EX-99.2 6 d206224dex992.htm EX-99.2 EX-99.2

Exhibit 99.2

American First Finance Inc. and Subsidiary

Consolidated Financial Report

December 31, 2020

 



Independent Auditor’s Report

Board of Directors

American First Finance Inc. and Subsidiary

Report on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of American First Finance Inc. and Subsidiary, which comprise the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of income, stockholder’s equity and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements (collectively, the financial statements).

Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; this includes the design, implementation and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditor’s Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Opinion

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of American First Finance Inc. and Subsidiary as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ RSM US LLP

Raleigh, North Carolina

March 4, 2021

Except for Notes 13 and 14, as to which the date is November 16, 2021

 

F-1


American First Finance Inc. and Subsidiary

Consolidated Balance Sheets

December 31, 2020 and 2019

 

     2020      2019  

Assets

     

Cash

   $ 25,303,147      $ 10,436,221  

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

     36,920,774        18,968,438  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total cash and restricted cash and cash equivalents

     62,223,921        29,404,659  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Finance receivables

     167,449,201        112,898,166  

Less allowance for loan losses

     38,647,575        26,254,932  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Finance receivables, net

     128,801,626        86,643,234  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Leased merchandise, net of accumulated depreciation

     71,346,770        64,412,011  

Less allowance for lease losses

     13,907,393        16,836,350  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Leased merchandise, net

     57,439,377        47,575,661  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

     7,503,728        4,935,289  

Other assets, net

     2,963,290        3,556,360  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 258,931,942      $ 172,115,203  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholder’s Equity

     

Liabilities:

     

Senior debt

   $ 113,610,849      $ 85,300,000  

Paycheck Protection Program loan

     4,661,900        —    

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     18,449,808        9,144,630  

Deferred lease liability

     2,645,703        2,224,400  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     139,368,260        96,669,030  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

     

Stockholder’s equity:

     

Class A common stock, voting, $0 par value; 100 shares
authorized, issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020; 1,000 shares

     —          —    

authorized, issued and outstanding at December 31, 2019

     —          —    

Class B common stock, non voting, $0 par value; 9,900 shares
authorized, issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020

     —          —    

Additional paid-in capital

     43,521,354        43,521,354  

Accumulated earnings

     76,042,328        31,924,819  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total stockholder’s equity

     119,563,682        75,446,173  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholder’s equity

   $ 258,931,942      $ 172,115,203  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(Continued)

F-2


American First Finance Inc. and Subsidiary

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Continued)

December 31, 2020 and 2019

 

The following table presents the assets and liabilities of the Company’s consolidated variable interest entity:

 

     2020      2019  

Assets

     

Cash and restricted cash and cash equivalents

   $ 44,370,222      $ 24,561,550  

Finance receivables, net

     107,794,515        65,228,176  

Leased merchandise, net

     36,091,823        32,061,004  

Other assets, net

     929,130        3,154,163  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 189,185,690      $ 125,004,893  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities

     

Senior debt

   $ 113,610,849      $ 85,300,000  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     2,179,154        1,369,144  

Deferred lease liability

     2,081,041        1,848,626  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   $ 117,871,044      $ 88,517,770  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-3


American First Finance Inc. and Subsidiary

Consolidated Statements of Income

Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019

 

     2020      2019  

Interest and fee income

   $ 146,488,443      $ 104,467,056  

Lease income

     199,227,080        182,011,825  

Interest expense

     9,799,809        10,385,568  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net interest and lease income before provision for loan and lease losses

     335,915,714        276,093,313  

Provision for loan losses

     53,557,011        36,337,345  

Provision for lease losses

     20,795,816        21,784,581  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net interest and lease income

     261,562,887        217,971,387  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Investment income

     4,405,819        —    

Other income

     2,589,609        1,881,921  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investment and other income

     6,995,428        1,881,921  

Operating expenses:

     

Depreciation of leased merchandise

     122,163,391        109,542,960  

Personnel expense

     33,526,317        28,341,126  

Servicing expense

     14,492,735        9,976,917  

Referral programs expense

     14,802,377        —    

Occupancy and equipment expense

     3,473,249        1,832,101  

Other operating expense

     21,502,434        16,701,724  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     209,960,503        166,394,828  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 58,597,812      $ 53,458,480  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-4


American First Finance Inc. and Subsidiary

Consolidated Statements of Stockholder’s Equity

Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019

 

     Common Stock      Common Stock                     
     Class A Voting      Class B Non Voting      Additional     Accumulated        
     Shares     Amount      Shares      Amount      Paid-in Capital     (Deficit) Earnings     Total  

Balance, December 31, 2018

     1,000     $ —          —        $ —        $ 39,838,015     $ (21,533,661   $ 18,304,354  

Net income

     —         —          —          —          —         53,458,480       53,458,480  

Contributions

     —         —          —          —          4,000,000       —         4,000,000  

Distributions

     —         —          —          —          (316,661     —         (316,661
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2019

     1,000       —          —          —          43,521,354       31,924,819       75,446,173  

Recapitalization of common stock

     (900     —          9,900        —          —         —         —    

Net income

     —         —          —          —          —         58,597,812       58,597,812  

Distributions

     —         —          —          —          —         (14,480,303     (14,480,303
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2020

     100     $ —          9,900      $ —        $ 43,521,354     $ 76,042,328     $ 119,563,682  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-5


American First Finance Inc. and Subsidiary

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019

 

     2020     2019  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 58,597,812     $ 53,458,480  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Provision for loan losses

     53,557,011       36,337,345  

Provision for lease losses

     20,795,816       21,784,581  

Depreciation of leased merchandise

     122,163,391       109,542,960  

Depreciation of property and equipment, net

     2,335,080       1,054,478  

Amortization of debt issuance costs

     1,155,832       992,977  

Realized gains on sale of equity securities

     (4,405,819     —    

Changes in assets and liabilities:

