 current and former employees.  The lawsuit alleges various claims relating to the Company's credit insurance and loan practices in Mississippi, and requests actual and compensatory damages, punitive damages, disgorgement of insurance premiums, and attorney's fees.

 

The claims of a number of the plaintiffs/debtors have been compelled to arbitration by the Northern District Bankruptcy Court as discussed above.  The claims of other remaining plaintiffs/debtors are subject to the Company's pending Motion for Summary Judgment regarding arbitration in the Southern District Bankruptcy Court.

 

As to the merits of the Trustees' complaint, the Company believes that it is too early to assess its potential liability in connection with this suit and intends to diligently contest and defend the complaint.

 

From time to time, the Company is involved in various other claims and lawsuits incidental to its business.  In the opinion of Management based on currently available facts, the ultimate resolution of such claims and lawsuits is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial position, liquidity, or results of operations.




7



 

Item 4.

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS:

 

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the quarter ended December 31, 2005.

 




8



PART II

 

Item 5.

MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER

MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES:

 

Source of Funds, Page 11 of the Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference.

 
 

Item 6.

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA:

 

Selected Consolidated Financial Information, Page 3 of the Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference.

 
 

Item 7.

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Pages 12-19 of the Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference.

 
 

Item 7A.

QUANTITATIVE AND  QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK:


Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk sub-heading, Page 16 of the Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference.

 
 

Item 8.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA:

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto, Pages 21-44 of the Annual Report are incorporated herein by reference.

 
 

Item 9.

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE:

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 9A.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES:

 

We maintain a set of disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.  An evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures.  Based on that evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2005.

 

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fourth quarter of 2005 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 9B.

OTHER INFORMATION:

 

None.




9





 

------------

Forward Looking Statements:

Certain statements contained or incorporated by reference herein under the captions “Risk Factors”,  “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities” and elsewhere in this Annual Report may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Such factors include, among other things, those set out under the caption “Risk Factors 48;, the ability to manage cash flow and working capital, the accuracy of Management’s estimates and judgments, adverse economic conditions including the interest rate environment, unfavorable outcome of litigation, federal and state regulatory changes and other factors referenced elsewhere herein or incorporated herein by reference.




10



PART III


Item 10.

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT:


DIRECTORS


   

Position(s)

Name of Director

Age

Director Since  

with Company

    

Ben F. Cheek, III  (3)(5)

69

1967

Chairman of Board /

Chief Executive Officer

    

Ben F. Cheek, IV (3)(4)(5)

44

2001

Vice Chairman

    

A. Roger Guimond (3)(5)

51

2004

Executive Vice President / Chief Financial Officer

    

John G. Sample, Jr. (1)(2)(5)

49

2004

None

    

C. Dean Scarborough (1)(2)(5)

51

2004

None

    

Jack D. Stovall (1)(2)(5)

69

1983

None

    

Robert E. Thompson (1)(2)(5)

73

1970

None

    

Keith D. Watson (1)(2)(5)

48

2004

None

 


  

(1)

Member of Audit Committee.

    
  

(2)

Mr. Sample has been the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Atlantic American Corporation, an insurance holding company, since 2002.  Prior thereto, he was a partner with Arthur Andersen LLP since 1990.   Mr. Scarborough is co-owner of Scarborough’s Men’s Store.  Mr. Stovall is President of Stovall Building Supplies, Inc., a building materials supplier.  Dr. Thompson is a retired physician.  Mr. Watson is Vice President and Corporate Secretary of Bowen & Watson, Inc., a general contracting company,  Messrs. Scarborough, Stovall and Watson have been in their respective positions of employment, and Dr. Thompson has been retired, for more than five years.

    
  

(3)

Reference is made to “Executive Officers” for a discussion of business experience.

    
  

(4)

Son of Ben F. Cheek, III.

    
  

(5)

The term of each director will expire when a successor to such director is elected and qualified.

    
 

There was no, nor is there presently any, arrangement or understanding between any director and any other person (except directors and officers of the registrant acting solely in their capacities as such) pursuant to which the director was selected.

  




11





 

The Audit Committee is composed of Messrs. Sample, Scarborough, Stovall and Watson and Dr. Thompson.  Notwithstanding the fact that the Company’s equity securities are not currently traded on any national securities exchange or with any national securities association, the Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Sample is “independent” (as such term is defined in the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (“NASDAQ”) Marketplace Rules) and is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by the SEC in Rule 401(h) of Regulation S-K.  In making such determination, the Board of Directors took into consideration, among other things, the express provision in Item 401(h) of Regulation S-K that the designation of a person as an au dit committee financial expert shall not impose any greater responsibility or liability on that person than the responsibility and liability imposed on that person as a member of the Audit Committee, nor shall it affect the duties or obligations of other Audit Committee members of the Board of Directors.

  
  
  

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS


Name, Age, Position(s)

 

and Family Relationship

Business Experience

  

Ben F. Cheek, III, 69

Chairman of Board and Chief Executive

    Officer

Joined the Company in 1961 as attorney and became Vice President in 1962, President in 1972 and Chairman of Board in 1989.

  

Ben F. Cheek, IV,  44

Vice Chairman

Son of Ben F. Cheek, III

Joined the Company in 1988 working in Statistics and Planning. Became Vice Chairman in 2001.

  

Virginia C. Herring, 42

President

Daughter of Ben F. Cheek, III

Joined the Company on a full time basis in April 1988 as Developmental Officer.  Since then, she has worked throughout the Company in different departments on special assignments and consultant projects. Became President in 2001.

  

A.

Roger Guimond, 51

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial

Financial Officer and Director

No Family Relationship

Joined the Company in 1976 as an accountant and became Chief Accounting Officer in 1978, Chief Financial Officer in 1991 and Vice President in 1992. Was appointed Secretary in 1990 and Treasurer in 1992.  Became Executive Vice President in 2001.  Elected a Director in 2004.

  

A.

Jarrell Coffee, 62

Executive Vice President and

    Chief Operating Officer

No Family Relationship

Joined the Company in 1973, became Supervisor in 1975, Division Area Vice President in 1976, Vice President in 1989 and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in 2001.  Expected to retire in June 2006.

  

Phoebe J. Martin, 64

Former Executive Vice President -

Human Resources

No Family Relationship

Joined the Company in 1983 as Account Executive in Investment Center. Became Personnel & Marketing Director in 1986.  In 2001, was named Executive Vice President - Human Resources. Retired effective December 31, 2005.

  




12





Name, Age, Position(s)

 

and Family Relationship

Business Experience

  

C. Michael Haynie, 51

Executive Vice President -

     Human Resources

No Family Relationship

Joined the Company in 2005 as Vice President - Human Resources. Became Executive Vice President - Human Resources on January 1, 2006.

  

Karen S. Lovern, 47

Executive Vice President –

     Strategic and Organization Development

No Family Relationship

Joined the Company in 2000 as Director of Training and Development.  Became Executive Vice President – Strategic and Organization Development on January 1, 2006.

  

Lynn E. Cox, 48

Vice President -

 Secretary / Treasurer

No Family Relationship

Joined the Company in 1983 and became Secretary in 1990. Appointed Treasurer in 2002. Became Area Vice President and Secretary in 2001.  Promoted to Vice President in 2005.

  


The term of office of each Executive Officer expires when a successor is elected and qualified.  There was no, nor is there presently any, arrangement or understanding between any officer and any other person (except directors or officers of the registrant acting solely in their capacities as such) pursuant to which the officer was selected.

 

The Company has adopted a code of ethics that applies to its principal executive officers, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or any persons performing similar functions, as well as to its Directors and other employees.  A copy of this code of ethics is publicly available on the Company’s website at:   http//www.1ffc.com.  If we make any amendment to this code of ethics, other than a technical, administrative, or non-substantive amendment, or we grant any waiver from a provision of the code of ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or any persons performing similar functions, we will disclose the nature of the amendment or waiver on our website.  Also, we may elect to disclose the amendments or waiver in a report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC.




13



Item 11.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION:


(b) Summary Compensation Table:


Name

   

Other

All

And

   

Annual

Other

Principal

 

Salary

Bonus

Compensation

Compensation

Position

Year

$

$

$  *

     $  **

      

Ben F. Cheek, III 

2005 

 $240,000 

 $    9,600 

 $11,783 

 $  33,157 

 Chairman and 

2004 

 $240,000 

 $    9,600 

 $10,604 

 $  30,584 

 CEO 

2003 

 $240,000 

 $    9,600 

 $9,552 

 $  48,692 

      

Ben F. Cheek, IV 

2005 

 $131,000 

 $  52,973 

 $16,661 

 $    6,624 

 Vice Chairman 

2004 

 $119,333 

 $  82,473 

 $3,431 

 $    8,222 

 

2003 

 $111,000 

 $  57,408 

 $4,694 

 $    9,481 

      

Virginia C. Herring 

2005 

 $131,000 

 $  52,973 

 $3,409 

 $    6,624 

 President 

2004 

 $119,333 

 $  82,473 

 $2,400 

 $    8,222 

 

2003 

 $111,000 

 $  57,314 

 $2,400 

 $    9,473 

      

A. Roger Guimond 

2005 

 $250,966 

 $188,135 

 $16,359 

 $  20,368 

 Executive Vice President 

2004 

 $237,462 

 $158,618 

 $2,400 

 $  21,598 

 and CFO 

2003 

 $213,028 

 $133,989 

 $2,400 

 $  20,064 

      

A. Jarrell Coffee 

2005 

 $293,016 

 $180,497 

 $4,003 

 $  29,179 

 Executive Vice President 

2004 

 $281,293 

 $200,598 

 $3,810 

 $  30,694 

 and COO 

2003 

 $270,494 

 $149,499 

 $3,786 

 $  31,947 


 

*

For Messrs. Cheek, IV and Guimond, 2005 includes amounts paid for service as a director of the Company.

  
 

**

Represents Company contributions to Company-sponsored retirement plans.  For 2003, also includes $1,081 in deemed compensation to Mr. Cheek, III from Company-paid insurance premiums.

  

(g)

Compensation of Directors:

All directors of the Company, whether or not executive officers, are entitled to receive $12,000 per year for service as a member of the Board of Directors.  Mr. Cheek, III has elected to waive any fees otherwise due to him for his service as a director.

 

(j),(k)

Additional Information with Respect to Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider

Participation in Compensation Decisions; Board Compensation Committee Report on Executive   Compensation:

 

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

 

The Company does not have an official compensation committee (or other official committee of the Board of Directors performing equivalent functions).  The Company is a family owned business with Ben F. Cheek, III being the majority shareholder.  The executive management team (the “EMT”) of the Company establishes the bases for all executive compensation, which compensation is approved by Mr. Cheek, III. The executive officers comprising the EMT are:  Messrs. Cheek, III, Cheek, IV, Guimond, Coffee, Haynie, and Mr. J. Michael Culpepper, and Ms. Herring and Ms. Lovern.  Mr. Coffee is expected to retire from the Company in June 2006, after which time he will no longer participate in compensation decisions.

 




14





The Company leases its home office building and print shop for a total of $12,600 per month from Franklin Enterprises, Inc. under leases which expire December 31, 2010.  Franklin Enterprises, Inc. is 66.67% owned by Ben F. Cheek, III, a Director and Executive Officer of the Company.  In Management's opinion, these leases are at rates and on terms which approximate those obtainable from independent third parties.

 

The Company leases its Clarkesville, Georgia branch office for a total of $350 per month from Cheek Investments, Inc. under a lease which expires June 30, 2006. Cheek Investments, Inc. is owned by Ben F. Cheek, III.  In Management’s opinion, the lease is at a rate and on terms which approximate those obtainable from independent third parties.

 

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 balance on this commercial loan (including principal and accrued interest) was $2,053,819 at December 31, 2005 and this amount was the maximum amount outstanding during the year.  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 and Deborah A. Guimond, Trustee of the Guimond Trust (an irrevocable life insurance trust, the “Trust”) entered into a Split-Dollar Life Insurance Agreement.  The life insurance policy insures A. Roger Guimond, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company.  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 is based on the federal mid-term Applicable Federal Rate.  The balance on this loan at December 31, 2005 was $180,510.  This was the maximum loan amount outstanding during the year.

 
 





15



Item 12.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS:

 

(a)

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners as of December 31, 2005:

 

Information listed below represents ownership in the Company with respect to any person (including any “group” as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) who is known to the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of any class of the Company’s voting securities.