    

Accrued interest receivable, net of reserve

     (549,642     (1,181,029

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     9,305,178       2,218,676  

Early payoff discount reserve

     2,276,565       1,075,791  

Accrued lease receivable

     344,330       876,530  

Deferred lease liability

     421,303       (773,149

Other assets

     (224,455     (689,903
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     265,772,402       224,697,737  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Net finance receivables purchased

     (97,442,326     (72,477,958

Net leased merchandise purchased

     (153,167,253     (140,432,447

Purchase of property and equipment

     (4,903,519     (2,990,718

Purchase of equity securities

     (9,000,000     —    

Proceeds from sale of equity securities

     13,405,819       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (251,107,279     (215,901,123
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Proceeds from senior debt

     217,317,882       170,132,953  

Payments on senior debt

     (189,007,033     (172,407,363

Proceeds from Paycheck Protection Program loan

     4,661,900       —    

Contributions by stockholder

     —         4,000,000  

Distributions to stockholder

     (14,480,303     (316,661

Debt issuance costs

     (338,307     (36,531
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

     18,154,139       1,372,398  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in cash and restricted cash and cash equivalents

     32,819,262       10,169,012  

Cash and restricted cash and cash equivalents:

    

Beginning

     29,404,659       19,235,647  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending

   $ 62,223,921     $ 29,404,659  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flows information:

    

Cash payments for interest on senior debt

   $ 8,352,018     $ 9,488,236  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-6


American First Finance Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

Note 1. Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of business: American First Finance Inc. (the Parent Company), a Kansas corporation, was founded in 2013 and the Company’s headquarters are located in Wichita, Kansas. AFF Funding I, LLC (FUND), a Kansas LLC, was formed on December 30, 2015 and shall continue until the date on which the sole member elects to dissolve the Company. The Parent Company holds a 100% membership interest in FUND. The Parent Company and FUND are collectively referred to as the Company. The Company purchases and services retail installment finance receivables and originates and services leased merchandise contracts. These finance receivables and leased merchandise contracts are with consumers who are unable or unwilling to use traditional lending solutions offered by retailers and other financial institutions.

The Company’s retail installment finance receivables typically have a term ranging from 4 to 26 months and are typically collateralized by furniture, which are initiated by and purchased from dealers, subject to credit approval, in the locations where the dealers operate. Leased merchandise contracts typically range from 6 to 26 month (cancelable after 60-120 days) contracts that are initiated by the Company and are secured by furniture or other collateral.

Principals of consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Parent Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, FUND. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Parent Company has operations to purchase loans and leases, services and sells loans and leases and the majority of operations are through a separate wholly owned subsidiary, FUND. Due to the nature of the transactions between the Parent Company and FUND and FUND’s Credit Agreement, FUND is a variable interest entity (VIE) of the Parent Company. The Parent Company consolidates its VIE when it is considered to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE because it has (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

A summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies follows:

Use of estimates: The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions at the balance sheet date, which could change materially within the next year. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements. These estimates and assumptions also affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to change relate to the determination of the allowance for loan and lease losses and the interest and lease fee income recognized associated with accounts that may pay off within the early payoff discount period.

Cash and restricted cash and cash equivalents: Cash includes cash held at financial institutions. At times, the Company may maintain deposits with financial institutions in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits, but management believes any such amounts do not represent a significant credit risk. Restricted cash equivalents are held in money market mutual funds.

 

F-7


American First Finance Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

Note 1. Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

 

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents reported within the consolidated balance sheets that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

 

     2020      2019  

Cash

   $ 25,303,147      $ 10,436,221  

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

     36,920,774        18,968,438  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 62,223,921      $ 29,404,659  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Restricted cash represents all cash collected on finance receivables and leased merchandise owned by FUND, which has been transferred to the collection account as required by the senior lender. In addition, the Company has deposited funds held by the Company’s payment processors to process collections of finance receivables and leased merchandise on behalf of the Company and is included as restricted cash.

Bank finance receivables: The Company signed an agreement with a Utah state-chartered bank (Bank) on July 18, 2018, requiring the Company to purchase the rights to the cash flows associated with finance receivables marketed to retail consumers on the Bank’s behalf. The Bank establishes the underwriting criteria for the finance receivables. Upon purchasing the rights to the cash flow, the Company also assumes responsibility for servicing the customer’s account. Finance receivables generated through the Bank are evaluated collectively with other finance receivables for impairment.

Interest and fee income recognition: Interest income is recognized using the interest method over the life of the finance receivable. The Company records a reserve against accrued interest receivable based on an estimate they believe will be uncollectible and stops accruing interest upon charge-off. Charges for late fees and insufficient fund fees are recognized as income when collected.

The Company may receive a discount from or pay a premium to the dealer for each finance receivable purchased. Such amounts are deferred and amortized using the interest method as adjustments to yield over the contractual life of the related finance receivable. The Company also receives an origination fee on newly originated Bank loans. Such amounts are deferred and amortized using the interest method as adjustments to yield over the contractual life of the related finance receivable. The remaining unearned discounts, premiums and origination fees are recognized in full upon charge-off or pay off.

Early payoff discount: Early payoff discount is where a borrower of finance receivables has between 90 and 105 days to pay the full principal balance without incurring an interest charge. For leased merchandise, the lessee has between 90 and 105 days to pay the cash price of the lease before incurring additional financing costs. During this time, minimum required payments are due. If the borrower does not pay the full principal balance prior to the expiration date of the early payoff discount period, interest charges are applied retroactively to the inception date of the leased merchandise. The Company accrues interest income during the early payoff discount interest period for finance receivables; however, the Company estimates a reserve against accrued interest for borrowers who are expected to pay their principal balance in full prior to the expiration of the early payoff discount period based on historical payment patterns. In many instances where the customer pays the full principal balance during the early payoff period, the Company receives an additional fee from the dealer or customer. This fee is recognized after the customer pays the full principal balance during the early payoff period.

 

F-8


American First Finance Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

Note 1. Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

 

Lease income recognition: The Company provides merchandise, consisting primarily of furniture, to its customers for lease under certain terms agreed to by the consumer. The consumer has the right to acquire title either through a purchase option or through payment of all required lease payments. The consumer also has the right to cancel (after 60-120 days) the consumer lease at any time by returning the merchandise and making all scheduled payments due through the minimum lease holding period. All of the Company’s consumer lease agreements are considered operating leases. Lease income is recognized using a straight-line method over the lease term. The Company accrues for lease income earned but not yet collected as accrued rent receivable on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The Company maintains ownership of the leased merchandise until all payment obligations are satisfied under the consumer lease agreements. Initial direct costs related to the Company’s consumer lease agreements are added to the basis of the leased property and recognized over the lease term in proportion to the recognition of lease income. Consumer payments are first applied to applicable sales tax and scheduled lease payments, then applied to any uncollected fees, late fees and insufficient fund fees. The Company collects sales taxes on behalf of the customer and remits all applicable sales taxes collected to the respective jurisdiction by the required due date. All sales taxes collected are excluded from lease income in the Company’s consolidated statements of income.

The Company may receive a discount from or pay a premium to the dealer for each leased merchandise contract purchased. Such amounts are deferred and amortized using a straight-line method as adjustments to income over the contractual life of the related leased merchandise.

Deferred lease liability: Lease payments received in excess of the amount earned are recognized as deferred lease liability on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.

Leased merchandise processing fees: Non-refundable fees received for leased merchandise are deferred and recognized to rental income over their contractual lives using the same method as lease income recognition. Unamortized amounts are recognized in full upon early payoff or charge-off.

Leased merchandise depreciation: The Company depreciates leased merchandise over the life of the lease using the same method as leased income.

Dealer premiums and discounts: The Company may purchase indirect installment finance receivables and leased merchandise contracts at a discount or a premium. The discount or premium is nonrefundable and represents consideration for the credit risk associated with the contracts. The Company’s activities of dealer discount and premium resulted in a net dealer premium at December 31, 2020 and 2019.

Provision for loan and lease losses: Provisions for loan and lease losses are charged to income in amounts sufficient to cover estimated losses incurred in the finance receivable and leased merchandise portfolio. The Company performs a quantitative analysis to compute historical losses to estimate the allowance for finance receivables and leased merchandise. In addition, loan and lease loss experience, contractual delinquency of finance receivables and leased merchandise agreements and management’s judgment are factors used in assessing the overall adequacy of the allowance and the resulting provision for loan and lease losses. While management uses the best information available to make its evaluation, future adjustments to the allowance for loan and lease losses may be necessary if there are significant changes in portfolio performance, economic and other conditions.

The Company’s charge-off policy is to charge off finance receivables and leased merchandise at the end of the month in which the account becomes 90 days contractually past due. If an account is deemed to be uncollectable prior to this date, the Company will charge off the receivable or lease at the point in time it is deemed uncollectable. Bankruptcies are charged off at the earlier of the receipt of a court ordered bankruptcy or at the end of the month when the receivable becomes 90 days contractually past due.

 

F-9


American First Finance Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

Note 1. Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

 

Loan and lease losses are charged against the allowance for loan and lease losses when management believes the uncollectibility of a balance is confirmed. The Company records a provision for lease losses on an allowance method, which estimates the merchandise losses incurred but not yet identified by management as of the end of the accounting period based on historical loss experience. Effective January 1, 2019, the Company had a change in accounting estimate whereby the allowance for loan and lease losses is determined based on estimated losses for the next 12 months based on historical loss experience. The change in accounting estimate resulted in a reduction of the provision for loan and lease losses of $13,030,083 for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Delinquency: The Company determines the past due status using the contractual terms of the loan or lease. This is the credit quality indicator used to evaluate the allowance for loan and lease losses for each portfolio segment. The Company evaluates each of its portfolio segments collectively for impairment.

Investment income: The Company generates investment income through the purchase and sale of equity securities. Investment income includes realized gains on investments. Realized gains are recorded when the equity securities are sold.

Other income: The Company generates other income streams, which consist of loss damage waiver income and dividend income. Loss damage waiver income is recognized using the straight line method over the course of the leased merchandise. Dividend income on money market mutual funds is recognized as income when collected.

Property and equipment, net: Property and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation is determined principally under the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Software costs related to internal use software are incurred in three stages of development: the preliminary project stage, the application development stage, and the post-implementation stage. Costs incurred during the preliminary project and post-implementation stages are expensed as incurred. Costs incurred during the application development stage that meet the criteria for capitalization are capitalized and amortized when the software is ready for its intended use using the straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the software. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company has capitalized $4,357,002 and $1,689,985, respectively, of software costs associated with application development, of which $956,330 and $549,059, respectively has been amortized and is included in occupancy and equipment expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of income. Amortization of software costs is included within depreciation of property and equipment, net, in the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows.

Debt issuance costs: Costs incurred to obtain debt financing are capitalized as other assets and amortized into interest expense over the life of the related debt using the straight-line method.