Name and Address of

 

Amount and Nature of


Percent

Beneficial Owner

Title of Class

Beneficial Ownership

Class

    

Ben F. Cheek, III

Voting Common Stock

1,160 Shares - Direct

68.24%

1855 Orchard Drive

   

Clarkesville, Georgia  30523

   
    

Ben F. Cheek, IV

Voting Common Stock

180 Shares - Direct

10.59%

3946 Beaver Dam Rd.

   

Toccoa, Georgia  30577

   
    

Virginia C. Herring

Voting Common Stock

180 Shares - Direct

10.59%

363 Summit Ridge Dr.

   

Toccoa, Georgia  30577

   
    

David W. Cheek

Voting Common Stock

180 Shares - Direct

10.59%

4500 Barony Dr.

   

Suwanee, Georgia  30024

   


(b)

Security Ownership of Management as of December 31, 2005:

 

Ownership listed below represents ownership in each class of equity securities of the Company, by (i) Directors and Executive Officers of the Company named in the summary compensation table and (ii) all Directors and Executive Officers of the Company as a group:


  

Amount and Nature of

Percent

Name

Title of Class

Beneficial Ownership

Class

    

Ben F. Cheek, III

Voting Common Stock

1,160 Shares - Direct

68.24%

 

Non-Voting Common Stock

       574 Shares - Direct(1)

   .34%

    

Ben F. Cheek, IV

Voting Common Stock

180 Shares - Direct

10.59%

 

Non-Voting Common Stock

18,011 Shares - Direct

10.70%

 

Non-Voting Common Stock

75,794 Shares - Indirect

45.04%

    

Virginia C. Herring

Voting Common Stock

180 Shares - Direct

10.59%

 

Non-Voting Common Stock

18,012 Shares - Direct

10.70%

 

Non-Voting Common Stock

75,795 Shares - Indirect

45.04%

    

A. Roger Guimond

Voting Common Stock

None

None

 

Non-Voting Common Stock

None

None




16



    
  

Amount and Nature of

Percent

Name

Title of Class

Beneficial Ownership

Of Class

    

A. Jarrell Coffee

Voting Common Stock

None

None

 

Non-Voting Common Stock

None

None

    

John G. Sample, Jr.

Voting Common Stock

None

None

 

Non-Voting Common Stock

None

None

    

C. Dean Scarborough

Voting Common Stock

None

None

 

Non-Voting Common Stock

None

None

    

Jack D. Stovall

Voting Common Stock

None

None

 

Non-Voting Common Stock

None

None

    

Robert E. Thompson

Voting Common Stock

None

None

 

Non-Voting Common Stock

None

None

    

Keith D. Watson

Voting Common Stock

None

None

 

Non-Voting Common Stock

None

None

    

All Directors and

   

Executive Officers

Voting Common Stock

1,520 Shares - Direct

 89.41%  

as a Group

Non-Voting Common Stock

574 Shares - Direct (1)

  .34%

(12 persons)

Non-Voting Common Stock

151,589 - Indirect (1)

90.07%

                                   



 

(1)

Effective January 1, 1997, the Company elected S Corporation status for income tax reporting purposes.  Because partnerships are ineligible to be S Corporation shareholders, Cheek Investments, L.P. distributed its shares of the non-voting common stock to its eight partners (Ben F. Cheek, III, Elizabeth Cheek, wife of Ben F. Cheek, III and six trusts).  Ben F. Cheek, III owns 574 shares, or .34%, of the Company’s non-voting common stock directly.

   
  

Ben F. Cheek, III and Elizabeth Cheek were the original grantors of the six trusts referred to above, which are irrevocable trusts.  Two trusts were established for the benefit of each of Ben F. Cheek, IV, Virginia C. Herring and David W. Cheek, children of Ben F. Cheek, III and Elizabeth Cheek.  The trustees of each of the trusts, who by virtue of dispositive power over the assets thereof, are deemed to be the beneficial owners of shares of the Company’s non-voting common stock contained therein, are the two children named above who are not the named beneficiaries of each of the respective trusts.

   

(c)

The Company knows of no contractual arrangements which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of the Company.

   







17



Item 13.   CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS:

 

The Company leases its home office building and print shop for a total of $12,600 per month from Franklin Enterprises, Inc. under leases which expire December 31, 2010.  Franklin Enterprises, Inc. is 66.67% owned by Ben F. Cheek, III, a Director and Executive Officer of the Company.  In Management's opinion, these leases are at rates and on terms which approximate those obtainable from independent third parties.

 

The Company leases its Clarkesville, Georgia branch office for a total of $350 per month from Cheek Investments, Inc. under a lease which expires June 30, 2006. Cheek Investments Inc. is owned by Ben F. Cheek, III.  In Management’s opinion, the lease is at a rate and on terms which approximate those obtainable from independent third parties.

 
 

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 balance on this commercial loan (including principal and accrued interest) was $2,053,819 at December 31, 2005 and this amount was the maximum amount outstanding during the year.  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 and Deborah A. Guimond, Trustee of the Guimond Trust (an irrevocable life insurance trust, the “Trust”) entered into a Split-Dollar Life Insurance Agreement.  The life insurance policy insures A. Roger Guimond, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company.  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 is based on the federal mid-term Applicable Federal Rate.  The balance on this loan at December 31, 2005 was $180,510.  This was the maximum loan amount outstanding during the year.



Item 14.   PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES:


The Company was billed for professional services provided during fiscal years 2005 and 2004 by Deloitte & Touche LLP in the amounts set out in the following table.  The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has considered the services rendered by Deloitte & Touche LLP for services other than the audit of the Company’s financial statements and has determined that the provision of these services is compatible with maintaining the independence of Deloitte & Touche LLP.


 

Fee

Fee

 

Amount

Amount

 

2005

2004

Services Provided:



Audit Fees (1)

$

194,972

$

168,653

Tax Fees (2)

66,699

67,155

All Other Fees

--

--

Total

$

261,671

$

235,808

   

(1)

Fees in connection with the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, and reviews of the financial statements included in the Company’s quarterly reports on Form 10-Q during the 2005 and 2004 fiscal years.

  




18





(2)

Fees billed by Deloitte & Touche LLP for professional services rendered for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.  The services included the preparation of the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ tax returns.



All audit and non-audit services to be performed by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm must be approved in advance by the Audit Committee. Pursuant to the Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policy (the “Policy”), and as permitted by Securities and Exchange Commission rules, the Audit Committee may delegate pre-approval authority to any of its members, provided that any service approved in this manner is reported to the full Audit Committee at its next meeting.  The Policy provides for a general pre-approval of certain specifically enumerated services that are to be provided within specified fee levels.  With respect to requests to provide services not specifically pre-approved pursuant to the general grant, such requests must be submitted to the Audit Committee by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm and its Chief Financial Officer and must include a jo int statement as to whether, in their view, the request is consistent with Securities and Exchange Commission rules on auditor independence.





19



 PART IV

 

Item 15.   EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES:

 

(a)

(1)

Financial Statements:

 

Incorporated by reference from the Annual Report:

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

 

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position at December 31, 2005 and 2004.

 

Consolidated Statements of Income for the three years ended December 31, 2005.

 

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the three years ended

December 31, 2005.

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three years ended December 31, 2005.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

(2)

Financial Statement Schedule:

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

 

Condensed Statements of Financial Position at December 31, 2005 and 2004.

 

Condensed Statements of Income for the three years ended December 31, 2005.

 

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the three years ended December 31, 2005.

 

(3)

Exhibits:

 
 

2.

(a)

Articles of Merger of 1st Franklin Corporation with and into 1st Franklin Financial Corporation dated December 31, 1994 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3(2)(a) to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994).

    
 

3.

(a)

Restated Articles of Incorporation as amended January 26, 1996 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3(3)(a) to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995).

    
  

(b)

Bylaws (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3(3)(b) to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995).

    
 

4.

(a)

Indenture dated October 31, 1984, between the Company and The First National Bank of Gainesville, Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a) to the Company’s Amendment No. 1 dated April 24, 1998 to the Registration Statement on Form S-2, File No. 333-47515).

    
  

(b)

Form of Series 1 Variable Rate Subordinated Debenture (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(b) to Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-2 dated November 14, 2005, File No. 333-126589).

    




20





  

(c)

Agreement of Resignation, Appointment and Acceptance dated as of May 28, 1993 between the Company, The First National Bank of Gainesville, and Columbus Bank and Trust Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(c) to the Company’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 dated June 8, 1993 to the Registration Statement on Form S-2, File No. 33-49151).

    
  

(d)

Modification of Indenture, dated March 30, 1995, by and among Columbus Bank and Trust Company, Synovus Trust Company and the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(b) to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994).

    
  

(e)

Second Modification of Indenture dated December 2, 2004 by and among Synovus Trust Company and the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(e) to the Registration Statement on Form S-2 dated July 14, 2005, File No. 333-126589).

    
 

9.

Not applicable

    
 

10.

(a)

Credit Agreement dated May 1993, between the Company and SouthTrust Bank of Georgia, N.A.  (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to the Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993).

    
  

(b)

Credit Agreement dated September 25, 2001, between the Company and SouthTrust Bank of Georgia, N.A.  (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10 from Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2001).

    
  

(c)

First Amendment to Loan Agreement and Line of Credit Promissory Note dated September 25, 2002, between the Company and SouthTrust Bank of Georgia, N.A.  (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002).

    
  

(d)

Loan Documents Modification Agreement dated September 25, 2003, between the Company and SouthTrust Bank of Georgia, N.A. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003).

    
  

(e)

Loan Documents Modification Agreement dated September 24, 2004, between the Company and SouthTrust Bank of Georgia, N.A. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004).

    
  

(f)

Amended and Restated Line of Credit Promissory Note dated September 24, 2004, between the Company and SouthTrust Bank of Georgia, N.A. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004).

    
  

(g)

Loan Documents Modification Agreement, dated as of September 23, 2005, by and among the Company, Wachovia Bank, National Association and Franklin Securities, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K dated November 9, 2005).

    
  

(h)

Form of the Company’s 2006 Executive Bonus Plan. *

    
  

(i)

Director Compensation Summary Term Sheet. *

    
 

11.

Computation of Earnings per Share is self-evident from the Consolidated Statement of Income and Retained Earnings in the Annual Report, incorporated by reference herein.

    




21





 

12.

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

    
 

13.

The Annual Report.

    
 

15.

Financial Statement Schedules.

   
 

18.

Not applicable.

    
 

19

Not applicable.

    
 

21.

Subsidiaries of the Company.

    
 

22.

Not applicable.

    
 

23.

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

    
 

24.

Not applicable.

    
 

27.

Not applicable.

    
 

28.

Not applicable.

    
 

31.1

Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) / 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

    
 

31.2

Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) / 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

    
 

32.1

Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

    
 

32.2

Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

    
 

*

Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement filed pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iii) of Regulation S-K.

    

(b)

See “Index to Exhibits”.

  

(c)

Not applicable.




22





SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized:


 

1st FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

  

March  22,  2006

By:   

       /s/ Ben F. Cheek, III

Date

Ben F. Cheek, III

 

Chairman of Board



Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:



Signatures

Title

Date

   
   

/s/ Ben F. Cheek, III

 

March 22, 2006

(Ben F. Cheek, III)

Chairman of Board;

 
 

Chief Executive Officer

 
   

/s/ Ben F. Cheek, IV

  

(Ben F. Cheek, IV)

Vice Chairman

March 22, 2006

   
   

/s/ Virginia C. Herring

  

(Virginia C. Herring)

President

March 22, 2006

   
   

/s/ A. Roger Guimond

  

(A. Roger Guimond)

Executive Vice President;

March 22, 2006

 

Principal Financial Officer

 
 

Principal Accounting Officer;

Director

 
   

/s/ John G. Sample,. Jr.

  

(John G. Sample, Jr.)

Director

March 22, 2006

   

/s/ C. Dean Scarborough

  

(C. Dean Scarborough)

Director

March 22, 2006

   

/s/ Jack D. Stovall

  

(Jack D. Stovall)

Director

March 22, 2006

   
   

/s/ Robert E. Thompson

  

(Robert E. Thompson)

Director

March 22, 2006

   

/S/ Keith D. Watson

  

(Keith D. Watson)

Director

March 22, 2006






23



Supplemental Information to be Furnished with Reports Filed Pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act by Registrants Which Have Not Registered Securities Pursuant to Section 12 of the Act.

 

(a)

Except to the extent that the materials enumerated in (1) and/or (2) below are specifically incorporated into this Form by reference (in which case see Rule 12b-23(b), every registrant which files an annual report on this Form pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act shall furnish to the Commission for its information, at the time of filing its report on this Form, four copies of the following:

  
 

(1)

Any annual report to security holders covering the registrant's last fiscal year; and

    
 

(2)

Every proxy statement, form of proxy or other proxy soliciting material sent to more than ten of the registrant's security holders with respect to any annual or other meeting of security holders.

  

(b)

The foregoing material shall not be deemed to be "filed" with the Commission or otherwise subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Act, except to the extent that the registrant specifically incorporates it in its annual report on this Form by reference.

  

(c)

This Annual Report on Form 10-K incorporates by reference portions of the Registrant's Annual Report to security holders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, which is filed as Exhibit 13 hereto.  Registrant is a privately held corporation and therefore does not distribute proxy statements or information statements.






24



   

1st FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 
 

Exhibit

No.


Description

Page

No.

   

    10(h)

Form of the Company’s 2006 Executive Bonus Plan

26

   10(i)

Director Compensation Summary Term Sheet

28

12

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

29

13

The Company’s Annual Report to security holders

for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005


30

15

Financial Statement Schedule

75

21

Subsidiaries of Registrant

80

23

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

81

  31.1

Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) / 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934


82

  31.2

Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) / 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934


83

  32.1

Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002   


84

  32.2

Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002   


85













 




25


EX-10 2 exhibit10hexecutivebonusplan.htm SEC FORM 10-K / EXHIBIT 10(H) 1st Franklin Financial Executive Bonus Plan:  2003



Exhibit 10(h)

 

1st Franklin Financial Corporation

Executive Bonus Plan:  2006


Plan Overview:

 

As we analyze the results from 2005, and the success of the year, our key challenge still remains the same for 2006: to balance the need for short-term results – growth and profit, with the need for long-term positioning – new product development and improved systems.  Both of these issues remain critical to 1st Franklin’s success.

 

The goal of our five-year strategic plan, which we are 4 years into at this point, is designed to map out what direction we want the Company to go.  The goals that are set for the Company each year, which are reflected in the Executive Bonus Plan, are the milestones which will drive the overall performance to achieve the current five-year plan and lay the groundwork and positioning for the new plan and 5 year goals to be set during the 3rd quarter of this year.  

 

The Executive Bonus Plan for 2006 will focus first on ONE “threshold” goal, and secondly four strategic goals.  The combination of these goals will provide a balance measurement of 1st Franklin’s Company performance and also support the achievement of long term goals.

 

The goals that are set are identified and agreed upon by the Executive Management Team.  These goals are based on achieving the five-year Corporate goals set in conjunction with our Strategic Plan.  Below are the four strategic goals, as well as the threshold goal for 2006.


THRESHOLD GOAL:  The Company must achieve certain pre-tax income for 2006.  


1.

Corporate Net Receivables Growth

2.

Corporate Delinquency Control

3.

Corporate Expenses to Revenue

4.

Corporate Return on Assets (ROA)

  



PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY:

 

Company:  The threshold goal of pre-tax income must be achieved for the Executive Bonus Plan to be activated.  After this goal is reached, the achievement of the strategic goals will be paid according to the following scale on an individual basis as a percentage paid of their annual salary.


No. of Strategic Goals Met

% Bonus Paid Based on Annual Salary

 

(in increments of 5 percentage points)

1

Up to 35% (5% - 35%)

2

Up to 45% (5% - 45%)

3

Up to 60% (5% - 60%)

4

Up to 75% (5% - 75%)


The range of percentage is based on many factors, including but not limited to: achieving budget projections, achieving monthly / quarterly objectives, training (both individually and their employees), IPDR ratings and achievement of IPDR goals, employee retention, managing human resources issues, audit and compliance guidelines, etc.

 






Example:  if we achieve the threshold goal and two strategic goals, the range of bonus paid will be from 5% to 45% of a participant’s annual salary.

INDIVIDUAL EXCEPTIONS:

 

If 1st Franklin fails to achieve the threshold goal – the Executive Bonus Plan will not be activated.  However, the Executive Management Team, consisting of;  Ben Cheek, Chairman; Buddy Cheek, Vice-Chairman; Ginger Herring, President; Roger Guimond, EVP/Chief Financial Officer; Mike Culpepper, EVP/Chief Operating Officer; Kay Lovern, EVP/Strategic and Operational Development, and Mike Haynie, EVP/Human Resources, may choose to award individual bonuses to a select number of executives.  These exceptions will only be made if those said individuals have achieved an outstanding year by ALL standards.  In such a case, a bonus may be awarded but based on a lower scale than the above plan.


Executive Management Team Review

 

The Executive Management Team will review all executive and Regional Directors performance ratings and bonus recommendations and determine the final bonus awarded:



AREA

RECOMMENDATION

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Regional Operations Directors

Direct Report Vice President

Mike Culpepper, Ginger Herring, Buddy Cheek, Roger Guimond, Mike Haynie, Kay Lovern

Field Vice Presidents

Mike Culpepper

Mike Culpepper, Ginger Herring, Buddy Cheek, Roger Guimond, Mike Haynie, Kay Lovern

Home Office Supervisors, Area Vice Presidents, Vice Presidents

Direct Report

Mike Culpepper, Ginger Herring, Buddy Cheek, Roger Guimond, Mike Haynie, Kay Lovern

Mike Culpepper, Roger Guimond, Mike Haynie, Kay Lovern

Ginger Herring

Ginger Herring, Buddy Cheek, Ben Cheek


Communication of Measurement

 

How well the Company is doing in achieving its goals will be communicated to all employees on a periodic basis monthly through e-mail. This progress will need to be communicated to the branch employees as well, through the Regional Directors.

 







EX-10 3 exhibit10idirectorcompensati.htm SEC FORM 10-K / EXHIBIT 10(I) Exhibit 10(i)




Exhibit 10(i)

 
 

1st FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

Director Compensation Summary Term Sheet

 

Compensation to be paid to all directors, whether or not executive officers of the Company, at an annualized rate of $12,000.

 




EX-12 4 exhibit12earningstofixedchar.htm SEC FORM 10-K / EXHIBIT 12 Converted by EDGARwiz


Exhibit 12




RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES



 

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

 

(In thousands, except ratio data)

Income before income taxes

$

7,621

$

7,527

$

11,160

$

10,802

$

3,468

      

Interest on indebtedness

8,016

7,137

6,813

7,952

11,311

      

Portion of rents representative

     

of the interest factor

1,161

1,106

1,046

949

883

      

Earnings as adjusted

$

16,798

$

15,770

$

19,019

$

19,703

$

15,662

      
      

Fixed charges:

     
      

Interest on indebtedness

$

 8,016

$

 7,137

$

6,813

$

7,952

$

11,311

      

Portion of rents representative

     

of the interest factor

1,161

1,106

1.046

949

883

      

Fixed charges

$

 9,177

$

 8,243

$

7,859

$

8,901

$

12,194

      
      

Ratio of earnings

     

to fixed charges

1.83

1.91

2.42

2.01

1.28

      




EX-13 5 exhibit13annualreportedgar.htm SEC FORM 10-K / EXHIBIT 13 Form 10K  1993



Exhibit 13

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

1st FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

ANNUAL REPORT

 
 

DECEMBER 31, 2005





0




  
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

    
    
 

The Company

 

  1

    
 

Chairman's Letter

 

  2

    
 

Selected Consolidated Financial Information

 

  3

    
 

Business

 

  4

    
 

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and

     Results of Operations

 


12

    
 

Management's Report

 

20

    
 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

21

    
 

Financial Statements

 

22

    
 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

41

    
 

Corporate Information

 

41

    
 

Ben F. Cheek, Jr.  Office of the Year

 

43

    





 

THE COMPANY

 

1st Franklin Financial Corporation has been engaged in the consumer finance business since 1941, particularly in direct cash loans and real estate loans.  The business is operated through 105 branch offices in Georgia, 34 in Alabama, 35 in South Carolina, 29 in Mississippi and 16 in Louisiana.  At December 31, 2005, the Company had 964 employees.

 

As of December 31, 2005, 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.  Remaining revenues are derived from earnings on investment securities, insurance income and other miscellaneous income.





1






To Our Investors, Co-workers and Friends:

 

An event filled year started for us on the very first day of January when we converted to our new on-line computer system and ended with many good things having been accomplished toward the attainment of our five-year strategic plan.  

 

The Hurricane season of 2005 is one that none of us will forget anytime soon.  Katrina and Rita caused devastation and destruction that most of us have never experienced before.  Fortunately, none of our co-workers were seriously injured but a number of them lost their homes and property or had relatives who were injured or lost their lives.  Twenty-eight of our offices in Mississippi and Louisiana were affected and had some damage.  Only one, our office in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, was totally destroyed.  Our customers from Bay St. Louis are being temporarily served from the office in Gulfport until the building in Bay St. Louis can be restored.  All of our offices were back in operation within just a few days after the hurricanes hit.  Everyone is working very hard in an effort to return these offices to “business as usual” as quickly as possible.

 

It seems that often times when good people are asked to work a little harder to overcome new obstacles in their path, they always do.  The hurricanes destruction and the vital need to become more comfortable and proficient with our new computer operating system as quickly as possible could have totally turned our attention away from “making and collecting loans.”  For a few months early in 2005 our loan volume did slow down.  However, everyone became re-energized the last six months of the year and kept our long-term growth and expansion plans moving ahead.

 

When you review the information on the pages that follow, you will notice that our assets grew by 4% to $325 million, our net loans grew by 3% to $260 million and for the first time in our Company’s history our revenues were in excess of $100 million.  The growth in the Investment Center continued with a year over year increase of $11 million or approximately 5.5%.  In addition seven new branch offices were added; North Greenville, Barnwell and Boling Springs in South Carolina, Meridian and Corinth in Mississippi, Opelika in Alabama and Blairsville in Georgia.  We feel that the momentum is with us and everyone is excited and enthusiastic as we move into 2006.

 

I am always delighted to have this opportunity each year to thank all of you who are such an important part of the 1st Franklin team.  To each of our investors, our co-workers, our bankers and our friends, thank you for your commitment, your confidence and your support.

 


Very sincerely yours,                        

 

/s/ Ben F. Cheek, III

 

Ben F. Cheek, III                             

   Chairman of the Board and CEO            




2




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

 

2005

 2004

 2003

 2002

 2001

 

(In 000's, except ratio data)

Selected Income Statement Data:


Revenues

$

101,826

$

98,459

$

91,367

$

90,356

$

84,683

Net Interest Income

64,387

61,541

56,698

55,491

47,182

Interest Expense

8,016

7,137

6,813

7,952

11,311

Provision for Loan Losses

19,484

18,097

15,245

14,159

15,203

Income Before Income Taxes

7,621

7,527

11,159

10,802

3,468

Net Income

5,109

4,981

8,654

8,415

1,197

Ratio of Earnings to

  Fixed Charges


1.83


1.91


2.42


2.21


1.28

      
      
      

Selected Balance Sheet Data:

     
      

Net Loans

$

224,660

$

218,893

$

206,462

$

188,083

$169,958

Total Assets

324,910

312,366

292,868

278,258

262,938

Senior Debt

180,713

168,668

148,204

135,429

124,845

Subordinated Debt

38,902

41,311

44,076

46,778

52,769

Stockholders’ Equity

91,185

87,102

83,844

80,222

71,319

Ratio of Total Liabilities

  to Stockholders’ Equity


2.56


2.59


2.49


2.47


2.69





3




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, 2005, direct cash loans comprised 82% of our outstanding loans, real estate loans comprised 8% and sales finance contracts comprised 10%.

 

In connection with this 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 F randisco Property and Casualty Insurance Company, reinsure the insurance coverage on our customers written on behalf of this non-affiliated insurance company.


The following table shows the sources of our earned finance charges over each of the past five annual periods:


 

Year Ended December 31

 

 2005

    2004

    2003

    2002

    2001

 

(in thousands)

      
 

Direct Cash Loans

$60,361

$56,363

$51,172

$49,985

$45,137

 

Real Estate Loans

4,083

4,823

5,793

7,069

6,780

 

Sales Finance Contracts

    4,785

    4,882

    3,808

    3,249

    2,872

 

   Total Finance Charges

$69,229

$66,069

$60,773

$60,303

$54,789


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.

 



4






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.