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan: In April 2020, the Company applied for a PPP loan, which is administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Under this program, a qualifying entity may apply to an SBA-approved lender for a federally-guaranteed loan to help offset certain payroll and other operating costs. The loan and accrued interest, or a portion thereof, is eligible for forgiveness by the SBA if the qualifying entity meets certain conditions. There is currently no specific guidance in U.S. GAAP that addresses the accounting when a business entity obtains a loan that is forgivable by a government entity. The Company received a $4,661,900 PPP loan in April 2020 and elected to account for the PPP loan by following Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 470. By following ASC 470, the amounts received under the PPP loan are recognized as debt and interest expense is accrued and recognized. The PPP loan is shown as a financial lability that is not derecognized until it is either paid off by the Company or the Company is legally released as the primary obligor for all or a portion of the PPP loan. Any gain that should be recognized upon being legally released would be presented in the consolidated statements of income as a gain on the extinguishment of debt.

 

F-10


American First Finance Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

Note 1. Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

 

At December 31, 2020, the Company has recorded the PPP loan as debt on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. As of the date the consolidated financial statements were available to be issued, the Company has not applied for forgiveness of the PPP loan.

Common stock: On April 15, 2013, the Company was incorporated and 1,000 shares of class A common stock with $0 par value per share were authorized and issued to the Company’s stockholder. No payment was received for the issuance of the shares.

Advertising expense: Costs incurred for producing and communicating advertising is expensed when incurred. Advertising expenses totaled $3,971,816 and $2,734,364 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Advertising expenses are included in other operating expenses in the Company’s consolidated statements of income.

Referral programs expense: The Company may enter into agreements with third party dealers. The terms of the referral agreements require the Company to pay the dealer a portion of the adjusted net income, as defined by the agreements, on the portfolio acquired from the dealer. Expenses associated with the programs are expensed when incurred.

Income taxes: The Company, with the consent of its stockholder, elected at its incorporation date to be taxed under sections of the federal and state income tax laws, which provide that, in lieu of corporate income taxes, the stockholder separately accounts for their pro rata shares of the Company’s items of income, deduction and losses. The consolidated financial statements will not include a provision for income taxes as long as the S Corporation election remains in effect.

As long as the Company’s S Corporation income tax election remains in effect, the Company may, from time to time, pay distributions to its stockholder in amounts sufficient to enable the stockholder to pay the taxes due on his share of the Company’s items of income, deductions, losses and credits, which have been allocated to him for reporting on his individual income tax returns. In addition, the Company may, from time to time, pay distributions to its stockholder in amounts exceeding what would be sufficient to enable the stockholder to pay taxes due on his share of the Company’s items of income, deductions, losses and credits.

In accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes, management evaluated the Company’s tax positions and concluded that the Company had taken no uncertain tax positions that require adjustment to the consolidated financial statements to comply with the provisions of this guidance. With few exceptions the Company is no longer subject to income tax examinations by the U.S. federal, state or local tax authorities for years before 2017. On October 2, 2020, the Internal Revenue Service issued the Company a notice indicating that the Company’s U.S. federal income tax return for 2018 had been selected for examination. Those examination procedures are currently underway. As a result of the Company’s S corporation income tax election, any examination adjustments to the return as filed would be separately reported on the personal income tax return of the sole shareholder and have no effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Variable interest entity: The Company has an asset-backed line of credit for contract funding purposes. The transaction involves selling a pool of the Company’s installment receivables and leased merchandise to its wholly owned subsidiary, FUND, as collateral for the loan. FUND has the limited purpose of acquiring finance receivables and leased merchandise and holding and making payments on the related debt. Assets transferred to FUND are legally isolated from the Company. The Company continues to service the finance receivables and leased merchandise transferred to FUND. The lender in the debt issued by FUND generally only has recourse to the assets of FUND and does not have recourse to the Company.

 

F-11


American First Finance Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

Note 1. Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

 

Governmental regulation: The Company is subject to various state and federal laws and regulations in each of the states in which it operates, which are subject to change and may impose significant costs or limitations on the way the Company conducts or expands its business. Certain limitations include, among other things, imposed limits on interest rates, other charges, insurance products and required licensing and qualification.

In July 2010, the President of the United States signed the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and the Consumer Protection Act. Among other provisions, the bill created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The CFPB has the authority to promulgate regulations that could affect the Company’s business. At this time, while the CFPB has drafted proposed rules for certain types of consumer loans, it is unclear what final rules and regulations, if any, will actually be imposed on the industry by the CFPB and what impact such rules will have on the Company.

Accounting pronouncements issued, not yet adopted: In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which creates a new credit impairment standard for financial assets measured at amortized cost and available-for-sale debt securities. The ASU requires financial assets measured at amortized cost (including loans, trade receivables and held to maturity debt securities) to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected through an allowance for credit losses that are expected to occur over the remaining life of the asset rather than incurred losses. The ASU requires that credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities be presented as an allowance rather than as a direct write-down. The measurement of credit losses for newly recognized financial assets (other than certain purchased assets) and subsequent changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded in the statement of income as the amounts expected to be collected change. Operating lease receivables are beyond the scope of this ASU. ASU 2019-10 issued in November 2019 delayed the effective date of ASU 2016-13. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. ASU 2019-11 issued in November 2019 requires entities to include expected recoveries of the amortized cost basis previously written off or expected to be written off in the valuation account for purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. In addition, the amendments in this Update clarify and improve various aspects of the guidance for ASU 2016-13. The Company will apply this guidance through a cumulative adjustment to accumulated earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective (a modified-retrospective approach). The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this new guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The guidance in this ASU supersedes the leasing guidance in Topic 840, Leases. Under the new guidance, lessees are required to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. For lessors, only incremental costs that an entity would not have incurred if the lease had not been entered into should be considered initial direct costs. The new standard was originally set to be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within those fiscal years. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements with certain practical expedients available. The Company currently expects that upon adoption of ASU 2016-02, right of use assets and lease liabilities will be recognized in the consolidated balance sheet in amounts that may be material for the Company’s lessee leases. ASU 2020-05 delayed the effective date of ASU 2016-02 to be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021 and interim period within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-02 on its lessor leases.