 

Our business consists mainly of making loans to salaried people and wage earners who depend on their earnings to make their repayments.  Our ability to continue the profitable operation of our business therefore 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

 

     2005

     2004

     2003

     2002

     2001

      

Direct Cash Loans

31.61%

30.26%

30.28%

32.82%

31.82%

Real Estate Loans

17.29   

17.13   

17.65   

20.37   

21.02   

Sales Finance Contracts

18.96   

19.35   

19.61   

23.65   

22.47   





The following table contains information about our operations:


                                                   

 

As of December 31

 

     2005

     2004

       2003

       2002

       2001       

      

Number of Branch Offices

219  

212  

203  

195  

189  

Number of Employees

964  

989  

921  

805  

783  

Average Total Loans

   Outstanding Per Branch (in 000's)

 

        

  

$1,347  

  

$1,352  

  

$1,327  

  

$1,263  


$1,180  

Average Number of Loans

   Outstanding Per Branch


699  


709  


686  


654  


645  








5





DESCRIPTION OF LOANS



 

Year Ended December 31

     

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

DIRECT CASH LOANS:

     
      

Number of Loans  Made to

New Borrowers


29,332


45,251


39,215


35,439


35,605

      

Number of Loans Made to

Former Borrowers


20,694


20,965


19,012


19,048


17,934

      

Number of Loans Made to

Present Borrowers


122,261


105,824


99,665


95,286


90,800

      

Total Number of Loans Made

172,287

172,040

157,892

149,773

144,339

      

Total Volume of Loans

Made (in 000’s)


$348,620


$342,842


$313,361


$287,108


$268,856

      

Average Size of Loans Made

$2,023

$1,993

$1,985

$1,917

$1,863

 

     

Number of Loans Outstanding

128,794

124,599

115,590

108,811

104,385

      

Total of Loans Outstanding (000’s)

$241,313

$229,044

$211,203

$191,819

$176,442

      

Percent of Total Loans Outstanding

82%

80%

78%

78%

79%

Average Balance on

Outstanding Loans


$1,874


$1,838


$1,827


$1,763


$1,690

      
      

REAL ESTATE LOANS:

     
      

Total Number of Loans Made

683

735

960

2,104

2,099

      

Total Volume of Loans Made (in 000’s)

$8,018

$9,183

$9,829

$21,938

$16,116

      

Average Size of Loans

$11,739

$12,493

$10,239

$10,427

$7,678

      

Number of Loans Outstanding

2,441

2,895

3,389

3,842

4,181

      

Total of Loans Outstanding (in 000’s)

$23,382

$26,989

$31,520

$36,613

$32,295

      

Percent of Total Loans Outstanding

8%

9%

12%

15%

15%

Average Balance on

Outstanding Loans


$9,579


$9,323


$9,301


$9,530


$7,724

      
      

SALES FINANCE CONTRACTS:

     
      

Number of Contracts Purchased

22,413

25,642

24,166

16,282

15,204

      

Total Volume of Contracts

Purchased (in 000’s)


$37,201


$41,489


$37,858


$23,750


$19,637

      

Average Size of Contracts

Purchased


$1,660


$1,618


$1,567


$1,459


$1,292

      

Number of Contracts Outstanding

21,879

22,721

20,194

14,829

13,304

      

Total of Contracts

Outstanding (in 000’s)


$30,346


$30,511


$26,678


$17,788


$14,307

      

Percent of Total Loans Outstanding

10%

11%

10%

7%

6%

Average Balance on

Outstanding Contracts


$1,387


$1,343


$1,321


$1,200


$1,075



6




LOANS ACQUIRED, LIQUIDATED AND OUTSTANDING

      

 

Year Ended December 31

 

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

(in thousands)


 

LOANS ACQUIRED

      

DIRECT CASH LOANS

$

348,501

$

342,812

$

313,322

$

287,077

$

268,615

REAL ESTATE LOANS

8,018

9,183

9,612

21,694

16,017

SALES FINANCE CONTRACTS

35,618

39,473

35,441

21,302

17,959

NET BULK PURCHASES

1,702

2,046

2,674

2,723

2,018

 

     

TOTAL LOANS ACQUIRED

$

393,839

$

393,514

$

361,049

$

332,796

$

304,609

      
      
 

LOANS LIQUIDATED

      

DIRECT CASH LOANS

$

336,351

$

325,001

$

293,978

$

271,731

$

254,548

REAL ESTATE LOANS

11,625

13,714

14,922

17,620

17,321

SALES FINANCE CONTRACTS

37,366

37,656

28,968

20,269

20,110

      

TOTAL LOANS LIQUIDATED

$

385,342

$

376,371

$

337,868

$

309,620

$

291,979

      
      
 

LOANS OUTSTANDING

      

DIRECT CASH LOANS

$

241,313

$

229,044

$

211,203

$

191,819

$

176,442

REAL ESTATE LOANS

23,382

26,989

31,520

36,613

32,295

SALES FINANCE CONTRACTS

30,346

30,511

26,678

17,788

14,307

      

TOTAL LOANS OUTSTANDING

$

295,041

$

286,544

$

269,401

$

246,220

$

223,044

      
      
 

UNEARNED FINANCE CHARGES

      

DIRECT CASH LOANS

$

29,709

$

28,795

$

26,329

$

24,637

$

24,637

REAL ESTATE LOANS

529

1,094

1,245

752

752

SALES FINANCE CONTRACTS

4,423

4,454

3,945

2,006

2,006

      

TOTAL UNEARNED

   

FINANCE CHARGES


$

34,661


$

34,343


$

31,519


$

27,395


$

27,395

      
      





7





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 original or extended 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 bankrupt accounts are categorized for delinquency.  Prior to 2003, a bankrupt account’s delinquency rating 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.  Management implemented a policy change in 2003, which effectively resets the delinquency rating to coincide with the new 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

 

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

 

(in thousands, except % data)


DIRECT CASH LOANS:

     
 

60-89 Days Past Due

$

5,829

$

4,594

$

4,000

$

3,792

$

3,580

 

Percentage of Principal Outstanding

2.44%

2.02%

1.90%

1.99%

2.03%

 

90 Days or More Past Due

$11,206

7,290

7,285

9,602

$

8,235

 

Percentage of Principal Outstanding

4.70%

3.20%

3.47%

5.03%

4.67%

       
       

REAL ESTATE LOANS:

     
 

60-89 Days Past Due

$

350

$

241

$

416

$

422

$

541

 

Percentage of Principal Outstanding

1.55%

.91

1.33%

1.17%

1.68%

 

90 Days or More Past Due

$

768

$

689

$

1,089

$

1,616

$

1,744

 

Percentage of Principal Outstanding

3.39%

2.58%

3.49%

4.47%

5.40%

       
       

SALES FINANCE CONTRACTS:

     
 

60-89 Days Past Due

$

620

$

556

$

329

$

293

$

249

 

Percentage of Principal Outstanding

2.05%

1.84%

1.25%

1.66%

1.74%

 

90 Days or More Past Due

$

1,060

$

745

$

681

$

785

$

  673

 

Percentage of Principal Outstanding

3.51%

2.46%

2.58%

4.46%

4.70%

       




8




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

   

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

   

 (in thousands, except % data)


 

DIRECT CASH LOANS

      

Average Net Loans

$

195,563

$

186,271

$

168,998

$

152,321

$

141,863

Liquidations

$336,351

$325,001

$

293,978

$

271,731

$

254,548

Net Losses

$

16,074

$

14,782

$

12,944

$

11,053

$

13,015

Net Losses as % of Average

   Net Loans


8.22%


7.94%


7.66%


7.26%


9.17%

Net Losses as % of Liquidations

4.78%

4.55%

4.40%

4.07%

5.11%

      
      
 

REAL ESTATE LOANS

      

Average Net Loans

$

24,403

$

28,155

$

32,822

$

34,698

$

32,262

Liquidations

$

11,625

$

13,714

$

14,922

$

17,620

$

17,321

Net Losses

$

130

$

205

$

221

$

227

$

326

Net Losses as % of Average

    Net Loans


.53%


.73%


.67%


.65%


1.01%

Net Losses as % of  Liquidations

1.12%

1.49%

1.48%

1.29%

1.88%

      
      
 

SALES FINANCE CONTRACTS

      

Average Net Loans

$

25,802

$

25,236

$

19,425

$

13,734

$

12,784

Liquidations

$

37,366

$

37,656

$

28,968

$

20,269

$

20,110

Net Losses

$

1,680

$

1,339

$

760

$

856

$

785

Net Losses as % of Average

    Net Loans


6.51%


5.31%


3.91%


6.23%


6.14%

Net Losses as % of  Liquidations

4.50%

3.56%

2.62%

4.22%

3.90%




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.  




9





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.




10





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

 

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001


Bank Borrowings

3%

-%

-%

 -%

 -%

Public Senior Debt

53   

51   

50   

49      

48      

Public Subordinated Debt

12      

13      

15      

17      

18      

Other Liabilities

4      

5      

6      

5      

6      

Stockholders’ Equity

  28      

  28      

  29      

  27      

  28      

    Total

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

      

Number of Investors

6,011   

6,517   

6,391    

6,502   

6,577   


 

As of March 22, 2006 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 and $8.82 per share were paid in 2005 and 2004, respectively, 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.  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

 

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001


Senior Borrowings

3.74%

3.25%

 3.23%

 3.65%

6.07%

Subordinated Borrowings

3.97   

4.22   

 4.50   

 5.79   

7.07

All Borrowings

3.78   

3.49   

 3.57   

 4.31   

6.39





Certain financial ratios relating to debt have been as follows:


                               

At December 31

 

2005

 2004

2003

2002

  2001


Total Liabilities to

     

Stockholders’ Equity

2.56

2.59

2.49

2.47

2.69

      

Unsubordinated Debt to

     

Subordinated Debt plus

     

Stockholders’ Equity

1.50

1.43

1.29

1.19

1.12




11




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:

 


The 2005 year was a challenging period for the Company due to certain atypical events which impacted our performance.  We began the year by converting our entire accounting and loan operations to a new computer system, culminating a two-year project for the Company.  During the months of January and February, we were significantly focused on system integration.  We worked on fine-tuning our procedures and our employees worked diligently on becoming proficient and comfortable working on the new system.  Consequently, our business development efforts were not as concerted, resulting in lower loan originations during the first quarter than in past years.  Collection efforts were also affected, causing delinquencies to increase.


During the third quarter of the year, our operations were impacted by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  The hurricanes were devastating, leaving areas destroyed and many people homeless.  Business operations in twenty-eight of our branch locations in Louisiana and Mississippi were temporarily interrupted.  Most were back in operation within a few days; however, our Bay St. Louis branch remains closed and currently shares a location with one of our other branches.  We worked with our customers and offered assistance with respect to their obligations to the Company.  In certain instances, we extended payment dates, waived delinquent charges or otherwise modified our loan agreements with certain affected customers.  


Our branch office in Booneville, Mississippi experienced a fire during the year which interrupted its business operations for a short time.  The branch personnel worked diligently to get their branch back on-line in a minimum amount of time.


Although we had our challenges, it was a successful year for the Company.  We exceeded $100.0 million in revenues for the first time in the Company’s history and we were able to exceed our projected goal of $7.5 million in pre-tax profits.  


The Company expanded it branch operations network during 2005 by opening six new locations and purchasing a seventh location from another finance company.  At December 31, 2005, the Company was operating 219 branches in five states.

 

Financial Condition:

 


Overall assets of the Company were $324.9 million at December 31, 2005 as compared to $312.4 million at December 31, 2004, representing a $12.5 million (4%) increase.  Increases in the Company’s loan and marketable debt securities portfolios were the asset categories providing the majority of the growth.



12






As indicated in the Overview section, our business operations were affected by certain events which were not in the normal and ordinary course of our business.  Consequently, we did not experience the 8%-9% growth in loan originations we have seen in the previous three years.  Our loan originations approximated the same level achieved in 2004.  Based on the level of loan activity, net receivables (gross receivables less unearned finance charges) increased $8.2 million (3%) to $260.4 million at December 31, 2005 from $252.2 million at December 31, 2004.

 

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.  We determine the amount of the allowance by reviewing our previous loss experience, reviewing specifically identified loans where 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 and higher loan losses in 2005, we increased the allowance for loan losses to $16.9 million as of December 31, 2005 compared to $15.3 million at December 31, 2004.  

 

Investing activity by the Company’s insurance subsidiaries also contributed to the overall increase in assets.  During the year, surplus funds generated by our insurance subsidiaries were invested in various marketable debt securities.  As a result, our investment portfolio grew to $71.4 million at December 31, 2005 as compared to $63.6 million at the end of the previous year, representing a $7.8 million (12%) 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 68% of these investment securities have bee n designated as “available for sale” with any unrealized gain or loss accounted for in the Company’s equity section, 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.

 

Cash used to fund loan originations during 2005 and the aforementioned investing activity by the Company’s insurance subsidiaries resulted in cash and cash equivalents declining $1.8 million (11%) at the end of 2005 as compared to the end of 2004.  

 

An increase in prepaid expenses was the main reason for the $.8 million (6%) increase in other assets at December 31, 2005 as compared to the prior year-end.  These prepaid expenses include payments on multiple year contracts for equipment maintenance and software licenses.   Also included are prepaid insurance premiums and lease payments on equipment.  

 

Significant growth in the Company’s commercial paper outstanding was a major factor causing the $8.5 million (4%) increase in total liabilities.  The Company’s debt security program continues to fund a majority of our operations each year.

 

Results of Operations:

 

The Company generated a record $101.8 million in revenues during 2005, compared to $98.5 million in 2004 and $91.4 million in 2003.    Net income during the same comparable periods was $5.1 million, $5.0 million and $8.7 million, respectively.

 

Net income was lower during 2005 and 2004 as compared to 2003 mainly due to the impact of the conversion of the Company’s loan and accounting operations to a new computer system and higher loan losses.  In addition, the impact of the aforementioned hurricanes also contributed to higher costs during 2005.

 



13






On January 1, 2005, the Company successfully converted its entire loan and accounting operations to a new computer system, culminating a project which began in the fall of 2002.  The scope of the project was enormous and a substantial amount of resources was committed during the process. A majority of the preparation and cost of conversion occurred and was realized during 2004.  The implementation of a data communication network for all our branch offices was completed, equipment was procured and development and testing of the new system was done.  Also during 2004, our entire employee base was trained on the new system.  

 

Immediately after conversion, our focus was on fine-tuning the system and having our employees become comfortable and proficient using it.  Business development and collection activity was adversely impacted during the first quarter of 2005 as a result of the transition process.  The project was a major factor in the lower levels of net income during 2005 and 2004 as compared to 2003.

 

Management believes results of operations during 2006 will be above those achieved during 2005, as the Company refocuses on its strategic plan.

  

Net Interest Income:

 

As with any lending institution, the Company’s key performance benchmark is our net interest income.   This benchmark represents the margin between income earned on loans and investments and the interest paid on bank loans, debt securities and capital lease obligations.  Therefore, results of operations each year is primarily dependent on our ability to successfully manage our 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 and the interest rate environment.   Volatility in interest rates has more impact on the income earned on investments and the Company’s borrowing cost than on interest income earned on loans.  Management does not normally change the rates charged on loans originated due to changes in the interest rate environment.

 

Net interest margin was $64.4 million, $61.5 million and $56.7 million during each of the three years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.  Higher levels of average net receivables outstanding during 2005 and 2004, and the associated finance charge income earned thereon, led to the higher margins in each of those years.


The negative component of the Company’s net interest income is interest expense.  As debt levels expand and/or average interest rates rise, the increase in financing costs can restrict or lower our margin.  This combination of increases took place in the year just ended.  During 2005, our average debt outstanding grew to $205.8 million as compared to $195.7 million in 2004 and average interest rates were 3.78% compared to 3.49% during the same comparable periods.  The result was an increase in interest expense of $.9 million (12%) during 2005 as compared to 2004.

 

During 2004, average debt levels increased approximately $10.7 million; however, average interest rates declined to 3.49% as compared to 3.57% during 2003.  Interest expense increased a marginal $.3 million (5%) during 2004 compared to 2003.

 

Management projects interest costs for the Company will continue to rise as the outstanding amount of its debt securities continues to increase and average interest rates continue to rise.  The increase could impact its net interest margin during 2006.  

 

Net 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 aforementioned hurricanes.   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.  

 



14






During 2004, net insurance income increased $1.1 million (5%).  The increase was mainly due to the increase in average net receivables.  As average net receivables increase, the Company typically experiences an increase in the number of customers requesting credit insurance, thereby leading to higher levels of insurance in force.

 


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.   During 2005, 2004 and 2003 the provision for loan losses was $19.5 million, $18.1 million and $15.2 million, respectively.   Higher write-offs on non-performing loans led to the increases in the loss provision during the two year period ended December 31, 2005.  Management also allocated additional reserves to cover probable losses, determined on a historical basis, in the current loan portfolio during the same periods.

 

New 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 was averaging approximately $1.0 million a month in new bankruptcy filings by its loan customers.  During October, bankruptcy filings by our loan customers more than doubled in amount as potential filers submitted their request prior to the October 17th deadline.  During the months of November and December, customer bankruptcy filings declined to approximately $.5 million each month.

 

At December 31, 2005, the balance on bankrupt accounts was $11.8 million compared to $12.3 million at December 31, 2004 and $13.0 million at December 31, 2003.  

 

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 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:

 

Personnel expense increased $1.6 million (5%) during 2005 as compared to 2004 mainly due to merit salary increases and higher insurance claims incurred by the Company’s employee health insurance plan.  Additional staff hired to assist in conversion and overtime associated with training our employees on the new system, additional employees hired to staff the new offices opened and merit salary increases caused personnel expense during 2004 to increase $2.7 million (9%) as compared to 2003.  Lower medical claims, incentive bonuses and profit sharing contributions during 2004 kept the increase in personnel expense from being higher.

 

New office openings and an increase in maintenance on equipment caused occupancy expense to increase $.3 million (4%) during 2005 as compared to 2004.  Occupancy expense during 2004 increased $1.1 million (14%) compared to 2003 mainly due to increases in depreciation on capitalized new computer equipment and the maintenance on the equipment.  Rent expense on new branch offices and leases renewed on existing branch offices also contributed to the increase in 2004.   

 

Other miscellaneous operating expenses decreased $1.5 million (9%) during 2005 as compared to 2004 primarily due to a decline in 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.




15






Computer expenses, other conversion expenses and lease on new equipment were the primary factors causing other operating expenses to increase $3.0 million or 21% during 2004 as compared to 2003.  Higher legal and audit expenses were other factors contributing to the increase in 2004.


Income Taxes:

 

In 1997, the Company elected S Corporation status 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 S Corporation status, 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, 2005, 2004 and 2003 were 33.0%, 33.8% and 22.5%, respectively.  The higher rates during 2005 and 2004 were due to 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.

 

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.  A project director position has been created and assigned the task of preparing the Company for compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.  The Company has engaged a consulting firm to assist the project director on the project.  Additional resources are expected to be added as needed, which may involve substantial additional costs which could materi ally affect the Company’s results of operations.  During 2005, we incurred approximately $.3 million in expenses and we project additional expenses of $.3 million during 2006.

 

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.  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, 2005.  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 structure of subordinated debenture debt incorporates various interest adjustment periods, which allows the holder to redeem that security prior to the contractual maturity without penalty.  It is expected that actual maturities on certain 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.





16




 

Expected Year of Maturity

      

2011 &

 

Fair

 

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Beyond

Total

Value

Assets:

(in millions)

   Marketable Debt Securities

$  7

$  9

$  9

$  9

    $  9

$28

$71

$71

   Average Interest Rate

3.9%

3.9%

3.9%

4.0%

4.1%

4.4%

4.1%

 

Liabilities:

        

   Senior Debt:

        

      Senior Notes

$64

$64

$64

      Average Interest Rate

2.9%

2.9%

 

      Commercial Paper

$108

$108

$108

      Average Interest Rate

4.9%

4.9%

 

      Notes Payable to Banks

$ 9

$ 9

$ 9

      Average Interest Rate

6.8%

6.8%

 
         

   Subordinated Debentures

$5

$  8

$12

$14

$39

$39

   Average Interest Rate

4.2%

4.4%

4.2%

4.4%

4.3%

 


Liquidity:

 

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.  Continued liquidity of the Company is therefore dependent on the collection of its receivables, the issuance of debt securities that meet the investment requirements of the public and the continued availability of unused bank credit from the Company’s lender.

 

As of December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, the Company had $15.6 million and $17.4 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, 2005 and 2004, respectively, 97% and 95% 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, 2005, Frandisco Property and Casualty Insurance and Frandisco Life Insurance Company had a statutory surplus of $30.0 million and $31.7 million, respectively.  The maximum aggregate amount of dividends these subsidiaries can pay to the Company in 2006 without prior approval of the Georgia Insurance Commissioner is approximately $7.6 million.

 

Most of the Company's loan portfolio is financed through public debt securities, which, because of 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 does not continue to issue debt securities at interest rates and terms that are responsive to the demands of the marketplace or maintain sufficient unused bank borrowings.

 



17






In addition to the debt securities program, the Company maintains an external source of funds through a credit agreement with Wachovia Bank, N.A., which provides for unsecured borrowings up to $30.0 million.  The commitment termination date of the credit agreement is September 25, 2006.  Any amounts then outstanding under our line of credit are due and payable on such date, and any amounts outstanding under any term loan would be, upon notice, due and payable three years from that date.  As of December 31, 2005, $9.0 million was outstanding under the credit agreement at an interest rate of 6.75% and available borrowings under the agreement were $21.0 million.  We plan to negotiate a renewal of this credit agreement prior to its current scheduled expiration date but cannot provide any assurance that any such renewal will be available on commercially reasonable ter ms, if at all.  The failure to renew this credit agreement, or obtain a new agreement on terms acceptable to the Company, could materially affect the Company’s financial condition.  Please refer to Note 5 in the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" included herein for additional information regarding the aforementioned credit agreement.




18




 

The Company was subject to the following contractual obligations and commitments at December 31, 2005:

      

      

2011 &

 
 

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Beyond

Total

(in millions)

Contractual Obligations:

       

   Credit Line *

$   9.2

$     -

$     -

$     -

 $     -

$      -

$   9.2

   Bank Commitment Fee **

.1

     -

     -

    -

      -

      -

.1

   Senior Notes *

66.0

     -

     -

    -

      -

      -

66.0

   Commercial Paper *

109.1

-

-

-

-

-

109.1

   Subordinated Debt *

6.4

9.4

14.3

17.5

-

-

47.6

   Operating leases (offices)

 3.1

 2.5

 1.9

 1.0

     .4

   .1

 9.0

   Operating leases (equipment)

.9

.9

.8

.1

-

-

2.7

   Capitalized leases (equipment)

.2

.3

.3

.2

-

-

1.0

Software license fees

.1

-

-

-

-

-

.1

Software service contract **

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

2.4

9.5

21.6

Data communication lines

contract **


      2.5


    2.5


    1.7


     -


       -


       -


     6.7

       Total

$200.0  

$18.0

$21.4

$21.2

$ 2.8

$ 9.7

$273.1

        

*  Note:  Includes estimated interest at current rates.

     

**

Note:  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.


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.


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.

 



19






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.

 

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.




20




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.



21





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 as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2005.  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 p rinciples 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, 2005 and 2004, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2005, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 


 

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

 

Atlanta, Georgia

March 22, 2006





22





1st FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

 

DECEMBER 31, 2005 AND 2004

 

ASSETS


   

2005   

  2004     


CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (Note 4):

  

   Cash and Due From Banks

$

2,202,925

$

2,704,106

   Short-term Investments

11,785,166

13,152,253

 

13,988,091

15,856,359

   

RESTRICTED CASH (Note 1)

1,591,967

1,556,930

   

LOANS (Note 2):

  

   Direct Cash Loans

241,313,264

229,043,613

   Real Estate Loans

23,382,248

26,989,611

   Sales Finance Contracts

30,345,466

30,510,881

 

 

295,040,978

 

286,544,105

   

   Less:

Unearned Finance Charges

34,661,179

34,343,193

 

Unearned Insurance Premiums

18,834,971

18,022,788

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

16,885,085

15,285,085

 

        

224,659,743

218,893,039

   

MARKETABLE DEBT SECURITIES (Note 3):

  

   Available for Sale, at fair market value

48,431,606

37,309,738

   Held to Maturity, at amortized cost

23,041,123

26,334,592

 

71,472,729

63,644,330

   

OTHER ASSETS:

  

   Land, Buildings, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements,

  

      less accumulated depreciation and amortization

  

         of $12,770,424 and $13,185,739 in 2005

         and 2004, respectively


7,217,783


7,185,341

   Deferred Acquisition Costs

1,024,096

1,001,001

   Due from Non-affiliated Insurance Company

1,299,766

1,436,664

   Miscellaneous

3,655,586

2,792,410

 

13,197,231

12,415,416

   

                TOTAL ASSETS

$

324,909,761

$

312,366,074

   
   
   
   

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements




23





1st FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

       

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

 

DECEMBER 31, 2005 AND 2004


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY


 

2005

 2004


SENIOR DEBT (Note 5):

  

   Notes Payable to Banks

$

9,018,370

$

 10,387,000

   Senior Demand Notes, including accrued interest

 64,120,201

 66,331,059

   Commercial Paper

107,574,284

91,949,693

 

180,712,855

168,667,752

 

  
   
   

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES

14,110,767

15,286,107

   
   

SUBORDINATED DEBT (Note 6)

38,901,635

41,310,529

   
   

        Total Liabilities

233,725,257

225,264,388

   
   

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, 2005 and 2004

--

--

   Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

268,012

826,392

   Retained Earnings

90,746,492

86,105,294

               Total Stockholders' Equity

91,184,504

87,101,686

   

                    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

$

324,909,761

 

$

312,366,074

 

   
   
   
   

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements




24




1st FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003

 
    
 

2005

2004

2003

INTEREST INCOME:

Finance Charges

Investment Income


$

69,228,623 

3,174,145 

72,402,768 


$

66,068,779 

2,609,639 

68,678,418 


$

60,773,100 

2,737,744 

63,510,844 

INTEREST EXPENSE:

Senior Debt

Subordinated Debt



6,309,551 

1,706,478 

8,016,029 


5,073,818 

2,063,150 

7,136,968 


4,564,880 

2,247,738 

6,812,618 

    

NET INTEREST INCOME

64,386,739 

61,541,450 

56,698,226 

    

PROVISION FOR

LOAN LOSSES (Note 2)


19,483,632 


18,096,969 


15,244,755 

    

NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER

PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES


44,903,107 


43,444,481 


41,453,471 

    

NET INSURANCE INCOME:

Premiums

Insurance Claims and Expense


28,438,711 

(6,732,679)

21,706,032 


28,864,383 

(6,133,770)

22,730,613 


26,976,656 

(5,318,222)

21,658,434 

    

OTHER REVENUE

985,194 

915,745 

879,996 

    

OPERATING EXPENSES:

Personnel Expense

Occupancy Expense

Other Expense


35,926,511 

8,622,917 

15,424,125 

59,973,553 


34,312,589 

8,287,737 

16,963,690 

59,564,016 


31,588,132 

7,239,664 

14,004,631 

52,832,427 

    

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

7,620,780 

7,526,823 

11,159,474 

    

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES (Note 10)

 

2,512,081 

2,545,601 

2,505,875 

    

NET INCOME

$

5,108,699 

$

4,981,222 

$

8,653,599 

    

BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE:

170,000 Shares outstanding for all

periods ( 1,700 voting, 168,300

non-voting)




$30.05 




$29.30 




$50.90 

    
    

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements




25





1st FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003


    

Accumulated

 
    

Other

 
 

Common Stock

 

Retained

Comprehensive

 
 