 

F-12


American First Finance Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

Note 1. Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

 

Reclassifications: Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2019 consolidated financial statements to conform with the 2020 consolidated financial statement presentation. Such reclassifications had no impact on net income or equity as previously reported.

Subsequent events: The Company has evaluated its subsequent events (events occurring after December 31, 2020) through March 4, 2021, which represents the date the consolidated financial statements were available to be issued.

Note 2. Finance Receivables, Leased Merchandise, Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses

Finance receivables at December 31, 2020 and 2019, consisted of the following:

 

     2020     2019  

Finance receivables

   $ 170,445,441     $ 112,041,012  

Accrued interest receivable, net of reserve

     5,427,046       4,877,404  

Unamortized dealer discounts and premiums, net

     229,616       426,688  

Unearned origination fees

     (3,086,671     (1,157,272

Early payoff discount reserve

     (5,566,231     (3,289,666
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Finance receivables, before allowance for loan losses

   $ 167,449,201     $ 112,898,166  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Leased merchandise at December 31, 2020 and 2019, consisted of the following:

 

     2020     2019  

Leased merchandise

   $ 103,391,369     $ 95,607,528  

Accrued lease receivable

     1,776,689       2,121,019  

Unamortized fees

     (1,842,870     (1,523,946

Unamortized dealer discounts and premiums, net

     1,857,380       1,719,963  

Accumulated depreciation

     (33,835,798     (33,512,553
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Leased merchandise, before allowance for lease losses

   $ 71,346,770     $ 64,412,011  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Minimum lease payments due by customers on non-cancelable leased merchandise totaled $15,101,188 and $11,866,129 as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Changes in the allowance for loan and lease losses for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, were as follows:

 

     2020     2019  
     Finance     Leased           Finance     Leased        
     Receivables     Merchandise     Total     Receivables     Merchandise     Total  

Beginning balance

   $ 26,254,932     $ 16,836,350     $ 43,091,282     $ 27,586,775     $ 28,623,131     $ 56,209,906  

Provision for loan and lease losses

     53,557,011       20,795,816       74,352,827       36,337,345       21,784,581       58,121,926  

Charge-offs

     (44,903,592     (26,139,216     (71,042,808     (40,057,788     (35,667,717     (75,725,505

Recoveries

     3,739,224       2,414,443       6,153,667       2,388,600       2,096,355       4,484,955  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

   $ 38,647,575     $ 13,907,393     $ 52,554,968     $ 26,254,932     $ 16,836,350     $ 43,091,282  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Allowance for loan and lease losses as a % of finance receivables and leased merchandise

     23.1     19.5     22.0     23.3     26.1     24.3

 

F-13


American First Finance Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

Note 2. Finance Receivables, Leased Merchandise, Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses (Continued)

 

The following is an assessment of the credit quality of finance receivables and leased merchandise at December 31, 2020 and 2019. The contractual delinquency of the gross finance receivable and leased merchandise portfolio at December 31, 2020 and 2019, was:

 

     2020  
     Finance Receivables     Leased Merchandise     Total  
     Amount      Percent     Amount      Percent     Amount      Percent  

Current

   $ 157,789,070        92.6   $ 65,528,768        91.9   $ 223,317,838        92.4
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Delinquency:

               

30 to 59 days

     7,149,935        4.2     3,305,604        4.6     10,455,539        4.3

60 to 89 days

     5,505,436        3.2     2,512,398        3.5     8,017,834        3.3

90 days and over

     1,000        0.0     —          0.0     1,000        0.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total delinquency

     12,656,371        7.4     5,818,002        8.1     18,473,373        7.6
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Finance receivable, installment and leased merchandise before allowance

   $ 170,445,441        100.0   $ 71,346,770        100.0   $ 241,792,211        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     2019  
     Finance Receivables     Leased Merchandise     Total  
     Amount      Percent     Amount      Percent     Amount      Percent  

Current

   $ 102,649,470        91.6   $ 58,387,334        90.6   $ 161,036,804        91.3
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Delinquency:

               

30 to 59 days

     5,453,902        4.9     3,400,464        5.3     8,854,366        5.0

60 to 89 days

     3,937,640        3.5     2,624,213        4.1     6,561,853        3.7
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total delinquency

     9,391,542        8.4     6,024,677        9.4     15,416,219        8.7
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Finance receivable, installment and leased merchandise before allowance

   $ 112,041,012        100.0   $ 64,412,011        100.0   $ 176,453,023        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Note 3. Property and Equipment, Net

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, property and equipment, net consisted of the following:

 

     2020      2019  

Furniture and equipment

   $ 7,221,752      $ 4,852,904  

Software

     4,357,002        1,689,985  

Leasehold improvements

     —          132,346  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     11,578,754        6,675,235  

Less accumulated depreciation

     4,075,026        1,739,946  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 7,503,728      $ 4,935,289  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Depreciation of property and equipment for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, was $2,335,080 and $1,054,478, respectively, and is included in occupancy and equipment expense in the consolidated statements of income.

 

F-14


American First Finance Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

Note 4. Other Assets

Other assets at December 31, 2020 and 2019, consisted of the following:

 

     2020      2019  

Prepaid expenses

   $ 1,760,356      $ 1,573,852  

Debt issuance costs, net

     929,130        1,746,655  

Receivables from dealers

     130,578        107,085  

Other

     143,226        128,768  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 2,963,290      $ 3,556,360  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The remaining unamortized costs are expected to be amortized over the new term of the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. See Subsequent Events footnote for further discussion.