Shares

Amount

Earnings

Income

Total


Balance at December 31, 2002

170,000

 $170,000

$78,657,682 

  $ 1,394,029   

$80,221,711 

      

   Comprehensive Income:

     

       Net Income for 2003

8,653,599 

— 

 

       Net Change in Unrealized Gain

          On Available-For-Sale Securities



 

 —  


(342,951)

 

   Total Comprehensive Income

—  

— 

8,310,648 

   Cash Distributions Paid

          —

            —

    (4,688,327)

               — 

    (4,688,327)

      

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 

      
      

Disclosure of reclassification amount:

 

2005

2004

2003

      

Unrealized holding gains arising during period,

net of applicable income taxes

   

 $    (565,267)

 $    (203,796)

 $    (285,172)

      

Less: Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in      

income, net of applicable income taxes


         (6,887)


        20,890 


        57,779 

      

Net unrealized gains on securities,

net of applicable income taxes


$    (558,380)


$    (224,686)


$    (342,951)


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 



26




 1st FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003


 

2005       

2004       

2003       

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

   Net Income

$

5,108,699 

$

4,981,222 

$

8,653,599 

   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net

   

       cash provided by operating activities:

   

    Provision for Loan Losses

19,483,632 

18,096,969 

15,244,755 

    Depreciation and Amortization

1,827,138 

1,754,700 

1,396,117 

    Provision for Deferred Taxes

46,005 

79,896 

142,667 

    Loss on sale of marketable securities and

   

       equipment and premium amortization on securities

(247,414)

116,407 

13,910 

    (Increase) decrease in Miscellaneous Assets and other

(778,605)

413,522 

(505,930)

    Increase (decrease) in Other Liabilities

(964,319)

(1,404,963)

894,880 

          Net Cash Provided

24,475,138 

24,037,753 

25,839,998 

    

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

   

   Loans originated or purchased

(196,159,931)

(196,761,835)

(180,569,120)

   Loan payments

170,909,595 

166,233,836 

146,945,113 

   Increase in restricted cash

(35,037)

(1,206,930)

-- 

   Purchases of securities, available for sale

(16,172,200)

(9,658,757)

(11,153,662)

   Purchases of securities, held to maturity

-- 

(7,429,492)

(5,049,365)

   Sales of securities, available for sale

-- 

-- 

2,893,910 

   Redemptions of securities, available for sale

4,195,250 

7,816,250 

8,232,750 

   Redemptions of securities, held to maturity

3,255,000 

3,105,000 

6,203,000 

   Principal payments on securities, available for sale

-- 

248,854 

174,149 

   Capital expenditures

(2,086,599)

(3,499,585)

(2,575,128)

   Proceeds from sale of equipment

581,808 

210,732 

120,610 

          Net Cash Used

(35,512,114)

(40,941,927)

(34,777,743)

    

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

   

   Net increase (decrease) in Notes Payable to

   

       Banks and Senior Demand Notes

(3,579,488)

8,812,994 

813,460 

   Commercial Paper issued

44,700,469 

28,626,116 

29,199,674 

   Commercial Paper redeemed

(29,075,878)

(16,975,372)

(17,238,336)

   Subordinated Debt issued

6,669,812 

5,754,767 

6,053,896 

   Subordinated Debt redeemed

(9,078,706)

(8,520,172)

(8,755,799)

   Dividends / Distributions paid

(467,501)

(1,498,882)

(4,688,327)

          Net Cash Provided

9,168,708 

16,199,451 

5,384,568 

    

NET DECREASE IN

   

     CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

(1,868,268)  

(704,723)  

(3,553,177)

    

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning

15,856,359 

16,561,082 

20,114,259 

    

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, ending

$

13,988,091 

$

15,856,359 

$

16,561,082 


Cash paid during the year for:

Interest

$

7,964,734 

$

7,101,750 

$

6,823,904 

 

Income Taxes

2,571,625 

2,517,856 

2,313,110 

     

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



27




1ST FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003

 
 

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 219 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. All significant intercompany 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.

 

Marketable Debt Securities.  The fair values for marketable debt securities are 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.

 



28




Income 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 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 $984,775 and $792,859 at December 31, 2005 and 2004, 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.

 

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 lease.

 

Restricted Cash:

 

At December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, the Company has cash of $1,591,967, $1,556,930 and $350,000, respectively, that is 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.  These amounts were included in cash and cash equivalents as short-term investments in the 2004 consolidated statement of financial position.  During 2005, the Company determined that these amounts should have been classified as restricted cash.  Accordingly, the 2004 and 2003 amounts have been reclassified to restricted cash in the accompanying consolidated financial statements to conform to the 2005 presentation.  This reclassification resulted in a decrease in cash and cash equivalents from amounts previously reported in the consolidated statement of financial position and the consolidated statement of cash flows as of December 31, 204 of $1,556,930, a decrease in cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2003 of $350,000 and an increase in cash used in investing activities from amounts previously reported in the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2004 of $1,206,930.

 



29




Impairment of Long-Lived Assets:

 

The Company regularly evaluates whether events and circumstances 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, 2005.


Income Taxes:

 

No provision for income taxes has been made by the Company since it elected S Corporation status in 1997.  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, 2005 and 2004 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.

 



30




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, 2005 is as follows:


  

Direct

Real

Sales

 

Due In      

Cash

Estate

Finance

 

Calendar Year    

   Loans   

   Loans    

Contracts

 

2006

67.16%

21.29%

65.37%

 

2007

28.29

18.59

26.24

 

2008

3.84

15.32

6.93

 

2009

.52

12.63

1.35

 

2010

.09

10.07

.09

 

2011 & beyond

      .10

  22.10

         .02

  

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, 2005 and 2004, cash collections applied to the principal of loans totaled $170,909,595 and $166,233,836, respectively, and the ratios of these cash collections to average net receivables were 69.54% and 66.42%, 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 $29,229,634 and $23,764,078 of loans in a non-accrual status at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 
 

An analysis of the allowance for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 is shown in the following table:


 

2005

2004

2003

Beginning Balance

$

15,285,085 

$

13,515,085 

$

12,195,000 

Provision for Loan Losses

19,483,632 

18,096,969 

15,244,755 

Charge-Offs

(22,315,779)

(20,669,102)

(18,172,035)

Recoveries

4,432,147 

4,342,133 

4,247,365 

Ending Balance

$16,885,085 

$

15,285,085 

$

13,515,085 




31




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, 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

-- 

896,786

 

$

48,236,461

$

772,190

$

(577,044)

$

48,431,606


 


Amortized

Cost

Gross

Unrealized

Gains

Gross

Unrealized

Losses

Estimated

Fair Market

Value

December 31, 2004:

    

U.S. Treasury securities and


  


obligations of U.S. government

    

corporations and agencies

$

8,917,740

$

82,553

$

(40,839)

$

8,959,454

Obligations of states and

    

political subdivisions

27,026,816

623,900

(69,211)

27,581,505

Corporate securities

383,861

384,918

-- 

768,779

 

$

36,328,417

$

1,091,371

$

(110,050)

$

37,309,738



 

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, 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

     

December 31, 2004

    

U.S. Treasury securities and


  


obligations of U.S. government

    

corporations and agencies

$

5,470,846

$

42,708

$

     (41,049)

$

5,472,505

Obligations of states and

    

political subdivisions

19,861,496

532,811

      (36,093)

20,358,214

Corporate securities

1,002,250

16,604

-- 

1,018,854

 

$

26,334,592

$

592,123

$

(77,142)

$

26,849,573



 



32






  The amortized cost and estimated fair market values of marketable debt securities at December 31, 2005, 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

$

5,429,490

$

5,943,884

$

1,846,072

$

1,849,042

Due after one year through five years

23,153,007

23,025,106

13,528,841

13,469,611

Due after five years through ten years

18,633,746

18,457,920

6,916,210

6,966,514

Due after ten years

1,020,218

1,004,696

750,000

735,835

 

$

48,236,461

$

48,431,606

$

23,041,123

$

23,021,002


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, 2005.


  

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





$

4,953,450





$

80,304





$

4,939,700





$

129,933





$

9,893,150





$

210,238

 

Obligations of states and

political subdivisions


15,569,706


181,732


7,135,244


185,074


22,704,950


366,806

 

Total

20,523,156

262,036

12,074,944

315,007

32,598,100

577,044

        
 

Held to Maturity

      
 

U.S. Treasury securities

and obligations of U.S.

government

corporations and

agencies





1,875,094





37,036





2,745,531





100,153





4,620,625





137,190

 

Obligations of states and

political subdivisions


2,397,091


20,622


2,134,919


64,723


4,532,010


85,344

 

Total

4,272,185

57,658

4,880,450

164,876

9,152,635

222,534

        
 

Overall Total

$

24,795,341

$

319,694

$

16,955,394

$

479,883

$

41,750,735

$

799,578

 

The unrealized losses on the Company’s investments listed in the above table were the result of interest rate increases.  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, 2005.


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 redemptions due to regular 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 redemptions due to regular scheduled maturities during 2004 were $11,170,104.  Gross gains of $29,223 and gross losses of $1,673 were realized on these redemptions.

 

Sales of investments in debt securities available-for-sale during 2003 generated proceeds of $2,893,910.  Gross gains of $37,660 were realized on these sales.  Proceeds from redemptions of investment securities due to call provisions and redemptions due to regular scheduled maturities during 2003 were $14,609,899.  Gross gains of $27,219 were realized on these redemptions.




33






4.

INSURANCE SUBSIDIARY RESTRICTIONS

 

As of December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, 97% and 95% 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, 2005, Frandisco Property and Casualty Insurance and Frandisco Life Insurance Company had a statutory surplus of $30.0 million and $31.7 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 2006 without prior approval of the Georgia Insurance Commissioner is approximately $7.6 million.

 

5.

SENIOR DEBT

 

Effective September 25, 2001, the Company entered into a line of credit agreement with a bank to provide up to $21.0 million in unsecured borrowings.  All borrowings bear interest at .5% below the prime rate of interest or 0.225% above the 1-month LIBOR, at the option of the Company, and an annual commitment fee is paid quarterly based on .5% of the available line less the average borrowings during the quarter.  In addition, a facility fee of $10,000 was paid to the bank for one year when the credit agreement was executed.  The credit agreement was renewed for a one-year term on September 23, 2005. At December 31, 2005 and 2004, the Company had balances of $9.0 million and $10.4 million, respectively, in borrowings against the credit line facility.

 

The current credit agreement has a commitment termination date of September 25 in any year in which written notice of termination is given by the bank.  Any then outstanding balance under the line of credit would be due and payable upon notice on such date.  If written notice is given in accordance with the agreement, the outstanding balance of any term loan under the agreement must be paid in full on the date three years after the commitment termination date.  The bank also may terminate the agreement upon the violation of any of the financial ratio requirements or covenants contained in the agreement or in September of any calendar year if the financial condition of the Company becomes unsatisfactory to the bank, 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.

 

The 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 negotiable interest rates.

 

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)

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   

     



34




 

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)

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   

     

2003:

    

Bank

--%

$

--

$

--

--%

Senior Demand Notes

2.28   

70,469

66,540

2.36   

Commercial Paper

3.94   

80,299

73,815

3.98   

All Categories

3.18   

148,204

140,354

3.21   


6.

SUBORDINATED DEBT

 

The payment of the principal and interest on the 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 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 Subordinated Debt at December 31 is as follows:


Weighted Average Rate at

 

Weighted Average Rate

End of Year

 

During Year

       

2005  

2004  

2003  

 

2005

2004

2003

       

4.36%

3.96%

4.28%

 

4.01%

4.19%

4.48%



 

Maturity information on the Company’s Subordinated Debt at December 31, 2005 is as follows:


 

Amount Maturing

 

Based on Maturing

Based on Interest

 

Date

Adjustment Period

   

2006

$

5,332,736

$

29,832,730

2007

7,840,983

7,106,735

2008

11,527,489

970,694

2009

14,200,427

991,476

 

$

38,901,635

$

38,901,635


 



35




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 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 $4,267,824, $4,117,558 and $3,139,312 for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.  The Company’s minimum aggregate lease commitments at December 31, 2005 are shown in the table below.  

 
  



Year

Capitalized

Equipment

Leases

Operating

Equipment

Leases

Operating

Occupancy

Leases

Total

Operating

Leases

       
  

2006

$

245,894

$

854,076

$

3,155,448

$

4,009,524

  

2007

245,894

854,076

2,551,336

3,405,412

  

2008

215,234

846,086

1,892,134

2,738,220

  

2009

9,282

102,483

962,779

1,065,262

  

2010

--

--

365,185

365,185

  

2011 and beyond

--

--

90,000

90,000

  

   Total

716,304

$

2,656,721

$

9,016,882

$

11,673,603

  

Less: Amount representing interest

58,027

   
  

Capital lease obligation

$

658,277

   
   
 

As of December 31, 2005 and 2004, the Company had capital lease obligations of $658,277 and $868,298, respectively, recorded in accounts payable and accrued expenses.