Note 5. Debt

On February 25, 2016, FUND entered into a revolving credit agreement (the Credit Agreement) with the senior lender, and the Parent Company as originator and servicer. The Credit Agreement provided a senior secured credit facility to FUND consisting of up to $50,000,000 in aggregate principal for which the proceeds will be used to acquire eligible receivables from the Parent Company and to pay fees and expenses to senior lender for the acquisition of these receivables.

The maximum committed amount increased to $125,000,000 during 2018.

On April 3, 2019, the Company entered into an amendment to the credit facility with the senior lender. The facility increased the total concentration limit for Dealer A from 40% to 45% and clarified terminology relating to the Credit Agreement.

On May 7, 2020, the Company entered into an amendment to the credit facility with the senior lender. The amendment defined the revolving credit termination date as the earlier of July 4, 2021, or the date on which a regulatory trigger occurs. In addition, the applicable margin increased from 7.5% to 8.75%. The Company paid an upfront fee of $312,500, which was capitalized as a debt issuance cost. The amendment also increased the total concentration limit for Dealer A from 45% to 55%.

The Credit Agreement prohibits the Parent Company and FUND from obtaining other sources of financing until the termination of the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement provides the senior lender a security interest in 100% of the membership interests of FUND and a first priority lien on all assets of FUND. In addition, the sole stockholder of the Parent Company and an officer of the Parent Company are personally and unconditionally liable in the amount of, and to reimburse, the senior lender for any actions resulting from or arising out of the occurrence of various triggering events, such as fraud, theft and criminal acts.

Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are subject to a borrowing base calculation based on eligible receivables and leases and an advance rate ranging from 25% to 75%, depending on the delinquency status of the finance receivables and leases and FUND’s levels of various collateral performance triggers. As of December 31, 2020, the available borrowings to the Company under the Credit Agreement totaled $11,389,151.

 

F-15


American First Finance Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

Note 5. Debt (Continued)

 

The Credit Agreement provides the option for FUND to borrow using a London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) loan and a Base Rate Loan. LIBOR loans accrue interest on a 360-day year at the Adjusted LIBOR, which approximates one-month LIBOR, plus an applicable margin of 7.5%. The Credit Agreement has a floor LIBOR rate of 1%. The one-month LIBOR was 0.14% and 1.76%, at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Base rate loans accrue interest on a 360-day year at the base rate, plus an applicable margin of 8.75%. Base rate is defined as a rate per annum equal to the greater of (a) 1% per annum, (b) Prime Rate, (c) the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such day, plus 0.5%. All borrowings have been LIBOR loans. An unused fee equal to the maximum committed amount less the average daily principal balance of the facility, multiplied by 0.5% is settled with the senior lender on the 15th calendar day of each month.

The Credit Agreement requires FUND to electronically submit documentation of the purchased receivables to a third party, which verifies and determines if the purchased receivable meets the requirements of an eligible receivable. FUND is responsible for paying this third-party a fee of $1.50 per contract and for any out-of-pocket expenses to perform verification services and this expense is presented as interest expense within the consolidated statements of income. FUND is also responsible for paying approximately $1,375 a month, plus expenses to a third party for the maintenance of the collection lockbox account and is presented as interest expense within the consolidated statements of income.

The Parent Company must prepare monthly servicer reports in connection with the Credit Agreement and is required to maintain a separate collection account. The Parent Company will receive a servicing fee of 1% of the outstanding finance receivables and leased merchandise balance from FUND under the Credit Agreement. This servicing fee is eliminated within consolidation. There is also a backup servicer and FUND must pay all fees associated with this arrangement and this expense is included within other operating expenses in the consolidated statements of income.

Interest expense consisted of the following for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:

 

     2020      2019  

Interest on senior debt

   $ 8,087,868      $ 8,938,766  

Amortization of debt issuance costs

     1,155,832        992,977  

Unused fees

     204,387        178,582  

Interest on PPP loan

     33,151        —    

Other fees

     318,571        275,243  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 9,799,809      $ 10,385,568  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Credit Agreement matures on October 4, 2021. If the Credit Agreement is terminated by the Company before April 4, 2021, FUND will pay a prepayment penalty in an amount equal to $2,500,000. The Credit Agreement contains various restrictive covenants, including monthly, quarterly and annual reporting requirements for the Parent Company and FUND, requirements for minimum net worth and liquidity, maximum leverage, restrictions on distributions, restrictions on changes in ownership of the Parent Company and FUND, a requirement to maintain positive annual net income each fiscal year, various collateral performance triggers, concentration limits, and various other restrictions and requirements.

 

F-16


American First Finance Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

Note 5. Debt (Continued)

 

Debt maturities at December 31, 2020, are as follows:

 

Year ending December 31:

  

2021

   $ 113,610,849  

2022

     4,661,900  
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 118,272,749  
  

 

 

 

On April 20, 2020, as a part of the PPP, the Company received a loan for $4,661,900, with a stated maturity date of April 20, 2022. Interest accrues at a stated rate of 1%. Principal and interest payments begin on the date of which the amount of forgiveness determined under section 1106 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) is remitted to the lender.

Note 6. Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities at December 31, 2020 and 2019, consisted of the following:

 

     2020      2019  

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

   $ 5,672,910      $ 3,428,711  

Accrued personnel expenses

     5,362,811        4,088,176  

Referral programs payable

     5,234,567        —    

Sales tax payable

     1,113,989        835,500  

Accrued interest payable

     989,047        697,088  

Accrued legal expenses

     52,088        74,413  

Other

     24,396        20,742  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 18,449,808      $ 9,144,630  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Note 7. Employer Paid Benefits

The Company sponsors a contributory health benefit plan for employees. The Company’s expense for the health benefit plan totaled $1,601,593 and $1,336,426 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Health benefit plan expense is included in personnel expense on the consolidated statements of income.