The Company is involved in four legal proceedings in the state of Mississippi.  In two of those proceedings, the Company is a named defendant in cases alleging fraud and deceit in the Company's sale of credit insurance, refinancing practices and use of arbitration agreements. The plaintiffs in those two cases seek statutory, compensatory and punitive damages.   Management believes that it is too early to assess the Company's potential liability in connection with any of these proceedings. The Company is diligently contesting and defending the claims in these two proceedings.

 

In the other two proceedings referred to above, the Company originally filed suit to bar the assertion of certain of the potential claims discussed above and to enforce certain arbitration clauses in its agreements.

 

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 all 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 profit sharing contribution 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 $620,000, $620,000, and $905,000 for the years 2005, 2004, and 2003, respectively.

 



36






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 Code section 415(d).

 
 

9.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

The Company leases a portion of its properties (see Note 7) for an aggregate of $159,000 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, 2004 and 2003 was $7,467, $12,800 and $68,625, respectively.

 

Liberty also leased its office space and equipment from the Company prior to the merger.  Lease income to the Company during 2005 was $35,100 and $60,100 annually for 2004 and 2003.

 

During 1999, a loan was extended to a real estate development partnership of which one of the Company’s beneficial owners (David Cheek) is a partner.  David Cheek (son of Ben F. Cheek, III) owns 10.59% of the Company’s voting stock.  The balance on this commercial loan (including principal and accrued interest) was $2,053,819 at December 31, 2005 and this amount was the maximum amount outstanding during the year.  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.

 
 

10.

INCOME TAXES

 

Effective January 1, 1997, the Company elected S corporation status 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 were 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, 2005, 2004 and 2003 is made up of the following components:


 

2005      

2004      

2003      

    

Current – Federal

$

2,453,491 

$

2,426,277 

$

2,289,099 

Current – State

12,585 

39,428 

74,109 

Total Current

2,466,076 

2,465,705 

2,363,208 

    

Deferred – Federal

46,005 

79,896 

142,667 

    

Total Provision

$

2,512,081 

$

2,545,601 

$

2,505,875 




37




 

Temporary differences create deferred federal tax assets and liabilities, which are detailed below for December 31, 2005 and 2004.  These amounts are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position.


 

     Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities)

   
 

2005       

2004       

Insurance Commission

$

(3,226,700)

$

(3,208,370)

Unearned Premium Reserves

1,195,433 

1,202,261 

Unrealized Loss (Gain) on

  

Marketable Debt Securities

72,866 

(154,930)

Other

(204,483)

(183,637)

 

$

(2,162,884)

$

(2,344,676)



The Company's effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 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.


 

2005 

2004  

2003  

Statutory Federal income tax rate

34.0%

34.0%

34.0%

State income tax, net of Federal

   

tax effect

.1   

.3   

.4   

Net tax effect of IRS regulations

   

on life insurance subsidiary

(6.8)  

(7.1)  

(4.8)  

Tax effect of S corporation status

11.3   

12.0   

(3.9)  

Other Items

 (5.6)  

 (5.4)  

(3.2)  

Effective Tax Rate

33.0%

33.8%

22.5%



 

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.

  

The Company has five reportable segments: Division I through Division V.  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.  Offices in North Georgia comprise Division II, and Division III is comprised of Central and South Georgia.  Division IV represents our Alabama offices, and our offices in Louisiana and Mississippi encompass Division V.  

  

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.




38




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.  



Year 2005

 

Division

I

Division

II

Division

III

Division

IV

Division

V

Total

Segments

Revenues:

 

( In Millions)

Finance Charges Earned

$  11.1

$  18.0

$  17.7

$ 12.4

$   9.9

$   69.1

Insurance Income

    2.1

     7.8

     7.9

     3.4

    3.1

   24.3

Other


       .1

       .3

       .1

       .1

       .1

        .7

  

   13.3

   26.1

   25.7

   15.9

   13.1

    94.1

Expenses:

 

 

     

Interest Cost

1.1

2.1

2.2

1.4

1.1

 7.9

Provision for Loan Losses

3.3

4.0

4.9

2.8

2.8

17.8

Depreciation

     .2

      .4

      .2

     .2

      .3

      1.3

Other


    6.9

   11.2

     9.5

     5.8

     7.1

    40.5


  11.5

   17.7

   16.8

   10.2

   11.3

    67.5

  

 

     

Segment Profit

$   1.8

$   8.4

$   8.9

$  5.7

$   1.8

$  26.6

  

 

     

Segment Assets:

 

     

Net Receivables

$ 34.6

$ 66.2

$ 66.6

$ 46.6

$ 34.0

$248.0

Cash


.4

.8

.9

.5

.5

3.1

Net Fixed Assets

.9

1.2

.7

.6

.7

4.1

Other Assets

       .0

        .2

        .0

       .1

        .1

       .4

Total Segment Assets

$ 35.9

$ 68.4

$ 68.2

$ 47.8

$ 35.3

$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



39




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.  



Year 2004

 

Division

I

Division

II

Division

III

Division

IV

Division

V

Total

Segments

Revenues:

 

( In Millions)

Finance Charges Earned

$   10.7

$  19.8

$  19.1

$  12.3

$   9.2

$   71.1

Insurance Income

    2.0

     8.2

     8.3

     3.4

    2.7

   24.6

Other


       .1

        .2

        .2

       .1

       .0

        .6

  

    12.8

   28.2

   27.6

    15.8

     11.9

    96.3

Expenses:

 

 

     

Interest Cost

 .9

2.1

2.0

1.2

.8

 7.0

Provision for Loan Losses

2.8

3.9

4.9

2.6

2.1

16.3

Depreciation

     .2

      .3

      .2

     .2

      .3

       1.2

Other


    7.3

   12.7

   11.3

     6.6

     7.8

    45.6


  11.2

   19.0

   18.4

   10.6

   11.0

    70.2

  

 

     

Segment Profit

$   1.5

$   9.2

$   9.2

$   5.2

$     .9

$  26.1

  

 

     

Segment Assets:

 

     

Net Receivables

$ 33.1

$ 67.5

$ 67.1

$ 41.9

$ 30.9

$240.5

Cash


.0

.1

.1

.0

.0

.2

Net Fixed Assets

.7

1.1

.7

.6

.7

3.8

Other Assets

       .0

        .1

        .1

       .0

        .1

        .3

Total Segment Assets

$ 33.8

$ 68.8

$ 68.0

$ 42.5

$ 31.7

$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



40




Below is a performance recap of each of the Company's reportable segments for the year ended December 31, 2003 followed by a reconciliation to consolidated Company data.  



Year 2003

 

Division

I

Division

II

Division

III

Division

IV

Division

V

Total

Segments

Revenues:

 

( In Millions)

Finance Charges Earned

$   9.4

$  19.5

$  18.5

$  10.7

$   7.2

$   65.3

Insurance Income

    1.8

     8.0

     8.1

     3.0

    2.2

   23.1

Other


       .1

        .1

        .1

       .1

       .1

        .5

  

     11.3

   27.6

   26.7

     13.8

     9.5

    88.9

Expenses:

 

 

     

Interest Cost

.8

2.1

2.0

1.0

.6

6.5

Provision for Loan Losses

2.7

3.6

4.0

2.1

1.6

14.0

Depreciation

     .2

      .2

      .2

     .1

      .2

       .9

Other


    6.2

   11.3

   10.2

     5.6

     5.6

    38.9


    9.9

   17.2

   16.4

     8.8

     8.0

    60.3

  

 

     

Segment Profit (Loss)

$     1.4

$   10.4

$  10.3

$  5.0

$    1.5

$  28.6

  

 

     

Segment Assets:

 

     

Net Receivables

$ 28.4

$ 67.0

$ 66.1

$ 37.6

$ 23.9

$222.9

Cash


.0

.1

.1

.0

.0

.2

Net Fixed Assets

.6

.8

.5

.5

.5

2.9

Other Assets

       .2

        .5

        .5

       .6

        .0

      1.8

Total Segment Assets

$ 29.1

$ 68.4

$ 67.2

$ 38.7

$ 24.4

$227.8

 







RECONCILIATION:






2003

Revenues:






(In Millions)

Total revenues from  reportable segments

$  88.9

Corporate finance charges earned not allocated to segments

(4.5)

Reclass of investment income net against interest cost

(.2)

Reclass of insurance expense against insurance income

5.5

Timing difference of insurance income allocation to segments

1.3

Other revenues not allocated to segments

        .4

Consolidated Revenues

$  91.4

      


Net Income:

     


Total profit or loss for reportable segments

$  28.6

Corporate earnings not allocated

(2.8)

Corporate expenses not allocated

(14.6)

Income taxes not allocated

    (2.5)

Consolidated Net Income

$    8.7

 







Assets:







Total assets for reportable segments

$227.8

Reclass accrued interest receivable on loans

1.5

Loans held at corporate home office level

3.7

Unearned insurance at corporate level

(8.2)

Allowance for loan losses at corporate level

(13.5)

Cash and cash equivalents held at  corporate level

16.7

Investment securities at corporate level

58.2

Fixed assets at corporate level

2.8

Other assets at corporate level

      3.9

Consolidated Assets

$292.9




41




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

Co-owner,

2004

Scarborough Men & Boys Clothes Store

 
 

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

 

A. Jarrell Coffee

Executive Vice President and

2001

   Chief Operating Officer

 

Phoebe P. Martin (Retired 12/31/05)

Former Executive Vice President -

2001

   Human Resources

 

C. Michael Haynie

Executive Vice President -

Effective 1/1/06

   Human Resources

 

Kay S. Lovern

Executive Vice President -

Effective 1/1/06

   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

 

Information

Informational inquiries, including requests for a Prospectus describing the Company's current securities offering or the Form 10-K annual report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission should be addressed to the Company's Secretary.




42





BRANCH OPERATIONS

     
 

Jack C. Coker

----------

Senior Vice President

 
 

J. Michael Culpepper

----------

Vice President

 
     

Division I - South Carolina

     
 

Virginia K. Palmer

----------

Vice President

 
 

Regional Operations Directors

 
 

Patricia Dunaway

 

Judy E. Mayben

 
 

Michael D. Lyles

 

Brian L. McSwain

 
 

Bonnie E. Letempt

 

Roy M. Metzger

 
     

Division II - Northeast Georgia

     
 

Ronald F. Morrow

----------

Vice President

 
 

Regional Operations Directors

 
 

K. Donald Floyd

 

Harriet H. Moss

 
 

Shelia H. Garrett

 

Melvin L. Osley

 
 

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

 

John B. Gray

 
 

Bryan W. Cook

 

Marty B. Miskelly

 
 

Charles R. Childress

 

James P. Smith, III

 
 

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


43






     



_________,________

 

___________________

 

2005 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 Dothan, Alabama staff for this significant achievement.  The Friendly Franklin Folks salute you!





44




                                   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

Moulton

Prattville

Sylacauga

Alexander City

Clanton

Florence

Muscle Shoals

Russellville (2)

Troy

Andalusia

Cullman

Gadsden

Opelika

Scottsboro

Tuscaloosa

Arab

Decatur

Hamilton

Opp

Selma

Wetumpka

Athens

Dothan

Huntsville (2)

Ozark

  

Bessemer

Enterprise

Jasper

Pelham

  


GEORGIA

Adel

Canton

Dahlonega

Glennville

Manchester

Stockbridge

Albany

Carrollton

Dallas

Greensboro

McDonough

Swainsboro

Alma

Cartersville

Dalton

Griffin (2)

Milledgeville

Sylvania

Americus

Cedartown

Dawson

Hartwell

Monroe

Sylvester

Athens (2)

Chatsworth

Douglas (2)

Hawkinsville

Montezuma

Thomaston

Bainbridge

Clarkesville

Douglasville

Hazlehurst

Monticello

Thomson

Barnesville

Claxton

East Ellijay

Helena

Moultrie

Tifton

Baxley

Clayton

Eastman

Hinesville (2)

Nashville

Toccoa

Blairsville

Cleveland

Eatonton

Hogansville

Newnan

Valdosta (2)

Blakely

Cochran

Elberton

Jackson

Perry

Vidalia

Blue Ridge

Colquitt

Fitzgerald **

Jasper

Pooler

Villa Rica

Bremen

Commerce

Flowery Branch

Jefferson

Richmond Hill

Warner Robins

Brunswick

Conyers

Forsyth

Jesup

Rome

Washington

Buford

Cordele

Fort Valley

LaGrange

Royston

Waycross

Butler

Cornelia

Gainesville

Lavonia

Sandersville

Waynesboro

Cairo

Covington

Garden City

Lawrenceville

Savannah

Winder

Calhoun

Cumming

Georgetown

Madison

Statesboro

 


LOUISIANA

Alexandria

DeRidder

Jena

Marksville

New Iberia

Pineville

Crowley

Franklin

Lafayette

Morgan City

Opelousas

Prairieville

Denham Springs

Houma

Leesville

Natchitoches

  

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

Chester

Florence

Laurens

North Charleston

Spartanburg

Anderson

Clemson

Gaffney

Lexington

North Greenville

Summerville

Barnwell

Columbia

Greenville

Lugoff

Orangeburg

Sumter

Boling Springs

Conway

Greenwood

Marion

Rock Hill

Union

Cayce

Dillon

Greer

Newberry

Seneca

York

Charleston

Easley

Lancaster

North Augusta

Simpsonville

 
      

**  Opened February, 2006

    




45





 
 

1st FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 
 
 

MISSION STATEMENT:

 

 "1st Franklin Financial Corporation will be a major provider of credit to individuals and families in the Southeastern United States.”

 
 
 
 

CORE VALUES:

 

Ø

Integrity Without Compromise

 

Ø

Open Honest Communication

 

Ø

Doing Right by All Our Customers and Employees

 

Ø

Teamwork and Collaboration

 

Ø

Personal Accountability

 

Ø

Run It Like You Own It




46



EX-15 6 exhibit15financialschedulese.htm SEC FORM 10-K / EXHIBIT 13 Form 10K  1993



Exhibit 15

Page 1 of 5

 
 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 
 

To:

The Board of Directors of 1st Franklin Financial Corporation

 

We have audited the consolidated financial statements of 1st Franklin Financial Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company’) as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2005, and have issued our report thereon dated March 22, 2006; such financial statements and report are included in your 2005 Annual Report to security holders and are incorporated herein by reference.  Our audits also included the financial statement schedule of the Company listed in Item 15.  The financial statement schedule is the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audits.  In our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.


/s/  DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP


Atlanta, Georgia

March 22, 2006

     




SCHEDULE I

Page 2 of 5

 

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT

1st FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

(Parent Company Only)

 

DECEMBER 31, 2005 AND 2004

 

ASSETS

   

2005    

  2004     


CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:

  

   Cash and Due From Banks

$

2,156,052

$

2,649,818

   Short-term Investments

242,392

734,903

 

2,398,444

3,384,721

   

LOANS:

  

   Direct Cash Loans

241,313,264

229,043,613

   Real Estate Loans

23,382,248

26,989,611

   Sales Finance Contracts

30,345,466

30,510,881

 

 

295,040,978

 

286,544,105

   

   Less:

Unearned Finance Charges

34,661,179

34,343,193

 

Unearned Insurance Commissions

9,752,241

9,194,384

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

16,885,085

15,285,085

  

233,742,473

227,721,443

   

INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES

76,157,561

68,529,016

   

MARKETABLE DEBT SECURITIES:

  

   Available for Sale, at fair market value

645,271

506,999

   Held to Maturity, at amortized cost

--

--

 

645,271

506,999

   

OTHER ASSETS:

  

   Land, Buildings, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements,

  

      less accumulated depreciation and amortization

  

         of $12,770,424 and $13,185,739 in 2005

         and 2004, respectively


7,217,783


7,185,341

   Miscellaneous

2,832,288

2,217,973

 

10,050,071

9,403,314

   

                TOTAL ASSETS

$

322,993,820

$

309,545,493




 



SCHEDULE I

Page 3 of 5

 

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT

1st FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

(Parent Company Only)

 

DECEMBER 31, 2005 AND 2004

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

   
 

2005

 2004


SENIOR DEBT:

  

   Notes Payable to Banks

$

 9,018,370

$

 10,387,000

   Senior Demand Notes, including accrued interest

 64,120,201

 66,331,059

   Commercial Paper

107,574,284

91,949,693

 

180,712,855

168,667,752

 

  
   
   

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES

11,947,883

12,915,235

   
   

SUBORDINATED DEBT

38,901,635

41,310,529

   
   

        Total Liabilities

231,562,373

222,893,516

   
   
   

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:

  

   Preferred Stock; $100 par value

  

6,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding

--

--

   Common Stock:

  

Voting Shares; $100 par value;

  

       

2,000 shares authorized; 1,700 shares issued and outstanding

170,000

170,000

   

Non-Voting Shares; no par value;

  

        

198,000 shares authorized; 168,300 shares issued and

  

         

outstanding as of December 31, 2005 and 2004

--

--

   Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

514,955

376,683

   Retained Earnings

90,746,492

86,105,294

               Total Stockholders' Equity

91,431,447

86,651,977

   

                    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

$

322,993,820

 

$

309,545,493

 







SCHEDULE I

Page 4 of 5

 

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT

1st FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

(Parent Company Only)

 

STATEMENTS OF INCOME

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003

    
 

2005

2004

2003

INTEREST INCOME:

   

Finance Charges

$

69,228,623 

$

66,068,779 

$

60,773,100 

Investment Income

103,791 

35,621 

186,703 

 

69,332,414 

66,104,400 

60,959,803 

    

INTEREST EXPENSE:

   

Senior Debt

6,309,551 

5,073,818 

4,564,880 

Subordinated Debt

1,706,478 

2,063,150 

2,247,738 

 

8,016,029 

7,136,968 

6,812,618 

    

NET INTEREST INCOME

61,316,385 

58,967,432 

54,147,185 

    

PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES

19,483,632 

18,096,969 

15,244,755 

    

NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER

PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES


41,832,632 


40,870,463 


38,902,430 

    

NET INSURANCE INCOME

13,516,256 

14,169,770 

13,515,517 

    

OTHER REVENUE

985,194 

903,917 

868,184 

    

OPERATING EXPENSES:

   

Personnel Expense

35,926,511 

34,312,589 

31,588,132 

Occupancy Expense

8,622,917 

8,287,737 

7,239,664 

Other Expense

14,295,115 

15,998,782 

13,190,031 

 

58,844,543 

58,599,108 

52,017,827 

    

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME

TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS

OF SUBSIDIARIES



(2,510,340)



(2,654,958)



1,268,304 

    

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

12,647 

39,428 

74,109 

    

EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF

SUBSIDIARIES, Net of Tax


7,631,686 


7,675,608 


7,459,404 

    

NET INCOME

5,108,699 

4,981,222 

8,653,599 

    

RETAINED EARNINGS, Beginning of Period

86,105,294 

82,622,954 

78,657,682 

Distributions on Common Stock

467,501 

1,498,882 

4,688,327 

RETAINED EARNINGS, End of Period

$

90,746,492 

$

86,105,294 

$

82,622,954 







 


 

SCHEDULE I

Page 5 of 5

 

1st FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

(Parent Company Only)

 

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003

    
 

2005     

2004     

2003     

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

   Net Income

$

5,108,699 

$

4,981,222 

$

8,653,599 

   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net

   

       cash provided by operating activities:

   

    Provision for Loan Losses

19,483,632 

18,096,969 

15,244,755 

    Depreciation and Amortization

1,827,138 

1,754,700 

1,396,117 

    Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries

(7,628,545)

(7,661,108)

(7,445,404)

    Loss on sale of marketable securities and

   

       equipment and premium amortization on securities

(354,789)

43,347   

(34,396)

    (Increase) Decrease in Miscellaneous Assets

(614,315)

410,047 

(491,249)

    Increase (Decrease) in Other Liabilities

(967,352)

(1,308,689)

1,024,789 

          Net Cash Provided

16,854,468 

16,316,488 

18,348,211 

    

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

   

   Loans originated or purchased

(196,159,931)

(196,761,835)

(180,569,120)

   Loan payments

170,655,269 

165,955,472 

146,558,514 

   Purchases of securities, available for sale

--  

--  

-- 

   Sales of securities, available for sale

--  

--  

2,893,910 

   Redemptions of securities, available for sale

--  

--  

2,165,000 

   Principal payments on securities, available for sale

--  

248,854 

174,149 

   Capital expenditures

(2,086,599)

(3,499,585)

(2,575,128)

   Proceeds from sale of equipment

581,808 

210,732 

120,610 

          Net Cash Used

(27,009,453)

(33,846,362)

(31,232,065)

    

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

   

   Net increase in Notes Payable to

   

       Banks and Senior Demand Notes

(3,579,488)

8,812,994 

813,460 

   Commercial Paper issued

44,700,469 

28,626,116 

29,199,674 

   Commercial Paper redeemed

(29,075,878)

(16,975,372)

(17,238,336)

   Subordinated Debt issued

6,669,812 

5,754,767 

6,053,896 

   Subordinated Debt redeemed

(9,078,706)

(8,520,172)

(8,755,799)

   Dividends / Distributions Paid

(467,501)

(1,498,882)

(4,688,327)

          Net Cash Provided

9,168,708 

16,199,451 

5,384,568 

    

NET DECREASE IN

   

     CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

(986,277)  

(1,330,423)

(7,499,286)

    

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning

3,384,721 

4,715,144 

12,214,430 

    

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, ending

$

2,398,444 

$

3,384,721 

$

4,715,144 


Cash paid during the year for:

Interest

$

7,964,734 

$

7,101,750 

$

6,823,904 

 

Income Taxes

50,125 

39,856 

93,940 




EX-21 7 exhibit21subisidiariesedgar.htm SEC FORM 10-K / EXHIBIT 21 Converted by EDGARwiz



 

Exhibit 21

 
 
 

SUBSIDIARIES OF REGISTRANT

 

Franklin Securities, Inc., a Georgia corporation, was incorporated on May 4, 1982, as a wholly owned subsidiary to handle securities transactions.  This Company does not currently engage in any securities transactions.


Frandisco Property and Casualty Insurance Company, a Georgia corporation, was incorporated on August 7, 1989, as a wholly owned subsidiary to reinsure the property and casualty insurance policies written by the Company in connection with its credit transactions.


Frandisco Life Insurance Company of Georgia, a Georgia corporation, was incorporated on August 7, 1989, as a wholly owned subsidiary to reinsure the life and the accident and health insurance policies written by the Company in connection with its credit transactions.  Effective December 27, 1990, Frandisco Life Insurance Company of Georgia was merged with Frandisco Life Insurance Company of Arizona (incorporated on August 16, 1978 as a wholly owned subsidiary), with Frandisco Life Insurance Company of Georgia becoming the surviving Company.



T & T Corporation, a Georgia corporation, is a 50% owned subsidiary of the Company.  This corporation owns a building adjacent to the Company’s headquarters which the Company leases.







EX-23 8 exhibit23auditorsconsentedga.htm SEC FORM 10-K / EXHIBIT 23 Converted by EDGARwiz


Exhibit 23




Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm



We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No. 333-126589 on Form S-2 of our reports dated March 22, 2006, relating to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of 1st Franklin Financial Corporation, appearing in and incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of 1st Franklin Financial Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2005.


/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP


Atlanta, Georgia

March 22, 2006




EX-31 9 exhibit311certificationedgar.htm SEC FORM 10-K / EXHIBIT 31.1 Exhibit 31




Exhibit 31.1

 
 

RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)

CERTIFICATIONS

 

I,  Ben F. Cheek, III, certify that:


1.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of 1st Franklin Financial Corporation;


2.

Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;


3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;


4.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;

b)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

c)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal year that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and


5.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date:

March  22, 2006

/s/ Ben F. Cheek, III

Ben F. Cheek, III

Chairman and

Chief Executive Officer

 




EX-31 10 exhibit312certificationedgar.htm SEC FORM 10-K / EXHIBIT 31.2 Exhibit 31




Exhibit 31.2

 
 

RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)

CERTIFICATIONS

 

I,  A. Roger Guimond, certify that:


1.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of 1st Franklin Financial Corporation;


2.

Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;


3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;


4.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;

b)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

c)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal year that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and


5.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date:

March  22, 2006

/s/ A. Roger Guimond

A.

Roger Guimond

Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

 




EX-32 11 exhibit321certificationedgar.htm SEC FORM 10-K / EXHIBIT 32.1 1st FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION




Exhibit 32.1

 
 

1st FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

213 EAST TUGALO STREET

P.O. BOX 880

TOCCOA, GEORGIA  30577

TELEPHONE:  (706) 886-7571

 
 

March  22, 2006

 
 

Re:

Certification Pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, in connection with the filing of the annual report of 1st Franklin Financial Corporation (the "Company") for the year ended December 31, 2005, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K on the date hereof (the "Report"), the undersigned officer of the Company certifies, that, to such officer’s knowledge:

 

(1)

The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

(2)

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material

respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company

as of the dates and for the periods expressed in the Report.

   

 

/s/ Ben F. Cheek, III

Name:  Ben F. Cheek, III

Title:  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 
 
 
 
 
 




EX-32 12 exhibit322certificationedgar.htm SEC FORM 10-K / EXHIBIT 32.2 Exhibit 32




Exhibit 32.2

 
 

1st FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

213 EAST TUGALO STREET

P.O. BOX 880

TOCCOA, GEORGIA  30577

TELEPHONE:  (706) 886-7571

 
 

March 22, 2006

 
 

Re:

Certification Pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, in connection with the filing of the annual report of 1st Franklin Financial Corporation (the "Company") for the year ended December 31, 2005, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K on the date hereof (the "Report"), the undersigned officer of the Company certifies, that, to such officer’s knowledge:

 

(1)

The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

(2)

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material

respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company

as of the dates and for the periods expressed in the Report.

   

 

/s/ A. Roger Guimond

Name:  A. Roger Guimond

Title:  Executive Vice President and

           Chief Financial Officer

 
 
 
 




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