The Company also sponsors a 401(k) tax deferred retirement savings plan, which covers all eligible employees. The Company’s contribution is 50% of participating employee contributions up to 6% of individual employee’s compensation. The Company’s expense for this benefit plan totaled $469,210 and $403,522 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Retirement savings plan expense is included in personnel expense on the consolidated statements of income.

The Company provides a bonus plan for eligible employees based upon Company performance and individual performance incentives. The Company’s expense for bonuses to employees totaled $4,003,401 and $3,983,929 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Bonus expense is included in personnel expense on the consolidated statements of income.

 

F-17


American First Finance Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

Note 8. Lease Commitments and Total Rent Expense

The Company leases three office locations, including the corporate office location, from third parties under three non-cancelable agreements, which require various minimum annual rentals. Certain of the leases also require the payment of normal maintenance, utilities and related real estate taxes on the properties. The Company subleases one location in Dallas, Texas, to an unrelated third party. Rental expense for these locations is included in the table below.

The total minimum rental commitments at December 31, 2020, are due as follows:

 

     Rent Expense      Sublease
Rental Income
 

Years ending December 31:

     

2021

   $ 536,827      $ 16,957  

2022

     445,881        —    

2023

     10,431        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 993,139      $ 16,957  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Rental expense is included in occupancy and equipment expense on the consolidated statements of income. Rental expense for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, consisted of the following:

 

     2020     2019  

Rent expense

   $ 577,446     $ 582,861  

Sublease rental income

     (73,123     (36,182
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 504,323     $ 546,679  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Note 9. Concentrations of Credit Risk

The Company’s portfolio of finance receivables and leased merchandise consists of consumers living in various states, and consequently, such consumers’ ability to honor their installment contracts may be affected by economic conditions in these areas. The following table summarizes the breakdown of the finance receivable and leased merchandise portfolio balance by loan type and state as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively:

 

     Finance Receivables  
     2020      % of Total     2019      % of Total  

California

   $ 25,065,994        14.7   $ 17,997,316        16.1

Illinois

     12,347,033        7.2     11,925,136        10.6

Other

     133,032,414        78.1     82,118,560        73.3
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 170,445,441        100.0   $ 112,041,012        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-18


American First Finance Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

Note 9. Concentrations of Credit Risk (Continued)

 

 

     Leased Merchandise  
     2020      % of Total     2019      % of Total  

Florida

   $ 13,265,469        18.6   $ 11,572,532        18.0

Texas

     12,077,251        16.9     7,197,516        11.2

Georgia

     9,983,528        14.0     8,165,162        12.7

Michigan

     5,258,739        7.4     8,690,715        13.5

Other

     30,761,783        43.1     28,786,086        44.6
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 71,346,770        100.0   $ 64,412,011        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company is also exposed to a concentration of credit risk inherent in providing alternative financing programs to borrowers who cannot obtain traditional bank financing. A concentration of finance receivables and leased merchandise originated by dealers exists where a large number of these contracts have been originated through a limited number of dealers. The following table summarizes the breakdown of the finance receivable and leased merchandise portfolio balance by dealer as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively:

 

     2020  
     Finance
Receivables
     % of Total     Leased
Merchandise
     % of Total     Total      % of Total  

Dealer A

   $ 45,784,524        26.9   $ 57,636,928        80.8   $ 103,421,452        42.8

Other

     124,660,917        73.1     13,709,842        19.2     138,370,759        57.2
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 170,445,441        100.0   $ 71,346,770        100.0   $ 241,792,211        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     2019  
     Finance
Receivables
     % of Total     Leased
Merchandise
     % of Total     Total      % of Total  

Dealer A

   $ 22,643,913        20.2   $ 55,531,216        86.2   $ 78,175,129        44.3

Other

     89,397,099        79.8     8,880,795        13.8     98,277,894        55.7
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 112,041,012        100.0   $ 64,412,011        100.0   $ 176,453,023        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

In accordance with the credit agreement, the Company is under the concentration limit with Dealer A which is the total amount of finance receivables and leased merchandise that cannot exceed 55%.

A majority of the Company’s finance receivables and leased merchandise are secured by furniture and other property and the Company believes it has the access to this collateral through repossession. However, as a matter of practice, the Company generally does not repossess collateral.

The Company also has a risk that its customers will seek protection from creditors by filing under bankruptcy laws. When a customer files for bankruptcy protection, the Company must cease collection efforts and petition the bankruptcy court to obtain its collateral or work out a court approved bankruptcy plan involving the Company and all other creditors of the customer. It is the Company’s experience that such plans can take an extended period of time to conclude and usually involve a reduction in the interest rate in the contract to a court-approved rate.

 

F-19


American First Finance Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

Note 10. Contingencies

The Company is involved in various claims arising in the normal course of business. Management believes it has valid defenses in these matters and defends them vigorously. Management does not believe any of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

On March 15, 2019, the Company received an investigative demand from the State of Georgia as a request for information regarding an investigation into possible violations of the Georgia Fair Business Practices Act. The Company has retained legal counsel to assist with the matter and has filed a formal objection to the investigative demand.

In connection with the above stated matter, on April 25, 2019, the Company received a formal written notice from their lenders. The letter provides notice to the Company regarding certain rights held by the lenders as it relates to the pledging of eligible receivables to the credit facility. As of the date of financial statements, the lenders have not exercised any of their rights in respect to the pledged receivables. The lenders retain the right to declare a regulatory trigger pending the outcome of the investigative demand. In addition, the Company was required to purchase the Bank receivables originated in the State of Georgia that had an original amount financed of less than $3,000. On May 2, 2019, Company repurchased receivables totaling approximately $340,000 using excess cash on hand.

On June 19, 2019, the Georgia Assistant Attorney General, confirmed receipt of requested documents from the Company. The Company has received no further communication from the Georgia Assistant Attorney General.

On June 24, 2020, the Company received an investigative demand from the state of Arkansas as a request for information regarding an investigation into possible violations of the Arkansas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. The Company has retained legal counsel to assist with the matter and believes they are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations under investigation. The lenders retain the right to declare a regulatory trigger pending the outcome of the investigative demand.

In connection with the above stated matter, on July 13, 2020, the Company received a formal written notice from their lenders. The letter provides notice to the Company regarding certain rights held by the lenders as it relates to the pledging of eligible receivables to the credit facility. As of the date of the financial statements, the lenders have not exercised any of their rights in respect to the pledged receivables. In addition, the Company was notified that Arkansas may no longer be an Approved State for leased merchandise contracts, and any leased merchandise contract originated in Arkansas may no longer be eligible collateral. As of the date the consolidated financial statements were available to be issued, neither of the above has been enforced by the lenders.

The Company provided the requested documents on August 14, 2020 and August 28, 2020. The Company has received no further communication from the state of Arkansas.

On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern” and on March 11, 2020, declared it to be a pandemic. Actions taken around the world to help mitigate the spread of the coronavirus include restrictions on travel, quarantines in certain areas and forced closures for certain types of public places and businesses. The coronavirus and actions taken to mitigate the spread of it have had and are expected to continue to have an adverse impact on the economies and financial markets of many countries, including the geographical area in which the Company operates. On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was enacted to amongst other provisions, provide emergency assistance for individuals, families and businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic. As of December 31, 2020, the Company has received a PPP loan resulting from the CARES Act.

 

F-20


American First Finance Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

Note 10. Contingencies (Continued)

 

It is unknown how long the adverse conditions associated with the coronavirus will last and what the complete financial effect will be to the Company. To date, the Company is not experiencing an increase in delinquency, or increased charge-offs as a result of the coronavirus.

Additionally, it is reasonably possible that estimates made in the consolidated financial statements have been, or will be, materially and adversely impacted in the near term as a result of these conditions, including credit losses on finance receivables and leased merchandise.

Note 11. Referral Programs Expense

On March 26, 2020, the Company entered into a Referral Agreement with Franchise Group, Inc. (FRG), the parent company of the Company’s largest dealer. The agreement extends and expands a program under which the Company offers certain consumer finance and lease products to consumers of FRG through certain of FRG’s retail merchant subsidiaries. The terms of the Referral Agreement call for a profit-sharing arrangement. The profit-share is based upon business derived through the FRG retail locations. Payments under the profit-sharing arrangement are to be made within 30 days of each calendar quarter end. Expenses associated with the program are recorded under referral programs expense on the consolidated statements of income.

In connection with the Referral Agreement, the Company purchased 529,411.76 shares of FRG common stock for $9,000,000. The Company subsequently sold all of this common stock during 2020, with a realized gain of $4,405,819 recognized as investment income in the consolidated statements of income.

Note 12. Subsequent Events

On March 3, 2021, the Company entered into the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, which resulted in a modification of the existing revolving credit facility. The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement increased the maximum committed amount from $125,000,000 to $250,000,000. The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement adjusted certain terms of the revolving credit facility, including reducing the applicable margin from 8.75% to 6.00% and increasing the maximum range for the advance rate to 90%, depending upon the delinquency status of the finance receivables and leased merchandise and FUND’s levels of various collateral performance triggers. The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement extended the maturity date of the revolving credit facility to July 4, 2024. In connection with the modification, the Company incurred transaction fees and expenses of approximately $5,400,000, which were capitalized as a debt issuance cost and were added to the unamortized debt issuance cost at the date of the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The total of these debt issuance costs are expected to be amortized over remaining term of the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.

Note 13. Revision of Previously Issued Financial Statements

The Company has revised its previously issued consolidated financial statements due to accounting errors related to changes in the Company’s outstanding common stock and to reclassify certain fees on the income statement due to a change in accounting policy, as more fully described below.

On December 30, 2020, the Company’s bylaws were amended, and the Company’s sole stockholder elected to cancel the original 1,000 shares of class A common stock and issue 100 Class A Voting $0 par value common shares and 9,900 shares of Class B Non-Voting $0 par value common shares. No payments were received by the Company in exchange for the cancellation of the existing shares and reissuance of the new shares.

 

F-21


American First Finance Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

Note 13. Revision of Previously Issued Financial Statements (Continued)

 

The Company has changed its accounting policy to include the amortization of initial direct costs and certain fees related to leased merchandise as a component of lease income instead of interest and fee income on the accompanying consolidated statements of income and has recorded the impact of the change in accounting policy retrospectively in order for the consolidated financial statements to be comparable with future periods.

The effect of the revisions discussed above as of December 31, 2020 and for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 is as follows:

 

     As Previously
Reported
     Revision     As Revised  

Consolidated statement of stockholder’s equity

       

Shares of Class A common stock at December 31, 2020

     1,000        (900     100  

Shares of Class B common stock at December 31, 2020

     —          9,900       9,900  

Consolidated statements of income

       

Interest and fee income for the year ended December 31, 2020

   $ 143,384,338      $ 3,104,105     $ 146,488,443  

Lease income for the year ended December 31, 2020

     202,331,185        (3,104,105     199,227,080  

Interest and fee income for the year ended December 31, 2019

     101,437,384        3,029,672       104,467,056  

Lease income for the year ended December 31, 2019

     185,041,497        (3,029,672     182,011,825  

Note 14. Related Party Transactions

The Company uses an entity owned by the sole stockholder for certain business flight services at a monthly rate of $6,800 with additional monthly amounts charged based on usage of flight services. There is no written agreement in connection with this arrangement. Expenses related to this arrangement were approximately $199,000 and $103,000 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

F-22